The new Bangkok airport - a mammoth structure of steel, glass and concrete - is the getaway to Asia and countries around the world, but Bangkok has a lot more to offer than a restless wait for a connecting flight.

Bangkok has embraced modern life with fervour, yet between the skyscrapers, shopping emporiums, billboards and flashy bars are signs that the traditional Thai spirit is still alive and flourishing.

Bangkok's transport system has changed drastically in the past few years. Car travel can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours, so the Skytrain and subway are great for exploring most of the city centre, and you can catch taxis or boats from thereon.

To absorb Thai culture, visitors should visit a Buddhist temple. Head to the city's most revered temple, Wat Phra Kaew, built in 1784. It houses the Emerald Buddha, a jade statue. From here, visit The Grand Palace, a magnificient example of Thai architecture inspired by European design, which was the residence of the Thai king from the 18th century to the mid-20th century.

Head back to the town centre to see for yourself why Bangkok is Asia's shopping mecca. You'll never be far from a market, but the most popular is Chatuchak weekend market. Allow half a day to navigate your way through the maze of stalls that sell everything from homewares and fake antiques to roosters and pythons.

Then there are malls - more than 15 of them - mostly located near Sukhumvit Road, where you'll find silks, jewellery, tailors, antiques, traditional handicrafts... everything your heart desires, at low prices.

If you've got more cash to burn, head to the snazzier malls, such as Siam Paragon, a shopping and entertainment megaplex. As well as selling luxury brands, it's home to Siam Ocean World - the largest aquarium in Asia - as well as an IMAX theatre and the Facet of Edutainment. It also boasts great restaurants and one of Bangkok's best supermarkets. People spend a day at Siam Paragon and return for more the next day!

When your muscles are feeling strained from hauling shopping bags around, treat yourself to a Thai massage. There are day spas with massage therapists in all of Bangkok' s Starwood Hotels, so you can sample treatments that will rejuvenate you in time for dinner.

Fresh produce is plentiful in Thailand, and their national cuisine is one of the most popular in the world, as it offers a feast for the senses: lemongrass and coriander arouse the nose and palate, colourful garnishes excite the eyes, steaming dishes served on sizzling hot plates stimulate the ears, and the contrast of textures between smooth rice noodles, creamy coconut milk and crunchy vegetables delight the mouth. You'll find the best cuisine from around the country in Bangkok, whether it's in a riverside eatery, from a street stall, or in a hotel restaurant.

After dinner, head to a legendary Joe Louis Puppet performance. Each puppet is controlled by three classically trained dancers who move around the stage in unison to imitate the lifelike movements they give the puppets. Last year, Joe Louis Puppet Theatre was awarded the Best Traditional Performance Award at the 10th World Festival of Puppet Art in Prague, so ask the hotel concierge to find out times and locations for you.

You also shouldn't miss Thailand's most revered form of performing arts, 'khon', which involves masked actors portraying heroes, heroines, monkeys and demons. And don't go past one of Thailand's more modern forms or performing arts - ladyboy shows. They're some of the most expertly choreographed and captivating performances you'll ever see, and Thailand's ladyboys, or 'katoeys', are widely accepted. Ladyboy shows, such as those at Calypso Cabaret, pay tribute to famous female personalities such as Marilyn Monroe.

Bangkok offers Thailand's best cuisine, Asia's best shopping and an array of fascinating cultural sites and performing arts. Whether stopping over on your way to Europe of taking a connecting flight to another Asian country, take time to experience some of the wonders of Asia's 'City of Angels', rather than just the airport.