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What to see in Bangkok
Bangkok Attractions
The most visited attractions in Bangkok expose visitors to
Thailand's fascinating history, despite Bangkok's relatively recent
construction as a city. The most impressive of these is the
enormous and extremely ornate Grand Palace, and the adjacent Temple
of the Reclining Buddha. Numerous temples spread over older
districts near Chao Phraya River, making up an inexhaustible number
of interesting visits, each one with a unique religious
significance.
Attractions in Bangkok aren't all serene sights as the city also
holds a vibrant and flashy appeal. Among the most fun of
attractions is watching a Muay Thai boxing fight; spectators can
put some money down to increase the thrills. Bustling markets,
which sell literally almost everything, can be wandered for a full
day, especially the giant Chatuchak weekend market.
Bangkok's unique neighbourhoods encompass many small treasures.
Both Khao San road in Banglamphu district and alleys off of
Sukhumvit are attractions in themselves. The first is a
backpacker's Disneyland, and the second an expat playground famous
for its debauchery. Little Arabia, a middle-eastern district, is
also a unique and fun place to explore. Hiring a river cruise is
the only real tour of the city, although only a few attractions are
visited.
Bangkok National Museum
Originally built in 1874, the Bangkok National Museum is located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, just a 15-minute walk from the palace of the Emerald Buddha, and displays thousands of artefacts…
Chatuchak Market
The Chatuchak Market (also known as the JJ Market) is said to be the largest flea market in the world. 'Organised' along narrow grid lines under tin roofs, this enormous market is packed tight with…
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…
Jim Thompson’s House
American silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson deserves most of the credit for the current popularity of Thai silk around the world. Having travelled to Bangkok with the US Army in World War II, Thompson…
Muay Thai
Fight fans will get a kick out of Thailand's national sport, Muay Thai. The matches are best watched at the Rajadamnern stadium, though visitors should be warned that the prices for foreigners or farang…
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…
Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)
Dating back to the 13th century, the buddha at Wat Traimit stands nearly 10 feet (3m) tall, weighs over five tons and is believed to be solid cast gold, the largest gold statue in the world. It was…
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, recognised by the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme. The grounds of Wat Pho contain over…
Vimanmek Mansion Museum
Built by King Rama V in 1900, the exquisite golden teakwood mansion, also known as Vimanmek Palace, is located in the Dusit Palace complex. It was restored in 1982 for Bangkok's bicentennial and King…
Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)
Wat Benchamabophit, also known as the Marble Temple, is constructed of white Carrara marble (even the courtyard is paved with polished white marble) and is known as one of Bangkok's most beautiful…
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