The most prominent of all tourist places in Bangkok is the gleaming monasteries or Wats that flank its landscape. These Buddhist temples are not only popular for their religious overtones, but are also significant from the architectural point of view. Their gleaming affluence, along with delicacy of Thai craftsmanship, makes them some of the best draws of Thailand, as a whole. Apart from these temples, Bangkok also boats of some of the best museums and theme parks in the country, which are equally popular among many tourists. Then, there is the legendary nightlife of Bangkok, which is the most magical of all delights. To know more about the various places to see in Bangkok, read on.
Chao Phraya River
Mae Nam Chao Phraya or Chao Phraya River is the main river of Thailand that meanders its way south through the nation's Central Plains for more than 220 miles to the Gulf of Thailand. As far as its etymological origin is concerned, Maenam or Mae Nam corresponds to the Thai word 'Mother' and 'River'.
Chinatown BangkokChinatown district is one of the oldest areas in Bangkok and one of the most exciting places to amble around, while in the city. An impressive and colossal Chinese gate marks the entrance to China Town area, at Odeon Circle, and the place stretches until the Ong Ang Canal.
City Pillar Shrine
City Pillar Shrine, located at the southeast corner of Sanam Luang, is an elegant looking temple in Bangkok. Keeping in accord with the ancient Thai tradition, that the establishment of a new city should always be followed by the erection of a City Pillar, King Rama I had the Bangkok City Pillar raised in April 1782.
Democracy Monument
The Democracy Monument in Bangkok, located between the old Grand Palace and the Dusit Palace, is a public monument honoring the June 1932 revolution that ended the rule of absolute monarchy in Thailand. Established in 1939, it is the brainchild of Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsonggram (Phibun).
Dusit Zoo Bangkok
Located in Central Bangkok, between Chitlada Palace and Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall, Dusit Zoo, it is one of the most popular recreational spots of the city. The place is an ideal getaway for Thai families from the city hubbub, especially during the weekends.
Erawan Shrine
Erawan Shrine, or the San Phra Phrom - as known to the locals, is a popular Hindu shrine in Bangkok. It preserves a beautifully sculpted four-headed statue of the deity 'Phra Phrom', the Thai God of creation, equivalent to the Hindu God 'Brahma'.
Monument
to the Expeditionary ForceLocated in the old city of Rattanakosin, in Bangkok, Monument to the Expeditionary Force is a war memorial. It is dedicated to Thai soldiers who lost their lives on the Western Front in the World War I that broke out during the reign of King Vajiravudh or King Rama VI.
Golden Mount
Golden Mount forms an important part of the Wat Saket temple, which is a popular landmark of Bangkok, situated next to the Pom Mahakhan fort. Also known as 'Phukhao Thong', the history of the Golden Mount traverses to the 19th century, when King Rama III wanted to build a chedi on the location.
Grand Palace
Grand Palace is a complex that houses some of the most magnificent buildings of Bangkok. Located on the eastern banks of the Chao Phraya River, the Grand Palace served as the palatial residence of the king of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century.
King Rama V Statue
King Chulalongkorn or King Rama V is one of the most legendary figures in the history of Thailand's monarchy. Revered by all, he was a benevolent king with a modern outlook, who eradicated various social evils, including slavery, from the Thai kingdom.
Safari World
The name 'Bangkok' brings to mind, either the image of crisp metropolitan air or quixotic Oriental aura. However, a visit to Safari World promises a voyage that is quite different from the stereotypical images associated with the city.
Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall
Situated near the Equestrian Statue of King Rama V, Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall is a landmark monument of Bangkok. Predominantly Italian in style, the building owes its architecture to Italian architects, Mario Tamagno and Annibale Rigotti, who have left imprints of their legerdemain all over Thailand.
Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute
Positioned near Henri Dunant Road and Rama IV Road, the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (QSMI) is a popular name in Bangkok. It was first opened with the aim for preventing and treating rabies and producing snake antivenin for different species of venomous snakes in South East Asia.
Siam Ocean World
One of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia, Siam Ocean World spreads across an area of 10,000 square meters. It is housed on two floors, in the basement of Siam Paragon shopping mall of Bangkok. It is a subsidiary of the Oceanis Australia Group.
Victory Monument
Standing on a traffic island in the district of Ratchathewi, to the northeast of the centre of Bangkok, is the Victory Monument. Built in June 1941, during the reign of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadei, the monument honors Thai victory against the French colonial authorities in Indo-China.
Vimanmek Palace
Fabricated entirely of golden teak, the Vimanmek Palace is situated on Ratchawithi Road and claims the distinction of being the largest golden teakwood mansion in the world. Built by the royal command of King Rama V, in the year 1897, the three-storied mansion is a brilliant fusion.
Siam Niramit
Siam Niramit is a spectacular cultural-cum-entertainment show of Bangkok, which forms one of the most exclusive tourist attractions in the whole of the Siam Kingdom. With its larger-than-life theatrical portrayals, Siam Niramit takes spectators through some enchanting episodes of Thai history and culture.