Exploring Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok! One of the shopping havens of Southeast Asia.  Experience the stunning temples, assorted markets and glamorous malls.  A visit to Bangkok won’t be complete without the tuk tuk ride.  Bangkok may be cosmopolitan today, but the magnificence of their history still is preserved.

Here are some places not to miss while visiting BANGKOK! 

1. Grand Palace & Wat Prakeaw

 The Grand Palace

Aside from its gorgeous architecture, the Grand Palace can be considered as the City’s most famous Landmark.  Inside the palace, you can see marvelous buildings including that of Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) for which contains the famous Emerald Buddha. 

            Note:  Stict Dress Code applies.  As the palace is considered to be the country’s most sacred place, proper attire is required in order to enter the palace.  Both men and women must wear long pants and tops with sleeves (no tank tops).  Sandals are also prohibited inside the palace.  Booths are available near the palace entrance that is able to provide you the proper attire however, a deposit is required.    

2. Floating Market (Damnoen Saduak)

There are 3 floating markets in the city.  Taling Chan Market, Bang Ku Wiang Market, Tha Kha, and Damnoen Saduak. However, the famous among all is the Damneon Saduak as this is the floating market that appeared in one of the classic James Bond scenes.  Like any other market, Damneon Saduak is a bit chaotic but you can enjoy haggling prices.

Opening Hours: 07:00 - 11:00 (every day)

How to get there: Take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal (+66 (0)2 434 5557-8) to Samut Sangkhram Ratchaburi province, 80 km southwest of Bangkok. You can then walk along the passageway to the market, or take a boat to the market pier.

3. Wat Pho

The Reclining Buddah

Also known as the temple of the Reclining Buddah, this temple is the country’s largest.  The Reclining Buddah is said to measure 46 meters long with feet that are 3 meters elegantly decorated in Mother of Pearl.

English speaking tour guides are available in the temple with a rate of 200-400 BHT.  Prices may vary depending on the number of people in the group.  You may also experience to be blessed by a Monk in exchange with a small donation to help maintain the temple. 

Open: Daily 08:00 - 17:00  (Massage available until 18:00)

Location: Maharat Road. Close to the river (about a half mile south of the Grand Palace), Old City (Rattanakosin)

Entrance: BHT20

  

4. Chao Phraya River & Waterways

Chaopraya river

If Venice is famous of their Gondola ride, Bangkok also boasts its river ride that are great for sight seeing.  It is nicknamed as “The Venice of the East”.  For a cheap price, you can use them to skip the city traffic.

Pictures of The Grand Palace and Chaopraya River were submitted by Mariella Oncog.

Miss M