Joanna James
05 Must-see Attractions in Bangkok this January - The New Year in Thailand’s beating heart with the best of its fascinating treasures
The capital of Thailand, bustling Bangkok, is undoubtedly an exciting and wonderful city on earth to kick off your new year. Amidst this fascinating collage of chaos is a whole host of incredible tourist attractions making for some delightful touring and a fantastic city getaway in the new year.
Set right in the heart of Bangkok, The Grand Palace is undeniably the most iconic and popular tourist attraction of the lively the capital city. Dating all the way back to 1782, the majestic complex of buildings was the official residence of the Kings of Siam and also the home to the Royal court and the government for nearly 150 years until 1925. Today, the complex of buildings are lauded as a major tourist attraction in all of Thailand, offering a glimpse into the bygone Thai kingdom and serving as something for the many tourists to Bangkok to feast their eyes on.
Awaiting your arrival after your tour of the aforementioned Grand Palace is the beautiful Wat Pho set immediately south of the Grand Palace on Rattanakosin Island. Officially, Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, the striking Buddhist temple is one of the key temples out of Bangkok’s whole host of ornate shrines. It is best known for its majestic reclining golden Buddha statue, which also gives the temple its most familiar name among tourists, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
Whilst strolling through the hustle and bustle of the lively square in front of Wat Suthat, what is sure to catch your eye is the brightly red, towering Giant Swing. Standing tall at a height of 27 metres, the colossal teak frame dates back to the 1700s, which, back in the day, has been used as part of a traditional Hindu ceremony. Today, the gigantic structure literally basks in the glory of Bangkok’s scorching sun as one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
It is a Saturday (or Sunday) in beautiful Bangkok, and those craving an authentic Thai experience, make your way to the atmospheric Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, where the vibrant Chatuchak Weekend Market comes to life. As the largest market in all of Thailand, you could expect to find all sorts of gubbins here. With over 15,000 stalls divided into 27 sections and as many as 11,000 clamouring vendors, you got a whole lot of walking, browsing and shopping on your hands.
Set in the heart of the bustling metropolis, Lumpini Park is truly an oasis of serenity and one of the most visited attractions in Bangkok. Wander in the undisturbed tranquillity of the “360 rai” park and retreat to one of the finest hotels in the city, for instance, one can seek accommodation at the likes of Gardina Asoke Sukhumvit 16.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
