Places to Visit in Bangkok are one of the most interesting places in the entire Southeast Asia that combine the rich culture, night life, and delicious food. The Thai capital is a contrasting city and having golden temples and modern high-rise buildings in the same area, calm canals and the vibrant markets only a few streets apart.
Bangkok is not short of surprises whether you are sightseeing the splendor of the Grand Palace, riding a tranquil boat ride on the Chao Phraya River or sampling real Thai street food in Chinatown.
In this article, we shall guide you through the best places to visit in Bangkok that represent the spirit and charm of the city.
Top 11 Places in Bangkok for Tourists
Wat Pho
Wat Pho lies to the south of Bangkok’s Grand Palace campus and is a delightfully walkable destination. Built by King Rama I, the temple is the oldest in the city, considered a healing site and possessing an age-old pharmacy that is famous. It is also known as the first university in Thailand, which was established by King Rama III himself. If you’re up for it, a foot massage or Thai massage at the medical school here is par for the course! However, keep in mind that prices are slightly higher than what is charged by massage parlors dotting Bangkok. Wat Pho is also famous for its Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
You will be amazed to view the imposing statue of the Buddha which goes up to 15 metres in terms of height and measures 45 metres in terms of overall length. It is massive and you cannot view it entirely. While exploring the various sections, look out for the beautifully designed soles on the feet, which are adorned by precious stones as well. Also view the earlobes which are long, indicating noble parentage and birth and also the hand which showcases the lotus-bud design, indicating pure beauty.
Wat Arun
This is an ancient complex going back to the time when legendary battles were fought between Burma and Siam. Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese once, being destroyed completely. However, the survivors including General Taksin were committed to continue their march until the sun rose again and also for constructing a temple at the site. This temple became the Temple of the Dawn or Wat Arun. It is also the site where the newly-crowned King constructed a private prayer chapel and the royal palace itself.
You can experience a panoramic view of the Chao Praya River at sunset if you succeed in climbing all the way to the top. This is one destination where the sunset truly comes alive in unfathomable yet exciting ways!
Grand Palace of Bangkok
This is an unforgettable destination for tourists with history breathing in every corner. The royal palace precinct offers several aesthetically captivating buildings that stand out for their luxury and extravagance. The palace complex is also where you will come across the home of the Emerald or Jade Buddha, which is called Wat Phra Kaeo. The Grand Palace was constructed in the year 1782, serving as a residence for the royal family over several decades. It still hosts many ceremonies while also accommodating national luminaries and heads of other countries.
You should ideally wear modest clothing while visiting the monument. Make sure that your legs and arms are covered in this regard. You can combine Wat Phra Kaeo with the Grand Palace for an immersive look into the history and culture of Thailand. Choosing a tourist guide is recommended in order to avoid missing out on important nuggets of information and other finer nuances of the visit.
Giant Swing, Bangkok
The Giant Swing is a popular tourist attraction bang in the middle of one of the city’s busiest public squares and facing Wat Suthat. The Giant Swing goes up to 27 metres and will instantly captivate you with its teak construction. This place was built back in the 1700s for usage in traditional ceremonies by Hindu Brahmins although it was damaged later on due to lightning. It has eventually transformed into one of the city’s most popular tourist landmarks. It was also the site of previous religious ceremonies that took place in December each year after the harvesting of rice.
Three-member teams balanced precariously on the narrow plank while swinging 25 metres or higher above the ground till Heaven. This was the point where they would try to capture a bag filled with silver coins with their teeth. The contest was however banned in 1932 by King Rama VII owing to several accidents and fatalities.
Wat Traimit
The Temple of the Golden Buddha or Wat Traimit is another Bangkok attraction that you should not miss! The East Asiatic Company bought the land surrounding this temple back in the 1950s. The sale came with a caveat, that the plaster Buddha statue had to be removed. However, it was too massive and hefty for the crane used for its removal. The cables gave way with the statue dropping to the ground. It was ultimately left where it fell overnight. It was the rainy season and a few monks were going past the site the following morning, when they saw a spark of gold through the plaster of the statue. Upon removal of the external coating, everyone was amazed to view the 3.5 meter statue of the Buddha that was built from 5.5 tons of pure gold.
No one has managed to successfully trace the actual origins of this invaluable Buddha statue though many historians feel that it goes back to the Sukhothai period, a time when the country was under attack from several invaders for its rich treasures. In this period, hiding priceless Buddha figurines and statues under plaster became a common affair. No historian has managed to clarify how this statue arrived in Bangkok although it stands proudly till date, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
Wang Na Palace and National Museum
Those who love history and culture will not want to miss the National Museum. This was the sole museum in Thailand till the 1970s, and possesses a fascinating and vast collection. Almost every exhibit has English and Thai labels alike, while guided tours are also available for tourists. The museum is the best place to get a close glimpse into the country’s chequered past and its evolution over centuries.
The museum grounds also contain the Wang Na Palace built by King Rama I. It remains untouched till date, showcasing the history of the country in full splendor. You will love viewing the collection of religious and other artifacts along with games, ceramics, musical instruments, weapons and the throne of the Viceroy along with a fabulous collection of beautiful Buddha figures across various eras and periods in the country’s history.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Your Bangkok trip will remain incomplete without checking out this innovative and popular Damnoen Saduak floating market. It lies roughly 1.5 hours outside the city in Ratchaburi. Bangkok is already known as the Venice of the East for its famous floating markets and this one will not disappoint you with its mélange of colours and diverse offerings.
You will enjoy the unique shopping experience by boat while feasting on delicious local cuisine and having a chat with the locals. You can take a Floating market cruise trip or tour from Bangkok which will take you a few hours. This is one authentic experience that you simply should not miss!
Chatuchak Weekend Market
What is Bangkok without a heady dose of shopping? This is one of the biggest weekend markets in the whole world and sports an indoor-outdoor configuration with everything on offer from religious artifacts and jewellery to paper lamps, street food and more! The market has 15,000+ stalls offering everything you need at fabulous prices. You can also pick up interesting souvenirs here at cheaper rates.
You will love the charm of the historic market where you can feast on local cuisine, take in the sights, sounds and smells, and have invigorating conversations with the local residents. The market is right next to the Kamphaengpecth MRT Station and just 5 minutes away from the Mochit Skytrain BTS Station. The Suan Chatuchak Park MRT Station is also a short walk away.
Khao San Road
The Khao San Road is a well-known and vibrant street in Bangkok which is the ultimate place to stay worldwide as a backpacker. Only a few minutes’ walk away from the Grand Palace, it is a vibrant neighborhood with cheap hostels, street foods, bars and several shops selling all sorts of handicrafts, travel equipment and many other items. It is a spot where people all over the world gather to take a bite, have a drink and tell their stories, and it creates a multicultural and bicultural climate day and night.
During the night, Khao San Road is turned into a night life hotspot where the street is lit with neon lamps and where music, street performances, etc. take place. Khao San Road can bring 24-hour excitement with either trying the traditional Thai cuisine such as Pad Thai, foot massage, or dancing the night away at one of the rooftop bars. It is the ideal place to be in the fun-loving mood and adventure of Bangkok.
Jim Thompson House
Jim Thompson House is the most intriguing cultural landmark in Bangkok which is used to provide a visitor with an overview of the traditional Thai architecture and art. The house was once the residence of Jim Thompson, an American businessman who helped in restoring the silk industry in Thailand during the 1950s, today the house is a museum with exquisite antiques, sculptures and Southeast Asian artifacts. It is surrounded by generously watered tropical gardens, and it is a very pleasant way to get away from the bustling city.
The architectural heritage in Thailand was manifested in every teakwood structure that was individually selected and moved to other regions of the country to form the complex as a reflection of traditional architecture. One can get to know the life of Jim Thompson, the mystery of his disappearance, and his legacy in the Thai silk trade, through a guided tour. The Jim Thompson House is the place of interest to any history, art, or culture lover living in Bangkok.
Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park is the green heart of Bangkok – a tranquil place in the middle of the dynamics of the city and dominating skyscrapers. An urban oasis covering an area of more than 140 acres, it is ideal to walk the area and enjoy the lake, and open spaces to jog, ride a bicycle or just enjoy the shade of big trees. In the early mornings and evenings, it is also quite active as people are together in Tai Chi, aerobics, and collective workouts.
There is also numerous wildlife that are found in the park such as monitor lizards that are free to roam by the lakeside. Tourists can hire paddleboats, have picnics, or simply relax and watch the sunset in the water. The serene ambiance of Lumpini Park is the reason why it is one of the most suitable locations in Bangkok to see the other slower part of the city.
Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)
Chinatown also referred to as Yaowarat Road, is among the most vibrant and tasteful street to visit in Bangkok. During the day, it is a busy town full of gold stores, markets and Chinese traditional temples. However, at night, the neighborhood becomes a lively food street heaven and hawkers sell everything, including dim sum and grilled seafood, to mango sticky rice.
No other road in the city is as sensory rich as Yaowarat road with its neon lights, the sweet aroma and the vibrant people. It is the best place to experience the multicultural heritage of Bangkok and the real Thai Chinese food, as well as it offers the vibrant nightlife of the city. You can be a food-lover or a photographer, in any case, Chinatown gives you a memorable night adventure.
MBK Center and Siam Paragon
MBK Center and Siam Paragon are two of the most popular shopping centers in Bangkok to be found in the center of downtown. This center is characterized by low prices and unlimited diversity where you will be able to find anything fashionable, electronics, and even souvenirs. It is popular with locals and among those who are traveling to get huge deals in an air-conditioned environment.
A little one-minute walk is Siam Paragon which is a more luxurious shopping mall, with high-end brands, luxury restaurants, and a spectacular underwater world in SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World. A combination of these two malls are the places that encapsulate the dynamic fusion of style and sophistication in the city and so anyone who has an interest in shopping would find them hard to ignore.
Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique The Riverfront is among the most beautiful evening spots in Bangkok, which is a combination of shopping, dining and entertainment by the Chao Phraya River. It is an open-air market that has boutique shops, artisan stalls and restaurants along the riverbank where tourists can have Thai and other international food with beautiful views of the sunset.
Other than shopping and eating, there are other attractions at Asiatique such as the popular Ferris wheel, live shows and cultural shows. Its casual and yet celebratory environment makes it a place of choice among couples and families and anyone who wants to have a good time out with the water. It is the ideal combination of modern vitality of Bangkok and the calmness of the river.
Conclusion
The best places to visit in Bangkok include ancient temples and contemporary wonders that reflect the fact that the city is incredibly diverse and unchanging. Playing the cultural wonders of the Grand Palace, shopping at the Chatuchak Market or spending the time at the Chao Phraya River, each part of Bangkok has a story to tell.
It is an ideal mixture of the old and the new, with unforgettable experiences to any kind of traveler. Whilst visiting, it seems like there is something new to discover every time you visit Bangkok and as such this is a location that really draws the heart and soul of Thailand.
