Bangkok - Top Things To Do
Bangkok is a dream destination for a lot of travelers. It is an explosion of culture, lifestyle, food, and shopping that you’ll never run out of things to do and things to experience while you’re in this bustling city. Thailand’s capital has something for everyone, but if you want to make the most of your stay, here’s an itinerary that will let you do just that:
Climb the central spire of Wat Arun
The Temple of Dawn is as mesmerizing as the beginning of a new morning. Standing majestically by the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun’s design is not like any other in Bangkok where its beautiful spires are decorated colorfully following the ancient Khmer style.
The central spire alone stands 70 meters high and is filled with colored glass and Chinese porcelain where it shines beautifully no matter what time of day.
If you’re up for some walking, you can climb the central prang and be rewarded with sweeping views of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Pho and Grand Palace. Since Wat Arun is a sacred place for Buddhists, you have to dress appropriately while exploring its grounds.
Get a massage at Wat Pho
Perhaps one of the most photographed landmarks in all of Bangkok, Wat Pho is the home of the 46-meter giant reclining Buddha and one of the most popular temples in the city. But what not many people know about is that this temple is also regarded as the top school of massage in all of Thailand. So, if you’re looking to experience an authentic Thai massage, this is the place to be.
While you’re already in the temple, make sure to buy a bowl of coins at the entrance and drop them in the 108 bronze bowls lined across the temple walls for good luck.
Embrace Southeast Asian art at Jim Thompson House
Jim Thompson spent more than 30 years reintroducing Thai silk to the world and his love affair with Southeast Asian art is manifested all throughout his residence by the Saen Saeb Canal. After mysteriously disappearing on the jungle of Malaysia, Thompson’s house was converted into a museum showcasing his vast collection of Asian art.
The perfect example of East meets West, this compound consisting of six Thai teakwood houses is a legacy left behind by a man who adored Asian art and culture and rallied it into the global stage.
Test your haggling skills at Chatuchak Weekend Market
Aside from its temples, Bangkok is flocked by tourists because of its shopping. And if there is one place to test your haggling skills, make it Chatuchak Weekend Market.
With more than 8,000 stalls selling all kinds of products, this market is a shopper’s paradise where you can literally shop until you drop.
This weekend market covers more than 35 acres of land, so navigating through it may be challenging. But all you need to do is follow one main walkway that goes around the entire market and branches off into alleyways.
Chatuchak Weekend Market has 27 sections, so make sure to spend a day exploring this huge place and getting some good bargains while you’re at it. Are you ready to explore bustling Bangkok?