Top Things to Do in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok began as a small trading center and port community on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River some 200 years ago. Today, while the city is up to speed with modern times, the grandeur and glory of its illustrious past still prevails. Be it dazzling temples, spectacular palaces, a world-famous floating market or colorful Chinatown. Each of these famous places has an intriguing story to tell.
Here are the top 5 things to do in Bangkok, Thailand.

1. Grand Palace:

Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings. The Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand. This forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the twentieth century. The palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings.

2. Wat Prakeaw:

Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Located in the historic center of Bangkok, within the grounds of the Grand Palace. It enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade. The Emerald Buddha (Phra Putta Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn) is a Buddha image in the meditating position. This is in the style of the Lanna School of the north, dating from the 15th century AD.

3. The Sathorn Unique Tower:

Before the financial crisis hit the world a few years ago a huge 49 story skyscraper was being built in the heart of Bangkok. When the crisis hit the building work stopped and the tower was never completed. Now it sits there abandoned, far too big for anyone to do anything with, unless you fancy a climb? At the bottom of the tower are some security guards. You will need to pay them but once that is complete you are free to tackle the tower. The views from the top are breath taking and will make the long hard climb up the unfinished tower worth it.

4. The Lumpini Park:

At over 500,000 sq. meters Lumpini Park providers the people of Bangkok with a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The name of the park originated from the Lord Buddha who was born in Nepal. It is not unusual when you walk through the park to see the older Thai generation practicing their Thai Chi. Or a romantic couple relaxing by the side of the lake. At the weekends the park is full of people taking part in all sorts of activities. So a great time to go is early morning or just before sunset.

5. Floating Market:

The pioneer of all floating markets, Damnoen Saduak continues to offer an authentic experience despite its increasingly touristy atmosphere. Imagine dozens of wooden row boats floating by, each laden to the brim with farm-fresh fruits, vegetables or flowers. Food vendors fill their vessels with cauldrons and charcoal grills. Ready to whip up a bowl of ‘boat noodle’ or seafood skewers upon request.

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