A detailed guide for traveling to Bangkok for South African citizens. Whilst a visitor’s first impression may be that Bangkok is merely another lively modern city, closer inspection reveals a magical Oriental metropolis, containing a splendid heritage of culture, art and architecture that still thrives amongst the high-rises and new shopping centres.

The Thai’s light-hearted attitude and determination to enjoy life to the full is evident in Bangkok’s abundant entertainment, ranging from classical dance and Thai boxing to pulsating nightlife of Patpong and the night markets in Pratunam. For sightseers, the best way to explore Bangkok is to cruise along the rivers and ‘klongs’ (canals), revealing not only magnificent palaces and temples but also colourful markets and the everyday life of waterside dwellers.

Dinners can run the gamut of the city’s cuisine – from a simple bowl of lemon grass shrimp soup at a floating market, to a multi-course meal at one of the many exclusive restaurants.

Bangkok is a great place for shopping, offering an enormous choice of locally-made and designer goods at very reasonable prices- whether purchased in one of the modern, air-conditioned malls of the exhilarating atmosphere or traditional markets.