Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Invariably, the first thought that springs to my mind at the mention of Thailand, is the delicious, spicy Thai green/red curry (they are both great).
Hence, when I was invited on a short visit to the 'Land of the White Elephants', the answer was only too obvious.
Thailand is an uncomplicated, easy-going, comfortable destination for all sorts of travellers. Young ones, old ones, couples, families, you name it.
On arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, you get a whiff of what to expect in terms of the weather and people's attitude.
Once outside, it's a long drive into the city, almost 45 minutes and the colourful taxis in a riot of shades - green, blue, purple, red, orange and pink are an amusing sight to behold.
The three-wheeled 'tuk-tuk' is also a common sight but Bangkok's favourite choice remains the Sky Train. It is an extremely convenient, easy and affordable way to tour the city and you are assured not to get lost.
On the streets, aside from lots of posters, you will find a series of food stalls serving skewers of pork sausages, fish and chicken. You can also have a taste of my favourite 'phad thai'.
A visit to Bangkok and no shopping is like a smoothie without the ice cream - unheard of.
Bargains, sales and discounts almost seem as if they are grabbing you by the arm to take a look. The most prominent malls, with the best bargains, include the MBK Mall and Pratunam.
For the more extravagant shopper, visits to the Central World Mall, Siam Paragon, Gaysorn, Emporium and Peninsula Plaza are good options.
Look out for handicrafts, antiques and souvenirs including the famous Thai ceramics Benjarong, Thai silk, wooden and painted umbrellas and maybe even cute-looking lighters that come in designs such as a shoe, car or a football.
If malls are not your thing, there is the Suan Lum night bazaar and the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Almost an hour from the city, is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where you can sit on a small motor boat which the boatman manoeuvres through a narrow channel of water with shops on either side. He will stop when something catches your eye, and then begins the obligatory bargaining.
Shopping apart, the next biggest attraction in Bangkok is the Grand Palace. It was constructed in the year 1782, covers an area of 218,000 sq m and is surrounded by four walls 1.9 km each in length. It is a massive site with structures made of bits and pieces of ceramics and mirrors which shine brilliantly under the sun from every nook and corner. This was the former royal residence and is now used only for the crowning of new kings and other important royal festivities and events. The compound also features the Royal Monastery where an Emerald Buddha is enshrined on a golden traditional Thai-style throne made of gilded carved wood.
The Upper Terrace Galleries, three groups of buildings namely Phra Maha Monthian, Chakri and Dusit, the Borom Phiman Mansion and subsidiary buildings complete the complex. As mentioned, it's huge, positively stunning and a definite must-see.
Another place you may want to visit is Jim Thompson's Thai House a former residence of American James HW Thompson, founder of the renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company.
The Rose Garden situated around 30 km outside the city is around 75 acres of 'perfectly-manicured' gardens. It is also home to a Thai Village which features a cultural show, an elephant dance (they even make a heart with trunks and kiss), a display showcasing the various stages of Thai traditional wear and golfing.
We tried two maritime dining experiences; lunch on a slightly rocking boat and a dinner cruise on board the Chao Praya Princess III on the Chao Phraya River.
On the two-hour cruise we were shown several historic monuments including the Grand Palace 'Wat Pra Kaew', the Temple of the Dawn 'Wat Arun', Bangkhunprom Palace, Kanlayanamitr Temple and the Rama 8 Bridge.
In between all the visits and touring, you should try to make some time for an authentic Thai massage. I got a foot massage which lasted one full hour and I swear I did float afterwards.
Another tip, if you fancy a whole new wardrobe of suits, you can get them ALL done in Bangkok in just two days!
Also, Thailand has a very warm way of welcoming guests, by folding the hands in front of you, slightly bowing and saying 'Sawadee' (pronounced as sawadikaa), joining in will impress them quiet a bit.
My last but not least piece of advice - try to stay on longer than three days because the real beauty of this wonderful country is in its mountains, beaches and the countryside which, for me, is a good reason to return.
