Among the best and top attractions in Bangkok is the Artist’s House in Thonburi. This unique attraction sits right along the banks of one of Bangkok’s many khlongs (canals). It is a place where creative minds can gather, work, grab a coffee, and watch a traditional Thai puppetry show while they are at it. The Artist’s House is over 200 years old, and it is a great place to spend a quiet afternoon in the otherwise hectic city of Bangkok.
Located along the murky banks of the Chao Phraya river is Asiatique the Riverfront, one of the trendiest and most unique markets in town. The best way to reach this market is via boat, making the journey here a bit more exciting. Unlike many of Bangkok’s top markets, visitors will not find counterfeit goods or an overwhelming onslaught of vendors and stalls. This market is cleaner, more organized, and is chock full with fashionable finds. One of the highlights of Asiatique is the 200‐foot‐tall Ferris wheel. Equipped with 42 gondolas, this is a great way to see the city and river from incredible heights.
Calypso, one of the most popular cabaret shows in Bangkok, has delighted audiences for nearly 30 years with Broadway‐style entertainment. Get ready for a vibrant spectacular featuring more than 70 professional transgender artists celebrating diversity and spirit through song and dance.
Arrive at Calypso Bangkok and settle into your seat for an unforgettable evening of dance, comedy, and burlesque. As the curtain rises on the sparkling show, watch as performers donning elegant evening gowns, jeweled headdresses, and fabulous feathers wow the audience with a blend of energizing pop songs, killer dance routines, and slapstick humor. There’s even some celebrity impersonations thrown into the mix. Marvel at captivating special appearances by the likes of Elvis, Beyonce, and Marilyn Monroe.
Bangkok’s sprawling weekend market is the largest in the world. Here shoppers find everything from jewelry and religious icons to animals and delicious street foods. There are 15,000 stalls, offering just about anything you can dream up. This is a great place to mingle with locals and immerse yourself in everyday Thai life, so arrive early and clear your schedule for the rest of the day if you want to do this place justice.
Chinatown is a colourful, exotic and pleasingly chaotic area, packed with market stalls and probably the highest concentration of gold shops in the city. During major festivities like Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival, the dynamism and spirit of celebration spreads across town like wildfire, and if you happen to be around, don’t miss an opportunity to witness Bangkok Chinatown at its best.
Erawan shrine was previously known as Thao Maha Phrom Shrine, and houses a beautiful golden statue of Phra Phrom. Phra Phrom is also known as the four‐ faced Thai representation of the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. If you have been there, you would have seen devotees crowding the shrine, with prayers asking for everything from a lottery ticket, new child and help at work or just for blessings.
In the center of the busy square in front of Wat Suthat stands one of Bangkok’s most eye‐catching sights, the 27 m high teak frame of the so‐called Giant Swing. This used to be the focus of a religious ceremony held every year in December after the rice harvest. Teams of three took turns to balance on a dangerously narrow board and be swung 25 m or more off the ground “up to Heaven”, at which point they would attempt to catch a bag of silver coins in their teeth. King Rama VII banned the contest in 1932, following a number of fatal accidents.
Serpentine steps wind through an artificial hill shaded by gnarled trees, and past graves and pictures of wealthy benefactors. At the peak, you’ll find a breezy 360‐ degree view of Bangkok’s most photogenic side. Next door, seemingly peaceful Wat Saket contains murals that are among both the most beautiful and the goriest in the country; proceed to the pillar behind the Buddha statue for explicit depictions of Buddhist hell.
Iconsiam, stylized as ICONSIAM, is a mixed‐use development on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. It includes a large shopping mall, which opened to the public on 10 November 2018, as well as hotels and residences. The 54 billion baht shopping mall developer. The complex will include two of the (US$1.5 billion) project is being a Thai high‐end shopping mall developer. The complex will include two of the tallest buildings in Bangkok upon completion.
The historic home of a “self‐made American entrepreneur” who disappeared while traveling in Malaysia now stands as a relic of an older time in Bangkok. Jim Thompson settled in Thailand after spending time there as a serviceman around the end of WWII. He was a prominent figure in the Thai silk industry and was awarded the Order of the White Elephant, a significant honor given to foreigners who have made contributions to Thailand. Thompson’s home has been turned into a museum offering insights into his life and business, as well as the history of the city and the Thai silk industry.
This is Bangkok’s infamous backpacker district, a neighborhood jam‐packed with guesthouses, food vendors, clothing stalls, and travelers from every corner of the globe. You’ll need to tap into your patience when hanging out here because, while it is colorful and exciting in its own way, the crowds and scents and blaring music can test even the calmest soul. But it is a great place to pick up a few pairs of the baggy fisherman pants ‐ the perennial staple of every backpacker’s wardrobe when trekking through Thailand, browse the treasures in a used bookstore, and dig into some delicious Indian food from a neighborhood restaurant.
Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is a great place to head to if you want a fun night out in Bangkok. The passionate fans who come to watch Muay Thai fights make for an intoxicating atmosphere.
Run by the Royal Thai Army, the arena holds contests every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday night. Because winning is very prestigious the fights are fiercely contested.
The tightly packed seats are close to the ring. Lumpinee is one of the only places where gambling is permitted, so the fans are even more passionate as they have money riding on the fight.!
History buffs in particular will want to devote at least half a sightseeing day to the national museum, if not more. Until the mid‐1970s, this was Thailand’s only museum, which explains why its collection is so big. Fortunately, just about every exhibit is labeled in Thai and English and guided tours are also offered in English, so you won’t miss out on any of the country’s fascinating ancient and contemporary history.
A cavernous place, Siam Paragon is one of the largest shopping malls in the whole of Thailand and there are a wealth of things for people to see and do apart from just shopping.
In addition to its endless array of shops and restaurants, the complex is home to an aquarium, an art gallery that showcases Thai art, and an opera concert hall that puts on some dazzling performances.
With karaoke, bowling and 15 huge cinema screens also on offer, Siam Paragon is the perfect mix of culture, cuisine, and entertainment all mixed into one.
The most popular thing to do in Silom is shopping. While Silom, Bangkok is recognized as a large business district in Thailand, it transforms into a shopping heaven for Thais and tourists alike when night falls. From clothes to shoes, bags, make‐up, accessories, sportswear, watches and many more, you can pick up some quality goods from this Bangkok night market.
Soi Cowboy was named after the cowboy hat‐wearing African‐American who opened the first bar here in the early 1970s. This adult‐themed district has a more laid‐back, carnival‐like feel to it than Patpong or Nana Plaza. Flashing neon lights up a colourful streetscape comprised mainly of middle‐aged expats, Japanese and western tourists.
The Grand Palace Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand, and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the twentieth century, but the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings.
Wat Arun is something of a triumphant complex, dating back to ancient battles between the former Siam and Burma. Having fallen to the Burmese, Ayutthaya was reduced to rubble and ashes. But General Taksin and the remaining survivors vowed to march “until the sun rose again” and to build a temple there. Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, was that temple. It is where the new king later built his royal palace and a private chapel.
Located immediately south of the Grand Palace precinct, Wat Pho makes an excellent addition to your tour, provided your feet are up for more walking. Also known as or Wat Chetuphon), the temple was built by King Rama I and is the oldest and in Bangkok. It has long been considered a place of healing, and was famous centuries ago for its pharmacy and as Thailand’s first “university,” both established by King Rama III. You can get a Thai or foot massage at the traditional medical school on the premises, but the prices are significantly higher than what you will find at massage parlors elsewhere in the city.
Amphawa, 63km west of Bangkok, makes a popular day trip destination. It is home to a quaint floating market which cuts through Khlong (canal) Amphawa and a small community of vintage cafés, restaurants and wooden shop‐houses selling artsy souvenirs, books and Thai sweets. Vendor boats park along the two canal banks, ready to whip up a bowl of ‘boat noodles’, rice porridge, even grilled squid and river prawns, to order. Here, long‐tail boats leave at regular intervals for a two‐hour scenic tour of the Mae Klong, dotted with stilt houses, fruit orchards and temples. Besides the floating market, Amphawa’s picturesque riverside scenery, laid‐back ambience reminiscent of a bygone era and a lineup of waterfront boutique guesthouses lie at the heart of its enduring popularity. For most visitors, a trip to Amphawa is a welcome break and an experience that often leads to repeat visits.
Grounds mimic the precise shape of Thailand, featuring replicas of the country’s most historically significant structures, albeit usually down‐scaled in size. Each of the over 116 monuments is in their proper geographic position, and include chedis, palaces, bell towers, pavilions, temples, halls, floating markets, Buddha images and shrines. Many buildings are reconstructions of sites that no longer exist, others originals rescued for their historical significance. Highlights are hard to pick out. However, a garden of stupas reveals how deep rooted Buddhism is in Thai culture, with all the different styles they’ve appeared in since ancient times. A recreation of an ancient Ayutthaya‐era theatre pavilion showcases the artistic grandeur of the time, with elaborately carved and gilded motifs. The serene Garden of the Gods presents a lively three‐dimensional tableau of Hindu deities Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva cast in bronze ‐ a great place for physical refreshment and spiritual nourishment.
These and many more embodiments of Thai culture, customs and architecture, make it a great place to see Thailand in a day.
Ayothaya Floating Market covers a vast area of approximately 70 acres and is regarded as the largest tourist attraction in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, in the aspect of cultural heritage conservation. It was established with a primary purpose to serve as both a tourist destination and an educational institution for the preservation of Thai arts and culture, retaining all aspects of Ayutthaya floating market from the past. These include traditional costume, stunning architecture, unique culture and tradition, authentic amusement, folk performance, and the simple lifestyle of Thai people. Ayothaya Floating Market serves as a tourism hub for both domestic and international tourists to enjoy the pleasant environment and gorgeous scenery in a Thai style. While exploring the market, tourists can savor some tasty and delicious food or shop for souvenirs at various stores, scattering around the market.
Ayutthaya is Thailand‘s hidden archaeological gem, brimming with Buddhist temples, monasteries and ancient statues of monumental proportions. Dating back to 1350, the city has had a rich and turbulent history with a fair share of glory and strife. This is a UNESCO World Heritage city worth seeing
For an even more interesting market experience, you can arrange a tour to Damnoen Saduak, a famous floating market located in Ratchaburi (about 1.5 hours outside Bangkok). The popularity of floating markets once earned Bangkok the nickname “Venice of the East”, bear in mind that this has now become something of a tourist trap, so don’t expect an exclusive morning of shopping by boat. But you will be able to buy fresh and delicious foods and interact with locals in an authentic way.
The real fun of Ko Kret is cruising through the tiny hamlets, enjoying the soothing rural views and stopping for a cool drink as the mood strikes. However, there are a few tourist attractions on the island. Arguably the biggest sight is Wat Poramai Yikawat. Located across from Ko Kret’s main pier, this Buddhist temple has a Mon‐style marble Buddha statue and a museum with religious objects and exhibits on local pottery. But the temple’s most famous landmark is undoubtedly the 200‐year‐old leaning stupa that juts out from the island’s northeastern corner.
From Wat Poramai Yikawat, go in either direction to find both abandoned kilns and working pottery centres on the island’s east and north coasts. This is because Ko Kret is known for its hand‐thrown terracotta pots, sold at markets throughout Bangkok; order an iced coffee from just about any vendor on the island and you’ll get a small one as a souvenir.
Nong Nooch Garden is set in a 2.4sq.km. beautifully landscaped park and can easily make an all‐day trip. The entire area is more like a theme park, with daily cultural shows, restaurants and accommodation as well as a vast area showcasing individually themed gardens. A leisurely stroll through the botanical park is like taking a journey around the world, through its many famous gardens, whether 17th‐century French garden, Stonehenge, or European Renaissance garden. Equally fascinating are species‐specific gardens, such as cactus and succulent plants, orchid nurseries, tropical palm gardens, bonsai and topiary garden.
Pattaya is always switched on and fun. This vibrant coastal city shot to fame in early 1980s, and stayed there. From sunrise to sunset, Pattaya’s beaches are constantly brimming with life, as water sports lovers and sun worshippers take to the waters. After dark, the action shifts to the streets, as revellers explore its electrified nightlife scene, where drinking and partying continue until dawn. Apart from water sports and nightlife, Pattaya offers endless possibilities when it comes to accommodation and entertainment. It has outgrown its image as a seedy beach town to a destination for a wider audience; whether couples, families or business travellers, Pattaya has something for everyone. Only 147km from Bangkok, Pattaya is the closest of Thailand’s major beach resorts to the capital city.
Kanchanaburi, in Myanmar border, is home to the famous Bridge River Kwai. During WW II, Japan constructed the meter‐gauge railway line from Ban Pong, Thailand to Thanbyuzayat, Burma. The line passing through the scenic Three Pagodas Pass runs for 250 miles. This is now known as the Death Railway.
The railway line was meant to transport cargo daily to India, to back up their planned attack on India. The construction was done using POWs and Asian slave laborers in unfavorable conditions. The work started in October 1942 was completed in a year. Due to the difficult terrain, thousands of laborers lost their lives. It is believed that one life was lost for each sleeper laid in the track.
The Bridge River Kwai became famous all over the world, when it was featured in movies and books. The cliff‐hugging tracks and the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and valleys are well captured in the David Lean movie
Located on Km. 30 of Phetkasem Road, Tha Kham sub‐district, Samphran district. Samphran Elephant Ground and Crocodile Farm was established by Mr. Phichai Chaimongkhontrakun on March 24, 1885. This place is the breeding farm of many types of crocodile, especially those endangered typed. It is also served as elephant village where many stray elephants are adopted, fed and trained for show. Here you can learn more about the life cycle of crocodile. Every pond is made of cement to prevent the crocodile from digging the bottom to flee. The crocodile catcher show is held at a shallow pond. You can also enjoy the magic show and elephant show. Education Park is in front of the orchid farm.
There are exhibition boards about life cycle of crocodile, elephant and orchid. Moreover, tourists can enjoy the orchid farm on the area of 5 rai of which highlight is Cattleya Orchid. Besides the elephants and the crocodiles, tourists can enjoy freshwater fish, playground, relax under the shade of banyan trees or visit newborn elephants and feed the elephants. The park also offers a mini‐zoo where you can find snakes, monkeys, gibbons, rabbits, peacocks and tigers. There are also many facilities provided e.g. seminar center, Thai restaurant, food and snack stall. The park always celebrates the Children’s Day and provide buffet for the elephants on May Day
The Rose Garden Thai Village is often associated with Bangkok but is in fact located outside the capital, in Nakhon Pathom Province. This charming old city is found 50 kilometres west of Bangkok and takes around one hour to get there, depending on the traffic. The most popular attraction at The Rose Garden is a theatrical performance of traditional Thai folk dancing, Thai boxing, sword fighting, plus an elephant show, but there is quite a lot more to explore to keep you busy for a couple of hours. The property is immense, with traditional attractions such as a handicraft market and a fun outdoor local food court where you can try some authentic local specialties. They even have a lovely mini floating market under the shade of grand old trees – it’s a great photo opportunity if you can’t make it to the Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa floating markets. For those who want to try it, you can also have a short stroll around the garden on the back of a massive elephant.
Ayutthaya is Thailand‘s hidden archaeological gem, brimming with Buddhist temples, monasteries and ancient statues of monumental proportions. Dating back to 1350, the city has had a rich and turbulent history with a fair share of glory and strife. This is a UNESCO World Heritage city worth seeing
For an even more interesting market experience, you can arrange a tour to Damnoen Saduak, a famous floating market located in Ratchaburi (about 1.5 hours outside Bangkok). The popularity of floating markets once earned Bangkok the nickname “Venice of the East”, bear in mind that this has now become something of a tourist trap, so don’t expect an exclusive morning of shopping by boat. But you will be able to buy fresh and delicious foods and interact with locals in an authentic way.
วันปีใหม่ในประเทศไทยคือวันที่ 1 มกราคม ซึ่งเป็นการเริ่มต้นปีใหม่ตามปฏิทินสากล ช่วงเวลานี้เป็นเวลาที่ผู้คนจะเฉลิมฉลองร่วมกันกับครอบครัวและเพื่อนฝูง มีการจัดงานเลี้ยง สวดมนต์ทำบุญเพื่อเสริมสิริมงคล และมีการจุดพลุไฟในช่วงเที่ยงคืนเพื่อต้อนรับปีใหม่
New Year Festival
New Year in Thailand is celebrated on January 1st, marking the beginning of the new year according to the Gregorian calendar. This is a time for people to celebrate with family and friends, host parties, perform merit-making rituals for good luck, and enjoy fireworks at midnight to welcome the new year.
Must-Visit Places during the New Year Festival
วันสงกรานต์เป็นเทศกาลขึ้นปีใหม่ไทยที่จัดขึ้นในวันที่ 13-15 เมษายนของทุกปี เป็นเทศกาลที่มีความสำคัญอย่างมากในวัฒนธรรมไทย โดยมีการรดน้ำดำหัวผู้ใหญ่เพื่อขอพร และการเล่นสาดน้ำกันอย่างสนุกสนาน
Songkran Festival
Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year celebrated from April 13th to 15th. This festival is deeply rooted in Thai culture, involving water splashing, paying respect to elders by pouring water over their hands to seek blessings, and enjoying fun water fights.
The water war that people do during the Songkran Festival is not only a fun play. It actually has a background tradition and purpose. Back then, people usually splash the remaining water from the statue-washing activity on each other in order to get blessed and get fortunate for the next year ahead. They also believe water can clean themselves from bad things.
Must-Visit Places during Songkran Festival
วันลอยกระทงเป็นเทศกาลที่จัดขึ้นเพื่อขอบคุณพระแม่คงคาและขอขมาต่อแม่น้ำ การลอยกระทงเป็นการปล่อยความทุกข์โศกและความไม่ดีออกไปพร้อมกับการขอพรให้มีความสุขความเจริญ
Loy Krathong Festival
Loy Krathong is celebrated on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month (usually in November). This festival is a way to thank the Goddess of Water and seek forgiveness for any misdeeds. People float krathongs (decorative floats) on water, symbolizing the release of grievances and bad luck, while making wishes for happiness and prosperity.
Must-Visit Places during Loy Krathong Festival