Shortlist for Sightseers

TEMPLES

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) - The Temple of Dawn is one of Bangkok’s most spectacular sights, a quick climb up its porcelain-bedecked prang offers lovely river views. Opens Daily 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Wat Benchama Bophit (Marble Temple) - This most recent of royal temples is made of white Carrara marble, hence its tourists name, “Marble Temple”. Open Daily – 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) - Adjoining the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew is Thailand’s most important temple, consisting of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics that date back to 1782. Open daily 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM. *appropriate dress is compulsory

Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) - Home to the famous Reclining Buddha and also where traditional Thai massage was first taught. Open daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Erawan Shrine (Phra Phrom) - Built to bring good fortune to the adjacent Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, its popularity means it is usually shrouded in incense and crowded with dancers and worshippers. Open daily 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

PALACES

The Grand Palace – The jewel in Bangkok’s architectural crown is still used doe state functions, but public access is sufficiently extensive to make it a must-see. Open daily 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM. *appropriate dress is compulsory

Wiman Mek Palace – “The Palace in the Clouds” is pieced together from golden teak without a single nail and houses a fine antique collection. Open daily 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

MUSEUMS

National Museum – Dedicated to preserving the national cultural heritage through collations of arts, archeological and cultural objects in the Palace of Wang Na compound near the Grand Palace. Open daily 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (except Monday, Tuesday and public holidays)

National Museum of the Royal Barge – The Barges are used on royal and government occasions and formerly as war vessels. The unique design and decorative details of each should of great interest to all visitors.  Open daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Jim Thompson House – The remarkable house/museum, home of the legendary Jim Thompson, founder of the Thai Silk Company House an exquisite Southeast Asian Art collection. Open daily 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

MARKETS

Bang Lamphu Market - Specialists in clothing handbags, men’s and ladies’ shoes, cosmetics and curios. Bargaining is recommended.

Bo Bae Market (Krung Masem Road) – A wholesale clothing market where everything is sold by the dozen. Its busiest time is in the morning.

Chatuchak Weekend Market – One of Asia’s largest covered open-air markets with the incredible 15,000 stalls and an equally incredible range of goods, including clothing, plants, household products, handicrafts, ceramics, pets and leather goods. Great for browsing and bargain hunting.

Floating Market – Thaling Chan – This famous Bangkok tourist attraction brings fruit and food merchants together in the early morning on the canal. Open only on weekends.

Flower Market - Pak Klong Talad, one of Bangkok’s major flower markets, is the perfect market for insomniacs; its best to visit at 3:00 AM. You’ll find orchids, rare exotics, lotuses, as well as different varieties of ginger and vividly colored chrysanthemums.

Pratunam Market – A vast bazaar jam – packed with stalls and countless peddles which attract large crowds. Also of interest here are open-air restaurants, a shopping complex and the soaring Baiyoke Tower, the tallest apartment building in Southeast Asia.

NIGHT MARKET

Patpong Night Bazaar – After sunset, the pedestrian precinct of Patpong, which has some of Bangkok’s famous nightspots, is transformed into a busy market of garments. Bargaining is a must.

Suanlum Night Bazaar – Very popular market offering one of the largest selection of Thai products in the country. More than 3,500 small shops selling clothes and accessories, jewelery. Home décor items, arts and handicrafts and souvenirs.

Khaosarn Road – Bangkok’s bohemian heart is packed with stall and dozens of interest bars eateries, and dance houses were foreign backpackers mix with locals in colorful, friendly atmosphere.

THAI CULTURAL PERFORMANCE

Siam Niramit – Bangkok’s newest and one of the world’s largest theatre stages a lavish production exploring the cultural heritage and beliefs of the Thai people. Thailand’s must-see show has attracted rave reviews from around the world. Open daily 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, showtime 8:00 PM

Shopper's Paradise

Chidlom/Ploenchit/Sukhumwit – This bustling stretch of Bangkok offers some of the best and most varied shopping including Central Chidlom – the flagship branch of Thailand’s and Southeast Asia’s leading department store chain – as well as Robinson Department Store.

Ratchaprasong/Ratchadamri – A broad avenue bordered by CentralWorld and ZEN on one side, and Peninsula Plaza and Gaysorn on the other.

Pathumwan - Akin to Tokyo’s Shibuya District, this is the shopping mecca for Thai teenagers, university students and the trendy-at-heart. Major shopping attractions include MBK Center (Mah Boon Krong), Siam Center, Siam Discovery, Siam Square and Siam Paragon, an exciting focal point for local designers, fusionists and the fad-happy.

Silom/ Si Phraya – It is primarily a central business area with major banks and corporate headquarters. However, here you’ll also find a branch of Jim Thompson’s – the legendary pioneer of high-end Thai Silk fashion – as well as River City and Central Silom Complex. At night, the area transforms into one of Bangkok’s nightlife centers and street market, selling everything from clothes to candles and t-shirts from stalls situated along the busy sidewalks.

Chinatown -  Spanning a large area around Yaowarat Road and Charoen Krung (New) Road, here one can find bargain fabrics, sewing accessories, household items, hair accessories, gold, herbal medicines, imported fruits and traditional Asia foods, full of bustling, chaotic Asian energy and jam-packed with food vendors selling tasty local delicacies. Also be sure to check out the nearby Sampeng Market.

Khao San Road - Bangkok’s bohemian heart is packed with stalls of dozens of interesting bars, eateries and dance houses where foreign backpackers mix locals in a colorful, friendly atmosphere.

Central Chidlom - For six decades Central Chidlom has stood as Thailand’s shopping paradise. By continuously adapting and growing, we have done our best to serve millions of local and international customers, spoiling them with Central’s all-encompassing selection which include the latest imported & local fashions, cosmetics and beauty products, exquisite Thai & Asian handicrafts, home furnishings and much more. Also included is a complete dining experience at FoodLoft, featuring eight international eateries, all under one roof.

CentralWorld – CentralWorld is the largest shopping complex in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong with an unrivalled selection of products and services at prices that put the fun back into shopping with over 500 leading Thai and international outlets, 50 restaurants and two department stores: ZEN and Isetan. ZEN, Asia’s first lifestyle trend Megastore situated at the famed Ratchprasong Intersection (on the city’s luxury shopping row) Bangkok’s newest shopping sensation has a whopping 7 levels of great merchandize! Public transport access is available from Chit Lom or Siam Stations BTS Skytrain.

Robinson Ratchada - As a leader in today’s fashion, Robinson Department Store is the best shopping paradise in Thailand where discerning customers will enjoy the ultimate shopping experience. It’s also a treasure trove of the best names in fashion, accessories, cosmetics & fragrances, leather goods and homeware. Robinson offers great value product with comprehensive services and unbeatable tourist privileges included.

MBK Center – Evoking a Blade Runner-esque design scheme, a huge complex blending futuristic, architecture with bustling, market-like atmosphere. It is a popular mobile communications zone. Public transport access: Siam Discovery / BTW National Stadium Station.

Peninsula Plaza - The grande dame of Bangkok’s up-market shopping complexes Peninsula Plaza features top-tier imported fashion labels, jewelry and gourmet shops. Public transport access: BTS Ratchadamri Station.

River City – A well-established shopping mail with 192 shops on the banks of the Chao Phraya River next to the Royal Orchid Sheraton. It is known for its exquisite decorative objects and furniture and leather goods. Find unique and valuable souvenirs here.

Baan Silom Shopping and Dining Arcade – A perfect combination of Bangkok’s finest international cuisines, meticulous designer shop, antique shop, art gallery, aromatic coffee and bakery houses and contemplation garden.

Silom Galleria - Near the Oriental and Holiday Crown Plaza, specializing in gems, jewelry, antiques and art.

Siam Square - Think Tokyo’s Shibuya District. Block after block of stores catering to teenagers and the young-at-heart. Public transport access: BTS Siam Station.

Siam Center - Opposite Siam Square is one of the oldest centers but still targeting young clientele. A similar but a bit pricier range of merchandise is available. Public transport access: BTW Siam Station.

Thaniya Plaza - Close to Silom Road, this small center carries mostly golf equipment and handicrafts. Public transport access: BTS Sala Daeng Station or MRT Silom Station