Bangkok, Thailand’s capital is a large city known for its ornate shrines and vibrant street life.
Renowned for its splendour and beauty, first time visitors can easily feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the city, but we got you! Entrepreneur and media company director, Louise Chandler, who has come on board as one of our contributors, recently travelled around Bangkok Thailand.
Here is her list of 10 things to visit in Bangkok, Thailand (in no particular order)
- Wat Arun
This is a riverside temple with a landmark spire that measures 67 metres in height. It is decorated with ornate and brightly coloured tiles and also includes a Buddhist making it a spiritual place. When you see it during the day it is stunning but try and visit it again at night when it is beautifully lit and it will look even more impressive.
- Khaosan Road
If you are looking for a party – this is the place to be. It is ideal to enjoy busy nightlife and entertainment in many forms with loud music, dancing in the streets and even an outdoor massage.
Tuk-Tuk’s and bikes travel through the short road that is lined with many shops, bars and restaurants. It’s a great place to grab a water coconut for a refreshing drink and watch the world go by in a flurry of colour and activity.
- Wat Phra Kaew Temple
Wat Phra Kaew is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Make sure you see the Emerald Buddha housed in the temple standing about 66 centimetres (26 in) tall, carved from a single jade stone. It makes an ideal photo opportunity.
- Baiyoke Tower II
Baiyoke Tower II is an 88-storey, 309m skyscraper hotel in the Ratchathewi district of Bangkok. It’s the second tallest building in the city and the views are incredible. Naturally a lift will take you to the viewing floor (you don’t have to walk up the stairs) so you can take plenty of selfies and see a magnificent aerial view of the city.
- Grand Palace
This is an opulent former royal residence and museum that was built in 1782. The ornate royal palace complex now houses a museum and is open to visitors. The country is currently mourning the loss of King Bhumibol Adulyade so bear in mind that visiting options may be limited and check opening times before you plan your visit.
- Wat Pho
This large landmark temple offers serene grounds with a giant reclining Buddha that glitters and shines with a grin on its face. The figure is 15m high and 46m long, and it is one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand so don’t miss the chance to see it. The walls of the temple are decorated with lavish and elaborate paintings that tell a story about the religion and Bangkok’s history. A lot of people don’t notice, but it’s worth keeping an eye for this because it is just as remarkable as the Buddha.
- Lumphini Park
Lumphini Park is a 142-acre park in Bangkok. The park offers beautiful rare open public space, with trees, lakes and playgrounds – allowing you to enjoy a green space of calm. You can even hire a paddle boat to float around the lake which has a back drop of skyscrapers in this city setting. On a Monday night, hundreds of people run, jog and even do aerobics to loud dance music – you may be tempted to join in!
- Yaowarat Road
Yaowarat Road in Samphanthawong district is home to Bangkok’s Chinatown. You simply must see the bright neon signs and sample the delicious and cheap street food. A freshly cooked and prepared prawn pad thai noodle dish will cost you about £2. If you have adventurous taste buds you can try different dishes and this is the best place to grab a chilled pomegranate juice for 90p.
- Golden Buddha
This temple contains the Golden Buddha, officially titled Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon. You have to climb a lot of stairs to access the building and once you have ascended, take a look around before entering the building – the view is stunning. Once inside you will see the impressive gold statue, with a weight of 5.5 tons. It is located in the temple of Wat Traimit and if you visit, avoid stepping on the red carpet directly in front of the Buddha because this area is solely for praying.
- Bangkok Flower Market (Pak Klong Talad)
This is the biggest wholesale and retail fresh flower market in Bangkok that gives you a multi-sensory experience. The market has all kinds of popular flowers including forget me nots, orchids, lilies and more – you may even see beautiful garlands and arrangements created. The flower market operates throughout the day and it’s worthwhile to visit and see the hive of activity that takes place in order for the flower garlands to be used at temples, restaurants and hotels.
This article was written by Louise Chandler
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