Bangkok has a slew of tourist sights worth visiting and a must see is the Grand Palace in Bangkok’s ancient city – Ratanakasin. This Asian fairytale concoction contains Thailand’s most sacred temple Wat Phra Kaew which is home to the Emerald Buddha.
Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha
The temple contains a stunningly opulent and beautiful Emerald Buddha sitting on an alter of gold 11 meters above the heads of the crowd. It is an impressive and emotional experience to watch hundreds of Thai devotees pay homage to this image.
The rest of the Grand Palace is a site of perfect gorgeousness, white marble floors contrast with colourful pottery decoration, golden tiles, gold leaf-covered stupas and mythical beasts clothed in multicoloured mirrors that dazzle and bedazzle.
No bare shoulders, no shorts, dress appropriately.
Where? Na Phra Lan Road, Bangkok, Thailand
When? Open every day 8am to 3.30pm
Entry fee for non-Thais 250 baht, (US$7 or €6.70)
Wat Po
This temple is just a short walk from the palace and contains the 46 meter long reclining Buddha. Covered in gold leaf, glistening in iridesce magnificence under the subdued lighting it is a sight you will not forget. While there take the opportunity to give alms to the monks in a line of alms bowls. Exchange a 100 baht note for a fistful of 50 satang coins and enjoy the musical chimes as the small bronze coins drop into the bowls. It is a mesmerising sound and a calming activity.
While in Wat Po why not enjoy one of the best massages you will have at thier massage school?
Where: As for the Grand Palace
Entry fee for all 20 baht (US$ 0.60 or €0.50)
Wat Arun
Across the river on a 2 baht shuttle boat ride is Wat Arun a symbol of Bangkok for nearly 250 years. It’s 80 meter high ‘tower’ is home to the Hindu gods and represents the celestial mountain to their home.
The Crocodile Farm
Is a little way from the Ancient City and is choc-a-block full of crocs. There are crocodile shows twice a day where crazy Thais do crazy things like put their heads and arms into these crocodilians mouths. Do not try this at home!
Where? 555 Moo 7, Soi Wat Thongkam, Tai Ban Rd.
When? Shows hourly from 9.00 am -11.00 am and 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm every day.
Phone: +66 2 703 4891
Red Cross Snake Farm
This farm is on Rama V road and has twice daily shows of snake milking where venom is extracted from some of the world’s most dangerous snakes like the King Cobra and the Malayan Pit Viper. Those who wander through the jungle and have been bitten then this is the place to get the anti-venom shots – as long as the snake species is known.
Where? 1871 Rama IV Road, Bkk 10330
When? Open daily 8.30am to 3.30 am (12 noon on weekends and holidays) demonstrations throughout the day.
Tel: +66 2 252 0161 x4
Lumpini Park
If after all this wandering excitement it’s time to chill and there is nowhere better in central Bangkok than Lumpini Park, a sprawling green space with a couple of large lakes is a retreat from the hustle and bustle of traffic-humming, whistle-blowing guards, people-crowded streets of Silom and Sukhumvit Roads.
A great place to people watch and to slump for a mid-afternoon nap, in the shade of course.
Where? Junction of Silom, Surriwongse and Rama IV roads.
When? Open daily 5am to 9pm.
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