Bangkok: Neighborhoods

Silom/Sathorn Downtown’s busiest arteries. You’ll be coming back again and again, be it for procuring well-made forgeries at night markets around Patpong, hanging out at cool boutique bars on Silom Soi 4, or dipping into hole-in-the-wall bistros.

Rattanakosin Chock-a-block with Bangkok’s main historical sights, this island lets you forget the urban chaos. Expect grandiose temples, graceful Chinese shop houses, and the must-see Grand Palace.

Chinatown A labyrinth of choked streets and tiny alleys. Prepare for maddening crowds, but strolling the maze around Sempang is worth the hassle for its limitless shopping possibilities.

Banglamphu This quarter still holds its title as the world’s backpackers’ mecca, but it’s smartened up. At night, live it up along with Bangkok’s youngsters who consider bar hopping a must – but stay away from the overpriced knickknacks sold by street vendors.

Ploenchit/Chidlom Hold on to your credit cards! Bangkok’s shopping hubs throb with mega malls showcasing global chains and sprinkled with a few Siamese stores. Luxury lovers head for the air-conditioned malls (housing an Opera and an Aquarium), while others find local designers at Silom Square.

Riverside The Chao Phraya’s banks are lined with deluxe hotels, intriguing neighborhoods, and dazzling sights. Take a dinner cruise on an antique rice barge and use this River of Kings as an expressway.