Bangkok - Thailand's City of Angels as the name quickly translates. All over the word this bustling city is reknown for its fake Gucci, Diesel, Ray-Bans, D & G and other fashion names. However, before you reach the shopping markets, and before you even reach your hotel, via a hell-ride on the back of one of Bangkok's many Tuk-Tuks, you'll be hit face on with this city's hidden evil - the heat.

Bangkok is officially the world's hottest capital city. Temperature's regularly hit the very high 30's and will cause havoc with your full-day travel itinerary. Here's a tip - make a list of the ten things you want to do, or see, in a day in Bangkok, then cross off the last eight! If your lucky and can survive the energy-sucking heat you'll be able to see your first two items.

Bangkok is a beautiful and vibrant city full of friendly faces always willing to offer help. Stand on any street corner spinning your Bangkok tourist map and within 30 seconds you'll have a local offering assistance.

One of the best ways to see the city is undoubtedly via the river. Named Chao Phraya, or the King River, many boat companies have a multitude of stops criss-crossing the river. For 20 baht, it is a matter of quickly leaping on board the boat as it stops quickly at each point and paying the lady shaking a money box.

Alighting at stops 8, 9 and 10 on the river Bangkok's major tourist sights rise into the night sky before you. Without question the three highlights are Wat Phra Kaew/Grand Palace, home to the most sacred Emerald Buddha (no photos allowed), Wat Po, which includes the massive reclining Buddha and on the opposing side of the river is the beautiful Wat Arun, or Temple of Dawn.
These, Cambodian-Khmer style buildings require a full day to take in the granduer and beauty which they behold.

Do not let the heat of the day sap all of your energy, as the sights at night are just as eye opening as those in the day. Bangkok has become infamous for its nightlife. Whether this is fair or not is left in the eye of the beholder - and there is a lot to behold.

The Thai people consider their societies to contain three genders; male, female and the lady boy, which hold all the gender rights that are bestowed upon the traditional two. Every bar and club in Bangkok is frequented by the Lady Boys, make-up and dresses shimmering in the bright city lights. At times it is difficult to tell from a distance whether they are lady or lady-boy.

Whether or not you approve of this side of Thai life, it is certainly a part of their culture which is worth observing for the evening hours.

Escaping the big city of Bangkok for the peaceful serenity of the Damnoen Saduak Flaoting market is well worth it. Agencies combine all sorts of packages for a half or full day trip starting at around 800baht/1500baht.

Arriving at the embarking point you climb into a long-boat, James Bond style, for a high speed ride through the villages of the outer canals. The journey takes about 10 minutes and is a brilliant way of seeing how the remote communities live next to the river.

The pace slows considerably once you arrive at the markets where a choice of rowing boat or foot is offered for you to peruse the stalls. However, no one comes this far to simply walk around the outside of the floating market. So climb on a row boat, 150 baht each, and allow one of Thai people to row you through the various stalls and shops of this wonderful market.

Village women paddle up and down the canals selling coconut juice, spring rolls, small pancakes, drinks and the like for you to enjoy whilst bargaining at the permanent stalls on each side of the bank. Bargaining is a must here like any market, although amusingly the ability to be able to 'pretend to walk away' is lost as you're stuck in a row boat.

Bangkok is a fun city to explore. The streets are full of people of all religions, from all walks of life. For a quick weekend visit I would recommend the following top ten;

1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
2. Wat Arun, The temple of dawn.
3. Wat Po, the reclining Buddha.
4. Wat Phra Kaew, the emerald Buddha.
5. Sukhamvit District, the lady-boy area.
6. Grand Palace.
7. Boat ride down the Chao Phraya River.
8. Tuk-Tuk rides
9. Pratanam Markets
10. Siam Square at night.