Listly by Joanna James
Bangkok is laden with skyscrapers and upscale shopping malls, but the history of the city always looms behind the ultramodernity of it all. A tourist visiting this metropolis must visit its historical sites.
This might not be a historical site per se, but everything it holds pertains to Thailand's history. The museum has a wide range of objects that unravel many stories. The ethnological collection includes musical instruments, shadow puppets and khon masks. You see many sculptures that date back to the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods. The collection of artefacts is housed in six buildings, among them are a history gallery and a chapel; many locals can be seen in the history gallery paying their respects to prominent historical figures.
Part of the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Keo is where the revered Emerald Buddha is housed. The temple is considered to be one of the most important religious sites in the country. The jade-green Buddha statue dates back to mid-1400s, and it is placed on an altar. In addition to Emerald Buddha, there are numerous other statues deserving of praise, and the murals you see inside the temple are a wonderful sight too.
The house belonged to Jim Thompson; a New York architect and a soldier who fought in World War II. He is also said to have reinvented the silk industry in Thailand. Thompson disappeared in 1967 without a trace, but his house, with its fine architectural characteristics, still stands the way it did before. It holds a collection of silk, Asian art and tokens of his eventful life. Jim Thompson House is a combination of six teak wooden homes with features such as serpent motifs and curved roofs. The gardens surrounding the house set the tone for a peaceful stroll. There's also an art centre that plays host to multimedia presentations, exhibitions and guest lectures.
You don't see many open, green spaces in Bangkok, and Lumphini Park is one of the few. The park consists of playgrounds, trees and an artificial lake. It is located within the vicinity of Travelodge Sukhumvit 11, Bangkok which makes it easy for tourists to visit the park. The park was built by King Rama VI in the 1920s, and during World War I, the park was utilised by the Japanese as an Army camp.
As the name dictates, Grand Palace is grand indeed. The former royal house has now become one of the major Bangkok tourist attractions. With the attention Emerald Buddha brings to the site, the palace receives a large number of visitors every day. Visitors are required to wear proper clothing; no revealing clothes are permitted.
The famous market place where the Chinese community in Bangkok reestablishes their heritage, Chinatown string gastronomy, history and culture together. It is a labyrinth of alleyways packed with food, souvenirs and various other goods. The air is fragrant of incense, making it a pleasant atmosphere. Wat Traimit Temple and Wat Mangkon Kalawat are the main highlights of Chinatown. In addition to the cornucopia of merchandise, you find several restaurants offering delicious seafood.
The oldest and largest temple in Thailand, Wat Pho has stood through the poignant changes of the country's history. The fame of the temple is down to its huge reclining Buddha with a length of 150 feet. The most noteworthy feature of this gilded Buddha is its giant feet ingrained with 108 auspicious signs. The temple is also known for its school of the traditional massage; the school has been favoured by the rich of the country.
Vimanmek Mansion is the world's largest teakwood mansion. The mansion is now a museum with its incredible architecture and handcraft. The place is famous for its unusual yet fascinating combination of Thai and Victorian architecture. The place touts a wonderful collection of historical objects including first Thai language typewriters, telescopes and teapots. The former royal residence is surrounded by fountains, gardens and ponds, making it appealing to the nature lover.
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.