The dazzling intrigue of Bangkok

What to do?

The dazzling Grand Palace Complex is a must-see on any visit to Bangkok. The spectacular complex was the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782, where the monarch and his court worked and played. Today it is only used for occasional ceremonial purposes with the king's official residence moved outside to Chitralada Palace. Visitors are allowed into the Grand Palace Hall which has not been used since the mysterious death of King Rama VIII, who was found shot dead in this room in 1946. Talking openly about the subject still remains taboo in Thailand. 

One of 31,200 Buddhist temples across Thailand, Wat Arun is dedicated to Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. It is believed that after fighting his way out of Ayutthaaya, which was besieged by a Burmese army at the time, King Taksin arrived at the temple just as dawn was breaking. Despite its name the temple is worth seeing from the east side of the river at sunset, when the spires of the glittering monument make an impressive silhouette against the skyline.

Just behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the largest temple in Bangkok, Wat Pho, famed for the huge reclining Buddha measuring 46 metres long. The monument is covered in gold leaf and the three-metre long feet are elaborately decorated in mother of pearl illustrations.

Trader Jim Thompson turned Thai silks into a hugely successful export and despite being of American origin, loved the Thai culture and built a remarkable home consisting of six traditional buildings set in a jungle-like garden.

The villa complex is filled with incongruous collections of antiques and is a breathing museum of Thompson's whimsical design choices.

Even though transactions at the floating market are more concerned with tourists rather than locals these days, the boats are still piled high with tropical fruit and vegetables, fresh, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchens located right on the boat. 

To enjoy the atmosphere without haggling over prices, try relaxing on a guided boat tour of Damnoen Saduak market. Floating markets include Taling Chan Market, Bang Ku Wiang Market, Tha Kha, and Damnoen Saduak.

For a more macabre take on Bangkok, take a peek at the Siriraj Medical Museum, nicknamed the Museum of Death. The Museum features ingenious murder weapons and other forensic evidence including the mummified body of Si Ouey, a 1950s serial killer who murdered and then ate more than 30 children. His name is still used today to frighten misbehaving children into submission. Other displays include a bloody t-shirt worn by a murder victim who was stabbed to death with a dildo.

Where to stay?

The Okura Prestige Bangkok, www.okura.com, opened its doors in spring 2012. It is conveniently located for both business and sightseeing, with high-class shopping centres such as the Siam Paragon nearby. The hotel embraces Asian design that harmonizes Japanese and Thai cultures, and boasts cutting-edge facilities, an outdoor swimming pool that protrudes high up from the building, a spa, and an extensive range of bars and restaurants. Hotel Okura's original hospitality principles of calmness and comfort ensure that guests will have an enjoyable stay.

The Heritage Baan Silom, www.theheritagebaansilom.com, is a luxurious boutique hotel on vibrant Silom Road. The neo-colonial style architecture and interior décor is reminiscent of 1950s Bangkok, yet each guestroom is fitted out with the latest technologies. Individually themed by colour and interior style, all guestrooms offer generous living space in which to relax in style. Located within the premise of Baan Silom Lifestyle Arcade, with an extensive lineup of international restaurants, bars, spa, art galleries, cafés and lifestyle shops, shopping is part of the Ban Silom experience.

Looming in the shadow of the city's tallest building, the Baiyoke Hotel, www.baiyokehotel.com, is proof that the budget hotel can be bold and brash. Its slick white lobby has flourishes of glowing orange. Dark, chic rooms bristle with flat screen TVs and hip modern art. The hotel features modern furnishing and standard facilities, including 24-hour security and guest service. And the fast and furious Pratunam shopping area is at your doorstep.

Where to eat?

Slow food is in, and the atmospheric Bo.Lan, www.bolan.co.th, is the best place to indulge in the experience. Trained by celebrity chef David Thompson of the Michelin-starred Thai restaurant Nahm in London, the owners - a husband and wife team who are the Executive Chefs here - adhere strictly to the principles of freshness and preservation of natural tastes through the use of seasonal ingredients.

Chinatown, or Yaowarat, houses some of the most expensive Chinese restaurants in Bangkok, along with many of the tastiest and cheapest food stalls, especially at night. Stroll down the jam-packed pavements for all kinds of culinary spectacles, from slicing, dicing and dipping to fire-blazing wok action. But don't sit down and have one big meal at one go - try sharing a dish or two then move on to the next stall.

A perfect start to your Sunday awaits at the Four Seasons. All the gourmet dining outlets inside the hotel participate in the brunch, so you can sample a wide range of cuisine, from imported meat to Sydney rock oyster, caviar to kebabs, and many more. The best part is the free-flow alcohol - wine, champagne, cocktails, martinis - and a delicious array of homey desserts.

How to get there?

Emirates offer daily flights from Malta to Bangkok, with a stop over in Dubai. Flights departing from Malta on 9 August and returning on 20 August were priced at €1033.06 including tax at the time of going to print. Total flying time is approximately 13.5 hours.