Highlights
Shopping & Entertainment
Exercise your haggling talents at the Chatuchak Market, one of the largest in the world, or at the Damnoen Saduak , a chaotic collection of longtail boats jostling for position, and featured in the Bond film “Tomorrow Never Dies”. Alternatively the modern, air-conditioned, easily navigable, multi-story shopping malls (MBK, Emporium, Siam Discovery and Central World Plaza) - accessed via the Skytrain - house fashion stores, book shops, speciality stores and accessory stands alongside luxury designer lifestyle goods and global brands.
Culture
Classical Thai dance - the main dramatic art form of Thailand – has been entertaining spectators since ancient times. The uniquely delicate movement of performers dressed exquisitely in traditionally embroidered costumes creates a beguiling form of dance-drama, not to be missed. Daily cultural shows including Thai dance, sword fighting and Thai boxing can be watched at the Sampran Riverside, whilst the Siam Niramit, a world-class stage show featuring 150 performers, depicts Thailand’s historical and spiritual heritage. Many restaurants in Bangkok also include a classical dance performance as part of a traditional Thai style dinner.
Temples
Richly embellished with glimmering gold, Wat Phra Kaew is a show-stopping temple of huge proportions set within the mesmerizing Grand Palace complex, particularly famous for its colossal Emerald Buddha, flawlessly carved from jade. Another opulent temple and Bangkok’s biggest, Wat Pho is home to a colossal reclining buddha shrouded in gold – its gigantic feet are astonishing! Others temples to note include Wat Saket for fantastic city views, Wat Benjamabophit for striking architectural feats of marble and bronze, and Chinatown’s Wat Mangkon, topped with an intricately tiled roof and fearsome Chinese dragons.
Palaces
With its glittering golden rooftops and majestic pagodas, the Grand Palace is Thailand’s greatest architectural symbol and a must-visit on any trip to vibrant Bangkok. Explore the grounds of this sprawling and hugely sacred site, admiring the craftsmanship of the towering buildings, dating back to 1782 and originally built for King Rama I. Vimanmek Mansion is another gem, thought to be the world’s largest golden-teak building. Dismantled piece by piece and relocated from the south of the city, King Rama V lived here when the Grand Palace was being restored in the early 1900s. Additionally, why not explore Suan Pakkard Palace’s beautiful antique teak-houses and sparkling lotus pools?