Bangkok

Bangkok is often the first stop of tourists visiting Thailand. This city, which is also known as “the city of Angels” offers so much to do and see, an entire holiday could easily be spend just here.

Something for everyone

Among the many attractions are Chao Phraya river dinner cruises, cultural & ladyboy shows, the Grand Palace, amusement parks like Dream World and Siam Amazing Park and dinner on the Sirimahannop ship on the Chao Phraya river.

The old and new

In Bangkok the old and new are close together. The city houses over 400 temples, a number of Royal Palaces and Mansions and a modern skyline of skyscrapers and suspension bridges.

Getting around Bangkok

It is easy to get around much of the city thanks to the BTS Sky Train, the MRT Subway and the Chao Phraya River Express boat, which are reliable, cheap and usually quicker than a taxi.

Probably the most comfortable way to see some of the city’s highlights is to make a boat trip on the Chao Phraya river and its many waterways, the khlongs.

Attractions in Bangkok

Bangkok offers plenty to do and see for everyone.

To see some of the city’s history, visit the historic district Rattanakosin which houses the Grand Palace, the Wat Pho, the National Museum and many other places worth a visit.

For a day of relaxation and fun head to Dream World amusement park, Siam Amazing Park water and fun park or Safari World and Marine Park.

Safari World & Marine Park
5K+ Booked

฿ 1,500
฿ 1,250
 Instant confirmation

Dream World Amusement Park
2K+ Booked

 
฿ 600
 Instant confirmation

Among the many other family attractions are Madame Tussauds wax museum, Ocean World, Art in Paradise, Kidzania, Calypso cabaret, Siam Niramit Cultural Show or the Princess dinner cruise.

Princess Dinner Cruise
3K+ Booked

฿ 1,500
฿ 950
 Instant confirmation

Loy Nava Dinner Cruise
100+ Booked

฿ 2,295
฿ 1,800
 Instant confirmation

Most attractive Bangkok districts

Bangkok, that was made the Thai capital in 1782 by King Rama I, is spread out over an enormous area and split up in 50 districts, some of which are of particular interest to visitors.

Some of the most attractive areas are Chinatown, the historical district Rattanakosin, the riverside area, Silom, Siam, Khao San road and a number of areas for bargain or exclusive shopping.

Chinatown
Crowded street markets, narrow alleys & Chinese temples

Rattanakosin
The historical district

Riverside
Along the Chao Phraya river

Silom
Skyscrapers and infamous red light district

Siam
Bangkok’s largest shopping malls

Getting around Bangkok
Sky Train, River boat, Tuk Tuk, Taxi & others

Khao San road

Part of the 2000 movie “The Beach” with Leonardo di Caprio featured the Khao San road, which is the center of Bangkok’s backpacker scene. The area is packed with bars, pubs, clubs, massage shops, guest houses and restaurants with loads of activity going on 24 hours a day. Khao San road offers food to anyone’s taste, from Thai and Indian to Northeastern Esan and Western.

A fun experience is to watch the very popular Muay Thai boxing fights at Ratchadamnoen stadium, not far from Khao San road. Also close to this area are the Grand Palace and the Wat Saket or “Golden Mount”, which is a beautiful Buddhist temple located on top of a hill, from where you will have great views over the city.

Shopping in Bangkok

Shoppers in Bangkok will find some of Asia’s largest shopping malls, countless street markets, as well as the famous Chatuchak weekend market and several floating markets.

It seems that almost everything is for sale at Thailand’s largest open air market, the Chatuchak Weekend Market, easily reached by BTS Sky Train.

For some more up market shopping, go to the Siam area with shopping centers like Siam Paragon, MBK and Siam Discovery Center. The Sukhumvit area is well known for its abundant nightlife, shopping, restaurants and day spas.

For some of the best views of Bangkok, go to the 88 storey high Baiyoke building in Pratunam district, which has a number of restaurants on the top floors. The crowded and somewhat chaotic area around it is an excellent place for bargain shopping, especially clothing, textiles and accessories.

Bangkok Shopping

Chatuchak Market

Temples

Being Thailand’s capital, Bangkok houses hundreds of Buddhist temples including some of the most beautiful in the country and the most highly revered temple, the Wat Phra Kaew or Emerald Buddha temple located on the grounds of the Grand Palace.

Some other temples worth a visit are the Wat Arun (the temple of Dawn), the Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha temple), Wat Intharawihan (the temple of the standing Buddha) and Wat Traimit (the temple of the Golden Buddha).

Wat Arun
The Temple of Dawn

Wat Traimit
The Temple of the Golden Buddha

Wat Benchamabophit
The Marble Temple

Wat Pho
Reclining Buddha

Palaces

After the fall of Ayutthaya in the second half of the 18^th century Bangkok was made the new capital of Thailand, then called Siam. King Rama I, the first King of the Chakri dynasty, started construction of the Grand Palace. The palace served as the residence for the Royal Family.

At the start of the 20^th century a new complex of palaces, Royal mansions and throne halls was built in Dusit district. On the grounds you will find the Vimanmek Royal teak mansion, the white marble Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and Dusit palace.

Grand Palace
Bangkok’s most famous attraction

Vimanmek Mansion
Teak wooden Royal Mansion