The dynamic and dominant Bangkok or Krung Thep (city of angels) as it’s known to the locals, is the capital of Thailand and is located at the epicentre of South East Asia.

Visiting this thriving Asian metropolis may be a daunting task for first-time travellers, but always culminates in a fantastically exciting and interesting experience. From stunning traditional monuments to unique and modern architecture, Bangkok lures tourists from all walks of life for a variety of reasons.

The raunchy, sultry and often seedy underground bursts to life every evening on the streets of Sukhumvit, where alcohol is inexpensive and budget travellers congregate to liberate their senses.

The Chao Phraya River snakes its way through the centre of the city, eventually spilling into the Gulf of Thailand. 5-star hotels and baroque watering holes dot the inner-city shoreline, drawing tons of tourists each day and night. Dinner cruises offer a distinct and exclusive intimacy.

Bangkok is one of the world’s premier culinary capitals. Local restaurateurs create cutting-edge cuisine and serve it in the most exquisite and chic settings. Spectacular rooftop bars and restaurants provide once-in-a-lifetime views and indulgence. For example, the Banyan Tree Hotel’s Vertigo Restaurant and Moon Bar in Silom delivers sumptuous cuisine and scenic cityscape panoramas.

Take a tuk-tuk ride and knock out some serious shopping at the famed MBK Shopping Centre. Everything from name-brand electronics to counterfeit jeans are sold at very low prices and make for the perfect gift. Afterward, if you’re after something speedy and satisfying to settle your stomach, scoot on down to Lumphini Park and polish off a piquant Pad Thai.

For the younger sect, there’s the infamous Khao San Road; selling everything from buckets of booze to tattoo touch-up’s. Families can explore Thailand’s largest aquarium, Siam Ocean World or take a stroll through Dusit Zoo, while couples might like to stop for a moment’s peace at Bangkok’s Butterfly Garden.

Health and happiness are key elements of living for the people of Bangkok and the sheer number of spa’s and treatment facilities are a true testament to this vivid and open culture. In recent years Thailand has become known for its undeniable scope of low-cost medical treatments. Traditional Thai massage, spa retreats and packages are increasingly available and utterly gratifying.

If it’s action-packed excitement you seek, look no further than the combat sport of Muay Thai boxing. Arenas and gyms are scattered throughout the vibrant city, offering promotional and championship fights for your viewing pleasure.

Bangkok is a city you can return to, time and time again, rediscovering something new and unchartered with each visit. The intense sights, sounds and smells may be overpowering at first but soon enough you’ll feel at home in the surrounds of the steamy streets and eclectic history of this notoriously beloved urban kingdom.