Is Bangkok Worth Visiting in 2024? Best reasons to visit Bangkok
Bangkok is a city that amazes visitors with its mix of old and new traditions. It has the relevance and the buzz that you'll find in every corner of the city. From temples to markets to high-end rooftop bars, Bangkok has everything for you- whether you're the type who loves to be on their feet and socialize, or the type that prefers to observe. This blog will help steer you through the city, guide you towards the best things to see, and show you how this city continues to be amazing. So let's explore some of the best places in Bangkok.
Magnificent Wat Pho
The first one we have, Wat Pho, referred to as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is situated in the vicinity of the Grand Palace. The temple was founded in the 16th century and is one of the oldest and most extensive temple complexes in Bangkok. The most famous attraction in Wat Pho is the enormous statue of the reclining Buddha covered in a leaf of gold. It is an impressive sight, measuring 15 meters high in height and 46 meters long. People can stroll around the length of the figure to fully appreciate its size and spend a few moments admiring its detailed gold plate. But Wat Pho has more to boast of than just the reclining Buddha, you should explore the many other buildings and sights within the temple grounds. Temples, intricate murals of wars and battles, tranquillity in the chapels, stupas and over 1,000 Buddha statues are waiting to be discovered. The vicinity outside the reclining Buddha pavilion tends to be crowded with visitors, but it can be very pleasant to stroll around the rest of Wat Pho, which is generally peaceful and delightful for wandering around. Wat Pho is also home to a school for traditional Thai massage and traditional Thai medicine. So, if you are interested in having an authentic Thai massage, this is a great place to have one.
Epic Chinatown
Bangkok has numerous reasons to visit, one of the most famous being Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat in the local language. Bangkok's Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, with buildings and streets dating back to the late 18th century. Chinatown is a bustling commercial centre of shops and markets selling a variety of goods, from traditional Chinese medicines and herbs to gold and amulets. Visitors to Chinatown can spend hours wandering the narrow alleyways, exploring Chinese temples, and admiring the blend of Thai- and Chinese heritage throughout the district. Chinatown has a number of bars in which visitors can escape the noise and chaos of the area. Have a nightcap in one of the quieter bars, as Chinatown gets especially busy after dark. When the sun goes down, the main street of Chinatown, Yaowarat Road, becomes illuminated with street stalls, and the area transforms into a vibrant night market where people eat out, socialize and shop. Be prepared for long queues at popular stalls because there are a lot of tourists and locals.
Lumphini Park
Bangkok might be known as a metropolis, but there are a number of beautiful green spots in the city that let you escape for a bit. Lumphini Park, located in the Silom district, is considered the crown jewel of Bangkok's public parks.
Established in 1925, Lumphini Park is Bangkok's oldest public park. Visitors today can set foot on its paths, enjoy the shade of the many palm trees, or even rent a swan paddle boat or kayak and float around in one of the park's artificial lakes.
The park also serves as a great opportunity to see some wildlife. The park is inhabited by turtles, several species of birds, and some very scaly monitor lizards, cousins to the Komodo. They look a bit intimidating, but if you don't bother them they will leave you alone.
The Majestic Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is the best place in Bangkok. The establishment dates back to 1782 and served as the residence of the Thai monarch. The buildings, halls, and patios, all of which are harmoniously melded together, make up the palace. The traditional Thai architecture with European influences will draw you in as you navigate the complex. Inside the premises of the Palace is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). This religious site is home to a Buddha image that is completely made of one piece of jade. The jade image is one of the most revered Buddha images and is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The execution of every piece of art is laid out to perfection. The mosaics, murals, carvings, porcelain, and gold leaf designs do not go unnoticed. The items that constitute the decorative features of the Grand Palace will shine on a sunny day, which will remain a remarkable view. The Grand Palace is one of the most visited landmarks in Bangkok; thus making it very crowded. Considering this popular site, it is generally buzzing with visitors and is almost always busy. When approaching the Grand Palace, plan to come early, as the heat and busyness will make your visit more tolerable. Modest dress is required to enter the sacred site, so please wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Beautiful Wat Arun
Just across the river from The Grand Palace and Wat Pho is the magnificent Wat Arun, The Temple of Dawn. There are plenty of stunning places to visit in Bangkok, when it comes to temples there's nothing better than Wat Arun. It was first built in the 17th Century but has been added to and heavily restored over the years. The temple is now considered one of Bangkok's most beautiful temples and has a 70-metre tall Khmer-style spire that is wonderfully decorated with intricate Chinese porcelain mosaics arranged in elegant floral patterns. At night the temple is lit up and it makes for a truly magical sight, but it's also worth visiting during the daytime to explore it in more detail. You can climb the central spire partway and take in views of the surrounding area, but it's definitely not worth doing for people with difficulty with steep steps. Be aware when you're visiting that Wat Arun is a religious site, so make sure you're respecting the usual dress code when visiting.
Romantic Cruises along the Chao Phraya River
If you would like to see Bangkok from a different angle, consider taking a cruise down the Chao Phraya River. This is an amazing way to see both the past and present of Bangkok merge together.
Evening cruises are particularly popular and it is a great way to see the beautifully lit historic landmarks and the bustling riverside lifestyle. Some cruises have a buffet dinner and live entertainment. This could be a fun and memorable way to spend an evening exploring Bangkok.
As you sail past, you will see a mix of everything from magnificent temples to skyscrapers as well as glimpses of riverside living. Getting a different perspective on the architectural variety of the city and rich cityscape is certainly an experience not to be missed.
Delicious Thai Food
No blog on why one should visit Bangkok would be complete without mentioning the city's reputation as a culinary paradise. In particular, Bangkok is known for its street food scene. Locals and tourists grab snacks and meals from street food vendors across the city. The most popular areas for street food include Chinatown, Victory Monument, Sukhumvit Soi 38, and Khao San Road. It is possible that if you see a crowd at the stall, the stall will be a great choice. Don't be put off by the stalls' unassuming looks, some of the best food in Bangkok comes from these humble kitchens. But don't expect the most delicious meals in Bangkok to be from street vendors. Bangkok is also home to 34 Michelin-starred restaurants. Whether diners are looking for a modern take on Thai food or a suave French meal, Bangkok has something that will meet the needs of all culinary fans.
Dazzling Rooftop Bars
The considerable number of sky-scrappers in Bangkok has resulted in many rooftop bars in the city. The view from high above the city of Bangkok is one of the reasons why this city is worth a visit. One of the top rooftop bars is Vertigo, which is located on the 60th floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel. At this venue, you can enjoy a view while having a drink, or have a full meal of seafood and grilled meat items. Sky Bar at the Lebua State Tower is another popular rooftop bar. It is one of the highest rooftop venues in the world, situated on the 63rd floor. The bar offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and there is a large cocktail list to choose from. The bar appeared in the movie Hangover II. One thing to keep in mind is that a swanky rooftop bar is not a budget experience in Bangkok. Advance booking is advised if you do wish to go to ensure you don't miss out.
Amazing Shopping Malls
Although it may look like a strange suggestion to include shopping malls as one of the attractions of your trip, the malls of Bangkok are in a class of their own. They don't just serve as centres for shopping, but also for meeting people, dining, and escaping the sweltering sun. From inexpensive to high-end, it's for everyone. Here are some of the malls that are mostly popular: MBK Centre: The mall is massive and feels like an indoor marketplace Siam Discovery: It is the first lifestyle brand mall. Siam Paragon: It is one of the largest and is situated on the road in Bangkok. Central World: It is a huge mall housing numerous international brands alongside an indoor ice rink. ICONSIAM: A glamorous high-end mall, located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. Remember to visit the food courts when you go to Bangkok malls. They are just the right place to taste Thai and international food, which is delicious and affordable. They are also popular with tourists and locals alike.
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is a must-visit for the art enthusiast. It was opened in 2008, and it happens to be one of the contemporary art museums with nine floors that house huge collections of various forms of art portraying the life and culture of the Thai people. The BACC is the venue for contemporary art representative of Thai uniqueness, culture, and customs. It's a great location for taking in the pulse of the country's vibrant art scene.
Pratunam Market
For a far more traditional type of shopping, visit the Pratunam Market. Situated on Phetchaburi Road, this noted market offers various quality products at very reasonable rates. Pratunam Market is very famous for its fashion items and is popular with both tourists and locals. Prices do not pose a problem for shoppers since the products offered in this market are generally inexpensive, even for tourists. It's one of the best places to shop if you don't want to spend more but want to get more.
Relaxing Thai Massages
No visit to the capital of Thailand would ever be complete without a rejuvenating Thai massage. Indeed, this is an ancient art of wellness dating back a few thousand years and is based on the principle of balancing body energy lines. Thai massage combines yoga-like stretching and acupressure to relax and relieve tension in the body. It's sometimes even referred to as "lazy person's yoga" because your massage therapist will work your body through all of the movements. Bangkok is home to hundreds of Thai massage parlours. Traditional massage parlours come very reasonably priced by Western standards while more luxurious spas offer a higher-end experience at higher prices.
Takeaway
Beautiful temples, great street food, classy rooftop bars, fantastic shopping—Bangkok does have it all, catering to every taste and wallet. The city is one of wild contrasts, as century-old traditions rub shoulders with the trappings of modernity. The mad energy of Bangkok is just as much a part of it as the quiet moments. Take it slow, stray from your tourist map, and strike up a conversation with some friendly locals. Hopefully, this blog will give you all the reasons why Bangkok is a must-visit destination. To help you out with your travel planning, we have curated a sample Bangkok itinerary uniquely crafted so that you get an idea of what to expect from the city. This can be especially helpful for first-time visitors to the city's iconic attractions. If you want to combine a visit to Bangkok, visit Y2Z Travel and plan as you want with our ultimate AI travel planner tool. It's absolutely free and easy to use. Start your Bangkok journey now! Hope you have a very good travelling experience.
