Top Ten Things to Do in Bangkok

Our Local Expert Says:

The Grand Palace is a Bangkok must-see, but beware of tourist traps! If a tuk tuk driver tells you that the Palace is closed for the day, make sure to get confirmation. And definitely think twice before agreeing to take the city tour he'll probably offer.

Description:

Bangkok's Grand Palace served as the official residence of Thailand's kings from the time it was built in 1782 until midway through the 20th Century. Although the entry fee is considerably higher than most at 300 baht, the grounds are gorgeous and provide an unforgettable glimpse at Thai history and architecture. Sitting on over 215,000 square meters, the Grand Palace houses government offices, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and royal residences. A trip to the Grand Palace is worth combining with Wat Pho, its next-door neighbor of equal cultural importance.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you had to see one thing in Bangkok, this arguably would be it.

Description:

Over 200 years old, Wat Pho is one of Bangkok's largest and oldest temple complexes. For an entry fee of 50 baht, visitors can roam the grounds with or without a guide, stopping along the way at numerous notable temples and sites. The most famous of Wat Pho's relics is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, wherein lies an impressive 46 meter-long gold-plated image of a reclining Buddha. A first grade royal monastery, Wat Pho is also Thailand's oldest learning center and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Take a Chao Phraya River ferry to Tha Thien (pier). The Grand Palace is a short walk from Wat Pho. You can also cross the river from the pier to see Wat Arun. Beware that scam artists (often tuk-tuk drivers) will try to claim that the temple is closed for the day. Don't believe it.

[Note: Pho is pronounced with a P like Paul not an F like a Vietnamese noodle soup]

Description:

On this sightseeing tour of Bangkok's canals (or khlongs, as they are known locally) you will travel by a motorized boat on the Chao Phraya River to see the serene family homes and temples dotted along the waterways which inspired Bangkok's reference as the "Venice of the East". The canals around Bangkok serve as a natural highway for many local Thai people going about their everyday business, such as transporting their merchandise, in particular rice, to and from the rice fields.

Your cruising tour will stop at the Temple of Dawn, or Wat Arun, which is one of the Bangkok's most iconic landmarks and the most famous of the more than 400 Buddhist temples and monasteries in the city.

It is then onto the Grand Palace complex. This Grand Palace complex includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keow) which is unquestionably one of the wonders of the world today. Within its enormous grounds is the most exotic Buddhist temple and at the heart of the temple itself is a fabulous Buddha image, carved from one piece of Jade, which is the holiest and most revered of religious objects in Thailand today.

Description:

Although greenery may be hard to come by in Bangkok, Chatuchak Park surely has a lot of it. A sanctuary for joggers, bicyclists and picnickers alike since 1980, Chatuchak Park is home to a variety of trees, a winding artificial lake and public exercising equipment for all to enjoy. It borders Chatuchak Weekend Market, thus also making it a haven for exhausted shoppers who need a break from the crowds. And although it is a bit hidden, the rolling extension of the park to the northwest cannot be missed.

Our Local Expert Says:

Just strides away from Central World, one of Bangkok's largest and most upscale shopping malls, the Erawan Shrine presents the shopaholic tourist with a convenient chance to soak up some culture.

Description:

In the middle of the glitz and traffic of downtown commercial Bangkok stands Erawan Shrine, a very unique place of worship that is a must-see. Devoted to the Hindu god Brahma, Erawan Shrine was built in 1956 to honor the spirits that once resided in trees that were chopped down during construction of the nearby Erawan Hotel. Nowadays, the shrine is constantly flooded with worshippers praying for good fortune as they burn incense, light candles and place carnation garlands at offering tables. Traditional Thai dancers perform on a stage around the clock, and tourists are welcomed to partake in the spirituality. The open-air fills with pleasant scents and the good vibes are abundant. Erawan Shrine is a Bangkok must.

Our Local Expert Says:

Make sure to plan your trip to Vimanmek Palace with enough time to catch one of the traditional Thai dancing shows. They take place on the lawn at 10:30am and 2pm daily.

Description:

Long used only as a storage place, Vimanmek Palace was converted into a museum in 1982 to commemorate King Rama V and has since become one of the biggest tourist attractions in Bangkok. The world's largest teakwood mansion, the interior of Vimanmek Palace is breathtaking and displays Rama V's personal photographs, art and handicrafts. The expansive grounds of the palace also house a number of other restored structures turned museums, each important to Thailand's cultural and national heritage. Admission is 100 baht for adults who wish to escape into a sanctuary of history and beauty.

Our Local Expert Says:

To many travelers this sight may seem boring and unappealing. But apart from the option to buy beautiful, cheap silk, the grounds and museum are a feast for the eyes and tell interesting and mysterious stories that all can enjoy.

Description:

Once the residence of James H.W. Thompson, the "Legendary American of Thailand", the Jim Thompson House is now one of the top tourist destinations in Bangkok. Comprising of six traditional teak houses, the traditional Thai-style complex was completed in 1959 and has been converted to a museum to honor its original owner and his legacy. In the middle part of the 20th Century, Thompson reinvigorated development of the Thai silk industry and collected art and artifacts from all over Thailand and the region, but mysteriously disappeared while on a trip to Malaysia in 1967. Many of his possessions are on display at the Jim Thompson House, and guided tours take guests around the stunning property.