Bangkok is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it’s a big, glittering city that never sleeps, night and day Bangkok hustles and bustles. Once just a small village on Chao Phraya River back in the early 15th century, the city slowly grew into the vast metropolis it is today, thanks in part to Bangkok being officially made the nation’s capital by King Rama The First in 1782.
Business thrives in Bangkok, and the city is a major presence in the Asian economic sphere with hundreds of international companies setting up shop, bringing thousands of expatriates with them. There is always high-quality Bangkok property for sale, just waiting for eager buyers to make their move to the Big Mango. The province of Bangkok is spread across an area of 1,568.7 square kilometres with around 700 square kilometres comprised of built-up urban area.
When those who have spent some time there are asked “Where should I go in Bangkok?” they can’t help but think “Which Bangkok?” because the city has so many very distinctive areas. We will now take a brief look at just a few of the most famous, or in some cases infamous, to give you an idea of just how vast and varied the city really is!
The Grand Palace Complex
We will start with Bangkok’s most popular tourist destination, the epicentre of the city, and the kingdom’s rich and ancient culture. The Grand Palace complex is a magical wonderland of fanciful Thai architecture that shouldn’t be missed, you can’t claim you have been to Bangkok without visiting it at least once! The palace complex is also home to the famed Emerald Buddha of Wat Phra Kaew temple, a treasured symbol of Thailand’s deep Buddhist faith.
Chatuchak Parks & Market
For those who need a breath of fresh air and a break from the city traffic, former golf course Chatuchak Park and adjacent Queen Sirikit Gardens offer long walks across wide swaths of grass, and park benches under the palm trees to rest on. Just across the road from there, you will find the famed Chatuchak Market where thousands of tiny stalls offer nearly everything under the sun for eager bargain hunters! Lots of great fresh produce can be found in the neighbouring Or Tor Kor food market if you get hungry!
Sukhumvit Road
It’s hard to pinpoint where Bangkok’s “downtown” is exactly, but Sukhumvit is a top contender. The Sky Train travels the entire length of the road, but a dedicated traveller can walk it in a couple of hours, with stops along the way for shopping, snacks, and drinks. The (in)famous Soi Cowboy adult entertainment district lies just off the main road, in most places a red light means stop, but here it means “go-go”! Have fun, but be cautious, some things really are too good to be true.
We wish we had more space to tell you about all the rest of Bangkok’s varied areas, you can find out more on the Tourist Authority of Thailand’s website’s Bangkok page. We hope this entices you to come visit us here in the Big Mango, there is always something fun to do here!
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