Bangkok, with a population of more than 9 million inhabitants, is one of the biggest cities in the world. It is a city with contradictions, juxtapositions, and contrasts. This metropolis is the breeding ground for beautiful sights. You will surely stumble across something at every corner that will make you stop and stare in awe.
Bangkok began as a small trading center and port community around 200 years ago. Even today, the glorious and illustrious past of this city prevails. Be it the world famous floating market or the dazzling temples to the colorful Chinatown, each one of these classic places has to story to tell you. Alongside, there are also vast shopping complexes, vibrant nightlife, and bustling local markets for the cosmopolitan you.
Bangkok also serves as the gateway to other parts of Thailand like Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and other popular destinations. You can also go for short trips to Lopburi, Ayutthaya and other famous places of this country. Here is a list of top 10 attractions in Bangkok to make your traveling easier.
1. Dream World:
Are you traveling to Bangkok with kids? Then make sure you take them to Dream World, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bangkok. Bangkok’s Dream World is located in the beautiful landscaped gardens with pools, linked parks, and legendary castles. The amusement park is divided into several zones with a specific group of rides like the Fantasy Land, Dream Gardens, Dream World Plaza and Adventure Land. The main attraction of the park is Asia’s first hanging coaster in the middle part of Adventure land. The park is open from 10 am to 5 pm. During the weekdays and public holidays, the park remains open from 10 am to 7 pm.
2. Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall:
The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is a former reception hall located in the Dusit Palace in Bangkok. The throne hall now serves as a museum for the commoners. It is also employed time to time for certain state occasions. This impressive two-storey white marble palace was ordered by King Rama the fifth in 1907. The throne is built in neo-classical Renaissance architecture.
3. Siam Ocean World:
Siam Ocean World is one of the largest underground aquariums in Southeast Asia. The place will dazzle you with fascinating ocean creatures. The aquarium boasts of 3000 marine animals from aquatic regions across the globe. You will find rare looking marine animals from blond cavefish to the striped frogfish in this aquarium. The aquarium is divided into seven zones, each with a theme. You can also hop aboard a glass-bottom boat to watch the colorful fishes. There is also a fish spa for your feet. You just have to dip your feet into a “basin of fishes”, who will eat away all your dead skin cells.
4. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market:
Bangkok is home to countless floating markets, but the most popular is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This market is located about 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. The popularity of this market has earned Bangkok the nickname “Venice of the East”. It is a perfect place to buy fresh and delicious foods and interact with the locals. The colorful merchants at these markets paddle across the canals in canoes laden with fresh fruit and vegetables. This buzzing market is best during the early morning before the crowds arrive and heat builds up. Bargaining is also common in this floating market, but do not expect the price to get down more than a few Baht.
5. Wat Pho:
Located in the south of the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is the oldest temple in Bangkok. It is also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This temple is considered a place of healing and spirituality. The gold plated 46 meters long, reclining statue of Buddha is the star attraction of this place. The temple harbors a fascinating collection of inscriptions, sculptures, and murals that delve into various subjects- from astronomy to archeology. The temple also houses stupas adorned with glazed porcelain, stone sculptures, and souvenir shops. Make sure you get a traditional Thai or foot massage at the medical school of the temple premises.
6. Grand Palace:
Grand Palace is one of the major historical attractions of this place. It was built in 1782 and served as the royal residence for generations. The palace is still used for accommodating important ceremonies. This spectacular structure will put even the most decadent modern monarchs to shame. Make sure you cover your arms and legs while visiting this place. The Grand Palace is open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm daily. The entry fee is 500 Baht. If you want audio guides, then you will have to shell out 100 Baht extra.
7. Lumpini Park:
The Lumpini Park is another popular attraction of Bangkok. The park is named after the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is a great place to spend an afternoon. It provides its visitors with a green oasis, amidst the chaos and traffic of Bangkok. You will find hundreds of people walking, jogging, practicing tai chi, or just relaxing. You can also enjoy the shade of the Chinese pagoda or take a boat ride on the lake. Of late, the park has been the site of many anti-government protests, so make sure you check the status before visiting. The park also hosts open-air concerts on Sunday afternoon.
8. Jim Thompson’s House:
Jim Thompson’s House is a historical site of Bangkok. The house is situated on a long road from Bangkrua, where his weavers were then located. Thompson was an American CIA agent and a silk merchant in Thailand during the 1950s and 60s. He revived the Thai silk industry after the World War 2 by building his silk company. He made a traditional Thai-style home in Bangkok, which he decorated beautifully with teak wood. Thompson also became a major collector of Southeast Asian art. You must take a guide with yourself for a proper tour through the building. Donations to this home are used for the underprivileged kids.
9. Safari World:
Are you an animal lover? Then you must head to Bangkok’s sole safari park, the Safari World. The safari park is divided into marine and a safari park. Take a 45 minute to 1-hour tours of the Safari Park and then watch the various animal feeding shows. Then you can head to the Marine Park to watch the marine shows and ride the Jungle Cruise flume ride. You can book a whole day safari tour from your tour agency, or you can take a taxi or public buses to reach the park.
10. The City Pillar Shrine:
The City Pillar Shrine is a place of historical importance in Bangkok. It is located near the Grand Palace. The City Pillar Shrine was built during the Rattanakosin Kingdom. According to Brahmin’s tradition, before the establishment of the city, there had to be a pillar or a shrine to make the city auspicious. The top of the pillar is built in the shape of a budding lotus flower, which makes it look astoundingly beautiful. The people of Bangkok believe that anyone who makes a wish at the city pillar will receive more stability and happiness in their lives.
If you think you can explore all the beautiful sights of Bangkok in one visit, then you are wrong. You have to visit this place several times to experience it to its fullest.