From its street food to hidden markets, neon-bright streets to golden shrines, Bangkok City Centreis made for exploration. Visit the thriving heart of Thailand’s cultural capital for a lesson in contrasts, where ancient temples coexist peacefully beside soaring skyscrapers.
To get your bearings, stroll down Khao San Road, where you can people-watch, party, buy souvenirs and indulge in tasty street food. Despite its frenetic nature, the anything-goes nature of this busy hub blends with the majestic temples and palaces that surround it. Take a walk here in daytime for a quieter ambiance. Come evening, expect neon everything, a cacophony of sounds and jubilant crowds.
Perform an act of kindness, as is the custom at Erawan Shrine in Bangkok City Centre. At this statue of Brahma, a Hindu deity, visitors are invited to set a caged bird free or purchase flowers for good luck. Or, simply observe from the canopy that covers the golden figure of the Hindu god with four faces and arms.
Don’t miss the European- and Asian-style Grand Palace, perhaps the most famous of Bangkok’s attractions. Follow saffron-robed monks as they enter the Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred place on the grounds, to worship the Emerald Buddha, carved from a single block of green jade stone and perched on a traditional, Thai-style golden pedestal.
If you love art, stop by the Jim Thompson House, where you can see the home and art collection of its namesake American expat. Explore the house and its charismatic style, including Buddha statues, Italian tiles and Belgian chandeliers.
For more art, move on to the National Museum Bangkok, home to the nation’s largest art and crafts collection. Look for ancient sculptures and royal antiques, as well as Buddha statues from throughout Thai history.
Don’t miss the ancient temple of Wat Saket and its Golden Mount. Climb the 318 spiraling steps to the elevated structure for panoramic views of Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River, the old Grand Palace and the Rama IV Bridge.
Move on to Wat Pho, famous for its giant Reclining Buddha and numerous Buddha statues. Drop a coin in one of the bronze bowls for good fortune.
Travel to Bangkok City Centre by flying into Suvarnabhumi Airport and taking the Airport Rail Link Train, taxi, metro or city bus to Khao San Road. Come see why visitors the world over are drawn to this captivating, cultural capital.
