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Bangkok, the capital and largest city of Thailand, is filled with high-rise buildings, heavy traffic congestion, intense heat and naughty nightlife. After watching the movie Hangover 2, you might even be convinced that is all there is to this place .. Not really!
Bangkok is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities, filled with magnificent temples and palaces, authentic canals, busy markets and a very (more encompassing and very) vibrant nightlife. For years, it was just a small trading post at the banks of the Chao Phraya River. After the burning of Ayutthaya by Burmese invaders, King Rama I, turned it into the capital of Siam in 1782. Since then, Bangkok has turned into a national treasure house - Thailand's spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre. Bangkok is a huge and modern city humming with fervour and nightlife (but I might have mentioned that already!).
The Grand Palace
This is Bangkok's number one attraction.
The Grand Palace complex was the official home of the King since 1782. The King no longer lives there, but the Grand Palace is used for important events and ceremonies.
Dress Code: Do be aware of the fairly strict dress code here for entry into the Grand Palace. No shorts, mini-skirts, tight-fitting trousers, any see-through items of clothing, sleeveless tops, sandals (excluding those with heel straps), sweatshirts, sweatpants and pyjamas. Even having a shawl to cover your shoulders is cause for the guards to hesitate letting you in. It would be a shame to be turned away from such a magnificent place.
Wat Pho
*Temple of the Reclining Buddha*
is what this place is more commonly known as.
It stands near the Grand Palace across from Wat Phra Keaw. It is one of the six first class Royal temples in Thailand and is officially named as Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram.
Check out the Thai massage here. It's from the famous massage school inside this temple.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
The Temple of Dawn and is named after the Indian God of Dawn. The temple is on the edge of the Chao Phraya River and is best seen from the east side of the river, especially at sundown.
This Buddhist temple was designed to recall Mount Meru, located beyond the physical world in a realm of transcendence. The mount is considered the center of Buddhist cosmetology, representing the center of the universe and the focus of the mind.
Dinner Cruise
Dinner Cruise with Chaophrya Princess
It's time to dress up and hop onto a taxi to *River City*. This is the start point of this memorable 2-hour Dinner Cruise with Chaophrya Princess.
This is one of the greatest highlights for a perfect holiday experience in Bangkok. On this dinner cruise, you will be aboard one of the luxury liners that ply the mighty Chao Phraya River every night.
This river is Bangkok’s main river which stretches all the way from China to the Gulf of Thailand. Relax, and enjoy the beautiful sights and dine with a fine buffet of Thai and international cuisine in the enchanting and magical atmosphere.
On this boat ride, you will see all temples you have been to in the morning, but all lit up in the night with beautiful lighting.
Do call ahead for a reservation (Tel: 02 860 3700). Price ranges between 1,100 – 1,300 THB/person.
Jim Thompson House
Jim Thompson House with Lunch
Get here: via the Sky Train (BTS, Bangkok Transit System) to the National Stadium station -
use Exit 1 out.
This lovely garden-enclosed compound sitting on the bank of the Saen Saeb Canal would have gone completely unnoticed, had it not been for a legacy left behind by a middle-aged American man named Jim Thompson.
His elegant residential enclave, comprises of six traditional Thai teakwood houses transported from the Ayutthaya and Bangkok’s Ban Krua community, which echoes Jim Thompson’s 30-year love affair with Southeast Asian art and cultural heritage.
Have lunch at the restaurant here which does lovely Thai cuisine.
Opening Hours: 09:00 am -06:00 pm (last guided tour at 06:00 pm)
Admission: Adult 150 baht; Students (under 22 years old) 100 baht
Thai Massage
Try Thai Massage with Health Land Sathorn.
Health Land Spa & Personal Care is a place for health and wellness, where health and the science of traditional Thai wellness are harmoniously combined.
Established as an institute to inherit and promote the local historical wisdom of traditional Thai massage - which has become very widely recognised and well-accepted.
Thai Boxing
** THIS IS A MON, WED, THU or SUNDAY PLACE **
Watch some Thai boxing (Muaythai) at Ratchadamnoen Stadium and join in the atmosphere here!
Rajadamnern Stadium operates 4 days a week on every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Door opens from 6.00PM onward.
There are 3 classes for seating:
1. Ring Side Class: will bring you the extreme boxing experience while seating next to the boxing ring, close to the boxers fighting on stage surrounded with their supporters team at the corners. Right to access to Beverage Bar and exclusive photograph with the winner of the night!
2. 2nd Class and 3rd Class: are still pretty impressive! Be among the local gamblers, and you will maximise your watching experience with the loosing audiences!
Taling Chan Floating Market
** THIS IS A WEEKEND PLACE **
This weekend market is open on Saturdays and Sundays: 8 am to 5 pm
This newer floating market is mostly frequented by locals. For tourists are also starting to visit.
You can easily spend half a day at this place and there is no need for a tour. The atmosphere is more local and serene here - relative to the rather touristy markets in the other parts of town.
Enjoy some seafood for lunch and and ride a long tail boat. Plenty of snacking on local foods and exploring around the shops for little bits.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
** THIS IS A WEEKEND PLACE **
This weekend market is open on Saturdays and Sundays: 9 am - 6 pm
This place is a must see for huge shopping for local products at great prices. It's huge and fairly intense for the serious shopper, with plenty of items to be had for a good deal (although not necessarily at the absolute best prices).
Expect the place to be completely packed out with people and to have lots of practice with your bargaining skills. Be ready to smile and walk away from any deal. Doing so might even get you a better price .. (or not). :-)
Khao San Road Night Market
Get here: by taxi
A must see place in Bangkok which like all night places here, goes on into the morning. Immerse in the plenty of carefree vibe here which is unlike anywhere else in Bangkok.
In this 1 km long stretch are plenty of backpacker accomodations, cafes, bars, clubs, restaurants, massage parlours, market stalls, etc. The place is popular with locals, and students.
Pratunam Market
This is is a large market selling fashion clothes, shoes and accessories at (very cheap) wholesale prices by the item.
Plenty of small alleys and jam-packed small streets here. Whilst here, you'll get a feeling of the real local way of life with plenty of the store vendors hustling and bustling about.
Open: 24 hours (retail shops open from 10:00 - 21:00)
Asiatique
Get here: by river boat, or the BTS (Saphan Taksin) and jump on the free shuttle at the end of the pier (the shuttle takes 10 mins to Asiatique, and runs from 4 pm - 11.30 pm). Traffic is really bad for taxis in this area.
Asiatique is a night bazaar and a mall.
There are over 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants housed here under a huge replica warehouse complex.
Whilst there is plenty to see and eat here, and also large props for photo taking .. It is the nightly shows here that are highly recommended - especially the Calypso (ladyboy) cabaret show!
Opening Hours: 17:00-midnight
Bangkok Flower Market
Visit this place at night, after dinner.
This is Pak Khlong Talat Market - the biggest wholesale and retail fresh flower market in the city. and prices are super cheap.
This place was part of the Old City and shops are housed inside two to three-storey shop-houses on both sides of the main road.
Opening Hours: 24 hours, more popular during the nighttime.
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