Bangkok - a city like no other. Just the mention of the name to those who have not visited this wonderful city will no doubt conjure up visions of a mystic eastern city full of wonder, surprise and exotic sights, sounds and flavours.

For the un-initiated to the Far East, for that traveller expecting a culture shock and a city full of life and wonderment, Bangkok will surely not disappoint. In many respects it is like other great cities of the world. It is dirty, noisy, choked with traffic and very busy. And yet, it is also colourful, welcoming, and very green and peaceful at times. Plan your time well in this city and your experience will be with you forever.

The last time I visited Bangkok was in 2007 and I was lucky enough to visit, and stay in, some of the best hotels that the city has to offer. A firm favourite of mine is the 'Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa' (rated 4 star plus). This resort hotel, set amidst tropical gardens on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, offers a resort setting within bustling Bangkok and is perfect for families and couples looking for relaxation. There are plenty of dining options at the hotel including the atmospheric Riverside Terrace hosting regular Thai buffet evenings. I would also recommend that you have dinner on board the Manohra Star, a beautifully restored, turn of the century, rice barge boat offering dining cruises on the Chao Phraya river. The Thai food on offer is wonderful, and at night, the views of the temples along the river are second to none.

Bangkok has many, many 4 and 5 star hotels to suit all budgets. For the ultimate in service and luxury, another hotel I would recommend is the Banyan Tree Bangkok. Or, if your budget can't quite stretch to a stay here, visit their bar and restaurant (Moon Bar and Vertigo restaurant), perched on the 61st floor. A visit at night is a must. It is breath-taking.

When sightseeing, top of the list has to be the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. It consists of over 100 brightly coloured buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics, and dates back to 1782, when Bangkok was founded.

Wat Phra Kaew itself is perhaps the main attraction. This is Thailand's most important and sacred temple, so you're expected to act with due respect inside it. It houses the tiny (between 60 and 75 cm) Emerald Buddha, which is located high above the heads of the worshippers and tourists. Not much is known for certain about the statue, except that it isn't actually made of emerald but rather of green jade or jasper.

Another temple to visit is Wat Pho, or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This is the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It is home to more Buddha images than any other Bangkok temple and it shelters the largest Buddha in Thailand, the Reclining Buddha.

If markets are more your thing, try what is undoubtedly the largest, Chatuchak weekend market. It covers an area of 35 acres, contains more than 15000 shops and stalls. It sells everything, believe me, everything! The best way to get here is on the Skytrain, Mo Chit station is only about five minutes walk away from the market.

Whilst on the subject of transport, when out and about you'll see many of the infamous tuk-tuks. Use them at your own peril, and agree a price before you hop in. An experience not for the feint hearted.

One other gem of Bangkok is Jim Thompson's house. This is the home of James H.W. Thompson, a self-made American entrepreneur who was the founder of the world renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company. For his contribution to the development of the Thai Silk industry, Jim Thompson was awarded the Order of the White Elephant, a decoration bestowed upon foreigners for having rendered exceptional service to Thailand. Thompson's success story in Thailand has become one of the most popular postwar legends of Asia. This is a beautiful collection of houses and artwork, in a very quiet setting. Well worth a visit.

This is just a snippet of what Bangkok has to offer. Please feel free to call me if you want to talk about the city some more. I'm happy to help you plan a trip so that you too can enjoy what I feel is the most exciting city in Asia.