Top places to visit

This building was originally a palace until it was converted into a museum in the 1880s. It is a treasure house of Thai art and archaeology. The Red House initially home to the sister of King Rama I is a must see in addition to the Phuttaisawan Chapel which reflects the magnificence of Buddhist temple architecture. The Old Transportation Room houses an interesting collection of ivory carvings, palanquins for Thai Royalty and Elephant Chairs. The Museum also displays Thai gold jewelry, ceramic pieces, sculptures, wood carvings, stone carvings, textiles, Thai dress, musical instruments and Buddhist icons.

This is one of Bangkok's most renowned temples. Numerous steps have to be climbed and while the ascent is strenuous the stunning view more than compensates for that. The Grand Palace, the Temple of the Holy Jewel Image and the Chao Phraya River- the main landmarks of the city are visible from 260 feet above the ground.

This mount is an important cite for Buddhists since the Golden Chedi that sits atop it houses a relic from the subcontinent gifted to King Rama IV by the British. The view is lovely and Bangkok's rooftops as well as the Rattanakosin Island are visible from it. Tourists visiting in the month of October/ November should not miss the festival that occurs here annually when the temple is wrapped in red sheets and a number of stalls and theatrical performers appear to entertain.

This is a fantastic museum showcasing Thai culture and living across various time periods. The garden is not to be missed; beautiful native Thai flowers are grown here. This museum was Jim Thompson's House. Thompson who hailed from New York was stationed in Thailand during WW II and later settled in Bangkok where he revived the Thai silk industry. Art pieces collected by Jim Thompson are also exhibited here in addition to his personal belongings. These include porcelain, sculptures, Thai scroll paintings and wood carvings.

This park is beautiful and located within it is the world's largest teak mansion as well as the Royal Elephant Thai Museum. Traditional dancing performances are also an item to look out for and occur twice daily after 10 A.M and after 2 P.M. These performances are exotic and give tourists a good idea about what traditional Thai culture entails.

This is arguably the oldest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Next to it is the amulet market where different amulets, talismans, icons and other religious symbolic pieces are available which are said to bring good luck and good fortune to the person using them. It is very interesting to see these.

This is an important site for Thai locals. Dating back to the 1200s the image of Buddha is spectacular. This 10 foot statue weighing in at over 5 tons consists of solid gold. The story of its discovery is a famed legend that when it was found it had been covered with plaster, probably to protect it being sacked by foreign invaders. Beneath the plaster was this fantastic statue of gleaming gold.

This is an exotic shrine popular amongst locals as well as foreigners. People pay their respects to Brahma and take in the grandeur of this shrine.

This is located within the grounds of the Grand Palace. It is home to a statue of Buddha made of green jasper and referred to as the Emerald Buddha. This is a fantastic image of Buddha passionately revered by the Thais that sits atop a massive 11 meter tall gold altar, protected by a nine-tiered umbrella. The surrounding murals depicting different scenes from the Thai version of the Ramayana mythology, the Ramakian and the intricate pearl designs in the doors are beautiful and worth a look. This statue is draped in a cloak that is changed thrice a year in an important religious ritual performed by the King himself. Statues of elephants; symbols of independence and power are also present in this sanctuary and millions of visitors rub it for good luck.

This temple dates back to the 1500s and is the oldest in Thailand. The reclining Buddha located in the northern section was made in the 1800s and is almost 150 feet long and 15 feet high. It is made of cement-covered brick and coated with gold leaf. The soles of the feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl with 108 signs, marks and qualities by which a true Buddha is recognized. It is considered good luck to drop coins into the begging bowls that lie by Buddha's spine. There are a vast number of chedis located nearby as well. Visitors can also opt for Thai massages here.

This is a very interesting museum. It houses various exhibits pertaining to Thailand's most prized animals, elephants. The museum displays shed light on the significance of elephants in Thai culture and society as well as the importance that is ascribed to white elephants which are all deemed royal property and kept in stables built in Dusit Palace.

When Bangkok became the capital in 1782, King Rama I ordered the construction of this shrine. Inside are the four gods revered by the Thais including Phra Seua Muang, Phra Song Muang, Phra Lak Muang and Phra Siam Devathiraj. All four are thought to be the protectors and guardians of the city of Bangkok.

Take a boat along the Chao Phraya River and stop over at the Royal Barges where visitors will be treated to the view of unique sailing vessels elaborately designed and painted with different etchings. These vessels are used by the Royal Family during state ceremonies as well as religious rites and rituals. The Garuda and the Dragon are mythological creatures commonly found etched on these barges.

This is a fantastic aquarium that is absolutely massive. Children and adults alike will love to watch the sharks and penguins being fed and can gaze for hours on end at the under water creatures through the glass which encloses the deep reef zone.

This royal building was commissioned by King Chulalongkorn. The exterior and interior of this building is an amalgamation of Thai and Western architectural styles. This particular king was one of the first Thai Royals to travel to Europe which is where the inspiration probably came from. As with the grand palace visitors are required to wear appropriate dress.

This is arguable the most famous of Bangkok's attractions. The Grand Palace which once housed the Thai Royal Family is a sight to behold. Built by King Rama i in 1782 when Bangkok became the capital, there is a dress code to be observed when visiting this place and visitors are required to have their legs and arms covered. King Rama's son's tutor Anna [famed by the film The King and I] lived over here. There are many important sites located within the Palace Gates; these include the Pavilion for Holy Water [Thai Monks swore allegiance to the King and purified themselves here], the Disrobing Pavilion where the Royal Elephants were kept and where the King mounted his before processions, the funeral Hall where Thai royals who have passed away are kept in for a year before their bodies are cremated, the Chakri Maha Prasad built for King Rama the IV.This structure is architecturally unique since it combines Thai and Victorian architectural styles. This building houses a collection of weapons, the ashes of deceased royals and the throne room. Last but not least the Forbidden Quarters are also located here where traditionally the wives of the Royals would pass their time. Tourists should spare enough time to explore this Palace to the utmost.

Siam Ocean World

A vast and lush area of Dusit Zoo is home to over 1,000 birds and nearly 2,000 animals. Many of these are close to extinction and provide tourists with the rare opportunity to appreciate the biological diversity that exists so far. Children will also enjoy the animal shows presented periodically throughout the day. This is a zoo cum public park and makes an excellent spot for tourists to unwind and relax.