Table of Contents
Bangkok Travel Guide has evolved into a vibrant metropolis while still embracing its rich heritage. From grand palaces and ornate temples to lively floating markets and the bustling streets of Chinatown, every part of this dynamic city has a unique story waiting to be discovered.
1. Grand Palace
The Grand Palace in Bangkok, once the official residence of the King of Thailand, is not just a single structure but a vast architectural complex featuring halls, pavilions, courtyards, and lush gardens. One of its most revered landmarks is Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, regarded as one of Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist temples. The complex also houses the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, showcasing exquisite Thai craftsmanship.
Although no longer the royal residence, the Grand Palace remains a venue for important state ceremonies and events, adding to its national significance. With over 100 structures, the palace boasts some of Thailand’s finest architecture. Must-visit highlights include the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Phra Maha Monthian (the royal ceremony hall), the Pavilion of Regalia, the Miniature Model of Mount Kailasa, and Chakri Maha Prasat (the throne hall). Visitors can also explore public museums and historic sites, offering a glimpse into Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, dating back to the 18th century.
2. Wat Arun
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, is one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, majestically located along the Chao Phraya River. Its most striking feature is the 82-meter-high central tower, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the river and city. Though the steep stairs leading to the top can be a challenge, they reward visitors with one of Bangkok’s most stunning sunset views. Reaching Wat Arun is easy—just take a ferry from Wat Pho Pier for only 4 THB.
This magnificent temple, built in the early 19th century, was initiated by King Rama II and later completed by King Rama III. Visitors can admire the intricate floral mosaics, crafted from colourful, broken Chinese porcelain, which add to its unique charm. The main Buddha statue, designed by King Rama II, is surrounded by beautiful murals that date back to King Rama V’s reign.
One of Wat Arun’s most distinctive features is its depiction of Prince Siddhartha witnessing birth, ageing, sickness, and death, which ultimately led him to renounce worldly life. The ashes of King Rama II are also enshrined at the base of the Buddha statue, adding to the temple’s sacred significance.
With historical roots tracing back to the Siam-Burma wars, Wat Arun was originally built by General Taksin and his surviving soldiers. It was later renamed after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn, symbolizing the beginning of a new era for the kingdom.
3. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a renowned tourist attraction and a vibrant symbol of Thai culture. As one of the most famous floating markets in the world, it offers a lively scene where local traders navigate boats, selling fresh fruits, vegetables, farm produce, souvenirs, and mouthwatering Thai delicacies. Visitors can immerse themselves in this unique experience, enjoying the thrill of buying and tasting food while floating along the water.
4. Wat Pho
Wat Pho, also known as Wat Chetuphon, is a renowned temple located just south of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Its most famous attraction is the massive Reclining Buddha, measuring 45 meters long and 15 meters high, making it one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. The temple is also home to the prestigious Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School, a centre for healing and wellness.
The soles of the Reclining Buddha are intricately inlaid with precious stones, featuring 108 symbols of true faith. Its elongated earlobes represent noble birth, while the lotus-bud shape of its hands symbolizes purity and beauty. Wat Pho is also home to Thailand’s largest collection of Buddha images, adding to its spiritual significance.
Spanning 8 hectares, Wat Pho was built by King Rama I and later became a center for healing during King Rama III’s reign. Often referred to as Thailand’s first “university”, it remains a place of learning and traditional Thai medicine. Visitors flock to admire the Reclining Buddha, a statue so immense that it can only be viewed in sections while exploring the temple’s rich history and cultural heritage.
5. Chatuchak Market
Chatuchak Market, also known as JJ Market, is Bangkok’s largest weekend market and one of the biggest in the world. Spanning 35 acres with over 15,000 stalls, it is divided into 27 sections, offering a vast array of products, including clothing, accessories, handicrafts, furniture, art, food, books, antiques, and more. The market is easily accessible via Mo Chit BTS Station, MRT Chatuchak Park, and MRT Kamphaeng Phet.
Organized into numbered lanes, the market makes navigation somewhat easier, though finding specific items can still be a challenge. With over 200,000 visitors daily, Chatuchak is at its busiest on weekends.
Originally known as Phahonyothin Market in 1942, it was renamed Chatuchak Market in 1987, taking its name from the nearby Chatuchak Park.
6. Wat Phrae Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is Thailand’s most important and sacred Buddhist temple. It is home to the revered Phra Kaew Morakot, a magnificent Buddha statue carved from a single block of jade. Built in 1785, the temple is renowned for its exquisite carvings, intricate paintings, and majestic pagodas, making it a must-visit destination for travellers.
7. Wat Traimit
Wat Traimit, located at the end of Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road, near Hualampong Railway Station, is one of Bangkok’s most remarkable royal temples. It is best known for housing the Golden Buddha, a breathtaking statue made of pure gold, standing nearly 5 meters tall and weighing 5.5 tons. This sacred site is also referred to as the Temple of the Golden Buddha.
Built-in the 13th century, Wat Traimit is home to the stunning Golden Buddha, crafted in the elegant Sukhothai style. The statue was discovered by accident around 40 years ago, hidden beneath a layer of plaster. While its exact origins remain a mystery, it is believed to date back to the Sukhothai or Ayutthaya period, possibly linked to the time when the Burmese attacked the city.
8. MBK Center (Ma Boong Khron Center)
At MBK Center, you’ll find everything from top brands to local products, including clothing, furniture, accessories, luggage, electronics, stationery, and more. Beyond shopping, the mall boasts two large food courts, offering a variety of delicious meals. For entertainment, an entire floor is dedicated to leisure activities, featuring a cinema and a 3D art museum, making MBK Center a must-visit destination in Bangkok.
9. Lumphini Park
Lumpini Park, named after the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Nepal, is Bangkok’s first public park. It offers a range of outdoor activities, including boating on an artificial lake, jogging, walking, cycling, and a sports centre. The park also features a library, an Elder Citizens Club, and a statue of Rama VI.
Over the years, Lumpini Park has become a favourite spot for jogging, aerobics, rowing, paddle boating, and gym workouts. Visitors should be mindful of crocodiles and other pond wildlife, such as tree molluscs. The best times to visit are early morning or dusk, and feeding animals is strictly prohibited. Created to showcase Thai crafts and flowers, the park now boasts diverse flora and fauna, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling streets of Bangkok.
10. Erawan Museum
The Erawan Museum in Bangkok seamlessly blends modern civilization with traditional Thai culture. Located in Samut Prakan Province, it is easily recognizable by its giant three-headed elephant sculpture that towers over the building. The museum is designed across three symbolic floors:
- The first floor represents the underworld from Hindu mythology.
- The second floor signifies Earth, depicting life on our planet.
- The third floor, located inside the elephant’s belly, portrays Tavatimsa Heaven.
The Erawan Museum is renowned for its collection of antiques, inspired by Thai, Chinese, Hindu, and Buddhist mythologies. Its stunning architecture and intricate design attract visitors from around the world. Inside, you’ll find spiralling staircases crafted from hand-beaten copper, artistic wall depictions of Mount Meru, and a dome-shaped hall, all showcasing the museum’s mesmerizing beauty and cultural significance. It’s a must-visit destination for lovers of history and architecture.
Conclusion
The Erawan Museum is famous for its remarkable collection of antiques, influenced by Thai, Chinese, Hindu, and Buddhist mythologies. Its breathtaking architecture and intricate design captivate visitors from across the globe. Inside, you’ll discover spiralling staircases made from hand-beaten copper, artistic wall depictions of Mount Meru, and a magnificent dome-shaped hall. Every corner of the museum reflects its mesmerizing beauty and deep cultural significance. A visit to this iconic site is a must for anyone passionate about history and architecture.
