- The Grand Palace (or the Royal Palace) is a landmark of the Thai monarchy, representing the pinnacle of preservation, scale, and national character among Thailand’s royal palaces. It’s a must-visit destination for every tourist to Thailand. The Grand Palace showcases the essence of Thai painting, sculpture, and decorative arts. Comprising towering palaces, the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, the Emerald Buddha Temple, and the Dusit Maha Prasat Hall, the entire complex is an architectural marvel. However, it’s important to note that some parts of the palace are not open to the public, so please abide by the relevant visiting regulations. It serves as the residence of the Thai royal family and the official venue for royal ceremonies. The grandeur of its architecture and meticulous decoration is truly awe-inspiring, making it a must-visit landmark in Bangkok.
β° Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM π« Admission: 500 Thai Baht
Photography enthusiasts may consider entering around 5:00 PM or before closing time to capture the night scenery.
- Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan) in Bangkok boasts a history spanning over 220 years, making it one of Bangkok’s oldest and most revered temples. Situated to the south of the Grand Palace, the temple houses a colossal reclining Buddha statue measuring 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height, with each foot sole spanning 5 meters. Additionally, it features over a thousand Buddha images and stupas. The entire statue is covered in gold leaf, while the soles are inlaid with mother-of-pearl, adorned with over 100 auspicious symbols of Buddha. The temple complex itself is adorned with stunning wall paintings, exquisite sculptures, and serene courtyards.
β° Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
π« Admission: 200 Thai Baht
- Wat Arun Ratchawararam, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a temple dedicated to King Taksin, the 41st monarch of Thailand and a national hero. Situated on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, this temple faces the reclining Buddha of Wat Pho on the opposite bank. Due to its location, many visitors prefer to arrive by boat on the Chao Phraya River. The majestic pagoda, standing at 79 meters tall, becomes particularly sacred and magical at night. Its spires are adorned with intricate carvings and embellished with colorful ceramic tiles, glass, and shells. Legend has it that it is the first place to catch the morning light, hence its name “Temple of Dawn”. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, it offers a breathtaking sight, especially at sunrise or sunset. The temple’s spires, decorated with vibrant tiles, shimmer in the sunlight, creating a captivating rainbow-like display.
β° Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
π« Boat Fare: 30 Thai Baht
- Wat Traimit, also known as the Golden Buddha Temple, houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue, weighing over five and a half tons. Crafted in the Sukhothai style, this temple is home to a genuine marvel, adding to its allure with its significance in discovery and history.
β° Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
π« Admission: 100 Thai Baht
- The Floating Market: Among them, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the most famous and popular. We recommend joining the Bangkok Damnoen Saduak Floating Market + Maeklong Railway Market day tour. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market still retains the appearance of the traditional floating market, located about 80 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. It gathers the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, suitable for tourists who enjoy early gatherings. The market operates from early morning until 2:00 PM, with the liveliest time being from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Various ingredients piled up on small boats, vendors shouting to attract customers, and the aroma wafting from rudimentary stoves all contribute to the vibrant atmosphere. Rent a small boat and you can navigate through this floating city, immersing yourself in Bangkok’s cultural vibe. Exploring the floating market is a must-do experience in Bangkok. Vendors sell their goods from traditional long-tail boats. The scene is vibrant and colorful, with fruits, handicrafts, and delicious street food.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Boat Ticket: 300 Thai Baht
- Erawan Shrine, also known as the Four-Faced Buddha or the Deity of Fulfillment, is a representation of the Hindu deity Brahma, who is considered the creator god in Hinduism. The term “Erawan” refers to the elephant Airavata, which carries the god Indra in Hindu mythology. The shrine features four faces, each representing different wishes: the front face for business prosperity, the left face for romantic relationships, the right face for good health, and the back face for financial success. It is not located within a temple but instead stands at a street corner in the heart of Bangkok. Legend has it that it was erected after a series of unfortunate events in the vicinity, with the purpose of seeking peace and prosperity. It’s one of the most bustling places for worship in Thailand.
β° Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM π« Admission: Free
- The Chao Phraya River, located within Thailand, also known as the River of Kings, is the largest and longest river in Thailand. In Thai, “Chao Phraya” refers to the highest noble rank under the Sakdina system during Thailand’s feudal era, hence the name. The Chao Phraya River connects many famous landmarks such as Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace. Taking a boat cruise on the Chao Phraya River to admire Bangkok’s night scenery is an extremely romantic experience. Evening cruises typically operate from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, lasting about 2.5 hours. During the daytime, visitors can explore various attractions such as Asiatique The Riverfront, Chinatown, and Wat Arun by taking public boats. The daytime Chao Phraya River is solemn and quiet, but at night, it becomes enchanting. It’s recommended to take a boat cruise during sunset for a mesmerizing experience.
- Chinatown: Among the Chinatowns scattered throughout Southeast Asia, Bangkok’s Chinatown stands out as the leader. According to records, there was a large influx of Chinese immigrants to Thailand in the past, especially from the Teochew region. Therefore, the strong Cantonese and Teochew flavors make up the main characteristic of Bangkok’s Chinatown. Additionally, there are countless Michelin-starred restaurants and shops here, guaranteeing a delightful culinary experience. Apart from food, there are also gold shops, pharmacies, and even some Chinese temples. Walking through this area evokes a strong sense of nostalgia. Today, it has become a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world, offering cultural experiences and sightseeing opportunities.
- ICONSIAM – The Ultimate Destination on the Banks of the Chao Phraya River: Can you imagine a mall that encapsulates all of Thailand? That’s ICONSIAM. It’s not just a shopping paradise; it’s a perfect showcase of Bangkok’s lifestyle. ICONSIAM brings together top global fashion brands, traditional Thai arts, leisure entertainment, and a variety of cuisines, making it a new must-visit tourist attraction and commercial landmark in Thailand. Here, you can stroll through the indoor floating market and enjoy panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River from the high-rise observation deck. Unlike typical malls, the CEO of ICONSIAM emphasizes, “Our vision is not just to create a commercial center or shopping mall, but to create a place that fully showcases Thai culture and vitality.” Moreover, the architectural design of ICONSIAM is innovative, blending technology with traditional Thai design, creating multiple smaller structures within a large building, akin to a luxurious Thai art museum. This is definitely one of the malls you must visit! Especially recommended for its nighttime views.
- Ladyboy or kathoeys Show: Thailand’s reputation as a breathtaking tourist paradise owes much to its unique specialty, the “ladyboys.” Ladyboys are a distinctive feature of Thai culture and are renowned as part of the urban scenery in Thailand. They embody Thailand’s unique cultural charm and are an integral part of Thai cultural expression.
- Other Attractions: The Siam Station of the Bangkok BTS Skytrain is almost always on the itinerary for visitors because it opens up to Bangkok’s trendiest and most bustling shopping district, Siam Square. Adjacent to the station are department stores like Siam Paragon and Siam Center, creating a lively atmosphere. What’s even more remarkable is that the adventurous Thais have constructed Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium inside the department store β Siam Ocean World. Inside, you’ll find over 30,000 marine creatures, including sharks. Come and explore this marvelous oceanarium!
- King Power Mahanakhon – Bangkok SkyWalk: This iconic skyscraper is located in the heart of Bangkok’s bustling business district, serving as one of the city’s landmarks. Its exterior presents a pixelated effect (mosaic effect) that spirals around the building, resembling a dazzling jewelry box. At 314 meters high, it features a transparent glass skywalk that provides stunning panoramic views. In addition to the observation deck, King Power Mahanakhon also houses a shopping center, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment facilities, offering visitors a comprehensive shopping and leisure experience. The building also hosts various cultural events and exhibitions, attracting tourists from around the world. Observation Deck Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Observation Deck Tickets: Adult – 1050 Thai Baht (approximately 30 USD), Children/Seniors (60 years old and above) – 350 Thai Baht (approximately 10 USD)γ
- Asiatique Sky – Night Bazaar: Asiatique The Riverfront, home to the Ferris wheel, opened in 2012 and is one of the newer scenic spots along the Bangkok riverside.
- Benchakitti Park
