Bangkok is everything you’d expect from the capital of Thailand: it’s noisy, crowded, colorful, exciting, infuriating, and smile-inducing. There are temples, ancient sites, and other attractions to be visited, also as modern shopping malls that have a kitschy yet high-end ambience. Bangkok are often overwhelming, but it is also a desirable city that represents Southeast Asia’s tension between the developed and developing worlds.
National Museum & Wang Na Palace
History buffs will want to devote a minimum of half a sightseeing day to the national museum. Until the mid-1970s, this was Thailand’s only museum, which explains why its collection is so big and diverse.
Fortunately, almost every exhibit is labeled in Thai and English and guided tours also are offered in English, so you will not miss out on any of the country’s fascinating ancient and contemporary history.
Stock Up on Authentic Souvenirs at Chatuchak Market
This sprawling semi-outdoor weekend market is that the largest within the world and one among the highest things to try to to when visiting Bangkok. Shoppers can find everything from jewelry and non secular icons to pet supplies, paper lamps, and delicious street food here. Chatuchak Market is home to over 15,000 stalls offering almost anything you’ll dream up-even better, any souvenir you would possibly want is perhaps available here at a way cheaper price than anywhere else in Bangkok.
Shop by Boat at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
For a good more interesting market experience, you’ll arrange a tour to Damnoen Saduak, a famous floating market located in Ratchaburi (about 1.5 hours outside Bangkok). the recognition of floating markets once earned Bangkok the nickname “Venice of the East.”
Jim Thompson House
The historic home of a “self-made American entrepreneur” who disappeared while traveling in Malaysia now stands as a relic of an older time in Bangkok. Jim Thompson settled in Thailand after spending time there as a serviceman round the end of WWII and quickly became a well known name within the Thai silk industry.
Thompson was awarded the Order of the White Elephant, a crucial honor given to foreigners who have made significant contributions to Thailand. Thompson’s home has been became a museum offering insights into his life and business, also because the history of the town and therefore the Thai silk industry.
Walk around Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park provides visitors with a green oasis amid the traffic and chaos of Bangkok. hang around on one among several lawn areas, enjoy the shade of a Chinese pagoda, or take a ship out on the lake. Lumpini Park may be a excellent spot to spend a day enjoying the contrast of the tranquil park with the skyscrapers rising all around it.
Note that the park has been the location of anti-government protests that have occasionally turned violent within the past, so make certain to see on the present political situation before visiting. Keep an eye fixed out for the huge Asian water monitors as well-they can often be found taking a stroll round the lake.