Bangkok

I’ve mentioned before that Bangkok might be one of the least inviting major cities you can visit, and I stand by that statement. The relentless heat and pollution in this concrete jungle won’t initially please the tourists who come from all over the world to visit Thailand. Most will leave BKK in a hurry for the beautiful tropical paradise that is southern Thailand.

But if you’ve come all the way across the world, leaving without experiencing Bangkok would be a mistake. The temples are among the most exquisite you’ll find anywhere. The shopping is ridiculous enough that even shopping nonfans will enjoy it. Bangkok is just plain interesting culturally – halfway between India and China both in essence and on the map. Lively and full of character; sweaty, congested and tropical; this is Bangkok, city of life.