Jack Karp
Wash dinner down at one of the most breathtaking watering holes in the city, the Moon Bar at Vertigo, the first of Bangkok's sky bars, located on the 59th floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel. Grab a drink and take in an Asian sunset before moving on to dance to techno and hip hop at clubs such as Narcissus (Sukhumvit Road) and Lucifer (1-3 Soi Patpong 1).
Temples As the myriad Buddhist monks to whom Bangkok is home will tell you, true happiness doesn't come from massages, mojitos and dance moves; it comes from the silence within. For a little quiet time, visit Wat Mahathat (Na Phra That Road). At this serene, working monastery, the home of one of Southeast Asia's most important Buddhist universities, you can learn the techniques of Buddhist meditation taught by practicing monks and nuns, and take the first few steps on the very long road to enlightenment. Classes are held daily from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Get Out of Town Of course, if you really need a break from the bustle of Bangkok, the best way to do it is to actually leave the city. A day's bus, boat or airplane journey takes you south to any number of the country's tropical island paradises, where you can swing in a hammock on the beach, go scuba diving in some of the world's most beautiful waters -- or simply get blitzed at numerous beachside parties. Koh Chang, the country's second-largest island, is a mist-enshrouded haven, home of some of Southeast Asia's most well-preserved rainforests. Take an elephant trek at Ban Kwan Elephant Camp (0 1919 3995), hike through the beautiful national park at the island's center or take a Thai cooking class at Koh Chang Thai Cookery School (0 1940 0649). If getting wet is more your thing, head farther south to Koh Tao. Supposedly home to some of Thailand's best scuba diving and quietest, most undeveloped beaches, Koh Tao is for serious divers -- up until a few years ago, you weren't even allowed to stay on the island unless you were one. Now, there's also snorkeling and kayaking for the "shallower" among us. Grab one last beer, plop down in a hammock and watch the sun come up over the deeply blue Southeast Asian sea, a view -- and a vacation -- fit for a king.
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