As the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok ticks off all the right boxes as one of the world’s most exotic places to visit. The mixture of culture, colours, people, and the vibrant nature of the city has made it one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the world. The mix and blend of the old cultural beliefs and structures with modern cityscapes that dot the city give it a unique aesthetic feel that is profoundly palpable to a discerning visitor to Bangkok, which is home to various attraction sites, including ancient temples, modern shopping malls, and theme parks. Here are some of the top tourist attractions you might want to visit when in Bangkok.
1. The Grand Palace
This is one of Bangkok’s most unmissable historical tourist attraction. The compound itself lives up to its name with structures so spectacular they overshadow all of the modern architecture. It’s the home of Wat Phra Kaeo, which houses the Jade or Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace was built in 1782 and has been home to generations of royalties over time. It is still used for important ceremonies. While visiting the palace, dress modestly to show your respect.
2. Wat Traimit, Temple of the Golden Buddha
This temple gained prominence through an ounce of good fortune. In the 1950s, the East Asiatic Company had purchased the land where the temple stood. As a condition set in the sale agreement, the plaster statue of Buddha in the temple was to be removed. When this was being done, the statue proved to be heavier than anticipated. As attempts were made to remove it, the cable holding it snapped. The statue dropped and was left on the ground overnight. The following day a couple of monks were walking by when they were attracted by what looked like a gold shimmer inside the plaster. On close inspection, a 5.5-ton solid gold statue was extracted from the plaster. This confirmed the belief that monks would cover gold statues with plaster to protect them from being raided by invaders. The origin of this statue is still unknown.
3. Wat Pho
Also known as Wat Chetuphon, this temple lies south of the Grand Palace and was built by King Rama I. It is the oldest temple in Bangkok. It is best known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which houses a 45m by 15m high statue, which is so big one can only appreciate it in sections. It is quite a marvel to behold.
4. Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World: The Aquatic Wonderland
This spectacle is located two storeys beneath a high-end shopping mall called Siam Paragon. The place completely immerses one into the vibrant sea life and is a must-visit site in Bangkok. Here, you get to feast your eyes on the 30,000 creatures sourced from different places in the world.
5. Safari World: The Home of Exotic Wildlife
Safari World isn’t like any other typical zoo. Here the animals are allowed to roam freely in the park. It is a spacious park where you can drive through as you enjoy the exotic wildlife. The park also features a marine park where thrilling aquatic live shows are curated for people to enjoy. You can also find restaurants and indulge in local cuisine. You also get a chance to shop for souvenirs.
6. Chatuchak Market
This is arguably the largest market in the world. As a weekend market, it has everything shoppers love; from religious icons, jewelry, to delicious street foods. This is an excellent place to mingle with the locals, a place to just immerse yourself into the culture and the people. To fully enjoy this amazing place, you need to set aside at least a day.
7. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
This famous floating market is located one-and-a-half hours from Bangkok. The popularity of floating markets in Bangkok have earned the city the title, “Venice of the East.” When visiting this market, you should use a tour guide to maximize interactions with the locals and also get to buy items at rock-bottom prices.
8. National Museum and Wang Na Palace
The National Museum was the only museum in Thailand until the 1970s. This explains the extensive collection available at the museum. If you are a history buff, this is definitely a haven of knowledge that also holds so much information on the nation’s rich history. Thankfully, all exhibits are labelled in both Thai and English. The Wang Na Palace still maintains its original look and feel and stands as a true monument to Thailand’s rich history, which is also home to a lot of regalia, ceremonial artifacts, musical instruments, and the Viceroy’s Throne.
A visit to Bangkok reveals so much history and culture that one is left thoroughly awed. Besides interacting with the locals, you get to behold breathtaking exotic attractions that are highly popular among tourists.