Bangkok

The thriving capital of the Land of Smiles is on the go at all times - walk through its busy streets and your senses will be assailed with chaos as well as its people's warmth and the surprisingly common moments of calm. Yes, it's a city of contradictions, and while those who stick to the haven of all things backpacker - Khao San Road and Thailand's more infamous nightlife attractions - may have an experience as crazy as the boys in The Hangover II did, there's also plenty of culture, cuisine and contemporary lifestyle in the sprawling city of 11 million. The history When you're standing in the middle of the seemingly endless urban sprawl of Bangkok or, as it's more traditionally known, Krung Thep (City of Angels), it's hard to believe that it was nothing but a small fishing town only a few hundred years ago. Bangkok began life in the 1600s as a tiny trading post near the mouth of the Chao Phraya River, which now intersects the city, and a trip down it and its backwaters - where many people live in traditional houses - is well worth it. From the 1600s it came under various rules due to its strategic waterfront location, and the Grand Palace complex, which was built in 1782 by the King of the Chakri Dynasty, is the city's most famous attraction and a major reason why more than 10 million tourists visit every year. The 218,400 square metre space houses an eclectic group of temples, pavilions, sculptures and more. Wander through the parts open to the public and see art and architecture (www.grandpalacebangkok.com). Streetlife - from Sukhumvit to Silom and Siam Square Bangkok is often portrayed as a smoggy mess of a city, but inside its ginormous grid are patches of pure style and grace, with perhaps the most famous high-end suburb for food, boutiques and people-watching, Sukhumvit. In fact, Sukhumvit Road is one of the longest stretches of gravel in Thailand - just walk down it (you won't be able to traverse the whole way, but can hop on and off the SkyTrain) and find markets, great street food, bespoke tailors and more. Wander through the many winding side streets and you'll find cute boutiques, high-end villas - most of Bangkok's glitterati live here - and restaurants and bars. If you're willing to splurge - and why not if the rest of the time you're eating street food? - opt for ultra-trendy eatery, Face. Split into three restaurants, Indian, Japanese and Thai, the last, Lan Na Thai, serves high-end aromatic creations and has one of the most beautiful interiors in the city. The artefacts and teak mean it's as true to its roots as many of the city's heritage houses (www.facebars.com). If you're up for a few beverages after dinner then fear not, you needn't go far as this neighbourhood is also home to the city's hottest bars. Try Bed Supperclub if a jaw-dropping all-white space-age interior, DJs and a guestlist of pretty people are your thing; or try its sister bar, Long Table, if you fancy 25th-floor views, wooden minimalism and one long table that every single visitor eats or drinks at (www.bedsupperclub.com;  www.longtablebangkok.com). Another must-visit cosmopolitan spot is Silom, Bangkok's Wall Street, which is only 10 minutes away on the round-the-clock SkyTrain, and is home to many of Bangkok's most luxury hotels. During the day you could learn some skills at the famous Blue Elephant Cooking School, which takes place in the restaurant of the same name that sits inside a beautiful 100-year-old Portuguese-style building (www.blueelephant.com). Then, when night falls, Silom is also home to some of Bangkok's best bars and restaurants, and we wouldn't leave the city without drinking in the views and the brews on the 39th floor of the Sofitel at wine bar V9, which serves up delish fusion tapas. Speaking of Silom's nightlife, we recommend completely avoiding its most famous (and sleazy) evening destination, Patpong. Finally, if it's straight-up retail therapy you seek, then nearby Siam Square is where you'll want to spend your time in crazy, hazy Bangkok. A collection of small streets rather than an actual square, wander the alleyways to discover unique record stores, boutiques and bookshops that stock many one-off pieces from Thailand's young creatives. Across the road from the main part of Siam Square you'll also find Bangkok's answer to The Dubai Mall - Siam Paragon, that's worth a pit stop for great food - go to the basement and find fantastic eateries, and a touch of AC to offer respite from the humidity outside. Welcome in the new year From April 13-15 the streets of Bangkok come even more alive due to the Songkran festival, or Thai New Year. This is the hottest time of the year in the city and so it's just as well that New Year is celebrated by throwing water at people. The somewhat confrontational tradition - yes, strangers will squirt you with water pistols - originated as a sign of respect, with people throwing "blessed" water at each other to bring good luck. However, whenever you visit, Bangkok has something to offer - in fact, you will always, always leave the city with that feeling that you haven't seen it all. And guess what? You probably haven't - there's just so much to take in. Filmed there The Hangover II, Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason, Bangkok Dangerous, White Elephant Trip notes Chatuchak Weekend Market This is the craziest market in the world - selling everything from bespoke candles and gorgeous handbags to exotic animals and antiques, you'll need a map to navigate it. It's open on Saturdays and Sundays; go at 9am to avoid the heat. Jim Thompson House This museum is a collection of traditional Thai structures that American silk mogul Jim Thompson collected in the 50s and 60s. There is also a large collection of Southeast Asian art from Thailand, Burma, Cambodia and Laos. Just as interesting are the stories of Thompson's disappearance in 1967 - he went out for an afternoon stroll when staying in Malaysia's Cameron Highlands and never returned. jimthompsonhouse.com   Wat Pho While this temple is best known for its 43-metre-long reclining Buddha, there's another key reason to visit - the adjoining massage school offers the most authentic massages in the city. The Wat Pho massage school was established in 1962 and offers incredibly strong and effective massages - yes there will be ‘ouch' moments - for only Dh60 per hour. watphomassage.com   Stay here Budget: Bangkok Loft Inn Set in a quiet area of Bangkok called Thonburi, this hidden four-storey gem has clean, modern rooms, great service and lovely food. The best bit? You feel like you're in a fancy hotel, but rooms cost from only Dh154-per-night. bangkokloftinn.com Mid-range: The Hansar Consistently voted Bangkok's best boutique hotel, this Thai-owned spot is right next to Siam Square, the city's shopping haven, and has wonderfully high-design rooms, perfectly polite and friendly service and a happening bar. From the moment you drive up to the skyscraper covered in a lush green jungle and check in at the open-air lobby you'll feel like you're on holiday. Visit from between now and May 31 and pay just Dh1,785 for two people and get two nights in a luxurious 71sq metre urban suite, enjoy a tasting menu in the high-end French restaurant, Eve, a glass of bubbles upon arrival, a decadent chocolate cake and a daily buffet. Yes, please! hansarbangkok.com Luxury: Mandarin Oriental This gorgeous hotel has been in operation for 135 years - sitting on the banks of the Chao Praya River, every corner of the property oozes luxury and class. Don't leave without dining in one of the gorgeous riverside restaurants. Rooms from Dh1,450 per-night. mandarinoriental.com/bangkok Fly there Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi (you can catch a free coach from Dubai) from Dh2,590 return, www.etihadairways.com