1. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
One of Thailand's most famous landmarks, Wat Arun is a striking sight named after the Indian God of Dawn, Aruna. Head over to the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and take a closer look at the 79 meters high tower… you’ll be impressed by the intricate floral mosaics made from Chinese porcelain.
Opening: Everyday, 08:00 to 17:30
Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem
Admission: 50 Baht
Travel Tip: Remember to dress appropriately, remove shoes when entering the temple buildings, to step over the threshold and not on it, and to sit fwith feet pointing away from the Buddha statues.
Wat Arun, Bangkok
2. Khao San Road
Khaosan Road is known as Bangkok’s district among young and budget travelers. Described by Alex Garland in his bestselling book The Beach as "The centre of the backpacking universe", Khao San Road offers international foods and drinks, an army of food trucks offering Pad Thai and other Thai street dishes. During the annual Songkran (Thai New Year, every April 13-15) Festival, the street of Khao San turns into one of Thailand’s main celebrating spots you can expect extravagant parades, entertainment showcases and big water splashing event.
Opening: Everyday, 20:00 to 02.00
Address: Bang Lamphu, Phra Nakhon
Admission: Free
Travel Tip: Make sure to explore the area behind the temple on Chakrapong Road and the ferry pier, a quiet alternative to Khao San.
Khao San Road, Bangkok
3. Grand Palace
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is where visitors must visit at least once in their lifetime. The construction of the Grand Palace began in 1782 during the reign of King Rama I, the founder of Chakri Dynasty, to become a royal residence, and it has been the utmost architectural symbol of Thailand ever since. The Grand Palace served as a significant royal residence until 1925 and is now used for ceremonial purposes only.
Opening: Everyday, 8:30 to 15:30
Address: 1 Na Phra Lan Rd.
Admission: 500 baht
Travel Tip: Beware of tuk-tuk drivers or local con men, often dressed in official-looking clothes. They will try to convince you that the palace is closed and that you need to buy tickets from them. Just go straight to the entrance and purchase a ticket inside.
Wat Phra Kaew, Buddhist temple located within the precincts of the Grand Palace
4. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Located next to the Temple of Emerald Buddha is Wat Pho, the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok, famed for its majestic reclining Buddha which measures a massive 46 meters long and 15 meters high. Don’t forget to enjoy the renowned traditional Thai massage here too!
Opening: Everyday, 08:00 to 17:00
Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd., Phra Nakhon
Admission: 100 baht (it includes a small bottle of water)
Travel Tip: Please remember that women should never touch monks, and that all members of your party should refrain from making too much noise.
Wat Pho, Bangkok
5. Museum of Siam
Housed in a charming vintage mansion formerly the home of the Ministry of Finance, Museum Siam: Discovery Museum is perhaps the first truly interactive museum in Thailand. The museum’s permanent exhibition emphasizes on the history of the Thai people and their connections to neighbouring cultures through 17 rooms of multimedia displays and presentations. It also hosts regularly rotating exhibitions on a variety of topics, from food culture to new science innovations.
Opening: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00
Address: 4 Sanam Chai Rd., Phra Nakhon
Admission: 300 Baht
Travel Tip: The museum is south of Wat Pho on Sanam Chai Road, so the best way to get there would be by taxi or by public boat from Taksin Pier.
Museum of Siam, Bangkok
6. Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)
Pak Khlong Talat is Bangkok’s premier market for fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables and although being open 24 hours a day is at its busiest before dawn, when boats and lorries arrive from the capital’s neighboring provinces and as far afield as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to deliver their wares. The market is the world’s third largest for stunning orchids, and every possible variety of flowers is available at bargain wholesale prices.
Opening: 24 hours
Address: 116 Chakphet Rd., Khwaeng Wang Burapha Phirom
Admission: Free
Travel Tip: Come back around midnight when fresh flowers start to arrive. It’s the beginning of the fun to see the real trading between vendors.
Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market), Bangkok
7. Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara (Loha Prasat)
A temple in Bangkok which was built in 1846 during the reign of King Rama III. Wat Ratchanatdaram is best known for the Loha Prasat, a 36-meter-tall multi-tiered structure featuring 37 metal spires, signifying the 37 virtues toward enlightenment in Buddhist belief. It is regarded as the world’s only brazen palace (a building of which its roof is covered by bronze tiles) in existence. Next to the temple is the King Rama II Memorial Plaza.
Opening: Everyday, 8:00 to 17:00
Address: Maha Chai Rd., Bowon Niwet
Admission: Free
Travel Tip: An approach by boat or taxi might be appropriate, depending on traffic conditions and whether you might be visiting other attractions in the area. Dress appropriately and remove shoes when entering the temple buildings.
Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara, Bangkok
