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Updated by Joanna James on Mar 16, 2024
Headline for 5 Must Visit Places in Bangkok – From Palaces to Floating Markets
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Joanna James Joanna James
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5 Must Visit Places in Bangkok – From Palaces to Floating Markets

Thailand is chock-full of things to do and places to see. Here are five attractions you simply must visit while you explore the country's capital, Bangkok.

1

The Grand Palace Complex

Tour the grounds of the Grand Palace which contains many gardens, courtyards and temples. It's located right next to the Chao Praya River which cuts across Bangkok. There are countless interesting attractions to stop by within the palace complex, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This temple is home to a 6.6 metre Buddha statue which is made completely of jade. You can sign up for a guided tour if you want to learn about the sights inside the palace in more detail. Guided tours will also help you navigate your way around the complex more efficiently.

2

Chinatown

Pay a visit to Chinatown after sundown. It's located along Yaowarat Road and is around a 20-minute drive away from accommodation options like AVANI Atrium Bangkok, which is a hotel in Asoke. Walk by the many dozens of stalls and shops and drink in the lively atmosphere. From dim sun vendors to shops selling a myriad of exotic handicrafts, the little town is a frenzy of activity and really is a world unto itself. Tip: this is a good place as any to pick up lightweight and affordable trinkets to take back home as souvenirs for friends and family.

3

Temple of the Reclining Buddha

If you want to set your eyes on a Buddha statue bigger than the one you saw at the Grand Palace Complex, head to Wat Pho. This Buddhist shrine is also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, and it's not hard to see why. The temple features a colossal statue of a reclined Buddha, which measures over 45 metres long and is 15 metres in height!

4

The Floating Markets

The numerous floating markets in and around Thailand's capital city are a must-visit attraction for any newcomer to the country. Hop aboard a boat and navigate your way across fleets of small water vessel peddling their many wares. These include tasty street food, which is made on the spot for you, as well as fresh produce such as Durian; a fruit which has gained much notoriety for its pungent aroma.

Other things you can buy include silk products, handicrafts, postcards and the conical hats that are iconic of countries like Thailand and Vietnam.

One of the best known of all Thailand's floating markets is Damnoen Saduak which is located approximately a 1.5-hour journey from the capital. While this is the largest such market, you can also pay a visit to smaller ones like those at Khlong Lat Mayom which are actually located in Bangkok. Other, more well-known floating markets like Amphawa, are also located a little bit outside of Bangkok but can be easily visited as part of a day excursion.

5

Night Markets

So you've paddled your way through countless floating markets. What's next? Why, Bangkok's night markets, of course! No trip to the capital is complete without experiencing one or two of these. Head out for some serious after-dark shopping at venues like the Chatuchak Friday Night Market and Asiatique The Riverfront.