Bangkok is little question one of the vital attention-grabbing cities on this planet. This big metropolis is the gateway to Southeast Asia, and an entire assault on the senses. It is a place the place you’ll really feel really alive, with site visitors crammed streets and busy avenue facet distributors and markets, to a wealthy Buddhist tradition with unimaginable temples and sights to see, together with nice meals and purchasing. Bangkok is ever altering, and you possibly can by no means get bored right here. There’s a lot to do, however listed below are 10 of the very best to get you began.
1. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Though it’s not the precise residence of the Thai Royal Household, the Grand Palace remains to be crucial place in Bangkok and actually all of Thailand. Located proper within the coronary heart of Outdated Bangkok, the palace is a grand instance of Thai structure and a should see within the metropolis.
Positioned inside the grounds of the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaew – probably the most sacred temple in Thailand and a sight that completely shouldn’t be missed. The temple is dwelling to the Emerald Buddha – probably the most sacred object in all of Thailand.
2. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
This previous Buddhist temple is situated near the Grand Palace and is one other should see temple in Bangkok. Essentially the most iconic a part of this temple is its big 45 metre lengthy reclining Buddha that’s coated in gold leaf with mother-of-pearl inlaid in its ft. The temple advanced additionally has plenty of different attention-grabbing buildings and royal chedis to discover. Wat Pho can be the birthplace of conventional Thai Therapeutic massage.
3. Wat Arun (Temple of Daybreak)
Positioned on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun may be seen from miles away. It stands out for its tall and superbly adorned prangs (towers) which can be coated in intricate porcelain particulars. You possibly can climb to the highest of the tower for an amazing view throughout Bangkok, and the temple is most stunning round sundown.
4. Boat journey on the Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya River winds its approach proper via the guts of Bangkok, and it’s greater than only a river – it is sort of a most important freeway, and likewise one of the best ways to get across the metropolis. Ferries and different boats run up and down the river all day and evening, and it’s a good way to see town. Ferries are low-cost, however it’s also possible to take boat rides and evening time dinner cruises.
5. Floating markets
Bangkok is called the “Venice of the East” because of its community of canals. A number of Bangkok’s unique canals have now disappeared, nevertheless the river and canal life nonetheless lives on in several elements of town. Probably the most fashionable sights listed below are the floating markets, the place distributors promote all types of issues from their boats, proper on the water! There are many completely different floating markets in Bangkok, most situated on the outskirts of town. You possibly can take a ship tour of the canals and markets from central Bangkok.
6. Chatuchak Weekend Market
When you love purchasing, you’re going to LOVE Bangkok. It’s a shopper’s heaven. You possibly can actually get something that you can imagine. Among the best locations to buy is Bangkok’s large weekend market – Chatuchack Market. It’s probably the biggest open market in Thailand, and you’ll spend all day right here getting misplaced among the many isles and isles of stalls and nonetheless not see all of it. You will get all the pieces right here from garments, sneakers, baggage and family items to contemporary produce and souvenirs.
7. Wat Saket (Golden Mountain)
One other stunning Buddhist temple, the spotlight of Wat Saket is its artifical “mountain” which you could climb to the highest of for wonderful views of Bangkok. There’s a big golden chedi on the high, and the views cannot be beat.
8. MBK Purchasing Mall
When you want the shopping center expertise to the markets, MBK is the very best place to go. It’s a mall, but it surely additionally acts as an enormous indoor market, with the consolation of air con. This purchasing centre is correct within the centre of Bangkok, and it’s HUGE.
9. Chinatown
Bangkok’s Chinatown is situated alongside Yowarat Highway and is without doubt one of the finest one can find. Right here, you may discover attention-grabbing markets and temples, and loads of wonderful meals choices.
10. Avenue Meals
Bangkok is without doubt one of the biggest “meals” cities on this planet, and the very best place to strive genuine (and scrumptious) Thai meals is correct on the road. You may see little avenue facet distributors and eating places arrange all around the metropolis, significantly at evening. Do not be afraid to offer it a go, particularly if there are many locals consuming there. Your tastebuds will love you for it.
These 10 issues ought to preserve you busy in your first go to to Bangkok, and may offer you an amazing style of this wonderful metropolis.
