Joanna James
Bangkok is a smorgasbord of sights, sounds, and smells. And first timers to the city can get overwhelmed with the things that are on offer. From exploring grand temples to posh shopping malls and bustling markets, here are some things to do while there.
The Grand Palace is among the star attractions in the city. The palace is the king's residence and the heart of government for many centuries. The Palace grounds have over 214,000 square metres to explore.
At Wat Pho, you will find the largest reclining statue of the Buddha in Thailand and one of the oldest temples in Thailand. It is 46 metres in length and 15 metres in height and is embossed in pure gold. Furthermore, a 5-star hotel in Bangkok can be found easily around this area; for instance, check Pathumwan Princess Hotel.
The Chao Phraya River runs through Bangkok. This river was the main mode of transport before roads came to be. The river is an essential element of Bangkok life. Go on a boat ride to get a feel of the capital city as it once was.
This temple is in the city centre of Bangkok on an 80-metre-tall hill. It takes over 300 steps to reach the summit. At ground level, the most eye-catching portion is the large golden stupa of the temple that holds the sacred relics of the Buddha.
The unique museum depicts Buddhist cosmology with three floors. The earth is in the middle, the hell world is below and the heaven is above. The museum will be a real treat for those who love to learn about eastern beliefs and the esoteric and eerie artwork.
A cooking class is an excellent way to immerse in Thai culture and traditions. The class starts with a trip to the local market to purchase the ingredients needed for the dishes. Following this, return to the school to prepare the dishes on the menu. After cooking, all participants get together and enjoy the dishes prepared. Many cooking schools and classes can be found all over Bangkok. Look out on social media outlets and check with your accommodation as well!
Shopping in Bangkok is quite an adventure! There are plenty of world-class shopping complexes, as well as traditional markets. Make sure you experience both if shopping is something you enjoy. If you happen to be there on a weekend, check out Chatuchak Weekend Market. It is one of the largest outdoor markets found anywhere in the world. If you prefer to experience the malls, there are plenty of that! MBK Centre, Pantip Plaza Mall, Siam Paragon, Central World, and Terminal 21 are some of the most popular among dozens in Bangkok.
The Chinatown in Bangkok is one of the oldest in the world! It's great for shoppers and foodies. If you are after bargains and interesting trinkets, this is the place to browse through, as you are bound to find something that catches your fancy. There are plenty of authentic Chinese dishes like Peking Duck and Thai food sold by vendors at very reasonable prices.
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