Joanna James
Among the host of incredible treasures of the beating heart of Thailand, that is lively Bangkok, there's an array of spectacular historical sites bound to leave both history buffs and non-history buffs enthralled. Come, treat yourself to a dose of fascinating history in the bustling Thai metropolis.
Set in the heart of Bangkok is arguably the most iconic and popular tourist attraction in the city — the opulent Grand Palace. Expanding over 200,000 square metres, the sprawling palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782 and also the official premises for the entire administrative seat of government until 1925. Today, the Grand Palace is a complex of buildings boasting majestic Thai architecture and massive ornate gardens — a hotspot on any Bangkok itinerary.
The city of Bangkok basks in the glory of being home to Ancient Siam — supposedly the world's largest outdoor museum. The 200-acre gigantic open-air museum park takes the shape of Thailand, with scaled replicas of iconic buildings found throughout the country set within the museum, recreating a fascinating miniature version of the Southeast Asian nation. It is not at all uncommon that many visitors find the museum too big to navigate on foot, which is why a bunch of free trams and bikes, and rentable golf carts await to take you around.
In the vicinity and south of the iconic Grand Palace, on Rattanakosin Island, is Wat Phra Chetuphon or commonly known as Wat Pho, better known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha among the many tourists to the bustling metropolis. The striking Buddhist temple complex is one of the oldest sacred temples in Bangkok dating back to 1788. The temple houses an incredible collection of over a thousand images of Lord Buddha, but it is the gold-plated, 46 metres long and 15 metres high Buddha that draws the temple its crowds.
Sitting within the sanctuary of the aforementioned Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew — or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, as the tourists to the city better know it — is considered the most sacred Buddhist temple, not just in Bangkok but in all of Thailand. The striking temple is chock-full of shimmering golden buildings, out of which, the assembly hall or "Ubosoth" houses the precious 2-foot Emerald Buddha the temple is named after.
Once the home to a certain James H.W. Thompson, a highly respected American businessman in Thailand credited for saving the dying Thai silk industry in the 1960s, is now converted into a museum, allowing the public to admire his precious art collection. Get your fill of striking art and retreat to one of the finest serviced residences in the city, such as the ones offered by popular chains such as Chatrium Hotels & Residences.
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.
