Picture this. You’re cruising down a river and on either side, you’ve got boats full to the brim with fresh tropical fruits, local food being cooked, handmade gifts sold and ready-to-drink coconuts awaiting you. Welcome to Bangkok.
Thailand’s capital is a truly unique place, full of character and beauty. It’s the largest of the Thai cities, however, its managed to maintain its quite remarkable historical traditions still. From enormous city skyscrapers, grand palaces, temples and floating markets, to the general hustle and bustle of life, these are just some of the reasons why Bangkok is a must-visit destination.
1: The floating markets are a must-see
The floating markets in Bangkok are an incredible experience for any traveller, you need to make sure you visit one whilst you’re in the city.
There are a variety of markets to choose from, but each one is full of life. If haggling and shopping isn’t your thing, you can enjoy the experience by doing a guided tour instead.
The most popular floating markets in Bangkok are Damnoen Saduak, Klong Lat Mayom, and Amphawa.
2: You can explore Bangkok’s rivers in more ways than one
The rivers in Bangkok are great for many more reasons than just the floating markets. The rivers also play an important role in transport around the city – boat taxis and high-speed tours can take you around the city, and show you some of the city’s sights from a slightly different angle.
3: You can experience traveling in a Tuk Tuk
On dry land, your method of transport has to be a Tuk Tuk (a three-wheeled taxi). They look bizarre. In fact, they are bizarre. But the experience of riding in one is not to be missed. Just hold on to your valuables! It’s a hairy experience, zipping in and out of the dense traffic.
4: Bangkok is full of history and culture
Bangkok is a city bursting with colour and culture. And the best known cultural sights are Wat Arun (otherwise known as the Temple of Dawn), near the Grand Palace, the Palace itself, and Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Thailand is full of amazing temples, but these are the best and most popular.
Wat Arun is a stunning temple with huge ornate towers made up of colourfully decorated spires. Standing majestically over the water, it makes a great photo opportunity. It’s also directly opposite Wat Pho, the home of the impressive ‘reclining Buddha’ – a buddha measuring 46 metres long and covered in gold leaf!
Just along the river is the Grand Palace, the former home of the Thai King which was built back in 1782! It’s now probably Bangkok’s most glorified and visited landmark. The sheer beauty of it will impress even the most travelled visitor. The architecture and intricate detail are incredible, and you can lose yourself in the cultural sculptures and temples that flow within.
Lastly, Wat Phra Kaew is a 14th century Emerald Buddha. It’s regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in all of Thailand and is home to the famous Buddha image that is precisely carved from a single block of jade.
5: You can visit the tallest building in the country
Back in the city, to enjoy a breath-taking view, you need to visit the famous Sky Bar and Hotel. It’s the tallest building in the country, standing 88 stories high, and provides a fantastic view of the entire city. At the very top, there’s a 360-degree rotating viewpoint. Not to be missed! It’s particularly impressive when the sun is going down.
6: Bangkok is one of the happiest cities in the world
It’s easy to see why Bangkok is a popular tourist destination. The people are very friendly, the weather is incredible, and the city has a unique mix of beauty and character. The locals are in fact known for their friendly, polite and helpful nature. Thailand is popularly known as ‘Land of Smiles’.
7: It’s a city full of bargains
Bangkok is also very cheap! There are many bargains to be found in the markets and shops (especially if you’re good at haggling!), and the general cost of food and amenities is much lower than most European countries. Don’t be afraid to haggle and negotiate the price of things when you are buying them. It can be good fun, and you won’t regret it afterwards, when you head home with a suitcase full of bargains!
To sum up…
It is a city that has so much to offer, from astoundingly beautiful temples and exciting historical sites, to world famous food and exotic wildlife (who doesn’t want to get up close and personal with an adorable elephant??).
Regardless of what you enjoy and your reason for visiting, Bangkok has something for you. And if you are looking for places to go on holiday, it’s definitely worth going to see what all the fuss is about…
I live in the UK, in the country’s most uneventful city, where the most interesting story in the local paper is about banning dressing gowns in supermarkets.
I travel and I write, because surely there are more interesting stories than that to write about and share.