Travel

Wat Pho Man Khunaram located in Soi Sathupradit 19 is regarded as one of the most beautiful Chinese temples in Bangkok. Built in 1959 by a Chinese spiritual master who later became the temple’s first abbot, this stunning temple showcases a harmonious blend of Thai, Chinese, and Tibetan styles in its Buddhist art. The temple grounds cover an expansive area of 5 acres, and the construction of the monastery was completed at a total cost of around THB 30 million.

323 Sathu Pradhit Road Soi19 10120 Bangkok Thailand

Bangkok has a lot to offer when it comes to public transportation, but one of the most uniquely intriguing options to choose from has to be the rapid bus transit system referred to as BRT.

The plans for this system were well underway during 2004 and the concept was operational more or less around six years later. The system ran for free during a trial period in 2010 and a flat rate of THB10 was introduced during September of the same year. The buses of the BRT have their own designated lanes which mean one can easily save time and avoid congestion by travelling this way.

When the buses arrive at the station, a guide-system ensures that there’s a minimal gap between the station and the bus, ensuring the safety of travellers as they board the vehicle.

There’s only one route, however, and that is from Sathon to Ratchapruek. The interesting part about the BRT is that it runs alongside the main road; this allows travellers to experience some the city’s greatest attractions without having to be stuck in traffic or travel on a separate medium such as a ferry.

369/2 Ratchaphruek Road 10150 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Bangkok CityCity Gallery is a top contemporary art gallery in Bangkok, renowned for its modern space and innovative exhibitions. Showcasing cutting-edge works by emerging and established artists, the gallery features diverse art forms, including painting, sculpture, video, and multimedia. As a hub for Bangkok’s vibrant art scene, it hosts artist talks, workshops, and cultural events, offering a unique experience for art enthusiasts and visitors. Discover the dynamic world of contemporary art at Bangkok CityCity Gallery, located just 4.7 km from Chatrium Residence Bangkok.

3 Soi Atthakan Prasit 10120 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

http://bangkokcitycity.com/

Wed - Sat: 13.00 PM - 18.00 PM

Thailand is famous for a vast array of captivating temples and places of Buddhist worship. The famous Erawan Shrine is particularly remarkable since it is one of the more elusive Hindu places of worship in the nation.

The shrine was built in 1956 by the Erawan Hotel, a venture partly owned by the government, in order to counter bad karmahat was supposedly created by constructing the hotel during a less than auspicious time. It was initially known as the Thao Mahaprom Shrine and was built as a tribute to Phra Phrom, who is the Thai representation of Lord Brahma, the famous Hindu god of Creation.

The statue of Brahma was designed and built by the Department of Fine Arts and was completed in 1956. It is in a spiritually significant area with many shrines nearby, in honour of various Hindu deities such as Lakshmi, Trimurti, and Ganesha.

The Erawan Shrine is one of Bangkok’s most popular places of worship, and there’s always much to experience if you were to visit. Various forms of dance are commonly performed here during celebrations by different dance troupes and add to the captivating charm of this site.

Ratchadamri Road 10330 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Open daily
06.00 AM - 22.00 PM

Benjasiri Park is also known as the Queens Park, as it was built in 1992 to celebrate the 60 th birthday of the Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. It is one of the major parks in Bangkok and is a great spot for rest and recreation.

Unlike some of the other parks in Bangkok, there is plenty to explore in Benjasiri Park. There is a forest garden, which is an artificially created forest which is maintained religiously by the staff. You can easily walk in here and feel lost in the wilderness. There is also an artificial lake that sits proudly in the heart of the park - its central attraction.

There are multipurpose spaces that are at times used by the public for functions or even public performances. The playground is almost always occupied by local kids, who find the park to be a fun escape. There are basketball courts if you fancy a game, and swimming pools located at this site if you wish to take a quick dip.

Open daily
05.00 AM - 09.00 PM

Commonly referred to as the Marble Temple, Wat Benchamabophit is a truly astonishing sight that will leave you breathless. Built in true Thai architectural fashion, this is one of the nation’s most renowned places of worship.

As far as the Thailand’s places of worship are concerned, this is one of the more recent additions. This beautiful work of Thai architecture was built extensively using fine marble imported from Carrara, Italy.

The palace’s pillars, courtyard and two lions guarding the entrance were all built out of Carrara marble. The interior features decorative crossbeams of gold and lacquer and lavish paintings of various stupas from around the nation adorn the inside walls.

Within the temple, you can find a large Buddha statue designed in the Sukhothai-style. It was cast in 1920 and is a replica of Phra Buddha Chinnarat that is contained within the Phitsanulok in Northern Thailand.

The ashes of the renowned King Chulalongkorn were placed underneath the statue. There’s another gallery within the temple that features a collection of over 50 Buddha statues with each of them in a unique pose. The best time to visit the temple is during February or May when two famous festivals take place here.

69 Rama V Road 10300 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

A vibrant and colourful place that truly resembles the spirit of Thailand, the Museum Siam is ideal if you want to understand the origin and history of the Thai people. It is a reflection of authentic Thai culture contained within a 19th-century European-style building.

What was once the Ministry of Finance and Commerce is a place of historical significance today. The presenting of artefacts are different from what you usually see in a Thai museum; they are engaging and interactive, each section having an informative audio narrative being played in the background.

The exhibits at the Aythaya-era battle room and the traditional Thai toys sections are unique and interesting. You can even pretend to toss pad thai noodles at a street cart, along with other unique photo opportunities. The Museum Siam is a good place to visit for the entire family.

4 Sanam Chai Road 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Tue - Sun: 10.00 AM - 18.00 PM

Standing proudly along the banks of the mighty Chao Phraya River, the Wat Arun rises majestically to the sky and is a “must visit” site in Bangkok that offers key cultural insights.

Commonly known as the Temple of Dawn, the splendid Wat Arun is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent temples in Bangkok. This stunning structure was constructed in the17th century and was named Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan; featuring a resplendent Khmer style tower that is around 82-metres in height, this sacred site once housed the famed Emerald Buddha as well.

Located across from the Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Arun is a truly amazing sight to behold not only at dawn but during sunset in particular. Due to its riverside location, taking a cruise on the Chao Phraya River is an ideal way in which to capture the site’s beauty, especially as night falls, when it is lit up and shines like a beacon on the “River of Kings”. At the top of the main tower, you are greeted with some wonderful vistas of the surrounding landscape be it the river, Wat Pho or the Grand Palace.

158 Thanon Wang Doem 10600 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Located on the grounds of Wat Ratchanatdaram, Loha Prasat is also known as the “metal castle”. It was built in 1846 under the patronage of King Rama III and inspired by two other similar temples in India and Sri Lanka.

Loha Prasat Temple is a 36 metre high construction featuring 37 spires made of metal which symbolize the 37 virtues leading to enlightenment. At its highest level of this site is a relic of the Buddha. Loha Prasat is the only temple of multi-floored and square-based construction that is in existence today. Loha Prasat is a term from Indian origin referring to a square based structure with multiple storeys which was used as a monk’s quarters; only three such structures are known to have been built and the only one standing to date is the one in Bangkok.

For a small entry fee, you could explore this great work of architecture. The temple which went through a restoration process has a rich history which is evident as you walk in between the pillars that create fascinating alleyways.

Due to its uniqueness, Loha Prasat was submitted to UNESCO to be considered as a World Heritage Site. While the temple has yet to be bestowed with that title, it nevertheless is one of the most outstanding pieces of architecture and has its own noteworthy place in the Bangkok cityscape.

2 Maha Chai Road 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Perhaps Bangkok's most visited religious attraction, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Pho is a one of a kind spiritual site in the Thai capital and is well worth exploring.

The main feature of the Wat Pho, which is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in all of Bangkok, is the 46 metre long Buddha statue that has been carved in a reclining position. The Buddha is covered completely in gold leaf and has feet that are around four meters long made completely with symbolic mother of pearl decorations.

The mighty structure of this statue is absolutely awe-inspiring. In addition to the immaculate precision of craftsmanship, it was created out of precious materials where the soles of the statue are inlaid with mother of pearl featuring over 100 auspicious signs of the Buddha.

The Wat Pho is also home to a renowned massage school that has been in existence since 1955. Before completing your tour around the temple, drop by and get yourself a soothing traditional Thai massage.

2 Sanam Chai Road 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Open daily
08.00 AM - 18.30 PM

Established at the request of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles is housed in a centuries-old building that adds more character to the exhibits that are contained within it.

This museum is the first dedicated textile conservation laboratory in Thailand. Remodelled under the blessings of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, it is a harmonious marriage of ancient architecture and modern technology; a place that has old-age character but with lecture halls, a library, an education studio, and other state-of- the-art facilities.

The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles aims to collect, preserve and display textiles from all parts of Southeast Asia, East Asia and South Asia, spanning across different periods. It also functions as a centre for education in the textile industry, especially pertaining to the Royal Court.

Na Phra Lan Road 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Open daily
09.00 AM - 16.30 PM

“Suan Pakkad” is Thai for lettuce farm as the Suan Pakkad Palace Museum is a lettuce farm turned palace turned museum as it stands today. The museum is a little-known, less-explored venue; a treasure that is often overlooked.

You will be visiting a former royal residence when you visit the museum. Princess Chambon of Nakhon Sawan used to live here before it was abandoned and subsequently renovated into what it is today.

The Suan Pakkad Palace Museum is not a single building, but a collection of eight wooden houses built according to traditional Thai architecture. Within these buildings are many artefacts, remnants of a once-forgotten way of life in Thailand. The museum features antique furniture, old pieces of art and gardens that have been beautifully landscaped. There is a popular mural of the Ramayana on a back wall in the Lacquer Pavilion, while the front buildings depict Buddhist art. You will even see swans and ducks ambling in the gardens.

354 Thanon Si Ayutthaya 10400 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Open daily
09.00 AM - 16.00 PM

Referred to as the “Centre of the Backpacking Universe” in the famed book The Beach, Khaosan Road in Bangkok is renowned among backpackers and budget travellers the world over and is well worth a visit.

Upon reaching Khaosan Road, expect to be swept off your feet by the hustle and bustle of activity that seems never ending. The shops sell a variety of items ranging from clothes to souvenirs and handicrafts. To the north of the Road, you will come across the Banglamphu Market which is a brilliant place to haggle and purchase all manner of brand named items.

Khaosan Road is also filled with a myriad of street carts selling traditional Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, roti and falafels. The adventurous traveller can even sample a variety of bugs that are sold at numerous carts!

The nightlife scene here is particularly notable and caters to all kinds of varied tastes. Some of the famous stops include the Brick Bar, which has a live band playing upbeat pop songs. The Day of the Dead bar is another top pick for its rock tunes, Mexican food and lots more.

Thanon Khao San 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Hailed as the biggest museum in Southeast Asia, the Bangkok National Museum is a place that will awe you with its sheer . It is best explored on a guided tour, which are conducted twice a week.

The majority of the museum structure is from the era of Prince Wang Na, and comprises of a part of his palace that was built in 1782. The building was converted into a museum a century later, and today is considered to have one of the most extensive collections of artefacts in the region.

Spread across three halls, each with a different theme, the museum will provide you with a chance to truly get in touch with the history of the country. The History Wing is probably the most fascinating, with artefacts from the Ayutthaya battles and Bangkok-era events being on display. The Decorative Arts and Ethnology section will give you a glimpse into the creativity of the Thai people, while the wing dedicated to Archaeology and Art History speaks their stories through paintings dating as far back as prehistoric times.

Na Phra That Alley 10200 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Wed - Sun: 09.00 AM - 16.00 PM

Erawan is a three-headed elephant from Hindu mythology belonging to the guardian deity Indra. The Erawan Museum (Chang Sam Sian) is named after this mythical creature and is as enticing as the mythology that gives it its name.

The first thing you will notice as you enter the beautifully landscaped gardens of the museum is the giant three-headed elephant that stands tall and proud on the main building. As you enter, you will be transported into a different world, one full of vibrant colour and ancient sculptures and works of art. The crowning glory of the museum is its ceiling - a breathtaking work of stained glass that adds an ethereal sense to the entire complex.

The main building of the museum is divided into three main parts, Suvarnabhumi or the basement, Earth or the dome building and the astounding elephant statue which is called Cosmos.

99 Tambon Bang Muang Mai, Amphoe Mueang Samut Prakan, Chang Wat Samut Prakan 10270, Thailand 10270 Tambon Bang Muang Mai Thailand

Open daily
09.00 AM - 18.00 PM

Take a break from the hustle and bustle that sometimes seems to be the theme in Bangkok by paying a visit to Chatuchak Park, located right next to the Chatuchak Weekend Market. It is an oasis of peacefulness in the busy city.

Chatuchak Park is quite large and is one of the oldest public parks in the Chatuchak district. It is the place where residents of the city usually gather to spend an evening or a weekend. In addition to the greenery and the walking paths, the park has summer huts, benches and even play areas for the kids.

The park is located directly above Chatuchak MRT Station and while you may not be able to feel any indication of its presence, this means the park is located quite centrally, allowing residents to come here for a morning jog or an evening cycle ride without too much hassle.

Kamphaeng Phet Road 10900 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Open daily
04.30 AM - 21.00 PM