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Did you know that Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world? Bangkok, the capital of Thailand is an intriguing concoction of experiences. It is a vibrant city, a city of throbbing night markets, beautiful Thai street food, temples, bustling shopping malls and an eclectic mix of old and new. Bangkok is also the gateway to the exotic beaches and islands that dot Thailand. The major feeder cities for international passenger traffic to Dubai are Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, among others. Also Mumbai to Bangkok flights carry a lot of tourists from India.
What are the attractions that attract tourists to Bangkok? Here is a list of top attractions that make Bangkok a popular travel destination including the most famous wats (Buddhist monasteries).
The Grand Palace
Palaces anywhere in the world awe you with their grandeur and majesty. The Grand Palace in Bangkok is no exception. As you leave the modern city of Bangkok and enter the gates of the sprawling precincts of the Grand Palace, you enter a different world. As you walk amidst the large gardens and beautiful building you will feel transported to a different time in history. The Grand Palace has been the official residence of the kings of Thailand from the year 1782. The Grand Palace covers a total area of 218,400 metres and is surrounded by large walls on all four sides. The Grand Palace is not a single structure but is made up of residential buildings of the royal family, courts, public offices, temples, pavilions, gardens and courtyards.
Bangkok National Museum
Known as Phranakorn National Museum – The Bangkok National Museum is home to the largest collection of artifacts and Thai art in all of Thailand. Amongst the many interesting and amusing items to see on display are Chinese weapons, precious stones, puppets, clothing and textiles and Khon masks. It is divided into 5 main sections: Gallery of Thai History, History of Fine Arts, History of Thai Art through generations, The Wang Na historical sites.
Bangkok Art and Culture Center
Located in the Pathum Wan district and occupying several levels of exhibition space, the BACC houses various galleries, that feature mainly contemporary art in diverse art forms, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia works by local and international artists.
Lumpini Park
At over 500,000 sq. meters Lumpini Park is the park of the city people living in Bangkok. The name of the park originated from the Lord Buddha who was born in Nepal and you can see generations practicing Thai Chi, you can hire a swan paddle boat and see the famous monitor lizards.
Wat Arun
A beautiful temple on the banks of the river Chao Phraya, the Wat Arun is known for its distinctive Phrang or spires. Arun refers to the Hindu Sun God and very aptly the temple presents a glorious sight when the first rays of the morning sun caress its exteriors. The central spire is more than two hundred and eighty feet high and is inlaid with white porcelain. In ancient times the Wat Arun housed the statue of the Emerald Buddha which was later shifted to the Wat Phra Kaew.
Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew is known as the temple of the Emerald Buddha. This temple is considered to be the most auspicious and sacred of the Buddhist temples in the whole of Thailand. The statue of the Emerald Buddha which occupies pride of place in the Wat Phra Kaew originated in India. It is believed that the Emerald Buddha would bring peace, prosperity, and well being to any country where it resided. The Emerald Buddha is a dark green statue of a seated Buddha which is about twenty six inches in height. The statue has been carved from a single jade stone. It is interesting to note that there is a cloak around the statue which is changed thrice a year by the king. The colour of the cloak corresponds to the three seasons, summer, winter, and monsoon. The changing of the cloak is a very important ritual of the temple.
Wat Phra Chetuphon
One of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok, it is a first class royal temple and is an ancient temple. King Rama I the Great ordered this to be built for monks to study Dharma. features the famous Reclining Buddha, covered in gold, this is the largest Buddha in Thailand with its length being 46 metres and height is 15 metres.
Top Tip: Wat Phra Chetuphon is very close to the Royal Palace, but they both require quite a lot of time, so visit on different days – do not try to do both at once.
China Town
Foodies rejoice! This is the best known budget-friendly food market in Bangkok and one, that every visitor must experience. The heart of Chinatown is called Th Yaowarat, the main area that is a melting pot of sights, sounds, and flavours waiting to be discovered. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat and Wat Traimit are located in this area with the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue, and Talad Noi, a charming neighborhood renowned for its traditional architecture and street art. Chinatown’s nightlife is also something that should not be missed: lots of roof top bars, traditional Chinese opera performances, street festivals and cool nightclubs around this area.
Chao Phraya River Cruise
A great way to see the sights of Bangkok and you can opt for traditional teakwood boats that often offer local fine dining experience or the tourist catamarans, which are turning into a party boat after sunset.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
A not to miss visit, this iconic market is about 100 km from the city but well worth the visit. A vibrant maze of wooden boats that float along narrow canals, brimming with colorful fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts.
Talat Rot Fai Srinakharin Night Market
With lots of food stalls, live music and bars, visiting a night market is not just about shopping! However, you need to be mindful of the operating days of Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. What will you find there? Antiques, vintage-style goodies, flashy clothing, home accessories, and delicious eats.
Jim Thompson House
Turned into a museum now, the house of the American silk entrepreneur and art collector who after WWII and settling in Bangkok famously vanished and never found in 1967. His house is filled with his art collection and personal items, including rare Chinese porcelain, Burmese, Cambodian and Thai artefacts, as well as his beautiful silks.
Aksra Theatre Puppet Show
Whilst there are many traditional Thai puppet shows in Bangkok, one of the best shows are the Aksra Theatre shows. These puppet shows display beautiful designs, skilled craftsmanship, traditional choreograph dances and the spectacular orchestra that plays in the background. Every show tells a story, usually a Thai myth or a real-life story and puppeteers dancing on the stage and bringing the puppets to life.