Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is one of the most welcoming cities in the world. The city sees more visitors than any other country in the world and is possibly one of the few international destinations that have the highest rate of repeat tourists.
Bangkok is a city of contrasts. There is something completely diverse at every turn; on the one side you can see Magnificent Buddhist temples, on the other the bustling city life. You chance to see some of the most posh vehicles in the world along with the humble tuk-tuks. Here’s a list of the Bangkok’s Points of interest that you must see.
Anybody who has walked on the sacred grounds of the Grand Palace & Wat Prakeaw will vow that the majestic structure instantly commands respect. Built in 1782, the palace remained the home of the Thai Kings for 150 years. This is the most important historical landmark in Bangkok and should not be missed. The spectacular structures of the Royal Garden are awe-inspiring. Wat Prakeaw is home to Wat Prakeaw Moorakot (Emerald Buddha) the sacred image of Buddha that has been carved from a single block of Emerald.
Until the mid- 1970’s the National Museum & Wang Na Palace was the only museum in Thailand. It is a very large museum that requires at least half a day of sight-seeing. The Wang Na Palace, stands as a testament of Thai history. The palace has been preserved exactly as it was since the time it was built by Rama I and houses an impressive collection of Buddha figurines, arranged according to various periods. Lots of religious and ceremonial artifacts, weapons and instruments are also displayed.
Wat Arun also known as the temple of Dawn is located on the Thonburi (west) of Thailand’s Chao Phraya River. Wat Arun is partly made of towering spires making it the most recognized temple in South-East Asia. The temple was constructed in the ancient Khmer style in the first half of the 19th century. An up close view of the stupas showcases an ornate floral pattern and is indeed spectacular.
Wat Pho is another structure established by King Rama I and is recognized as a place of healing by the people of Thailand. It is best known as the temple of the gigantic reclining Buddha; a statue 45 meters long and 15 meters high. Wat Pho also harbours a captivating collection of murals, sculptures, and inscriptions that explore various subjects, from warfare to archaeology and astronomy.
To a tourist, The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a one of a kind experience. The Damnoen Saduak was the pioneer floating market in the country. Located in Ratchaburi, the floating Market has seen such popularly that Bangkok was once called the “Venice of the East.” With dozens of wooden row boats filled to the brim with delicious fruits, vegetables and numerous food vendors whipping up bowls of noodles and sea-food skewers, this really is an experience to cherish.
The Chatuchak Market of Bangkok is the largest Weekend market in the world. It was at one time popular only among traders and wholesalers, but today it is an important landmark of Bangkok. It is a shopper’s paradise and serious shoppers end up spending an entire day here. It is a great place to immerse your-self into the day-today- Thai life and mingle with locals. The market offers a diverse collection of merchandise with almost 15,000 stalls selling just about anything you can ever dream of.
Khao San Road is a colourful and vibrant locality in Bangkok, where one can come across travellers from every nook and corner of the world. Whether it is the sophisticated traveller or the backpacker, Khao San Road is the true definition of East meets west. The carefree vibe and energy of Khao San Road makes it a place to see.
Jim Thompson was an American World War II serviceman, who settled in Thailand. He was called a “self-made American entrepreneur,” who mysteriously disappeared in Malaysian Jungles. Jim Thompson spent three decades trying to revive Thai silk, which at that time was a dying art and forever changed the silk industry. Thompson was awarded the Order of the White Elephant, an honour given to foreign nationals contributing to Thailand’s growth. Today, his home has been converted into a museum that offers insight into his life and the business he ran, as well as the history of the Thai silk industry.
Bangkok is perhaps best described as a city where the familiar and the exotic come together. It is just a moderately young, 200 year old city, which has managed to capture the grandeur and glory of its past and still emerged as a fast city of the modern age! Whether it is the dazzling temples or the recent architectural structures, each building in Bangkok has an intriguing story to tell.
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