Things to see and do Bangkok

This beautiful royal temple is one of the most important Buddhist centres in the country. It consists of two important buildings. The viharn, surprisingly graceful in its proportions, is a very good example of the architecture of Rattanakosin's style. The Buddha statue, which comes from Wat Mahathat of Sukhothai and was brought back by Rama I, dates from the 13th century. The bot is especially interesting for its mural frescoes and especially those between the windows that represent the episodes of Buddha's life. In front of the temple is the large swing.

Opened in 2008, this history museum traces nearly 3 000 years of the history of Siam and therefore of Thailand by leading a course through the development of the Thai people and culture. Fun and intuitive course where visitors is brought to have doubts and find also in different rooms of the museum, especially on the history of the traditions and the origins of the people of southeast Asia, the interactions between the different regions and the different ethnic groups that make it. Informative.

It's impossible not to see him in the middle of a roundabout on Ratchadamnoen Road. This imposing work was commissioned in 1939 to symbolize the revolution that marked the transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. The sculptures at the base of the monument were made by an Italian sculptor. Each of the 4 wings measures 24 m high to recall the date of June 24, and the 75 cannons, the year 2475 (1932 in our calendar). The monument is sometimes used as a gathering place for certain protests.

The marble temple was built by order of King Rama V and completed in 1899. It is very famous because its chapel (bot), its pillars and its statues of lion keepers, are entirely made of white marble from Carrara (Italy). The bot's entrance is guarded by two Khmer style lions. Inside is a bronze replica (2.5 tons) of the Phutta Chinarat Buddha of Wat Phra Sri Ratana Mahatat of Phitsanulok. In its base are preserved the ashes of Rama V.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is a large private museum of contemporary art composed of five floors (four dedicated to the permanent collection, the ground floor being reserved for temporary exhibitions), well arranged, clear, and dedicated mainly to the Thaï Sur, i. e. the Thai surrealist movement. The museum shop is focused on "culture", with posters, books (of very good quality for a reasonable price), but also t-shirts, accessories... A part of the shop is dedicated to limited editions, for those who have more means...

This Buddhist temple on the banks of the Mae Klong was built during the period of the Ayutthaya kingdom. The site was the site of fierce battles between the Siamese army and the Burmese in the 17th century, but it attracts visitors above all for its magnificent small temple entirely engulfed in a huge banyan over the centuries, thus evoking the famous temples of Angkor. It can be reached directly by boat, with several operators in Amphawa offering cruises dedicated to visiting temples along the river.

Previously called Wat Bang, Wat Amphawan is a temple dating from the end of the Ayutthaya period. Much of its architecture and decoration is made of finely carved wood, including beautiful examples of birds and flowers above the doors, especially on the front door. The most original feature is the all-wooden Scripture room, which stands in the middle of a pond. The temple can be reached by longtail boat from the Bang Yai District Office on Kanchanaphisek Road (about 5 minutes drive).

This 47-storey skyscraper was intended to house a condominium, but its construction was halted by the financial crisis in 1997. Now 80% complete, the building is a popular site for urban explorers who climb to its summit. Beware, however: this is private property and it is totally illegal to enter. Dangers abound, and your safety is far from guaranteed. Nevertheless, it's a sight to behold... from below!

Very popular in Thailand, it is the second most visited temple after Wat Phra Kaew - Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok. Its construction of the temple, on the banks of the Bang Pakong River, dates from the end of the Ayutthaya period (18th century). Originally named Wat Hong, it contains a 1.48 m sacred statue of Buddha, called Luangpho Phuttha Sothon, one of the most revered in the country. It is supposed to bring health and well-being to the faithful.

Much less touristy than Damnoen Saduak, this floating market located along the Mae Klong is one of the most important in the country. Nevertheless, it has managed to preserve its charm and authenticity. You'll have to make your way along the banks because the world is pouring in! Fish and seafood, grilled meats, snacks, sweet delicacies.... You will find something to enjoy, whether along the banks or directly on the boats. Boat trips are available, one of the most famous being to see fireflies at nightfall.

The characteristic feature of the train market, which is relatively little frequented by foreigners, is that it is set up along a railroad line. This classic Thai market remained in the same location when the railway line was built. The main attraction is, of course, the long-awaited passing of the train! The locomotive can be heard long before it passes, and the merchants begin to fold up their displays and put away their wares. The train rolls along at a very slow pace, sweeping past the stalls. Photo enthusiasts are in for a treat!

It could be a theme park attraction, but it's not! This imposing 17-story pink tower, with a huge green and red dragon twisted around it, is a contemporary building that is part of a Buddhist temple. The dragon's entrails serve as a tunnel leading to the top. Nearby, beautiful gardens and giant sculptures of animals, rabbits, elephants and a large smiling turtle that you can visit by entering through the mouth...