Top Rated Tourist Attractions in Bangkok - The Highlights of Culture, Architecture and Religion

The Chao Phraya River flows through the city of Bangkok and into the Gulf of Thailand. It is an integral component of Bangkok and is featured on many a travel guide in Bangkok. As a result, it is one of the best rated tourist attractions in the city and a number of operators offer river cruises complete with dinner and entertainment which allows tourists to witness the beauty of the river in all its glory. Those who do not have the time to embark on a river cruise could opt to reside at one of the accommodation options that overlook the river or a small tributary or canal such as the Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel.

During a river cruise along the waters of the Chao Phraya River, tourists who look to the banks of the river will be able to see a golden ceiling that signals the Grand Palace. Accessible by water taxi and the water bus, the Grand Palace is located next to Wat Phra Kaew. The Grand Palace is used when Heads of State visit the country as well as for other ceremonies. It also used to be the house of royal families for centuries. The Grand Palace is stunning to behold from the outside and on the ground floor there are certain exhibits such as armoury and swords. The Grand Palace is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm and can be visited whilst visiting the Wat Phra Kaew.

Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located right next to the Grand Palace and is difficult to miss. The entrance ticket offers admission to both the Grand Palace complex as well as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The temple is named after the Emerald Buddha, a small, dark green statue which is carved from jade and placed high above the room. Keep in mind that photographing the Emerald Buddha is not allowed.

Surely one cannot visit Bangkok and not visit the Chatuchak Market. Located just outside the centre of the city, but easily accessible using the Sky Train, the Chatuchak Market hosts over fifteen thousand stalls selling a variety of goods. Easily one of the largest of its kind in the entire world, the Chatuchak Market is a short walk away from the Mochit Sky Train (BTS) station. Carve out at least a day to roam through the stalls of the market and be prepared to find anything and everything under its roof. Most vendors who sell items in the city tend to purchase their stock wholesale from the Chatuchak Market. Therefore, you are likely to find items, especially clothing and accessories, for a lower price, at the Market.

The Temple of the Dawn, known also as Wat Arun, is another sight that tourists will be able to see whilst cruising down the Chao Phraya River. It is open daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm and underwent refurbishment in 2016. Wat Arun can be accessed for around 5 baht by taking a boat from the other side of the River.