MUST-SEE PLACES THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
Thailand’s capital is a wonderful city to spend a few days, and is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. I recently embarked on a tour of Thailand, commencing in Bangkok, where I enjoyed a few days exploring a mix of historic, religious and fun sites that really impressed upon me.
These 5 awesome things to do in Bangkok will blow your mind. If you’re planning a trip in the future, you must experience them for yourself.
First on the list of things to do in Bangkok is visiting the iconic Grand Palace, an enormous complex serving as the King of Thailand’s official residence since 1782 when the country was called Siam. This important landmark is a city within a city, over 200,000 square metres in size, with dozens of different structures and monuments.
The architecture of the buildings is varied with Thai and European features, Buddhist shrines, pagodas, towers, elaborately adorned with gold leaf, porcelain mosaics and murals. It is a dazzling experience wandering through the complex, a colourful kaleidoscope of gleaming monuments surrounding you. In contrast, the outer perimeter of the Grand Palace walls are stark white.
Emerald Buddha Temple
Located within the grounds of the Grand Palace is the temple called Wat Phra Kaew, the most important temple in Thailand for the Emerald Buddha housed within, a small sacred statue carved of green jade (not emerald), a treasured icon, worshipped for prosperity since 14th century. Please note, taking photos of the icon inside the temple is not permitted, but our guide said it was ok from the outside.
Also part of Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple) is an Angkor Wat replica, smaller than the original in Cambodia, but testament to the deep connection between the two countries.
Tips for visiting the Grand Palace Bangkok complex
- dress modestly, cover shoulders and legs
- wear proper footwear
- bring sunscreen, hats, water, fans – anything to help keep cool, as there isn’t much shade
- avoid the middle of the day, if possible
- be prepared to remove shoes and hats when entering sacred areas
- purchase tickets at ticket booth, or take a guided tour
- allow at least 2 hours.
The Grand Palace Bangkok is a major tourist attraction not to be missed, and thus it is extremely busy with a lot of people every day.
I decided to take a guided tour with a Thai expert who not only gave me valuable insight into the palace and its history, but helped me avoid getting lost.
Number 2 on my list of awesome places in Bangkok is located right near the Grand Palace, the Wat Pho temple. It makes sense to see both landmarks on the same day.
Wat Pho is known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the sacred statue housed inside which is a whopping 46 metres long. The huge gold leaf Buddha seems a little cramped in the confined space of the hall and it is hard to get a full view of the icon. The soles of his feet are adorned with pearl inlays.
The iconic temple, built in 1832, houses ashes of past kings, and a large collection of Buddha images. One of the most sacred temples in the country, showcasing Buddhist architecture, murals and sculptures, taking you on a journey of Thai history and culture.
Furthermore, this is where the ancient art of Thai massage originated, and is still taught here today.
Wat Pho is open everyday and requires a ticket to enter.
Tips: Dress respectfully, cover shoulders and legs, remove shoes when entering sacred areas, as required.
Above the fabulous Banyan Tree Hotel is one of the best roof top bars you will ever find. Moon Bar on 61st floor offers panoramic scenery, beautiful sunsets and glittering views of the city at night. I enjoyed cocktails and share plates with friends from 5pm and experienced breathtaking sights of the skyline. I managed to get a table without booking by going up early.
There is also alfresco dining at Vertigo restaurant up here, for open-air dinner in the sky.
A gorgeous fairytale cafe tucked away in a residential area of Bangkok, Baan Suan Sathon Cafe is a true hidden gem. Resembling a rainforest with tall lush plants, ponds with Koi fish you can feed, waterfalls, walking paths and bridges, even mist spraying and fans blowing which makes it a cool and serene oasis to recharge in the middle of the city.
You’ll think you’ve been transported to a magical land at Baan Suan Sathorn Cafe, an escape from the outside world, with plenty of quiet areas to sit and enjoy a drink and food amongst the flora and fauna. I didn’t want to leave this place, and could have stayed all day.
A must-visit cafe in Bangkok, open everyday till late, a perfect outing everyone will enjoy and very popular for photos.
A large green oasis with a lake located right in the middle of Bangkok, Lumphini Park is a lovely place to escape the bustling city, where people go for a stroll, a picnic or exercise. There are some interesting monuments and sculptures to check out and a reasonable amount of shade, perfect to escape the hot sun.
But, the most mind-blowing thing about the park is the free-roaming monitor lizards! Yes, these scary prehistoric animals have always lived here. They are huge, about 2 metres in length, and there are a few hundred of them here and in nearby waterways.
There are no enclosures and no keepers supervising them, as they wander about, lounge and swim in the water, and eat fish and birds, all the while unfazed by humans.
No ticket required for this free zoological attraction, Lumphini Park is just walking distance from main roads, shops and hotels.
Beware when walking around the park as the lizards blend in with the surroundings. Don’t approach them, don’t try to feed them, and they will leave you alone.
Finally
- You can easily cover all these sites in 2 or 3 days.
- Monsoon season is September to October, when it can rain all day.
- November to February is Bangkok’s most comfortable season weather-wise, with lower temperatures and less humidity.
- This period is also the tourist high season, with full occupancy for most hotels, which charge more for rooms. There are plenty of accommodation options for you to choose from.
- Generally, Bangkok is quite budget-friendly and one of the best-value destinations in Asia.
- Best way to get around is by booking a car with GRAB using the App. Tuk Tuks are popular with tourists for short rides. Motorbike taxis are also used, available from designated stands.
