Bangkok Tourist-Attractions

Bangkok Tourist-Attractions information

Wat Pho

The oldest and largest of Bangkok's 400 wats, Wat Pho is best known for its celebrated 46m-long reclining Buddha. The mother-of-pearl inlay on the feet is particularly beautiful. Tourists and the devout alike can be seen walking around the interior perimeter dropping coins in to prayer bowls. Located next to the Grand Palace. Open: daily 08h00-17h00. Admission: THB20.

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo

The Royal Palace complex with its gleaming golden spires and roofs is the magnificent centrepoint of Bangkok's cultural attractions. There are numerous buildings and museums to view, and at least half a day is required to do them justice. The Palace is no longer inhabited by the Royal family, and several rooms are open to the public, including the European style main hall and more traditional Dusit Hall. The adjoining Wat Phra Kaeo contains the well-travelled Emerald Buddha (made of jasper) which has healing powers attributed to it and consequently has been stolen several times over the centuries. In the gallery are murals depicting the Ramayana and at the gates, huge multi-coloured demon guardian statues protecting the temple from evil. Throughout the Grand Palace, and indeed in all wats (temples), you must dress modestly, wearing long trousers or skirts, covered shoulders, and enclosed shoes (no sandals). Na Phralan Rd, Phra Nakhon District. Open: daily 09h00-16h00. Admission: THB250 including entry to Vimanmek (see below).

Wat Trai Mit

The Golden Buddha resides here in all its five-tonne, 18-carat glory. The 700-year-old statue's true identity was only revealed in 1954 when a large (and mysteriously heavy) plaster Buddha statue was dropped from a crane to reveal the golden luminosity of the current figure. It is believed that the Buddha was originally covered in plaster as a disguise to prevent its being stolen by the Burmese army. Once again dress appropriately, and observe decorum when taking photographs because this is considered an extremely holy place by Thais, many of whom make pilgrimages here. Wat Traimit, Traimit Rd. Open: daily 08h00-17h00. Admission: THB20.

Thai Massage

Traditional Thai massage can be a relaxing, indulgent and invigorating experience - without any of the salacious undertones often associated with the Western or Patpong Road equivalent. Massage is seen as a healing art and is both practised and instructed with great skill. You can learn the techniques for yourself but most people are content to leave it to the professionals, and indulge themselves in a bit of pampering. Wat Pho has a massage school open to Westerners and offers a superb traditional massage for roughly THB200 for an hour. Thai herbal saunas can be a great precursor to a massage - try the facilities around Thanon Surawong such as the reputable Marble House and Eve House (which only serves women).

Chatuchak Weekend Market

This intense and impossibly varied market is a highlight for shoppers looking for a bargain or something unusual, and cultural voyeurs looking for a glimpse of Thai life without the tourists. Among the multitude of local products on sale, you will find venomous snakes, cheap Levi's, deep-fried insects (delicious), and quite frankly, anything you can think of. The market is opposite the Northern Bus Terminal and at the end of a Skytrain route, a convenient 30-minute journey from the centre of town. Open weekends only.

Khao San Road (Banglamphu)

The main artery running through young Westerners' experience of the East, Khao San has been described as a decompression chamber for those entering or leaving Asia. The image is accurate as this is an energetic blend of East and West, of Buddhism and dissolute materialism, of wonderful exoticism and the utterly familiar. The area is good for cheap accommodation, shopping and Western food, and the streets are lined with discount travel agents, tailors and secondhand bookshops.

Vimanmek Palace

The world's largest golden teak building is also beautiful and serves as an ideal refuge from the heat and madness of a Bangkok day. The three-storey palace has 81 rooms, halls and anterooms. Near the entrance is a unique collection of 13 royal horse-drawn carriages from the reign of the much-revered King Rama V. Built in 1901, the palace has been lovingly restored to its former glory, displaying opulent treasures from its heydey. Rajavithi Rd, Dusit. Open: daily 09h30-16h00. Admission: THB100 including free guide.

The National Museum

Within walking distance of the Royal Palace, the National Museum is a wonderful introduction to Thai culture and history. With thousands of exhibits ranging from Neolithic times to the present, this ranks as one of the most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. Originally built in 1782 and surrounded by brightly-hued pavilions, this is a veritable Thai treasure trove. Highlights include a gallery of Thai historical artefacts, ornate gold jewellery belonging to former royalty and a bright red wooden house dating from the 18th century and housing all sorts of period ornaments. Naphra That Rd. Open: Wed-Sun 09h00-16h00. Admission: THB100.

Chao Phraya River

Every great city has its main river and in Bangkok the Chao Phraya has been integral to people's lives for centuries. A good way to experience the river, and to see all the sights along its course, is to catch a river taxi from Tha Wat Ratchasingkhon pier (many buses go there) all the way to Nonthaburi. From the boat, you'll be able to gain a real insight into Bangkok life by seeing people's wooden houses precariously perched over the water, children swimming in the murky depths and a riot of sounds, sights and smells. The trip takes around three hours one-way and costs approximately THB15.

Thai Boxing

Kickboxing is known as muay thai and is very popular among Thais. There are regular bouts at two main stadiums: Lumphini (Thanon Rama IV) and Ratchadamnoen (Thanon Ratchadamonoen Nok). Your attention will be equally divided between the exuberant spectators and the remarkably limber fighters. Admission prices vary according to proximity to the ring (THB150-800).

Chinatown

This fascinating district has a flavour all of its own and makes for a rewarding walking excursion. On the periphery there is the Thieves Market and an Indian Quarter. Sampeng Lane is one of several main streets through which you will find numerous market stalls and cheap eateries in an area that once thrived on opium dens and prostitution.

Chao Phraya River

Every great city has its main river and in Bangkok the Chao Phraya has been integral to people's lives for centuries. A good way to experience the river, and to see all the sights along its course, is to catch a river taxi from Tha Wat Ratchasingkhon pier (many buses go there) all the way to Nonthaburi. From the boat, you'll be able to gain a real insight into Bangkok life by seeing people's wooden houses precariously perched over the water, children swimming in the murky depths and a riot of sounds, sights and smells. The trip takes around three hours one-way and costs approximately THB15.

Wat Mahathat (Temple of the Great Relic)

This temple houses a university and the headquarters of the country's Vipassana meditation school. Information, instruction and meditation are offered on a daily basis, depending on the availability of suitable monks. On Buddhist holy days there is a thriving market on the temple grounds selling Thai medicines in root or powder form. Located on Thanon Na Phrathat. Open: daily 08h00-17h00. Admission: free.