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    Tourist Attractions in Bangkok

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Bangkok. Photos and a brief description.

    Bangkok
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    About Bangkok

    A visit to Bangkok will leave an indelible impression on every tourist. This city is an explosive mix of traditional Asian culture and global cosmopolitanism, the blatant poverty of the residents of the slums by the Chao Phraya River and the indecent luxury of business districts.

    Many foreigners consider Bangkok to be the quintessence of the spirit of a real Asian metropolis: noisy, stupefyingly hot, impetuous, liberated and sometimes obscenely exotic. On the one hand – the magnificent architecture of majestic Buddhist temples, on the other – the bacchanal of Khaosan Road, and on the third – a real gastronomic holiday.

    The Thai capital is worth seeing at least once to try to understand the mysterious people inhabiting the once mighty Siam. It’s not for nothing that this state has never been under colonial oppression.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Bangkok

    Royal Palace in Bangkok

    The main attractions of the Thai capital, which previously served as the residence of kings. The complex was built at the end of the XVIII century under Rama I, when the capital was moved to Bangkok. The plan of the Royal Palace was modeled on the residence in the ancient capital of Siam — Ayutthaya. On the large territory of the palace complex there are bizarre temples, galleries decorated with heroes of the Thai epic, and administrative buildings.

    Vimanmek Palace

    Vimanmek Palace

    The structure is built entirely of pinkish teak wood (not a single nail was used), it is considered the largest wooden structure in the world. The palace was built for King Rama I. Translated from Thai, "Vimanmek" means "heavenly palace". The architecture is close to the English Victorian style. Initially, the palace was located on the island of Sichagn, but was moved to Bangkok.

    Ananta Samakhom

    A Renaissance and neoclassical mansion, built in 1915 by Italian architects. Previously, Ananta Samahom served as the royal throne room, now it houses a museum dedicated to Thai decorative and applied arts. The facade of the building looks elegant and at the same time simple, many marble elements were used in the decoration of the walls, which gives it a resemblance to European palaces.

    Ananta Samakhom
    Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phrakeu)

    Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phrakeu)

    The main Buddhist temple of Thailand, located in the heart of Bangkok next to the Royal Palace. The complex was built in the period 1782-1785 . The main shrine of the temple and at the same time a popular tourist attraction is the jade Buddha statue, which is associated with many legends. According to one version, the statue was created in heaven and brought down to earth with the help of the heavenly king.

    Sunrise Temple (Wat Arun)

    The temple of the middle of the XIX century, erected during the reign of Chessadabodindra. The 79-meter pagoda of the temple rises above the Chao Phraya River, the walls are decorated with ceramic tiles and porcelain trim (fragments of dishes). Steps leading to the top of the pagoda symbolize the difficulty of the righteous path of knowledge. The sun's rays are reflected from the porcelain surface of the walls and from afar it seems that Wat Arun sparkles with "divine light".

    Sunrise Temple (Wat Arun)
    Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)

    Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)

    A traditional Buddhist temple, where the world's largest Buddha statue made of gold is kept (according to the Thais themselves). The statue weighs five tons, reaches a height of three meters. Researchers claim that the Golden Buddha is almost 700 years old. There are many interesting stories connected with the statue. During the Burmese attack on Thailand, she was hidden under a layer of plaster, and then lost. Only thanks to a piece of alabaster that accidentally broke off, the Golden Buddha returned to his place.

    Reclining Buddha Temple (Wat Pho)

    One of the oldest temples in Thailand. From the XII to the XVIII centuries. there was a Buddhist monastery on this place. Under King Rama I, it was significantly rebuilt and expanded, and a stupa 41 meters high was also erected by the will of His Majesty. To date, there are 95 stupas on the territory of the temple. The reclining Buddha statue is the largest statue of this god in the world. It is 95 meters long and 15 meters high.

    Wat Ratchanadda Temple

    Wat Ratchanadda Temple

    The temple building is built of metal, so it is often called the "iron temple". The structure was erected in the XX century in honor of Princess Vadhanavadi (granddaughter of the reigning king at that time). Wat Ratchanadda is built in the classical Ceylon architectural style. The temple pagoda contains 37 sharp spires, personifying virtues – steps on the way to the highest Buddhist enlightenment.

    Wat Suthat Temple

    The temple was built at the beginning of the XIX century, it is located in the historical part of Bangkok on Rattanakosin Island. The interior painting of the building reflects typical Buddhist ideas about the structure of the universe. Along the walls of the temple there are 156 statues of Buddha, inside there is an 8-meter bronze statue of god. Near the temple there is a giant teak swing, on which people swung during the harvest ceremony in the hope of getting a bag of coins. Due to the risk of injury, this ritual was canceled in 1932.

    Wat Suthat Temple
    Golden Mountain (Wat Saket)

    Golden Mountain (Wat Saket)

    The temple building rises 70 meters above the city, so from here you can see a picturesque panorama of the Thai capital. The Wat Saket temple complex is located on a fairly large territory, the buildings are surrounded by a green park. Colorful statues are scattered along the road for visitors. Especially for people who are tired of the tedious climb to the temple, benches and cozy playgrounds are located at different levels of the stairs.

    Marble Temple (Wat Benchamabophit)

    As the name suggests, the temple is entirely built of marble, which is quite rare for Thailand. This material was specially imported from Italy. The structure was erected at the end of the XIX century under the ruler Rama V, his ashes also rest here. There is a park with a river and a pond around the building, where you can enjoy the silence and peaceful landscapes of the surrounding area.

    Marble Temple (Wat Benchamabophit)
    Bangkok National Museum

    Bangkok National Museum

    The museum is located near the Royal Palace complex in the central part of Bangkok. The building was erected at the end of the XVIII century. On the territory of the museum there is a royal chapel and a religious statue of Buddha Sihing. After studying the collection, you can get acquainted with the history of Siam, the complex and exotic cultural traditions of the Thai nation, and comprehend the ideological foundations of the traditional peoples of Southeast Asia.

    Jim Thompson House Museum

    The museum, created on the basis of the collection of the art connoisseur of Southeast Asia D. Thompson. There are exhibits from Burma, Cambodia, Laos, China and Thailand. Thompson collected his collection in the 50s and 60s . XX century. The building itself is an example of the traditional architecture of Siam. For unknown reasons, the collector disappeared during one of his travels, and his home was given over to a museum.

    Royal Barge Museum

    Royal Barge Museum

    The museum collection consists of 8 traditional Thai boats, completely carved from a teak trunk. Each vessel is richly decorated with intricate carvings, lush decor, expensive decorative elements. Boats are rarely used for special ceremonies with the participation of royalty. They can stay anchored for months and wait in the wings. The largest barge "Suppanahong" reaches 46 meters in length.

    Erawan Museum

    The museum building is a figure of a huge elephant with three heads. Erawan was founded in 1967 with the aim of preserving the cultural heritage of Thais. The main goals pursued by the founder L. Veriapan are: to acquaint the general public with the values of local culture, to include the museum collection in the World Heritage Fund of mankind, to engage in educational work among the younger generation.

    Erawan Museum
    Bangkok Art and Cultural Center

    Bangkok Art and Cultural Center

    The Museum of Modern Art, opened in 2008. The main goal of the cultural center is to develop current trends in art, support progressive artists, and ensure a constructive dialogue between traditional and modern culture. For the organization of permanent exhibitions, works by both Thai and foreign masters are used. The museum was founded with the participation of the Bangkok city authorities.

    Khao San Road

    Perhaps the most famous and crowded street of the capital of Thailand. Here, a motley crowd of tourists from all over the world is noisy 24 hours a day, trying street food, choosing souvenirs or visiting massage parlors. Khao San Road is popular with backpacker tourists, as you can rent very inexpensive housing here. The street became famous in 1982 after the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Bangkok.

    Khao San Road
    Chinatown

    Chinatown

    One of the most "seedy" areas of Bangkok with numerous restaurants, Chinese shops, shops, offices of alternative medicine and other institutions. Tourists come here in search of adventure and exoticism. The real extravaganza begins here on the days of traditional Chinese holidays – the whole quarter is decorated with garlands, and festive processions pass through the streets.

    Chatuchak Market

    The main market of Bangkok with a huge assortment of various exotic goods at quite affordable prices. On some days, the number of buyers, sellers and ordinary onlookers in the market reaches 200 thousand people. Here you can buy rare ivory and silk products, any gadgets, clothes, jewelry, products, souvenirs and almost any household goods.

    Chatuchak Market
    Bayyok Tower 2

    Bayyok Tower 2

    The skyscraper is 302 meters high with an observation deck and a restaurant. From the height of 84 floors, a panoramic view of the whole city opens, in clear weather you can even see the distant Gulf of Thailand. The building was built in 1997. The first 12 floors are occupied by parking, the hotel is located above. The easiest and most inexpensive way to get to the top is to pay for a visit to the observation deck.

    State Tower

    A skyscraper in the business district of Bangkok, built in 2001 by architect Rangsan Torsuwan. It reaches a height of 247 meters and consists of 68 floors. The building is decorated with architectural delights in the form of neoclassical balconies and a gilded dome. Inside there are apartments, a hotel, offices and commercial premises. There is an outdoor restaurant on the 64th floor.

    State Tower
    Central World Plaza

    Central World Plaza

    An impressive eight-storey shopping center, a real paradise for lovers of shopping. The total area of retail premises is 550 thousand m2. On the territory of the shopping center there are more than 300 shops with a wide variety of goods. On the top floors there is an entertainment center with Asian restaurants, fast food stalls, a 4D cinema and an ice palace.

    Siam-Paragon

    Siam Paragon is considered the largest shopping and entertainment center in Southeast Asia. In addition to a myriad of shops, there is a huge gastronomic market, a cinema with 15 halls, its own aquarium, an art gallery, a concert hall, a karaoke club and a bowling club. The parking of the shopping center is designed for simultaneous placement of 4 thousand cars.

    Siam-Paragon

    Lumpini Park

    A green area spread over an area of 56 hectares right in the middle of a bustling metropolis. It is perfect for sports, quiet walks, family vacations, picnics. Residents and visitors of Bangkok are happy to spend their free time in the park and relax from the tedious heat and bustle of the capital. There are two ponds in the park, so if you wish, you can rent a boat and take a boat trip.

    Dusit Zoo

    The city zoo occupies a small territory of 18 hectares, it is located almost in the center of Bangkok. Turtles, large monitor lizards and flocks of fish are found in the local reservoir. Dusit is the oldest zoo in Thailand. Some animals are housed in open enclosures, but most of the inhabitants are kept in cages. Sometimes it is difficult to see an animal through thick bars.

    Dusit Zoo
    Siam Ocean World Aquarium

    Siam Ocean World Aquarium

    The largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, located in the Siam-Paragon shopping center. The aquarium is divided into seven zones, in which various species of marine life are placed: fish, moray eels, mollusks, corals and other representatives of marine fauna. The main aquarium of Siam Ocean World reaches a height of 6 meters, an ecosystem of a tropical coral reef has been created inside it.

    Mueang Boran Park

    An open-air park and museum located 32 km from Bangkok. On its territory there are more than 100 buildings belonging to various historical eras. A small part of the houses were delivered from remote regions of Thailand, the rest of the buildings are exact copies of historical buildings. There is also a group of buildings created by Thai architects and sculptors.

    Mueang Boran Park
    Safari World Theme Park

    Safari World Theme Park

    An entertainment park for the whole family, where various performances with the participation of animals take place. Here you can watch the performance of sea lions, dolphins, shows of trained monkeys and parrots. In total, several performances are given during the day. You can also feed giraffes on the territory of the park for a small fee. One of the popular attractions is a boat ride through the improvised wild jungle.

    Dream World Amusement Park

    Thai "Disneyland", where children's favorite characters from fairy tales and cartoons live. You need to come here with the whole family for the whole day in order to have time to see as much as possible. The park is divided into four thematic zones. The first contains miniatures of world attractions, the second recreates a fabulous garden, the third and fourth contain numerous attractions.

    Dream World Amusement Park
    Chao Phraya River

    Chao Phraya River

    The main waterway of Bangkok, along which you can get to all the main attractions of the capital. The length of the main riverbed is 372 km., It flows through several Thai cities, including the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. City ferries and pleasure boats for tourists constantly run along Chao Phraya. In the evening rush hour, for many Thais, the waterway remains the only available way to somehow get home.