Wat Arun

The Temple of Dawn as it’s known in English is a landmark in this fast-paced royal city. It dates back to the 19th century and its golden exterior is very impressive, especially when lit at night. Wat Arun is one of the most important symbols to the Thai people and it’s always crowded.
   

Grand Palace
 
This is sacred territory for the Thai people because for 150 years it was home to Thai kings – they are considered god-like figures in Thailand – and their royal court. Built in 1782, the Grand Palace is home to Wat Pradaew, which house the Emerald Buddha, one of the country’s most scared symbols. The Palace grounds are pristine and the architecture here will certainly impress you.
 

Floating Markets

They’ve become tourist hangouts but they still give you a great insight into the ancient Thai lifestyle. The best floating market is at Damnoen and a great way to get to it is by speedboat on the Chao Phraya River. The markets are colourful and provide tourist with lots of Kodak moments. Make sure you try some fresh coconut juice.
   

Take a Tuk Tuk
 
The mini cabs are exciting to ride in but be careful because they are very unsafe and unstable. Be careful, too, that the driver doesn’t take you down a blind alley and ask for extra money. While they may be fun, it’s much safer to take a cab in Bangkok because they are cheap and safer.

 

Seafood Market

Bangkok is noted for its fresh fish and the best place to enjoy it is at the Seafood Market & Restaurant where with the help of an attendant, you pick your live seafood and fresh vegetables and fruit and then an army of chefs at the front of the property turns it into a gourmet meal. Just ask your hotel concierge to make a reservation because this is one of the most popular dining spots in Bangkok.
   

Corner Massage
 
The Thai people take their massages seriously and almost regard it as a religion. Some of the best and cheapest massages can be enjoyed at corner shops where an army of therapists will massage your tired feet and backs for just a few dollars.
 

What Pho

Here you’ll find a fascinating collection of murals, inscriptions, sculptures and a reclining Buddha. It’s a vast temple complex with lovely landscaped gardens, stone sculptures, stupas adorned with glazed porcelain and it’s home to the College of Traditional Medicine where massage therapists get their training.
   

Chao Phraya River
 
This is one of the busiest waterways in Asia and it’s always full of large black barges hauling everything from vegetables to coal to world markets. A great place to view the action on the river is from the terrace of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, always rated among the best in the world and home to the world’s No. 1 spa. The long tail speedboats that race up and down the river are always fun to watch and even more fun to run in.

 

Nightlife

Bangkok is considered the enfant terrible of Asian cities and its neon nightlife has become legendary. The bars and clubs in areas like Soi Cowboy (Sukhumvit) and Patpong are certainly not for families but young travellers love the electric atmosphere of these districts and they’re great for people watching.
   

Jim Thompson’s House
 
The American has become a legend in Bangkok and the home he lived in before her mysteriously disappeared has become a sort of shrine to a man who really introduced the West to Thailand’s fabulous silk culture. You can buy Jim Thompson products throughout Bangkok and his house is full of wonderful art and Thai antiques – well worth a visit.