Joanna James
Bangkok is the quintessential holiday destination; a city full of surprises, experiences and adventures. There is plenty to see and do there, and by continuing to read on, you can learn about some of the best!
The Grand Palace was built in 1782, and for over 150 years the place served as a home to Thai kings and other members of the court. The intricate layout of the building, the elegant architecture and fine surroundings do justice to the name 'grand'. Anyone visiting the place is held in awe of the complex, which is also home to Wat Phra Kaew, home of the Emerald Buddha. This is Thailand's most iconic and sacred artefact, a statue hewn out of a single piece of emerald. Choosing to stay at hotels in Siam Bangkok will give you easy access to this iconic attraction, as well as, the fab shopping malls of the city.
An iconic attraction recognised across south-east Asia, the towers of Wat Arun cut an impressive sight against the night sky. This ancient Khmer style shrine was built in the 19th century, and is a beauty, boasting ornate floral patterns and glazed tiles as part of its architecture. Guests at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, just 25 minutes from the temple, should plan an early morning visit to the site for a taste of one of Bangkok's most magical sunrises; you will understand the true meaning of why the place is called the 'Temple of the Dawn'.
One cannot visit Bangkok, without visiting a floating market. One of the most popular is Damnoen Saduak where one can experience the true essence of a traditional floating market which has been trumped up to cater to tourists. Boats containing sellers and buyers jostle past each other, and you can buy just about anything from fresh fruits and vegetables to freshly cooked up batches of steaming hot pad Thai noodles.
Chinatown or Yaowarat as the place is better known is where you are bombarded with a dose of culture and traditional food. The narrow streets are lined with ancient shop-houses and red lanterns floating in the air, the food kiosks are the main attraction. Sampling the traditional dishes will be your most memorable part of the visit, while one can pick up plenty of souvenirs and handcrafted gift items while there. If you are lucky enough to visit Chinatown during the Chinese New Year or any other popular festival, do hang around until night for the popular celebrations; Dragon and lion dances, firecracker shows and many other traditional customs, which light up the streets and homes of Yaowarat's residents.
Wat Pho has one gigantic attraction and that is the huge reclining statue of the Buddha. The Buddha statue is 46 metres in length and is covered in gold leaf. Apart from the Buddha statue, the place is also the best venue to enjoy a traditional Thai massage.
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