The Best Sights to See in Bangkok
Chinatown, in Bangkok, runs from Th Yaowarat and Th Ratchawong, bordered by shops selling jewelry, fabric, foods and other goods. It’s possible to spend all day just taking in the sights, smells and bargains here. Chinatown is known for some of the lowest prices in the city. Visit during the right time of the year and participate in the Vegetarian Festival with hundreds of unique dishes and local cuisine.
If Indian goods are more to your liking take a tour of Pahurat, at the edge of Chinatown. Silks, handmade handbags and other delights are available, and with some expert haggling, you can even get them at a reasonable price. Haggling is everything in this region so be prepared or you’ll spend more than necessary. There are even better deals to be found down little alleyways rather than staying on the main stretches.
The National Museum in Bangkok, in Southeast Asia, houses a fabulous collection of Thai art of all styles and periods. Descriptions allow for English visitors and include Chinese weapons, wood carvings, textiles and ceramics. Murals are the attraction at the nearby Buddhaisawan Chapel on the same grounds. Built in 1795 the chapel was restored to its current status and houses some awe-inspiring art.
The Jim Thompson House, near Khlong Saen Saep, was the home of a New York architect who was a spy in Thailand during World War II. After making Bangkok his home he became a mysterious part of the culture when he disappeared in Malaysia in the same year that his sister was murdered in America – 1967. Beforehand he had become a big silk entrepreneur but questions still remain about his fate.
Festivals are everywhere in Bangkok particularly from November to February. Coronation Day is May 5th where you can glimpse royals at Wat Phra Kaew. The King’s Birthday, December 5th, is celebrated by temporary shrines, floats, and parades. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony in May is held around Sanam Luang. The ceremony is an ancient Brahman ritual and marks the official opening of the season when rice planting begins. And in September the Thailand International Swan-Boat Races are held in Bangkok, where hundreds crowd in at the Rama IX Bridge over the Chao Phraya River.
Bangkok is a city that never sleeps and the area nightlife is part of the tourist attraction. Musical performances and concerts, dancing, theater, dinners, art and other shows are among the offerings of this great city.
Take in the amusement parks, like Siam Park, which has pools and water slides, Crocodile Farms near Bangkok, the Bangkok Doll Museum or a boat trip down the canals. Must-see sights include Erawan Shrine, Patpong, the Grand Palace, Vimanmek Palace, the Khamthieng House, Dream World, and Lumphini Park.
The Rare Stone Museum contains rare and precious stones, fossils, crystals, stalactites, and other minerals. The Planetarium contains a variety of scientific displays concerning astronomy, technology, biology and astrology. The Science Museum exhibits six floors of science and technology with hands-on features. The Snake Farm will intrigue you with a show on how to extract snake venom and other snake facts and information. Safari World is one of the world’s largest open zoos featuring a marine park as well. Rare white pandas, along with other African and Asian animals live inside protective boundaries where visitors can see them in their natural environment.
Bangkok is an exciting city full of color and wonderment and is a vacation you’ll never forget. Check prices for travel packages online or through a travel agency.
