All the Temples, Museums, Monuments, Mansions to Drive you to Nirvana!

Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho Temple
Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho Temple

Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world, not only is it the gateway to Thailand but it’s full of unforgettable attractions! I’ve traveled to many Asian countries, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Cambodia, and am totally in awe of all things eastern! Suffice to say, Thailand is still my favorite!

What is Bangkok known for?

This non-stop metropolis boasts a unique cultural legacy, with popular attractions including the Grand Palace, temples, museums, Chinatown, Muay Thai stadiums and the famous walking streets. World-class shopping & dining opportunities also set Bangkok apart from other international cities.

Touted as ‘the city of angels,’ the people are extremely friendly and the atmosphere is wonderfully vibrant. The streets and architectural peculiarities embody a character that is both traditional, yet incredibly modern!

Some areas may appear to be a little unkempt and chaotic. But this is exactly what gives Bangkok its alluring charm!

Grand Palace in Bangkok

Bangkok’s Incredible Temples

Temples of all shapes, sizes, and allures play a vital role in Thai communities. Most of them are home to the ever-growing monk population.

If you don’t go see a temple, you’re missing the essence of Thailand!

There are thousands of temples in Bangkok alone!  

See My Bangkok Temple Guide Here.

In this guide, I’ve listed some of the most prolific temples in Bangkok such as the Grand Palace. There are also others that are no so well-known, yet equally as exquisite, such as the Wat Rachanadda Buddhist Temple.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is hands down my favorite historical structure to visit in Bangkok! Its towering spires and awe-inspiring architectural feats make this the crowned jewel of the city! A sight not to be missed! 

Explore the temples, get lost among the labyrinthine complex while taking pictures with any number of colorful locals!

Come for the art, and stay for the historical and cultural lessons!  Learn about the Monarchy, the reign of past Kings, and the spiritual significance this palace has instilled! 

Founded in 1782, this palace has housed the royal family for generations and is still used for important ceremonies until this day! Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to witness one while you’re here!

The Democracy Monument

Democracy Monument

Democracy Monument stands at the traffic circle on the wide Rajadamnoen Boulevard, a short walk from the infamous backpackers hang out, Khao San Road. It serves as a focal point during pro-democracy demonstrations of which have become an unusual and defining custom of Thai politics.

The monument represents Thailand’s transition to a constitutional monarchy and serves as a reminder of who died during the violent times in Thailand’s past. 

The Erawan Shrine

The Erawan Shrine

The Erawan Shrine occupies a site outside the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. The shrine is dedicated to the ancient Hindu creation god Brahma and his elephant mount. Residents and foreigners come here to improve their fortunes.

Come here if you want some help in winning the lottery or if you want an extra boost in grades at school!  

It’s a great place to get connected to oneself and the universe and express gratitude and maybe say a few prayers. 

Jim Thompson House Museum

The Jim Tompson House Museum

The Jim Thompson House Museum in downtown Bangkok is a must-see Thai-style home timelessly constructed from several traditional styled homes brought in from central Thailand. The American-born owner, Jim Thompson, came to the country at the end of the second world war where he revived the Thai silk industry until his mysterious disappearance in Malaysia on Easter Sunday 1967.

The Kamthieng House

Kamthieng House is a one hundred and sixty-year-old traditional Thai-style teak house that has been converted into a lovely folk art museum. The house was set up by the Siam Society to research, rediscover and preserve Thai Lanna Culture for future generations. It’s the only genuine ethnological museum here. Peer into what life was like in Northern Thailand during the nineteenth century! 

The Siriraj Medical Museum 

Siriraj Medical Museum

The Siriraj Medical Museum is a cutting-edge medical science museum. It’s intended to educate rather than shock, but it’s not for the squeamish!

Apart from an anomalous collection of skulls, horrific crime scenes, and murder weapons, the most popular is the museum of forensic medicine where you get to see pickled body parts. The most famous is that of a serial killer who suffocated and ate several children.

The Royal Barge Museum 

The Royal Barge Museum

The Royal Barge Museum lies on the north bank of Khlong Bangkok Noi just off the Chao Phraya River in the Thonburi area of Bangkok. Within its huge warehouse-like structure is a fascinating collection of 8 superbly crafted regal boats displaying magnificent mystical creatures on their prows.

The most important barge at the museum is the Sri Suphanahongsa exclusively reserved for the king. If you’re crazy about boats, you’re gonna love these ones!

Suan Pakkad Palace

Suan Pakkad Palace

See Suan Pakkad Palace ~ a group of traditional Thai teak houses assembled on what was once a cabbage patch and now converted into an impressive museum.

The grounds are considered to be among the finest landscaped gardens in Bangkok with many exotic plants collected from around the world and the jungles of Thailand. The renovated Lacquer Pavilion may be the highlight here, but there is also an amazing collection of art and artifacts to be seen in the museum.

Vimanmek Mansion

Vimanmek Mansion is right on Ratchawithi Road behind the National Assembly and is considered the largest golden teak building in the world. It’s an 81 room mansion containing a splendid collection of antique furniture, famous artifacts such as Faberge jewelry, ceramics, and other objects d’art from around Europe.

View over the Chao Phraya River

Chao Phraya River Cruises

Take a leisurely cruise on the Chao Phraya River where you’ll be able to stop at any one of the piers to view several historic sights. The Chao Phraya is known as the Venice of the East. Many of the attractions are easily accessible on or near the waterfront.

Asiatique The Riverfront

 Asiatique The Riverfront

Asiatique The Riverfront is one big shopping emporium and entertainment centre all rolled into one. It’s actually the new night market.

If you love to shop until you drop, fill your belly with some good food, go crazy over cabaret, or just want to enjoy meeting friends while watching the sunset over the Chao Phraya River, then this may be the right place for you! It’s fun for the whole family!

My top 15 Things to do in Bangkok at Night

Looking to have a night out with some friends here are some great ideas ~ full of good vibes!

My top 17 unusual things to do in Bangkok

Looking for something different in Bangkok? Take a look at these awesome things to do!

You may also like to visit these Thailand attractions

Phuket AttractionsPattaya Attractions