Joanna James
From culture buffs, and night owls to laidback globetrotters, Bangkok is a city that attracts a vast volume of visitors to its inviting surroundings. As a tourist, here is what you can look forward to.
Known for its magnificence and magical setting as a whole, the famed Grand Palace which for many a century had functioned as the official residence of the King of Thailand is presently a ‘must do’ whenever one arrives in Bangkok. Complete with a lengthy list of artistic edifices and statuettes that bring to light the virtues of Buddhism which are very much entwined in Thai culture, the captivating scenes encompassing the Grand Palace are complete with the free-flowing waters of the Chao Phraya River.
Considered the most popular temple in all of Thailand, the Wat Arun is found hugging the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River and in turn, presents ease of access to those wishing to include time for the Grand Palace in their respective itineraries. Projecting 4 prangs or spires that reflect the Khmer style of architecture, this shrine is undoubted, held in high regard for being Thailand’s own Eiffel Tower. This is attributed to its central spire which is a work of exquisite beauty and detail that rises to 79 meters in the air.
Though, not a common inclusion on your average travel itinerary to Bangkok, the Marble Temple does retain its fair share of appeal. As you are unlikely to find hordes of tourists, one will have ample space in which to study the numerous Buddha statues that are housed here which have been brought from different parts of Southeast Asia.
Catering to a wide spectrum of wants and needs within its 35 hectares is Asia’s biggest marketplace – the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Therefore, you can pick and choose from an array of clothes, accessories, and household items to trendy souvenirs and once you’re done shopping, then waste no time in making your way to the closest food stall for a true taste of Thailand. Also, before visiting it is better to know that the name of the Market is pronounced “Jat-u-jak” which will help you communicate better with your taxi driver or locals that you are bound to meet on your way.
Merging nature walks with energetic bike rides with clear panoramas of Bangkok’s ever-changing skyline, Benjakitti Park is next on your list of places to visit when on holiday in the Thai capital. Whether you desire walking or jogging under the shade of trees or to utilise the dedicated biking tracks to get your daily dose of exercise in, Benjakitti Park is the place to be at. For those residing at Gardina Asoke which is one of the Bangkok boutique hotels available, a trip to Benjakitti Park will be a convenient way to escape the bustle of Bangkok.
As a multi-level shopping mall which was recently included into the city’s growing list of malls (December 2020), ICONSIAM pulls out all the stops in affording retail fans an experience that they are unlikely to ever forget. Aside from the luxury branded outlets and stores that cover a major proportion of the mall, those on the Ground Floor will have all the reason to linger on for hours on end. This is because the food court which is themed in accordance to a traditional Thai market paves the way for food aficionados to munch on bursts of flavour as part of the street food experience that is on show.
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.
