Bangkok: stop over supreme

Stopping in South East Asia has becoming increasingly popular for long haul travelers and all the more so since British Airways, Qantas and Thai Airways began offering stops in Bangkok en route from Europe to Australia.

Over the past ten years, Bangkok has transformed itself from a city with a seedy reputation to an international capital with refreshing spas, great shopping and a host of cultural treasures to explore.

Boutique hotels are now abundant, offering comfortable places to stay with chic décor and cutting edge design.

Transportation around Bangkok has gotten much easier in recent years although the challenge is still to avoid getting stuck in the smog. The best way to get around is on the elevated monorail, known as the MRT. Getting across the city takes minutes and costs as little as one pound.

A trip on a canal boat is another way to experience the city and get around. The city operates a ferry service along the Chao Phraya River for pennies. Those staying at the trendier riverside hotels should charter their own long tail boat to fully explore the river and the back canals. A 90 minute tour should cost about £20 per boat.

Bangkok is studded with cultural treasures but the biggest jewel is by far the Grand Palace. The palace is now used only for ceremonial occasions, but the compound with its gilded paintings and beautiful adornments is worth the visit. Wat Phra Kaeo, the royal temple is a great part of the tour.

There is no lack of spas or therapeutic treatments in Bangkok but some of the best treatments are offered by the Bangkok Marriott and the Oriental hotels. But by far the best way to end the day is with a lychee daiquiri in hand on one of the outdoor sofas on the 63rd floor of the Lounge Terrace bar near the Oriental Hotel.