Top 10 Bangkok Traveler
Top 10 Attractions in Bangkok
10. Baiyoke Tower II
Thailand’s tallest building warrants a Top 10 Bangkok attractions shout-out - literally, you can shout anything from 1,000 feet up! From the 77th floor observation deck or 84th floor revolving viewpoint, enjoy sweeping views of the Bangkok metropolis and Gulf of Thailand. Just don’t bring any contraband chewing gum or betel nuts because you may find yourself extradited back home before you planned to leave (not really… but they are banned). Open daily 10 AM - 11 PM with the last ticketed entry at 9:30 PM.
9. Golden Buddha
If you’re the kind of person who stops to see the World’s Largest Anything, now you can add the world’s largest gold seated Buddha to your Top 10 Bangkok attractions list! Located in Chinatown, Wat Traimit is a display of breathtaking splendor and an 11,000lb solid gold statue discovered by accident. Visiting Buddha is free but the museum costs a small fee (worth it). Top 10 Tip: no leggings, sleeveless shirts, short skirts or shorts, holes, or sportswear allowed in the temples. Don’t be that person they have to wrap a towel around. Open 9 AM - 5 PM.
8. Chinatown
It makes sense that a city hosting the world’s largest golden sitting Buddha would be replete with gold shops and food hops. In addition to the ample vending opportunities are Top 10 Bangkok landmarks such as Sampeng Lane, China Gate, Yaowarat Road, Romaneenart Park, Thieves Market, Sala Chalermkrung, and even Wat Chakawat Ratchawat, where you can see temple-housed crocodiles! Rumor has it they dined on young monks, so maybe don’t pet the wildlife.
7. Temple of Dawn
Nestled along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this striking temple reflects the reddish glow of dawns and dusks, accurately reflecting the god for whom it was named: the Sun God Aruna. This Top 10 Bangkok attraction is arguably one of the city’s most beautiful temples, which is saying something when there are over 31,200 of them! Best accessed by ferry, be sure to visit at sunrise or sunset to capture the essence of this glittering landmark. Open 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM.
6. Snake Farm
Okay so if you’ve ever wanted to see a snake venom extraction that doesn’t involve your own mouth or impending death, this Top Ten Bangkok attraction is the place. Learn about snake biology, bites, evolution, reproduction, and more with over 35 snake species. You can even hold one! Come on, even Britney Spears did it. Open Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Sat-Sun 8:30 AM - 12 PM. Mon-Fri 11 AM venom extraction, 2:30 PM snake handling and picture taking, Sat-Sun 11 AM snake handling and picture taking.
5. Lumpini Park
This 142-acre must-see park is one of the few Top 10 Bangkok landmarks in this gigantic city to find some solitude, open spaces, greenery and trees, playgrounds, and a scenic lake, basically making it a haven for those needing an urban #neature fix. Buddhist Dharma activities, music festivals, paddle boats, Smiling Sun (Play)Ground for the physically disabled, and ample bird watching lure tourists and locals alike. Open daily 4:30 AM - 9 PM.
4. Jim Thompson House
Thailand’s favorite badass American, Jim Thompson, was a WWII veteran, successful silk businessman, and survivalist. Despite his rigorous survival training, he disappeared in the jungle and was never heard from again. Rumor has it that he was so well-known and beloved, that in a city filled with millions of residents, letters simply addressed to, “Jim Thompson, Bangkok”, were somehow delivered to his remote location, a Top 10 Bangkok attraction. Guided tours of his personally designed home available. Open daily 9 AM - 6 PM.
3. Emerald Buddha
This Top Ten Bangkok landmark temple is adorned with gold, jewels, and frescos, and houses the most sacred of sculptures: Buddha carved from an enormous single piece of jadite. The Emerald Buddha’s robes are changed thrice daily by the king himself, as the act is revered and believed to grant good fortune. Bring your ID, some pants, and maybe splurge a little on a $500 bath (because #YOLO). Open daily 8:30AM - 3:30PM.
2. The Grand Palace
Belied by the simple directness of its name, the Grand Palace may be Bangkok’s most visited Top 10 Bangkok landmark and architectural wonder. It housed royal families until 1925 and currently contains the Emerald Buddha in The Outer Court. Multi-language audio guides available and dress code strictly enforced! Basically, if you feel a breeze then cover it up (or zip your fly). Open daily 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM.
1. Wat Pho
This temple is rated the highest grade of the first-class royal temples and is the final resting place for King Rama I’s ashes. Its Buddha honors include the largest collection of Buddhas in all of Thailand and an enormous gold-leaf-covered 150-foot chillaxin’ Buddha. When you’re done ‘miring, indulge in a Thai massage (reservations recommended) and question why you ever have to leave this place! Open daily 8 AM - 5 PM.