Destinations - Sights - Hotels

Most of the city center is east of the Chao Phraya River and almost all the sites are found here too. The river makes it possible to visit many attractions by boat.

The Chao Phraya River

Bangkok stretches along the great Chao Phraya River ("King River"), 20 km upstream from the Gulf of Thailand. A boat trip on the river should not be missed during your exploration of Bangkok. Along the 'royal mile', the busy stretch between the Khlong Bangkok Noi and the Khlong Bangkok Yai, you can glimpse the Grand Palace, temples, colonial buildings, and riverside life against the backdrop of Bangkok's modern skyline. For a romantic evening on the River of Kings, we highly recommend our exclusive dinner cruise and admire the many illuminated monuments.

West of the Chao Phraya River

Thonburi

This present-day district, on the west side of the Chao Phraya River, was the capital of Thailand from 1767 to 1782. Many of the khlongs (canals), the traditional waterways, are still preserved. The best way to explore Thonburi is by longtail boat. During our 'khlong tour' you will get a good picture of life along and on the water. Houses on stilts, temples, mansions, and floating shops interspersed with green plantations. Thonburi is also home to the majestic Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), located on the banks of the Chao Phraya and the National Museum of Royal Barges located along the khlong Bangkok Noi.

East of the Chao Phraya River

The Old City - Rattanokosin

The Old City is the spiritual and historical heart of Bangkok full of temples and shrines. It was the center of the new capital Rattanakosin founded in 1782 by Rama I on the east side of the Chao Phraya River. Under Rama I, the construction of a fortified city on the model of Ayutthaya began, whereby by means of an artificial canal (fort moat) called Khlong Lot, an island was created in a bend of the river, which was called Rattanakosin.

-The main attraction is the Grand Palace (Royal Palace) and the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). This beautiful temple houses the most revered Buddha statue in Thailand. A visit to this enormous complex should not be missed during your exploration of Bangkok and is included in our Bangkok explorers.

-Direct to the south of the Grand Palace is Wat Pho (officially known as Wat Chetuphon), the city's oldest and largest temple with its many pagodas and the giant Reclining Buddha. Just south of Wat Pho and by the river is the large Pak Khlong Market. The 24-hour market supplies the city with fresh food, vegetables and flowers and is therefore a paradise for flower lovers.

-Direct to the north of the Royal Palace is Sanam Luang' ("King's Field"), the site of royal cremations, the annual Kite Festival and the Royal Plowing Ceremony.

-On the west side of the field is the 'National Museum'. Home to one of Southeast Asia's largest and most complete collections, this museum provides an excellent introduction to Thailand's arts, crafts and history.

-On the north side of Sanam Luang is the National Gallery, Thailand's premier modern art museum. North and within walking distance of the National Art Museum is the well-known Khao San road, popular with backpackers.

-On the east side of Sanam Luang, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Bangkok's first boulevard, starts at the Lak Muang (shrine of the city pillar - housing the guardian spirit of the city) and runs along Sanam Luang, before veering east at the Royal Hotel. After this, the road leads past the Democracy Monument, built in 1939 to commemorate the 1932 revolution. A short walk away is the unique style Wat Rachanadda, also known as the 'Metal Monastery' and the Wat Saket ('The Temple on the Golden Hill'), once the highest point in Bangkok. From here, the avenue heads north to the Dusit district. (See below)

-South of the Democracy Monument is the Wat Suthat with the largest wihan (prayer hall) in Bangkok and the Giant Swing.

Dusit

Dusit, the district north of the old city, is the center of Thai civil service and an oasis of relative calm in the busy city. Tree-lined avenues, khlongs, historic buildings and the low skyline have been preserved here. Dusit is the political center, the National Assembly, the government building, several ministries, and the Prime Minister's house are in this neighborhood. Dusit is also still the royal quarter of Bangkok with the Chitralada Palace, the official residence of the Thai royal couple. Ratchadamnoen avenue ends at the King Rama V Monument, the equestrian statue of King Rama V on the main parade ground, with the beautiful Ananta Samakorn building in the background. Near the Dusit Park you will find the Wat Benchamabophit (the 'marble' temple). Located in Dusit Park, Vimanmek Palace and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall are closed to the public and are now used by the royal family for private purposes.

Hotels in Dusit district:

Chinatown

South of the old city is Chinatown. From the river and around Sampeng Lane and Yaowarat Road and Charoen Krung Road is a maze of narrow alleys full of market stalls selling everything, spice shops, trinkets and eateries. This busy part of the city is the center of Chinese life in Bangkok where you will be short of eyes and ears. At the end of Charoen Krung Road, Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha) houses the world's largest golden statue, a four-meter-high Buddha weighing 5,500 kg.

Bangrak

South of Chinatown is the Bangrak district. The Old Farang district is located between the Chao Phraya River and the Si Rat Expressway. This area was the port and center of foreign trade in the 19th century. In 1820 Portugal built its first embassy and other embassies soon followed, such as that of France. The outside influences resulted in a mixture of western and eastern architectural styles. The famous Mandarin Oriental Hotel is located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River and some beautiful colonial buildings have been preserved nearby. You will also find the Assumption Cathedral here.

Silom & Sathorn Rd.

East of the Si Rat Expressway is Silom Road, a wide and bustling street lined with luxury hotels, bars and restaurants, offices and banks, shopping centers and street vendors, and a subway and skytrain. The Patpong-Silom night market offers souvenirs and counterfeit goods. Another popular destination is the modern department store Silom Complex. At the end of this street is the beautiful Lumphini Park, a green tropical oasis that stretches around 2 ponds. Between Silom and Sathorn Rd. and at the Chong Nongsri skytrain station is the Mahanakorn Tower, currently Thailand's tallest building. From the observation deck (the skywalk) you have a magnificent view over the city. South of Sathorn Road on the boardwalk of the Chao Phraya River is the Asiatique The Riverfront entertainment complex.

Siam: around Rama I & Phloenchit Rd.

To the northwest of Lumphini Park stands the well-known Erawan Shrine and marks the beginning of the main shopping district in the heart of Bangkok. Shopping enthusiasts can indulge in the many department stores within walking distance of each other around Rama I and Phloenchit Rd. One of the most beautiful shopping havens in Bangkok is the ultra-modern Siam Paragon Shopping Mall. You will find all well-known brands there and you can even discover the underwater world of Siam Ocean World. Siam Paragon is easily accessible by skytrain, because both the Sukhumvit and Silom lines serve the main station Siam. To the west of Siam Paragon towards the National stadium is the Mah Boon shopping centre (MBK Centre), more like a street market spread over 8 floors, selling all kinds of cheap locally produced products and counterfeit goods. Also nearby is Jim Thompson House, a museum housed in traditional style teak houses in a pretty flower garden, with a collection of antiques and artefacts from the former 'silk king' Jim Thompson. Other centrally located shopping centers include Central World Plaza, Siam Center and Siam Discovery and Gaysorn Plaza.

Pratunam

North of Siam Square is the Pratunam district. Here is the Baiyoke Tower II where you have a beautiful view of the city from the observation deck on the 83rd floor and with restaurants and bars between the 77th and 83rd floors. Further north is Suan Pakkad Palace, a museum consisting of a group of 5 traditional houses set in a lush garden with an impressive art collection from the former royal couple.

Sukhumvit & Asoke Rd.

The well-known Sukhumvit Road begins on the east side of Phloenchit Rd and the Chalerm Mahanakhon Expressway. Along the entire length of the street are many hotels, restaurants, bars, modern shopping centers and offices, a metro and skytrain. In addition to the luxury shopping centers including Emporium, you can also hunt for cheap souvenirs here that are sold by the many street vendors. Here you will also find the Planetarium Bangkok. Near the intersection with Asoke Road is Terminal 21 Asoke Shopping Center and Benjakitti Park

Beyond the Center

Bangkok also has many interesting sights outside the center

-Chatuchak weekendmarkt

In Chatuchak district, in a northern part of Bangkok between the Northern bus terminal (Mo Chit) and Bangsu Railroad station. The largest market in Thailand, it has more than 15,000 stalls with a huge variety of goods for sale and occupies the space of five football fields. Open every Saturday and Sunday between 7am-6pm

-Koh Kret island

Koh Kret, a tiny river island, accessible only by boat, lies in Nonthaburi, the northernmost district of Bangkok. It has a pleasant, provincial atmosphere that contrasts with the chaos of the capital just down the river. The island is home to a community of craftsmen, who are famous for their distinctive style of pottery.

-Muang Boran – Ancient city

Located in Samut Prakarn in the southeastern district of Bangkok. A surprisingly interesting open-air theme park with replicas of important Thai monuments and real buildings and statues that have been restored to their former glory.

-Bang Krachao Island

In Bang Khun Tian, ​​the southernmost district of Bangkok, bordering the Gulf of Thailand. On this 'island in the Chao Phraya River' you find yourself in a completely different world, known as the 'green lung' of Bangkok, where you will find no car traffic.

Suvarnabumi International Airport

Approx 30 km southwest of the city center

BANGKOK HOTELS

Chao Phraya River

*Ibis Bangkok Riverside - 3 Stars (3 / 5) *Riva Surya - 4 Stars (4/5) *Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok - 4 Stars (4/5)

*Ramada Plaza by Windham Bangkok Menam Riverside - 4.5 Stars (4.5/5) *Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa - 5 Stars (5/5)

*Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel - 5 Stars (5/5) *Shangri-La Hotel - 5 Stars (5/5) *The Siam - 5 Stars (5/5) (Dusit district)

*Mandarin Oriental Hotel - 5 Stars (5/5)

The Old City (north of Sanam Luang - Khao San area)

*Buddy Lodge Hotel - 3 Stars (3/5) *Nouvo City Hotel - 4 Stars (4/5)

*Dusit

*The Siam - 5 Stars (5/5) (see Chao Phraya River)

Chinatown

*W22 Hotel - 3 Stars (3/5) *Shanghai Mansion - 4 Stars (4/5)

Bangrak

*Mandarin Oriental Hotel - 5 Stars (5/5) (see Chao Phraya River)

Silom Rd.

*Silom Serene Boutique Hotel - 3 Stars (3/5) *Furama Silom Bangkok - 4 Stars (4/5) *Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom - 4 Stars (4/4)

*Bandara Suites Silom Bangkok - 5 Stars (5/5) *Pullman Bangkok Hotel G - 5 Stars (5/5)

Sathorn Rd.

*U Sathorn Bangkok - 5 Stars (5/5)

Siam - Pathumwan

*Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok - 5 Stars (5/5)

Pratunam

*Eastin Hotel Makkasan - 4 Stars (4/5)

Sukhumvit

*Royal Benja Hotel - 3 Stars (3/5) *Travel Lodge Sukhumvit 11 - 3 Stars (3/5) *Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 - 4 Stars (4/5)

*Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok - 4 Stars (4/5) *The Landmark Bangkok - 5 Stars (5/5) *Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queens Park - 5 Stars (5/5

Asoke

*Shama Lake View Asoke Bangkok - 4 Stars (4/5)

Suvarnabumi Airport

*The Cottage - 3 Stars (3/5) *At Residence Suvarnabumi - 3.5 Stars (3.5/5) *Novotel Suvarnabumi Airport Hotel - 4.5 Stars (4.5/5)

Grand Palace (Royal Palace) and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

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