Bangkok is a mixed city in which the beauty of a modern metropolis and the traditions of Asian culture are intertwined in the most incredible way. Bangkok is the liberated center of Thailand, combining the audacious wealth of business districts with the poverty of squalid huts of poor neighborhoods. Only here you can experience Thai culture, enjoy the amazing panorama of the city and taste local cuisine. What to see in Bangkok? What will surprise tourists with the exotic capital? In this review, we have selected for you the best attractions of Bangkok, which we recommend visiting during your trip to the capital of Thailand.
What to see in Bangkok first of all
The Thai capital is a city where traveling unaccompanied is not worth it, especially since guides in Bangkok are not particularly expensive, speak foreign languages well enough and know everything about local rules and traditions. Therefore, after choosing the most interesting sights for yourself, hire a guide and begin your acquaintance with this stunning metropolis.
1. The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace in Bangkok
The main attraction of Bangkok is considered to be the Grand Palace, built during the time of Ram I. It was then that the capital was moved to Bangkok. The Royal Palace complex combines quaint temples and galleries, statues of heroes of the Thai epic, is located in the very center of Bangkok, bounded by Sanam Luang Square and the Chaopraya River.
On the territory of the complex, covering more than 20,000 square meters, there are museums of weapons and textiles, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located here. The place is rich in luxurious wall paintings and colorful frescoes, ornate elements and architecture. When visiting the sights of Thailand, be sure to include this palace in your travel itinerary.
Official website: https://uk.tourismthailand.org
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2. Wat Arun
Wat Arun Buddhist Temple in Bangkok
Bangkok’s temple and cult sites occupy an important place in the history of Thailand. There are many such buildings in Bangkok, but the attention of Buddhists and travelers is attracted by the mysterious Wat Arun, which means Temple of Dawn or Temple of Dawn. During the confrontation between Burma and Ayutthaya, the ruler of Siam promised to build a temple dedicated to the god of dawn on the banks of the Chaopraya River, and kept it. Wat Arun represents Mount Meru, the tiers of which show the different worlds of the universe. Features of the temple building:
- The temple is decorated with flowers made of colorful fragments of ceramics and porcelain. Phra Bang Tower (79 meters). The pagoda is surrounded by four small towers. At the top there are two terraces overlooking the panorama of Bangkok. You can get to the Phra Bang Pagoda via a steep staircase. Alcoves and platforms are decorated with statues of gods, guards and animals.
The Temple has beautiful gazebos, viharnas, you can visit the library, see a sculpture of the Buddha, look into the monks’ bedchamber or into the hall of initiations.
3. Wat Phrakeu or the temple of the “Emerald Buddha”
Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok
The most sacred and revered place in Thailand is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Exploring the sights of Bangkok, it is impossible to ignore the amazing temple. There is a statue of the deity, the size of which is 66 cm high. The jade figure of the Buddha, seated in the lotus position, is a shrine of the Thai people. If you look at the statue from a certain angle, the deity seems to glow from within with a soft greenish fire. According to ancient legends, when the Buddha reached the highest level of being, Nirvana, master Nagasen carved his figure out of jade, believing that he used a real emerald for his work.
The temple is located on the territory of a Large Royal complex. There are two secondary entrances to the Temple for visitors, and teak gates are open for the royal family. To visit the Temple territory, you need to follow a certain “dress code” – wear things that cover the shoulders to the elbow, skirts and trousers that cover the knees, and sandals with a closed heel. One enters the Temple only barefoot, as in any building of the Palace complex.
4. Jim Thompson House Museum
Jim Thompson House Museum in Bangkok
What is a must-visit in Bangkok? The most beautiful place in Bangkok is the Thompson House Museum. The complex consists of six houses built according to Thai traditions. Why do Thais honor the memory of an American architect? The individual buildings of the complex are more than two hundred years old – by Thompson’s order, the buildings were transported from different parts of Thailand. Jim revived the Thai silk industry when he came to Bangkok during World War II. What is unique about the house museum:
- A wonderful collection of antiques and art. Antique items – Chinese porcelain, Cambodian sculptures. Paintings by Thai artists. Rare figurines from Burma. A unique collection of silverware collected by Thompson.
It is not allowed to take pictures in the museum premises – only the complex is allowed to be photographed from the street.
Official website: https://www.jimthompsonhouse.com
5. Wat Saket
Wat Saket or Golden Mountain in Bangkok
The first mention of the Temple of the Golden Mountain dates back to the XVI century. It is no coincidence that the building was included in the sights of Bangkok – it is a temple of fabulous beauty. The complex symbolizes the purification of the soul and body, and is located on the site of ancient graves. This area is still called the “Gate of Ghosts”. The main feature is that the Temple was built on an artificially created embankment, and the building is crowned with a golden conical chedi. You can see a lot of interesting things here:
- Buddha statues and places of worship. The handshake room is a bot for prayers and dedications. Viharn is an assembly ceremonial hall. A wide staircase of 320 steps. Bells and bells. A relic of the Buddha located under the chedi.
From the roof of the Golden Mountain Temple there is a stunning view of Bangkok – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the famous monument of Democracy and the tall towers of the business district of the metropolis are visible. It is especially interesting in Van Saket during the Loikratong celebration in November. Fairs, solemn processions, colored lanterns, flags and fun attractions await tourists.
Official website: https://thegoldenmount.com
6. Bike Tower 2
Night view of Bayuk II Tower in Bangkok
304 meters is the mind–boggling height of the most amazing building in Thailand. The Bayok 2 Tower proudly raises its peak to the sky, offering tourists to enjoy a beautiful view from the terrace of the architectural masterpiece. The modern skyscraper is a hotel with 85 floors and 650 rooms. Observation decks offering a panoramic view of the sights of Bangkok are located on the 77-84 floors of the tower. In good weather, you can see not only the city, but also the Gulf of Thailand, 25 km from Bangkok. A rotating platform is provided on the 84th floor of the Bayok 2 Tower, so you can view the city from different angles. To get to the upper tiers of the tower, tourists can:
- Check into the hotel – guests have unobstructed access to the viewing terraces. Book a table at the restaurant of the Bayok 2 Tower Hotel and get a free ticket to the roof. Pay for visiting the observation decks at the hotel’s special ticket office and enjoy the wonderful view at different times of the day.
When the lights are on in the hotel and the city is awash in bright colors, it’s hard to find a more interesting picture to shoot.
7. Vimanmek Palace or Vimanmek Mansion
Wimanmek Palace in Bangkok
What you need to see in Bangkok is the Wimanmek Palace, which was built under King Rama the Fifth. When he was visiting Europe, he was fascinated by the masterpieces of local architecture and decided to embody a bold idea – to combine the Victorian style with Oriental traditions. The “Castle in the clouds” seems to hover above the ground thanks to the use of a special kind of teak wood for construction. Interesting features:
- Vimanmek is built without a single nail. There are eighty rooms in the palace. For some time, Vimanmek was the residence of the king and his family. The first elevator in Thailand is installed in the building, the first typewriter and an electric lamp are also stored here. Reception halls and rooms for honored guests, apartments of the royal family look solemn.
To get even more impressions while exploring the sights of Bangkok, tourists can visit the Aphisekdusit Throne Room, located near the “Castle in the Clouds”. There is an interesting collection of clothes, fabrics and handicrafts, there are portraits of famous personalities and antique carriages.
8. Safari World – Theme Park
The world of safari in Bangkok
More than two hundred hectares of land have been allocated in Bangkok for the Safari World Zoo. The territory combines a Safari Park and a Marine Park – wildlife mixed with original shows and entertainment. Visitors to the Safari World can enjoy an interesting walk in their own car or on a park bus. What awaits visitors:
- Tigers and lions roam freely around the park. Giraffes, deer, and hippos graze peacefully in open pastures. The inhabitants of the huge zoo are zebras, camels, rhinoceroses, and antelopes. There are also large birds – ostriches, pelicans, marabou. Spectacular performances of dolphins can be seen in the Marine Park.
What to visit in Bangkok but the world-famous zoo? The territory of predators is fenced off from the herbivorous inhabitants of the park. However, when visiting the Safari World, it seems that the animals are adjacent to each other. Families with children will definitely enjoy the performance of seals and dolphins, and a visit to the boxing of orangutans. Park staff are asked to follow the rules – do not get out of the car, do not honk the horn and do not commit frightening actions.
Official website: https://www.safariworld.com
9. Ananda Samakhom
Ananta Samahom Throne Room in Bangkok
The majestic Ananta Samakhom building is part of the Dusit architectural complex, as is the Vimanmek Castle. The throne room corresponds to a given style – the beauty of Baroque, neoclassicism and Thai architecture combined under one massive dome. The Ananta Samakhom Palace complex occupies a vast area of 5.5 hectares. There are many green corners here – walking along the alleys becomes doubly pleasant while contemplating the lush flowering vegetation. What to see in Bangkok in the Throne Room:
- The palace walls are decorated with rich frescoes. Exhibitions of works by Thai artists. Works of decorative and applied art.
You can’t take photos in the Throne Room itself. But the beauty of the palace, its halls, exhibits, painted frescoes, bas-reliefs, and a high dome will forever remain in the traveler’s heart.
Official website: https://www.artsofthekingdom.com
10. The Monument of Democracy
The Monument of Democracy in Bangkok
The guides, showing tourists the sights of Bangkok, include a visit to the Monument of Democracy in the route. The monument was erected in 1939 in honor of the military coup that took place, which led to a fundamental change in political power in the country. Architect Maeve Iphaiwong and sculptor Corado Ferocchi laid 75 cannonballs at the base of the monument, which symbolizes the year of the Buddhist Era.
The monument is located in the center of the automobile roundabout. The main figures of the Democracy Monument are four tall sculptures and one low one, located in the center of the monument. The monument impresses with its majestic appearance and symbolic meaning.
Bangkok Attractions: what else to visit while in Bangkok
Tourists who want a real exotic, no doubt, will enjoy excursions in Bangkok to local markets and parks, where a special national flavor reigns and the touch of civilization subsides. Naturally, it is better to go to such places with an escort in order to avoid problems with the locals and not miss all the fun!
11. Chatuchak Market
Souvenirs at Chatuchak Market in Bangkok
Chatuchak is a weekend market. Thais claim that it is the largest in the world. And what is especially interesting, the goods are sold at quite affordable prices. Chatuchak got into the sights of Bangkok quite deservedly – this is the largest clothing market. What can you buy here:
- electronics, appliances, furniture; souvenirs, crafts, antiques; flowers of all kinds and colors; clothes, dishes, household goods; parrots and other animals.
And this is not a complete list of goods that can be traded with Thai sellers at a bargain price. Brisk trade stretches along a variety of streets and alleys, because the total area of the Chatuchak market occupies about 11 hectares of land. Tourists need to be prepared that cash payments are carried out throughout the market, and it is very problematic to find an ATM. Chatuchak receives up to two hundred thousand people every weekend, and a third of them are invariably foreigners.
Official website: https://www.chatuchakmarket.org
12. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Top view of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
An interesting phenomenon that can only be seen in East Asia is the many rivers and canals surrounding Bangkok, which are not only used to move around the city, but also used for brisk trade. What is unusual to see in Bangkok? Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located on the water, so tourists can hire a boat and choose the product they are interested in. The market mainly presents souvenirs, but there are vegetables and fruits on sale. In addition, the traveler will be able to order a Thai dish and see how it is prepared right in the boat.
All traders with goods are located on narrow boats. It is enough to make a hand sign, and the local seller swims up to the buyer to demonstrate his goods. The floating market is always bright, noisy, and there is a brisk trade. This place is also famous for the fact that episodes of the James Bond film were filmed here. Actually, thanks to such a peculiar advertisement, Damnoen Saduak gained worldwide fame.
Official website: https://www.thailandhighlight.com
13. Lumpini Park
Lumpini Scenic Park in Bangkok
In the very center of Bangkok there is a wonderful Lumpini Park, named after the place where the Buddha was born. In order for the townspeople to relax and enjoy the views of wildlife, almost a hundred years ago, by order of King Rama the Sixth, a beautiful park was laid out, covering an area of 57 hectares. What to visit in Bangkok in Lumpini Park:
- Tourists can see the statue of King Rama the Fourth, the foot of which is decorated with placers of wonderful flowers. A lake with birds and fish, plus an additional bonus – a fun catamaran ride. A small town for children, located on the banks of a small river, with swings, sandboxes and other entertainment. The stage is in the center of dense vegetation – musical performances and shows take place on it. A lawn with rare species of shrubs and flowers. Signs with the names of exotic plants are attached to the green spaces. Live monitor lizards in large numbers. They live near water, but they can also hide in trees.
Dogs are not allowed to come to Lumpini Park, drink alcoholic beverages and smoke, but picnics in the fresh air are welcome.
14. Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm
Crocodile Farm-Samut Prakan Zoo
Bangkok’s attractions attract thousands of tourists from all over the world with their exoticism. Only in Thailand, travelers can see a farm with live crocodiles, located 25 km from Bangkok. Individuals of various sizes and ages with sharp teeth are the main inhabitants of Samut Prakan, and there are about 60,000 crocodiles here. Popular sights for vacationers:
- Crocodile shows when trainers put their head in the mouth of an animal. Spectacular shocking performances featuring crocodiles, elephants and tigers. A resting place for crocodiles, where the inhabitants are fed and they relax in the sun. Tourists are offered to feed small crocodiles, not from their hands, but with the help of a special stick on which meat is strung.
It is known that it takes 25 years for a crocodile to grow from an egg to a three-meter individual. There are so many crocodiles in Samut Prakan that it is difficult to figure out where their tails are and where their heads are. The attractions of Bangkok that you can visit in Thailand should definitely include a visit to Samut Prakan.
Official website: https://www.worldcrocodile.com
15. Giant swing
Giant swing in Bangkok
There are Giant swings in the Phra Nahon area, which belong to the monuments of religious purpose. Previously, this place was used for ceremonies, but the structure was damaged by a lightning strike. After several restorations, the Swing was included in the UNESCO Heritage. Now the structure is included in the most famous sights of Bangkok.
According to an ancient legend, when Brahma created the world, he sent Shiva to earth. But on earth, the treacherous Naga serpent wrapped itself in rings around the mountains, guarding its possessions. Shiva defeated Naga, and the construction of the swing symbolizes this duel. The swing represents the mountains and the earth. During the religious ritual, the men swung on a Giant Swing up to twenty meters high. The last “high-quality” ceremony was held in 1935, after which the ritual was banned due to accidents. Every tourist should definitely see this place. After visiting Bangkok, be sure to visit Pattaya! We have prepared for you an overview of the best attractions in Pattaya so that you can be inspired to travel further in Thailand.
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