Exotic Bangkok is a city that is really larger than life. The frenetic pace, heat, traffic and lack of personal space can be overpowering, but the sheer dynamism is intoxicating.

An exotic blend of the traditional East with the modern West, Bangkok’s every street has a surprise in hold for everyone. Ramshackle buildings next to exotic temples surrounded by delightful gardens, which in turn are overlooked by modern hotels and offices. Bangkok has emerged as a major world city with the traffic to match, as well as the must needed mobile phones and designer clothes that are a prominent feature on the streets. The chaos on the streets is mirrored by the busy traffic on the Chao Phraya River, which dissects the city and is crisscrossed by long-tailed boats, river taxis and small rowing boats, all somehow missing each other.

But the traditional Thai life is never far away. The saffron-robed monks can still be seen collecting their alms, while just moments from the city centre huge communities live in stilt houses by the river, eking out a living using skills that have not changed in centuries.

In 1782, Bangkok became the capital of then Siam, following the destruction of the previous capital, Ayutthaya. Bangkok is not the name used by the Thais. It is Krung Thep, which is a very shortened version of its extremely long full title. The absolute rule of the monarchy ended in 1932 when it was replaced by a constitutional monarchy. To this day, the monarchy is regarded with an almost religious reverence and it is an offence, punishable by imprisonment, to insult any member of the royal family. His Majesty King Bhumibol is the longest reigning monarch in the world, and has been in power in 1946.

With the end of absolute monarchy, Thailand moved towards democracy but this has been interrupted by the military, which has often staged coups in protest at government policies. The role of the military in politics has now been curtailed but the 1990s saw governments come and go although there has been stability since the government took on the job of tackling the economic crisis in the late 1990s.

Thailand is a tropical country so it is hot most the year, the best time to visit is between November and March, during the dry season. During the rainy season, humidity is extremely high and the downpours are short but violent and the streets of Bangkok often get flooded.

Explore the protected green landscapes of Khao Yai National Park on a full-day guided excursion from Bangkok. The ideal city escape for those looking to get back to nature during their stay in Bangkok. You'll have the opportunity to sample indigenous fruit and search local wildlife including tigers, black bears and leopards.A highlight is a 45-minute elephant ride through the lush forest at Pakchong Creek.

Treat yourself and your loved ones with a 2.5 hour evening cruise along Bangkok's Chao Phraya river. Watch river life go by and feast on a Thai dinner feast as the band on board entertains you.

This will be a memorable night on board one of Bangkok's most luxurious restaurant boats relaxing in modern comfort and dining like King Rama V on a variety of Thai dishes. As you cruise slowly along the Chao Phraya River you will pass The Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) and the Grand Palace complex which both provide sensational twilight photo opportunities. It is also a great vantage point to watch the life along the river as people slowly start to unwind or head home after a busy day.

Throughout the cruise the on board band will also keep you entertained.

Ask anyone who has been to Bangkok what their 'must see' list of the city entails, and without fail they'll include The Grand Palace. This half-day sightseeing tour in Bangkok can be taken in the morning or afternoon and will allow you the opportunity to explore the complex, accompanied by a local guide. The Grand Palace Complex is home to a number of attractions including Wat Phra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).

Built in traditional Thai architecture mixed with European designs, The Grand Palace complex, once the official home for the Kings of Siam, is unquestionably one of the Thailand's major tourist highlights. The King still uses the Grand Palace for certain ceremonial occasions and the regal flavor within its enormous royal grounds is still evident. During the tour you will visit the Royal Funeral Hall and the Royal Coronation Hall.

The main centerpiece of the complex however is the 45 centimeter Emerald Buddha. Carved from just one piece of Jade it is the holiest and most revered religious object in Thailand. The Emerald Buddha is housed within Wat Phra Keow, which is a very ornately decorated building whose roof tiles reach up into the sky

Kanchanaburi's famous Bridge on the River Kwai and the beginning of the Death Railway is a poignant reminder of the thousands of POW's and forced laborers who lost their lives in the Second World War. This full day guided tour from Bangkok also includes a visit to the war museum and the opportunity to ride a local train.

Fascinating, nostalgic and memorable sums up this full day tour to Kanchanaburi, 80 miles (130 kilometers) west of Bangkok. The province itself is an agricultural area with sugar cane, rice paddies and pineapple plantations all forming significant portions of the stunning Thai rural landscape. Whether a war buff or rail enthusiast, everyone has a different reason to see this symbolic bridge

Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist country with around 95% of Thai's practicing the Theravada discipline of Buddhism. On this half-day guided tour you will visit three of the most famous wat's (the local name for temple) in Bangkok - Wat Traimit, Wat Pho and Wat Benchamabophit.

A Wat is a Buddhist building where both men and women can be ordained as monks or nuns.As you wander the streets of Bangkok it is not unusual to see monks walking along the road and it should come as no surprise as Thailand has over 26,000 Wat's.

Grand Palace and River of Kings Canal small group tour. Escape the Bangkok traffic and board a longtail boat for a journey along the canals, enjoy a guided tour of the impressive Wat Pho, see the huge reclining Buddha and stand in awe of the majestic Grand Palace.

Make your way to Bangkok's Central State Railway Train Station, the Hua Lamphong Train Station to meet your guide. You'll travel together by taxi or minivan to the starting point of this exciting tour.