Many tourists mistake Bangkok as being nothing but massage parlors and clubs, yet the city offers much more. With some of the top travel attractions that reflect its rich culture and provide an enriching experience.
Visit Thailand’s National Museum to get a sense of its history, then embark on a river cruise for an unparalleled perspective of Bangkok. Hong Kong to Chicago flights are offered by Cathay Pacific now.
1. Wat Traimit
At Yaowarat Road in Chinatown lies this temple renowned for hosting Thailand’s largest Golden Buddha image made of solid gold weighing 5.5 tons! Considered among Thailand’s most valued statues, its golden pagoda symbolizes prosperity, purity and strength – making this an important tourist destination.
Wat Traimit’s glittering Buddha can be found gracing the top floor of its main building and is enshrined within a large room dedicated to him. Additionally, you can visit their Heritage Centre which features a video presentation about the history and journey that led him there.
Although Wat Traimit can be visited independently, many tour companies provide day trips that include not only Wat Traimit but other key landmarks in Bangkok – most popularly with this being the Bangkok Highlight Temples Day Tour which visits Wat Pho and Benchamabophit as well.
This tour offers a wonderful opportunity to visit three of the city’s most celebrated and interesting Buddhist temples within one day, which may include traditional attire required when entering. Be prepared for plenty of stairs if taking this option; therefore it might not be recommended for seniors or people with limited mobility.
Dream World is an entertaining place that lets your inner child run wild; when visiting Bangkok it should be at the top of your itinerary. From thrilling rides to sweet little attractions, this destination will make your trip truly memorable! With something fun for every member of the family – including cultural performances – Dream World promises an enjoyable and enjoyable time.
2. Assumption Cathedral
Assumption Cathedral is Bangkok’s main Catholic church and one of its most iconic structures. With two towering square towers topped by square bell-towers forming two square spires that project onto a tree-lined courtyard, Assumption Cathedral gives off an air of self-contained township resemblance; featuring Italian and French Renaissance-influenced design elements it stands out among Thailand’s churches as an exception.
Built in 1821, this magnificent cathedral stands in Old Town at a scenic site along the Chaophraya River and features ornate frescos and stained glass windows depicting biblical stories. Additionally, its crypt is home to many former bishops and missionaries buried there.
Visits to this cathedral offer both beauty and peace; visitors can relax and contemplate life here, with its ornately designed ceiling also adding visual interest.
Father Pascal, a French missionary, received permission from HM the King to build this church at its current location. Unfortunately, during World War II it was damaged by allies bombing but has since been restored and visited by Popes John Paul II (in 1984) and Francis (November 2019).
Bangkok Cathedral is the main church for Catholic archdiocese in Bangkok and should not be missed when touring its capital city. Featuring stunning Italian-renaissance architecture that stands in stark contrast to its predominantly Buddhist surroundings, three schools and printing presses can also be found within its compound as well as Jael Aeng Beal Shrine which commemorates 108 Hainan Chinese merchants killed by pirates in 1757.
3. Madame Tussauds
Bangkok may initially appear intimidating, with its traffic congestion and nightlife, yet visitors should know that this vibrant city offers something for everyone. From ancient traditions to contemporary marvels – temples abound. With numerous shopping opportunities, delectable street food vendors and tranquil river cruises there’s plenty of excitement in Thailand’s captivating capital!
Madame Tussauds is an iconic wax museum with locations worldwide. Although anachronistic in this age of virtual reality, its popularity remains undiminished – perhaps as a testament to humanity’s fascination with celebrity and desire for insight behind-the-scenes of celebrity lives. Madame Tussauds continues to adapt with modern times by adding Bollywood stars and interactive exhibits while breaking down barriers preventing guests from touching its exhibits; guests now get photos with their favorite stars or interact directly with them!
Visit Bangkok and experience its luxurious Grand Palace for yourself; its grandiose complex of royal residences and sacred temples will mesmerize visitors as they gaze upon its immense collection of gold, bronze and silver statues and structures that awe visitors!
The Grand Palace is also home to Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun, with their captivating design that incorporates porcelain tiles and delicate seashells that reflect sunlight into an impressive sight. Visitors who have the energy can explore these sights further on foot through palace grounds or by climbing to the top of central Prang for breathtaking panoramic views of city skylines, Chao Phraya River, canal boats (khlong) or canal boat (bai) tours that zigzag through Bangkok canals with plenty of wats, houses on stilts as well as giant monitor lizards!
4. Lumpini Park
Bangkok can be draining, but Lumpini Park provides the perfect respite from city life. A visit to this lush green oasis in downtown Bangkok gives visitors an opportunity to stroll its paved pathways or get active by jogging, cycling or rollerblading; or ride one of Lumpini Park’s swan paddle boats around its lake – both are excellent ways of relaxing while discovering peaceful waters – or enjoy its many wild flowers and wildlife, such as squirrels, fish and its world-famous giant monitor lizards!
The park features many permanent attractions and is the go-to place in Bangkok for locals looking to exercise. There are outdoor gyms where you can work out for free or join groups for aerobics, yoga or break dancing classes; additionally, this park is known for hosting an open air museum with ancient sculptures and artwork; dance halls where various groups perform free performances; as well as its Puppet Theater which showcases traditional Thai puppet shows.
History buffs will love Lumphini Park’s National Museum. Here, artefacts including royal regalia, paintings by world-renowned artists and centuries-old ceramics await discovery – best visited as part of a guided tour. Your knowledgeable guide can also share stories behind each exhibit!
Shopping can be found near the park at malls MBK and Terminal 21, featuring both international and local brands. Siam Paragon features high-end merchandise at moderately priced Siam Discovery; for something a bit different you could hop aboard a canal boat or express ferry to see everything from water level.
5. Jim Thompson House
Jim Thompson revolutionized Thailand’s textile industry after World War II by producing exotic Thai silks, revolutionizing textile production as well as his passion for preserving history and culture – so much so that he purchased and relocated several traditional Thai homes to central Bangkok where they now stand as part of the Jim Thompson House museum.
House and garden tours can be scheduled throughout the day; just be sure to book ahead if you plan to take one. Your tour guide will gather your group together at your designated tour time and collect tickets quickly before it’s off to explore the house – kick your shoes off at the entrance, step inside, explore rooms like bedrooms, study, and drawing room as you progress through these areas and look closely for decorative wall hangings collected by Thompson from various temples which feature stories about Buddha’s past lives and spiritual journey towards enlightenment.
After exploring the house, discover its lush garden. With trees and flowers that create a serene space in the bustling Bangkok environment, benches to sit on, Chinese pagoda features, as well as a small lake complete with boat.
After visiting the garden, hop back on the BTS Skytrain to National Stadium and follow the exit sign to Soi Kasemsan 2 where there will be an exit sign directing you toward Soi Kasemsan 2. Here, there is a museum with staff waiting to show you around; be patient while waiting as it’s worth your while – an entrance fee includes a 30-minute guided tour through its house (though note that wheelchair access may be restricted); should this prove inaccessible, request assistance when entering.
About the Author
