Joanna James
Bangkok is a city like no other. It's filled with character. From the busy streets, glistening temples, and colourful markets to plenty of street food vendors and so much more, you will have plenty of things to explore in Bangkok.
The Grand Palace is a major draw in Bangkok, so it will be crowded on most days, but worth a trip to admire the palace surroundings, which are quite spectacular! The palace architecture uses elaborate Thai decorations using gold and precious gems. The site was once the king's official residence and the seat of government. A free audio tour in English is available daily from 10 am onwards to explore the extensive grounds extending 214,000 square metres.
The statue of the reclining Buddha is southward of the Palace grounds and 43 metres in length and plated with gold and is a magnificent sight altogether. A dress code applies to all visitors to important religious sites. Both legs and arms should be covered and tight clothing should be avoided as well.
Chao Phraya drifts through Bangkok's many canals and has been an essential part of the city for centuries. The river was the main mode of transport before the city evolved, but to this day, many people's lives revolve around the river. Nearly 50,000 persons will commute using the river each day! As a tourist, a boat ride across the river is a great way to immerse in the spirit of Bangkok, and one can even visit many of Bangkok's favourite attractions via boat. You can find many Bangkok resorts overlooking the river. The likes of Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort can be a good option if looking for accommodation nearby.
Chatuchak is one of the largest open-air markets in the whole of Asia and covers over 1 km. There are more than 15,000 market stalls selling just about everything under the sun from all parts of Thailand and the region! The market has been around for several decades now and has become quite the tourist site for visitors to the city.
The temple is sometimes called a marble temple due to the Italian marble used for its construction! Similar to Wat Pho, the temple is popular with tourists and will be busy most days. However, it's still worth a visit due to its ornate art and architecture. The temple has a marbled courtyard, while lacquer and gold are decorated along the high ceilings and walls.
Get acquainted with Thai culture, traditions and most importantly, their delicious food by joining a Thai cooking class. The whole experience begins by visiting the nearest markets to buy the ingredients. After cooking the dishes, everyone gets to partake in the fruits of their labour in a communal meal. This is the perfect way to meet other travellers and gather up some Thai cooking skills!
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