Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. It is considered as one of the biggest cities in the world. It has a population of about 9 million. The heavy traffic congestion, extreme heat, and mischievous nightlife do not instantly give visitors a warm welcome. But this immediate impression can be deceptive.
Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis known for its flamboyant shrines and energetic street life. It is one of Asia’s biggest cosmopolitan cities with brilliant temples and palaces, a vibrant nightlife, widespread canals and great shopping, which has something for every traveler.
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Tourist Attractions in Bangkok:
10. Wat Traimit
The Wat Traimit temple is located in the Chinatown area of Bangkok. The temple is widely known for its more than 3 meters (10 feet) high golden Buddha image that weights more than five tons. The image is cast in the Sukhothai style.
This 900 years old image was covered in plaster to hide its value. In 1957, when the image was moved to a new building and slipped from a crane, it was discovered that the image was made of pure gold. It is said that the temple itself was built in the early 13th century.
9. Dusit Palace
The compound of the ‘Royal residences’ is known as the Dusit Palace. This was constructed between 1897 and 1901 in European style for King Rama V. The ‘Vimanmek Mansion’ is the most prominent building. Built of golden teak wood, it is the world’s largest wooden mansion.
This beautiful wooden mansion contains 31 exhibition rooms in addition to the throne room, bedrooms and bathrooms. Make sure to keep your ticket if you visit the Grand Palace before this one as it gives you free entry into the mansion.
8. Lumphini Park
In the bustling Bangkok, Lumphini Park is more than just an oasis of nature. This park was initially designed to house Thai crafts and flowers. But now it is a tranquil place where people can walk the paths, enjoy a paddleboat ride or simply relax and observe others do their morning and evening exercises.
Water monitor lizard which is a crocodile-like reptile can be seen by lucky visitors who stroll along the pond. On Sunday afternoon free outdoor concerts take place.
7. Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market is locally known as JJ Market. It is the largest of its kind in Thailand. This market is considered as the ‘largest weekend market in the world‘ by some. There are more than 8,000 stalls peddling merchandise ranging from antiques to clothes to furniture.
More than 200,000 people come to this wildly popular market on weekends. The market also offers a wide selection of tasty restaurants. For the entertainment of the shoppers various shows, dancing, and live music are organized here.
6. Khao San Road
To be precise, the Khao San Road is a small road located about a block from the Chao Phraya River. The word Khaosan translates as “milled rice”. It is an aide-memoire that in the past the street was a major Bangkok rice market. However, Khaosan Road has developed into a world-famous backpacker’s hangout in the last 20 years.
The road features cheap lodging that ranges from dorm-style hostels to cost-effective 3-star hotels. There are also bars, restaurants, food stalls, convenience stores, travel agencies and internet cafes in the road.
5. Jim Thompson’s House
Jim Thompson’s House was assembled from six traditional Thai-style houses by the notorious ‘CIA operative Jim Thompson’ who revitalized the Thai silk industry after World War II. When Thompson was building his silk company he became a major collector of Southeast Asian art.
Across from Bangkrua, the Jim Thompson’s House sits on a klong, where his weavers were then located. You must take the guided tour through the buildings. It is given in plenty of foreign languages.
4. Wat Arun
WatArun (“Temple of Dawn”) is located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. It is one of the oldest and best known top tourist attractions in Bangkok. This famous temple is an architectural illustration of Mount Meru, which according to Buddhist cosmology is the center of the universe.
The most excellent views of WatArun are during the evening with the sun setting behind it despite the name.
3. CentralWorld
The Central World was opened in 1990. Contrasting to the upper class-marketed Siam Paragon, the eight-story Central World marketed itself as a middle-class shopping center.
Central World was among the many properties set on fire by anti-government protestors on 19th May 2010. For two days the fire raged. In the fire the Zen department store collapsed. On 28th September, the shopping complex reopened after months of refurbishing works with 80% of its trade space open for business.
2. Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
One of the most famous Reclining Buddha statues of the world is located in Wat Pho, Bangkok. Wat Pho temple is constructed nearly 200 years before Bangkok became the capital of Thailand. It is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok and also one of the largest. Both Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha image and the largest number of Buddha images in Thailand are housed in Wat Pho.
The 46 meters long and 15 meters high gold plated Reclining Buddha statue commemorates the passing of the Buddha into Nirvana. ‘Engraved mother of pearl’ decorates the eyes of the statue and the 108 auspicious characteristics of the true Buddha are displayed in the soles of the feet.
1. Grand Palace &Wat Prakeaw
In 1782, the construction of the Grand Palace began. The construction started when the capital of Siam was moved from Thonburi to Bangkok. Until the puzzling death of King Ananda Mahidol in 1946, the palace served as the residence of the Kings of Thailand. King Bhumibol Adulyadej who was his brother succeeded him to the throne. After the succession, he moved permanently to the Chitralada Palace.
In the present day, visiting the palace is considered as one of the best things to do in Bangkok by any international traveler. A royal temple occupies part of the palace compound, which is the famous Wat Phra Kaew. It is the most revered temple of Thailand and home to the famous Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is a jade statue adorned in gold clothing.