City highlights
Grand Palace
The palace and the temple belonging to it are considered to be the most important landmarks of Bangkok and are located directly on the Chao Phraya.
Around 100 buildings can be seen on this 200,000 m² palace complex, some of which have completely different architectural styles.
Khao San Road
The “road of uncooked rice” is world famous despite its length of just 400 meters. It reached its peak of fame with the movie “The Beach”, even though it has been an attraction since the 1980s. It is located in the “Banglamphoo” district, about one kilometer from the Grand Palace.
Khlongs (Canals)
According to animalerts, The Khlongs gave Bangkok two of their nicknames: “City of Canals” and ” Venice of East Asia”. They were used as important water transport arteries for centuries. During the 19th and 20th centuries, many khlongs were filled in for road construction. As a result, they are no longer so dominant in the urban area today.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Wat Pho is probably the largest and oldest temple in the city. Officially, Wat Pho is called “Wat Phra Chetuphon” and is located in the historical part of Bangkok. Its gilded statue of the reclining Buddha, which measures 46 meters in length and 16 meters in height, is particularly striking. Traditional Thai massage is also available in the area around the Wats.
Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
This Buddhist temple is part of the Royal Palace complex and contains the world-famous Emerald statue of the Buddha, the national shrine of Thailand. However, it was constructed from jade. Miraculous powers are ascribed to him.
Villas, palaces and fortresses
Bang Pa-In Palace
This palace was built in the 17th century under the rule of King Prasat Thong. The current structures are based on the reign of King Chulalongkorn when most of the buildings were constructed between 1872 and 1889. Nowadays the palace is occasionally used by King Bhumibol (Rama IX) and his wife Sirikit as a residence or for holding banquets.
Chitralada Palace
The palace is on Ayutthaya Road, right next to Wat Benachamabophit Dusitvanaram (marble temple). It is the residence of the current Thai King Bhumibol.
Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo
The palace and the temple belonging to it are considered to be the most important landmarks of Bangkok and are located directly on the Chao Phraya. Around 100 buildings can be seen on this 200,000 m2 palace complex, some of which have completely different architectural styles. You can see, for example, the throne halls, the Chakri Palace and the Coin Pavilion, in which a permanent exhibition of royal objects and coins can be admired.
A special building in the palace complex is Wat Phra Kaeo, a wonderful example of Thai craftsmanship. The emerald Buddha located in it is famous. The entire complex is surrounded by a wall that measures around 2 kilometers. Entrance to the palace complex is 125 baht (about 2.50 euros) and includes access to the Vimanmek Mansion (described below).
The dress code for visiting the complex is mandatory and prohibits uncovered shoulders and sandals. However, the provisions are not enforced with all severity.
The square in front of the palace is the Sanam Luang, also called “Phra Meru Field”, a very large parade ground. It is surrounded by trees with tamarinds (Thai fruits) and is very popular for royal ceremonies. It is located between famous and magnificent buildings such as the National Museum, the Ministry of Justice or the Thammasat University.
Suan Pakkard Palace
This palace complex is surrounded by a beautiful garden on the road to Ayutthaya. The complex consists of five houses in which ancient works from Asia are shown.
Vimanmek Mansion
This “heavenly palace” is considered to be the world’s largest building made of teak wood, which has been refined with gold leaf in some places. Located behind the parliament building, it consists of three floors, over 80 rooms or halls. The furniture, which is made up of pieces from the royal family and dates back to the 19th century, is impressive.
Special neighborhoods, squares and streets
Chinatown
Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown district stretches along Yaowarat Road from Odeon Circle to the Ong Ang Canal. The Odeon Circle with its huge Chinese gate marks the entrance to Chinatown. There are tons of gold shops here, but also some beautiful sights that are easy to explore on foot.
Rattanakosin
The district marks the oldest part of Bangkok. Many of the major attractions are located here. Besides the Grand Palace, the National Museum, Thammasat University, the National Theater, Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Kaeo, there are many other attractions in Rattanakosin. Saan Lak Meuang, the official center of Bangkok, is also located in this area.
Sanam Luang (also Phra Meru Field)
The square in front of the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo is the Sanam Luang, also called “Phra Meru Field. It is an extremely large parade ground and is surrounded by trees with tamarind (Thai fruits). The very The space often used for royal ceremonies is located between famous and magnificent buildings such as the National Museum, the Ministry of Justice or Thammasat University.
Thonburi
The district is on the other side of the Chao Phraya. While most of the khlongs in Bangkok had to give way to the streets and were filled in, you can still find some canals in Thonburi.
Sanam Luang (Phramen-Ground)
The Sanam Luang, also called “Phra Meru Field”, is an extremely large parade ground right in front of the Grand Palace. It is surrounded by trees with tamarinds (Thai fruits) and is very popular for any royal ceremonies. It is nestled between famous and magnificent buildings such as the National Museum, the Ministry of Justice or the Thammasat University.
Khao San Road
The “road of uncooked rice” is world famous despite its length of just 400 meters. It reached its peak of fame with the movie “The Beach”, even though it has been an attraction since the 1980s. It is located in the “Banglamphoo” district, about one kilometer from the Grand Palace. The street and its extensive surroundings are very popular with backpackers: countless guest houses, hotels and hostels are located here. Pubs, bars, restaurants, second-hand bookshops, travel agencies, street vendors and tattoo shops make the quarter very attractive. For some time now, prices have been rising and larger chains of goods have been settling here.
Markets and shopping malls
Chatuchak weekend
market The market is only open on weekends and offers everything your heart desires in precisely subdivided areas: from pets and clothing to jewelry and antiques. It is located on the northern edge of the city center, halfway between the airport and the city. The market is usually covered and can therefore get unbearably hot even on pleasantly warm days.
Central Plaza
The mall is located near Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Garment District
Here very inexpensive garments from Thai mass production are offered.
Mahboonkrong (MBK) Center
In this shopping center there are various smaller shops and corridors. One floor specializes exclusively in cell phones, two more in clothing and bags, and the last in furniture.
Patpong Night Bazaar From
around 7 p.m., the streets of Bangkok’s infamous red light district fill with small stalls and stalls. Jewelry, instruments, clothing, etc. are offered. The atmosphere is wonderfully chaotic. Here you have to be extremely careful against pickpockets!
Floating markets
The floating markets are the most famous attraction, but they can only be found outside of the city and are therefore listed under Recommended excursions.
Siam Center & Siam Discovery
These two centers are located near Siam Square and contain a variety of designer shops and restaurants.
Siam Paragon
This center opened in 2005 in Bangkok’s shopping district. Most of the shops selling here are among the most expensive in town. But there is also the largest aquarium in Asia and many film screenings.
The Emporium
First class shopping mall on Sukhumvit Road by the Promping Skaytrain station. It is especially popular with foreign residents of Bangkok. It includes very expensive stores.
