Bangkok Uncovered: Beyond The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is Bangkok’s most sought-after tourist destination. It is the majestic former residence of the royals back when the country was still called “Siam”. This building complex has an area of 218,400 square meters and displays Thailand’s rich architecture and history.
Sure enough, if you visit Bangkok, this place has to be on your bucket list. However, the capital actually has more to offer to visitors!
What Makes Bangkok Such A Popular Destination?
Bangkok has always attracted a lot of tourists from all walks of life annually. Do you know why? Here are some of the reasons why the city has become a magnet for visitors.
- Rich In Culture
Thailand has over 40,000 Buddhist temples all over the country. And being the capital city, some of the most beautiful and historically significant ones can be found in Bangkok. An example of this is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is the most visited temple in the capital and the very testament to Thailand’s devotion to Buddhism.
Aside from the rich spiritual aspect of the culture, it is worth noting that these temples and other historical structures showcase the depth of Thailand’s architecture. The Wat Pho, a massive temple complex, houses thousands of Buddha sculptures with the Reclining Buddha as the main attraction.
- Local Cuisine
Like most of the oriental Asian cities, Bangkok’s local cuisine is centered on soup, rice, and noodle dishes. The classic Pad Thai (or stir-fried noodles), the sought-after Tom Yum Goong (or spicy shrimp soup), and the famous mango sticky rice can be experienced either in the food markets or the upscale restaurants.
Throughout the capital city, you can find many street food vendors that assure you’ll never go hungry as you stroll around. The best places wherein you can taste a plethora of dishes are the Wang Lang Market, which is located across the Chao Phraya River, and Yaowarat Road, which is the center of Bangkok’s Chinatown.
- Shopping Destination
You won’t only be bringing knowledge from your visit to Bangkok. You can also take along a wide selection of souvenirs and quality goods from different establishments because Bangkok has no shortage of shopping destinations.
If you want luxury items, you can search for them in high-end malls such as CentralWorld or Siam Paragon. If you want to experience bargaining and the thrill of stumbling upon affordable hidden gems, then the Chatuchak Weekend Market is the perfect place to be.
- Unlimited Nightlife Entertainment
It is such a contrast that a city like Bangkok has many Buddhist temples while also abundant in nightlife destinations. When the sun sets, you will witness how the spiritual city transforms into a must-visit entertainment capital.
Bar-hopping is the most common activity and probably the most enjoyable one for the majority. The popular places are Silom, Sukhumvit, and RCA (Royal City Avenue). From rooftop bars to the red light district, you are guaranteed to have one of the most memorable and wildest nights of your lives.
Best Destinations in Bangkok
Beyond the Grand Palace lies other beautiful destinations Bangkok has to offer. Here are some of the best places you just have to visit when you arrive in Thailand’s capital.
- Wat Saket
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Wat Pho, and the Wat Arun are among the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. However, the one that represents the capital city is Wat Saket. This temple complex is located at the top of an artificial hill that offers a panoramic view of the capital. Furthermore, the Golden Mount is such a masterpiece both from the inside and afar.
- Chinatown
Founded in the later decades of the 1700s, Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the largest in the world. As time goes by, the district continues to thrive and has been one of the go-to places for shopping and culinary delights. Yaowarat, a 1.5-km-long road, serves as the heart of Chinatown. At night, it transforms into a large collection of street food stores.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market, also known as JJ Market, is a shopping haven for a lot of people. It is the largest market in all of Thailand, with 27 sections comprising over 15,000 stalls and 11,000 vendors. You will find a very wide array of goods, from souvenirs to furniture. If you plan to head there, one afternoon may not be enough to explore the area.
- Khao San Road
Another popular shopping district is Khao San Road. It is renowned worldwide for being a backpacker’s paradise, wherein you can stroll the 410-meter road while browsing countless of goods displayed by street vendors. Moreover, it appeals to a lot of tourists due to the abundance of international eateries.
- Jim Thompson House
If you are looking for art exhibits, the Jim Thompson House is a perfect choice. The former residence of Jim Thompson, who played an important role in improving the silk industry of Thailand, is now home to a great collection of Southeast Asian art.
- Lumpini Park
This is the first public park in Bangkok and it has an area of over 142 acres. There is such a vast area of greenery where people of all ages can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Aside from the many amenities, there can be a few unique surprises for the tourists such as the presence of monitor lizards.
- Siam Park City
Siam Park City is the country’s largest theme park. With over 120 acres divided into 5 zones, you have no shortage of fun activities together with friends and loved ones. Inside the theme park is the Siam Water Park, which features the world’s largest wave pool and is a fan-favorite among visitors.
- Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya River is a very important waterway in Bangkok. Dubbed the “Venice of the East”, you can transfer from one location to a different one within the city through either a water taxi or a leisure boat ride. If you are looking for a romantic date, a dinner cruise along the river seems perfect.
- Royal City Avenue
The most popular clubbing destination in all of Bangkok is Royal City Avenue or RCA. Countless bars, clubs, and outdoor entertainment welcome anyone looking for enjoyment from 10 PM until the sun rises. The epicenter of the party is at Route66 Club where you can dance and drink nonstop.
Conclusion
Grand Palace is among the top places to visit as you set your foot in Bangkok but don’t forget that the city has more to offer than that. With the aforementioned guides and recommendations, you can truly optimize your vacation to Thailand’s “city of angels”.
