10 Best Places to visit in Bangkok

A city rich in history, culture and entertainment, Bangkok offers richly adorned temples, the historical Rattanakosin district with the Grand Palace, the Chao Phraya river area, Chinatown, amusement parks and floating markets, just to name a few. Below are ten of the best places to visit in the city.

1 Wat Arun
The illuminated Wat Arun standing on the banks of the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok

The Wat Arun, also known as the temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks. Standing on the West bank of the Chao Phraya river opposite the Grand Palace, the large Khmer style tower is adorned with millions of small pieces of colorful Chinese porcelain. The Wat Arun is particularly beautiful after dark when the tower is illuminated. A fun to get there is to take a river boat. Read more

2 Grand Palace
The throne hall of the Grand Palace

The Grand Palace in the historical Rattanakosin district is one of the must see sites in Bangkok. The palace served as the residence for Thai kings until the end of the 19th century. On the grounds are throne halls, royal mansions and the Wat Phra Kaew, the temple that enshrines the Emerald Buddha image. The walls surrounding the temple are adorned with beautiful and colorful murals depicting scenes from the Ramakien epic. Read more

3 Wat Pho
The enormous gold plated Reclining Buddha at the Wat Pho

The Wat Pho, also known as the temple of the Reclining Buddha is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. Standing right next to the Grand Palace, the temple is famous for its gold plated Reclining Buddha measuring 46 meters long. The feet of the image are inlaid with beautiful mother of pearl. The Wat Pho’s ordination hall houses a beautiful golden Buddha image seated on a high pedestal. Read more

4 Chinatown
China Gate marking the start of Chinatown Bangkok

A vibrant and colorful place, Chinatown is a fun place to explore with its narrow alleys, busy street markets and Chinese shrines and temples. It’s a great place to try some Chinese food at one of the Chinese restaurants and food stalls. The elaborately adorned China Gate on Yaowarat Road marks the start of Chinatown. During Chinese New Year, Chinatown is the scene of lion dancers and fireworks. Read more

5 Calypso Cabaret
Dancers wearing flashy outfits performing a glitz and glamour Las Vegas style show at Calypso Cabaret

Bangkok’s best know ladyboy cabaret show, Calypso Cabaret is a fun evening out for the whole family. Dancers wearing flashy costumes in vibrant colors, long eyelashes, flashy makeup and ostrich feathers perform a glitz and glamour Las Vegas style show which is a mix of comedy, drama, modern and traditional musical acts. During dinner, watch a classical Khon masked dance show. The dancers’ elegant expressions with hands, fingers, feet and body convey the emotions of the scene. Read more

6 Damnoen Saduak
Boats with fresh fruits and vegetables on the canals of the Damnoen Saduak floating market

Featured in several movies, Damnoen Saduak is Thailand’s most famous floating market. A fun place to visit, the waterways of the bustling market are full of small boats loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables. Try some local food and take a fun boat trip on the market and the surrounding canals to observe rural life and fruit orchards. Read more

7 River Dinner Cruise
The Chao Phraya Princess dinner cruise ship on the river

A scenic river cruise is a great way to see some of Bangkok’s best landmarks while enjoying a buffet dinner and a cool river breeze. Sample a good variety of Thai and Western food, while the ship floats past famous historical landmarks on the river banks like the Grand Palace and the beautifully illuminated Wat Arun as well as modern high rise buildings and the nearly 500 meter long Rama VIII bridge. Read more

8 Mahanakhon Skywalk
Mahanakhon Tower, the highest building in Thailand with its glass floor Skywalk at 310 meters aboven ground

Enjoy a scary and unique experience on top of the Mahanakhon building, the highest in Thailand. Feel the thrills of walking on a glass tray at a hight of 310 meters above the ground and seeing the skyscrapers below. From here you will have the finest panoramic views of the city. Read more

9 River Kwai Bridge
The famous Bridge over the River Kwai

Visit the famous Bridge over the river Kwai that was built during the second world war to connect Thailand with Yangon in Myanmar. Take a train ride on the Death Railway through a beautiful landscape with mountains, jungle and streams. See the War Museum and the War Cemetery, where nearly 10,000 prisoners of war that died during construction of the railway are buried. Read more

10 Dream World
A roller coaster at Dream World amusement park

A fun place for the whole family, Dream World amusement park has plenty to enjoy for everyone. Get an adrenaline boost at the park’s roller coasters and other spectacular fun rides. Among the many other attractions are shows, carnival games, a Haunted Mansion, a Giant House and a snow town where you can sleigh ride down a slope, build a snowman and have a snowball fight. Read more

11 Dinner Ship
View from the deck of the Sirimahannop dinner ship on the Chao Phraya river

If you’re looking for a unique dinner experience, get aboard the Sirimahannop, one of Bangkok’s best restaurants in a beautiful setting. Take a step back in time on a three master sailing ship and enjoy fine Thai and Western food, cocktails and beverages with a cool river breeze, great river views and a beautiful sun set. Read more

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