Perfect 10

Reading Time:4 minutes

Published: 12:00am, 11 May 2004

1 Classical Thai dance

In ancient Siam, classical Thai dance, or khon, was for VIPs only. Happily, these 'masked dance-dramas' are now open to the hoi polloi. The best venue to catch khon is the National Theatre, where for two vibrant hours you can boo dastardly demons and hurrah heroic gods (shows held on last Friday and Saturday of each month, Na Phra That Rd, tel: [66] 2221 5861). Don't fret if you can't get to the National Theatre: many of Bangkok's better restaurants offer a serve of khon. The pick of the bunch is Sala Rim Naam at the Oriental Bangkok (48 Oriental Ave, tel: [66] 2659 9000, www.mandarin-oriental.com/bangkok). If you're on a backpacker's budget, visit Erawan Shrine for a free helping (Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, 494 Rajdamri Rd, tel: [66] 2254 1234, www.bangkok.hyatt.com).

2 Muay thai boxing

Thais are genteel folks - until you get them inside a kickboxing stadium. A night at the fights is really two shows in one. Inside the ring, there's a dazzling donnybrook of feet, fists, knees and elbows. Outside, spectators bob and weave like Charlie Chaplins in a slapstick masterpiece. All of this is accompanied by a three-piece orchestra. There are two prime locations: Ratchadamnoen Stadium every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday (Ratchadamnoen Nok Ave, tel: [66] 2281 4205), or Lumpini Stadium every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday (Rama IV Rd, tel: [66] 2251 4303). Both venues kick-off about 6pm, and tickets range from 220 baht to 1,000 baht (HK$43 to HK$197).

3 Rattanakosin Island

Everyone who goes to Bangkok visits the Grand Palace, but this is one instance of popular opinion getting it absolutely right. It's a golden wonderland of spires and glittering shrines. The jewel in the crown is Wat Phra Kaew, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the holiest edifice in the kingdom (Na Phra Lan Rd). The area surrounding the Grand Palace, known as Rattanakosin Island or Old Bangkok, is sprinkled with stunning sights. Jump on the Bangkok Tourist Bureau's trolley bus (the terminal is on Na Phra Lan Road, in front of the palace) for a half-hour, guided tour of the beauty spots. Then, return to whatever caught your eye and peruse at your own pace. Just be sure to leave a few hours for Wat Pho and its famous 46-metre reclining Buddha (Chetuphon Rd).