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Libraries are considered major repositories of knowledge and history. The Neilson Hays Library is one such repository with an impressive collection of books that feature titles in non-fiction, fiction, and children’s genres. It is the oldest privately funded library in Thailand, with a stock of over 20,000 books. It is believed to host one of the largest collections of English language titles in Bangkok.

The distinctly red-coloured Thawornwatthu Building was originally the royal crematorium of Maja Vajirunhis. He was the eldest son of King Rama V and the Crown Prince. It was later converted into a library, then a museum dedicated primarily to commemorating the life and work of King Rama V. Located just a 20-minute drive west of S15 Sukhumvit Boutique Hotel in Asoke and quite near the Grand Palace, it is one of the finest examples of traditional Thai architecture with distinct touches of Gothic and Khmer influences noted.

Easily one of the most curious and renowned tourist attractions in Bangkok has to be the Jim Thompson House. Jim Thompson was an architect and supposed OSS (now CIA) agent that settled in Bangkok after WWII. He took notice of the region’s silk weaving industry and established the Thai Silk Company to market its products. His company became a success thanks to its offerings of luxuriously crafted fabrics and home décor that appealed greatly to the global market. The company did much to help poor weavers, even from the countryside, make an income for themselves without needing to relocate to Bangkok.

For anyone relocating or just visiting Bangkok, one of the most crucial decisions has to be where to stay. The city has many great neighbourhoods to choose from, but Asoke and Silom tend to stand out the most. They are both fairly centralized and offer a mix of attractions that ensures much fun and convenience.

One of the most memorable experiences for visitors to Bangkok has to be the floating markets. They are richly steeped in history from the time Bangkok was nothing more than jungle till its more current skyline of towering office and apartment blocks, temples, and malls. An outing to a floating market is best undertaken at the weekend when you have ample time to explore, shop, and indulge in some delectable food.

One of the most stimulating experiences visitors to Bangkok will appreciate is a visit to the city’s largest market named for the district of Chatuchak. Popular with both locals and tourists, it can attract as many as 200,000 visitors a weekend. Despite its massive size, the sprawling market is well organized into distinct sections with numbered alleyways. Use the Chatuchak Guide app to confirm your location and which route to take to different stores and products.

A visit to Bangkok can never be complete until you find time to explore some of its many shopping destinations. Amongst the most popular is Terminal 21 at 88 Sukhumvit Road. This magnificent nine-storey shopping complex hosts a myriad of designer stores, boutique shops, and a gourmet supermarket. It is also home to various glitzy restaurants and more affordable food courts that offer visitors a chance to indulge in whatever cuisine they desire.

Thailand is famous not just for its natural beauty and friendly people, but also for its many culturally significant heritage sites. Not many people however have enough time or money to visit all these sites hence the genius of Muang Boran. It is the world’s largest outdoor museum that features 116 scaled replicas of Thailand’s most famous historical monuments, temples, palaces, and other architectural attractions.

For anyone that is residing along Sukhumvit Road, there is no shortage of excellent shopping establishments to visit. The Emporium and EmQuartier stand out as top choices thanks to their wide variety of stores, eateries, and entertainment spaces that make for an enviable retail therapy session. The two shopping centres are located within a few hundred metres of each other in what is known as the EM District. Their proximity means visitors can easily explore both on the same day.

Taking a short break is a great way to get some relief from the pressures of life. You get to recharge your batteries and discover a new destination. But this does not need to take you out of the city.