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The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace (or Royal Palace) is the most visited tourist attraction in Bangkok and one of the must-see attractions during a trip to Thailand. It sits on the edge of the Chao Phraya River and is surrounded by a 1.9-kilometre wall. Built-in 1782, Bangkok officially became the country’s capital after the fall of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya and Thonburi, the complex encompasses more than 100 buildings, palaces, and pavilions.
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Wat Pho
Wat Pho, Bangkok’s second major tourist attraction, is not far from the Grand Palace and is an easy walking distance. It is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the country. Inside, you can admire the largest reclining Buddha in the city: 45 meters long and 15 meters high! The statue represents the death of Buddha. During your tour, don’t forget to admire the soles of the feet: they are beaded and decorated with symbols.
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Wat Arun
Wat Arun completes the trio of temples to visit during your stay in Bangkok. It is across the river from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. To get there, you need to take a shuttle boat (4 baht) that will drop you right in front of the entrance. Wat Arun is particularly well known for its 82-meter-high prang (a tower), entirely covered with small pieces of coloured porcelain. Four smaller prangs surround it, also inlaid with mosaics.
The recently renovated location is worth a visit. And if you get the chance, come back at night to see it lit up from across the river.
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The Golden Mount
The Temple of the Golden Mount, built on a hill, offers you a 360-degree view of Bangkok. You’ll have to climb a few steps to get there, but nothing too impossible! You will find fountains, statues, and various gongs that you can play to attract luck, love, or money.
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Chinatownown
While in Bangkok, you should also stroll in the Chinatown district, one of the city’s main tourist attractions. The sounds, smells, and colours will transport you to China. Stroll through the streets and discover the shopping stalls and street vendors where you can taste Chinese cuisine. At Talat Mai, the market in Chinatown, you can stock up on exotic fruits or, for the bravest, culinary rarities, Jewellery boutique.
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Wat Traimit
Enjoy your stroll through Chinatown to visit Wat Traimit. Inside the temple is an impressive 5.5-ton, 3-meter-high solid gold Buddha. Originally the statue was more common, executed in gilded stucco and housed in another temple in Chinatown. But when the temple had to be demolished, the monks decided to move the statue to Wat Traimit.
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Lumphini park
This huge park is the largest green space in the city. You can walk along scenic paths and around the lake. If you have children, they will surely enjoy the playgrounds and the swan-shaped pedal boats! Keep your eyes peeled during your walk in the park, and you will likely see some Malayan lizards.
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Jim Thompson House
The home of Jim Thompson belonged to an American businessman and art collector. Living in Bangkok, he was fascinated by Thai silk, which helped make it famous and used by leading international fashion designers at fashion shows in Milan or London.
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River Cruise
A river cruise is another great activity in Bangkok. It allows you to discover the temples and monuments from a new angle! You should do this at night when the buildings are lit.
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Museum in Bangkok
There are several great museums that you must visit in Bangkok:
- The National Museum about the history and culture of Thailand. It is the largest museum in Southeast Asia!
- The Siam Museum is another history museum. It’s more fun with videos and games.
- Jim Thompson House, which I already told you about, the former
- Royal Barge Museum, where you can discover the eight royal barges used by the king on his travels.
