Bangkok Sightseeing

Chinatown is located east of Hualaphong Station. There are plenty of temples and traditional-style Chinese shop-houses, with different shopping areas specialising in different things.

Chatuchak Market is a huge market where you can literally buy just about anything, if you can find it in its massive maze of alleyways. Best on a quick trip or if you are stocking a store back home, it’s easy to spend an entire day here. To get there take the Skytrain to Mo Chit Station. Saturdays and Sundays only.

Dusit Zoo, a 19 hectare property that was once the private garden of King Rama 5, houses some 1300 animals including several rare species. Located across the street from Wimanmek Mansion.

Erawan Shrine is situated in front of the Grand Hyatt hotel near the World Trade Centre in Siam Square. Some wonderful photo opportunities occur when followers come to worship, especially in the early morning.

Grand Palace If there is just one sight worth seeing in Bangkok, it is the Grand Palace. Without doubt, the Grand Palace is the best of Bangkok's tourist attractions. Here you will find a collection of ornate temples and other buildings constructed in a variety of Thai styles. The palace loans free clothing and shoes to tourists who are not dressed “appropriately”. Tickets to the Grand Palace cost 125 Baht and include admission to the Wimanmek Golden Teak Mansion, located a short distance from the palace (see below for description).

Jim Thompson’s Thai House This remarkable teak Thai-style house, was the work of Mr. Jim Thompson, an American who came to Thailand at the end of the Second World War and revived the Thai silk industry. His house, now a museum and boutique/cafe, is at the end of Soi Kasemsan 2 opposite the National Stadium in Siam Square. On permanent display are Mr. Thompson’s collection of Asian artefacts and many other fabulous antiques. It is also a great place to purchase superb quality silks and gifts. Volunteer guides explain the collection to visitors.

Khamthieng House This is a classic northern-style teak house, originally constructed in Chiang Mai more than 200 years ago and donated to Siam Society by its owners. It is located at 131 Soi Asoke (Sukhumvit Soi 21). A variety of Thai flora can be seen in its garden. Also on display are items used daily by Thai farmers and fishermen.

Museum of Fine Arts opened its doors in 1966. Find out more about the culture of Thailand and its neighbours in this interesting museum.

Patpong used to be known as the red light district of South-East Asia. It does not live up to its international image any more. Still, there are plenty of go-go bars remaining and enough happening to retain a raucous atmosphere. The market here is also good.

National Museum, nearby the Grand Palace is the largest museum in Southeast Asia and exhibits many exquisite pieces of Thai art and historical artefacts.

The Reclining Buddha is the largest Buddha in Thailand and well worth a visit, conveniently located close to the Grand Palace. Tradition has it that you place coins in the pots along the wall behind the Buddha and make a wish.

Royal Barges Museum located on Klong Bangkok Noi on the opposite banks of the Chao Praya River, this museum has eight Royal barges on display.

Suan Pakkad Palace, located on Si Ayuthaya Road, is a complex of five Thai style houses occupies a beautiful garden and houses an important collection of Asian antiques. A lacquer pavilion is decorated with sumptuous late Ayuttaya period (1350-1767) gold-leaf murals.

Wimanmek Golden Teak Palace An elegant old residence-turn-museum, once home to Thailand’s previous King Rama 5 (the current King is Rama 9). The mansion is said to be the world’s largest golden teak building and enjoys a quiet, scenic location on a lake. However, make sure you are not wearing shorts or a sleeveless shirt as you may be refused entry. A guided tour inside the building is provided to visitors. Other buildings in the same compound are also used as museums and display various items and art objects.

Wat Po is Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple, and home to Thailand’s most prestigious school of massage and herbal medicine. Visitors can receive a traditional Thai massage or enrol in various study courses. It is located near the Grand Palace, along the Chao Praya River.

Wat Trai Mit Located at the end of Chinatown’s Yaowrat Road near the Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lam Phong), this temple is known for its famous Golden Buddha. The beautiful image of solid gold is three meters high and weighs five and a half tons. The temple is open everyday from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Visit the Grand Palace. Without doubt, the Grand Palace is the best of Bangkok's tourist attractions. Here you will find a collection of ornate temples and other buildings constructed in a variety of Thai styles.

Dine on the river. Many hotels and tour companies offer sunset dinner cruises along the exotic Chao Praya River. From romantic, private dinners to group buffet cruises, there is an option for every budget.

Shop at Chutuchak Market. Bangkok’s sprawling and famous Weekend Market is massive and sells just about anything you can think of. It is best visited as a brief encounter or if you are stocking a store back home. It gets quite hot and crowded come 11am. An air-conditioned alternative is the enormous MBK mall in Siam Square.

Make a wish at the Reclining Buddha. The largest Buddha in Thailand and well worth a visit. Close to the Grand Palace, it's a convenient next-stop. Tradition has it that you place coins in the pots along the wall behind the Buddha and make a wish.

Have tea or a cocktail at the famous Oriental Hotel. Rated as one of the world’s best hotels, the Oriental has entertained celebrities and dignitaries for well over a century. If staying there is beyond your budget, stop by for drink on their riverside terrace. Dress like a star!

Check out the Erawan Shrine. Situated in front of the Grand Hyatt hotel in Siam Square, this shrine attracts Buddhists from all over the globe due to the miracles granted by the goddess Erawan. Some wonderful photo opportunities occur when followers come to worship, especially in the morning time.

Take a stroll around Patpong. This area used to be known as the red light district of South-East Asia, and has since become more of a tourist attraction and shopping mecca. Still, there are plenty of go-go bars remaining and enough happening to retain a raucous atmosphere.

Visit the Crocodile Farm on Old Sukhumvit Road in Samut Prakan. Regular shows feature a man putting his head inside a live crocodile, and a tiger that you can take your photo with as well as other animals.