Travel Guide to Bangkok, Thailand
Traveling to this beautiful country once or twice is clearly not enough. There are a lot more to see, a lot more to learn, and a lot more to discover every time you visit Thailand. It is the country where you can find just the right amount of mix between the past, the present, and yes, the future.
Now, go on. See for yourself why many tourists fall head over heels with Bangkok, The Land Of Smile.
Shopping
(c) Sarah Zonio, 2015
1. Siam Center
Built on 1973, Siam Center was one of Bangkok’s shopping malls. From international brands like Forever 21, Steve Madden, Levis to Thai fashion statement pieces like Jaspal and Lyn Around. Siam Center is definitely heaven for shopping lovers out there.
P.S. Feel free to lose your head around their artsy setup, and drool over their numerous mouthwatering restaurants when you get hungry and need a break from shopping.
Location: Siam Tower, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok, Pathumwan, 10330
BTS Stop: Siam station
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00AM-09:00PM
Website: http://www.siamcenter.co.th/
2. Terminal 21
Want a free ticket around the world? Terminal 21 has it all covered! From London to Paris, to Istanbul, this mall is a must-visit for all wanderlusters. Set like you’re at the airport, searching for your boarding gate at one of the screens, and information desks like check in counters, you’d totally feel like you’re on your next flight around the world.
Location: Sukhumvit Road, between Soi 19 and 21, North Khlongtoei Wattana Bangkok 10110
BTS Stop: Asok station; with direct access via Skywalk
Hours: Daily, 10:00AM-10:00PM
Website: http://www.terminal21.co.th/
Cultural
(c) Sarah Zonio, 2015
3. Wat Phra Kaew (Grand Palace)
One of the most visited temples in Bangkok, this attraction site is definitely packed with tourists so always be mindful of your belongings, please!
Wat Phra Kaew is referred to as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is located within the premises of the Grand Palace itself. This place is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Please dress appropriately. No person wearing a tank top, sleeveless, mini skirt or short will be allowed to enter. If in any case, however, you decide to still wear the mentioned dress code, there are stalls on the opposite road of Wat Phra Kaew where you may buy a sarong for 100 Baht. Rentals are also available at Wat Phra Kaew itself, but the queue is usually long so I suggest you either refrain from wearing the not-allowed-dress code, or buy a sarong outside.
Location: Nha Phralan, Phra Nakorn, Old City (Rattanakosin)
BTS Stop: Wong Wian Yai station (via Silom line), exit the station and take the Chao Phraya express boat by the pier, go down at Tha Chang station (N9)
Hours: Daily, 8:30AM-3:30PM
Price: 500 Baht for foreigners, free for locals.
Website: http://www.grandpalacethailand.com/
4. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Located just behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, you may take a tuk tuk (or walk if you’d like) to get to Wat Pho. It is one of the largest temples in the city and is well visited because of its huge and amazing Reclining Buddha. Aside from that, Wat Pho also houses a lot of different pagodas and temples inside its complex. No wonder it’s a must-visit!
Location: Maharat Road, Old City (Rattanakosin)
BTS Stop: Wong Wian Yai station (via Silom line), exit the station and take the Chao Phraya express boat by the pier, go down at Tha Tien station (N8)
Hours: Daily, 08:00AM-05:00PM.
Price: 100 Baht
Website: http://www.watpho.com/intro.php
* Wat Pho also offers Thai massage until 06:00PM
5. Wat Muang (Temple of the Big Buddha)
Housing the tallest Buddha statue in Thailand and the 9th tallest in the world. Other attractions in Wat Muang include the biggest lotus petals in the world surrounding the temple, different storylines about heaven and hell, Thai gods, Chinese gods, the Silver Glass Temple and a museum. Wat Muang cannot be missed.
Location: Baan Hua Taphan, Moo 6, Hua Taphan sub-district, Visetchaichan District, Ang Thong
Hours: Daily
Price: Free
Website: http://www.watmuang.com/
6. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
A magnificent and breathtaking royal monastery that was built for more than just a place of worship, no words can describe how stunning this place is.
Location: Ayutthaya, 40/3 Moo 3, Khlong Suan Phlu, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phranakhorn Sri Ayutthaya 1300, Thailand
Hours: Daily, 08:00AM-04:30PM
Price: 20 Baht
Website: http://www.watyaichaimongkol.net/
7. Wat Phra Mahathat (Temple of the Great Relic)
The all-famous Wat of the iconic Buddha head entwined amongst the roots of a tree is what this temple’s known for. Come here just in time for sunset and watch how this place transforms into an even more romantic spot.
Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
Price: 50 Baht
BONUS
In the mood for some night market galore? Check out Asiatique: The Riverfront located at 2194 Charoen Krung Road, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok.
Separated into four (4) districts, you may enjoy this night market as fully as you’d like. Shopping, food, entertainment, and chill spots are all available and ready to welcome you with open arms here at Asiatique.
Open daily from 05:00PM-12:00AM.
*Traffic is quite heavy around this area and car parks are usually full. The best alternative way to come here is by taking the BTS to Saphan Taksin and taking the boat by the pier to Asiatique station. The boat leaves Saphan Taksin every 15 minutes starting 04:30PM. The last boat from Asiatique to Saphan Taksin leaves at 11:30PM.
Note from the author: This was originally posted on passportbites.wordpress.com, dated December 5, 2015
