The largest urban area of the country and the official capital of Thailand, Bangkok is known to be one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in the world. The city has boasted of magnificent palaces, monuments and temples; this city has aptly named in Thai (official language of Thailand) “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon”, that literally means “City of Angels”. Bangkok is situated across the banks of the River Chao Phraya, which is somewhat close to the Gulf of Thailand and at the center of the country. Right from thrilling night life to spirituality reflecting in magnificent temples, from royal palaces to erudite museums, Bangkok boasts of almost everything that will entice any kind of traveler. If you are planning a first time tour of this vibrant city, then read on to this article and know about the things to do when you are in this beautiful city of angels.
Visit to The Grand Palace
As the name suggests, the Grand Palace is an impressive complex of several magnificent buildings, pavilions, halls, set around an open landscaped lawns, gardens and courtyards. The palace is centrally located and has been serving as the official residence for the Kings of Siam since 1782. The palace is a stunning architectural wonder that also serves as home to the legendary Emerald Buddha, which is the most honored Buddha images in Thailand. Therefore, while visiting to this superb palace, it is advised not to wear shorts or skirts or sandals, instead one must wear full sleeved clothes. Besides, one should make room for a half-day trip to discover the opulent feel of this palace.
Get Spiritual by Visiting Temples
As mentioned above, Bangkok boasts of hundreds of Buddhist temples from ancient to recent times. Amongst all, The Temple of the Reclining Buddha or “Wat Phra Chetuphon, Wat Pho” is the largest temple in the city. This beautiful temple has a huge reclining Buddha figure (46 meters long) covered with gold leaf. Another temple, you must pay a visit to is “Wat Suthat”, which is an ancient temple that is home for “Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University”, one of the two leading seats of Buddhist learning in the country. Some of the other temples are, Wat Saket and Wat Ratchanatdaram.
Get Indulge in the Exciting Nightlife
Bangkok, apart from the Grand Palace and magnificent temples; offers a dissimilar selection of fun to its guests. In fact, the best five things which complete a fun-filled night in Bangkok is: relishing on traditional Thai cuisines (especially organized dinner cruises on Chao Praya River); enjoy cocktails at rooftop bars, watching the Siam Niramit Cultural show, appreciating the famous lady boy shows of Bangkok and the live music at various open bars and clubs where live bands perform.
Go Shopping
Bangkok is one of the most fascinating shopping destinations in Asia rather across the world. Here, one can find everything from everywhere. Right from the state-of-the-art malls and shopping complexes to massive shopping streets, the city has everything to make Shopaholic fall in love with. Yet, Bangkok is most famous for the most traditional way of shopping that is street shopping, which can be done on Siam Square, Patpong Road, Soi Lalaysub, Kaosarm Road and Yaowarat Road. Moreover, the city has some unique or say special markets like flower market, Pratunam market and most prominently, the unique floating markets. While talking of floating markets, some famous floating markets are Bang Ku Wiang Market, Taling Chan Market, Damnoen Saduak and Tha Kha. And, when it comes to shopping, the “Chatuchak Weekend Market” is apparently the biggest weekend market in Thailand that consists of over 8,000 outlets from every region of the nation.
Apart from these, one can enjoy sightseeing in & around of the city such as Lumpini Boxing Stadium, Ratchadamneon Boxing Stadium (and its fighting practice), National Theatre and National Museum.