Truly one of the most beautiful examples of extemporary architecture and culture, my first stop on day 1 was the Grand Palace built by King Rama I. The sacred temple of the Grand Palace stood dazzling in the golden sunlight. The massive green and gold structure completely blew my mind. Decorated with millions of tiny pieces of coloured glass tiles as big as about a square inch each, the entire temple structure was as grand as it could get. Built in authentic Thai style, every millimeter of the temple is part of a grand story, a story seeped in history, culture and mythology.

Elated with my time spent at the Grand Palace, its temple and the Phra Maha Monthian Group, my next stop was the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. I was amazed to experience such a high level of sensitivity towards the initiative of preservation of traditional textiles at the museum. What looked like a bland, single storeyed, rather unexciting building had in store a treasure of textiles beyond compare. Brocades, ikats and exquisitely hand embroidered pieces from the queen’s wardrobe. Images and videos archived through decades of their rule, the queen had personally put the content together. I’m sure it serves as a treasure trove for fashion and textile students from across the sub – continent. What an experience!

The day was closing in very soon. What could be better than dining on a beautiful traditional cuisine on the River Siam? A five course delicious authentic Thai meal amidst live music and the warm river breeze - so relaxing after a whole day of sightseeing. Completely refreshed by the wonderful experience, we headed for a lot more excitement at the famous night market at the Asiatique. What a shopper’s paradise it turned out to be. I must have spent a good many hours lost in the tiny labyrinth of lanes.

Day 2 was going to turn out to be every girl’s perfect day with hours spent at the spa, nail painting, more shopping and finally fine dining.

The highlight of the day definitely was the Thai spa experience. A few hours of pampering at the Oasis Spa – one of the best known spas of Bangkok was certainly an experience to remember. A nice long evening at an old jazz bar called ‘Brown Sugar’ on Pra Sumain Road ended the day on a very musical note.

Coming to Thailand and not learning a bit of Thai cooking – I wasn’t going to let go of such a great opportunity. Set in the old district of Bangkok, Amita’s Cooking School is every bit of the promise of a great experience. Hidden within the landscape of the Chao Phraya River, on the bank of the water arteries that ran through the old town of Bangkok, Amita’s Cooking School is snuggled in a cozy nook. The school is mostly outdoors amidst a well manicured fruit and vegetable garden. They even have a spice garden where they grow most of their cooking ingredients. I had such a great time learning some Thai dishes. Gloating in the glory of the delicious self – cooked Thai meal, we had a hearty lunch before heading to the very famous Jim Thompson Museum. Jim Thompson’s story is as exquisite as the silk he made. The American was in love with everything Thai and what a collector he was! His home which has been turned into a museum is full of antiques from all over Thailand.

My tour guide recommended me to the larger than life restaurant called Sirocco on the 64th floor of Hotel Lebua. Apparently some part of the Hangover 2 had been shot at this super glamorous terrace restaurant. With a fantastic jazz band playing on the open air mezzanine while dining on a scrumptious platter of lamb steak, the Bangkok breeze was even more infectious. The sky bar lent for what we call – ‘An experience never to be forgotten’.

Nida Mahmood