Thailand

8 Places You Gotta See in Bangkok

Bangkok, Asia’s biggest tourist destination by some distance and one of the most popular worldwide. It’s not difficult to see why either, friendly and welcoming locals, great shopping, unbelievable food and a fascinating history and culture. So what are you waiting for? Get yourself out there and see for yourself what the fuss is about and why everyone loves Bangkok!
Now we’ve convinced you, check out our list of the 10 Places You Gotta See in Bangkok to get a good grounding and to check off the must-sees of Bangkok, then go get lost and discover some beauties for yourself!

1. The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand (Flickr/ Greg Knapp)

Right at the heart of Bangkok is the city’s most famous attraction, The Grand Palace. Sitting at the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this complex of buildings housed the Kings of Siam and their court for over 150 years. And while the royal family no longer resides here, parts of the palace house several royal offices. Most of it is open to the public as a museum; the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Siwalai Gardens drawing most of the tourist crowds.

2. Take a Boat Tour

Khlong Saen Saep River, Bangkok, Thailand
Khlong Saen Saep River, Bangkok, Thailand (Flickr/ David McKelvey)
 Skip Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams and travel the way the locals have been getting around the city for centuries: by river. For centuries, the Thai have primarily used these long-tailed boats to navigate the city’s waterways. Take a boat tour downtown along the Khlong Saen Saep River, where you’ll and see the city up close.

3. Climb to the top of Wat Arun

Wat Arun, Bangkok, Thailand
Wat Arun, Bangkok, Thailand (Flickr/Bruce Lim)
Also known as the ‘Temple of Dawn,’ Wat Arun is a Buddhist monastery that lies just along the Phraya River Sipan. It’s defined by its prangs (spires), which were built to catch the first light of the morning. You’ll have to ascend a long series of steep steps before reaching the top. But at its highest point, you’ll see the stunning view of the entire Chao Phraya River and the Grand Palace.

4. Grab a bite at Chinatown

Chinatown, Bangkok, Thailand
Chinatown, Bangkok, Thailand
Feast on cheap yet delicious seafood. Spot T&K between the innumerable rows of vendors because that’s where you can satisfy your craving for grilled Thai prawn, curry crab, oysters, lemon sea bass, shrimp paste spinach, dong fen baked crab, fresh oyster omelet, money, shrimp cakes, blood clams, steamed mussels, Thai fried rice… You name it, they have it.

5. Shop at the Floating Markets

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bangkok, Thailand
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bangkok, Thailand (Flickr/Xiquinho Silva)

An icon of Thai culture and a must-do when you’re in Bangkok, spend at least an afternoon at one of the famous floating markets. Chase down your bargain hunts on a long tailed boat, as vendors sell you clothes, flowers, and souvenirs from both sides of the riverbank. You’ll even see a couple of vendors cooking their dishes on the boats!

6. Relive Love of Siam at Siam Square

Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand (Flickr/jbremer57)
 Fans of the romantic tearjerker movie ‘Love of Siam’ will easily recognize Siam Square. But even before the hit movie, Bangkok’s largest shopping mall district has been dominated mostly by teenagers and young adults looking to score great deals and trendy finds. Other nearby attractions are Madame Tussauds and the Siam Paragon’s underground aquarium.

7. Spend the night at Khao San Road

Khao San Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Khao San Road, Bangkok, Thailand (Flickr/survivaladmin)
With its cheap accommodations and easy access to transportation to Thailand’s other provinces, it’s easy to see why Khao San Road has been labelled the ‘Backpacker’s Heaven.’ Travelers looking to meet other travelers should consider staying here, or at least wander the short street. For such a short stretch, Khao San Road is bursting with bars, exotic food, and nightclubs.

8. Stroll through Lumphini Park

Bangkok, Thailand: Lumpini Park (Flickr/Greg Gjerdingen)
Still want to learn more about things to do in Thailand before booking your flights? Let KKday help you discover the charms of Thailand!

 

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