Top Places To Visit in Bangkok

Exploring the best of Bangkok – a list of my top things to see!

1. Wat Pho – Temple of Reclining Buddha

Recognised as a UNESCO site, Wat Pho is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, mostly famous for its giant statue of a laying Buddha. The temple is considered as the earliest place for public education in Thailand. Today it still has educational areas as it houses a school for Thai medicine. Rumour has it that this shrine was the birthplace of the traditional Thai massage which is still practiced at the temple.

2. Khao San Road

Khao San Road is a street in central Bangkok which was established in 1892, but nowadays it is internationally known as a place to party and dance. In the day time it is pretty quiet, but when the sun goes down the street opens its bars, restaurants and pubs with music playing everywhere. Street food carts sell Pad Thai and barbecued insects, shops sell clothes and handicrafts, and Thai Massages are available at every corner.

3. Grand Palace

aaIMG_2071.jpgThe Grand Palace is a gathering of astonishing buildings with some of the best architecture in the world. Since 1782, the palace has been the official residence of The King of Siam and Thailand. It is one of Bangkok’s main attractions and because of that, it is VERY crowded. When you visit be sure to go early in the morning, take a bottle of water and wear an outfit which covers your shoulders and knees, for both male and females.

4. Wat Saket – The Golden Mount

This Buddhist temple sits on top of a man-made hill in the middle of Bangkok city. It has a pleasant climb up – only 300 small steps to the top. Once you reach the top, you can get a great panoramic view of the city too.  Be sure to ring some bells and hit the big gong!

5. Chao Phraya River

Chao Phraya River is Bangkok’s largest river which flows from the north of the city, to the west and then to the south until it reaches the Gulf of Thailand. Travelling by boat is a great way to steer clear from Bangkok’s traffic, as there are many stops along the river and an all day pass is only £2.30! We had a boat ride at sunset as the sky was a beautiful colour and the temperature was pleasant.

6. Lumphini Park

IMG_1609New York has Central Park, London as Hyde Park and Bangkok has Lumphini Park. unfortunately we only spent a couple of hours in the evening here, but it was still busy – it had a jogging club, cheerleading practice and Tai Chi being performed by many people. The contrast between the skyscrapers and nature was very nice in front of the lake. I would recommend taking a picnic here and exploring it for a full day…it’s huge!

7. Rambuttri Alley

Next door to Khao San Road is this quaint little alley. It has more restaurants and food places here, but my favourite part was the lanterns as it gave it a magical atmosphere. You will also be able to find cheaper and quieter places for massages here too…bonus!

8. Santi Chai Prakan Public Park

Santi Chai Prakan is a small patch of greenery with a southern view overlooking the river, making it a pretty promenade. In the public park stands Phra Sumen Fort, a building that was built-in 1783 to defence the city against invasion. This little spot is a great place to people watch – when I visited there was aerobics classes, Tai chi and juggling going on!

9. Giant Swing

aaIMG_2191.jpgThe Giant Swing is a religious structure in located in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. The swing is located in front of Wat Suthat and was formerly used in an old Brahmin ceremony. There isn’t too much else about it, but it makes for a nice photo. I recommend going to a restaurant nearby called Thipsamai and order their world-famous Pad Thai!

10. Democracy Monument

aaIMG_2190.jpgBangkok’s version of the Arc de Triomphe – a wide road with a public monument in the centre. It was the former royal cremation ground in front of Wat Phra Kaew and Phu Kao Thong. It can be pretty difficult to get a close-up view of the statue due to traffic, but apparently there are now plans for a subway to be built to allow people to appreciate its beauty up close.

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