Also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha, Wat Traimit is home to one of the world's largest solid gold Buddha statues. This statue is three meters (10 feet) tall and is made of five and a half tons (5,500 kilograms) of gold. It was rediscovered by accident in 1957. The 13th-century Sukhothai style Buddha had been brought to Bangkok by King Rama III, who had encased it in stucco to protect it. This is an essential part of any Chinatown exploration.
The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre opened its doors in 2008. This modern, eleven floored art center offers exhibition and performance space in the form of galleries and studios, as well as an auditorium and meeting rooms. The center also houses a library. Not only does it showcase the visual arts and design movements, but theater and musical performances also take place here, as well as planned film screenings.
Jim Thompson's house is a key spot for tourists and locals who are aware of the legendary entrepreneur and his role in setting up the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company in Thailand. Constructed from six different traditional teak houses in the year 1958, all of the walls have been reassembled. Today, the house has been converted into a fine-art and history museum where one can find Jim Thompson's beautiful collection of art. Artifacts from Thailand and Southeast Asia, comprising of finely-crafted sculptures, vivid paintings, and exquisite porcelain artifacts, form the core of the displays laid out in the businessman's former residence. The guided tours offered here are extremely informative and insightful. Additionally, the Jim Thompson's house serves an a venue for many exhibitions and events.
A stirring representation of religion and history, this resplendent wat (temple) was built during the reign of King Rama III in 1846. Situated not far from the King Rama II Memorial Plaza, this temple is believed to be the only existing brazen temple (a structure whose roof is clad in bronze tiles) in the world. The centerpiece of the temple is the glorious Loha Prasat, a spectacularly-tiered structure standing proudly under a string of 37 gleaming spires which symbolize the 37 Buddhist virtues of enlightenment. Exuding a profound sense of palatial splendor, this invigorating temple is a spectacular sight to savor, especially during night, when it, in its entirety, is set alight by wonderful lighting. The temple has a well-known market selling Buddhist amulets, or magic charms, which are believed to protect the wearer from physical harm. Awash in splendid Buddhist architectural semblances unique to Sri Lanka, this historic temple is an incredible canvas of ancient magnificence.
A short walk from Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, the Museum Siam is based in the fine old mansion that was once the commerce building. The displays here are hands-on, interactive and fun, focusing on the local culture of Thailand. Beginning in prehistoric times and moving through different periods to the present day, the exhibits do not dwell solely on the monarchy but focus on the people, the culture of Thailand, and Thailand today. In each room there are some interesting visual effects, games to play, or fun activities. All displays are translated or subtitled in English, and the site has a gift shop and cafe.
Characterized by a gleaming nexus of intricate spires that shoot upwards, and a spectacular sprawl of regional architecture, the iconic Wat Pho is counted among Bangkok's oldest temples. This royal temple was built by King Rama I on an erstwhile temple site, and while the original features of the temple are still exquisitely preserved, the temple underwent remodeling during the reign of King Rama III. The crown jewel of the stunning Wat Pho is the languorously reclining statue of the Buddha, stretching across 46 meters (150.9 feet) of glistening gold. Apart from the lifelike Buddha statue, the temple is also home to the most extensive collection of Buddha images, and one of Thailand's earliest hubs of religious education. Wat Pho boasts of a northern compound called the phutthawat, which constitutes some of the temple's most impressive buildings, including the one within which the Reclining Buddha is housed. The southern compound remains closed off to visitors, and comprises of a school and accommodation for resident monks. While many are aware that Wat Pho is a revered religious and educational symbol, few know of its association with the traditional practices of Thai massage. From 1955, the temple has been operating as a center for Thai medicine, besides also displaying endless plaques and inscriptions related to this traditional therapy within its vast complex.
Established in 1884, making it Thailand's first public museum, the Bangkok National Museum is reputedly one of the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. It is definitely worth spending at least half a day here exploring the wide array of exhibits covering periods from Neolithic times. If you feel a bit overwhelmed with the vastness of the collection, which includes Buddhist art, Chinese Tang and Cambodian Khmer arts, opt for a guided tour of the place. These are operated in English, German, French and Japanese.
The Dusit Palace complex is one of the most visited sites in Bangkok. Constructed in the early 19th century, this palace complex was a vital government building and was dotted with the residences of the royals and important court members. This magnificent property is spread across 64,749 square meters (696,950 square feet) and boasts of Thai architectural grandeur. While the Vimanmek Mansion is the oldest structure to sit within the complex, the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, and the Chitralada Royal Villa have all been built around the same period that ranges between 1904 to 1913. Today, though only a few buildings in this property are open for public visits, it still manages to allure and enthrall art and architecture enthusiasts from all over the globe.
Occupying approximately 14.61 hectares, (35 acres) of land, with close to 15,000 outlets to choose from, this is a wonderful way to spend a day for both bargain hunters and those shopping for their weekly supplies. Despite its name, the Chatuchak Weekend Market opens from Wednesday to Sunday just beside Bangkok's Chatuchak Public Park on Thanon Phaholyothin. It provides locals with the opportunity to display and sell a wide range of products. You can find exotic fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables, handicrafts, paintings, ceramics, furniture, toys, utensils, plants, antique reproductions and even pets. Whether you are on a shopping spree or simply want to soak in the local scene, this is definitely a place to explore.
Wachirabenchatat Park (Rot Fai Park) used to be part of Thailand’s State Railway golf course, hence its other name, "State Railway Public Park", and the decommissioned steam train which stands at one entrance. The park, a mixture of gardens, grassland, small hills, wooded areas and lakes covers an area of 148 acres (60 hectares). There are many family activities available with cycling (bike hire is cheap and many bikes have child seats), jogging tracks, kayaking, rowing and bird watching. There are sports grounds and areas with children's play equipment, and the park is decorated with sculptures. It is well worth hiring a bike to explore, as it covers a large area. Also here is the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium.
Located in Chatuchak, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) houses an impressive collection of modern Thai art as well as certain religious works. Traditional and historic artwork can also be found here, making this art museum one of the finest in all of Thailand. Visitors can spend hours looking at the vast array of works exhibited here, that range from Surreal to Naive to Abstract. Some of its commendable works include the Buddha and Dharma artworks among others. Many prominent works are a tribute to Silp Bhirasri, the father of Thai contemporary art, who loved Thailand's traditions dearly. Overall, this impressive museum manages to capture the essence of Thailand's culture through its beautiful paintings.
Established in 2000 to commemorate Queen Sirikit's 60th birthday, the National Science Museum aims to be a leader of technology and environmental issues in Asia. The building's unique angled-cube design reflects cost efficiency and the importance of conserving our earth's precious resources. Each of the six floors features a particular aspect of science, including natural history, energy, aerodynamics and traditional Thai technology. The best part is the hands-on interactive experience. Visitors are encouraged to test out exhibits for greater understanding, awareness and, of course, fun. Ample parking and a snack cafeteria are provided. Entry is free for students under 18 years and seniors over 60 years.