Lucie Aurore
As Asia's favourite tourist playground Bangkok is a melting pot of cultural attractions and engaging points of interest. Here are the Thai capital's must-see highlights for first time visitors.
If one visits one temple in Bangkok let it be Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Revered as the sacred abode of the country's largest Buddha sculpture the venue is also home to more Buddha statues than found anywhere else in Thailand. As one of the most expansive temples complexes in the capital Wat Pho is also one of city's ancient religious edifices. Built more than 200 years prior to Bangkok being named the capital of the country this ancient temple complex is synonymous with the solid gold Buddha image that lies within its confines. Displaying a reclining pose the 346m long sculpture is a whopping 15m in height and contains mother of pearl motifs on the soles of the sculpture's feet.
Known as the revivalist of Thailand's silk industry Jim Thompson is an intriguing figure that cast a large shadow on Thailand's textile realm. And there's no finer venue to discover the legacy and the exquisite silk products created by the globally renowned brand name in silk than the Jim Thompson House. As an assembled complex made up of six traditional Thai homes visitors can discover the birth of the iconic silk company and experience the textures and colours of the finest Thai silks at the locale. Guided tours are also available while visitors can purchase clothing, handlooms, souvenirs, pillow cases and other vibrant silk creations as well.
Often regarded as the most unique retail experience one could encounter in Thailand a tour of Bangkok's intricate canals or Klongs as they are locally known is a must-have experience for all visitors. Occupying the fringes of the Chao Praya River the commercial waterways of the Bangkok klongs is littered with floating markers populated by boat vendors selling everything under the sun. From fresh produce to steaming cups of noodles visitors can purchase a wide variety of goods from the floating commercial spaces.
As the royal residence of Thai royals for centuries the Grand Palace is akin to London's Buckingham Palace in terms of cultural significance and grandeur. Built as far back as 1782 when the capital shifted from Thonburi this sprawling regal compound in Bangkok served as the royal abode of Thai monarchs till 1946. An architectural marvel for the ages the complex is also home to the royal temple of Thailand dubbed Wat Phra Kaew. Regarded as the most revered Buddhist temple in all of Thailand the venue is home to the Emerald Buddha sculpture which is made entirely of jade and features gold fabric robes.
Popularly known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is no ordinary temple in Bangkok. As one of the most picturesque fixtures along the shores of the Chao Praya River this iconic temple occupies the Thonburi banks of the River Of Kings. As an architectural centrepiece build to resemble Mount Meru the venue is especially captivating during the hours of sunset. Visitors based in Bangkok city hotels such as the Atrium Bangkok can reserve a place on the many river cruises or temple tours available in the city to explore Wat Arun and other iconic edifices along the river.
