Bangkok Attractions

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Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is an escape from the Western-style shopping malls of Bangkok and a glimpse into the past, revealing the centuries' old way of life of the residents whose stilt-houses perch on the canals. Visitors can explore the market with boat trips and sample the wares of local farmers as they do so. They can also enjoy the experience of floating through one of Thailand’s many river villages.

Transport: Bus 78 from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal to Damnoen Saduak Bus Terminal; Opening time: Daily 6am to 11am; Admission: Free

Royal Grand Palace, Bangkok © Thailand Tourist Board

Royal Grand Palace

Construction of the palace began in 1782 and was completed in time for the coronation of King Rama I, and opened in 1785 to signify the end of the Burmese invasion of Thailand. The palace itself is made up of a complex array of smaller buildings, most notably the Wat Mahatat (the Palace Temple) and the Wat Phra Keow (the Royal Chapel), which houses the famous Emerald Buddha sculpted from a single piece of jade, and one of the most revered objects in the Kingdom.

Address: Na Phralan Road, Phra Nakhon; Telephone: (0)2 623 5500; Website: www.palaces.thai.net; Opening time: Daily 8.30am to 4.30pm; Admission: B 250 (adults); children free

Royal Barges National Museum

The Royal Barges National Museum houses several decorative royal barges, the earliest of which dates back to 1357. Most of the barges served as War Vessels at one point, and were subsequently used on royal or state occasions on the Chao Phraya River. Due to their age the barges are now rarely used, but their intricate designs reflecting Thai religious beliefs and local history are of great importance to the country’s heritage. The barges were last used at the end of 1999 to celebrate the king’s 72nd birthday.

Address: Arun Amarin Road, Bangkok Noi; Telephone: (0)2 424 0004; Website: www.thailandmuseum.com; Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm; Admission: B 30

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)

Situated adjacent to the Royal Grand Palace, Wat Pho is Bangkok’s oldest, largest and most famous temple. The grounds of Wat Pho contain over 1,000 statues of Buddha, and the temple houses one of Thailand’s most spectacular sights, the Reclining Buddha - a 157ft (48m) long and 49ft (15m) high statue that is gold-plated and inlaid with Mother-of-Pearl on the soles of its feet. In the 19th century King Rama III turned Wat Pho into a centre of learning and visitors today can still have a massage and learn about the ancient art of Thai Medicine.

Address: 2 Sanamchai Road; Telephone: (0)2 222 5910 or (0)2 226 2942; Transport: Bus 6, 8, 12 (aircon); public buses 1, 25, 44, 47, 62 and 91; or express boat to Tien pier ; Opening time: Daily 8am to 5pm (closed from 12pm to 1pm); Admission: B 20

Jim Thompson’s House

American silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson deserves most of the credit for the current popularity of Thai silk around the world. His fame increased when, in 1967, Thompson disappeared in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia under mysterious circumstances. He has never been heard of since. The house itself is an excellent example of Thai residential architecture, and inside is a display of his Oriental art and antique collection, as well as an array of his personal belongings.

Address: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road; Telephone: (0)2 216 7368; Website: www.jimthompsonhouse.com; Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm (last tour leaves at 4.30pm); Admission: B 100 (proceeds to Bangkok’s School for the Blind)