Bangkok Major Attractions
Other Major Attractions:
Pak Khlong Talat
This is a wholesale market for all kinds of cut flowers and vegetables. It is located on Maharat Road near the Memorial Bridge. The colourful flowers and the bustling atmosphere is the charm of this market, especially when the market is crowded in the early morning and in the evening.
China Town (Yaowarat)
Bangkok's China Town is an old business center covering a large area around Yaowarat and Charoen Krung Roads. There are many small streets and alleys full of shops selling all types of goods. The area is always lively and market stalls abound. It has been the main center for trading by the Chinese since they were moved from their old site some 200 years ago. Nearby is Phahurat Market, one of the city's renowned cloth centers.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (The Original)
This popular attraction is some 80 kilometers west of Bangkok, accessible by regular buses from the Southern Bus Terminal. Everyday, hundreds of vendor boats crowd the market area in the early morning till noon. Visitors can also travel around by boat to see local villages, and the way of life of the people in the countryside. Approach your local tour agent for arrangements. Normally have to leave hotel before sunrise to catch a long bus journey there.
Sanam Luang (Grand Palace) aka Old Istana
This inner-city riverside landmark contains several buildings with highly detailed & decorative architectural features. A ‘must visit’ if you have half a day to spare.
Wat (means temple) Phra Kaeo within the same compound, is a treasure house of Thai arts, and houses the famed Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. It is also the Thai King’s personal temple.
To help tourists enjoy their tour of the Grand Palace, a Personal Audio Guide can be rented at 100 Baht for two hours. Discs are available in seven languages-English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin.
The complex is open daily from 8.30 a.rn.-3.30 p.m. Admission fee is 200 Baht. (Including a ticket to Vimanmek Royal Mansion).
Proper attire is essential No exposed shoulder top or exposed kneecap bottom for both sexes. No open sandals or flipflops, sandals must have a back strap.
If you have seen “Anna & The King”, you should see these actual palaces, Emerald Buddha, shrines, murals & buildings featured in the movie. The sets for the movie were all replicated in Ipoh, Malaysia.
Wat Pho
This large and most extensive temple neighbors the Grand Palace enclave on Thai Wang Road and contains a gigantic gold plated Reclining Buddha some 46 meters long and 15 meters high with inlaid mother of pearl soles. The temple is also regarded as the first center of public education and is sometimes called Thailand's first university.
It is open to the public daily from 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Admission fee is 20 Baht.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
This famous Chao Phraya riverbank landmark diagonally opposite the Grand Palace is best known for a porcelain encrusted 79 meter central pagoda (phra prang) which sparkles in the sun. The temple can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tien Pier near Wat Pho.
Wat Arun is open daily from 08:30 - 17:30
Normally taken there by your half day city tour.
Erawan Shrine (Four-face Buddha Shrine)
Located on Ratchadamri Road, beside Erawan Hyatt or diagonally opposite Central World Plaza. The shrine is devoted to Phra Phrom, a Hindu god, is greatly revered by Thai people & Asians in general. This is a must-go place for tourists to BKK, especially for Singaporeans.
Grateful devotees always offer laced flowers and small wooden elephants as well as Thai dancing performances to give thanks for prayers answered. The popularity of 4-face Buddha started from here in BKK & spreads all over Asia.
