Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand and its largest city is one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities with historic & cultural sites like temples and palaces, vibrant markets and a pulsating nightlife. And yes, who can forget the Thai food! Here are my recommendations of the Top 10 attractions in Bangkok, Thailand.
1. The Grand Palace. This famous palace complex was built in 1782 and features several magnificent buildings including Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains a beautiful Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. http://www.palaces.thai.net/vt/vtgp/
2. Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). This most famous and photographed temple in Bangkok, has a 70-meter-high spire decorated with tiny pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain.
3. Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho). One of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok which has the famous Reclining Buddha, measuring more than 150 feet in length.
4. The Golden Mount (Wat Saket). Wat Saket, popularly known as the Golden Mount, is a low man-made hill atop which is a 58 meter golden crown like structure locally called as ‘chedi’. The ‘chedi’ has a Buddha inside. You will have to climb about 300 steps to get to the top. On top of the hill you can view the parts of historic Bangkok while the bells there chime on the wall.
5. Chao Phraya River Cruise. The cruise provides tourists with the opportunity to see Bangkok from the river and they can hop-on and off at many attractive tourist spots such as the Temple of Dawn, and the great Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. http://www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com/en/tourist/
6. Siam Niramit Show. Siam Niramit is a scintillating performance of Thailand’s arts and cultural heritage. This spectacular stage production features stunning scenery, lavish costumes and world class special effects and a cast of over 100 performers who will delight you with their performances about the rich culture and traditions of Thailand. In the premises of the center, you can get a glimpse of rural Thai life in a traditional Thai village. The buffet meal is offered from 5:30 to 7:45 pm
The Siam Niramit (Bangkok) show starts daily at 8 pm and the show duration is 80 minutes, without intermission.
http://www.siamniramit.com
7. MBK Center (Ma Boon Khrong Center). MBK Center is a large shopping mall in Bangkok with eight storeys containing more than 2,000 shops and eating places. The MBK Center is popular with tourists who shop for many goods including electronic items and knock-off items. http://www.mbk-center.co.th/en/
8. Chatuchak Weekend Market. It is the largest market in Thailand and perhaps world’s largest weekend market having more than 15,000 stalls. Most stalls only open on Saturdays and Sundays though Jatujak Plaza is open daily. Chatuchak market offers a plethora of products including artifacts, home furnishing & decor, clothing, Thai handicrafts and food. After a shop-till-you-drop session try the foot massage at many places in the market.
9. Day Trip to Pattaya. This beach town, just 90 minutes drive from Bangkok is popular with tourists and locals alike. There are many bus/coach services plying between Bangkok & Pattaya. The other alternatives are cabs or self-driven cars.
10. Day Trip to Damnoen Saduak. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located in Ratchaburi, Thailand, which is about 90 Kms from Bangkok. The floating market is the old traditional way of selling vegetables, fruits etc. from a boat. The floating market has been featured in James Bond’s “The Man with the Golden Gun” and Nicolas Cage’s “Bangkok Dangerous”.
