Bangkok is famous for its nightlife and although this isn't my scene, I wandered through areas to have a glimpse into why its so popular with tourists. They have even coined an expression 'sexpat' to describe this type of tourist and you spot them everywhere.

A favourite spot is called 'Soi Cowboy' - a narrow lane set amongst huge hotel and office blocks and which is the original 'red light' district. It is a place which many Amercians came to for R&R during the Vietnam war. I walked through during the afternoon and then again at night to observe the change of energy and activity.

What goes on within the buildings leaves little to the imagination and the signs on the doors are interesting - no cameras, no drugs and no guns!

As a complete contrast to the seedier side of life, I made a journey over to Wat Bowonniwet in Banglamphu near the famous Khao San road. I sat quietly inside the temple on the carpet for half an hour and cleared my head of 21st century Bangkok.

I could hear the gentle meditation music, feel the breeze from the huge fan, and smell the incense from the candles as I looked at the golden Buddha figure.

The complex contains a monastic university and is the place where the King of Thailand was ordained. King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the worlds longest reigning monarch (9th June 1946) and the world's longest serving head of state.

These two visits exemplify the yin and yang of life here in Bangkok.