Flights to Bangkok on Northwest Airlines

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When you travel to Bangkok, Thailand, leave your expectations at home — there may be little you can do to prepare for the culture shock that awaits you. Along with Shanghai, Singapore and Seoul, Bangkok is one of Asia's most vibrant cities. The capital of Thailand is one of the largest cities in the world, and is one of the most significant tourist destinations in not just Thailand, but all of Asia.

The first thing that many travelers to Bangkok notice — usually when the plane door opens — is the constant humidity and the sweltering heat. Daytime in Thailand is hot and muggy, so pack accordingly. Given the affordability of goods in the city, however, you may want to do some summer clothes shopping when you arrive; for an upscale mall, try the relatively new Siam Paragon. For bargain shopping on the weekends, the Chatuchak weekend market is an absolute must-see, and not just for the clothes, but for Thai crafts of nearly every kind under the sun.

The vast majority of Thais are Buddhist, and Bangkok is home to some of the most impressive Buddhist temples in the world. Wat Phra Kaew, a magnificent temple that sits next to Bangkok's Grand Palace, is best known as the home of the Emerald Buddha. Nearby, visit Wat Po, home of the enormous Reclining Buddha; stop at Wat Po's school of Thai massage for a relaxing hour-long break from sightseeing. A quick boat ride across the Chao Praya river will take you to the four-pronged Wat Arun, a colorful temple covered entirely in painted ceramic tiles that were once used as ballast for the merchant ships coming into and out of Bangkok's ports.

If culinary tourism interests you, your airfare to Bangkok will easily be justified by the enormous variety of excellent and cheap food found all throughout the city. From street vendors selling chicken satay and pad thai to air-conditioned restaurants serving traditional green curry or panang curry dishes, you'll never find better Thai food than here at the source. If you are feeling particularly brave, wait until nightfall and find a stand serving som tum, the Thai version of shredded green papaya salad. If you ask for it pet, or spicy, make sure you have icewater handy.

When you travel to Bangkok, adventure awaits you in this amazing Asian city.