Bangkok is a city of extraordinary contrasts. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) are the spiritual heart — dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) or buy a wrap at the entrance. Wat Pho's enormous reclining Buddha and excellent on-site massage school are nearby. Wat Arun's riverside location is best viewed at sunset from the opposite bank.
Beyond temples: Chatuchak Weekend Market (8,000 stalls), Asiatique Riverfront night market, MBK Center and Siam Paragon for shopping, Khao San Road for backpacker chaos, and the rooftop bars of Silom for city views. Day trips to Ayutthaya's ruined temples and the Damnoen Saduak floating market are popular.