Best Historic Sites in Bangkok - Must-Visit Heritage Sites in the Thai Capital Bangkok

Ranked among the top cultural highlights in Thailand, the Grand Palace was built by none other than King Rama I. Dating back to 1792, the mammoth compound, which contains the Temple of the Emerald Buddha as well as the residential quarters of the Thai royal family, the Grand Palace is an iconic site on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Although the palace is not a religious hotspot, those who are visiting the complex must be modestly dressed as Wat Phra Kaew and the veneration with which the Thais treat the royals means that only the decently dressed are admitted inside.

Those based at Pathumwan Princess Hotel or any other 5-star hotel in Bangkok must also tour Wat Traimit, the number one tourist attraction in all of Chinatown. This historic site is home to the largest sculpture of a seated Lord Buddha made entirely in gold. And this statue is also the biggest gold sculpture on the planet. Estimated to be worth a whopping 250 million dollars, the statue dates back to the 14th century, which is called the Sukothai period in Thailand. The Chinese New Year festival days and the Vegetarian Festival time are the best periods to visit Wat Traimit as the temple truly comes alive during these red letter days in the Thai calendar.

As an architectural anomaly in Bangkok, the Jim Thompson House is not only unique due to its owner's particular tastes but also as a country house that has been reassembled in the capital. Although the former architect and pioneer of the silk industry disappeared without a trace, his legacy and invaluable collection of artwork are preserved in his former residence, which is now a museum cum showroom for silk wares. As a combination of 6 different conventional teak homes made entirely of wood, the serpent symbols and the curved roofs surrounded by the tropical garden on the premises set this household apart from all others in the area.

While it may not be as well-known as the Grand Palace, the venue served as the home of Prince Paribatra. King Rama V's grandson was an avid collector of art and musical instruments as well as pottery and glassware. Composed of 8 traditional Thai homes, the venue's main attributes are the various memorabilia and works of art on display, which include an impressive catalogue of paintings. The museum and former palace are great places to spend a quiet afternoon appreciating the antiques that are on display away from the crowds.

Also known as Baan Kukrit, M.R Kukrit's residence is another museum that celebrates the life of one of the country's finest statesmen. An architectural gem in its own right, the former prime minister, entrepreneur and artist also combined five Thai homes from Ayutthaya to create his luxurious home before disassembling it and reassembling it in its current location in Bangkok.