1. The Grand Palace
Also known as Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang in Thai, the Grand Palace is one of Bangkok’s most impressive sights. The glittering golden rooftops and soaring chedis (pagodas) of this impressive palace and temple complex can be seen as visitors travel along the Chao Phraya River, capturing the imagination of all who pass by.

The Grand Palace was built in 1782 and was home to the Thai Royal Family for 150 years. Although Chitralada Palace is now the main royal residence, this magnificent structure is now open to the public and is still used for ceremonial purposes.

Visitors should allow plenty of time to explore the Grand Palace and the temple complex as a number of treasures are waiting to be explored. In addition to the palace itself, which is elaborately decorated and features impressive guardian statues, Wat Phra Kaew can also be found here. This is one of Bangkok’s most famous temples as it is home to the much celebrated Emerald Buddha statue (described in more detail in the temple section).

It should be noted that a strict dress code applies to all who want to enter this sacred site. Modesty is important here, and knees, shoulders and toes must be covered. Visitors need to dress conservatively, avoiding backpacker items such as sandals, shorts and vest tops.

How to get there: Take the Chao Phraya River Express boat to Chang Wang Luang Pier. The Grand Palace is a 2 minute walk from the pier.
Opening Hours: Daily from 08.30 am. - 03.30 pm.
Admission: 250 Baht, which includes admission to Wat Phra Kaeo, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion and Vihamanek Mansion. Free for Thai people. 2. Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaew)
One of the most famous temples in Bangkok, Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram is more commonly referred to as Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Located in the northeast corner of the Grand Palace compound, this temple is world famous as the home of the tiny jade statue known as the Emerald Buddha.

Wat Phra Kaew is regarded by many people to be the most important Buddhist temple in the whole of Thailand and passing through the temple doors is a stirring experience. Naturally, visitors are required to dress and act modestly when entering the temple, taking their shoes off outside and storing them in a special rack.

Known as Phra Kaew Morakot, the Emerald Buddha is highly revered and is seen to be one of the main symbol of Thailand. Carved from a single block of jade, the Buddha image is raised on a series of platforms and the only person who is allowed close to the tiny statue is HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej. In addition to Phra Kaew Morakot, the temple contains a number of large Buddha statues and other elaborate ornaments, most of which have been presented to the King by visiting dignitaries. The complex itself also includes several impressive gilded chedis, antique murals depicting Buddhist lore, and a scale model of the Angkor Wat. It all adds up to a feast for the camera lens, but does get crowded.

How to get there: Take the Chao Phraya River Express boat to Chang Wang Luang Pier (pier 9).
Opening Hours: Daily from 08.30 am. - 12.00 pm. and 01.00 pm. - 03.30 pm.
Admission: 250 Baht, which includes admission to the Grand Palace, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion and Vihamanek Mansion. Free for Thai people. 3. Wat Pho
Featuring the famous Reclyning Buddha statue, Wat Pho is perhaps one of the most interesting temples in the whole of Thailand. in addition to the temple itself, Wat Pho’s compound contains a beautifully designed garden complete with fountains, statues and tiny trees as well as a massage centre. People travel to the massage school at Wat Pho from all over Thailand to study the art of massage from the famous instructors here and gain the much coveted certificate, which allows them to practice massage all over the world. But the most prominent feature here is the Reclyning Buddha statue, which is an impressive 46 meters long and is covered with gold leaf. After removing their shoes, visitors to Wat Pho pass through the temple doors and are permitted to view the statue. Particularly of note are the feet of the Buddha statue, which are three meters long and are decorated with the laksanas or characteristics of Lord Buddha, depicted in mother of pearl.

Wat Pho and the Buddha statue both date back to the 16th century. Visitors who wish to discover the history of the temple and the teachings of Lord Buddha can take a tour with an English speaking, and a number of guides can be found in the grounds of Wat Pho.

How to get there: Take the Chao Phraya River Express boat to Tha Tien (pier 8) or Bus routes 1, 3, 12, 25,44, 47, 53, 60, 82, 91, 501 or 508
Opening Hours: Daily from 08.30 am. - 08.00 pm.
Admission: 30 Baht 1. Sanam Laung
This picturesque park is located on Ratchadamnoen Rd. near Khao San Road and is an excellent place for jogging as a large track follows the oval circumference of Sanam Luang. The best time for jogging here is in the early evening, when people from all over the city gather to exercise after work.

How to get there: Take the Chao Phraya Express boat to pier 13 or Bus routes 6, 7, 12, 39 or 44
Opening Hours: Daily 2. Santichaiprakarn Park
Located at the corner of Phra Athit Rd., just a stone’s throw away from the backpacker hangout of Khao San Road, this pretty park is a popular haunt for joggers, jugglers and others. Although not particularly large, joggers who frequent Santichaiprakarn Park are treated to stunning views of the Chao Phraya River and the chance to join the public evening aerobics classes. How to get there: Take the Chao Phraya Express boat to pier 13 or Bus routes 6, 7, 12, 39 or 44
Contact: Tel: 02-245-3360
Opening Hours: Daily
Admission: Free Wat Mahadhat
Wat Mahathat’s Vipassana Meditation centre has earned a world wide reputation and people travel from far and wide to learn the ancient art of self discovery here. Courses are held in English and sessions last for three hours. How to get there: Take Bus routes 3, 6, 82, 59, 201, 91, 60, 512, 33, 10 or 203
Opening Hours: Daily from 07.00 am. - 10.00 am., 01.00 pm. - 04.00 pm., and 06.00 pm. - 08.00 pm.
Admission: Donations to Wat Mahathat are accepted. Ratchanawi Tennis Court
Located in the Royal Thai Navy Club Building on Naphralan Rd., visitors will find a collection of six tennis courts here. These tennis courts are open to the general public and all are free to work up a sweat here. How to get there: Take a taxi to the Royal Thai Navy Club Building on Naphralan Rd., Phra Nakhon
Contact:Tel: 02-222-4295
Opening Hours: Daily
Admission: Free Suan Dusit International Culinary School
Located within Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, this cooking course is run with the sponsorship of companies such as Heinz to help students and budding chefs perfect their skills. In addition to cooking practice, this professionally run course offers business management lessons. How to get there: Take bus number 14 or 79
Contact: Tel: 02 244-5391 to 3
Opening Hours: Daily from 09.00 am. – 05.00 pm. 1. Khun Kung Kitchen
In Khao San Road Hemlock was a good choice the nice and kind of european style of the restaurant was a nice change. Food was good and prices were reasonable. How to get there: Take taxi service, Bus routes 3, 32, 53, 68, 79, 80, 91, 203, 503, 511
Contact: Tel: 02-222-0081
Opening Hours: Sat - Sun from 11.00 am. - 10.00 pm., Mon - Fri from 11.00 am. - 02.00 pm. and 04.00 pm. - 10.00 pm. 2. Taprajan Restaurant
Taprajan Restaurant restaurant yellow other small shops next to the name of Mr. Aintrs Tha moon is very well with food. International style 2 storey with single dish over 50 items including western Thailand, but also include the hit menu. Mushroom Pasta Sauce. , Pork fried rice next. Although doctors and nurses would cross the coast Siriraj mesh lining.

How to get there: The restaurant located on 63 Taprajan Rd. take taxi service
Contact: Tel: 02-224-7799, 02-221-2108
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat from 07.30 am. - 09.00 pm. The Deck By The River
Offering a mouth watering selection of international dishes and stunning views of the Chao Phraya River, this is a popular place to dine for those who love spending time in the Grand Palace district.

How to get there: take the Chao Phraya Express boat to Tha Tien (pier 8)
Contact: Tel: 02-221-9158 to 9
Opening Hours: Daily from 11.00 am. - 11.00 pm. Wat Pho Massage School
Wat Pho Massage is known for its professional spa treatments. In addition to receiving relaxing and rejuvanating spa treatments, visitors to Wat Pho Massage can also take courses in day spa treatments, earning a certificate that can be used all over the world. How to get there: Located in the grounds of Wat Pho. Take the Chao Phraya Express boat to Tha Tien (pier 8) or Bus routes 32, 44, 1, 53
Contact: Tel: 02-622-3551, 02-622-3550
Opening Hours: Daily Wat Po Traditional Massage
Wat Pho’s Traditional Massage course is famed all around the world and budding masseuses travel here to study and this internationally renowned massage school. The certificates earned here carry high credit and can help people to establish their own massage parlors. How to get there: Located in the grounds of Wat Pho. Take the Chao Phraya Express boat to Tha Tien (pier 8) or Bus routes 32, 44, 1, 53
Contact: Tel: 02-622-3551, 02-622-3550
Opening Hours: Daily from 08.00 am. – 04.00 pm. 1. Pak Klong Talat (Flower Market)
The oldest market in the Grand Palace, Pak Klong Talat is a large wholesale flower market. Merchants travel here from all over Thailand to sell their flowers and wandering the streets here is a colourful and fragrant experience.

How to get there: Take Bus routes 3, 37, 53 or 82
Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours 2. Tha Phra Chan Market
This small clothing market is a great place to purchase one-of-a-kind items and copies of popular designer brands. Tha Phra Chan Market doesn’t receive many foreign visitors and many of the items for sale here are considerably cheaper than in touristy areas, although visitors will need a limited amount of Thai vocabulary in order to make transactions go smoothly.

How to get there: Take Bus routes 32, 53, 90 or 203