Bangkok is the capital and most important city of Thailand, having become one of the most compelling destinations on the Asian tourism map. It boasts magnificent temples, beautiful natural landscapes, rich cuisine, and friendly people. Here are some must-see destinations in Bangkok:
1. The Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) & Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
Your first stop should be the Grand Palace, the residence and administrative center of the Thai Royal Family. Built in 1782, its magnificent and intricate architecture has left many in awe. What’s even more special is the presence of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha next to the Grand Palace, featuring a stunning Buddha statue in a meditative pose.
2. Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) & Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)
Wat Pho is famous for its 46-meter-long gold-plated reclining Buddha statue, majestic amidst incredibly opulent mother-of-pearl inlaid interiors. Meanwhile, the 300-year-old Wat Arun is a magnificent structure situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple’s unique location, combined with its exquisite architecture, creates a shimmering, magical silhouette against the Bangkok sky at sunset.
3. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of the first places in Thailand where goods were bought and sold on the river. This floating market is quite large, arguably the biggest in Bangkok to date. Visiting here offers the experience of sitting on boats while trading various goods. The boats are laden with merchandise, most notably those filled with colorful fruits, which are a feast for the eyes. This is perhaps one of the most exciting experiences you can have when visiting Bangkok, Thailand.
4. Siam Area
Built on a large scale, the Siam area includes Siam Discovery, Siam Center, and Siam Paragon. You can easily find famous fashion brands here, such as Hermès, Chanel, Chloé, Escada, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Salvatore Ferragamo. As the goods here are quite expensive, if you want to buy these designer items, consider visiting during major sales periods throughout the year. This will save you a lot of money on your shopping.
5. Chinatown
Chinatown is a Chinese quarter in Bangkok. This area has always been an attractive destination in Bangkok due to its unique cultural aspects. It’s most bustling and lively during festivals like the Lunar New Year or the Mid-Autumn Festival. Therefore, based on Bangkok travel experiences, you should plan your visit during these times.
6. Wat Traimit
Right next to Chinatown is Wat Traimit, a temple that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. This is because the temple houses a meticulously gold-plated Buddha statue, 3 meters tall and weighing 5.5 tons, giving the temple a very distinct beauty. With its dignified aura and serene surroundings, the temple always provides visitors with a sense of peace, allowing them to forget their daily worries and anxieties.
7. Baiyoke Sky Rooftop Ba
This bar is located on the 83rd floor of Bangkok’s tallest building, the Baiyoke Sky Hotel. It’s known as a hub for luxurious bars and restaurants, offering attractive buffet parties with a variety of Asian, European, Chinese, and Indian dishes. Moreover you can also admire the beauty of Bangkok from a high vantage point. A small note when visiting is that there is an entrance fee of 400 baht.
8. Khao San Road
This street is a gathering place for many bars. Perhaps because it’s frequented by Western tourists, most of the music played is from the UK and America. The liveliest time is probably from 9 PM to 2-3 AM. Besides experiencing the bustling and vibrant atmosphere, visiting Khao San Road is also an opportunity to enjoy Thai street food.
9. Safari World Bangkok
Visiting Safari World will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a real wildlife world. Here, you can observe animals like giraffes, tigers, lions, and leopards up close. Aiming to provide the most natural living environment, the animals here roam freely. You can travel alongside these creatures in specially designed vehicles that ensure your safety during the visit. Afterward, you can also enjoy unique and exciting circus performances by adorable bears, monkeys, and dolphins.
10. Ancient City of Ayutthaya
If you love and want to learn about Thai history, then you definitely shouldn’t miss this place. A 1.5-hour bus ride will take you to the ancient city of Ayutthaya. This was once the magnificent capital of Thailand. However, after the Burmese invasion, their army almost completely destroyed the capital. To this day, although the complex is just ruins, you can still easily imagine the golden age that once existed here.
11. Chatuchak Weekend Market
Busy and bustling markets are always incredibly appealing to foreign tourists. If you share this sentiment when visiting Bangkok, then you shouldn’t miss the Chatuchak Weekend Market. This market covers an area of up to 1 square kilometer, so you can freely explore and shop for your favorite items here. The goods sold here are so diverse that you can find almost everything available in the Land of the Golden Temple, and the prices are also very reasonable. Surely, you’ll be able to shop to your heart’s content without worrying about the cost.
12. Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya River plays an essential role in the history, culture, and daily life of the people of Bangkok. It’s an attractive Bangkok tourist destination offering visitors many interesting activities such as visiting temples and palaces, shopping at floating markets, enjoying local cuisine, and experiencing traditional cultural activities. In particular, you can also have a romantic travel experience by dining on a Chao Phraya River cruise in Thailand.
13. Bang Kachao Bangkok
Bang Kachao Bangkok is a lush green oasis nestled in the heart of the bustling city. It boasts a diverse ecosystem with dense forests, intricate canals, and orchards laden with fruit. It’s wonderful to find peace of mind in Bang Kachao! You can enjoy the fresh air, immerse yourself in the pristine nature, and experience exciting activities such as cycling, kayaking, visiting fruit orchards, and exploring ancient temples.
14. Museum of Contemporary Art Bangkok (MOCA)
In addition to visiting famous landmarks and scenic spots in Bangkok, if you want to learn more about the local culture and identity, you can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Bangkok. It has been open to visitors since 2012. The museum displays many creative contemporary artworks that always evoke a sense of curiosity and excitement in viewers. Moreover, the works here also reflect the life and cultural aspects of the Thai people.
15. Sriayuthaya Lion & Giraffe Farm Near Bangkok
Sriracha Tiger Zoo is a private zoo located in Sri Racha, Chonburi, Thailand, about a 1.5-hour drive from Bangkok. The zoo is home to hundreds of animal species, including lions, tigers, bears, elephants, giraffes, and many others. The zoo also has a petting zoo where visitors can interact with animals such as rabbits, goats, and horses. Sriracha Tiger Zoo is a popular Bangkok tourist destination for both locals and tourists.