GET THE MOST OF BANGKOK
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Situated on the west bank of Chao Phraya River with its uniquely beautiful design, Wat Arun is easily one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok. The temple has an imposing spire over 70 metres high, beautifully decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain placed delicately into intricate patterns. Wat Arun is almost directly opposite Wat Pho, so it is very easy to get to by boat. We would recommend spending at least an hour there, especially for the sunset. The quietest time to visit, however, is early morning, before the crowds.
– Address : Located on the west side of Chao Praya River (opposite Tha Thien Pier)
– Opening : 08.00-17.30
The Grand Palace
If one has to name the must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it’s definitely has to be this impressively astonishing Grand Palace. Built in 1782 – and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat government – The Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed. Within the palace complex there are several impressive buildings, including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), where the small and very famous Emerald Buddha has been preserved since the 14th Century. Until today, the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings.
– Address : Na Phra Lan Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200
– Opening Hours : 8.30-15.30
Museum Siam
Although set inside a very large neoclassical house built in 19th Century, the Museum of Siam is surely not the ordinary display of historical artefacts and dusty mannequins anyone would expect to find in museums. The entire museum is dedicated to the history of Thai people and the evolution of their spirits and cultures in the most surprising, untraditional way.
– Address : Phra Nakorn District, Rattanakosin Island, south of Wat Pho
– Opening Hours : 10.00-18.00 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Yaowarat / China Town
If you are brave enough and forget everything you thought you knew about food, Chinatown will surprise you. Yaowarat is famous for its very popular food stalls balanced on the most impractical pavements, not to mention the dubious sanitary conditions. And yet, each plastic chair is occupied and a queue is patiently standing by. There’s also a small selection of indoor restaurants complete with menus in English, including the amazing Double Dogs tea room, with hundreds of types of tea, and Red Rose at the stunning Shanghai Mansion where the food is a fusion of oriental flavours. Chinatown is adventure, and the sooner you discover it the better.
– Address : Yaowarat Rd Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
– Opening Hours : Never closes