14 Places to Visit in Bangkok

Bangkok in Brief

Bangkok’s full name is: “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.”

Which is the longest name for any city in the world and translates to: “The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (unlike Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.”

But locals just call it “Krung Thep” for short. Bangkok became the capital of Siam (Thailand’s official name until 1938) when it was moved from Thonburi in 1782.

Bangkok has a very diverse and mixed culture due to its large port and its central position in Asia which made it very popular with traders, particularly from the west.

Bangkok has become popular with tourists for many reasons. It is becoming a vibrant and growing centre for fashion and it’s the cuisine. In a CNN poll, eight Thai dishes made their “Top 50 Dishes of the World’ list.

It is also famous for its street vendors, who take over the streets at night, and its many night markets, the most famous of which is probably Patpong Night Market, which is also near Bangkok’s famous (or infamous) red-light district.

One of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks is the Central World shopping mall which is one of the largest in the world and would take you days to look around (my mother loves it!). Another famous shopping mall is the upmarket and affluent Siam Paragon but few Thais shop here. Another popular destination with both Thai shoppers and tourists alike is the MBK Center that is full of small independent stalls as well as regular shops, but it is also popular for its many restaurants. The newest mall is the ICONSIAM which sits on the Riverfront and has a nightly light show that’s worth seeing.

Bangkok also has a seedier (and just as famous) side with its famous red-light districts and massage parlors. The three main red-light districts are Patpong, Nana, and Soi Cowboy. Nana Plaza recently got a facelift and is billed as the largest adult’s playground! Then, of course, there are Thailand’s famous ladyboys. I challenge you to point out who the real ladies are.

Bangkok is also notorious for its chaotic traffic and has the enviable accolade of being the second-worst city in the world for traffic jams. But never fear, if you’re staying in central Bangkok just jump on the Skytrain, the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to get around or you can always get the local MRT (underground/subway). Failing that you will find WIN (motorbike taxis) on just about every street corner.

While you are in Bangkok there are many places to see and things to do. Here’s a list of the top ten that you should make time for:

1. Top of your list and a must-see is the Grand Palace or Royal Compound that was built in 1782. The architecture and buildings are spectacular. Within the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaeo, which houses the Jade (or Emerald), Buddha. A word of warning, Thailand is a fairly conservative country (despite its red-light districts and prostitution) so when visiting its Palaces and temples make sure you dress sensibly, i.e. no shorts, short-sleeved shirts. Women should be covered and wear knee-length skirts or trousers.

• Within walking distance of the Grand Palace is Wat Pho where you can see the Reclining Buddha, a 45m long 15m high statue. Wat Pho is the oldest temple in Bangkok and also has Thailand’s first university. Famous for its healing powers there is also a massage school in the Temple where you can get a traditional Tha or foot massage.

• National Museum & Wang Na Palace was Thailand’s only museum until the mid-70s and is also home to King Rama I’s Wang Na Palace. Here you can immerse yourself in Thailand’s history and culture with its religious and ceremonial artifacts, ceramics, games, weaponry, musical instruments, and the Viceroy’s throne, as well as an impressive collection of Buddha figures arranged according to period.

• Another “must-see” is Bangkok’s famous Chatuchak Weekend Market which is claimed to be the world’s biggest outdoor market. It gets really busy and the walkways between the stalls are narrow but you can find just about everything here from ceramics, fashion, glassware, pets and silk. There are loads of traditional food vendors and restaurants also. A word of warning though, beware of local pickpockets and don’t keep anything valuable in your bag. A favourite trick is to use a sharp knife to slice the side or bottom of your bag and slip anything valuable out. I lost a night Canon camera on one visit.

• If you have a free day take a trip to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market on the outskirts of Bangkok. These trips have become extremely popular with tourists so don’t expect to find any bargains but you will find some delicious traditional Thai food and be able to interact with local stallholders. They call this the “Venice of the East”.

• Next up is Khao San Road which has been popular among backpackers for decades for its cheap hotels and hostels, seedy bars, secondhand book shops, and street vendors. It grew a reputation for being a fairly relaxed, cheap hip place to hang out. But now it seems the regular tourists are moving in and with them have come the more expensive shops, trendy bars, and cafes.

• Jim Thompson House, Jim Thompson was an American entrepreneur who moved to Thailand and made his mark selling Thai silk to the West and is seen as being the founding father of the Thai silk industry, hence his popularity here and his home has become a shrine to his achievements. However, he mysteriously disappeared in Malaysia on March 26, 1967. He was also awarded the Order of the White Elephant, the highest honour a foreigner can receive in Thailand.

• For good food, a relaxing atmosphere and a fantastic view try the Sky Bar Bangkok. When you arrive in Bangkok you’ll almost certainly see a large golden dome on top of one of Bangkok’s tallest buildings. Well, that’s the Sky Bar, which is also home to some of Bangkok’s best live jazz music. This restaurant and bar are far from cheap but the music and the views are well worth it.

• The Asiatique: The Riverfront is home to what used to be a bustling trade port but is now home to over 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants. But that’s not all, curious about Thailand’s famous ladyboys, then you can see the famous Calypso ladyboy cabaret, there’s also a traditional Muay Thai (Thai boxing) show and a classic Thai shadow puppets performance.
• One of the best shows in Bangkok (after the Calypso Ladyboy Cabaret) is the Siam Niramit Show. This extravagant 90-minute show captures the essence of Thai culture in traditional song and dance. I have seen this show twice and it’s breathtaking.
• One of the more unexpected sights in Bangkok is the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. Built-in 1860 by Tamil immigrants this Hindu temple is dedicated to the Goddess Mariamman and is a beautiful example of Indian architecture.
• One of the more macabre places to visit, and it’s definitely worth going to if you don’t have a weak stomach is the Siriraj Medical Museum also nicknamed the Museum of Death, which is actually seven small medical museums. Exhibits include things such as a deformed human fetus and the mummified remains of the first known serial killer in modern Thai history.

1.  Siam Park City is Bangkok’s best and biggest theme covering 120 acres which features the Siam Water Park, home to the largest wave pool in the world.
2. One of my favorite places in Bangkok is Dream World Amusement Park is full of exciting rides like a corkscrew rollercoaster, The Blackhole, the Hurricane and Snow World, with a huge indoor snowmaking machine so you can build a snowman in the middle of Bangkok!

These are only a few of the places you can see and things to do. Bangkok has many temples and monuments to visit that I haven’t mentioned such as Wat Arun. Then there’s ice skating, go-karting, and mountain climbing. Take an evening Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise.

Then there’s the Sea Life Ocean World in the Siam Paragon Centre or you can take a day trip to Bangkok Safari World.

 If you’re an Art lover try Art In Paradise, a living art exhibition. There’s even a Madame Tussauds here. Oh, and if you like snakes, don’t forget the Siam Serpentarium.

It’s no wonder Bangkok was the world’s most visited city in the world in 2019, there’s just so much to do. With all its temples, shopping malls and places of interest the only problem you’ll have is finding the time to fit it all in. Or you could always come back again!