As a travel destination, Bangkok is famous for its vibrant culture, rich history, and mouth-watering cuisine. The city is also popular for its temples, street food, shopping, and nightlife, which makes it a perfect destination for tourists. Bangkok is a city that never disappoints, and there is always something new to explore. Here are the top 10 best of Bangkok that you don’t want to miss.
Exploring the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
If you’re a history buff, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew should be at the top of your list. The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings that were once the residence of the King of Thailand. In addition, the palace is a prime example of Thai architecture, and the intricate details on the buildings are breathtaking. Wat Phra Kaew, located within the palace complex, is a Buddhist temple that houses the Emerald Buddha, a highly revered statue made of green jade. A visit to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew is a must for anyone visiting Bangkok.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are open every day from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Furthermore, the admission fee is 500 Baht, and visitors should dress appropriately. Also it is ideal to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Discovering the vibrant street food scene
Bangkok is famous for its street food, and it’s a foodie’s paradise. The city has an abundance of street food vendors selling everything from Pad Thai to grilled seafood. The best way to experience the street food scene is to take a food tour. A food tour will take you to various food stalls and give you a chance to taste different dishes. However, you can also try the street food on your own, but make sure to follow the locals and choose a vendor with a long line. That’s usually a sign of good food.
Shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest outdoor market in Thailand, and it’s a shopper’s paradise. Moreover, the market has over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing to antiques. It’s easy to get lost in the maze of stalls, but that’s part of the fun. The market is open on weekends from 9 am to 6 pm, and it’s wise to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Enjoying the nightlife at Khao San Road and Soi Cowboy
Bangkok is also popular for its vibrant nightlife. Khao San Road and Soi Cowboy are two of the most popular areas. Khao San Road is a backpacker’s paradise with a wide range of bars and restaurants. On the other hand, Soi Cowboy is a red-light district famous for its go-go bars. It’s also a place to experience a different side of Bangkok’s nightlife. Especially because both areas are open late into the night, and it’s easy to take a taxi or tuk-tuk back to your hotel.
Taking a riverboat tour along the Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya River is the lifeline of Bangkok, and a riverboat tour is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. The tour takes you along the river, passing by iconic landmarks such as Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. The tour is usually an hour-long, and it’s best to take the tour in the evening to see the city’s skyline lit up.
Visiting the iconic Wat Arun temple
Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks and is famous for its unique architecture. The temple’s central spire is full of colorful Chinese porcelain, and it’s a sight to behold. Furthermore, visitors can climb to the top of the spire for a panoramic view of Bangkok. Wat Arun is open every day from 8 am to 5:30 pm, and the admission fee is 50 Baht.
Relaxing at Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park is a green oasis in the middle of Bangkok’s concrete jungle. The park is also a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The park has a lake where you can rent a paddleboat, a jogging track, and several outdoor gyms. It’s also a popular spot for locals to practice Tai Chi and other martial arts.
Exploring the city’s cultural heritage at the Jim Thompson House
The Jim Thompson House is a museum that showcases the cultural heritage of Thailand. The museum was once the home of American businessman, Jim Thompson, who is credited with reviving the Thai silk industry. The house is a beautiful example of traditional Thai architecture, and the museum has a collection of Thai art and antiques. The Jim Thompson House is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm, and the admission fee is 200 Baht.
Final thoughts on visiting Bangkok
Bangkok is a city that never fails to amaze visitors. It’s a city of contrasts, where ancient temples stand alongside modern skyscrapers. The city’s vibrant culture, rich history, and mouth-watering cuisine make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Thailand. Whether you’re exploring the Grand Palace, trying the street food, or enjoying the nightlife, Bangkok has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Bangkok.
Original article:
https://urtravelgal.com/the-best-of-bangkok/
Published March 2023
All images from urtravelgal.com
