Discovering Bangkok’s Hidden Treasures: Must-See Places in the City

Bangkok has consistently remained among the top hotspots for travelers in recent years, drawing continuous interest and searches from tourists. Here’s a list of 8 stunning, renowned, and impressive places in Bangkok for your upcoming trip.

Where to go when visiting Bangkok? Sightseeing spots in Bangkok

These 8 destinations will help you solve the question of what to see and do when traveling solo to Bangkok. They are popular, widely known, and frequently chosen by most travelers. Let’s explore the details:

1- The Royal Palace of Thailand and Wat Phra Kaew (Grand Palace – Wat Phra Keaw)

Considered the ‘heart’ of Bangkok, this is an unmissable destination when exploring the ‘Land of Golden Temples.’ The Royal Palace of Thailand was built in 1782 and is an architectural complex divided into four main areas: Wat Phra Kaew; Office buildings used by the government; The King’s residence and ceremonial halls for hosting state guests; Quarters for the King’s consort.

Wat Phra Kaew houses the revered Emerald Buddha, symbolizing the Thai people’s reverence. The Emerald Buddha is a meditative posture statue from the Lanna school of the Northern region, dating back to the 15th century. It stands approximately 66cm tall on a 2m high pedestal. Except for the King, no one is allowed near the Emerald Buddha. The statue’s garments change according to seasons (summer, winter, and rainy seasons) under the King’s directives and on significant Buddhist days.

Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Old City (Tattanakosin).

Entrance fee: 500 baht (BTH) ~ $14 (USD).

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Note: Visitors to Wat Phra Kaew must wear appropriate attire, covering legs and shoulders. Wearing sandals or flip-flops is not allowed. Visitors not complying with dress codes must rent proper clothing and leave a deposit (approximately 200 baht per item). Photography is prohibited inside the premises.

Transportation to the Royal Palace of Thailand and Wat Phra Kaew:

• Electric boat or riverboat: Purchase a ticket to Sapan Taksin station, taking about 20 minutes to reach the Royal Palace, ticket price 15 baht/person.
• Bus: Buses number 01, 03, 09, 15, 25, 30, 32, 33, 39, 43, 44, 47, 53, 64, 80, 82, 91, 201, 203, 501, 503, 508, 512 can take you to the Royal Palace of Thailand.

2- Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)

Situated next to Chinatown Bangkok, this temple houses a solid gold statue measuring 3m in height, weighing 5.5 tons. The Golden Buddha is an iconic and unmissable attraction, often featured in Thailand’s tourism advertisements.

Address: Located at the end of Yaowarat Road, west of Hualampong station, at the Krung Kasem intersection and Rama IV Road.

Entrance fee: 40 baht/person ~ $1.2 USD.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Transportation to the Temple of the Golden Buddha: You can take a taxi, bus, or subway.

3- Chinatown

Located on Yaowarat Road in the Samphanthawong district – the heart of Bangkok. When visiting Bangkok’s Chinatown, you’ll encounter numerous beautiful sights and experience the unique and unparalleled cuisine. Consider visiting Chinatown in the evening (from 5 p.m. onwards) when the streets come alive with enchanting, dazzling lights, allowing ample photo opportunities amidst the distinct red and gold lights of ancient China. Additionally, the evening is perfect for enjoying delectable Chinese dishes like dumplings, stir-fried shrimp with black pepper, lotus seed candy, and trying Thailand’s renowned dishes such as dim sum, flat noodles, fresh seafood, and refreshing fruits like pomegranate juice.

Address: Located on Yaowarat Road, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Thailand. Hours: All day, except Mondays for general market cleanup. Best mode of transportation: The best way to reach Chinatown is by taking the subway (MRT) to Hua Lamphong station. Then, a 10-minute walk will bring you to Chinatown.

Additionally, you can take a Grabcar, taxi, or tuk-tuk. However, negotiate fares before getting on the vehicle due to Bangkok’s traffic. This mode of transportation might not be as convenient as the MRT due to Bangkok’s notorious traffic.

4- Khao San Road

Similar to Hanoi’s Ta Hien, Khao San Road is a pedestrian street bustling with activities for tourists in Bangkok, Thailand. At Khao San, you can immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with eateries, bars, nightclubs, and street food. It’s an unforgettable experience for travelers exploring Thailand. At Khao San, you can visit some renowned spots:

Khao San Road: Known for its market stalls and nightlife, Khao San Road is a hub for budget tourism with cheap guesthouses, bars – a lively place for tourists to explore during the evening or at night. Soi Rambuttri: If you prefer a quieter atmosphere away from Khao San’s hustle and bustle, Soi Rambuttri, a few minutes away, offers a tranquil, clean, and comfortable environment with various bars, restaurants, cafes, bookshops, and other shops. Banglamphu Market: Adjacent to Khao San, this market is ideal for buying T-shirts, flip-flops, and various other items, providing better quality products at competitive prices. Democracy Monument: Constructed in 1939 to mark Thailand’s transition to democracy in 1932, the monument is on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, a short distance from Khao San Road. Phra Sumen Fort: Located on Phra Athit Road, this fort is one of 14 historical forts protecting central Thailand from invasion. Phra Sumen, a short distance from Khao San, offers a fantastic view of the Chao Phraya River. Thai Massage: Although not known for high-end spas, Khao San offers excellent Thai massages. Try experiencing one of the many spa centers along Khao San or Soi Rambuttri.

5- Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is one of Thailand’s primary rivers flowing through Bangkok. Termed the ‘River of Kings,’ it is formed by four main tributaries – Ping, Wang, Yom, and Nan Rivers, eventually flowing into the Gulf of Thailand. This river route is crucial for Central Thai people as cities along its banks are the most densely populated in Thailand due to their access to this waterway.

Exciting experiences along the Chao Phraya River:

Riverboat sightseeing tour: This is an essential activity when visiting the Chao Phraya River. Visitors get introduced to the history, culture, and architecture of the grand temples and landmarks lining the riverbanks. Notably, a 76m tall tower, the Wat Arun Temple (Temple of Dawn), captures the eyes of visitors, especially when illuminated at night. Dinner cruises: Enjoying a meal on a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River is a fantastic way to witness the city’s skyline, especially during sunset or at night when the city lights up, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. Wat Pho: Not far from the Chao Phraya River, Wat Pho is a must-visit temple, housing the famous Reclining Buddha, a significant and large gold-plated Buddha statue measuring 46m in length and 15m in height. Address: The Chao Phraya River flows through Bangkok and is accessible via various piers or jetties. Different modes of transportation are available, including riverboats, ferries, and express boats.

6- Bangkok’s Floating Markets

A visit to Bangkok would be incomplete without experiencing its famous floating markets. These markets offer a unique shopping experience where vendors sell goods from boats navigating the city’s canals. Visitors can find an array of items such as fresh produce, cooked food, handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and more.

Popular floating markets in Bangkok:

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Located about 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok, this market is the most famous and frequently visited floating market in Thailand. It’s advisable to visit in the early morning to avoid large crowds and fully immerse in the authentic market atmosphere. Amphawa Floating Market: Situated closer to Bangkok, this market operates on weekends, transforming into a bustling area in the late afternoon and evening. Visitors can find various food stalls, boat tours, and local products here. Taling Chan Floating Market: Accessible from the Chao Phraya River, this smaller market is known for its variety of seafood and traditional Thai dishes. It’s less crowded, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for visitors. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market: Open only on weekends, this market focuses on fresh produce, ready-to-eat local delicacies, and handicrafts. It’s a great place to explore the local food scene. Transportation to Bangkok’s Floating Markets:

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Most tours offer transportation to this market, or you can hire a taxi or van for a more flexible schedule. Amphawa, Taling Chan, and Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Markets: You can reach these markets by taxi, tuk-tuk, or boat, depending on their proximity to your location.

7- Chatuchak Weekend Market

Recognized as the largest market in Thailand, Chatuchak Weekend Market offers a vast array of products, from clothing and accessories to handicrafts, home decor, pets, plants, and much more. With over 8,000 stalls covering approximately 27 acres, it’s a shopper’s paradise. The market is divided into sections, making navigation easier for visitors seeking specific items.

Address: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.

Hours: Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Best mode of transportation: Take the Skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit Station (exit no. 1) or the subway (MRT) to Chatuchak Park Station (exit no. 1).

8- Jim Thompson House

An architectural gem and museum in Bangkok, the Jim Thompson House is a complex of traditional Thai houses housing an impressive collection of Southeast Asian art. The museum exhibits Thompson’s collection of valuable artwork and antiques. It’s a tranquil oasis amidst Bangkok’s bustling city life.

Address: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.

Entrance fee: 200 baht for adults ~ $6 USD.

Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Transportation to Jim Thompson House: You can take the Skytrain (BTS) to National Stadium Station or a taxi to get to the location.

These eight destinations provide a comprehensive glimpse into the diverse and captivating attractions Bangkok offers to travelers. From historical landmarks to vibrant markets and serene museums, there’s something for every visitor to experience and enjoy in this bustling metropolis.

Source: Compiled from the Internet