Most people associate Bangkok with massage parlors and clubs; however, this beautiful city has much more in store for travelers.
Jim Thompson’s house, for instance, is an exquisite residence constructed of six Thai teak homes that features intricate design features and has become one of the more unique and intriguing destinations to visit since its former owner disappeared enigmaticly. The location makes for an engaging journey into unknown territory!
Access to Bangkok is very simple these days as a result of Cathay Pacific flights options available, including Shanghai to Bangkok.
Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew is not only Thailand’s premier temple but also one of its holiest. As the emblematic representation of Buddhism in Thailand and home to its most revered image – Emerald Buddha – Wat Phra Kaew must be treated as sacred ground by visitors and treated accordingly. You may take either an independent self-guided tour or join one for greater insight into its significance and history.
First thing that catches your attention when entering this complex is the glittering display that greets you. From here, you can explore a series of hallways featuring mural paintings based on various Jataka and Ramayana stories; many feature images of Hanuman as well as gods and goddesses from these tales.
Once past the gilded displays, you’ll come upon an impressive sight: the magnificent golden Phra Siratana Chedi which is believed to house Buddha’s remains. Additionally, visit Royal Pantheon where full size statues depicting first seven Chakri Dynasties Kings can be seen here.
Another unique aspect of this temple is that it does not feature living quarters for monks – this distinguishes it from others in the city and should make your visit even more worthwhile! You can visit at any time; however, for optimal experience arrive before crowds and heat arrive to visit earlier in the day.
If you arrive just after 8:30 AM when the complex opens its doors, you could find yourself virtually all alone to experience its immense magnitude without feeling overshadowed by other visitors.
Once you’ve completed your tour of the complex, be sure to make a beeline for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha – considered one of Thailand’s holiest shrines and housing its two-foot tall statue, which serves as its namesake. However, its materials do not consist of precious emerald stone but rather green jade or jasper stone instead.
The National Museum
The National Museum is an expansive complex comprising multiple buildings housing an immense collection of art and history arranged into sections and halls for easy touring and comprehension, making this Bangkok travel attraction essential for those interested in Thai culture and history.
In 1874 during King Chulalongkorn’s reign at Concordia Pavilion inside Grand Palace as a place to display royal collections, The National Museum was first founded as Wang Na Museum or Front Palace Museum and eventually changed to The National Museum when under management by Fine Arts Department in 1934.
At the museum there are various sections to discover and enjoy, starting with an ancient Siamese relics gallery that showcases Sukothai, Ayuthaya, Rattanakosin and Ratchaburi pieces from Sukothai to Ayuthaya to Rattanakosin and Ratchaburi periods and Ratchaburi as well as art galleries featuring various artistic periods or Asian regions. A free guided tour (in English) can also be taken every Wednesday and Thursday at 9:30am or you can simply explore this fascinating place on your own!
Starting your trip off right by visiting a museum early will give you an enhanced appreciation for the temples and ruins you’re about to encounter in Sukothai and Ayuthaya later on in your itinerary. Additionally, visiting this museum can give you more of an understanding of Thai history and Buddhism.
The National Museum’s Decorative Arts and Ethnological collection is another popular draw, where you will find treasures like gold treasure, enamel wares, mother-of-pearl inlay, wood carvings, entertainment articles as well as ancient objects like royal regalia, palanquins and weapons from across Asia – and cremation chariots used for funeral ceremonies at their Royal Cremation Ceremony Exhibit.
The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, with non-Thais paying an admission fee of 200 Baht for non-Thais visitors. Mondays, Tuesdays and national holidays are closed. A complimentary information brochure with maps showing where each exhibition can be found makes navigating the museum simple.
Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique the Riverfront is a night market, shopping mall and entertainment complex all-in-one located along Charoen Krung Road and Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Opened in 2012 to replace Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Asiatique Sky is its tallest ferris wheel offering breathtaking riverside views from Bangkok’s highest point.
Attracting visitors to this mall are its promenade along the waterside and its shops and restaurants, from Thai street food favorites to fusion cuisine from different countries – and at prices that won’t break the bank! You can even enjoy dining by the riverfront while taking in its gorgeous scenery!
Visitors to this area will also enjoy taking in the view from a large ferris wheel and watching cabaret shows or attending 4-D cinema. All these amenities ensure there’s something fun and entertaining for every budget at this family-friendly destination.
Asiatique provides visitors with plenty of Thai souvenirs for friends and family back home, including many distinctive Thai gifts at higher-than-usual prices. While its prices may be more expensive than at other night markets, Asiatique is worth your while for its experience alone; nighttime views of the Chao Phraya river, carousels with smiling children or stunning temple architecture make Asiatique worth every cent spent here! It also makes an excellent opportunity to practice your photography skills; from wide landscape shots of Bangkok’s skyline to candid images from within Asiatique’s walls!
Reaching Asiatique The Riverfront is easy: take the BTS to Saphan Taksin station and then use a shuttle boat service from there to reach its pier; the entire trip should take 10 minutes. Or alternatively you could arrive by taxi; be wary as taxi drivers often overcharge tourists and it may be best to use Uber as opposed to taking taxi rides directly there. As with any tourist area, be wary of pickpockets too – be wary when travelling alone as well!
Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon Mall in Thailand is widely recognized for its wide array of luxury boutiques and world-class cinema and aquarium. This impressive structure attracts large crowds looking for premium fashion and jewelry brands as well as food court dining and an assortment of lavish restaurants.
Within the historical district of Siam on Rama I Road in Pathum Wan District lies this massive mega-mall with nine floors selling almost everything imaginable – fashion designer labels from local and international fashion houses, sports equipment and apparel, beauty products, jewellery with precious and semi-precious stones/gems/gemstones as well as electronics/high end audio equipment are just some of the offerings found within. There are large department stores as well as specialty retailers such as IT stores/stationery/homeware etc; additionally Exotique Thai can provide unique Thai traditional handicrafts/gifts from Thailand!
At its heart, the shopping centre is a fashionista’s delight, featuring flagship stores of top luxury brands like Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Prada in an atrium lined by glass and steel walls around an escalator system – each competing to draw customers’ eyes with elaborate window displays that catch everyone’s attention.
Electronics and IT gadgets are found on the upper floors, while Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, South East Asia’s largest aquarium, can be found on the basement level. Enjoy an underwater tour or visit penguin feedings as a fun family activity at this attraction – making shopping fun!
Siam Paragon is known for catering to rich shoppers with credit cards, and as such is not cheap. There are twice-yearly sales and monthly promotions; foreign tourists can obtain a Tourist Discount Card which provides them with a 5% discount off purchases made. You can also access maps and more information by visiting Siam Paragon’s website.