Travel

Benjasiri Park is also known as the Queens Park, as it was built in 1992 to celebrate the 60 th birthday of the Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. It is one of the major parks in Bangkok and is a great spot for rest and recreation.

Unlike some of the other parks in Bangkok, there is plenty to explore in Benjasiri Park. There is a forest garden, which is an artificially created forest which is maintained religiously by the staff. You can easily walk in here and feel lost in the wilderness. There is also an artificial lake that sits proudly in the heart of the park - its central attraction.

There are multipurpose spaces that are at times used by the public for functions or even public performances. The playground is almost always occupied by local kids, who find the park to be a fun escape. There are basketball courts if you fancy a game, and swimming pools located at this site if you wish to take a quick dip.

Thailand is famous for a vast array of captivating temples and places of Buddhist worship. The famous Erawan Shrine is particularly remarkable since it is one of the more elusive Hindu places of worship in the nation.

The shrine was built in 1956 by the Erawan Hotel, a venture partly owned by the government, in order to counter bad karmahat was supposedly created by constructing the hotel during a less than auspicious time. It was initially known as the Thao Mahaprom Shrine and was built as a tribute to Phra Phrom, who is the Thai representation of Lord Brahma, the famous Hindu god of Creation.

The statue of Brahma was designed and built by the Department of Fine Arts and was completed in 1956. It is in a spiritually significant area with many shrines nearby, in honour of various Hindu deities such as Lakshmi, Trimurti, and Ganesha.

The Erawan Shrine is one of Bangkok’s most popular places of worship, and there’s always much to experience if you were to visit. Various forms of dance are commonly performed here during celebrations by different dance troupes and add to the captivating charm of this site.

Discover divine blessings at the Ganesha Shrine, an embodiment of success, wisdom, and wealth, revered by Hindus and embraced by many in Thailand. Positioned at the Huay Kwang Intersection, this sacred shrine stands in a powerful posture, with a single tusk and four arms cradling symbols of divine significance—a gada, a cakra, a Vajra, an elephant hock, a noose, and the sweet Modaka. With mudras emanating blessings and feet resting on lotus petals, the shrine is a revered site for those in the art and entertainment field, who flock to seek Ganesha's favor.

Renowned as Thailand's most sacred Ganesha Shrine, it beckons worshippers around the clock. While every day is an opportunity for devotion, Tuesdays and Thursdays hold special significance. For your convenience, offering sets, including marigold garlands, incense, candles, and oil, are available for rent. Immerse yourself in the spiritual aura and timeless traditions at this holy sanctuary, a testament to unwavering faith and divine connection.

Thanon Ratchadaphisek 10400 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Open daily
12.00 PM - 12.00 AM

Lumpini Park provides the perfect escape from the Thai capital for a quiet walk by yourself, a romantic stroll with that special someone or just some fun family time with your nearest and dearest.

Spanning a whopping 142 acres, this attractive area of parkland offers fresh air, shade and tranquillity for both tired city dwellers and visitors from abroad. Dating back to the time of King Rama VI and located in the heart of Bangkok, there's no finer place to work up a sweat with a morning jog than scenic Lumpini Park.

On your visits to the park, you may see people engaged in the ancient practice of tai chi, children running about with joyful abandon, families trying their hand or feet rather on paddle-boating or couples lost in the park’s enchantment and each other’s gaze.

Lumpini Park also offers plenty of options for recreation. It has many paths around the site that are well suited for joggers and cyclists looking to unwind with some fun and healthy activity. Special musical events are also hosted here so ensure to check the event calendar beforehand and enjoy some local entertainment as well.

Rama IV Road 10330 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Open daily
04.00 AM - 09.30 PM

“Suan Pakkad” is Thai for lettuce farm as the Suan Pakkad Palace Museum is a lettuce farm turned palace turned museum as it stands today. The museum is a little-known, less-explored venue; a treasure that is often overlooked.

You will be visiting a former royal residence when you visit the museum. Princess Chambon of Nakhon Sawan used to live here before it was abandoned and subsequently renovated into what it is today.

The Suan Pakkad Palace Museum is not a single building, but a collection of eight wooden houses built according to traditional Thai architecture. Within these buildings are many artefacts, remnants of a once-forgotten way of life in Thailand. The museum features antique furniture, old pieces of art and gardens that have been beautifully landscaped. There is a popular mural of the Ramayana on a back wall in the Lacquer Pavilion, while the front buildings depict Buddhist art. You will even see swans and ducks ambling in the gardens.

354 Thanon Si Ayutthaya 10400 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Open daily
09.00 AM - 04.00 PM

Snakes are some of the most misunderstood creatures on the planet and you can understand why with a visit to the Snake Farm situated at the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, also known as the Red Cross Institute.

The institute was founded during the early 1900s as a means to develop a rabies vaccine, due to the tragic passing of Prince Damrong’s daughter due to a rabies infection. Upon opening, it was named the “Pastura Instituta” in honour of Louis Pasteur, who developed the first rabies vaccine. The Snake Farm opened in 1923 and was apparently only the second in the world after a similar institution in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

Although many varieties of snakes can be poisonous, through a visit to the institute you can also discover how there’s an equal amount of species that can be a blessing. If you wish to learn about snakes then the best times to visit the institute would be around 02:00pm on weekday and weeked 11:00am. This is when you can attend the talks conducted by the resident experts. These veterans are not only knowledgeable but passionate about the reptiles they study.

1871 Rama IV Road 10330 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Mon - Fri: 09.30 AM – 03.30 PM
Sat - Sun: 09.30 AM – 01.00 PM

Escape the bustling city and find your inner peace at Pathumwananurak Park, a hidden gem in the heart of Bangkok. This serene oasis offers lush greenery, peaceful walking trails, and scenic ponds, perfect for relax time and strolls. Explore vibrant gardens, tranquil seating areas, and activities bangkok, making it an ideal escape from city life. Enjoy a leisurely picnic under the shade of the park’s lush trees.

Whether you seek solitude or a family outing, Pathumwananurak Park is your urban oasis. Pathumwananurak Park. Conveniently located just a 31-minute by BTS Train from Emporium suite by Chatrium

57 ThanonWitthayu 10330 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Thailand’s silk industry is one of the nation’s biggest trades, and the man responsible for its present success is Jim Thompson, who mysteriously disappeared never to be seen again. His house, however, is now a popular attraction.

Jim Thompson was working for the US military when he was sent to Thailand where he began working with Free Thai and Free Lao groups, to defuse conflict following the end of the Second World War. Thompson developed a fascination with the silk industry during this time and set up his own enterprise. By pioneering the use of vibrant colours to create lavish and striking materials, he managed to single-handedly save Thailand’s silk industry and help thousands of poverty-stricken families. The latter he accomplished by relying on cottage-based workers to manufacture his products, which enabled countless Thai women to become the breadwinners of their households.

His beautiful house was built utilising the materials of several old up-country houses, with some being centuries old, as he constructed an estate of sorts resembling six traditional Thai dwellings. After he built his luxurious abode, he filled it with a variety of interesting items he had collected over the years and which are on display.

6 Rama I Road 10330 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Open daily
09:00 am - 06:00 pm.

One of the best places to experience the city’s up-and-coming art scene, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) features an eclectic array of exhibitions showcasing art, music, design, film, theatre and more.

Opened in 2008, this popular arts hub can be found at the Pathumwan Intersection near the National Stadium BTS. The unique design of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre mirrors the creative expression found within, at an array of changing exhibitions by both local and foreign artists.

A space where people can interact with art and engage in cultural dialogue, the BACC has more than 4,000 square metres of space set aside for its varying exhibitions; there is an art library, shops and cafes here as well.

The People’s Gallery which is more of a public art space can be found on the second floor and everything from photographs and paintings to multimedia arts and mixed media are on display. The centre’s main galleries are on the seventh, eighth and ninth floors, while the studio on the fourth floor and the auditorium on the fifth floor host discussions, live performances and various other events.

939 Rama I Road 10330 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Open daily
10:00 am - 09:00 pm.

http://www.bacc.or.th/

Wat Pho Man Khunaram located in Soi Sathupradit 19 is regarded as one of the most beautiful Chinese temples in Bangkok. Built in 1959 by a Chinese spiritual master who later became the temple’s first abbot, this stunning temple showcases a harmonious blend of Thai, Chinese, and Tibetan styles in its Buddhist art. The temple grounds cover an expansive area of 5 acres, and the construction of the monastery was completed at a total cost of around THB 30 million.

323 Sathu Pradhit Road, Soi 19, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa, Bangkok, Thailand

Commonly referred to as the Marble Temple, Wat Benchamabophit is a truly astonishing sight that will leave you breathless. Built in true Thai architectural fashion, this is one of the nation’s most renowned places of worship.

As far as the Thailand’s places of worship are concerned, this is one of the more recent additions. This beautiful work of Thai architecture was built extensively using fine marble imported from Carrara, Italy.The palace’s pillars, courtyard and two lions guarding the entrance were all built out of Carrara marble. The interior features decorative crossbeams of gold and lacquer and lavish paintings of various stupas from around the nation adorn the inside walls.

Within the temple, you can find a large Buddha statue designed in the Sukhothai-style. It was cast in 1920 and is a replica of Phra Buddha Chinnarat that is contained within the Phitsanulok in Northern Thailand.The ashes of the renowned King Chulalongkorn were placed underneath the statue. There’s another gallery within the temple that features a collection of over 50 Buddha statues with each of them in a unique pose. The best time to visit the temple is during February or May when two famous festivals take place here.

69 Rama V Rd, Dusit, Dusit District, Bangkok, Thailand

One of the most beautiful places of worship Thailand has to offer is the Golden Mount, officially known as Wat Saket. Built during the prosperous Ayutthaya era, this Buddhist temple is a wondrous sight to behold.

The story of the Golden Mount begins during the late 1700s and early 1800s when King Rama III decided to build a massive stupa. Unfortunately, the king’s ambitious project collapsed shortly after its construction due to the soft soil being unable to support the weight of the structure. Over time, the collapsed mud and brick structure became overgrown with weeds and transformed into a hill.

The subsequent king, Rama IV, then went about building a much smaller stupa on this artificial hill and built the glistening golden Wat Saket that stands there today. The stupa was completed by the king’s son after his succession. A relic of the Buddha was also brought to be placed in the temple from the island of Sri Lanka.Every November a notable festival takes place at Wat Saket, and this is definitely something you should experience if you’re around during this time. The candlelit procession of the festival is truly a sight to behold.

344 ThanonChakkraphatdi Phong 10100 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Open daily
08:00 am - 05:00 pm.

Located in the Rattanakosin Royal District, Wat Suthat has a striking appearance, featuring a sweeping roof with traditional embellishments, painstakingly hand-carved door panels of teak and a lofty red swing at its entrance.

This fascinating place of worship is considered to be one of the city’s most ancient and outstanding temples. Readily identified by the huge red swing which can be seen at its entranceway, this temple also has a handsome chapel with a distinctive roof.

One of the highest graded royal temples in Bangkok, Wat Suthat is quite a grand and imposing site. Inside you will find murals depicting Jataka Stories on the Buddha’s life, while Thailand’s largest remaining bronze statue of the Buddha, from the Sukhothai period is displayed there. The Giant Swing at Wat Suthat is its most iconic feature. It has two red pillars that reach a height of over 21 metres and a decorative crossbar. The swing that stands today was put up in 2004 and replaced the original which dated back to 1784. It is one of the site’s main draws and one of the most photographed parts of the temple as well.

Kham Khaen, Mancha Khiri District, Khon Kaen 40160, Thailand

Bangkok is one of the world’s finest shopping destinations so there’s a bounty of places where you can indulge in some retail therapy. One of the most renowned and unique shopping experiences in the city is at Asiatique The Riverfront.

This open-air emporium has four thematic districts, and each one has a variety of experiences to offer. The Chareonkrung District specialises in events and performances and showcases everything from cabaret performances to Muay Thai demonstrations. The Town Square District has all the international restaurants and pubs, making it the place you need to go to if you want to grab something to eat or hang out.

If you want to indulge in some shopping, then you have to head to the Factory District which features all the trendiest shopping outlets offering an astonishing variety of goods. There’s a selection of restaurants in this section as well, but mostly local outlets.

Asiatique’s promenade that runs along the waterfront is one of shopping destination’s most remarkable features. You can also find Bangkok’s tallest Ferris Wheel here, known as Asiatique Sky. With so much to be experienced, it’s obvious that Asiatique The Riverfront is an essential place to visit.

Established at the request of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles is housed in a centuries-old building that adds more character to the exhibits that are contained within it.This museum is the first dedicated textile conservation laboratory in Thailand. Remodelled under the blessings of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, it is a harmonious marriage of ancient architecture and modern technology; a place that has old-age character but with lecture halls, a library, an education studio, and other state-of- the-art facilities.

The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles aims to collect, preserve and display textiles from all parts of Southeast Asia, East Asia and South Asia, spanning across different periods. It also functions as a centre for education in the textile industry, especially pertaining to the Royal Court.Na Phra Lan Road 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Open daily
09:00 am - 04:30 pm.

Deemed one of the most dazzling and captivating icons of the city, the Grand Palace is a majestic site indeed. Visitors will be enthralled by the magnificence and splendour of this remarkable complex.

Built in the 1700’s, the Grand Palace of Thailand is one of the county’s most renowned tourist attractions. It served as the royal abode for Thai kings for over a century and a half and was also the base of the nation’s administrative power during that time.

Within the Grand Palace compound, you will find the Wat Phra Kaew which is the local name for the splendid Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This revered shrine is considered to be the most important and venerated temple in the whole of Thailand.

The Royal Reception Halls of the Grand Palace is quite a magnificent work of architecture as well. Today, these halls are used as official venues for royal events such as coronations. Visitors are allowed to explore the Reception Halls which feature European style architecture too.

Na Phra Lan Road 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Open daily
08:30 am - 03:30 pm.

The Chinese diaspora of Thailand is immense, and therefore it comes as no surprise that Bangkok has the biggest Chinatown in the world. It is definitely an essential experience in the city.

If you’re going to visit Bangkok’s Chinatown, then it is essential you head to the Sampeng Lane Market. This is the heart of Chinatown, and also where everything started. The market is situated in an alleyway that runs to the main Yaowarat Road. The shops in this market are so delightfully diverse that if you stand at a particular place, you can buy sandals from one stall and Christmas trees from another at the same time.

One of the most remarkable attractions of Chinatown is the colossal China Gate. This massive ceremonial gate is named the King’s Birthday Celebration Arch and was built in celebration of King Bhumibol’s birthday while also being a sign of devotion to him by the people of Chinatown.

By night, Chinatown becomes one of the best places to head to in Bangkok if you’re looking to indulge in street food. You can sample everything from fresh seafood and dim sum to flat noodles in pepper broth. The market’s homemade ice cream is also renowned throughout the city.

436 Yaowarat Road 10100 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Referred to as the “Centre of the Backpacking Universe” in the famed book The Beach, Khaosan Road in Bangkok is renowned among backpackers and budget travellers the world over and is well worth a visit.

Upon reaching Khaosan Road, expect to be swept off your feet by the hustle and bustle of activity that seems never ending. The shops sell a variety of items ranging from clothes to souvenirs and handicrafts. To the north of the Road, you will come across the Banglamphu Market which is a brilliant place to haggle and purchase all manner of brand named items.

Khaosan Road is also filled with a myriad of street carts selling traditional Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, roti and falafels. The adventurous traveller can even sample a variety of bugs that are sold at numerous carts!

The nightlife scene here is particularly notable and caters to all kinds of varied tastes. Some of the famous stops include the Brick Bar, which has a live band playing upbeat pop songs. The Day of the Dead bar is another top pick for its rock tunes, Mexican food and lots more.

Thanon Khao San 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Bangkok is indeed rich with many breathtaking delights bestowed upon it by nature herself. The Chao Phraya River is one of its priceless marvels, gleaming across the city with a glory that seems to never fade away.

The Chao Phraya River is intrinsically linked with the identity of Bangkok and its progress. Cutting across almost all of its precincts the river not only serves as the city main body of water but also a tourist attraction in its own right with many iconic landmarks scattered along the banks.

This river is also one of the country’s most notable waterways for transport purposes and there are many boat services that run across these waters. Long-tail boats are popular when it comes to river transport as are rice barges. Small dugouts and larger vessels including container ships can also be seen docking at Klong Toey Port.

A boat cruise is also a fabulous way to absorb the many attractions located on the banks of the beautiful Chao Phraya River. Ancient temples and structures beautifully blend with skyscrapers and modern structures of glass and steel making a cruise down the river a true delight indeed.

Khlong San, Bangkok 10600, Thailand 10600 Bangkok Thailand

A vibrant and colourful place that truly resembles the spirit of Thailand, the Museum Siam is ideal if you want to understand the origin and history of the Thai people. It is a reflection of authentic Thai culture contained within a 19th-century European-style building.

What was once the Ministry of Finance and Commerce is a place of historical significance today. The presenting of artefacts are different from what you usually see in a Thai museum; they are engaging and interactive, each section having an informative audio narrative being played in the background. The exhibits at the Aythaya-era battle room and the traditional Thai toys sections are unique and interesting. You can even pretend to toss pad thai noodles at a street cart, along with other unique photo opportunities. The Museum Siam is a good place to visit for the entire family.

4 Sanam Chai Road 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Open Tuesday – Sunday (Closed Monday)
10:00 am - 06:00 pm.

Hailed as the biggest museum in Southeast Asia, the Bangkok National Museum is a place that will awe you with its sheer . It is best explored on a guided tour, which are conducted twice a week. The majority of the museum structure is from the era of Prince Wang Na, and comprises of a part of his palace that was built in 1782. The building was converted into a museum a century later, and today is considered to have one of the most extensive collections of artefacts in the region.Spread across three halls, each with a different theme, the museum will provide you with a chance to truly get in touch with the history of the country. The History Wing is probably the most fascinating, with artefacts from the Ayutthaya battles and Bangkok-era events being on display. The Decorative Arts and Ethnology section will give you a glimpse into the creativity of the Thai people, while the wing dedicated to Archaeology and Art History speaks their stories through paintings dating as far back as prehistoric times. Na Phra That Alley10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Open Wednesday – Sunday (Closed Monday)
10:00 am - 06:00 pm.

tanding proudly along the banks of the mighty Chao Phraya River, the Wat Arun rises majestically to the sky and is a “must visit” site in Bangkok that offers key cultural insights. Commonly known as the Temple of Dawn, the splendid Wat Arun is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent temples in Bangkok. This stunning structure was constructed in the17th century and was named Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan; featuring a resplendent Khmer style tower that is around 82-metres in height, this sacred site once housed the famed Emerald Buddha as well.

Located across from the Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Arun is a truly amazing sight to behold not only at dawn but during sunset in particular. Due to its riverside location, taking a cruise on the Chao Phraya River is an ideal way in which to capture the site’s beauty, especially as night falls, when it is lit up and shines like a beacon on the “River of Kings”. At the top of the main tower, you are greeted with some wonderful vistas of the surrounding landscape be it the river, Wat Pho or the Grand Palace.

158 Thanon Wang Doem 10600 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Erawan is a three-headed elephant from Hindu mythology belonging to the guardian deity Indra. The Erawan Museum (Chang Sam Sian) is named after this mythical creature and is as enticing as the mythology that gives it its name.

The first thing you will notice as you enter the beautifully landscaped gardens of the museum is the giant three-headed elephant that stands tall and proud on the main building. As you enter, you will be transported into a different world, one full of vibrant colour and ancient sculptures and works of art. The crowning glory of the museum is its ceiling - a breathtaking work of stained glass that adds an ethereal sense to the entire complex.

The main building of the museum is divided into three main parts, Suvarnabhumi or the basement, Earth or the dome building and the astounding elephant statue which is called Cosmos.

99 Tambon Bang Muang Mai, Amphoe Mueang Samut Prakan, Chang Wat Samut Prakan 10270, Thailand 10270

Open daily
09:00 am - 07:00 pm.

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a vibrant and fascinating part of exotic Thailand. One of the nation’s most famous markets of this kind, Damnoen Saduak provides a true insight into traditional Thai lives.

Morning hours see the river waters of the district, packed with hundreds of vendors on small rowing boats selling copious amounts of exotic, fresh fruits and vegetables, agricultural produce as well as authentic, local sweets, delicacies and souvenirs.

Guided sightseeing tours take visitors on traditional long-tail boats, paddling between countless vendors while providing one with plenty of cultural stories and context. Some tours also feature stops at the coconut farm to demonstrate the process of making coconut sugar! The floating market is open from 07:00am to 12:00pm, so tours usually have a very early start.

Damnoen Saduak, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130, Thailand

Open daily
07:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Located on the grounds of Wat Ratchanatdaram, Loha Prasat is also known as the “metal castle”. It was built in 1846 under the patronage of King Rama III and inspired by two other similar temples in India and Sri Lanka.

Loha Prasat Temple is a 36 metre high construction featuring 37 spires made of metal which symbolize the 37 virtues leading to enlightenment. At its highest level of this site is a relic of the Buddha. Loha Prasat is the only temple of multi-floored and square-based construction that is in existence today. Loha Prasat is a term from Indian origin referring to a square based structure with multiple storeys which was used as a monk’s quarters; only three such structures are known to have been built and the only one standing to date is the one in Bangkok.

For a small entry fee, you could explore this great work of architecture. The temple which went through a restoration process has a rich history which is evident as you walk in between the pillars that create fascinating alleyways.

Due to its uniqueness, Loha Prasat was submitted to UNESCO to be considered as a World Heritage Site. While the temple has yet to be bestowed with that title, it nevertheless is one of the most outstanding pieces of architecture and has its own noteworthy place in the Bangkok cityscape.

2 Maha Chai Road 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Take a break from the hustle and bustle that sometimes seems to be the theme in Bangkok by paying a visit to Chatuchak Park, located right next to the Chatuchak Weekend Market. It is an oasis of peacefulness in the busy city.Chatuchak Park is quite large and is one of the oldest public parks in the Chatuchak district. It is the place where residents of the city usually gather to spend an evening or a weekend. In addition to the greenery and the walking paths, the park has summer huts, benches and even play areas for the kids.The park is located directly above Chatuchak MRT Station and while you may not be able to feel any indication of its presence, this means the park is located quite centrally, allowing residents to come here for a morning jog or an evening cycle ride without too much hassle.

Kamphaeng Phet Road 10900 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand