Bangkok is the capital of Thailand with eight million people and over 400 Buddhist wats. It was once called the Venice of the East. Come experience a tour of this unique and wonderful city in Southeast Asia.
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand with eight million people and over 400 Buddhist wats. It was once called the Venice of the East. Come experience a tour of this unique and wonderful city in Southeast Asia.
This exquisite bell-shaped chedi is the pinnacle of Wat Saket. Called the Golden Mount or Phu Khao Thong, this gilded stupa stands brightly at 190 feet. You must walk up 318 circular stairs to reach the top of this marble Buddhist temple. The arduous climb is worthwhile when you see the incredible ornamentation inside and the views of Bangkok.
Soi Chakkraphatdiphong Khwaeng Ban Bat, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
This row of large bronze temple bells and smaller brass ones lines the concrete wall at the half-way point of your ascent up the hill of the Golden Mount at Wat Saket. It appears the custom is for Buddhist pilgrims to run their hands across the clappers while they are deep in prayer and meditation. The ringing of the bells is considered to bring good luck.
Soi Chakkraphatdiphong Khwaeng Ban Bat, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
As you begin walking up the stairs to the top of Golden Mount at Wat Saket, you encounter this gilded statue standing in a vine-covered waterfall and shrouded by a swirling mist. It seemed eerie and I later learned why. In the 18th century, about 60,000 victims of the plague were cremated and buried at the base of this artificial mountain.
Soi Chakkraphatdiphong Khwaeng Ban Bat, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
On the right is part of Wat Saket, a Buddhist temple that dates back to the Ayutthaya Period which ended in 1767. On the left is the Golden Mount that was built by King Rama V in the late 19th century. The base of Phu Khao Thong is marble and it is crowned by a huge golden chedi. Inside the stupa is an ancient relic of Buddha.
Soi Chakkraphatdiphong Khwaeng Ban Bat, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
This woman selling shrimp in a Chinatown stall was very proud of her display while she waited to barter and then serve her customers. This is one example of the numerous merchants and food carts that are packed along Yaowarat Road. Evening is the best time to stroll down the adjoining alleys to witness the bustle of people, savor the aromas, and taste unique types of Chinese and Thai food.
Yaowarat Rd & Itsara nuphap Khwaeng Chakkrawat, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
The stalls and food carts in Bangkok’s Chinatown offer countless types of unusual foods such as this roasted duck jerkey or a pig’s head version. Other local delicacies include bird’s nest or pig’s intestine soup and claypot fish maw (bladder). And it seems almost everything is served with noodles or sticky rice. I’ll bet your mouth is watering.
Yaowarat Rd & Itsara nuphap Khwaeng Chakkrawat, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
Deep fried silk worms called hon Mhai are a common snack sold on the streets of Bangkok, Thailand. They are often fried on the vendor’s cart to insure freshness and garnished with salt and/or pepper and sometimes a secret sauce before using a ladle to serve them up. A similar treat is the bamboo worms, called rod duran and nicknamed “express train.” They are long and slender with about a half dozen ridges.
Although the Wat Traimit dates back almost 900 years, this structure called Phra Maha Mondop was built in 2010 in order to house the 83% pure gold, 5.5 ton Golden Buddha. Also inside the marble ziggurat are museum exhibits that explain the remarkable history of this statue, along with pieces of plaster that once covered it for 200 years.
Tri Mit Rd Khwaeng Talat Noi, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
Throughout Bangkok you will see these elaborate portraits of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as Rama IX, in full royal attire. He ascended the throne in 1946, making him Thailand’s longest reigning monarch. Each year on his birthday is a Thai holiday with lots of celebrations including his annual speech. But on December 5, 2014, the 87 year old monarch did not attend because of ailing health.
Tri Mit Rd Khwaeng Talat Noi, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
The Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit is considered to be the world’s largest gold statue. At 5.5 tons of 18 karat gold, the metal alone is worth over $250 million dollars. Possibly cast in India during the 13th or 14th century, it was covered in plaster before the collapse of the Ayutthaya kingdom in 1767 and was therefore considered unimportant until 1955 when it fell while being transported and the gold was revealed.
Tri Mit Rd Khwaeng Talat Noi, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
The Krungthep Railway Station, which is also called Hua Lamphong, is the central train station for Bangkok. Its Italian Neo-classical design is the work of Mario Tamagno. He was the architect for several other impressive government and royal buildings during the early 20th century.
511 Rong Mueang Rd, Khwaeng Rong Muang, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand
This man carrying a heavy bag of grain across his shoulders probably looks like his ancestors did when the Krungthep Railway Station opened in 1916. That’s one of the enjoyable things about Bangkok. In some ways it is very modern and in others the Thai people live and work like their families have for generations.
511 Rong Mueang Rd, Khwaeng Rong Muang, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand
In a city with over eight million people, it is difficult to escape the bustling activity. One oasis is Lumphini Park, which was named after the birthplace of Buddha. It has over 140 acres of vegetation plus a lake. At the southeast entry is this monument to King Rama VI who commissioned the public space in 1942. The tribute to King Vajiravudh was sculpted by Corrado Feroci.
Thanon Ratchadamri Rd & Rama IV Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand
These four Millennium Residence Towers are among the new generation of skyscrapers reshaping the skyline of Bangkok. Built in 2009, they each offer 600 luxury condos on over 50 floors with a gorgeous view of the flower-lined pond at Benjakitti Park near the Convention Center.
60 Thanon Ratchadaphisek, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
In 2004, as part of Queen Sirikit’s birthday celebration, the Benjakitti Park was opened. Most of its 52 acres contain a lake where locals and tourists can rent swan boats. But it is also a favorite among joggers and bicyclists who exercise around a concrete path that is lined with trees and blooming gardens of fresh flowers. It is a peaceful respite in the heart of a very busy city.
60 Thanon Ratchadaphisek, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Whenever you travel internationally, you encounter at airports rows of duty-free stores that showcase perfumes, cigarettes, liquor and electronics. And these brightly lit, high-gloss retailers are invariable packed with bargain hunting tourists. Imagine this on a very grand scale. It is called the King Power Complex: a 12,000 square foot shopping mall downtown Bangkok. You make your purchase and then pick it up at the airport before you fly off.
8 Rang Nam Alley, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Ouy the orangutan had a traumatic life as a baby in 1992. After his mother was killed by poachers, they planned to sell him on the black market. Instead, they cast him overboard in a cage when they were intercepted by police. Days later the ape was found floating in the sea and was brought to the Dusit Zoo in Bangkok.
71 Soi Uthong Nai Khwaeng Dusit, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10300, Thailand
I have seen many camels before but this one at the Dusit Zoo in Bangkok was the first time I saw a bactrian from Central Asia with its distinctive two humps. It is an enormous animal. When I stood next to it, it towered over me at about seven feet. An adult male can reach 2,000 pounds which is much larger than the single hump dromedary camel.
71 Soi Uthong Nai Khwaeng Dusit, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10300, Thailand
This exquisite Italian Renaissance marble building with an impressive 162 foot dome is the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. It was built in 1915 as part of the Dusit Palace. Phra Thinang was a museum displaying “Arts of the Kingdom” and was occasionally used for royal ceremonies. It closed in October, 2017 will no announcement of future plans.
Golden Place 71 Uthong Nai Alley, Khwaeng Dusit, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10300, Thailand
Wat Benchamabophit is appropriately called the Marble Temple. This Ordination Hall (Phra Ubosot in Thai) is constructed from white Carrara Italian marble and so are several other structures of the wat. It was commissioned by King Rama V in the late 19th century. This qualifies the Temple of the Fifth King as one of the youngest of Bangkok’s 400 Buddhist temples.
Thanon Si Ayutthaya & Nakhon Phathom Road, Khwaeng Dusit, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10300, Thailand
This sangha lion is one of two outside of the Ordination Hall at Wat Benchamabophit which is also called the Marble Temple. It is common to see a pair of these mythical lions guarding the gate of a Thai Buddhist temple. They are often carved in a style resembling those found in Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Thanon Si Ayutthaya & Nakhon Phathom Road, Khwaeng Dusit, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10300, Thailand
This Buddhist statue, which is called Phra Buddhajinaraja, is the largest of the 52 other images of Buddha that adorn Wat Benchamabophit. Beneath this gilded sculpture in Ordination Hall at the Marble Temple is the burial site of King Chulalongkorn, also known as Rama V.
Thanon Si Ayutthaya & Nakhon Phathom Road, Khwaeng Dusit, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10300, Thailand
With its exquisite dome and Venetian Gothic design, the Government House in Bangkok resembles an Italian palazzo. This was the home of General Chao Phraya Ram Rakop. Then it became the offices of Thailand’s prime minister and his cabinet. It is also used as a reception hall for foreign dignitaries.
Nakhon Phathom Road & Phitsanulok Rd, Khwaeng Dusit, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10300, Thailand
Rama V, also called Chulalongkorn the Great, was the King of Siam for 42 years until his death in 1910. During a visit to Paris in 1897, he was impressed with the grand Champs-Élysées boulevard and wanted to duplicate it for his royal processions. The result was Ratchadamnoen Avenue, which stretches from the Grand Palace to the Dusit Palace. This royal monument is at the central point called Ratchadamnoen Klang at the intersection of Phra Sumen Road.
Ratchadamnoen Klang & Phra Sumen Rd, Khwaeng Wat Bowon Niwet, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
In Buddhism, the peacock symbolizes wisdom. This image is frequently seen in Thailand, typically as part of a tribute to royalty. This statue was incorporated into a monument on Ratchadamnoen Klang which is the central section of the widest boulevard in Bangkok.
Ratchadamnoen Klang & Phra Sumen Rd, Khwaeng Wat Bowon Niwet, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
The Royal Pavilion Mahajetsadabadin was built in 1989 as a structure for the king to welcome dignitaries and royal visitors. It is in a park-like setting along Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the main boulevard used for royal processions. Nearby is a monument to King Rama III and the Wat Ratchanatdaram.
Maha Chai Rd & Soi Damnoen Klang Tai Khwaeng Wat Bowon Niwet, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
The Democracy Monument celebrates the Siamese Revolution of 1932 when a coup d’etat overthrew the Chakri Dynasty and established Thailand’s first constitutional monarchy in over 850 years. The design by Maeo Aphaiyawong includes four pillars which represent the branches of Thailand’s armed forces. They stand guard over the country’s constitution which is symbolized by the center of the monument.
Dinso Rd & Ratchadamnoen Klang Khwaeng Wat Bowon Niwet, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
This sculpture called “Soldiers Fighting for Democracy” is one of four relief panels at the base of the Democracy Monument pillars. It depicts soldiers advancing into battle beside a tank during the Siamese Revolution of 1932.
Dinso Rd & Ratchadamnoen Klang Khwaeng Wat Bowon Niwet, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
The first Giant Swing was built in 1784 as part of a Brahmin ceremony called Tri-yampawai. It celebrates the creation of the world by Brahmā, a Hindu God. He then sent Shiva, a Supreme God, to be the earth’s caretaker. The structure’s poles represent mountains and the base is the world. During a ten day new year’s celebration, Brahmins would swing from the upright while trying to snatch a sack of coins.
Dinso Rd & Bamrung Muang Rd, Khwaeng Sao Chingcha, Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
The Reclining Buddha is only one of nearly 400 Buddha figures you will see at Wat Pho, but it is by far the most impressive. The origin of Wat Phra Chetuphon dates back to the late 18th century and is considered to be Thailand’s first university. It still teaches traditional Thai massage. So if you are tired from a long day of sightseeing, become rejuvenated at the hands of an expert therapist.
25 Thai Wang Alley, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
This horizontal view of the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho gives you a sense of its enormous size. The body measures 50 feet high and about 150 feet long. This gilded masterpiece feels even bigger because it is wedged inside a building. The tight surrounding corridor has 108 bronze bowls. They represent the number of actions required to reach perfection. Dropping a penny into each promises good fortune.
25 Thai Wang Alley, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
The main attraction of Wat Pho is the enormous Reclining Buddha. But throughout Wat Phra Chettuphon’s 21 acres, built in 1788, are hundreds of Buddha images, stupas, shrines and 16 elaborate gates. Most enjoyable are the giant, Chinese-style statues. They are ancient ballasts from trading ships. This warrior with a top hat is a Farang Guard, considered to be Marco Polo or an early European explorer to Thailand.
25 Thai Wang Alley, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
This central prang or tower at Wat Arun has multiple tiers of colorful porcelain and seashells. There is also a staircase ascending toward the corn-shaped pinnacle. The spire was built in the mid-19th century. The design is patterned after Cambodian architecture from the Khmer Empire several centuries before. The Temple of Dawn is located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.
Wat Arun 34 Thanon Wang Doem Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
Wat Arun in Bangkok has five towers: a main prang surrounded by four smaller ones. Each are ornately decorated with rows of ceramic monkeys, animals, demons and Chinese soldiers holding up the tiers of the spires. Appropriately, this wat is called the Temple of Dawn because these colorful figures glow with the rising and setting sun. The name stems from Aruna, the Hindu god of the sun.
Wat Arun 34 Thanon Wang Doem Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
This is one of four towers encircling the 250 foot central prang at Wat Arun. They are dedicated to the wind god Nayu who is represented by the statue on horseback. They were constructed in 1851 during the reign of King Rama III. This was about two hundred years after this Buddhist wat was established. The Temple of Dawn is one of the major landmarks of Bangkok, Thailand.
Wat Arun 34 Thanon Wang Doem Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
Centuries ago, Thailand was an active exporter to China. When the sailing ships returned, they used Chinese statues as ballasts for stabilization. This stone warrior with the long beard is one of several you will find surrounding the five towers at the Wat Arun, also called the Temple of Dawn.
Wat Arun 34 Thanon Wang Doem Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
During the Uposatha, or Buddhist day of observance, two monks perform a religious ceremony inside the Ordination Hall or Ubosot of Wat Arun. The prayer service helps devout believers clean their mind while they observe the Eight Precepts or teachings of Buddhism.
Wat Arun 34 Thanon Wang Doem Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
Taking a longtail boat through the canals of Bangkok is a fun experience, but talk to a reputable guide before deciding which tour operator and route to take. During high water season, there are several locks along the canals and each one takes 20 minutes or more to pass through. One or two of these waits can really cut into the time of your promised boat ride.
8 Soi Wat Moli Lokaya Ram Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
A popular attraction for tourists is enjoying a longtail boat ride through the canals or khlongs to the west of the Chao Phraya River. Floating tours through different waterways are available for 60, 90 and 120 minutes. Experience why Bangkok was nicknamed “the Venice of the East” back in the late 18th century.
664 Soi Wat Kanlaya Khwaeng Wat Kanlaya, Khet Thon Buri, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
This small wooden boat that is tethered to a crisscross of bamboo culms or stalks is used by Thai people who live along the canals of Bangkok for transportation and fishing. Judging from its appearance, it has served its owner well for decades.
664 Soi Wat Kanlaya Khwaeng Wat Kanlaya, Khet Thon Buri, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
This entrepreneur knows that tourists get thirsty as the temperature rises in Bangkok. So, as the longtail boats tour the canals, he furiously paddles his small wooden boat towards them, pulls out a cold beer from the cooler and asks each person how many they want. On this day it was over 90° so he was very successful.
324 Thanon Itsaraphap Khwaeng Wat Tha Phra, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
Numerous Thai people live along the canals of Bangkok in elevated homes. Some are decrepit huts and some are mansions but most are similar to these. The bamboo stalks are used to moor their boats.
324 Thanon Itsaraphap Khwaeng Wat Tha Phra, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
This rickety hut along a Bangkok canal was cobbled together with scrap pieces of wood, sheet metal and plastic but appears adequate for its hard working resident out front. It is hard to believe that Thai homes like this still exist in the country’s capital city with so many skyscrapers.
748 Soi Phet Kasem 3, Khwaeng Wat Tha Phra, Khet Bangkok 10600, Thailand
The Rama VIII bridge consists of 84 cables that span to a height of 980 feet over the Chao Phraya River. This asymmetrical bridge was named after King Ananda Mahidol who was only 19 when he became Thailand’s monarch shortly after the end of World War II. But his reign lasted only six months before he was mysteriously shot to death in June of 1946.
2012 Rama VIII Bridge Khwaeng Bang Yi Khan, Khet Bang Phlat, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10700, Thailand
There are several floating markets around Bangkok, but one of the closest and least crowded is Taling Chan. Cooks in small wooden boats prepare food dockside while eager customers look on. A few minutes after this photo was taken, the two women on the left nodded their approval for the taste of their lunch.
333 Chak Phra 19 - Chim Phli, Khwaeng Khlong Chak Phra, Khet Taling Chan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10170, Thailand
The best reason to visit a floating market is to sample the Thai food. Watch as the merchants cook delicacies like crab, prawns and fish on small barbeques in the hull of their boat. Point to the seafood that smells and looks the best and raise fingers for how many you want. Then grab a table plus a cold beer and enjoy.
333 Chak Phra 19 - Chim Phli, Khwaeng Khlong Chak Phra, Khet Taling Chan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10170, Thailand
This woman wearing a traditional Thai straw hat and a big smile is one of several boat merchants who are delighted to make your customized meal at the Taling Chan Floating Market near Bangkok. You will also be greeted by wonderful music by local musicians and swirling catfish that hope you’ll drop food into the klong (canal). This market is a great place to experience but it is only open on weekends.
333 Chak Phra 19 - Chim Phli, Khwaeng Khlong Chak Phra, Khet Taling Chan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10170, Thailand
Thailand’s tallest stupa containing The Lord Buddha’s relics is nearly 400 feet tall at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom near Bangkok. It may also be the oldest Thai temple with origins dating back to the 2nd century BC. Along the courtyard are galleries of gilded Buddha statues in different poses, including this one.
Phra Pathom Chedi Tambon Phra Prathom Chedi, Amphoe Mueang Nakhon Pathom, Chang Wat Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand
Outside of Bangkok is a region called Samut Sakhon that is dedicated to producing brine salt. The farmers use windmills to pump seawater into their cultivated fields. After the hot Thai sun evaporates the water, the workers push the salt residue into piles before collecting the harvest with wheelbarrows. It is then cleaned and marketed worldwide as sea salt.
Soi Rong Lo Tambon Bang Ya Praek, Amphoe Mueang Samut Sakhon, Chang Wat Samut Sakhon 74000, Thailand
To get a real taste of Thailand, visit Amphawa Floating Market located about 90 minutes from Bangkok. Along a narrow canal are foot bridges, walkways and makeshift stalls. The crowd is more Thai than foreign tourists. The real charm is watching the boat merchants float along while hawking their wares. Among the fruits in the first boat are rambutan, mangosteen and musk melons. The second boat offers a floating lunch. The meal typically consists of shrimp, squid or clams plus pad Thai noodles.
Amphawa Floating Market, Amphawa, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110, Thailand