Thailand’s spectacular capital city, Bangkok is one of Asia’s most famous tourist destinations and contains a mixture of gleaming skyscrapers and ancient oriental shrines. Bangkok’s elevated Skytrain is becoming an increasingly popular way to travel around the city, while for others, a river taxi or cruise along the Mae Nam Chao Phraya River is hard to beat.
Bangkok was founded in 1782 and has grown dramatically in size since then, gaining almost epic proportions and a vast metropolitan area. However, beneath the multi-lane highways, traffic jams and modern concrete jungle is the appealing Old City district (Ko Rattanakosin), where you will discover a huge concentration of old temples, museums, bazaars, theatres (wats) and also Bangkok’s original palace.
All over Bangkok, tourism is an important part of day-to-day life. Various tourist information offices are located around Bangkok and also at the city’s nearby Suvarnabhumi Airport, including the head office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), which is located along New Phetchaburi Road and features many English-speaking staff.
Top Bangkok Sights
There is more than enough within Bangkok to keep even the keenest tourist occupied throughout their holiday. Look out for the sightseeing city tram and the river cruises, both of which are a great way to see many of the city’s premier sights. For families in Bangkok, many attractions suit children, such as Dusit Zoo (Khao Din), and also the Bangkae Amusement Park, home to both funfair rides and a water park. Indoor roller coasters are available at the air-conditioned Leo Land, sited within the Central City Bangna Shopping Centre, while for many the countless parks around Bangkok are a great place to relax, with the centrally located Lumpini Park being especially popular.
Bangkok Sightseeing
Bangkok is one of the most lively and tourist friendly cities in the whole of Thailand and this exciting metropolis is brimming with top tourist attractions. Many tourists arriving in Bangkok begin their visit by enjoying a guided tour aboard the Sightseeing City Tram, or a pleasure cruise along the Chao Phraya River.
For others, a trip to one of Bangkok’s many family friendly tourist attractions is in order, with popular attractions including the Bangkae Amusement Park, the Mall Ngamwongwan Water Park and Playland, the animals at the acclaimed Dusit Zoo (Khaio Din), or the indoor theme park of Leo Land, within the Central City Bangna Shopping Centre. Other popular tourist attractions in Bangkok include many nearby elephant shows, tenpin bowling at the city’s numerous bowling alleys and entertainment complexes, and traditional Thai boxing at the famous Lumpini Boxing Stadium, close to Lumpini Park.
Sightseeing City Tram – Bangkok Tourist Bureau, 17 / 1 Phra Arthit Road, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok, 10200, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 02 225 7612
Various guided tours of Bangkok’s main attractions are available and are a good way to begin your sightseeing in this large and busy city. Most tours can be arranged by your hotel or at one of the many travel agencies, which reside in the main tourist regions. The Bangkok Sightseeing City Tram is especially popular and features English-language commentary. The tram tour starts from the Sanam Luang Park (Royal Fields) and takes in many of the city’s best sights, such as the colourful Flower Market, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew and also a number of top museums.
Bangkok tourist attraction open: daily, tours operate at 30-minute intervals
Bangkok tourist attraction admission: charge
River Cruises / Manohra Cruises – 257 / 1 – 3 Charoen Nakorn Road, Krunghtep Bridge, Bangkok, 10600, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 02 477 0770
The ultimate way to sightsee in Bangkok is to relax and enjoy a cruise along the meandering Mae Nam Chao Phraya River. Various pleasure cruises are available and pass many appealing waterfront attractions along the way. Particularly popular are the Manohra Cruises, which use teak barges and offer both lunchtime and evening cruises, featuring a sun deck, where the uninterrupted views are at their best.
Bangkok tourist attraction open: hours vary according to cruise
Bangkok tourist attraction admission: charge, concessions
Bangkae Amusement Park – 275 Moo 1 Phetkasem Road, Bhang Kae, Bangkok, 10160, Thailand, TH
Fun for all the family, the many family orientated attractions at the Bangkae Amusement Park can be found within the Mall Bangkae. Particularly popular are the state-of-the-art video games and amusements, while the additional attractions of a water park, tenpin bowling, cinema and fast funfair rides will be sure to please.
Bangkok tourist attraction open: Monday to Friday – 10:30 to 22:00, Saturday and Sunday – 10:00 to 22:00
Bangkok tourist attraction admission: charge, concessions, children under 1.2 metres / 3.9 feet are free
Dusit Zoo (Khao Din) – 71 Rama V Road, Dusit, Bangkok, 10300, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 02 281 2000
Founded in 1938, Dusit Zoo has long been one of Bangkok’s most popular family attractions and was previously a royal botanical gardens for King Rama V, covering around 47 acres / 19 hectares. Today, the zoo is home to a large collection of animals, which include some 300 mammals and also 1,000 exotic birds. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, rhinos, monkeys, crocodiles and some extremely rare native species.
Bangkok tourist attraction open: daily – 08:00 to 18:00
Bangkok tourist attraction admission: charge, concessions
Bangkok Playhouse – 2884 / 2 New Petchburi Road, Bangkok, 10310, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 02 319 76414
The Bangkok Playhouse is a relatively new addition to the city’s theatrical scene and first opened its doors in 1993. A modern venue with many regular performances, which range from puppet shows to serious dramas, other attractions include art exhibitions, seminars, lectures and many visiting international shows.
Bangkok tourist attraction open: Monday to Saturday – 09:00 to 19:00, hours vary according to event
Bangkok tourist attraction admission: charge
Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (QSMI) and Snake Farm – 1871 Rama IV Street, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 02 252 01614
A popular local attraction, the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute is home to a large collection of extremely poisonous snakes, including the king cobra and numerous vipers. Known for its important research into snake venom and its deadly effects, the institute is also home to a snake farm, where many different snakes are successfully bred and reared.
Bangkok tourist attraction open: Monday to Friday – 08:30 to 16:30, Saturday and Sunday – 08:30 to 12:00
Bangkok tourist attraction admission: charge
Leo Land – 6th Floor, Central City Bangna, 1094 Bangna-Trad Road, Bangkok, 10260, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 02 361 0888
Part of the popular Central City Bangna Shopping Centre, this air-conditioned indoor theme park features a good selection of fast rides, roller coasters and simulator attractions. Particularly popular is the waterpark, water slides and go-karting, appealing to all ages.
Bangkok tourist attraction open: daily – 11:00 to 18:00
Bangkok tourist attraction admission: charge, discounts for children
Mall Ngamwongwan Water Park and Playland – Ngam Wong Wan Road, 30 / 39 – 50 Ngamwongwan Shopping Centre, Bangkok, 10220, Thailand, TH
Tel: +66 02 550 0011
The perfect way to cool off during one of Bangkok’s many hot days, the Water Park and Playland is part of the Ngamwongwan Shopping Mall and is full of water-related attractions, together with a play area for children. With water slides, pools, miniature train rides and plenty of places to simply sit back and relax, the Mall Ngamwongwan Water Park is close to the cinema complex and many shopping opportunities.
Bangkok tourist attraction open: daily
Bangkok tourist attraction admission: charge
Bangkok is truly steeped in history and apart from its modern skyscrapers, of which the Baiyoke Tower is the tallest at 304 metres / 997 feet, the most impressive landmarks are its historic structures. Be sure to find the Grand Palace, where you can also enjoy a visit to its Wat Phra Kaew, perhaps better known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Other notable temples in Bangkok include the Wat Bowonniwetwihan (Ratchaworawihan), the Wat Benchamabophit (Wat Ben), the Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha), and also the Wat Pho, the city’s oldest and biggest temple.
Culture abounds within Bangkok and tourists will enjoy the city’s many outstanding museums. Located within the Sanam Luang area, the National Museum contains everything from information about traditional Thai art and textiles, to literature and weaponry. Completely unique is the Royal Barges National Museum and its extensive collection of large boats. Those with a love of aviation should search out the Royal Thai Air Force Museum, while art lovers in Bangkok will be overwhelmed at the traditional and contemporary pieces on display at the National Gallery.
Almost the epitome of everything that Asia has to offer, Bangkok has plenty to offer tourists. However, should you choose to venture outside of this sprawling metropolis, you will find a wealth of tourist attractions within easy reach. Particularly close to Bangkok, the Crocodile Farm and Zoo and Samut Prakan is always extremely popular, as are the countless temples within Samut Songkhram, which is located just a short distance to the south-west. To the north of Bangkok, the Ayuthaya Historical Park contains such as wealth of temples and shrines that it has gained the status of World Heritage Site.
Fast Facts and Orientation
Country: Thailand
Location: east bank of the Mae Nam Chao Phraya River and close to the Gulf of Thailand
Status: capital city of Thailand (Thai: Krung Thep Maha Nakhon)
Area: approximately 600 square miles / 1,553 square kilometres
Population: approximately seven million
Language: Thai
Currency: Thailand Baht (THB)
Time zone: UTC / GMT +7 hours
Country dialing code: +66
Telephone area code: 02
Religion: mainly Buddhists, remainder includes Muslims and Christians
Average daily Bangkok January temperature: 31°C / 88°F
Average daily Bangkok July temperature: 35°C / 95°F
Thank : bangkok.world-guides.com
