Tuesday, January 14, 2014

The Best Tourist Sites in Bangkok


Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River is the capital and primary city of Thailand. Bangkok, which means "city of angels," is the social, financial and political hub of Thailand. With many renowned temples, palaces, parks as well as hotels and nightclubs, Bangkok is a major tourist center in Asia. Here is a list of its major sites.

The spectacular Grand Palace and the associated Wat Phra Kaeo are the most photographed sites in the town. The vast palace built in 1782 by King Rama I was the residence of the Royal Family. Wat Phra Kaeo featuring the renowned Emerald Buddha statue is the holiest temple of the country. Both these revered places are open year round. Chao Phraya River is the soul of the city and without an alluring boat ride on the river, no Bangkok trip would be complete. The Chao Phraya Express provides a cheap and comfortable way to see the various sights by avoiding the heavy traffic. Go for a memorable one-hour dinner cruise in a teak wood boat, or on a deluxe yacht to watch the glorious sunset.

Take a cross-river ferry to reach Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), on the other side of the Chao Phraya River, and climb the sheer steps of the incredible temple for an amazing view of the city. Wat Arun, featuring a 79-metre porcelain covered Pagoda with elaborate floral pattern is one of Southeast Asia's most renowned temples. To escape from the pollution and bustle of the city, visit the tranquil and beautiful Dusit Park. The green heaven with teak mansions, gardens and the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall is the best place to stroll around or relax. Lumpini Park featuring numerous trees, jogging paths, Tai Chi classes, bicycle roads as well as many art shows and festivals is another popular Bangkok park.

Wat Pho near the Grand Palace is the enormous temple complex that contains the oldest and largest temples in the city. The temple built in the 16th century holds the celebrated, 46 meters long and 15 meters high, gilded reclining Buddha statue. In addition, the place has the best-known massage school in the country and a museum with a fantastic collection of frescos, inscriptions and statues. Bangkok National Museum, displaying a grand collection of various artifacts is the biggest museum in Southeast Asia. The museum with various rooms and many pavilions truly represents the cultural, religious and social formation of the country. Never miss the collection of royal objects including the magnificent chariots.

The majestic Vimanmek mansion, which holds several imperial photographs, furniture, paintings and other artifacts from 19th century, is the world's biggest golden teak building. This former summer citadel of the royal family has stunning lawns and gardens to stroll.

Enjoy a pleasant shopping experience at the crowded Chatuchak Market. With over 8,000 stalls in a 35-acre area, the vendors sell almost everything. Use your haggling skills in this wonderful market that is known for illegal wildlife trade too. Shopping at Damnoen Saduak floating market highlighting numerous narrow channels full of wooden row boats and merchants selling various kinds of products would be another amazing experience.

The colossal Siam Ocean World displaying over 30,000 species in its seven underground demonstration zones is an astounding aquatic wonderland to visit. Get a stunning view of the town from the Vertigo Restaurant and Moon bar of the Banyan Tree Hotel while enjoying a rooftop sunset dinner.

Bangkok is globally renowned for its spas and massage centers where various types of massages including Thai massage, oil, foot and soapy massages are available. Experience it at the Oriental spa, Bodhi, Lullaby Spa, Ruen-Nuad Massage or Divana Spa. Bangkok is also famous for providing thrilling nightlife and Sukhumvit, Silom, Siam, Khao San Road, Ratchada and RCA are the town's best-known nightlife areas. Watching breathtaking Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) at Lumphini, Ratchadamnoen and Pattaya Stadiums will be another terrific experience here.

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