Joanna James
The city of ornate shrines, towering skyscrapers, and vibrant street life; the city that would never leave even the most discerning traveller disappointed – Thailand has it all. Indulge in the fun, the exciting and the unmissable of the Thai city for a city getaway like never before.
Among the glimmering high-rises and towering skyscrapers that characterise the concrete jungle of Bangkok, sitting in all its glory, boasting its regal grandeur, is the majestic Grand Palace. The complex of Royal buildings dates all the way back to 1782 and has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam until 1925. Today, it is easily the city's biggest tourist attraction, drawing visitors in droves, such as yourself, almost every day, who come to savour a slice of the mind-blowing architectural grandeur. While the Grand Palace alone could certainly draw a tremendous crowd, a significant portion of the credit should be given to the adjacent Wat Phra Kaew, better known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Touring the Grand Palace and the Temple of Emerald Buddha, head south onto Rattanakosin Island to visit one of the sacred places of worship in the country, Wat Pho — or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, as tourists to the Southeast Asian nation know it. While the 150-foot-long golden Buddha sculpture is what draws the crowds to the temple, there's so much more to be experienced, from the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand to a massage at the on-site Thai massage school.
In the vibrant urban landscape of Bangkok, where the city's lively energy prevails, a tranquil moment of peace and serenity may not be the primary anticipation for many. Nevertheless, Bangkok might have just the escape you are looking for. Nestled in the heart of the city, blessed with oodles of nature and beauty, Lumphini Park is a true oasis of serenity. Unwind on the lush green in the relaxing shade, wallowing in the undisturbed tranquillity.
How about a slice of authentic Thai-style retail therapy on your Saturday (or Sunday) morning in Bangkok? Tourists and locals alike flock to Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road every weekend to visit the JJ Market, popular as the Chatuchak Weekend Market. With 15,000 stalls and 11,505 vendors divided into 27 sections, it is the largest market in Thailand and one of the largest open-air marketplaces in the world.
Your Bangkok getaway would hardly be complete without getting a taste of world-renowned Thai cuisine. Embark on an exploration of the mouth-watering local cuisine at a 5-star Bangkok hotel the likes of Emporium Suites by Chatrium, and let the foodie in you go wild.
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