Bangkok is a vibrant and exciting city that offers a wide variety of things to see and do. From ancient temples to modern shopping centers, Bangkok has something for everyone. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the top things to do in Bangkok, highlighting what makes each one special and why they’re worth a visit.
WAT ARUN
Wat Arun is believed to have been built in the early 19th century during the reign of King Rama II. The temple’s central prang stands over 80 feet tall and is surrounded by four smaller prangs. Each prang is decorated with intricate designs and colorful glass and porcelain pieces. The temple’s design is heavily influenced by Thai and Chinese styles, with the use of colorful, vibrant colors and intricate patterns.
In addition to the central prang, Wat Arun also features a number of other structures, including a viharn (assembly hall), a ubosot (ordination hall), and a number of smaller chedis (stupas) and statues. The temple’s walls are also adorned with intricate murals and carvings.
Visitors to Wat Arun can climb to the top of the central prang for a panoramic view of the temple and the surrounding area. The temple is also a popular spot for sunset viewing, as the temple’s colorful design is illuminated by the setting sun.
Wat Arun is an important religious site for Thai Buddhists and is also a popular tourist attraction. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 and also can be reached by boat from the main pier at Wat Mangkon Kamalawat. Many visitors to Bangkok include a visit to Wat Arun as part of their itinerary to see the beauty and cultural significance of the temple.
WAT PHO
Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple located in the historic center of Bangkok, Thailand. It is one of the oldest and largest temples in the city and is known for its giant 46-meter-long and 15-meter-high gold-plated reclining Buddha statue, which is one of the largest and oldest of its kind in Thailand. The temple is also a center of traditional Thai massage and medicine and is considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
The temple complex is a maze of halls, pagodas, and corridors, featuring more than 1,000 statues of Buddha and four chedis (stupas) that house the ashes of four past kings of Thailand. The temple’s main hall, the Phra Ubosot, houses the gold-plated statue of the reclining Buddha, which is covered in gold leaf and decorated with mother-of-pearl inlays. The statue is surrounded by 108 bronze bowls, which are used for merit-making and symbolize the 108 auspicious characteristics of the Buddha.
Wat Pho is also known for its traditional Thai massage school and offers massage services to visitors. The massage school is considered the first and oldest school of traditional Thai massage and offers courses on massage therapy and traditional Thai medicine.
Wat Pho is an important religious site for Thai Buddhists and is also a popular tourist attraction. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 and can be easily reached by boat from the main pier at Wat Mangkon Kamalawat. Many visitors to Bangkok include a visit to Wat Pho as part of their itinerary to see the beauty and cultural significance of the temple and experience traditional Thai massage.
THE GRAND PALACE
The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand is a complex of buildings that served as the official residence of the King of Siam (later Thailand) from the late 1700s until 1925. The palace is located in the heart of Bangkok, next to Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
The palace complex is made up of numerous buildings, halls, and pavilions, each with its own unique architectural style and decoration. Some of the most notable buildings within the palace include the Chakri Maha Prasat Hall, which was built in the late 1800s and is home to the throne hall and the coronation hall, and the Phra Maha Monthien Buildings, which were used as the residence of the king and his queens.
The palace is also home to many works of art and artifacts, including the famous Emerald Buddha, which is considered the most sacred Buddhist relic in Thailand. Visitors to the palace can also see the Wat Phra Kaew, which is considered one of the most important temples in Thailand and is home to the statue of the Emerald Buddha.
GOLDEN MOUNT TEMPLE (WAT SAKET)
Wat Saket, also known as the Golden Mount Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Bangkok, Thailand. The temple is situated on top of a man-made hill, which was constructed during the reign of King Rama III in the early 1800s. The temple’s most distinctive feature is the large golden chedi, or stupa, which sits at the summit of the hill and is what gives the temple its name.
The temple is a popular spot for visitors to Bangkok, as the hilltop location offers panoramic views of the city. To reach the summit, visitors must climb a long flight of steps which are lined with vendors selling various religious items. At the top, there is a large bell that visitors can ring for good luck.
The temple complex houses a number of other buildings and shrines, including the temple’s main hall, which is home to a large golden Buddha statue. There is also a small museum on the grounds which displays artifacts and information about the history of the temple.
It is a popular spot for locals, as well as tourists, during the annual Loy Krathong festival, which is held every year on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month. During this festival, people release floating lanterns into the water, as an offering to the river goddess, and it is a beautiful sight to see from the temple.
KHAO SAN ROAD
Khao San Road is a street located in the Banglamphu area of Bangkok, Thailand. It is a popular destination for backpackers and budget travelers, and is known for its lively atmosphere and cheap accommodations. The street is lined with guesthouses, hostels, bars, restaurants, and street vendors selling a variety of goods.
Khao San Road is often considered the “backpacker’s hub” of Bangkok, and it is a great place to meet other travelers, exchange travel stories, and find information about other destinations in Thailand and Southeast Asia. The street is also known for its nightlife, with a wide variety of bars and clubs that stay open late into the night.
There are also many travel agents and tour operators on Khao San Road, which offer a wide range of services, including bookings for flights, buses, and trains, as well as tours and excursions to other parts of Thailand and the surrounding region.
The street is also a good place to find cheap food, with a wide variety of street food vendors selling local specialties such as pad Thai, curry, and papaya salad. There are also many restaurants and food stalls selling international cuisine.
It is worth noting that Khao San Road can be quite busy, especially in the evening, and the noise and crowds can be overwhelming for some visitors. Additionally, some areas of Khao San Road may not be safe, especially at night. It is recommended to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe while visiting the area.
In conclusion, Bangkok is a city that offers an abundance of things to see and do. The above-mentioned top 10 things to do in Bangkok are just a small sampling of what the city has to offer. From ancient temples to modern shopping centers, Bangkok has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in Thai culture and history, or you’re looking for delicious food, vibrant nightlife, and shopping, Bangkok has it all.
The city’s temples, such as Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Wat Saket, are a must-see for any visitor to Bangkok. They offer a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage and provide a serene and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Grand Palace, once a royal residence, is also a must-see attraction and offers an insight into the history of the Thai monarchy.
For those interested in experiencing Bangkok’s local culture, Chatuchak Weekend Market is a great place to shop, eat and experience Bangkok’s local culture. Khao San Road, known as a backpacker’s area, is a great place to go out and party. Lumphini Park is a perfect place to relax, take a stroll, or participate in a Thai-style workout.
Bangkok is also known for its delicious street food and is a food lover’s paradise. The city offers a wide variety of cuisines, from traditional Thai to international, and the street food is a must-try for any food lover.
It’s worth noting that Bangkok is a city that’s always evolving, with new places and experiences popping up all the time. So, if you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, it’s worth checking out new places and experiences to see what’s new and exciting in the city.
Overall, Bangkok is a vibrant and exciting city that offers a wide variety of things to see and do. Its rich culture, delicious food, and exciting nightlife are sure to captivate visitors, making it a destination that should not be missed. With so much to see and do, Bangkok is a city that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
