Top 10 Historic Sites to Visit in Bangkok - Exploring Ancient Bangkok

This is more than just a museum. This is the home for Thai culture, art and history. The museum has a rare collection of ancient Thai dancing costumes, khon masks and puppets. Ruins from the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods are showcased here as well. This is located near the Grand Palace. The national museum is spread over six buildings.

This is another iconic site in Bangkok. The Vimanmek Mansion boasts of being the world's largest building made of teakwood. This is an amazing feat of handicraft and architecture. The Mansion was also an ancient palace. You can find elements of Victorian architecture here. King Rama V's memorabilia, photos as well as ancient Thai teapots and typewriters are featured here.

This is one of Thailand's most important temples. Locals have a deep respect towards Wat Phra Keo. It is a part of the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha statue is the highlight of the temple. The Buddha statue was made in the 1400s. it is around 30 feet tall and is kept on an altar which you can't get close to. The statue is glamorous as it is covered in gold leaves.

If you want to take a break from the busy city of Bangkok, Rattanakosin Island is where you should visit. This area portrays ancient Bangkok. It is also where many iconic places such as The Grand Palace, National Museum and Wat Pho are located at. Stroll down the calm streets of Rattanakosin and enjoy the quaint mom-and-pop cafes and restaurants around the corner. Accommodation in the island is not an issue as many serviced apartments in Bangkok the likes of Anantara Baan Rajprasong Bangkok Serviced Suites are within a 10-kilometre radius.

Jim Thompson was an American soldier in Thailand during the second world war. He was an architect by profession. After the war, he made Thailand is his home. He was a significant character in re-establishing the silk industry of Thailand. He mysteriously disappeared to Malaysia after a few years. His house was barely changed after he left. It is now a museum and art gallery with an art centre that holds lectures and exhibitions.

This is Bangkok's oldest and largest temple. The highlight of the temple is the large statue of Buddha that is more than 45 meters long. The feet of the Buddha is the most significant part of the statue. They say that there are 108 auspicious signs carved in the feet. The whole statue is plated with gold.

This is one of Bangkok's hidden attractions. Most traveller's miss the opportunity of visiting Kukrit's house. This is now transformed into a museum and an architecturally significant building. What's significant about this house is that Kukrit, who was an avid journalist and art enthusiast, built this house using materials of five traditional Thai houses which were dismantled. There are gardens, statues and much more to see in here.

This is another relatively unpopular attraction any traveller to Bangkok must visit. This was the palace of King Rama V's grandson, Prince Paribatra. When you wander around the palace you will see the Prince's musical instruments and paintings. There is a collection of pottery that is said to date back to 2000 BC.

Chinatown is filled with street food stalls, markets and many temples. Wat Traimit temple is a 700-year-old Buddha statue which weighs around 5.5 tons. The Wat Mangon Kalawat is one of the busiest temples in Chinatown. It is always buzzing with tourists and filled with incense smoke.

This is undoubtedly the most significant attraction in Bangkok. The Palace was first home to King Rama I as well as the revered Emerald Buddha. This is a religious and historical place that attracts many locals and tourists alike. The infamous Wat Phra Kaew is the palace complex and it is a must visit for anyone visiting the Grand Palace.