Bangkok Attractions

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand is an amazing place full of ancient and modern attractions that lure thousands of visitors every year. If you’re planning a first-time visit to Bangkok, take in our ultimate list of the must-visit destinations to explore just the best parts.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market is home to a whopping 15,000 stalls spanning 26 sections and is the world’s largest weekend market. At this colossal market, scout for local delicacies, clothing, second-hand merchandise, home decor, handicrafts, antiques, and even plants. You can also enjoy a soothing Thai massage after shopping. Navigating the market can be slightly overwhelming, so snap a picture of the schematic map that shows you what you can find in each section. For a smoother experience, join a private tour to be whisked directly to the best stores to make the most of your Thai Baht. The market can be easily reached by the Skytrain.

Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan

It is a first class royal Temple and is an ancient temple, which King Rama I the Great ordered to be built for monks to study Dharma. Is located on Maha Rat Road next to the Grand Palace. It is a first-class royal Temple and is an ancient temple, which King Rama I the Great ordered to be built for monks to study Dharma. This is the temple of the reign of King Rama I the Great. During the reign of King Rama III, the King graciously renovated Wat Pho and brought academic texts in different fields to be inscribed around the temple in order to disseminate knowledge to the people. It is considered the first university of Thailand. In addition, wat pho has a large reclining Buddha image that was constructed during the reign of King Rama III of masonry, mortar, and covered with gold.

Bangkok Canal Tour

See a side of Bangkok that most travelers don’t get to see as you cruise along the city’s canal ways. Set sail along the klong (canals) of the Chao Phraya River in a traditional longtail boat and enjoy a glimpse of local life in the Thonburi district of Bangkok. Enjoy up to two hours on the water and stop to visit Baan Silapin (The Artist’s House) and Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a must-visit place for every visitor to Thailand that stands as the most famous landmark today. Ever since it was built in 1782, it served as the home of the Thai King, a royal residence for 150 years. Now it is only used for special occasions or ceremonies. The Grand Palace is divided into 3 main zones. The Outer Court is where you can find the Temple of Emerald Buddha, the Middle Court is where most of the significant residential and state buildings are, and the Inner Court is exclusively reserved for the king, his queen and his consorts. Never miss out on the Temple of Emerald Buddha if you go to the Outer Court, where you can see a beautiful and sacred Buddishist sculpture called, Phra Kaeo Morakot (the Emerald Buddha)! You will be awestruck by the green jade sculpture that is flawlessly carved and is displayed amid gold-gilded ornaments!

Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha)

Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located within the precincts of the Grand Palace in the Outer Court inside the complex of the Grand Palace, in Phra Nakhon District, the historic center of Bangkok. Many think that it is a Buddhist temple, but it is actually a royal chapel. The temple was built in 1783 and the famous Emerald Buddha is kept within the grounds of the temple. Speaking of Emerald Buddha, people in Thailand believe the Emerald Buddha brings prosperity to the country and protect the people. It is about 66 cm tall and is beautifully carved from a single jade stone. No one except for the Thai King and the Crown Prince can touch the statue. Three times a year (summer, winter, and rainy season), a significant ritual is carried out, where the King changes the cloak around the statue to bring good fortune to the country during each season.

Chinatown

Chinatown, located on Yaowarat Road, is a popular tourist attraction in Bangkok. It is in one of the oldest areas of Bangkok and a home to a large ethnic Chinese community in Thailand. You can find tons of shops selling gold, garments, textiles, souvenirs and many more. The way the shops are packed is quite a scene. If you are a foodie, it is a must-visit place for you because you can find a whole lot of delicious street foods in Chinatown at night. Go ahead and try them!

Chatuchak Market

Chatuchak Market is the biggest market in Thailand with over 15,000 stores and 300k visitors a day on average. As this is a weekend market, visiting on Saturday and Sunday is highly recommended so that you can scan all kinds of stores at once. The night market opens every Friday which is also wholesale day. If you would like to just look around what this market looks like without so much crowd then go to the market on the weekday. On Wednesday and Thursday, a few stores including the Plants & Flowers section will be opened.

This market is divided into 27 sections and each section consists of stores selling the same kind of goods.

*About the sections

1, 2, 27 : Used book stores, Restaurants, Dessert shops

2~4 : Interior design, Home decor, Paintings, Pottery

5~6, 10~24 : Clothes, Accessory, consumer products

7~9, 22~26 : Furniture, Antiques, Craftwork

Be aware of the pickpockets and make sure to keep your personal belongings with you at all times. If you are in a group, designate the clock tower in the middle as the gathering place to make it easy to find each other in the crowd.

Dusit Palace

Dusit Palace, located in the Dusit district in Bangkok refers to the whole complex that’s comprised of a series of 13 Royal residence buildings, surrounded by beautiful gardens and lawns. Rama V laid his influence to construct the building into European style between 1897-1901. You’ll need a day out to this complex to visit all the buildings and gardens that comprise the compound.

1. Vimanmek Mansion

Known as world’s largest teak mansion, this beautiful mansion was built in Neoclassic styles and Thai motifs. The mansion has now become a museum that exhibits King Rama V’s photographs, personal art and handicrafts, and gifts and collections. There are guided tours within the mansion for visitors.

2. Ananta Samkhom Throne Hall

Once a reception hall turned into a museum, which now is a representative edifice of the Dust palace. Built in Carrara marble, this spectacular hall was styled in the Renaissance and Neoclassic. Inside the hall are Fresco drawings by Galileo Chini and Carlo Riguli, who were the royal artists serving King Rama V.

*All edifices require appropriate clothing for visitors. (Shorts, mini-skirts, T-shirts aren’t allowed)

Chao Phraya River

Chao Phraya River is located in central Bangkok, Thailand. It flows from Bangkok to the Gulf of Thailand. It is about 372 km in length. In 1782, King Rama I named it the ‘lifeblood of Bangkok’. Another name for the river is ‘Venice of the East’ because the river was used very effectively as a canal for farming. You can enjoy Chao Phraya river by taking an express boat as one of your transportation. There are five express boat lines; local line, orange, yellow, blue, and green-yellow.

The best part of Chao Phraya River is that you can enjoy the most amazing view of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) across the river. This is the main reason why Chao Phraya River is a must-visit place in central Bangkok, Thailand.

Wat Arun

Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, is a Buddhist temple that is located in the Yai district, on the riverside of Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is one of the remarkable landmarks in Thailand well known for its stunning architectural design and decorations. It is a must-visit for travelers and tourists to Bangkok, Thailand! The temple stands 70 m high on the riverside and majestically boasts its beauty especially when the sun sets. So, don’t miss the opportunity to climb up to the central prang and admire a spectacular view of Chao Phraya River, Grand Palace, and Wat Pho!

Like every other temple in Thailand, remember to dress up appropriately and be respectful. 😉