Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, is a busy and booming city and an extremely popular tourist spot. The city of over eight million people is known as Thailand’s cultural center point, and is home to galleries, clubs, stadiums, and historic sites. Anyone wishing to learn about Thailand would be well advised to begin in Bangkok. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may even get to catch one of the local festivals, like the Queen’s birthday celebration in August or the King’s birthday celebration in December. No matter what time of year you visit, though, you’ll find no shortage of things to see. Here are a few of the top places that you’ll want to make sure you visit.
- The Grand Palace. From 1782 to 1925, the Grand Palace was the home of the kings of Siam, followed, of course, by the kinds of Thailand. Although the current monarch of Thailand lives at the Chitralada Palace, the Grand Palace is still used for official events. When visiting the Palace, you’ll want to explore The Museum of the Emerald Buddha Temple, located between the Outer and Middle Courts, which is the artifact repository for both the palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Temple itself is also a most interesting spot to visit. Visitors should note that there is a strict dress code in lace at the palace. Those who wish to enter should dress modestly: no bare shoulders, knees, or feet.
- Wat Pho. Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the Wat Pho is known as the birthplace of the Thai massage. Before becoming a temple, the Wat Pho was an educational center specializing in traditional Thai medicine, and the temple is considered Thailand’s first public university. Students are taught medicine and massage, as well as religion, science and literature. Of course, while you’re there, you can’t miss seeing the reclining Buddha. This magnificent 15-meter high and 43-meter long gold and jeweled image of Buddha is just an incredible sight to behold.
- Chinatown. Bangkok’s Chinatown is a great place to shop and an even better place to eat. You may not know that the common greeting in Bangkok – their equivalent of “how are you?” translates to “have you eaten?” Food is very important in the Bangkok culture, and it is everywhere, in all kinds of variety. Chinatown in particular is known for being a food haven. Spend some time here exploring the restaurants, market stalls, food carts and more. If you do happen to be in Bangkok during a festival, you will have a chance to see Chinatown at its very best.
Bangkok is a very large city, and you would need to spend a lot of time there to see everything worth seeing. But if your time is limited, make sure to at least include these three stops on your itinerary. You’ll be glad you did.
