Top 5 Historical Attractions in Bangkok – Delights for the Culture Lover

This splendid attraction dates to the 18th century and contains the temple known as Wat Phra Kaew which houses the greatly revered Emerald Buddha statue. It has also served as the residence of the monarch of Thailand. The Grand Palace compound is a magnificent sight which boasts a number of features of interest. Wat Phra Kaew, commonly called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the nation's most venerated temple. The renowned Emerald Buddha itself is a relatively small but greatly revered statue which is worshipped by the locals. If you so desire you will have the opportunity to purchase candles, joss sticks and gold leaf and join the devotees in making merit.

Bangkok's remarkable Chinatown is sure to appeal to the culture lover with its many intriguing attractions. This district offers plenty of historical interest with its warren of tiny alleys, temples, markets and food sellers. Chinatown is a wonderful place to stroll around and explore as it has a distinctive character all its own. One of the local highlights here would be the massive Wat Traimit shrine which features the largest Buddha statue of its kind in the world. Another interesting temple in Chinatown is Wat Mangkon Kalawat which is a popular shrine often filled with worshippers and incense smoke. Also make sure to check out the al fresco seafood restaurants, the Sampeng Lane market and the wet market known as Trok Itsaranuphap which features plenty of spices and produce.

This attractive compound is a comparatively unknown feature of the city which is nonetheless a captivating attraction for the culture aficionado. It is the former residence of Prince Paribatra and consists of eight handsome traditional houses that have been meticulously reconstructed. Visitors will see that these houses are filled with an entrancing selection of artistic memorabilia which formerly belonged to the Prince's personal collection. These include musical instruments, lacquerware, paintings and glass items. Along with these engrossing articles, the Suan Pakkad Palace also features fascinating pottery articles obtained from Ban Chiang, an archaeological site located in the northeast of Thailand.

Known as Baan Kukrit, this remarkable visitor attraction was the former residence of one of Thailand's most eminent individuals. Although not all sightseers visit this intriguing attraction, those who do will be rewarded by a number of features of interest. In addition to being a lush oasis in the midst of the city, you will also find outstanding architecture and a fascinating museum here; it is also a great place to relax and spend a leisurely afternoon. At Baan Kukrit you will find traditional Thai buildings featuring classical architecture, lush gardens, miniature trees and a pond with lotuses. As you experience these splendid historical attractions in Bangkok, an accommodation choice that you could consider would be the conveniently located Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel where you may be able to avail yourself of an attractive Bangkok hotel promotion.

The well-known Wat Pho has the distinction of being the earliest established as well as the largest temple in the city of Bangkok. Its most renowned attraction is its colossal Buddha statue in the reclining position, which measures more than 150 feet in length. This enormous sculpture is entirely coated in gold and its feet are of special interest, as they are inscribed with the auspicious marks of a Buddha using mother-of-pearl. Additionally, in the extensive grounds of this temple, you will find a myriad of smaller Buddha images brought over from the ruins of the ancient cities of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya.