Bangkok has attracted millions of visitors for decades. There's little surprise to learn that traditions blend with modern amenities and convenience. World class cuisine and historic landmarks. History with a distinct identity; Thailand was free of European colonial influence.
Thai culture is world renowned for the ability to heal through tactile massage. The level of wellbeing and care with a Thai massage, is legendary. More to the point you can't visit the capital and not enjoy a massage, its unheard of.
The lifeblood of the city since recorded history, is the river of Kings. The river has carried trade for centuries, but also pleasure cruises. All along the riverbank are cafes and restaurants, and temples. Many of the city's famous landmarks and attractions, such as the Grand Palace, are on the riverbank. We booked a cruise, which involved hopping off at certain locations for sightseeing. That's something we can recommend you do.
We preferred the morning, but afternoon and evening cruises are also available. The cruise itself is quite pleasant, on the boat we were on there was live music and a buffet.
First off there is a dress code when visiting. You must cover your arms and legs completely before entering the King's residence. You'll notice that's the case too with the Grand Palace. Pretty much all religious temples in Thailand have dress etiquette.
The architecture of the palace has European characteristics. Yet there was no colonial power held over Thailand. Europe's influence reached Thailand through the King's diplomatic ties. Across the 16-acre site, it's clear Europe played a huge role in Thailand's development:
Built in the early 20th century as Emperor Rama V's reign was coming to an end. Many of the buildings you will visit are now museums preserving Thailand's heritage. Each building is beautiful in its own right, and there's three to explore. Our favorite of the three is Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, for its delectable marble. Vimanmek Royal Teak Mansion exhibits golden teak. Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall has the greatest level of detail with exquisite finishes.
Entrance to the Dusit Palace is US$8 per person which includes the guided tour. When planning your day-to-day activities in Bangkok City, sightseeing requires a few hours.
The Temple of Dawn. The building shimmers in the morning sun, due to the Chinese porcelain. The temple is within arm's length of both the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It's possible to take in all three in the same day. Of all the temple's pagodas, the central one is what grabs your attention. The world-famous symbol of Bangkok, for the best Buddhist architecture in the world.
This temple is so iconic, it's depicted in one of Thailand's coins. We can vouch for you; you must visit this temple without a doubt.
A lively mall with over 600 shops, cafes and restaurants. The mall complex is huge to say the least as you ascend and descend the longest escalators. This is normal when holidaying in Asia's cities, there are many massive malls. India and South Korea have some of the large, actually.
One difficulty we faced was in deciding where to eat. The mall has food courts, cafes and restaurants serving local and international dishes. Bangkok's Terminal 21 mall has too much choice, it's bewildering for tourists. On deciding where to eat, you've next to decide on what to eat.
In Thailand its only polite to eat local cuisine. Head to Pier 21 on the 5th floor. Set around a street food theme, the seating area (food court) has air conditioning. The food is inexpensive and some of the cheapest we found in the mall, to be honest. It's the best place to be, to mingle with the locals of Bangkok.
The Palace has been, and is, the official residence of the Thai's Royals since 1782. The palace's location is on the Rattanakosin Island, Phra Nakhon district. The complex has grown over the year with new additions built:
Parts of the complex are open to the public, including a museum for historic purposes. As expected, there is a very strict dress code on entry, please observe no:
A popular destination for backpackers and low-budget travelers to Thailand. We recommend you get there by river boat and enjoy the river views. Boats run up and down the Chao Phraya River all day into early evening and they're cheap as well. Hop on one from the Sathorn pier and hop off again once at pier Phra Arthit and the road isn't but a short walk.
Cheap accommodation since the 1970's. A chaotic social scene, and a bad reputation for all night parting. These are the traits that have made Khao San road a destination for young travelers from all over the world.
Nonetheless, even if you're no longer part of the "younger generation", do visit. The street has everything. Shops selling souvenirs and gifts, beauty massage salons, and lively bars. Cafes of course and restaurants and more besides. We spent an evening there, moseying around doing not a lot after a meal. Sit outside a bar with a drink and people watch.
The main chamber of the Royal Temple, this 16th century 46-meter sacred Buddha reclines. It's a sight of wonder and amazement. Both feet are adorned in mother of pearl accompanied by holy inscriptions. Thailand's first public university sprung from the temple. The temple acted as an educational institute, teaching history and science.
In fact, many temples were a place of worship and education, and not limited to Thailand either. An UNESCO Memory of the World Heritage site. Throughout the temple, there's over 1300 inscriptions etched into the marble.
What makes this one of Thailand's most popular attractions? A few things, such as the 7 tiers to the waterfall. Each one creates a pool that's cooling and refreshing. Go for a dip in each one as you clamber up through the trails, and on the return down. Trek through the jungle on the 2km trail, to stop and rest at each waterfall. Some pools are deep enough you can jump into the pool, others not so. Each pool is so different to the one previous.
You are not encouraged to take food with you, because of littering. It's accepted you can take a picnic with you on the lower three tiers but not beyond. It's down to common sense to take your rubbish with you and not leave it behind. The trail to each of the waterfalls is well maintained and the adventure is family friendly.
You are going to need a full day's tour to enjoy the Ayutthaya ruins in their entirety. The temples and palaces formed the capital of the ancient Ayutthaya Kingdom. The ruins are impressive and the positive status of wealth and power. For 400 odd years, from the mid-1300's until the late 1700's, was the Kingdom the largest empire in Asia.
The empire was celebrated for its achievements. The Ayutthaya Kingdom built many great temples and palaces. Built for the kings they were the Grand Palace, the Front Palance and the Rear Palace. Artifacts from the period the Kingdom reigned are viewable in a museum, on the site.
You must travel 100km from Bangkok City to enjoy this world-famous floating market. It's worth it though, the 3-hour journey passes before you know it, in thanks to the comfort of a taxi. If you take a bus, we're unsure of how long your journey will be, but it'll be longer. And a lot cheaper of course. The floating market originates from a time the waterways were a canal system. At one time, Bangkok was known as the "Venice of the Far East" because of the waterways.
Locals use the canals as a means to buy and sell local fresh produce, such as fruits and vegetables, and fish. Not only that, but vendors also sell dry goods, souvenirs and snacks (street food). The market is quite an expanse, it's easy to lose several hours, guided around. In our opinion, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of the better floating markets.
There are other floating markets. They're not catering to tourists as much, like how Damnoen Saduak Floating Market does. Those other markets you may consider include:
Each market is a little different. Khlong Lat Mayom specializes in little-known fruit and vegetables. Bang Khla market vendors sell fresh seafood, more than any other produce and goods.
Attractions set aside; it is people who attract people. Must that be true of Bangkok City than another capital city? Because every city has its famous attractions, those that generate the greatest interest. Something else, a little magic that appeals to the masses. Such as Thailand's street food scene, like Vietnam's food scene, is a crowd pleaser. Bangkok is also renowned for its shopping and nightlife, and beauty salons of course.
A Thai massage is on another level, you can believe that. You'll never know how good you feel afterwards, not until you bring yourself to Thailand. Plan for your next annual holiday vacation to visit, starting with Bangkok.
But not to leave Bangkok either, without a good rummage through the Chatuchak Market.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.