Joanna James
There is no doubt that Bangkok is an incredible city with a lot to offer in the form of quite an eclectic list of attractions. Read on to discover more.
Known as the Temple of the Dawn – Wat Arun is Bangkok’s resplendent white temple that lies on the western banks of the city’s majestic Chao Phraya River. The Wat Arun is home to over five spending prangs (towers) covered in colourful ceramic tiles and vibrant porcelain. Like most attractions in Bangkok, it's best to visit this temple early in the morning to avoid the large crowds. Wat Arun can be reached easily from most hotels in the city such as the likes of Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok with relative ease.
Among the more popular things to do in Sukhumvit includes visiting the Jim Thompson House Museum! Once the property of Jim Thompson, an American entrepreneur (who was credited for making Thai silk renowned around the world) this attraction comprises six traditional Thai teak homes which showcase unique art pieces and relics that he collected from around the country. One of the more interesting aspects of Jim Thompson’s life was that he went missing when exploring Malaysia in the year 1967 – never to be seen again. Part of the experience the museum offers is exploring the various theories about this unsolved cold case.
Love to shop till you drop? Then consider making your way to Siam Paragon – a sprawling shopping mall home to major designer labels and high-end boutiques. The shopping complex is easily recognisable thanks to its iconic exterior which is visible from the Sky Train Platform. Apart from all the shopping, one can check out a massive aquarium, and ever-changing exhibitions in fashion, art, and design.
Bangkok’s Chinatown – Yaowarat is one of the city's premier dining spots! What makes the Chinese quarter of Bangkok different from any other Chinatown found in other parts of the world – is the astounding diversity of dishes found here. One can take their pick from Vietnamese, Malaysian, Peking, and Cantonese-style Chinese dishes available on every street corner there. If you are keen on sampling only street food, consider wandering around Chinatown where you will no doubt find plenty of street vendors and kiosks selling everything from dim sum, grilled seafood, oyster omelettes, Peking duck, roasted chestnuts, flat noodles in pepper broth to Thai Chinese desserts!
A must-visit gallery for any art and design-loving traveller exploring the city, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is a meticulously designed space that promises to provide visitors with an amazing visual experience. The complex features a winding shape that is ideal for displaying art and is also home to various chic cafes and restaurants, a large library dedicated to art, a prayer room, and plenty of eco-friendly souvenir shops ideal for long lazy sessions of browsing.
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.
