Bangkok is a vast city bursting with life, an intoxicating blend of modern-day sophistication and centuries old culture. While stylish hotels and neon nightlife are symbols of the 20th-century, a deeper look at Bangkok reveals the traditions and history of the former Royal Siam people. Hundreds of temples, saffron-robed Buddhist monks and a maze of canals criss-crossing the city offer insights into the character of this colourful metropolis.