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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 13 JULY 2014 34 BANGKOK began as a small trading centre and port community on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River some 200 years ago. Today, while the city is up to speed with mod- ern times, the grandeur and glory of its illustrious past still prevails. Be it dazzling temples, spectacular palaces or a world-famous floating market, each of these famous places has an intriguing story to tell. What to do? The dazzling Grand Palace Com- plex is a must-see on any visit to Bangkok. The spectacular complex was the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782, where the monarch and his court worked and played. Today it is only used for oc- casional ceremonial purposes with the king's official residence moved outside to Chitralada Palace. Visi- tors are allowed into the Grand Pal- ace Hall which has not been used since the mysterious death of King Rama VIII, who was found shot dead in this room in 1946. Talking openly about the subject still remains taboo in Thailand. One of 31,200 Buddhist temples across Thailand, Wat Arun is dedi- cated to Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. It is believed that after fight- ing his way out of Ayutthaaya, which was besieged by a Burmese army at the time, King Taksin arrived at the temple just as dawn was breaking. The temple is worth seeing from the east side of the river at sunset, when the spires of the glittering monu- ment make an impressive silhouette against the skyline. Just behind the Temple of the Em- erald Buddha is the largest temple in Bangkok, Wat Pho, famed for the huge reclining Buddha measuring 46 metres long. The monument is cov- ered in gold leaf and the three-metre long feet are elaborately decorated in mother of pearl illustrations. Trader Jim Thompson turned Thai silks into a hugely successful export and despite being of American ori- gin, loved the Thai culture and built a remarkable home consisting of six traditional buildings set in a jungle- like garden. The villa complex is filled with incongruous collections of an- tiques and is a breathing museum of Thompson's whimsical design choices. Even though transactions at the floating market are more concerned with tourists rather than locals these days, the boats are still piled high with tropical fruit and vegetables, fresh, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchens located right on the boat. To enjoy the atmosphere without haggling over prices, try relaxing on a guided boat tour of Damnoen Saduak market. Floating markets in- clude Taling Chan Market, Bang Ku Wiang Market, Tha Kha, and Dam- noen Saduak. For a more macabre take on Bang- kok, take a peek at the Siriraj Medi- cal Museum, nicknamed the Muse- um of Death. The Museum features ingenious murder weapons and oth- er forensic evidence including the mummified body of Si Ouey, a 1950s serial killer who murdered and then ate more than 30 children. His name is still used today to frighten misbe- having children into submission. Other displays include a bloody t- shirt worn by a murder victim who was stabbed to death with a dildo. Where to stay? The Okura Prestige Bangkok, www.okura.com opened its doors in spring 2012. It is conveniently located for both business and sight- seeing, with high-class shopping centres such as the Siam Paragon nearby. The hotel embraces Asian design that harmonises Japanese and Thai cultures, and boasts cutting-edge facilities, an outdoor swimming pool that protrudes high up from the building, a spa, and an extensive range of bars and restau- rants. Hotel Okura's original hos- pitality principles of calmness and comfort ensure that guests will have an enjoyable stay. The Heritage Baan Silom, www. theheritagebaansilom.com is a lux- urious boutique hotel on vibrant Silom Road. The neo-colonial style architecture and interior décor is reminiscent of 1950s Bangkok, yet each guestroom is fitted out with the latest technologies. Individu- ally themed by colour and interior style, all guestrooms offer gener- ous living space in which to relax in style. Located within the premise of Baan Silom Lifestyle Arcade, with an extensive lineup of international restaurants, bars, spa, art galleries, cafés and lifestyle shops, shopping is part of the Baan Silom experience. Looming in the shadow of the city's tallest building, the Baiyoke Hotel, www.baiyokehotel.com is proof that the budget hotel can be bold and brash. Its slick white lobby has flourishes of glowing orange. Dark, chic rooms bristle with flat screen TVs and hip modern art. The hotel features modern furnishing and standard facilities, including 24-hour security and guest service. And the fast and furious Pratunam shopping area is at your doorstep. Where to eat? Slow food is in, and the atmos- pheric Bo.Lan, www.bolan.co.th is the best place to indulge in the ex- perience. Trained by celebrity chef David Thompson of the Michelin- starred Thai restaurant Nahm in London, the owners – a husband and wife team who are the Executive Chefs here – adhere strictly to the principles of freshness and preser- vation of natural tastes through the use of seasonal ingredients. Chinatown, or Yaowarat, houses some of the most expensive Chinese restaurants in Bangkok, along with many of the tastiest and cheapest food stalls, especially at night. Stroll down the jam-packed pavements for all kinds of culinary spectacles, from slicing, dicing and dipping to fire-blazing wok action. But don't sit down and have one big meal at one go – try sharing a dish or two then move on to the next stall. A perfect start to your Sunday awaits at the Four Seasons. All the gourmet dining outlets inside the hotel participate in the brunch, so you can sample a wide range of cui- sine, from imported meat to Sydney rock oyster, caviar to kebabs, and many more. The best part is the free-flow alcohol – wine, cham- pagne, cocktails, martinis – and a delicious array of homey desserts. How to get there? Emirates offer regular flights from Malta to Bangkok, with a stopover in Dubai. Flights departing from Malta on 25 July and returning on 14 August were priced at €902.25 including tax at the time of going to print. Total flying time is approxi- mately 13.5 hours. TRAVEL The dazzling intrigue of Bangkok Floating market: Boats are piled high with exotic fruit at the floating markets The dazzling Temple of the Dawn or Wat Arun is most striking from the east side of the river American trader, Jim Thompson's house is an intricate design of six traditional, teak buildings surrounded by a jungle- like garden