Bangkok, also known as the ‘City of Angels’, has the largest population in Thailand with approximately 12 million people. It is located in Southeast Asia and welcomes over 22 million visitors each year. Bangkok is the city where most travelers start their journey through Thailand.
Bangkok is charming, buzzing, somewhat overwhelming capital of Thailand. With all the things to do in Bangkok, you can easily spend three to five days exploring the city and its surrounding areas.
WHY IS BANGKOK SO POPULAR?
~ World’s best tourist destination!
For two years in the row, Bangkok was named the most visited city in the world, beating out great cities like Paris, London, Dubai, Singapore and New York City. Bangkok’s popularity as a tourist destination looks unlikely to wane any time soon, not just because of its spicy food, friendly people, and gorgeous temples, but mostly to its relatively cheap prices compared to those other destinations.
~ World’s best cuisine!
Bangkok has one of the best food in the world. This includes both its world renowned street food, as well as some of the best international restaurants in Asia. There are so many restaurants and street vendors selling Thai food that it can sometimes be difficult to spot the really good ones.
~ World’s best markets!
Bangkok has the most amazing markets in the world. While walking or driving around the city, try to keep an eye on some small streets where you suddenly can stumble upon a market. The markets in Bangkok are there in all flavors and sizes.
With over 15.000 stalls, the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must see while in Bangkok. From simple food or flower markets, to beautiful floating markets you can find just about anything you wish for.
~ World’s best nightlife!
Bangkok is a city that never sleeps. It’s famous for its prostitution and red light districts, as well as having an abundance of massage parlors, and go go bars. Some of Asia’s biggest and most modern movie theaters and bowling alleys can be found in Bangkok too, so there is something here to satisfy any one’s nightlife crave.
BANGKOK SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Bangkok is everything you’d expect from the capital of Thailand: it’s noisy, crowded, colorful, and exciting. Bangkok can be overwhelming, but it’s also a fascinating city. There are temples, ancient sites, and other attractions to be visited, as well as street markets and modern shopping malls.
There is a wide variety of sightseeing opportunities, so you need at least 3 to 5 days to fully enjoy and discover what this iconic city has to offer. Discover the best things to do in this bustling city with my list of the top 10 tourist attractions in Bangkok:
TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS IN BANGKOK
1. GRAND PALACE
2. WAT PHO
3. WAT ARUN
4. CHATUCHAK MARKET
5. FLOATING MARKETS
6. LUMPINI PARK
7. JIM THOMPSON HOUSE
8. CHINATOWN
9. KHAO SAN ROAD
10. SAFARI WORLD
1. Grand Palace
No visit to Bangkok is complete without a proper tour of the Grand Palace, the former residence of kings and now an impressive museum. Built in 1782, the grand palace was the royal residence for generations and is still used for important ceremonies and accommodating heads of state.
Wat Pra Kaew preserves Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), a spiritual Buddha image diligently sculpted from a single block of emerald.
If you only visit one major historical tourist attraction in Bangkok, this should be the one. Dress modestly when visiting the Grand Palace, covering your arms and legs.
2. Wat Pho
Located immediately south of the Grand Palace, is Wat Pho, best known for the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The temple was built by King Rama I and is the oldest and largest in Bangkok. The statue is huge: 46 meters (151 feet) long and 15 meters (49 feet) high and all covered in gold leaf, which symbolizes purity and beauty.
There is more to Wat Pho than its massive reclining Buddha. This renowned temple harbors a remarkable collection of murals, engravings, and sculptures that explore numerous topics, from warfare to astronomy to archaeology. The large temple complex likewise includes a landscaped garden with remarkable stone sculptures.
Wat Pho has long been considered a place of healing. You can get a traditional Thai or foot massage here, but the prices are significantly higher than what you will find at massage parlors elsewhere in the city.
3. Wat Arun
Wat Arun, also know as the Temple of the Dawn, was built in the first half of the 19th century, symbolizing the birth of the Rattanakosin Duration and the starting of the brand new capital after the fall of Ayutthaya.
With a height over 75 meters (246 feet), Wat Arun is easy to spot from the opposite side of the Chao Praya River. It’s one of the most impressive temples in Bangkok, and if you manage to climb to the top, you can get a panoramic view of the river and the city below.
The excellent shape of Wat Arun’s towering spires is among the most acknowledged in Southeast Asia and it’s one of the most iconic sites in Bangkok. Read more…
