Wat Arun
“Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahaviharn”, as the temple is called by its full name, is named after the Hindu deity Aruna, the god of the dawn. Therefore, the temple also bears the nickname Temple of the Dawn. Even though the most beautiful to look at is the temple at sunset and at night when hundreds of lights let the Wat Arun shine golden. To visit the temple you need to pay an entrance fee of 50 baht per person and of course pay attention to your clothes, because knees and shoulders should be covered out of respect. Otherwise you may quickly be denied the entry.
Once on the temple complex, you can climb up the steep stairs to the Phra Prang, the central tower with a height of 80 meters. At the top you can enjoy a wonderful view over Bangkok and the nearby Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo. Also the tower itself with its colorful mosaic tiles and Buddha figures (which reflect his life from birth until enlightenment) is well worth seeing.
The Wat Arun is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, opposite of the Tha Tien Pier, from which a shuttle boat crosses to the temple on the other side of the river for 5 baht. You get the best pictures from the entire temple from Tha Tien Pier, because otherwise the Wat Arun does not fit that well into the normal camera picture. 
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo
“Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram”, as the Wat Phra Kaeo is called with its real name, is the temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is now situated in the ancient Grand Palace. Since the King is greatly admired in Thailand, actually every Thai visits here at least once in his life. I would even claim that the Grand Palace with the Wat Phra Kaeo is THE most important attraction of Bangkok. The interior of the temple is very impressive with its golden Chedi, statues and the chapel of the Emerald Buddha (Phra Ubosot). It is not easy to describe the temple and I think everyone should have seen it at least once. More information about the temple you can find here Wikipedia.
It opens daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the entrance to temple and palace costs 500 baht for tourists – Thais can visit the temple for free. However, it should be ensured that the legs and shoulders are covered. Who does not wear long clothing can rent them here (unfortunately many people do this and you have to wait in line accordingly).
Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha
In the center of Bangkok’s old town is the Wat Pho temple, not far from the Grand Palace. He is still called Wat Pho, but its official name nowadays is “Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimonmangkhlaram Ratchaworamahawihan”. The whole temple complex with garden, Chedis and Prangs is well worth seeing, but the highlight is definitely the Reclining Buddha statue. The 45 meter statue is a very popular photo theme.
The Wat Pho is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and costs 100 baht entrance fee. Wat Pho is also home to one of the most famous massage schools in Thailand that you can even visit as a tourist. Either you take a course in the art of Thai Massage yourself or get a massage there. Prices starting at 260 baht.
Trip to Ko Kret
Ko Kret is an island 20 km north of Bangkok, which is located in the Chao Phraya River and is great for a day trip. You can take a bus (number 155 or 505) from the Victory Monument or the shopping mall Central World in Pak Kret or theChao Phraya Express boat using the green flag. Both for very modest fees.
From the Pak Kret station it is only a few meters to a ferry terminal, where the ferry will bring you for 5 baht to the island. The island with temples and lots of food stalls can be walked around in within 2-3 hours. When I was there, it was flooded and the Chao Phraya has put half of the island under water, which should not prevent you from the circumnavigation. The island is also known for its pottery, of which I have not seen much somehow. Still, a very nice day trip and it takes you away from the big city!
The island is also known for its pottery, of which I have not seen much somehow. Still, a very nice day trip and it takes you away from the big city!
Taling Chan Floating Market
The floating market Taling Chan is perhaps not exactly what you would expect. So it was at least for me. In a floating market, I imagine to sit in a boat and drive around and buy something at one or the other boat.
The Taling Chan Market is different. There are many common food stalls, souvenirs etc. and a floating platform with boats around it. You can buy the food from these boats and then sit comfortably cross-legged on the small tables and eat the just purchased treats. A little different than expected, but still very nice. Only a few tourists hang around here.
Only a few tourists hang around here.
The market is open every weekend from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is easily accessible by taxi, that – depending on where your hotel is – isn’t that expensive. We paid from the Khao San Road to the market around 100 baht. My advice: skip breakfast, leave early in the morning to the market and fully stuff yourself there.
Boat tour on the Chao Phraya river
A tour up and down the Chao Phraya River is on the wish list among many visitors and there is a high range of the long-tail boats for such ventures accordingly. The price set by the drivers is already relatively high and the real price depends probably on your negotiation skills.
My recommendation, even if the boats are relatively full, tour the river for about 40 baht with the Chao Phraya Express Boat from the first to the last station, because especially at stations further away from the center (the corner to Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaeo) at times the boat is very empty and you have your peace. For the route network of the boats you can read our transportation guide to inform in advance.
Boat tour across the Klongs
Not only on the Chao Phraya you can make a great boat tour, but also on the small canals (in Thai called Klong). Good to combine with visiting the Taling Chan Market, because you can do great tours alone or in a group from there. It is very much worth it to go through the canals and to observe life.
Shopping in the Chatuchak Market
The Chatuchak weekend market is one of the largest markets in the world and you can find a bargain or two – or even buy your complete equipment here. There are over 10,000 stalls from clothes to souvenirs to delicious Thai cuisine; the market offers everything. Since it is so huge, it usually takes almost a whole day for the visit. For more information you are welcome to read our article on the Chatuchak Market since this goes beyond the scope.
Enjoy Bangkok from one of the skybars
Bangkok has a fascinating and breathtaking skyline and where could you enjoy it more than from one of the skybars? In my case it was the Sirocco Skybar on the Lebua at State Tower, which is also a bit due to the Hangover 2 movie. The cocktails are about € 15 which is indeed not cheap for Southeast Asia, but admission is free (take care of your outfit, so men please wear long pants ) and the views amazing.
) and the views amazing.
The Banyan Tree Hotel also has an excellent skybar, but I have not tried it so far. Probably the next time! Definitely highly recommended for a nice evening, a nice cocktail and an unforgettable view.
Khao San Road and Rambuttri Road
The Khao San Road is a Mecca for Backpackers in Bangkok. There are plenty of affordable accommodations, bars, clubs, food stalls, small shops and much more. Over here you can try fried scorpions or various other insects (by the way: grasshoppers are not that bad ). Every visitor of Bangkok should have explored this crazy street. Definitely worth a visit.
). Every visitor of Bangkok should have explored this crazy street. Definitely worth a visit.
Who prefers it a little quieter, although probably “quiet” is the wrong word, visits the more decent parallel Rambuttri Road with stalls, hostels, restaurants and Shisha bars. Also very cool!
Shopping malls
Very popular for Thais are also the many shopping malls in Bangkok. It is best to take the BTS Skytrain to Siam and walk from there. Close to the high-priced Siam Paragon and Siam Center is the MBK Center located, which has many favorable products such as clothing, shoes, souvenirs, movies (original and copied) and more to offer.
You can still get things a little cheaper, if you’ll walk along the Ratchadamri Road and past the Central World Plaza. After crossing the Saen Saep river, you find the Platinum Fashion Mall, where almost only Thais go shopping. Everything here is much more cheaper and – how could it be otherwise – you can find hundreds of stalls in front of it, of course. This area is a shopping paradise!
Try the Thai street food
Most importantly for me, this is a MUST in Bangkok and Thailand in general. Try the delicious food of the Thai people!! In addition to all the restaurants there are tons of food stalls and small food stands where you can buy little things everywhere.
There is so much to try that you could eat all day, so consume everywhere only a small amount. Here are some simple examples with photos of some of my favorites, though I could continue the list infinitely…
Here are some simple examples with photos of some of my favorites, though I could continue the list infinitely…
Asiatique The Riverfront
The Asiatique Night Market is an artificial night market for tourists along the Chao Phraya and also offers a free boat from the Sathorn Pier. The area of the market is well laid out, very well maintained and in addition to countless shops you will also find many restaurants and bars and a Ferris wheel.
Since the night market was created for tourists, the prices here are a little higher than average. Well worth a visit anyway and if you want to save some money while eating, then just leave the night market and find numerous food stalls with cheap and tasty food on the streets.
Sukhumvit Road
The Sukhumvit Road is one of the longest streets of Bangkok and even leads to Cambodia. Over here life pulsates at night. The street is lined with stands and food stalls and also those who want to enjoy the nightlife are right over here.
In Soi 4 Nana Plaza and Soi 11, called Soi Cowboy, a lot of bars and clubs can be visited. But beware: This is also a popular red light district and not all ladies are really who they seem to be.
Walking across Chinatown
Chinatown is an attraction in itself. The small streets with many Chinese shops have their own special charm. From theRatchawong Pier Chinatown extends to the Charoen Krung Road. Here you feel a bit like in China, instead of in Thailand with all the huge blackboards full of Chinese characters. This is a whole new world in the midst of Bangkok.
Standing Buddha
The huge standing Buddha statue is in the temple Wat Intharawihan located and is only a short Tuk Tuk ride from thePhra Arthit pier. The 32 meter high statue called Luang Pho Tho is decorated in gold leaf and glass mosaic and looks very impressive. Everyone should have seen this at least once.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
The Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple (also called Wat Khaek), is one of the main temples of the Non-Buddhist population of Bangkok. It is on the corner Pan Road and Silom Road. The temple is dedicated to the deity Mariamman, but also has lots of other Hindu god statues inside. While we were visiting they played all the time such an exhilarating mantra, whose melody did not leave our heads for hours. 
Just madness. Unfortunately, it is not allowed to take photos of the inside, so I suggest go and look at it yourself.
Just madness. Unfortunately, it is not allowed to take photos of the inside, so I suggest go and look at it yourself.Silom Road/Patpong Night Market
Let’s stay in the Silom Road. Not only the Hindu temple is located on this street, which leads from Lumphini Park almost to the Chao Phraya river, but also hundreds of hotels, shops and the Patpong Night Market. More specifically, it is located in the streets Patpong 1 and Patpong 2.
The night market is very famous for its red-light district, but this does not strike that much compared to the stands with all levels of counterfeit stuff. With the BTS Skytrain you easily get out there, if you go to the station Saladaeng. Their street stalls and food stalls are already beginning there and you can have a great time even without the red-light houses to visit.
Relaxing in the Lumphini Park
The green oasis of Bangkok. If you have enough from the hustle and bustle of city life, you can take a break here. In the Lumphini Park you can go for a nice walk, take a paddleboat ride on a lake or just enjoy the atmosphere.
In the evenings there is a public workout – join the hundreds of people who dance to the music and enjoy a workout. This is a nice change of pace from big city life and definitely one of my favorite places in Bangkok to recharge your battery once again.
Wat Saket
As one of the oldest temples in Bangkok the Temple of the Golden Mount or “Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan”, with its full name, is a well-known attraction of the Thai capital. In order to enjoy the view from the 79 meter high-banked mountain of the temple, 318 steps must be taken. But it’s worth it.
The Wat Saket is open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has no entrance fee – donations are welcome. You can take the Klong boats at Petchaburi or Central World Plaza. However, you can reach the temple also within walking distance, as it is located just 2 km south of Khao San Road near Damrong Rak Road. It is already well recognized by its golden Chedi from far away though.
You can take the Klong boats at Petchaburi or Central World Plaza. However, you can reach the temple also within walking distance, as it is located just 2 km south of Khao San Road near Damrong Rak Road. It is already well recognized by its golden Chedi from far away though.
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