Joanna James
As one of Asia's premier holiday hotspots, there's plenty to do and experience in Bangkok. Here are seven highlights all visitors must uncover on a trip to the Thai capital.
While Bangkok's plush malls and department stores are worth a visit, there's nothing quite like spending an evening at the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market, the city's largest and most popular weekend thoroughfare. The sheer variety of products sold at this sprawling market is staggering in and of itself but the bargains are another reason travellers should spend a few hours at this larger than life market which is also open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Often compared to New York City's Hudson River or the Thames in London, the River of Kings or Chao Praya River is another must-visit hotspot for all travellers. The best way to discover the beauty of the river, as well as the many river dwelling communities along its banks, is to sign up for a cruise along the body of water. Converted rice barges and other smaller boats ferry tourists and locals to different parts of the river every day from 7 am to 9 pm.
Pop culture fanatic visiting Bangkok should not miss the chance to snap selfies with their favourite celebrities at the iconic Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
Sea Life Bangkok which was previously named Siam Ocean World is a wonderland for families and marine life enthusiasts visiting the city. Spread out across two floors, this mammoth aquarium located beneath the Siam Paragon Mall is home to a whopping 30,000 aquatic creatures. With species from around the world contained within the massive glass tanks and tunnels of the venue, a day is not quite sufficient to witness and experience everything Sea Life Bangkok has to offer.
Renowned for its exquisite homeware lines and fabrics, Jim Thompson's House is also a cultural attraction due to the chequered legacy of its founder and owner. Having gone missing in decades past, the resplendent Thai home in which the tycoon lived and started the silk ware business is now open to visitors. Serving as a well-preserved remnant of Thai architecture, the house which has been converted into a museum also showcases the eclectic collection of personal items and furnishings purchased by Jim Thompson.
Referred to as the lungs of the city, the lush green environs of Lumphini Park offer travellers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Bangkok. Made surrounding a manmade lake, the trees, natural share, jogging paths and paddle boating excursions make this patch of green a favourite for locals and tourists.
Revered as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is no ordinary Buddhist shrine in Bangkok. The glittering religious epicentre is an architectural marvel in its own right and occupies the western shores of the Bangkok riverside. Especially spectacular at dawn and in the morning light, the temple is named after the Hindu deity Aruna. Visitors based at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort or any other Bangkok resorts nearby will have easy access to the site.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
