Named as one of the ten most-visited cities in the world, Bangkok, Thailand, is a hot spot for travelers from all over the world. This is due in part to it being the most developed city in Thailand yet managing to preserve its historic architecture and traditions dating back nearly a thousand years.
Bangkok is the hub for all Thai holidays and the city features impressive, mammoth skyscrapers, grand palaces, temples and a world-famous floating market. The hardest part may be deciding what to see first when you arrive.
What to See and Do
A must-see for any traveler to Bangkok, the Wat Arun temple rests on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River across from the Grand Palace. Uniquely designed, in comparison to other temples in the city, Wat Arun’s spire is completely covered with minute pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain. For those who don’t mind heights, a steep 70-meter-high spire reveals spectacular views of Bangkok’s skyline.
Next on the list of must-sees are the numerous floating markets of Bangkok. Like no other region in Asia, rows of boats can be found stocked to the rim with fresh produce and local food sizzling on open grills. Several boat tours take visitors to the three most popular floating markets – Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa, and Klong Lat Mayom.
Bangkok’s street food is some of the best in the country and visitors can sample Thai favorites like tom yum soup, rice with spicy stir-fried crabmeat and fresh yellow chillies.
There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in Bangkok so if you thought you were going to be roughing it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the upscale options to choose from like the modern vibe at Six Senses on Koh Yao Noi, the island style at Iniala Beach House in Phuket or the treetop accommodations of Keemala, also in Phuket.
One of the most amazing sites to behold in this Asian city are the mesmerizing lakes popping with pink water lilies in bloom. Guides take travelers on small boat tours to take in the floral beauty first-hand.
Animal-lovers will delight at the array of species to see at Gibbons in the Khao Sok National Park. This exotic park features gibbons, sun bears, leopards, tigers, tapirs, Asiatic wild dogs, gaurs, monkeys and deer.