Bangkok Attractions

Thailand's capital city has hundreds of attractions to suit all tastes, from museums to parks, floating markets to ancient temples. We've compiled a list of Bangkok's most popular attractions. It is better to allocate several days to get acquainted with the city: one day is not enough for a sightseeing program in Bangkok. Many tourists come here several times, and each visit reveals something new.

Historical and religious sights in Bangkok

Before visiting attractions in Bangkok, tourists should familiarize themselves with the following rules:

• It is best to wear modest, relatively closed clothing when visiting temples. The outfit should cover the knees and elbows and should not have frank cleavage;
• Before entering any temple, one is supposed to remove shoes;
• Stepping on the threshold of a temple is forbidden. The correct thing to do is to step over it;
• It is not allowed to touch statues and images of Buddha;
• Women are forbidden to touch monks. A man may do so after first asking permission.

King Palace

The Grand Palace, built in the late 18th century, is a hallmark not only of Bangkok, but of the Kingdom of Thailand as a whole. In fact, it is not a single structure, but a whole complex of various buildings. From the outside, the buildings, covering an area of almost 220 thousand square meters, are protected by a two-kilometer fortress wall.

Another attraction is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Keo), along with a statue of the Emerald Buddha. The statue is actually made of jade and has no significant material value.

Besides the main Buddha statue, the Demon Yaksha statues, as well as the marble lions, are worth checking out in the compound.

Office hours: 08:30-15:30
Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Grand Palace, Phranakorn
To get to the Royal Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple by bus or ferry.

Temple of the Lying Buddha

Wat Po is a 16th-century temple complex that today includes:

• ceremonial hall;
• the pagoda (stupa) of the four kings;
• the hall of sacred scriptures;
• acting monastery;
• Garden of stones and statues;
• Thai massage school.

On the grounds is a reclining Buddha statue of imposing proportions. Thanks to it, the official name of the temple is "The Temple of the Buddha reclining and awaiting enlightenment (nirvana)".

Wat Po is also home to more than 1,000 different Buddha statues of the most incredible shapes and sizes, as well as a hundred and fifty shrines in the traditional Buddhist form of stupas.

Those who want to relax can book a massage session from 260 THB at the Massage School.

Office hours: 08:30-18:00.
Admission fee: 100 THB.
Address: 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, Pranakorn District
The temple is a 10-minute walk from the Royal Palace. It is most easily reached by one of the running ferries.

Morning Dawn Temple (Wat Arun)

Wat Arun is a structure of value primarily to Hinduism. The structure, made in the Khemer style, represents the spiritual values of man in the material world. The Temple of Morning Dawn (Dawn) is a complex combining the main and four smaller buildings (prangs). The walls of each of them are lined with Chinese porcelain.

The cult structure was built as early as the 15th century, when present-day Thailand was the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. At that time, the Temple was used as the ruler's residence for some time. Rama III and Rama III, inspired by the beautiful architecture of Wat Arun, successively increased the height of the main Temple to nearly 80 meters.

Opening time: daily 08:00 - 18:00
Entry fee: 50 THB.
Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Temple is most easily reached by ferry which stops at the Royal Palace. It is located within walking distance of Wat Arun.

The Temple of the Golden Mountain (Wat Saket)

Wat Saket, 76 meters high, is a popular destination for tourists not only because of the Golden Stupa located in it. More than three hundred steps lead up to it, which is located on a hill. From the area near this cultural monument offers a truly amazing view of all of Bangkok. The temple is a kind of overlook for the capital of Thailand.

Wat Saket was built back in the XVIII century and has been almost completely rebuilt several times.

The entrance fee is 50 THB.
Address: 344 Thanon Chakkraphatdi Phong, Ban Bat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai
Wat Saket can be reached on foot from the Royal Palace and Wat Po. Buses also travel to the temple, stopping nearby near Kaosan Road.

Wat Chana Songkhram

In translation, the name of the temple means "Victory in War". The iconic structure is located near Kaosan Street, a popular tourist destination. Travelers often come here casually to take a break from the hustle and bustle. The highlight of the temple is a 15th century Buddha statue and 15 small modern statues. Lectures on the basics of Buddhist culture are held daily on the grounds of Wat Chana Songkhram.

Opening time: 08:30-18:00
Cost: 50 THB.
Address: Chakrabongse Rd, Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
To get to the temple: you can walk from the Royal Palace (it takes about half an hour) or take a bus to Kaosan Road. There is no subway service near Wat Chana Songkhram.

Ratchanatdaram

The temple is located near the touristy Kaosan Road and is notable for having a terrace with panoramic views of much of Bangkok. Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan was built in the second half of the 19th century and is strikingly different from other religious buildings in the Thai capital. The main building (Loha Prasat) is in the Hindu style and is a replica of a temple erected in India.

Cost: 50 THB.
Address: 2 Machachai Rd, near the Democracy Monument
Access: Bus to Kaosan Road or walk from the Royal Palace or Wat Saket.

Other Cultural Attractions in the Capital

• Wynamnek Palace. Created over a century ago without a single nail. The main material used in the construction is considered to be mahogany. More than 80 rooms were once the residence of King Rama V, but today the building is open to tourists as a museum.
• Mahatatat. King Rama I once established this temple as a university dedicated to the study of Buddhism for all comers. Today, even the Pharangs - as the Thais call the people of Europe - are accepted here. Especially for foreigners, the curriculum has been adapted and translated into English.
• Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple) is striking in its richness of decoration. The white Carrara marble imported from Italy, the three-tiered roof, the long gallery with 50 Buddha statues is an unforgettable sight.

Modern Landmarks in Bangkok

Bayok Sky

The skyscraper hotel, with 84 floors, was the tallest building in Thailand until 2016. Together with the antenna, Bayok is 328 meters tall. Today, despite losing its former title, Bayok is still popular for the following reasons:

• The hotel has two observation decks (on the 77th and 84th floors) for those who want to take in views of the capital;
• You can combine a visit to Bayok Sky with a visit to one of the hotel's seven restaurants by paying from THB 600 per entrée;
• At 4-star hotels there are plenty of reasonably priced rooms starting from 2500 THB per night.

Address: 222 Ratchaprarop Rd, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi.
How to get there: Take the overground metro to Ratchathewi station or the express metro from the airport to Ratchaprarop station.

Jim Thompson House

The house-museum in honor of D. Thompson is located in the heart of Bangkok. It is interesting for the collection of art objects that this successful businessman and prominent public figure once collected. Thompson's main business, the silk trade, made him particularly revered by the locals. On the grounds of the estate today is a store with signature silk products of the brand created by Jim Thompson. The price of silk garments here starts from THB 4,000.

The museum tour program is complemented by a guide fluent in Thai, Japanese, English, German, and French. Photography is not allowed in the house. You can only take pictures in the garden.

Opening hours: 9:00 - 18:00.
Ticket prices: free for children under 10 years old, 100 THB for 10 to 21 years old, 200 THB for adults.
Address: 6 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.
How to get there: take the overground metro to National Stadium station.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a separate state within Bangkok. Everything here is strikingly different from traditional Thai style: the architecture, the food, the transportation, the pace of life. Chinatown is a great place to sample Chinese cuisine and buy souvenirs for loved ones.

Territorially it occupies an area between Yaowarat Rd, Charan Krung Rd, and Soi Wanit 1.
To get there the Chinatown can be reached by taking the underground metro to Hua Lamphong Station. It is also within walking distance of the Royal Palace and Wat Po Temple. In turn, these attractions are more conveniently reached by ferry.

Erawan

The Erawan Museum or Elephant Museum features a majestic 250-ton figure of Thailand's revered animal on its roof. The main purpose of the museum is to introduce Thais and visitors to the culture and history of the Kingdom. The building was opened to travelers in the late 60s of the last century. The Garden, on the territory of which Erawan is located, deserves special attention.

Opening time: everyday 8:00 - 17:00
Ticket price: for an adult is 400 THB and for a child 200 THB.
Address: 99/9 Moo 1 Bangmuangmai, Samut Prakan
To get to the museum you can go to On Nut Overground Station and then take a bus or cab.

Bangkok Oceanarium

Sea Life Ocean World is a great place for families, with more than 30,000 marine and ocean creatures. The oceanarium occupies an entire floor of Siam Paragon Shopping Center. It even allows scuba diving.

Opening time: 10:00 to 20:00.
Ticket price: 990 THB for an adult and 790 THB for a child from 3 years old. Kids under three years old are entitled to free admission.
Address: Siam Paragon Building, B1- B2 Floor 991 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District.

Other exciting places for kids

• Dream World is the Thai Disneyland. It offers over a hundred attractions: rides, mazes, interacting with animators dressed as fairy tale characters and more;
• The National Museum of Bangkok, which houses one of the largest collections of historical monuments. The main exhibit is the Sihing Buddha statue;
• Siam Park is a great place for families, with several dozen rides, an oceanarium, a small zoo and a food zone;
• Mini Waterparks, located on the rooftops of Central City Bangna and The Mall Department Stores.

Bangkok's natural attractions

Although Bangkok is one of Asia's largest metropolitan areas, it also has plenty of natural attractions. The Thai capital is especially rich in green oases - parks where visitors to the city usually stroll and relax from the hustle and bustle, and where locals like to go jogging in the morning. Bangkok is a safe city. The parkland is heavily guarded and entry is always prohibited late at night.

Chao Praya

The river that runs along the length of Bangkok is not only a scenic spot inside the huge metropolis but also a water transportation artery. Ferries, ships, and boats ply it almost around the clock to take locals and visitors to the city's major attractions.

Bangkok Parks

Benjasiri

Benjasiri Park, with an area of almost 5 hectares, is located in the heart of the capital, near Sukhumvit Street. It was created back in 1992. It's a crowded place - even on a weekday, Benjasiri can host 2-3 thousand people. The park area includes singing fountains, 18 sculptures, and a children's playground.

Opening hours: 5:00 to 21:00.
Address: Sukhumvit Road, between Soi Sukhumvit 22 and 24, Khlong Tan Sub-district, Khlong Toei District, Bangkok 10110
To get to the park: you can take the subway or bus (stop at Phom Phong Station).

Wachirabenchatat

The huge 60-hectare park, built on a former golf course, is located in the very north of Bangkok. It often holds up to 10,000 people at a time. The park has an entrance to the neighboring Queen Sirikit Parkway. At Wachirabenchatat, in addition to the usual walks, you can spend your time in one of the following ways:

• jogging or cycling on the specially equipped paths;
• play with the kids on the playground or learn the rules of the road in the organized car park;
• see beautiful insects in the Butterfly Garden;
• Explore the history of Thailand's official religion by checking out the Buddhist Archives.

Address: Kampaengphet 3 Road, Ladyao Sub-district, Chatuchak District, Bangkok 10900.
How to get there: Take the overground metro to Mo Chit stop or the underground metro to Phanom Yotip station.

Queen Sirikit Park

One of Bangkok's three northern parks, named after the favorite queen of all Thais, it has an area of more than 22 hectares. The park area is designed as a combination of the letters S and A (the queen's initials). On weekends, the park can accommodate from 5,000 to 10,000 people.

• The park is actually a botanical garden with a rare combination of exotic plants.
• Another local attraction is Bangkok's tallest fountain, which spews water over 70 meters high.
• Families with children will love the Discovery Museum located within the park area.

Opening hours: from 5:00 to 18:30.
Address: Kampaengphet 2 Road, Ladyao Sub-district, Chatuchak District, Bangkok 10900.
How to get there: by underground (Chatuchak Park stop) or overground (to Mo Chit station).

Lumpini

Bangkok's Central Park is a tribute to the Buddha. It was named after the Nepalese province where he was born. Lumpini, with its river and meadows, is a true corner of tranquility in a neighborhood of 24-hour hustle and bustle. Near the park are the streets of Patpong, where Bangkok's nightclubs are concentrated.

The oldest park area of almost 60 hectares was created back in the 1920s on the orders of King Rama VI. To honor him, a statue with an altar of fresh flowers at the entrance to Lumpini Park. Today, Lumpini often hosts local performers on a specially designed stage.

It is noteworthy that dogs are not allowed in the park, even on a leash or in your arms.

Address: Rama IV Road, Pathumwan.
How to get there: The easiest way to reach the park is to take the underground metro to Si Lom station.

Chatuchak Park

Chatuchak Park belongs to the northern park area. Chatuchak was opened to guests in the 1980s. It is the longest and narrowest park in Bangkok, covering an area of just over 30 hectares. On weekdays, about 7,000 people rest in the park. On weekends, this figure can safely exceed 30 thousand. The popularity of this place of rest is explained by the proximity to the subway, as well as the largest market of the capital.

• The highlight of Chatuchak is the opportunity for romantic boat rides with paddles on the local river.
• Families with children will also enjoy a visit to the Railroad Museum, located within the park.

Opening hours: 4:30 to 21:00.
Address: Kampaengphet 1 Road, Ladphyao.
How to get there: The park corresponds to Mo Chit station on the overground metro or Chatuchak station on the underground metro.

Muang Boran

A metropolitan park, a trip through which can replace a full-blown long vacation spent in Thailand. Its 1,500 square kilometers of land contain several hundred miniaturized replicas of the kingdom's landmarks.

Bangkok's Nighttime Neighborhoods

Thailand's capital city offers a selection of neighborhoods that are perfect for those seeking nighttime excitement. One such area is around the intersection of Patpong and Soi Cowboy streets, where you can discover clubs featuring strip shows and other adult entertainment.

To truly enhance your Bangkok sightseeing adventure, consider taking the overground metro or a budget city bus during rush hour. It's during this straightforward journey that you can best soak in the unique atmosphere of this vibrant city.