05/10/2019
Bangkok is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. The city itself is a true tourist paradise, proved by the growing number of travelers coming each year.
A side of the city itself, Bangkok is also surrounded by many interesting provinces that are worth visiting.
Located at the north of Bangkok are Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani provinces. They have many attractions such as Koh Kret and Lotus Museum.
Located at the east of Bangkok is Chachoengsao, a small province with many interesting attractions and activities. Tourists can pay homage to Luang Pho Sothon Buddha Image at Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, watch flying foxes, also known as fruit bat, at Wat Pho, see the golden church at Wat Paknam Jolo, and pray to the giant reclining of Ganesh statue at Wat Saman Rattanaram. There are also old markets for you to visit and shop such as Ban Mai Market, Nakhon Nuang Khet Market, and Khlong Suan Market.
Located at the south of Bangkok are Samut Prakan Province and the Gulf of Thailand. There are many tourist attractions such as Bang Pu, Ancient City, and Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo.
Located at the west Bangkok are Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom provinces. Tourist attractions include Don Kai Dee Benjarong Village, Phra Pathom Chedi, Sanam Chandra Palace, Don Wai Floating Market, Sampran Riverside, and Thai Human Imagery Museum.
Things to do in Bangkok
There are great varieties of tourist attractions in Bangkok, mostly historical attractions and temples with elaborate architectures and arts. The most famous temples include Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Phu Khao Thong, Wat Ratchanadda, Wat Traimit, Wat Benchamabophit, Wat Bowon, and Wat Sutat.
There are palaces, museums, parks, and a wide array of shopping centers, from luxury malls to flea markets and street markets such as Chatuchak Weekend Market, Sampeng Market, and Pahurat Textile Market.
Bangkok nightlife is another highlight that has attracted many tourists from all over the world.
Invariably, every Thailand holiday includes a visit to the Kingdom’s capital city, Bangkok, or Krung Thep, “the city of angels,” as it is known to its inhabitants. Many tourists who travel to Bangkok are immediately overwhelmed by the sheer size of the city and the vast number of attractions Bangkok has to offer. Indeed, there is a wide variety of Bangkok sightseeing opportunities spanning more than two centuries of rapid development following the city’s founding in 1782 by King Rama I, the first king of the present Chakri dynasty. Since that auspicious date, Bangkok has swelled to a cosmopolitan, 21st century city of more than ten million inhabitants. While the immensity of the city and its bustling streets can be intimidating at first, those who spend some time in Bangkok are quickly enamored by the myriad of attractions Bangkok contains, from exotic temples, which underscore Thailand’s strong Buddhist history, to modern shopping malls, which make shopping an integral part of any Bangkok holiday. Bangkok features attractions guaranteed to please visitors either simply passing through the city or spending their entire Thailand holiday in Bangkok. Nearly every Bangkok holiday includes a visit to Thailand’s Grand Palace, arguably the premier Bangkok sightseeing attraction. Situated in the heart of Bangkok’s Rattanakosin Island, the gleaming spires of the Grand Palace are conveniently located nearby Bangkok’s most spectacular temples, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo), the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), and Wat Pho, which features an enormous reclining Buddha and was home of the first Thai massage school in the kingdom. These iconic destinations are top attractions to all visitors who travel to Bangkok looking to appreciate Thailand’s unique cultural traditions. In fact, there are more than 400 functioning Buddhist temples throughout the city and it’s not uncommon when you travel in Bangkok to spot saffron robed monks collecting morning alms or traveling throughout the city, including along the Chao Phraya River or the “River of Kings,” which passes alongside the Temple of the Dawn. The winding Chao Phraya is connected by numerous canals from which Bangkok has earned its nickname the “Venice of the East.” When you travel around Bangkok, a cruise on the Chao Phraya River, a visit to a floating market, or an exploration of the city’s “back alley” canals (khlongs) are themselves unique Bangkok attractions. Other historical and cultural Bangkok sightseeing ‘must sees’ include the National Museum, Vimanmek Mansion, and Suan Pakkad Palace, all of which either house fine art or are national treasures in their own right. Beyond Bangkok’s historical district, there are plenty of other attractions that make a Bangkok holiday both enjoyable and memorable. The downtown districts along Silom and Sukhumvit Roads have a convenient electric rail system, including an elevated sky-train and underground subway, that has made travel in Bangkok both easy and enjoyable. Connecting hotels directly to shopping malls and traditional markets, such as Mah Boon Krong Center and Chatuchak (JJ) weekend market, the MRT and BTS systems have literally elevated Bangkok shopping to world-class status. Of course, no Thailand holiday is complete without experiencing Thailand’s vibrant nightlife. Whether, the purpose of your Thailand holiday is to immerse yourself in Thailand’s unique culture or simply to splurge in Bangkok shopping malls, when you travel to Bangkok you are guaranteed a fascinating experience of both old-world charm and modern convenience and luxury.
Key Tips
Beware of scams involving Tuk-Tuks, gem shops, and tailors, particularly around popular tourist attractions. Remember, there is no such thing as a free ride.
It’s better to flag down taxis that are already driving (the red light means empty). These will generally use the meter while parked taxis typically ask for higher fixed fares or will take you for the proverbial ‘ride.’
During the monsoon season months of June through September, rains come quickly and heavily, particularly in the afternoon. Adequate footwear and an umbrella are advisable.
