The city of angels 

If you seek to be as courteous as the people of this fair city, then the first thing you must do is stop using its western name Bangkok. To the locals, this place is known as Krung Thep: the city of angels. Though the heart of the city beats with a passion, it's still easy to find oases of peace here. Simply step into one of the city's 400 Buddhist temples.

 

From a canal village to a modern metropolis 

Because of its numerous canals, Bangkok has been called the Venice of the Far East. However, although this village divided by canals has long since evolved into a modern metropolis, a great deal of the old still remains both in the appearance and atmosphere of the place.

 

Shoppers have a choice between the traditional floating market and ultramodern shopping centres. The best shopping streets are in the Surawong Road and Silom Road districts leading from New Road. Tuk-tuks, local buses and waterbuses are a good way to get around in this busy city.