It is probably to be expected that most first-time visitors will begin their holidays to Thailand in Bangkok. With that being the case, I felt it imperative to offer a brief guide on what I consider to be the city's best attractions for new visitors, or those who are pressed for time in the capital city. Obviously, this will not be the same list you may find in more comprehensive guides, yet I feel that it does represent a nice blend of the many different flavors that make Bangkok such a fascinating tourist destination.
No. 5 - Khao San Road
Granted, it's a bit over-commercialized these days, and many of the vendors seem only interested in upselling you on junk that you really don't want, but Khao San Road is still a good place to start if you're trying to get a feel for Bangkok. Aside from the pirated DVDs of Western movies, cheap jewelry, and low-quality tee-shirts, Khao San Road still does give you all the sights, smells, and sounds that make the "City of Angels" such a unique place in the world. It's also a great area to sit outside, have a few cool drinks, and do some people watching in the evening.
No. 4 - Wat Arun and Wat Pho - Two of Thailand's Best-Known Shrines
Two of the most-easily recognized structures in the Bangkok skyline, Wat Arun and Wat Pho are among Thailand's most-famous Buddhist temples and interesting pieces of architecture. They're relatively close to one another, both sitting down along the Chao Phraya River in the Old City district, so you can easily visit both of them (in addition to the Royal Palace and several other key attractions) in the same afternoon. For the best experience, I'd probably book a boat tour that takes you to both temples (they're actually on opposite banks of the river), and gives you a view of the city from the water.
No. 3 - A Visit to the Floating Markets
If you've ever thumbed through a Thailand travel brochure, you've undoubtedly seen pictures of local merchants selling their wares to other boaters in the middle of the river. That's what the floating markets are all about and, despite the fact that they too have become a bit over-commercialized in recent years, they're still well worth seeing if you're a first-time visitor to Thailand. Just be warned - you'll have to get up early in the morning to visit the various markets outside Bangkok, since they all start around sunrise and end by noon.
No. 2 - The Chao Phraya River
The mighty Chao Phraya River provides visitors with a convenient route around the Old City (Bangkok's historic, riverside district), and breathtaking views unavailable from anywhere else. Because you'll, in all likelihood, be visiting this part of Bangkok in the afternoon, it's also a great way to see all of the major attractions without getting stuck in traffic.
Booking a river boat tour will be one of the easiest things you do in Bangkok, as a variety of packages are available everywhere from your hotel concierge (these will usually be the more-expensive, more-inclusive deals) all the way down to the independent operators who sit along the banks of the Chao Phraya handing out brochures. One of the more popular tours originates well upstream from Bangkok in the historic town of Ayutthaya, and then brings you all the way down river just in time to hit the sites in the afternoon.
No. 1 - The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha
If there is only one place in Bangkok that you are able to visit during your holidays to Thailand, then this is it. The Grand Palace is not only the traditional home to the Thai monarch, but its walls also enclose the gorgeously-decorated mausoleums of every past king from the current line, and the celebrated Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Make sure you bring your camera as you'll not want to leave without snapping pictures of the incredible architecture inside.
In order to show proper respect to the Thai monarch, you must be dressed appropriately during your visit to the Grand Palace. You will be expected to wear long pants and shirts that cover your sholders and mid-section. Fortunately for anyone who arrives dressed outside of these guidelines, an on-site fitting room is available where they will be loaned acceptable clothing to wear during their tour.
No. 5 - Khao San Road
Granted, it's a bit over-commercialized these days, and many of the vendors seem only interested in upselling you on junk that you really don't want, but Khao San Road is still a good place to start if you're trying to get a feel for Bangkok. Aside from the pirated DVDs of Western movies, cheap jewelry, and low-quality tee-shirts, Khao San Road still does give you all the sights, smells, and sounds that make the "City of Angels" such a unique place in the world. It's also a great area to sit outside, have a few cool drinks, and do some people watching in the evening.
No. 4 - Wat Arun and Wat Pho - Two of Thailand's Best-Known Shrines
Two of the most-easily recognized structures in the Bangkok skyline, Wat Arun and Wat Pho are among Thailand's most-famous Buddhist temples and interesting pieces of architecture. They're relatively close to one another, both sitting down along the Chao Phraya River in the Old City district, so you can easily visit both of them (in addition to the Royal Palace and several other key attractions) in the same afternoon. For the best experience, I'd probably book a boat tour that takes you to both temples (they're actually on opposite banks of the river), and gives you a view of the city from the water.
No. 3 - A Visit to the Floating Markets
If you've ever thumbed through a Thailand travel brochure, you've undoubtedly seen pictures of local merchants selling their wares to other boaters in the middle of the river. That's what the floating markets are all about and, despite the fact that they too have become a bit over-commercialized in recent years, they're still well worth seeing if you're a first-time visitor to Thailand. Just be warned - you'll have to get up early in the morning to visit the various markets outside Bangkok, since they all start around sunrise and end by noon.
No. 2 - The Chao Phraya River
The mighty Chao Phraya River provides visitors with a convenient route around the Old City (Bangkok's historic, riverside district), and breathtaking views unavailable from anywhere else. Because you'll, in all likelihood, be visiting this part of Bangkok in the afternoon, it's also a great way to see all of the major attractions without getting stuck in traffic.
Booking a river boat tour will be one of the easiest things you do in Bangkok, as a variety of packages are available everywhere from your hotel concierge (these will usually be the more-expensive, more-inclusive deals) all the way down to the independent operators who sit along the banks of the Chao Phraya handing out brochures. One of the more popular tours originates well upstream from Bangkok in the historic town of Ayutthaya, and then brings you all the way down river just in time to hit the sites in the afternoon.
No. 1 - The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha
If there is only one place in Bangkok that you are able to visit during your holidays to Thailand, then this is it. The Grand Palace is not only the traditional home to the Thai monarch, but its walls also enclose the gorgeously-decorated mausoleums of every past king from the current line, and the celebrated Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Make sure you bring your camera as you'll not want to leave without snapping pictures of the incredible architecture inside.
In order to show proper respect to the Thai monarch, you must be dressed appropriately during your visit to the Grand Palace. You will be expected to wear long pants and shirts that cover your sholders and mid-section. Fortunately for anyone who arrives dressed outside of these guidelines, an on-site fitting room is available where they will be loaned acceptable clothing to wear during their tour.
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