The capital of Thailand appears the capital of pandemonium, its streets filled with tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, cars and 12 million people. But the Thais have mastered the art of creating tranquility behind closed doors, whether in homes, hotels or temples. Rudy tours the back streets and the quiet, residential klongs, or canals, of Bangkok. Bangkok's legendary food carts and markets reveal the real city that captures the affection of visitors who take the time to seek out what makes Bangkok special. Rudy marvels at the Emerald Buddha (made no less spectacular by the fact it's really jade), visits the city's flower and fish markets, joins locals offering incense and flowers at colorful outdoor shrines, celebrates the king's 80th birthday with an all-day and all-night party, and takes a wooden boat along the city's main artery, the wide Chao Phraya river. (5 of 13)