Bangkok, or the city of Angels, is a dynamic megapolis known for its contrasts between glittering gold and real poverty, tuk-tuks and long-tail boats, friendly people and one of the finest cuisines of the world. I’ve wanted to visit it for a long time, and it didn’t disappoint!
Actually ‘Bangkok’ is a short name for the capital of Thailand: Thai people know it as Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
Below are the 15 most famous and important landmarks in Bangkok: I chose those to reflect the diversity and history of this country.
1. Grand Palace
The Grand Palace has been an official residence of the Kings of Siam (now the Kings of Thailand Thailand) since 1782 when Rama I decided to move the capital to another location following the military conflict between Siam and Burma.
Since 1925, the kings have resided in Dusit Palace; however, the Grand Palace still holds the primary importance. The overall outlay resembles the former capitals of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. There are many beautifully embellished buildings on the Palace territory; however, you can visit only a few of them, and others are closed to the public.
You can also find Temple of the Emerald Buddha Museum by the palace’s exit. There, you can explore the history of palace preservation and restoration – the photography inside is limited though.
2. Temple of Emerald Buddha
I was left speechless when visiting Wat Phra Kaew – I’ve been to around 50 countries and have never seen anything like this.
Wat Phra Kaew is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand. It is located on the same grounds as the Grand Palace, and the central building – Phra Ubosot – houses the statue of the Emerald Buddha.
The buildings here are amazing, all covered in traditional symbols of Thai religious architectural style, glittering with glass and gold as well as coveredporcelain tiles, and you can find a large golden stupas and prangs there as well.
The 15th-century statue is actually not very big (it’s only 66cm tall) and is made from green jasper, and ’emerald’ describes only its colour. This Buddha has three sets of golden raiment—clothing—decorated with precious stones that are changed by the king himself a few times during a year.
You can’t take photos inside the temple, but the Emerald Buddha is visible from the outside, too.
3. King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk
We’re visiting King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk, the highest observation deck in Thailand! King Power Mahanakhon is a skyscraper opened in 2016 which has a very unusual helix shape (just look at the ice cream in the shape of it).
First, you get to a desk with shops and a cafe, and then you can take an elevator/ escalator to an open space on the very top.
We booked the tickets well in advance to attend a sunset slot – Bangkok looks absolutely spectacular from this desk! After your visit, you can explore more of the shopping floors of the tower.
4. Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho, or Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn), is another iconic Buddhist temple not far from the Grand Palace.
It’s a huge temple complex that was re-established by Rama I in the 18th century on the site of an older temple, with numerous meticulously decorated buildings, prangs, stupas and a gallery of 394 smaller golden Buddhas not to mention the Grand Reclining Buddha!
Apart from this, this temple is home to 1400 stone inscriptions covering almost every part of life (there used to be 2000 of them dating to the time of King Rama Ill) – this temple is believed to be the birthplace of Thai massage and medicine as well!
But the main point of the visit is the 46-metre-long and 15-metre-tall gold Reclining Buddha located in Viharn hall. No surprises it’s the main landmark for tourists today because it looks incredible!
The reclining Buddha in general is a very popular image when Buddha lies on his right side holding his head by his hand – and just moments away from entering parinirvana, or nirvana-after-death. No doubt you’ve seen the photos from here showing the mother-of-pearl inlaid soles of the Buddha (the statue dates to 1832).
You might spot bronze bowls along one side of the hall while you’re serving the murals — actually, they represent the auspicious traits of the Buddha. You can drop coins into them to bring luck and support the monks.
5. Amulet Market
People in Thailand are very superstitious, and many of them take amulets seriously and rely on them to attract good fortune, protection, love, etc, into their lives.
Near Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, there is a large amulet market you might be interested in visiting because this is a very authentic experience. Amulets come in all shapes and materials, but as far as I noted, the majority of them feature Buddha or various Buddhist monks (some even have relics inside) – this kind of amulet is called Phra Kreaung, and animal amulets Muntjac Antlers.
You can also buy Buddha statues, some medicines, and, of course, souvenirs. However, during my visit, this market felt much less lively and a bit solemn (what would you expect from a place like this, right?).
6. Shopping malls
SiamParagon, which opened in 2005, is one of the largest shopping malls in Bangkok, and CentralWorld is one of the largest malls in the world! Not only do they have a large shop section (clothes, accessories, skincare), but the food court here is fantastic.
You can find lots of cute cafes as well as Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Western cuisine. SiamParagon is also home to Sea Life Bangkok – see below!
7. Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World
Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, located in SiamParagon, opened in 2005. It’s the largest aquarium in Southeastern Asia!
It features literally hundreds of species of marine animals. You can ride a glass floor boat with sharks and explore different geographic zones of marine animals (not to mention penguins, otters, reptiles, etc).
At the end of the route, you can shop in a small shop and watch a 15-minute 4D cartoon.
8. Wat Arun
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, or the Temple of the Dawn, is one of the most famous symbols of Bangkok, famous for its ceramic and porcelain outer decorations and corn-shaped prangs, or spires, with the tallest one being 79 metres high.
It’s located right on the river bank of the Chao Phraya River on the opposite side of the grand palace. Its name is linked to Aruna, a Hindu god of the rising sun. It’s unclear when it was founded, but it was already on this site in the 17th century under the name of Wat Makok.
It was under restoration just a few years ago (as I understood, its surface is meant to be colourful, and it’s already a bit greyish). If you have time, have a look at the architectural and decorative details, mythical beast Kinnari, yakshas (demons) and many others.
9. Wat Saket
We came to Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan just to learn that the main part of it – Phu Khao Thong, the golden mountain standing on an artificial hill – is under restoration until July 2024. The name of the temple is linked to washing hair – why would you ask? The legend says that Rama, I stopped here to take a bath before proceeding into the other part of the city. Inside the golden mountain, Buddha’s relics were received from India.
You can still climb 320 steps, but considering that it’s +36 and the most famous part of the temple is closed, we decided to skip it. There was a funeral in the temple itself. Loi Krathong Festival Aldi takes place on the temple’s grounds as well.
10. Forts of Bangkok
There are a few ancient forts to see in Bangkok which made it to our time – in the past there were 14 of them built during the reign of King Rama! Add to this more modern forts as well. Go and see Phra Sumen Fort or Mahakan Fort. The latest located near the Monument of Democracy It is made out of bricks and consists of three levels. You can also spot some cannons there. In the past, it was featured on one of the banknotes.
Another fortification of Bangkok you might see on the river shore is Wichaiprasit Fort, now on the premises of the Royal Thai Navy Academy. If you’re taking a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, look for a white castle – like building!
11. Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan (Loha Prasat)
Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, or Loha Prasat, is a unique temple of Bangkok with 37 metal spires. It’s even been called an Iron Castle!
Only three temples like this exist in the world: the first one was built in India during Buddha’s lifetime, the second one was built in Sri Lanka around 156 BC, and this one was built in 1846 in Bangkok. The temple was erected by Rama III to commemorate Princess Sommanat Wattanawadi, who died shortly after labour at 19 years old.
You can climb all seven floors of the building to observe the panorama from it, and a small exposition about the temple’s history is located on the lower floors.
12. Chinatown
Chinatown is a must visit in Bangkok! It was founded in 1782 one the capital was moved here which makes it one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world.
If you’re looking for a buzzing, aromatic and noisy place which looks like everything you’d expect from Chinatown, come immediately to the Yaowarat road.
It has lots of food stalls, with fresh fruit cut and skewers fried right on the street and goldsmith shops selling jewellery.
We loved David Thompson’s Chop Chop Cook Shop there.
If you’re looking for more places to explore, come to see the Kuan Yim shrine, built in 1905 by a hospital – this site is dedicated to Guanyin, the goddess of mercy. Odeon Circle is a large roundabout built in 1999 that marks the beginning of Chinatown with a large colourful gate.
Finally, Wat Traimit is a gorgeous Buddhist temple right next to Odeon Circle – come here to see a giant Gold Buddha who weighs 5.5 tons!
13. Flower market Pak Khlong Talat
Visiting a flower market in Bangkok is a unique activity. As I’ve already mentioned, many Thai people are very religious and superstitious, so the primary aim of a flower market is to provide flowers for decorations and offerings for temples and small shrines.
Come to Pak Khlong Talat, a former fish market, to explore local plants! You’ll see fragrant and colourful marigolds, lotuses, orchids, jasmine, and many other flowers already on wreaths and garlands for those purposes. The name of the market – Pak Khlong Talat – means ‘the market on the mouth of the canal’, referring to its location.
However you can find not only flowers at their market! There are some people selling fresh fruits there as well: think of mangoes, longans, dragon fruits, water apples, pomelos, and many others. Moreover, there are stalls sellignpotted plants as well.
14. Democracy Monument
The Democracy Monument opened in 1940 and is located on a large roundabout on Ratchadamnoen Road. It symbolises democracy and liberty and the country’s adoption of constitutional monarchy following the Siamese revolution of 1932. The monument symbolically guards the constitution in the centre of it.
15. Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen
Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is an ancient royal temple located on the Chao Phraya River. Its been established in early 17th century, was nearly abandoned in early 20th century and now is as prosperous as ever.
It’s been successful in promoting Buddhist education and charities however the most famous part of it now is the giant gold Buddha! Actually it was finished only in 2021 and already become the most famous photo spot.
The best way to observe this 69-metre-high statue is from the water: the boat ride from the local pier along Bangkok Yai Canal lasts about 20 min, and you can also observe temples nearby and feed the fish (I swear those are huge!)
Where to stay in Bangkok:
We chose to stay at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok. It’s a large luxury hotel with a strong Thai vibe combined with some modern Western aesthetics.
The breakfast, both in the lounge and on the ground floor, was fantastic, with fresh smoothies and savoury egg dishes made upon demand, and their weekend buffet offered a fantastic selection of food from Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Western cuisines.
I’d also highly recommend ‘The House of Smooth Curry’ restaurant; both the good and the table setting are worth coming to, even if you’re not staying in this hotel.
I must also note that swimming in their open pool on the 10th floor, surrounded by the frangipani trees and with a small side, was one of the highlights of our Bangkok visit.
You might also like my other posts about Thailand: Bangkok with kids.
Hope you liked my blog,
Yours,
Anna xxx
