3 Perfect Days in Bangkok

The grounds of this temple contain over 1000 Buddha images, the most famous of which is the 150 foot long Reclining Buddha, an impressive gold plated statue with inscriptions of the 108 auspicious characteristics of the true Buddha engraved on its feet. The temple is also famous for its traditional massage and for housing Thailand’s first university.

Located on the grounds of the Grand Palace, this ornate temple houses the exquisite Emerald Buddha, one of Thailand’s most sacred treasures.

This palace once served as the official residence of the king, although monarchs since King Chulalongkorn have resided at the more modest Chitralada Palace in Dusit district. The Grand Palace now hosts more ceremonial occasions such as Coronation. The magnificent buildings, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, are some of the city’s most astounding sights to behold.

The Chatuchak weekend market is the largest weekend market in the world, filled with thousands of vendors selling everything from antiques and gifts to livestock and songbirds. If there is anything you need or want, the chances are that you will find it in this bustling marketplace. When you have had enough bartering you can relax in the neighboring Chatuchak Park.

If you want to enjoy a lively market in a colorful area you can check out the Patpong Night Market, but be prepared to drive a hard bargain, because this is a popular market with tourists and the vendors price their goods accordingly. The surrounding go-go bars in the notorious “adult entertainment area” make an interesting backdrop to a vibrant market scene.

The impressive Wat Arun features an immense 80-meter tall prang (Khmer-style spire) surrounded by four smaller prangs. The structure is decorated with ceramic tiles, small bits of porcelain and decorative glass which had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China. The best views of the tower can be seen from a distance, but the detail of the decoration on the base and walls is worth viewing up close.

One of the most interesting ways to explore Bangkok is to take a guided tour of the klongs, or waterways and canals that weave through the city. Although many of the once existing canals have been replaced with roads, there are still a few areas where long boats are the only modes of transport. There are floating markets and numerous sights to see along your route.

Jazz lovers will enjoy sitting back and relaxing in this lively bar in the Oriental Hotel. The bar, open since 1946, is probably Asia’s oldest jazz joint and a favorite of the Bangkok’s King Bhumibol himself.