The Grand Palace is a Bangkok landmark that every visitor must see. Built in 1782, it served as the official residence of the King up until the mid-20th century. The palace is a stunning display of Thai architecture and includes the famous Wat Phra Kaew [Temple of the Emerald Buddha]. Visitors can tour the palace interior as well as the gardens and courtyards. To avoid the crowds, arrive as early as possible to beat the heat and to take great pictures.
After exploring the Grand Palace, enjoy lunch at one of the many street food vendors near the palace. Don't miss the delicious Pad Thai noodles, mango sticky rice and Thai iced tea.
For shopping fans, the On Nut Market is a great place that will provide you a wide range of clothes, souvenirs, and foods. As it is not as famous as other markets, you'll be able to bargain prices with vendors and have a relaxing shopping experience without the crowds.
The Wat Arun Temple is one of the most well-known temples in Bangkok, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is famously known as the "Temple of Dawn" because of its spectacular views in the morning. It is also home to a revered Buddha image whose face is said to be the symbol of the temple.
After visiting Wat Arun, a peaceful boat tour down the Chao Phraya River is a perfect way to unwind and admire Bangkok's skyline at night, including landmarks like Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and the Royal Barges Museum.
Your kids will enjoy the Siam Ocean World, South East Asia's largest aquarium. For an interactive experience, sign up for the "Dive with Sharks" activity where you can experience a thrilling dive into the aquarium.
Chang Chui is an art market, entertainment venue, and food hub set in an airplane boneyard. The bazaar offers creative food options, from snacks and street food to western cuisine. A must-try snack here are the nitrogen-frozen ice creams for an out-of-the-world frozen snack. Wander around the market to discover creative art & sculptures that are well-worth the hour or two spent exploring them.
The Golden Buddha Temple is located in the Chinatown area and is distinguished by its immense and radiant Golden Buddha statue, which is made up of over five-and-a-half tons of solid gold. Visitors will appreciate the temple's beauty and peacefulness, with gold-covered walls and ornate wooden carvings.
Chinatown is a bustling and vibrant neighborhood that's full of shops and street food vendors. Take a stroll down Yaowarat Road, which comes alive at night with bright lights and the aroma of Chinese food.
To explore Bangkok, it's best to avoid the rainy season (usually from May to October) to prevent from getting wet and to have the full experience of these locations. If you have an extra day, we recommend visiting the Chatuchak Weekend Market which is full of shops, restaurants, and vendors similar to On Nut Market. However, it is only open on weekends. Better prepare cash when going to most locations as credit cards are not accepted. For Muslim travelers, while there are halal restaurants around the city, it's important to note that not all restaurants or street food vendors have halal-certified foods.