Bangkok - Top Tourist Attractions
Bangkok is known to the rest of the world as the home of beautiful temples, bustling flea markets and of course, the famous Pad Thai. This city has no shortage of top attractions, but these five are absolute must-visits whenever you’re in Bangkok:
Wat Pho
Two things make Wat Pho one of Bangkok’s top attractions—the giant reclining Buddha and the traditional Thai massage. But the temple is also home to a huge collection of sculptures and inscriptions talking about different subjects, murals illustrating more than 400 images of Buddha, beautiful stupas and a colorful
Chinese pavilion
Still, the highlight of any visit to the temple is the 46-meter reclining Buddha that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace definitely lives up to its name with its intricate architecture that makes this complex as grand as any structure in Bangkok could be. Built-in 1782, the Grand Palace has been the home of Thai Kings and the Royal court for more than 150 years.
Today, it attracts thousands of visitors who want to see beautiful Thai architecture with influences by the European Renaissance. The palace’s most popular attraction is Wat Phra Kaew where the famous Phra Kaew Morakot, the Buddha that was carved from a single block of emerald is kept.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
You’ve never fully been to Thailand unless you shopped—and haggled—in one of its many flea markets. But if you only had to visit one market on your trip, make it the Chatuchak Weekend Market that is everything that you can expect from a flea market—loud, crowded but full of wonderful finds. Thousands of stalls selling handicrafts, rare art pieces, knock offs and all kinds of souvenirs fill the market, making it a must-visit among all the top attractions in the city.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Another market to include in your itinerary is the Damnoen Saduak floating market that offers a one-of-a-kind experience with dozens of wooden row boats selling everything from the freshest fruits to the most delicious bowl of boat noodles.
Although the market can get crowded due to the increasing numbers of tourists visiting it, you’ll never be disappointed with what you’ll find at Damnoen Saduak.
Yaowarat Road
Cutting through the city’s Chinatown, Yaowarat Road begins to come alive after dark when vendors start setting up their stalls with some of the most delicious street foods you’ll ever find in Bangkok.
A large Chinese community has made Yaowarat Road their home after King Rama I relocated the capital. Today, it is one of the best locations to sample the authentic street food.
Of course, no trip to Bangkok would be complete without some serious shopping at the famous Siam Paragon where you’ll find several designer brands, an aquarium, and a beautiful movie theater.