Bangkok, the capital and the largest city of Thailand, is situated about 25 miles (40 km) from the Gulf of Thailand on the delta of the Chao Phraya River. Ornate temples and a thriving street life may be seen throughout this busy city. Visitors are not instantly made to feel welcome by the city’s sluggish nightlife, blazing heat, and high traffic congestion.
For first-time visitors to Bangkok, these places are a must-see attraction. They are loaded with breathtaking structures, magnificent pavilions, and lovely gardens. I went to Bangkok with the team and had a fantastic time. These ever-beautiful places should undoubtedly be put on your list of the finest things to do in Bangkok for an unforgettable vacation.
The city, rich in art and culture, is defined by towering skyscrapers that coexist with historic palaces, street bazaars, floating marketplaces, and monasteries and temples from old times. Go-go bars, rooftops, and nightclubs are all part of the glitzy nightlife.
For the very first time, I got to see Bangkok through the eyes of a traveler, and I, at last, understood the genuine splendor of the City of Angels. Bangkok is a city you must surely explore if you’re in Thailand because of the combination of its rich culture, accessibility, and variety of things to do.
You can get all the top places to visit in our travel guide, along with information on the city’s gorgeous temples, breathtaking picture ops, dining establishments, etc.
Without any further hesitation, let’s look at the route to Bangkok.
The magnificence of the location astounds and takes your breath away at every turn, in every courtyard, and at every bend. I recall being tremendously pleased on my first visit in 2012, and this second visit was no less enthralling. Remember that the Grand Palace has a strict dress code, which requires covering your arms and legs and avoiding unethical apparel.
This site shows Thailand’s rich culture and traditions have evolved since the 18th century. It includes a public museum amidst an exhibit of historical buildings from the country.
#1
The Grand Palace
It’s necessary that you know everything there is to know about the Grand Palace before going on your adventure. Wat Phra Kaew, Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn, Phra Mondop, Phra Si Ratana Chedi, Model of Angor Wat, Phra Bussabok, Asurapaksi, Chakri Maha Prasat Hall, Dusit Maha Prasat Hall, Phra Wiharn Yod, Phra Maha Montian, The Gallery, and Ramakien Story are among the 12 attractions in this huge palace. The palace was the residence of Thailand’s Kings until the tragic death of King Ananda Mahidol in 1946. It is also utilized for numerous Royal ceremonial events and governmental gatherings, adding to its attractiveness.
The most sacred temple in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew, is our favorite attraction, which houses the well-known Emerald Buddha. But, before you get to the biggest draw, you’ll pass by the Yakshas or temple guards. The 20-foot-tall, enormous demon guardians, also known as nature spirits, are easy to see.
The Grand Palace is split into two parts the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where visitors may stroll about and see the area’s lovely temples; and the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, a remarkable construction that expertly combines Thai beauty with European colonial architecture.
You cannot access the second part of the Grand Palace, yet you can still see how beautiful it is from the exterior. From the ground up, the structure is designed in a colonial artistic form, but the roofs are constructed in a Thai architectural style, which is a view you rarely see.
Read More About My Experience: My Visit to Grand Palace Bangkok⇗
#2
Wat Arun
Wat Arun is the most breathtaking temple in the city, also called the “Temple of the Dawn,” and it is even more beautiful after sunset. It is Situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River at a height of 260 ft. In honor of the establishment of the new Ayutthaya, the old royal capital, the temple was given the name Aruna after the Hindu God of dawn. It is an architectural picture of Mount Meru, which in Buddhist cosmology serves as the universe’s nucleus.
The 82-meter-high rahng (Khmer-style tower) is a prominent feature of the massive temple. Rama II began creating this building, and Rama III finished it off in the first part of the 19th century.
Once you get to Wat Arun, you may go to the upper level of the recently renovated pagoda and observe the breathtaking sunset over Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River from there.
I advise you to check out The Deck, which is situated directly throughout the river from Wat Arun, if you prefer to eat at a riverside establishment then climb it to see Wat Arun at sunset. They provide a clear view of the river and Wat Arun. Despite the high cost of the food, I believe it is well worth it to get a private viewing of the temple during its golden hours.
Close inspection reveals the five imposing prangs (towers) may be seen from the river, and they are coated in vivid porcelain and colorful ceramic mosaics, many of which resemble pieces of flora created from fragments of multicolored Chinese porcelain. It is known as Wat Cheang locally. It is also one of Thailand’s most stunning temples and the nation’s most popular picture subject.
Wat Arun is usually open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with Thai residents entering for free. Foreign visitors must pay 100 THB to enter.
Opening Hours
#3
Wat Pho or Wat Phra
The Wat Pho or Wat Phra Chetuphon Temple of the Reclining Buddha is located on Rattanakosin Island, just south of Bangkok’s Grand Palace neighborhood. It was built over 200 years before Bangkok became Thailand’s capital, making it one of Bangkok’s biggest and oldest temples.
The huge, 46-meter-long (151-foot) by 15-meter-high (49-foot) gold-plated Reclining Buddha statue, which honors the Buddha’s entry into Nirvana, is the centerpiece of Wat Pho. The 108 symbols of real faith adorn the foot soles, which are set with a variety of beautiful stones. Additionally, keep an eye out for the long earlobes that represent a noble birth and the lotus-bud form of the hand, which stands for purity and beauty.
It is the oldest temple in Bangkok and was constructed by King Rama I. It has a long history of being revered as a site of healing and was formerly known for both its pharmacy and for being Thailand’s first “university”—both of which were founded by King Rama III. This temple is said to have given birth to traditional Thai massage. The traditional medical school on the property offers foot and Thai massages, although the costs are much more than those at other massage parlors in the city.
You may get a closer look at the magnificent Thai architecture within the temple courtyard at Wat Pho, which is a bit less crowded than the Grand Palace. There are several opportunities for fantastic photo shots at Wat Pho, including the enormous Reclining Buddha image and endless rows of Buddha sculptures.
The courtyard of Wat Pho is huge, so you’ll need to spend at least 30 minutes exploring the entire temple. I think Wat Pho is better than the Grand Palace.
I was able to appreciate the grandeur of the temples just a little bit more at Wat Pho since it was less crowded, had a lower entrance charge, and had enough beautiful architecture to photograph.
Wat Pho has four chapels and around 400 gilded Buddha images, making it Thailand’s largest collection of Buddha statues.
Wat Pho is accessible from 8 AM to 6:30 PM, and international travelers must pay 200 THB to enter. Because it is less congested and allows you to truly relax and take in the surroundings at your own pace, I prefer this temple over the Grand Palace.
#4
Jim Thompson’s House / Museum
The ancient residence of a “self-made American entrepreneur” who lost while traveling in Malaysia now stands in Bangkok as a remnant of a bygone era. Jim Thompson lived in Thailand after serving as a serviceman there towards the end of WWII and soon came to fame in the Thai silk industry. While growing his silk industry, Thompson became a great collector of Southeast Asian art.
Thompson has been awarded the Order of the White Elephant, Thailand’s highest honor awarded to foreigners who have made significant contributions to the country. Thompson’s house has been transformed into a museum, including exhibits on his life and company, as well as the city’s and Thai silk industry’s history.
Thompson has been awarded the Order of the White Elephant, Thailand’s highest honor awarded to foreigners who have made significant contributions to the country. Thompson’s house has been transformed into a museum, including exhibits on his life and company, as well as the city’s and Thai silk industry’s history.
The museum exhibits all of the antiques, artworks, and souvenirs gathered by James H.W. Thompson from Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, and Laos. The museum is a work of art in Thai traditional architecture. It is made up of six traditional Thai-style homes and is located across a klong (canal) from Bangkrua.
Interior
The Jim Thompson House is surrounded by a green garden that tells the story of his 30-year relationship with Southeast Asian art and cultural traditions. It is located at the edge of the Saen Saeb Canal.
#5
Wat Traimit Temple
The Wat Traimit temple in Chinatown is well renowned for housing the world’s largest gold Buddha statue, named Phra Phuttha Maha Suwanna Patimakon. The statue is around 10 feet tall and weighs more than 5 tonnes. The Buddha was found about 40 years ago and Wat Traimit is housed in a four-story marble edifice.
On the 2nd level of the temple, there is a Phra Buddha Maha Suwanna Patimakorn Exhibition where you can see how the statue was built. On the other hand, the multimedia exhibitions on Bangkok’s Chinatown and its residents are showcased on the third floor of the temple. The temple is considered to date from the first half of the 13th century.
The figure was crafted in a refined Sukhothai manner. The image is around 900 years old and was plastered over to conceal its worth. It wasn’t until the statue was relocated to a new building and slid from a crane in 1957 that it was made entirely of pure gold. The idol’s origin, assuming it dates to either the Sukhothai or Ayutthaya periods when the Burmese attacked the city, remains a matter of research.
#6
Safari World
In 1988, Safari World opened as a zoo. It is made up of two zones- a drive-through safari park and a marine park—where visitors can take in live entertainment, savor regional food, and shop for souvenirs. With hundreds of creatures from all over the world calling the African bush home, it gives the ultimate safari experience.
The Orangutan Boxing Show, Bollywood Cowboy Stunt Show, CDV War, Eggs World, and Jungle Cruise are a few of the main attractions in this area. There is also an Aquatic Park, which is home to a wide range of marine creatures. It is a zoo with a twist that offers a variety of entertainment choices, such as animal feeding and petting. You may see trained dolphins, birds, and other creatures performing as well.
The fact that they have a marine park at Safari World where guests can enjoy live entertainment performances is what makes the entire experience exciting.
For travelers who want to engage in a gastronomic journey or purchase fantastic gifts, there are many alternatives available. Even adults, in addition to children, may anticipate having the most exciting time here.
#7
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market, also referred to as JJ Market locally is Thailand’s biggest market. It’s even been said by some to be the world’s biggest weekend market. It is spread out over 35 acres and has more than 15,000 stalls selling stuff like antiques, clothing, furniture, pet supplies, paper lanterns, accessories, handicrafts, art, literature, and a variety of unique souvenirs. There are also many delicious restaurants there. A wide selection of finger foods, street cuisine, and affordable drinks are available here, which enhances the experience.
Over 200,000 people visit the trendy market on weekends. Shoppers may also enjoy live music and dancing performances. Phahonyothin Market was its previous name, but that was changed in 1987. Its name, “Chatuchak,” comes from a nearby park of the same name.
You will not regret it if you spend one weekend in Bangkok and manage to include a day visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market. You can find your way about Chatuchak with the use of a system. A central roadway that divides into a series of numbered passageways named Soi 1, Soi 2, Soi 3, and so on surrounds the entire market within.
The Chatuchak Park Office has a visitor center, ATMs, and currency exchange counters. Toilets and schematic maps may be found all over the market. To make it simpler to browse, the market has been split into parts.
#8
Siam Ocean World Aquarium
Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium, Siam Ocean World Aquarium, spans 110,000 square feet. Boasting This huge underground facility is home to more than 400 species of octopuses, sharks, crabs, fish, crustaceans, and even penguins. It sits two stories underneath the luxurious Siam Paragon shopping mall, which will amaze you with the adventurous activities it provides and the 30,000 mysterious species it houses from all over the world.
If you have a driver’s license, you may dive in and enjoy swimming with sharks, see the scariest creatures in a 270-degree underwater tunnel, and admire the ocean’s splendor from a glass-bottom boat.
Visitors to Sea Life Bangkok may view a variety of marine animals in themed areas such as Rocky Hideout, Shark Walk, Coral Reef, and the Seahorse Kingdom. Through its Aquatic Quarantine and Nursery Center, the aquarium also offers visitors the chance to take part in a live ocean experience.
#9
Lumphini Park
Lumphini Park is more than simply a haven of greenery in the heart of Bangkok’s bustle. The park, which is named in honor of the Lord Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal, is more than 500,000 square meters large and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The track at Lumpini Park, which is a huge 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) long, is a favorite hangout for joggers, skateboarders, and cyclists.
In addition to the lengthy route, the park has irregular aerobic courses that people are always invited to attend. Aquatics lovers can hire paddle boats for the day to leisurely tour the lake which is the park’s central feature. When it comes to food, Lumpini Park never fails to surprise with its variety of street vendors serving up traditional Thai fares like Pad Thai and other favorites.
It should be noted that the park has previously hosted anti-government protests that occasionally turned violent, so make sure to research the current political scene before coming. Additionally, keep a watch out for the enormous Asian water monitors, which are frequently spotted strolling about the lake. In the park, smoking is not allowed. On Sunday afternoons, free outdoor concerts are held.
#10
Khao San Road
Technically speaking, Khao San Road is a 410-meter-long narrow street near the Chao Phraya River. The name Khaosan, which means “milled rice,” serves as a reminder that the street used to be a significant Bangkok rice market. But during the past 20 years, Khaosan Road has become a well-known hangout for backpackers.
The street is filled with pubs, food stalls, restaurants, convenience stores, internet cafés, travel agencies, and massage parlors in addition to affordable lodging options that range from dorm-style hostels to fairly priced 3-star hotels. Tie-dye hippie clothing, accessories, shoes, souvenirs, jewelry, and much more are available.
Traditional Thai cuisine is also available, including the delicious Pad Thai and Thai crepes (Khanom Bueang). Try a bag of fried insects if you don’t get heart palpitations! In Bangkok, fried insects are popular as a snack. Grasshoppers, water beetles, spiders, bamboo worms, and scorpions are some of the insects. These come with sauce and a pinch of black pepper. If you’re feeling brave, eat some of these fried insects; it will be an unforgettable experience!
Khaosan Road is a nice area where you can stop by to see how out-of-this-world the place is, even if it is not somewhere I would hang out that frequently as a native. And this remains the greatest location to be if you want to go out at night with other travelers.
Additionally, there are a tonne of inexpensive street-food vendors just on the next street, where the locals frequently gather, so even if you don’t like Khaosan Road’s trashy nightlife, you can at least savor the mouthwatering street food there.
#11
Soi Cowboy (Red Light District)
Soi Cowboy, one of the most well-known red-light districts, is a neon-lit street lined with go-go bars, strip shows, and other lively places. It is one of the liveliest spots in Bangkok to enjoy all things illegal, and seedy nightlife is nothing new to the city. It is named after a businessman from the United States who opened the first bar on this street while wearing a cowboy hat.
During the Vietnam War, the roadway served as a location for rest and relaxation for American soldiers. Today, it is only a red-light area that draws both single men and tourists who want to experience “it” for themselves, enjoy a nice drink and live music. As soon as you step inside Soi Cowboy, hundreds of women will start pulling on you.
This well-known red-light area recently underwent renovations, which has resulted in an increase in tourists. It is packed with popular eateries and countless pubs that serve inexpensive beer and wine.
Read More: TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN SWITZERLAND⇗
Comments (2)
ฉันกําลังศึกษาไทยและวางแผนที่จะเยี่ยมชมประเทศไทย การเขียนของคุณเกี่ยวกับประเทศไทยรู้สึกดีมากเหมือนฉันกําลังเยี่ยมชมสถานที่ของตัวเอง
น่ารู้ครับ ขอบคุณครับ มีการเดินทางที่ปลอดภัย
(English Translation) [Nice to know. Thank you. Have a safe trip.]