Bangkok is a city of contradictions, where 18th-century temples share the skyline with neon-lit skyscrapers. The best way to enjoy the city is by exploring its dual identity as a historic capital and a futuristic hub, giving equal time to both worlds. Here’s how you can enjoy a more complete experience while staying at a luxury hotel in Bangkok.

Journey Through the Old City

Rattanakosin is the historic heart of Bangkok, so it’s a great place to start when exploring the city’s heritage. The glittering Grand Palace and the serene Wat Pho are the highlights here, showcasing the pinnacle of traditional Thai architecture and spirituality.

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Navigate the Waterways

Hopping on a Chao Phraya River boat is a great way to bridge between the traditional and modern. These ‘water buses’ have been the city’s lifeline for centuries, but today they take you past traditional wooden stilt houses on one bank and the city’s skyscraper-laden skyline on the other.

Explore the Modern Megamalls

Bangkok’s massive malls in the Siam and Sukhumvit districts are icons of the city’s modernity. The likes of Siam Paragon and MBK Center, near hotels like Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, are world-class shopping complexes where you can not only shop for designer clothes but also enjoy exquisite dining and thrilling entertainment, all under one roof.

Sunset at a Rooftop Bar

End your day by ascending to one of the many rooftop bars in the city. As the sun sets over the Chao Phraya River, its golden glow falls over the city, illuminating the splendour of the historic Old City as well as the gleaming, modern skyscrapers – a perfect encapsulation of the city’s fusion of past and present.