Bangkok is not only known as the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, it´s also a true tourist paradise. Great varieties of tourist attractions, palace, parks, musems, markets, shopping centers and nightlife activities make it to become one of the world´s top tourist destinations. Hereunder are top 10 things that you should include in your must-do list when you visit Bangkok.
- GRAND PALACE & WAT PRAKAEW
Built in 1782 – and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government – the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Undoubtedly this is the city’s most famous landmark, one must-see sight thatno visit to Bangkok would be complete without.
Actually the ticket to the Emerald Buddha Temple and the Grand Palace also includes a ticket for Khon Performance at Sala Chalermkrung (known as the masked dance drama). There arefive 25-minute performances daily, from Monday to Friday, a show staged to follow the footsteps of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn in preserving and carrying forward the nation’s high art form of classical dance.
2. WAT ARUN
Wat Arun, locally known as Wat Chaeng, is situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Its design is very different to the other temples you can visit in Bangkok and the temple is partly made up of colourfully decorated spires and stands majestically over the water. Although it is known as the Temple of the Dawn, it’s absolutely stunning at sunset, particularly when lit up at night.
3. JIM THOMPSON´S HOUSE
Jim Thompson House – The lovely garden-enclosed compound sitting on the bank of the Saen Saeb Canal, comprising six traditional Thai teakwood houses transported from Ayutthaya and Bangkok’s Ban Krua community, echoes Jim Thompson’s 30-year love affair with Southeast Asian art and cultural heritage. Nowaday, this place has been converted in a Museum where you can appreciate the Bangkok home and Asian art collection of the late James Thompson, also known as the “Thai Silk King”.
– The lovely garden-enclosed compound sitting on the bank of the Saen Saeb Canal, comprising six traditional Thai teakwood houses transported from Ayutthaya and Bangkok’s Ban Krua community, echoes Jim Thompson’s 30-year love affair with Southeast Asian art and cultural heritage. Nowaday, this place has been converted in a Museum where you can appreciate the Bangkok home and Asian art collection of the late James Thompson, also known as the “Thai Silk King”.
4. CHINATOWN
Located in the Yaowarat road, Bangkok Chinatown is the biggest chinese community in Thailand. In daytime Yaowarat Road is a slew of gold shops, Chinese herb shop, fruit stalls, and Chinese restaurants, but by the evening both sides of the street are lined with incredible food stalls full of mouthwatering Chinese food and seafood. That is what Thailand Chinatown Night Market is famous for.
5. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
In Bangkok, the rush hour seems to run from morning until evening, so getting around this city can test the strongest nerves. Although, tuk-tuks and colorful taxis perpetually clog the city’s major thoroughfares, fortunately there are other options to get around in the Thai capital. Practical and with air conditioning, the skytrain (BTS) and the underground metro (MRT) are the best solutions to avoid Bangkok trafic. A special line, the Airport Rail Link connects Suvarnabhumi airport to Bangkok downtown. Another way is to use the Chao Praya Express boats and the shuttle boats on the klongs, small water canals of Bangkok.
6. LOCAL FOOD
Bangkok has become a heaven for food lovers around the world. You might be overwhelmed by many food stalls and street food vendors stretching along the streets of Bangkok. Among thousands of delicious Thai dishes, you can try spicy Thai seafood soup (Tom Yum Goong), super crispy and crunchy pork belly (Moo Grob), fried chicken (Gai Tod), grilled pork stick (Moo Ping), Thai Wanton Mee (Ba Mee), fried bugs (Ma Leang Tod), Thai Chicken Rice (Khao Man Gai) and Thai stir-fried noodles (Pad Thai).
7. KHAO SAN ROAD
Khao San area used to be a very prospering place for rice trading in the reign of King Rama VI. It becomes one of the most visited attractions for foreign tourists due to cheap accommodation, its location close to many important tourist sites and shopping places. The charm of Khao San road is that at night, you can try different kinds of Thai food with convenience. There are also many places for live music and different kinds of shops and services. Therefore, Khao San Road is one of the most popular places to hang out for tourists in Bangkok.
8. ROOFTOP BARS
The ultimate way to escape Bangkok’s ever buzzing streets is to look up in the sky and find relaxation at one of the best Bangkok rooftop bars. Bangkok offer great varieties of choices, from budget rooftop bars to real luxurious rooftop restaurants, from a cosy rooftop bar on Sukhumvit to the most grand sky bar. You can try Mahanakhon Bangkok Sky Bar – Thailand´s highest rooftop restaurant & bar, Octave Rooftop Bar – Bangkok’s best 360-degree view, Vertigo & Moon Bar at Banyan Tree – the luxurious rooftop restaurant and Sirocco – one of the most famous Bangkok rooftop bars and even in the world…
9. SHOPPING MALLS & LOCAL MARKET
The variety of shopping experiences in Bangkok goes far beyond a stroll in a mall or a morning spent browsing a market. In a city blessed with some of the world’s most sumptuous malls you can go to MBK Center, Central World, Emporium or Siam Paragon.
The market of all markets, Chatuchak Weekend Market is the ultimate outdoor Bangkok shopping experience. You will be amazed by its sprawling size, but perhaps even more so by the unbelievable variety of wares. In night time, you can try Khao San, Patpong or Rod Fai Night market. Otherwise, Pratunam is well-known among locals as Bangkok’s wholesale fashion district, where streetwear meets odd fashion meets tomorrow’s trends. If you are looking for a combination of a mall and a night bazaar, you should go to Asiatique The Riverfront
10. FLOATING MARKET
The floating markets in Bangkok are among the city’s star attractions. Almost every traveller has a visit to at least one on their first trip here. The colours, chaos, flavours and atmosphere make it a unique experience, and the novelty of buying a snack from a passing boat takes some beating. Among best floating markets in Bangkok, we can mention Damnoen Saduak – Thailand´s best known floating market and one of the most touristy, Amphawa (open from Friday to Sunday, in the afternoon) or Taling Chan.
