When you think of Thailand, you think of Bangkok! 7 must-visit tourist spots in Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a famous tourist destination in Asia. It is a city where traditional Buddhist temples, modern shopping malls, and bustling night markets coexist. In this article, we will introduce 7 must-visit spots in this multifaceted city of charm. If you are planning to go to Bangkok or are just starting to make plans, please use this article as a reference! Oh, and prices in Bangkok are reasonable, so you may be able to reduce the burden of travel expenses.
1. The Grand Palace: A symbol of Bangkok's history and beauty
The Grand Palace is the official palace of the Thai royal family, and it is no exaggeration to say that it is a must-see spot when visiting Bangkok. The palace was built in 1782 and has a total area of approximately 218,400 square meters. The most famous part of this vast palace is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). It is a Buddhist temple where a Buddha statue made of green boulders is enshrined. The Emerald Buddha itself is small, but there are various attractions throughout the temple, such as the golden pagoda and the Angkor Wat model. When visiting, please note that there is a dress code inside the palace. Avoid clothes that expose your shoulders and knees, and long sleeves and long pants are recommended. Also, since there are many tourists, it is a good idea to go early to avoid the crowds.
Address: Grand Palace - Google Maps
Callback /CC BY ND
2. Chatuchak Weekend Market: A Shopping Fiesta
Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest and most popular markets in Bangkok. As the name suggests, this market is only open on weekends, and it is said to be visited by more than 200,000 people, with over 15,000 stores. The products sold here are diverse, and include everything you can think of, such as clothing, accessories, furniture, art, food, flowers and ornamental plants. However, no matter what you buy, bargaining is essential! Prices are often set high, especially for products aimed at tourists, so smooth negotiation is the key to getting a good deal. The size of the market and the number of products are overwhelming, so we recommend planning before visiting. There is a guide map inside the market, but even with that, it is not uncommon to get lost. Some stores are open on weekdays, but most are closed, so be sure to visit on the weekends.
Address: Chatuchak Weekend Market - Google Maps
3. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): A place to enjoy the beauty of the evening
Wat Arun is one of the beautiful Buddhist temples that stands on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. As its name suggests, the towers that sparkle in the light at dawn are very beautiful. Wat Arun is mainly composed of two areas. One is the central tower that is about 75 meters high, and the other is an area where four smaller towers are arranged around it. These towers are decorated with ceramic fragments and shells, and you will be amazed by their detailed designs when you see them up close. It is beautiful enough to see from a distance, so if you don't have time, it is recommended to view Wat Arun from a cafe on the Chao Phraya River after visiting Wat Pho.
Address: Wat Arun - Google Maps
Source /CC BY ND
4. Central World: A shopper's paradise
Central World is a shopping mall located in the center of Bangkok and is one of the largest commercial facilities in Thailand. It has over 500 stores selling a wide variety of products such as fashion, beauty, furniture, and food. It is the perfect place for shopping, especially for women in their 20s and 30s , as it has a wide selection of trendy fashion items and cosmetics. There is also a large food court, high-end restaurants, and cafes, so you can eat and take a break between shopping. It is also very convenient to access, and can be easily reached on foot from Chit Lom Station or Siam Station on the BTS (Skytrain). It is especially popular as a place to spend time indoors during the rainy season.
Address: Central World - Google Maps
5. Khao San Road: Backpacker and nightlife mecca
Khao San Road is a very popular downtown area for travelers and backpackers. This 400- meter road is packed with a variety of shops, food stalls, bars, and clubs, and is bustling with people from all over the world. Khao San Road is lively until late at night, and is well-known as a place to enjoy nightlife. Bars offer local beers and cocktails at reasonable prices, and you can also watch street performances. This is a great place to meet other travelers and make new friends during your trip. People from various cultural backgrounds gather here, so you can enjoy the international atmosphere.
Address: Khao San Road - Google Maps
6. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): A temple with a giant reclining Buddha statue
Wat Pho is one of the most eye-catching spots among the historic temples of Bangkok. The temple is famous for its "Reclining Buddha", a reclining Buddha statue that is a whopping 46 meters long and 15 meters tall. In addition to the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho also has many pagodas, statues and beautiful murals. It is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and you can still get a Thai massage inside the temple. It is easily accessible and close to other tourist attractions such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, so we recommend visiting them together.
Address: Wat Pho - Google Maps
7. Asiatique: A riverside paradise that lights up Bangkok at night
Asiatique is a large shopping mall located along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. After dark, this place is crowded with many people, and you can enjoy not only shopping, but also delicious food and entertainment. In particular, at the restaurants facing the riverside, you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes while watching the beautiful night view of the Chao Phraya River. There is also plenty of entertainment, with live music and dance performances on the outdoor stage. In addition, the Ferris wheel offers a panoramic view of Bangkok's night view, making it a popular date spot. Access is relatively easy, and a free shuttle boat is available from Saphan Taksin Station on the BTS (Skytrain). However, considering the traffic congestion at night, it is recommended to leave early.
Address: Asiatique - Google Maps
summary
The seven tourist spots introduced here are all places you should visit at least once in Bangkok. If you want to feel the history and culture, we recommend the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Arun. At these spots, you can experience the history and art of the Thai royal family and Buddhism. You can enjoy shopping at Central World and Asiatique, and if you want to interact with local people, Chatuchak Weekend Market and Khao San Road are the best places to go. In terms of access, there are many means of transportation, such as the BTS , boats, and taxis, so you can efficiently tour the tourist spots. However, it is important to plan in advance to avoid traffic jams and crowds at night.
Even if it's your first trip to Bangkok, you can fully experience the charm of Bangkok by visiting the seven spots introduced in this article. Be sure to refer to this article when traveling to Bangkok!
