Bangkok Attractions
Historic temples, Thai Culture, Shopping..... You Choose!

Bangkok attractions abound in this huge bustling city, where buses, cars, tuktuk's,motorcycles, bicycles.........all vie for a piece of road.Although surprisingly.... it seemed far less crowded in 2007 when we re visited, than in 1988, when huge traffic jams clogged the streets for hours.The Skytrain – a monorail that circles the city,has helped get a lot of traffic off the street.For many tourists, Bangkok is a stopover enroute to other Thailand destinations or a neighbouring country. It is worth taking out two or three days to explore the many Bangkok attractions around this vibrant city.
Bangkok Attractions around the City
The Grand PalaceThis is one of the must see Bangkok attractions. Built in 1782 - and the home of the Thai King for 150 years, there is a distinct contrast in style between the Thai Temple of the Emerald Buddha which is Thailand’s most sacred site.........and Grand Palace (the roof being the main exception) designed in a more European style of architecture. Other highlights are Boromabiman Hall and Amarinda Hall, the original residence of King Rama I and the Hall of Justice. One you must visit is Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century...although only the King is allowed near the Emerald Buddha. Visitors are allowed inside the spacious European style reception room or Grand Palace Hall (Chakri Maha Prasat).
DRESS CODE Remember you must dress appropriately. No shorts, thongs, sandals, or revealing tops, otherwise you won't be allowed in. You can also hire proper trousers if you need to. You pay separate admissions to the different temples and buildings.
Wat Arun Temple Known as The Temple of the Dawnthis is a well known Bangkok attraction. You can walk up part of the central Prang or tower for views.Easiest reached by boat, take a river taxi or longboat.......and for something special view it at sunset....... around 6-7pm all year...... from the restaurants across the river. Even a full night view with the lights is spectacular for this most famous Bangkok icon.
The Rose Garden One of the more touristy Bangkok attractions but still well worth visiting.The Rose Garden is located 30 kilometres out of the city.There is something for everyone with folk dancing, craft stalls and more. We thoroughly enjoyed an evening cultural show including Thai dance, kick boxing, traditional shadow puppets etc after a sumptuous traditional Thai meal.The Rose Garden is also popular for golf enthusiasts and the many craft stalls by day.
Wat Bhoman The Chinese Temple – on Sethupradit Road is a beautiful temple housing a Chinese Pottery museum inside. Wat Pho Wat Pho famous for the huge Reclining Buddha statue houses more than 1000 Buddha images spread over the expansive grounds, most from the ruins of the former capitals Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. The grounds are divided into two sections by Chetuphon road, and most tourists visit the northern section. It includes a large bot (temple hall), enclosed by 394 bronze Buddha images.
The National Museum Made up of six buildings you can take a free two hour English Tour of the Museum 9.30 a.m Wednesdays and Thursdays.Japanese and German tours are on Wednesdays and French tours on Thursdays. You will learn about Thai history and culture, and the Thai Buddhist way of life.With jewellery, art, traditional Thai shadow puppet shows, music, weapons, antiques and more on display. Jim Thompson's House Jim Thompson was an American,famous for setting up Thailand's silk industry. His silk shops are on many people's "to do" list.Jim Thompson's House, now one of Bangkok's attractions .......can be found on the small Soi Kasem San 2 off Rama I road. He had parts of various Thai style teak houses reassembled here to create the house, which has been preserved as a private museum displaying his collection of Thai and Asian art, antiques and pottery. You could tour independently as the locals do on tuk tuk's or bikes.Or take Boat trips that stop at attractions.It really depends on what you want to see, and time constraints.
Bangkok Day Tours
There is a wide selection of half day and full day tours taking you to see the best of central Bangkok attractions ( see above) and the surrounding countryside.- Canal or Khlong Tours are a fascinating peek into Thai every day life. Many years ago we thoroughly enjoyed a canal tour passing by the stilt houses lining these narrow waterways where people use small wooden boats like we use a car.
- The Floating Markets at Damnoen Saduak
- Kanchanaburi - the Bridge on the River Kwai
The day trip focuses on the War Museums and Burma Railway history.- Ayutthaya – the old Thai capital for over 400 years.

Bangkok Accommodation
There is a huge range of hotels in all price ranges, hostels, and apartments.Choose a hotel close to the underground train, boats or in a central area where you can walk to many Bangkok attractions and eating places. We stayed in First Hotel which was cheap - about $US 40....... but perfectly adequate, and very central. The First Hotel Bangkok is within walking distance of business districts, scenic cultural attractions, wonderful shopping and glittering night life. We have stayed at other Bangkok hotels and they have all been good. With such a huge range to choose from it is best to decide which area suits you and then choose a suitable hotel. We stayed in the Sukhumvit area because it was close to the airport. This is also close to the Sky Train.We have also opted to stay in China town......another good location.
Shopping in Bangkok
There are several large shopping complexes including - Siam Centre
- Siam Discovery
- Siam Paragon
- World Trade Centre
- Seacon Square on Si Nakarin Road - the largest shopping mall in the world
- Weekend Market at Chatuchak Park
- Weekend Market at Chatuchak Park
- MBK was the shopping complex recommended to us by a local when we asked where we should go. Partly because it has everything you could think of stocked in the 2,000 shops, but because it is also cheaper than the more upmarket centres. This huge complex on 8 levels has everything you could want.
- Clothing
- electronics
- phones
- luggage
- toys
- restaurants................find the food court on the 5th floor
.......you name it.....it was here! Open: 11:00 - 22:00Location: Phayathai Road, PathumwanBTS: National StadiuThen there are the night markets as roads become bustling industry with stalls, food and nightlife.
PatPong Night Market Bangkok attractions include many markets. PatPong being one of the more famous markets attracting tourists for its cheap fake items of just about anything! – and the overall experience of this traditional street market. You can bargain........and should come away with some good buys. Bargaining Tips Start at about half the price, and be prepared to buy if you go through the bargaining process. Remember this is actually Bangkok’s red light district so go-go bars and less desirable behaviour is also going to be on display.However,it has apparently been cleaned up considerably and is much better than it used to be. If you take a taxi or tuktuk.......be sure to give clear instructions. Our first visit saw us taken to a Ping Pong Hall! Khao San Road This is an excellent place to head for an evening meal. You can walk the length of the street sampling from the many stalls including - “ pat thai”
- Thai style omelettes
- pancakes
- fruit
- grilled fish and meat
and much more. It is usually crowded but a fascinating experience. We opted to then find a restaurant a block or so away and have a sit down meal on the street. Cheap and delicious. Pratunam Market This is considered to be probably the best place in Bangkok to buy cheap clothes, fabrics and textiles - wholesalers and exporters even buy here.It is located at the intersection of Ratchaprarop and Phetburi (Phetchaburi) roads.
Bangkok Transport
With such cheap fares for either tuktuk or taxi you should have no trouble getting around to see the many Bangkok attractions The trains and buses are also easy to use, and many hotels are located near a trainline.Don't forget to check out the boats as this will at times be your best bet........cheaper and faster.River Express and Canal Boats-go up and down the large Chao Phraya River, with about stops 20 stops including many of the main Bangkok attractions. They can be much quicker than the same trip by road, and are a cheap way to see the city.Take a boat from near the Oriental Hotel up to Nonthaburi - a 1hour 15 minute trip for only 10 baht.
Flights to Bangkok
You will fly into the new airport - Suvarnabhumi.This is very large with interesting architecture in keeping with Thai style.Despite it's size we have not found it a difficult airport to move around although I understand there have been problems that are requiring building work. When booking flights you do need to check connecting flights are not from the old airport as this is some distance away.
VAT REFUNDS - it is possible to claim back VAT on certain goods bought in Thailand - get forms from shops displaying "Vat Refund for Tourists" signs. Take the forms, the goods themselves and your passport to the tax refund counter (which is in the departure hall), pay the 100B service fee, and you will be given the refund. They will want to see the goods bought so make them accessible.You must have spent a minimum of 5000B, and 2000B in each transaction, to qualify for this. You may not consider it is worth the hassle. NOTE:As you tour the many Bangkok attractions if you are catching a taxi or even tuk tuk you can expect to be quoted a higher than usual price if you pick it up outside an expensive hotel! Walk a couple of blocks and the price will be what it should be!
Thai Massage in Bangkok
When you are tiring of visting the many Bangkok Attractions..take a break with a Thai massage. Wat Pho ......the center for traditional Thai massage is recognised as the best place for traditional Thai massage. Yhough be aware that it's not a gentle experience.That I can vouch for!You can also take a 30 hour course to learn traditional Thai massage. You don't need to book......just join the queue behind the temple - best early morning or late afternoon for a short wait.
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