Bangkok - the capital has never been invaded

Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand has never been colonized, so the country has still remained its intact culture and heritage.

Established by the first king of the Chakri Dynasty in 1782, Bangkok is the center of religion, culture, diplomacy, commerce and education of Thailand. The city stretches over an area of ​​1,500 square kilometers, and its population is about 10 million, accounting for over 10% of the national population.

For visitors, the capital of Thailand is like the lavish banquet whose menu includes plentiful and stunning tourist destinations. Travelers will have great chances to experience modern infrastructure, unique attractions and excellent local cuisine here.

Furthermore, this place possesses around 400 gorgeous Buddhist temples, magnificent palaces, numerous commercial centers and arts venues. That is the reason why the tourists who have come here many times have never felt bored.

Bangkok is regarded as being achieved astounding success in combining ancient with the modern world.

Tourist Attractions

The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The Grand Palace is the home of many temples that were richly decorated with gilded roofs. This place boasts an exhibition of Thai Royal’s decorations and coins.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is magnificent and gorgeous and kept the Emerald Buddha statue - the most revered Buddha statue in Thailand.

It opens daily from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm, except for special days when ceremonies are held. Admission fee is 200 baht (7 USD). Visitors must dress smartly and simply.

Bangkok has a number of temples which were built elaborately. Photo: Internet

Ananta Samakhom Thorne Hall

Situated on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, Thorne Hall in the style of Italian renaissance was built by marble during the reign of King Rama V. Its dome is especially striking due to the paintings depicting the great amusements of the royal family during the reign of King Rama I to Rama VI.

Today, Ananta Samakhom Thorne Hall is used to organize important ceremonies of the royal family and the state. While the Palace opens on Saturday of the 2nd week of January only, its outdoor area opens daily.

Wat Mahathat

Wat Mathathat, also known as Temple of the Great Relic, is the national center of the Mahanikai monastic sect. It is also the headquarter of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, one of the Thai Buddhist Universities training the highest title of Buddhist in Thailand. The temple opens freely every day.

Vimanmek Mansion

Vimanmek Mansion, once the residence of the Royal, is the world's biggest gilded teak temple built by King Rama V in 1901. It was renovated from late 19th century to early 20th and has become the place storing priceless treasures and royal souvenirs on the orders of Queen Sirikit.

Royal Elephant National Museum

Thai people have considered white elephant as a sacred animal and the symbol of wisdom and fertility. At the museum, visitors have wonderful opportunities to admire a lot of paintings of royal elephants. The museum opens every day from 9 am to 4 pm.

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha), the largest temple in Bangkok, is located next to the Grand Palace. The gilded Buddha, cast in 1832, is 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height.

Wat Pho opens daily from 8.30 am to 5 pm. Tourists who intend to visit this place must dress smartly and simply.

The well-known Reclining Buddha in Thailand. Photo: Passport 2

The Temple of the Golden Buddha

Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha) at the end of Yaowarat Road houses, is the place where put the 700-year-old Buddha statue cast with five tons and a half of gold. This is one of the most sacred and important Buddhist statues. The temple opens daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

Giant Swing

The 200-year-old giant swing is located outside the temple of Wat Suthat and was used in Hindu rituals. Previously, there were swinging contests held in Bangkok in order to find out the most courageous people, but today this extreme game has been banned.

Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute

The institute, lying near Chulalongkorn Hospital, is a snake farm featuring plentiful venomous snakes whose venom is extracted to produce anti-venom serum used for saving snake bitten victims.

The farm opens from 8:30 am to 4 pm on weekdays. Visitors can watch the process of extracting venom from 11 am to 2:30 pm daily.

Siriraj Museum

Siriraj Medical Museum becomes one of the Bangkok's most famous hospitals partly due to its Forensic Medicine Museum which boasts mummies of serial killers, criminals, and victims of crimes and accidents. The most well-known character is Si Oui – the brutal killer who had an appalling habit of eating victims’ livers. His mummy with a challenging look was placed in a glass case.