Time Off

An incredible quantity and quality of attractions await the visitor, including over 400 wats (temples) and the beautiful Grand Palace, a huge complex of wats, palaces and museums. A trip by water taxi on the Chao Phraya River will provide the ultimate Bangkok experience, only matched by a ride through the city streets in a tuk-tuk (a three-wheeled, open-air taxi).

Bangkok Attractions

The Grand Palace
Na Phra Lan Road, Ko Rattanakosin District, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 222 6889

Originally built by the founder of Bangkok in 1782, The Grand Palace has become Thailand's most famous attraction and an important shrine for Buddhists worldwide. The royal chapel, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo), is renowned as the most beautiful temple in Thailand. Exquisitely decorated with gold, murals and statues, it contains one of the most sacred statues of the Buddha, carved from a single piece of jade.

National Museum
Na Phra That Road, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 224 1404

This 18th-century palace houses the largest collection of Thai art and artefacts in the country, tracing the history of Thailand and revealing the richness of Thai culture.

The Jim Thompson House
6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama I Road, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 216 7368

Opened to the public after his disappearance in 1967, this is the former residence of Jim Thompson, a luminary in the Thai silk industry. He amassed a wonderful collection of South-East Asian art, now displayed in his home, which consists of seven ancient Thai houses, transformed into one.

Vimanmek Mansion
193 / 2 Rajavithi Road, Dusit, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 281 8166

Built in 1901 by King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V) as a royal residence and recently renovated by HM Queen Sirikit, this is the biggest golden teak wood building in the world. It is a museum of the late king, containing memorabilia and photographs from his reign (1868-1910) as well as antique furniture, glassware, porcelain and other historic treasures.

Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
Thai Wang Road, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 225 9595

The largest and oldest temple in Bangkok, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha contains the largest statue in Thailand. Measuring 46 metres in length, the feet of this impressive figure are three metres long and the whole body is covered in gold leaf.

Temple of the Golden Mount (Wat Saket)
Ratchadamnoen Road and Boripihat Road, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 223 4561

Built in the 18th century, this landmark in the old part of the city is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok and believed to contain buried Buddhist relics. The city's tallest structure, it's a tough climb up winding steps to the top, but well worth the effort to see the beautiful view of Bangkok.

The National Theatre
Na Phra That Road, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 224 1342

The theatre features plays and classical Thai dance.

Erawan Shrine
Rajdamri Road, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 252 8754

The shrine is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, who is believed to have the power to grant wishes. Although it is usually busy, it is busiest the night before the national lottery draw. For those whose wishes are granted, thanks is offered by sponsoring performances of Thai classical dance. These shows provide an ideal opportunity to see classical dance in an unusual setting.

The Thailand Cultural Centre
Ratchadaphisek Road, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 247 0028

The centre features Thai dance and musical performances.

The National Art Gallery
Chao Fa Road, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 282 2639

This gallery exhibits the works of both modern and traditional Thai artists.

Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)
Traimit Road, Bangkok

Home to the largest solid gold Buddha in the world. It was cast about 900 years ago and is three metres tall. At one time the statue was covered in plaster, and the golden Buddha inside was forgotten. However, the five-ton statue's full glory was rediscovered whilst being moved, when it was dropped and the plaster cracked.