Bangkok's must see places for first timers

Being the thrid largest city in SE Asia, with a bit more than 8 million residents, Bangkok offers a plethora of things to do, see and taste, so no wonder why travellers from all over the world keep coming back to the Thai capital again and again. 

So let's get started!

Sightseeing

Bangkok has no lack of impressive tourist sights and even though they all get pretty crowded, you simply can't miss them especially if you are visiting the city for the first time.

The Grand Palace

• entrance fee: 500 Baht/adult (almost 13 euros)

• opening hours: 8.30 - 15.30

• dress code: respectful

Once the country's administrative centre, this complex of buildings and temples is today one of the most impressive sights in Bangkok and will leave you speechless with its architecture. Exploring the whole complex with no rush will take you at least 1 hour. 

Wat Pho

• entrance fee: 100 Baht/adult (almost 2.5 euros)

• opening hours: 8.00-18.30 

Located in a short walking distance from the Grand Palace, you'll find the Wat Pho temple complex, famous for its 46m long, golden statue of the Reclining Buddha.

Wat Arun

• entrance fee: 100 Baht/adult (almost 2.5 euros)

• opening hours: 8.00-18.00

Wat Arun, aka the temple of dawn, is yet another jaw dropping temple complex, made of beautiful colourful porcelaine.  The best way to get there is by ferry, after your visit of Wat Pho is over. It will only cost you 0,07 euros more or less!

Wat Benchamobophit

• entrance fee: 20 Baht/adult (almost 0.5 euros)

• opening hours: 8.00-17.30

Also known as the marble temple, Wat Benchamobophit might be a less popular destination but its symmetrical design and the serene gardens which surround it make it a worthvisiting one.

Wat Saket

• entrance fee: 20 Baht/adult (almost o.5 euros)

• opening hours: 8.00-17.00

One of the most impressive (and our personal favourite) temples in Bangkok is Wat Saket, also known as the Temple of the Golden Mountain. Gold and white are the Wat's dominant colours and this is also where you'll get one of the best views of the city!

Boat ride

Apart from visiting the city's many beautiful wats, taking a boat ride is another popular activity and will allow you to observe Bangkok from a different point of view.

Night Markets

No trip  to Bangkok is complete without a visit to a night market. Night markets are part of the city's soul and here are the ones we got to visit : 

Chinatown

Located on Yaowarat street, Chinatown is the right place to get a good dose of Bangkok's chaotic atmosphere. This is where you can get some really good street food and buy dirt cheap souvenirs for your loved ones. 

Khao San

Also described as backpackers' heaven, this road offers a big range of night clubs and restaurants, as well as food stalls. If you're brave enough you can even find out what scorpions, tarantulas and other bugs taste like...

Floating Markets

Visiting a floating market is - to our eyes- one of the greatest experiences in SE Asia and Bangkok is no exception. There are plenty of markets on the water all around the Thail capital, Damnoen Saduak being the most popular and most touristy one - actually it's almost exclusively visited by tourists.  For a more authentic experience, consider visiting the Bang Khu Wiang or Khlong Lat Mayom floating markets.

Getting around

Bangkok is a rather large city and it's certainly not a walkable one. Tuk tuks are the most popular way for visitors' daily commute and they are definitely cheaper than taxis as you can always bargain the price. The city also has an expanded public transport network and we'd suggest taking either the skytrain (BTS) or the subway (MRT) to avoid Bangkok's traffic jam, which can get pretty bad on rush hours.

Bonus: 

During our stay in Bangkok we also visited the Sanam Luang Crematorium, which has no standard opening hours. We were also asked to write our names down on a list, as part of the entry process for all non Thai citizens. If you're lucky enough and the Crematorium is open to public during your stay in the city, we'd suggest paying it a visit, not only to admire its stunning architecture and decor but also to observe the Thai people's deep love and respect to the country's royal family. Respectful clothes are required. 

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