Bangkok is famed for its lively culture, nightlife and scrumptious street food. But, there’s also a spiritual side! The city is home to countless temples and shrines, some of which are centuries old. They present a unique opportunity to explore a different side of Bangkok.
Temples
Here, we’ll delve into the temples in Bangkok and give you an overview of the most popular ones to visit:
Wat Pho
Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a must-see site for anyone visiting Bangkok. It was constructed in 1688 by King Rama I. It was built on the grounds of a temple which was destroyed by Ayutthaya invaders.
Wat Pho is especially famous for its 54-meter-long Reclining Buddha. This Buddha is coated in gold and has mother-of-pearl mosaics. Additionally, there are over 1,000 pictures of Buddha lining the walls. Also, there is a nine-story pagoda which contains Thailand’s most sacred relics.
Visiting Wat Pho is a must!
Wat Arun
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is an impressive landmark in Bangkok. It was built during the Ayutthaya period and restored between 2455-2457 BE (1812 – 1814). King Rama II decided to add to its beauty.
It’s a major tourist attraction. Five towers reach 82 meters in height. Intricate details and excellent craftsmanship pay homage to Bangkok’s cultural heritage. Each tower has Buddha images, figures of yaks, and porcelain images from Thai folklore.
Inside, 12 statues represent a month in the Buddhist calendar. Plus, there are hundreds-of-years-old murals that are well-preserved.
The temple overlooks the Chao Phraya River, making it easy for visitors to access. Enjoy the views at sunset and be charmed by this centuries-old structure.
Wat Saket
Wat Saket, also known as the Golden Mount, is a Buddhist temple complex located in Bangkok, Thailand. It was founded in the 16th century and has been carefully maintained over the centuries. It is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, with a unique atmosphere and tranquil beauty.
What started as a cemetery has grown to contain many artifacts from its past. The main temple features a gold-plated chedi that houses relics of Lord Buddha – believed to come from India. Inside, you’ll find various Buddha sculptures in various poses. There are also pagodas around the site, containing ancestral statues and ancient artifacts from hundreds of years ago.
Atop Wat Saket is a terrace with an amazing view of Bangkok’s skyline. You can see Wat Arun and other nearby temples from here. Also, bells and drums regularly chime during the day to ward off bad spirits from visitors!
Markets
Shopping in Bangkok can be a blast! There’s plenty of markets to explore. Day markets with great deals and night bazaars with yummy snacks. Something for everyone! Let’s take a look at some of the most popular markets in Bangkok:
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market, known as Jatujak Market by the locals, is a popular institution in Bangkok. It is located on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road in northern Bangkok, and boasts 27 acres of land with over 15,000 stores. This makes it the biggest market in Thailand! The market was founded by Prime Minister Plaek Khittasangkha’s wife, Than Phu Ying Suwan Khuenkaew, and was even recognized by UNESCO’s Asia Pacific Heritage Awards Program in 2006.
As it was originally created for wholesalers and traders, you can find some great deals if you are willing to haggle. There are 12 ‘zones’ to explore, such as the Crafts & Art Village, Clothing & Accessories area, and Pet section. You can find anything from clothes, accessories, art pieces, furniture, local fruits, antiques, food, and plants. Chatuchak is one of Bangkok’s top tourist spots for shopping – just remember to bring cash!
Pratunam Market
Pratunam Market, in Bangkok, Thailand, is famous for its low-cost, usually fake clothes, shoes, and accessories. Situated in the Phetchaburi area, this market is a great spot to shop for anyone who loves the thrill of bargaining and buying cheaply.
The market’s main draw are clothing items, either brand names with some slight changes or one-of-a-kind designs crafted locally. You can also find jewelry, purses, and souvenirs like Thai dolls made from fabric. The area also serves locals who come to buy bulk materials for their stores or people seeking custom-made creations. With a variety of fabrics, shoppers can easily get what they need to create custom outfits from physical items or drawings they bring.
Apart from the clothing section at Pratunam Market, there are other, smaller sections with souvenirs like travel books, traditional Thai snacks like salted eggs and rice cakes, and teas and beverages unique to Bangkok culture. Prices vary, so shoppers should be ready to haggle if they want real bargains. Shopping isn’t the only thing you can do at Pratunam Market. Food stalls also offer traditional snacks at affordable prices. You can find anything from simple street food like Pad Thai to grilled seafood dishes, freshly made in minutes or seconds after you order them.
Khao San Road
Khao San Road is a well-known market in Bangkok, said to be the hub of nightlife. It offers a great selection of colorful clothes, affordable keepsakes, Thai delicacies, cheap electronics, and delicious street food.
It begins at the Democracy Monument, which is featured in The Beach. Its 2 km stretch is filled with both locals and tourists eager to experience its fun atmosphere. You can haggle with vendors for great bargains, or sit back in one of the street’s cafes and watch the continuous parade.
Khao San Road is your go-to if you’re after diverse items such as jewelry and clothes at inexpensive prices. It also has plenty of bars and pubs, making it perfect for nights out. Don’t forget the Thai dishes available at roadside benches, as well as renowned eateries.
Parks
Bangkok’s natural beauty is abundant! There are various parks to take a break in. Green parks, amusement parks – the choice is yours!
Here are some of the famous parks in Bangkok that deserve exploration and fun. Enjoy!
Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park is a haven of tranquility in the midst of the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand. It is the largest park in the city and covers an impressive 142 acres. There is a lake, which is a popular spot for locals and tourists to boat or relax on one of the rafts.
The park has lush gardens with more than 600 types of plants and hundreds of trees, as well as running paths, tennis courts, and volleyball courts. Food events such as Lunar New Year celebrations, music festivals and outdoor movie screenings are often held here. It is renowned for its giant monitor lizards that can be seen basking in the sun or walking along the paths. Visiting Lumpini Park offers a chance to appreciate Thai culture while finding some peace and serenity away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
Suan Luang Rama IX Park
Suan Luang Rama IX Park is a public park located in Bangkok, Thailand. It’s one of the largest parks in the city, with four unique areas. The main memorial and gardens are dedicated to HM King Bhumibol (King Rama IX). Other areas include an animal farm, a lake with paddleboats, and a botanical garden with over 100 species of plants.
The park was established in 1987 to celebrate King Bhumibol’s 60th birthday. It was renamed in his honor when he passed away in 2016. Visitors from all over come to explore its green spaces, pathways, activities, and playgrounds. People love it for the tai chi classes, yoga sessions, walking trails, fishing spots, and more. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists!
Benjasiri Park
Benjasiri Park is situated in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit District. It was constructed in 1992 for the Queen Sirikit’s sixtieth birthday. It’s 8 hectares wide, with lush gardens, broad paths, and a lake with a fountain.
It has many sports amenities, such as basketball courts, badminton courts and an outdoor gym. This park is famed for its calm ambience, making it perfect for relaxing walks or picnics with many trees to enjoy. At the northern entrance, there are plenty of food stalls where one can get snacks and refreshments.
With its activities, Benjasiri Park has become one of Bangkok’s most popular recreational spots.
Museums
Bangkok: it’s an amazing city! It’s famous for its different attractions, like its museums. Let’s check out some of the most remarkable ones. If you like history, art or just want to find something cool to do, Bangkok won’t disappoint.
Here are some of the most popular museums in the city:
National Museum of Thailand
The National Museum of Thailand is the biggest museum for archaeology and art in the country. It’s located in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon District. It has 14,000 items from all ages of Thai art. This makes it one of the most important museums in Southeast Asia.
The museum shows off different kinds of Thai arts and antiques. These include jewelry, pottery, religious sculptures, textiles, manuscripts and Buddhist art. Plus, it has a collection of Siamese White Elephant artifacts, war boats and jewelry from kings, like rings and crowns. Also, you will find old weapons, a relief panel from the 17th century, gold objects from 4500 years ago and furniture – including thrones used to crown two former kings.
National Museum offers guided tours and several on-site museums. There’s the Art Gallery Pavilion and Coin Gallery with coins from 1782. Every three months, there are temporary exhibitions on nature-related themes or hoards found in Thailand. This museum is a great way to learn about Thai culture, past and present.
Bangkok National Museum
The Bangkok National Museum is the main branch of all the National Museums in Thailand. It’s one of the biggest museums in Southeast Asia! It has old buildings, ponds, and courtyards surrounding it. Inside it houses artifacts from over 5,000 years ago!
Ceramics, bronzes, sculptures from ivory and stone, Buddhist paintings, traditional musical instruments and religious manuscripts are some of the things you can find in this museum. Phra Buddha Chinnarat is a highlight, believed to be one of Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha sculptures. Plus, there’s a large display of armory from the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767 CE). This museum should not be missed if you’re interested in Thai art or history!
Museum of Siam
The Museum of Siam wants to keep and show Thai history and culture to its visitors. It’s based in a 500 year old building. It looks at how traditional things and values have changed over time to form a unique Thai culture.
Nine galleries bring the past and present together:
- The exhibition has multimedia displays about how Thailand has changed since Neolithic times.
- There are “Sawankalok” artefacts too, from the 10th century CE.
- The Chinese language passage shows how Thailand has related to other countries from ancient times to now.
- Other galleries have displays about folk beliefs, and weddings and funerals.
- Visitors can learn with touch screen exhibits and “virtual” Thai villages.
Exploring this museum lets you understand what formed modern Thailand, since Tai tribes first came here centuries ago!
Shopping
Searching for some shopping thrills? Look no further than Bangkok! This city is a paradise for shoppers. There’s markets both day and night, as well as malls full of luxury brands. No matter what you’re after, be it souvenirs, clothes, or handmade goods – there’s something for everyone.
Let’s explore some of the best shopping spots Bangkok has to offer:
Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon is a legendary shopping center in Bangkok, Thailand. It has many floors with designer labels, electronics, and lifestyle options. Plus, there’s a huge food court! It’s located in the heart of Bangkok, close to the Siam BTS station.
This mall has international fashion stores, like Armani Exchange, Uniqlo, H&M, and Zara. It also has large standalone stores like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. On the mammoth fifth floor there’s an aquarium with different types of fish. There are over 100 restaurants at the Food Loft Food Court.
Not only can you shop and relax, but there are also entertainment experiences at Siam Paragon. There’s an IMAX theater, bowling alley with 22 lanes, and a karaoke center – all in one place! With its amazing atmosphere, people come from all over to visit. Whether you’re searching for Thai souvenirs or luxury brands, Siam Paragon has it all.
MBK Center
MBK Center, or Mahboonkrong, is a shopping mall in the heart of Bangkok. It’s one of the most popular malls in Thailand and it’s visited by thousands of people daily. There are over two thousand stalls selling clothes, electronics and souvenirs for competitive prices.
The lower floors have the Puma Store and the Adidas Outlet. The seventh floor has a food court and the eighth floor has more restaurants with Thai cuisine, from street food stalls to air-conditioned restaurants. There are also high-end stores such as Sports & Lifestyle World and M Garden Shopping Gallery, selling unique items.
The mall also offers mobile phone outlets, book stores and other services. It’s easy to get here since there are 8,000 parking spaces, including designated areas for motorcycles.
CentralWorld
CentralWorld is a great shopping mall in Bangkok! It’s located on Ratchadamri Road, and it’s the biggest mall in Thailand. Here you can find a delightful selection of quality products, with world-renowned brands, top restaurants and leisure activities.
At its center is a magnificent dome. This 8-story entertainment complex includes trendy restaurants, ten cinema screens and entertainment zones. Plus, it has one of the largest outdoor skating rings in Southeast Asia. There’s also an outdoor plaza with plenty of open space and festivities throughout the year.
The 8th floor has high-end stores such as Prada and Chanel. Department stores like Zen Department Store offer luxury goods at economical prices. Shopping for clothes, electronics or food? CentralWorld has it all! With its vibrant atmosphere, this is a Bangkok experience you won’t want to miss!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are some famous places to visit in Bangkok?
A1. There are several famous places to visit in Bangkok, including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Khao San Road, Chatuchak Weekend Market, and Lumpini Park.
Q2. What is the best time to visit Bangkok?
A2. The best time to visit Bangkok is during the cool season, which runs from November to February. During this time, the temperature is between 20-30 degrees Celsius.
Q3. What is the best way to get around Bangkok?
A3. The best way to get around Bangkok is by using the public transportation system. This includes the Skytrain (BTS), the underground (MRT), and buses.
