Explore Bangkok beyond the familiar
One of the more striking Chinese temples in Bangkok, built in 1959 by the spiritual master who became its first abbot. Thai, Chinese, and Tibetan influences sit together across five acres, a blend rare enough to be worth the visit on its own.
323 Sathu Pradhit Road Soi19 10120 Bangkok Thailand
Bangkok's rapid bus transit system runs a single route, from Sathon to Ratchapruek, along dedicated lanes that bypass much of the city's usual congestion. A flat rate of THB 10 applies throughout. A guided docking system keeps the gap between platform and bus minimal, and because the route runs alongside the main road rather than beneath it, the ride itself takes in a fair share of the city along the way.
Bangkok's Rapid Bus Transit (BRT) station is 400 metres from the hotel. Direct routes to Sathorn and beyond on dedicated lanes. Shuttle service available to key destinations.
369/2 Ratchaphruek Road 10150 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand
A contemporary art space known for its considered exhibitions and willingness to show work that doesn't always fit neatly elsewhere, painting, sculpture, video, and multimedia from both emerging and established names. Talks and workshops run alongside the shows, keeping it closer to a working part of the city's art scene than a gallery in the more static sense. About 4.7 km from Chatrium Bangkok Sathon.
3 Soi Atthakan Prasit 10120 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand
Wed - Sat: 13.00 PM - 18.00 PM
Built in 1956 to counter the bad fortune said to surround the Erawan Hotel's construction, the shrine honours Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of Brahma. It sits among several other Hindu shrines dedicated to Lakshmi, Trimurti, and Ganesha. Dance troupes perform here during celebrations, worth timing a visit around, if the calendar allows.
Ratchadamri Road 10330 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand
Open daily
06.00 AM - 22.00 PM
Known locally as Queen's Park, Benjasiri was built in 1992 to mark Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's 60th birthday. A forest garden sits at its centre, deliberately wild, carefully kept, alongside an artificial lake, courts, and a pool. Enough variety that a short visit rarely stays short.
Open daily
05.00 AM - 09.00 PM
Built from marble imported from Carrara, Italy, pillars, courtyard, and the two lions at the entrance among them. Inside, gold and lacquer crossbeams frame a Sukhothai-style Buddha cast in 1920, beneath which King Chulalongkorn's ashes were laid to rest. A separate gallery holds over fifty Buddha statues, no two in the same pose. February and May bring the temple's two notable festivals.
69 Rama V Road 10300 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand
Set in a 19th-century former Ministry of Finance and Commerce building, Museum Siam takes an unusually interactive approach to Thai history, audio narration, hands-on exhibits, even a chance to mimic tossing Pad Thai at a street cart. A well-suited stop for families, or for anyone who prefers museums that don't ask them to stand still.
4 Sanam Chai Road 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand
Tue - Sun: 10.00 AM - 18.00 PM
An 82-metre Khmer-style tower rising from the banks of the Chao Phraya, built in the 17th century and once home to the Emerald Buddha. Best seen from the water, at dawn, as the name suggests, or at dusk, when it's lit against the darkening river. The climb to the top rewards with a single view that takes in the river, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace at once.
158 Thanon Wang Doem 10600 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand
Known as the "Metal Castle," built in 1846 under King Rama III and inspired by similar structures in India and Sri Lanka. Its 37 metal spires represent the 37 virtues leading to enlightenment, with a Buddha relic held at the highest point. It's the only surviving example of this particular architectural form, a small entry fee grants access to walk between its pillars.
2 Maha Chai Road 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand
Among Bangkok's most visited religious sites, and one of its oldest. The temple's namesake is a 46-metre reclining Buddha, covered entirely in gold leaf, its feet inlaid with mother-of-pearl depicting over 100 auspicious signs. The scale and precision of the statue are worth taking slowly. Wat Pho's massage school, established in 1955, remains active today, a fitting way to close a visit, with a traditional Thai massage before you leave.
2 Sanam Chai Road 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand
Open daily
08.00 AM - 18.30 PM
Established at Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's request, and housed in a centuries-old building remodelled under King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thailand's first dedicated textile conservation laboratory, holding pieces from across Southeast, East, and South Asia, as much a place of study as of display.
Na Phra Lan Road 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand
Open daily
09.00 AM - 16.30 PM
Called the "Centre of the Backpacking Universe" in The Beach, and still living up to that reputation. Shops sell everything from clothing to handicrafts; the Banglamphu Market to the north is worth the detour for those who enjoy a good haggle. Street carts serve Pad Thai and roti alongside more adventurous options. By night, bars like Brick Bar and Day of the Dead draw a steady, varied crowd.
Thanon Khao San 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand
The largest museum in Southeast Asia, built partly from Prince Wang Na's 1782 palace and converted a century later. Guided tours run twice weekly and are worth planning around. Three wings cover the ground: History, with artefacts from the Ayutthaya battles; Decorative Arts and Ethnology; and Archaeology and Art History, tracing back to prehistoric times.
Na Phra That Alley 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand
Wed - Sun: 09.00 AM - 16.00 PM
Named for the three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology, and built around a giant sculpture of the same creature. Inside, vibrant colour, ancient sculpture, and a stained-glass ceiling define the space. The building itself is arranged in three parts, Suvarnabhumi below, Earth at the dome, and Cosmos, the elephant statue itself, above.
99 Tambon Bang Muang Mai, Amphoe Mueang Samut Prakan, Chang Wat Samut Prakan 10270, Thailand 10270 Tambon Bang Muang Mai Thailand
Open daily
09.00 AM - 18.00 PM
Set beside the Chatuchak Weekend Market, and quieter than its neighbour might suggest. One of the district's oldest public parks, with summer huts, benches, and play areas alongside the greenery. Sitting directly above Chatuchak MRT Station, it's easier to reach than its calm atmosphere would imply.
Kamphaeng Phet Road 10900 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand
Open daily
04.30 AM - 21.00 PM
Known locally as Suan Luang Rama IX Park (Sathorn), created to mark King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 72nd birthday. Shaded paths, gardens, and a still pond give the Sathorn district a genuine green retreat, well suited to a morning jog or a slower walk. About 10 minutes by car from Chatrium Bangkok Sathon, close enough for an easy pause between plans.
Thailand's leading convention venue, recently expanded to over 280,000 square metres. Exhibition halls, meeting rooms, and grand ballrooms sit within a building that blends modern facility with Thai-inspired design. From Chatrium Bangkok Sathon Bangkok, QSNCC sits about 5 km away, roughly 15–20 minutes by car, or a short ride to MRT Lumpini Station, a convenient base for business and leisure travellers alike.
A quieter kind of temple, set within the Sathorn district and among the few dedicated Jain sites in the country. The space reflects Jain principles directly, non-violence, compassion, mindful living, in an elegant hall built for contemplation rather than spectacle. Roughly a kilometre from Chatrium Bangkok Sathon, five minutes by car or an easy walk, and a fitting stop for anyone curious about a different side of the city's spiritual life.
A quieter temple, set in Sathorn and among Thailand's few dedicated Jain sites. A short walk from the hotel (300 metres)
Discover one of Bangkok's newest cultural landmarks at the White Jade Tai Hong Gong Shrine, a magnificent destination that celebrates Chinese heritage, traditional architecture, and the spirit of compassion. Conveniently located just minutes from Chatrium Bangkok Sathon, the shrine offers visitors a peaceful retreat and a meaningful cultural experience in the heart of the city.
Inspired by traditional Southern Chinese design, the shrine is home to an impressive White Jade statue of Tai Hong Gong, a respected figure renowned for his kindness and humanitarian legacy. Intricate carvings, elegant courtyards, and beautifully crafted halls create a serene atmosphere, inviting visitors to admire its architecture, seek blessings, and appreciate centuries of cultural tradition.
Whether you are exploring Bangkok's rich cultural heritage, discovering hidden gems beyond the city's well-known attractions, or simply looking for a tranquil place to visit, the White Jade Tai Hong Gong Shrine.
Sathon, Bangkok, Thailand
Open daily
07.00 AM – 06.00 PM
*Only Friday 07.00 AM – 07.00 PM
Dos:
- Remove your shoes before entering your local homes, or any temple buildings; look for a pile of shoes at the entrance as a cue.
- Dress modestly in public areas and temples; ensure your shoulders and knees are covered (swimwear is strictly for the beach or pool).
- Return the "Wai" (the prayer-like gesture) with a smile if a staff member greets you this way, as it shows mutual respect.
- Always say "Khop khun" (thank you) to hotel staff, drivers, and servers; expressing gratitude is highly valued in Thai culture and fosters a positive atmosphere during your stay.
- Reuse towels and linens by participating in the "Think first think earth Let's save It" programme to signal you don't need a daily change, saving significant water and energy.
- Practise proper waste segregation by using the designated bins for recyclables and general waste.
- Carry a reusable water bottle to reduce the massive amount of single-use plastic waste.
- Support local artisans by buying souvenirs from community markets rather than mass-produced to ensure your money stays local.
- Appreciate and protect native plants; avoiding the removal of flowers or seeds helps maintain the micro-ecosystems that support urban wildlife.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen (mineral-based like zinc oxide) before swimming to protect fragile coral reefs from toxic chemicals like oxybenzone.
Don’ts:
Don't touch anyone’s head, including children; it is considered the most sacred part of the body and touching it is a major taboo.
- Don't point your feet at people, Buddha images, or the King’s portrait; feet are seen as the lowest part of the body.
- Don't disrespect the Monarchy; avoid making jokes or negative comments about the Royal Family, as it is both offensive and carries legal penalties.
- Don't smoke or use cannabis in prohibited areas; smoking is banned on beaches and in public spaces, and cannabis use is restricted to private areas and licensed venues only.
- Don't leave the air conditioning on when you leave your room; cooling an empty room is the single biggest waste of energy in Thai hotels.
- Don't dispose of sanitary products or wet wipes down the toilet; please use the provided bins to prevent blockages and protect local water systems.
- Don't buy illegal animal products; avoid purchasing ivory, tortoise shell, or items made from protected species, as these support poaching and are illegal to export.
- Don't feed wildlife, especially monkeys or fish; this disrupts their natural diet, makes them aggressive, and causes ecological imbalance.
- Don't take shells or coral from the beach; it is illegal to export these, and removing them deprives the ecosystem of vital calcium and habitat.