Bangkok is a legendary city; its nickname is ‘the City of Angels’ which is thought to have originated from the fact that Bangkok has around 400 temples and more than 24 palaces, which are believed to be the homes of angels or deities in Thai culture. Bangkok, like in other parts of Thailand, is also known for its hospitality and friendly people – therefore you could refer to the locals as ‘angels’ too!
Bangkok offers an amazing blend of old and new, from traditional Thai culture and heritage to modern high-tech conveniences and experiences. Anyone who loves urban experiences will be delighted to discover Thailand’s capital!
Bangkok offers many things to see and do including: museums, palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, numerous shopping centres, galleries, spas, romantic restaurants and lively nightlife. Read on to find out what can (and in my opinion, must) be added to your itinerary in the space of just 3 nights in Bangkok!
4 must visit temples
Wat Traimit - Temple of the Golden Buddha is located in Bangkok’s Chinatown. It is a Royal temple famous for housing the largest gold Buddha statue in the world!
The grand palace is a compound of buildings at the heart of Bangkok divided into 2 main zones: the residence of the Thai Royal family (who now only use the Grand Palace for ceremonial purposes) and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha aka Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram/Wat Phra Kaew which is Thailand’s most sacred temple and an important pilgrimage site for Thai Buddhists. It has been home to the Emerald Buddha for more than 244 years! Funnily enough, the Emerald Buddha is not made from emerald stone, rather, the 66cm tall statue in meditation mudra is carved from a single piece of dark green jade!
Wat Pho is home to the magnificent ‘Reclining Buddha’ measuring 15 metres tall and 46 metres long, covered in gold leaf, is so large, it feels like it has been squeezed into the building! Although the image is sometimes referred to as the lying Buddha or the sleeping Buddha, the Reclining Buddha shows the passing of the Buddha into final Nirvana after death.
Wat Arun, the temple of dawn, derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, which is often personified as the radiations of the rising sun. Needless to say, this is a temple you may prefer to visit during sunrise or sunset.
The 'Venice of the Far East’
Before becoming an urban hub, Bangkok was a jungle, thus floating markets were created for locals to be able to carry out their businesses located in the midst of the cities, dominated by tropical rainforests. The water (Chao Phraya river and its canals) became a way of life for the people of Bangkok, making it possible for them to travel and sell their good. It is worth taking a trip along the main waterway in a longtail boat before exploring further into different canals for a glimpse of old Bangkok.
Floating markets
Speaking of floating markets, whilst you might only find the odd person still selling souvenirs or fresh produce from their boat along the main waterway, there are still plenty of options to choose from to experience the hustle and bustle of a floating market!
The Damnoen Saduak floating market is held until noon every day of the week and is a great photo opportunity as well as a place to pick up souvenirs. Other, much smaller Bangkok floating markets are Khlong Lat Mayom, Amphawa and Bang Khu Wiang, a non-touristy authentic floating market open daily from 7am to 4.30pm.
Asiatique is more of a riverside market than a floating market, with more than 250 stalls and shops, as well as 30 bars and restaurants to choose from.
Maeklong Railway Market
One final market, I promise!
Maeklong Railway Market is an unusual Thai market where a train passes directly through. Just before the train approaches, vendors and merchants move their belongings and umbrellas away from the tracks as the train slowly inches forward.We all know that shopping in the markets of Thailand is a major attraction, but when a train runs THROUGH the market, you may think again about purchasing certain items like food from here - a variety of which happens to be the main product to be sold by the vendors at this market!
As I mentioned at the beginning, Bangkok has so much more to offer than what I have highlighted. But you can also shop, dine and go to the spa in any other part of Thailand – or even the world for that matter! Instead, I urge you to opt for unique experiences and learn about different cultures, especially in a country as welcoming as Thailand!
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