With a population of over eight million inhabitants, the possibilities for travellers in Bangkok are almost endless. Bathed by the Chao Phraya River, the Thai capital is a spectacle for travellers who enter its heart without hesitation. The city’s temples, palaces and markets could not be more attractive and this doesn’t clash with its great culinary and leisure offerings.
In Bangkok, explore the main temples and the Grand Palace, which was the residence of Thailand’s monarchs until relatively recently, walk along the “River of Kings”, marvel at the local boats and barges that continuously transport goods and passengers and shop at the open-air markets scattered throughout the city. You have to discover this capital of contrasts slowly but surely, because there are so many attractions that it’s impossible to stop. Tourism is an essential part of Bangkok’s economy for a reason.
We’ll be your guide and tell you what to see in Bangkok and the surrounding area on a tourist getaway. We’ll also give you some options so you know what there is to do.
Bangkok’s grand palace
Residence of the kings from 1782 to 1946, the Royal Palace complex is Bangkok’s biggest tourist attraction, with Thailand’s holiest temple and a palace of a thousand and one nights. Construction began in 1782 to commemorate the founding of the capital and to house its most sacred image, the Emerald Buddha. Covering 95 hectares and surrounded by 1,900 metres of walls, this is an important pilgrimage site and its structure has undergone modifications over time. Some of its nearly 100 buildings are for governmental use, although most are no longer occupied. A must see is the Dusit Throne Hall, the main jewel of the Royal Palace, where the Wat Phra Si Samphet, one of Ayuthaya’s great buildings, is replicated. Other areas of interest are the Aphornphimok Pavilion, the inner palace, the Chakri Throne Hall, the Siwalai Gardens and the Audience Hall. Please note that strict dress codes apply to the Palace premises and the adjoining Wat Phra Kaew, and you may not enter the temple grounds wearing shorts or sleeveless clothing.
Markets
Bangkok has several markets where you can buy everything. The best known one is Chatuchak, which is held every weekend. The vendors are scattered throughout the winding streets and, although it’s a bit chaotic, it’s well worth a visit. You can buy antiques, handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as clothes, household goods, decorative items and food here. If you’re visiting Bangkok on a weekday, the Or Tor Kor market is worth a visit, although here the stalls feature mainly fruit and vegetables. The Asiatique Market is a night market held in old warehouses along the Chao Phraya River. Here you can find clothes, handicrafts, souvenirs and several places to enjoy the local cuisine.
Khao San Road
This is the avenue where bars, restaurants, bookshops, travel agencies and street stalls are located. This hippy, backpacker road is a must if you want to soak up the country’s authentic spirit. You should definitely spend a night wandering around this central area of Bangkok to discover the Thai nightlife. Khao San Road’s origins date back to 1892, when King Rama V set up the city’s largest rice market here. In fact, the name Khao means rice.
Chao Phraya
The Chao Phraya is like a great avenue for river transport, both for goods and people. Heavy rice barges, ferries and local boats carrying fruits and vegetables cruise down the river. It’s a must for any traveller to see Bangkok from the water and the cheapest way to do so is by taking the Chao Phraya Express or one of the boats that operate as buses.
Wat Pho
Wat Pho is one of the busiest and most visited temples in Bangkok. It has an impressive reclining Buddha, a community of monks and some intriguing massage parlours. Officially, Wat Pho is Thailand’s most famous public education centre, as well as the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. Nowadays, Wat Pho is a centre dedicated to traditional medicine and is part of the famous Institute of Massage, the city’s most sought-after massage school.
Jim Thompson’s House
Located next to the old weavers’ quarter of Ban Khrua and surrounded by flowers, the home of the American businessman Jim Thompson is one of the best preserved traditional Thai houses and one of the best museums in the country. The entrepreneur became famous for reviving the art of silk weaving after it was neglected during World War II. Thompson was captivated by these weavings and began selling them to the world’s leading high fashion houses. Meanwhile, he amassed an important collection of south-east Asian antiquities and works of art spanning over 14 centuries.
Temples
Bangkok boasts some of Thailand’s finest temples, some of which are hidden among modern skyscrapers. The most visited and most important is Wat Phra Kaew, located next to the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Another iconic temple is Wat Arun, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, which is striking for its white colour and 70-metre central tower. Wat Pho is the home of the golden Buddha, which measures 15 metres high by 46 metres long and is reclining and encased in the central building. The marble temple or Wat Benchamabophit was a design of King Rama V, who had it built in 1900 with a gallery containing 52 Buddha statues from different periods. At Wat Trimit you can see the largest solid gold seated Buddha in the world. It’s three metres tall and weighs five and a half tonnes. Wat Saket, or the Temple of the Golden Mount, is located on a hill in the centre of Bangkok and, after climbing some 300 steps, you’ll reach the base of the great golden “chedi”, which is visible from many parts of the city. There are more temples, all of them interesting: Loha Prasat or “iron castle”; Wat Suthat, which houses a large bronze Buddha with over 800 years of history; Wat Intharawihan, built in white marble; and Wat Mahathat, which is one of the best temples for meditation.
Chinatown
Nowadays, the Chinese community plays an important role in Bangkok’s commercial activity, mainly in Chinatown, an area surrounding the roads of Yaowarat and Sampeng. Interestingly, Yaowarat road is shaped like the body of a dragon. There are hundreds of restaurants, cafes and shops selling all kinds of things. It’s also the heart of Bangkok’s street food scene, with a host of stalls and terraces. Within Chinatown, the Pak Khlong flower market and Phahurat Indian market are worth a visit. North of Chinatown is Dusit, the centre of Thailand’s bureaucracy and a peaceful spot just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Chinatown.
Parks
Bangkok also has parks and some of them are very large. This is the case of Lumpini Park, one of Thailand’s most beautiful and famous parks, where you’ll find calm lizards with the Bangkok skyline in the background. It’s in the Silom area and has two free outdoor gyms and a running track. Another pleasant nature park is Chatuchak, which has a large lake and a botanical garden ideal for getting lost in. Right in the heart of the city centre are the small Sukhumvit parks, created in honour of the royal family. There are many more, such as Benjakitti Park, Benjasiri Park, Queen Sirikit Park and Rama IX Park. These are Bangkok’s “green” havens to explore.
Things to see nearby
If you have time to discover Bangkok’s surroundings, there are several towns that are worth a visit. Ayutthaya, 70 kilometres from the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its impressive ruins of temples and palaces. If you’re interested in nature, a good option is Khao Yai National Park, a three-hour drive from Bangkok, where you’ll discover unique birds, waterfalls and beautiful jungle landscapes. If shopping is your thing, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located a two-hour drive from Bangkok and is well worth a visit. Admittedly, it’s mainly aimed at tourists, but the women dressed in traditional costumes selling their foodstuffs from small boats are a delightful sight. Another option is to visit the famous Bridge over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi.
