‘Everything is ridiculously cheap’ – buzzing Bangkok presses all the right buttons

A sprawling city of 10 million people, it’s a riot of sights, sounds and smells.

Its many attractions appeal to every interest, from royal palaces and spectacular tem­ples to go-go bars and drag shows.

Throw in mega-malls and extraordinary dining experi­ences and you have a winning formula.

Party strip Khao San Road was the shooting location for Leonardo DiCaprio’s doss house scenes in Danny Boyle’s 2000 film The Beach.

The street looks downright tacky, but it’s where I feasted on the best street food I’ve ever tasted.

Make sure to visit the Grand Palace and the top three must-see Buddhist temples, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. They’re places of worship, so dress respectfully.

I learnt that Buddhism is not so much a religion as a philosophy, and I soon found myself attracted to the gener­ous spirit of the Thai people.