Bangkok

Facts Bangkok

• Bangkok is a city of contrasts, where traditional Thai temples stand next to glittering skyscrapers and historic canals flow alongside modern shopping centers.
• One of the most famous places in Bangkok is the Royal Palace or simply “Grand Palace”, a breathtaking complex of buildings, temples and palaces that was once the royal residence and is now an important cultural and tourist center.
• Nearby, Wat Pho is home to a 46-meter-long reclining Buddha.
• Another Bangkok landmark is Wat Arun or “Temple of Dawn”, which is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and is known for its magnificent central tower decorated with colorful porcelain shards.
• Visitors can also take a relaxing boat trip along the river to explore the historic canals, traditional wooden houses and lively markets.
• In addition to the temples listed on this page, there are many more to see in Bangkok. Other examples are:
  • Wat Saket (Golden Mountain) – On a hill with an approx. 80 meter high tower (Chedi)
  • Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha) – Giant seated Buddha statue made of solid gold
  • Wat Paknam – At 69 meters, the largest seated Buddha in Bangkok’s outdoor area
  • Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan – 15 meter high and 11 meter wide seated Buddha statue
  • Wat Sitaram – Several large Buddha statues (sitting, standing, walking and lying) in the outdoor area
• Bangkok is also known for its exciting nightlife, which ranges from lively street markets to chic bars and clubs to traditional Thai boxing matches.
• Street markets such as the Chatuchak Weekend Market and the Patpong Night Market offer a wealth of souvenirs, clothing, handicrafts and local specialties.
• Bangkok is also a culinary paradise with an almost endless selection of restaurants, cookshops and street stalls offering everything from traditional Thai cuisine to international dishes.
• Bangkok is teeming with tuk-tuks. If possible, however, you should only take those with yellow license plates, which have an official license and protect you from being ripped off. Otherwise, the same applies as everywhere else in Thailand: bargain and be careful not to be offered something you don’t want. Stops at tailor shops, for example, are popular, where the tuk-tuk driver receives part of the proceeds from the custom-made items.
• In addition to conventional transportation options, Bangkok also offers Grab .

Travel time Bangkok

Cool season

Hot season

Rainy season

Events Bangkok

Airports

Sights & Facts

• Don Mueang International Airport (IATA code: DMK) is the older of the city’s two international airports and was Bangkok’s main airport until the opening of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2006.
• It is located north of Bangkok, around 24 kilometers from the city center, and has two terminals: Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic flights.
• Originally built as a military airfield, Don Mueang was later converted into a civil airport.
• Don Mueang serves as a hub for several low-cost airlines and offers a variety of flight connections to destinations throughout Thailand and the region.
• However, the majority of international traffic is handled via Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA code: BKK).
• The name “Suvarnabhumi” comes from Sanskrit and means “land of gold”.
• Suvarnabhumi Airport was officially opened on September 28, 2006 and has been an important hub for international air traffic in Southeast Asia ever since.
• It is located in Bang Phli, a district to the east of Bangkok, and is known for its impressive architecture, which combines modern elements with traditional Thai art and culture.
• Suvarnabhumi has a six-storey terminal building with a wide range of facilities and services, including duty-free stores, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange counters, hotels and much more.
• The airport is well connected to the city center of Bangkok and other parts of the country via highways as well as public transport such as trains and buses.
• As the two airports are approx. 50 km apart, a transfer by cab, Grab or bus takes approx. 1-2 hours. The airport shuttle bus can be used free of charge with a valid flight ticket. The exact operating times can be found on the website .
• The BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System) takes you by Skytrain from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city center. Phaya Thai is the terminus of the “City Line”. From here you can continue by cab, Grab, tuk-tuk, bus or other lines.

Ratchadamnoen Klang

Sights & Facts

• The street stretches from the Grand Palace to the Democracy Monument and is lined with historic buildings, government buildings and cultural sights.
• Ratchadamnoen Klang is also known for its historical significance in Thailand’s political and cultural life. Important events and parades regularly take place along the street, including royal processions, political rallies and cultural celebrations.
• The street is an important symbol of Thai history and identity and attracts tourists and locals alike.

MBK Center

Sights & Facts

• The MBK Center was opened in 1985 and has been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike ever since.
• The shopping center extends over eight floors and offers a wide range of retail stores, boutiques, electronics stores, restaurants, food courts, cinemas and entertainment options.
• The variety of products and goods available here is particularly noteworthy. From clothing and shoes to electronic items, cell phones, jewelry and souvenirs, there is something for every taste and budget.
• If you need something specific or need to have something repaired, you are sure to find it here.
• In addition, the MBK Center is known for its food courts, where visitors can sample a variety of local Thai dishes as well as international cuisine.

Grand Palace

Sights & Facts

• The royal palace was built in 1782 under King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty. It served as a royal residence until the middle of the 20th century.
• Today, the palace is mainly used for ceremonial occasions and as a tourist attraction. The current king no longer lives in the palace.
• The palace covers an area of around 218,400 square meters and is surrounded by a 1,900-meter-long wall.
• The architecture is a mixture of traditional Thai and European style elements that have evolved over the centuries.
• Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) or Wat Phra Kaeo is the spiritual heart of the palace and is home to the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred Buddha statue in Thailand.
• Chakri Maha Prasat , also known as the “Throne Hall”, combines Thai and neoclassical architecture. It is used for state receptions and ceremonies.
• The Dusit Maha Prasat is an important building for royal ceremonies, known for its Thai architecture and magnificent decorations.
• Phra Maha Montien is a complex of buildings that includes the main residence of the former kings.
• There is a strict dress code for visitors, according to which shoulders and knees must be covered. Shorts, miniskirts and sleeveless tops are not permitted.

Wat Pho

Sights & Facts

• Wat Pho is known for its imposing reclining Buddha, a massive golden statue that is over 46 meters long and 15 meters high. The statue is covered in gold leaf and depicts Buddha in the state of entering Nirvana.
• In addition to the reclining Buddha, the temple is home to numerous other Buddha statues as well as impressive chedis (stupas), pavilions and shrines.
• The temple also has a long history and has served as a center for education and traditional Thai medicine.
• In the 19th century, Wat Pho became one of Thailand’s first state universities, where various disciplines such as medicine, massage, astrology and literature were taught.
• In addition to its cultural significance, Wat Pho is also known for the traditional Thai massage that is practiced here. The temple has a renowned school for traditional Thai massage, where visitors can learn the art of massage.

Khao San

Sights & Facts

• The street is not far from Ratchadamnoen Klang Road and is lined with numerous guesthouses, hostels, hotels, restaurants, bars, stores, travel agencies and street vendors. Here, visitors will find a lively atmosphere that lasts day and night.
• During the day, travelers can buy souvenirs, stroll through the street stalls or relax in one of the many street cafés.
• After dark, the street and surrounding areas come to life when the bars and clubs open, live music is played and the streets fill with people from all over the world enjoying the nightlife.
• Over the years, Khao San Road has become a symbol of Bangkok’s vibrant and cosmopolitan flair.
• It is not only a place to spend the night and celebrate, but also a place where travelers from different cultures can meet, exchange experiences and make new friends.
• The road offers a variety of travel services, from booking excursions to planning onward travel to other parts of Thailand and Southeast Asia, and is the starting point or destination for many transfers.
• Although some scenes from the 2000 film “The Beach” with Leonardo Caprio are set on Khao San Road, the filming actually took place at other locations due to overcrowding.
• In the evening, Khao San Road offers many unusual things to eat, such as insects (e.g. grasshoppers, mealworms, cockroaches, worms, beetles and scorpions), laughing gas and so-called “ping-pong shows”.
• In addition to Khao San, Soi Cowboy is also a well-known entertainment street in the heart of Bangkok. It is located in the Sukhumvit district and is known for its lively nightlife and numerous go-go bars. The street owes its name to an American businessman who opened a bar called “Cowboy” in the 1970s.
• Many scenes for the 2011 film “Hangover 2” were shot in the entertainment district around Soi Cowboy and in Chinatown.
• Nana Plaza (Nana Entertainment Plaza) , also in Sukhumvit, and Patpong (Phat Pong) in the Bang Rak district with nightclubs, go-go bars, beer bars, massage parlors and adult nightclubs are also popular entertainment districts in Bangkok.

Chinatown

Sights & Facts

• Bangkok’s Chinatown is known for its lively atmosphere, rich culture, vibrant street life and, of course, delicious food.
• Countless stores, markets, restaurants, temples and impressive Chinese architecture line the streets.
• Famous are the cookshops and street stalls that offer a variety of dishes and snacks, including grilled meat, fried noodles, dim sum, fresh seafood and exotic fruits.
• Among the sights in Chinatown are Wat Traimit with its massive golden Buddha statue, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat , an important Chinese temple, and Kuan Yim Shrine , a shrine in honor of the Goddess of Mercy.
• Chinatown Bangkok is also a popular shopping district where visitors can find a variety of goods and products, including jewelry, textiles, traditional Chinese medicine, household goods and souvenirs.

Wat Intharawihan

Sights & Facts

• The main attraction of the temple is the imposing Buddha statue, known as “Luang Pho To”. The statue is around 32 meters high and exudes an impressive presence.
• It shows the Buddha in a standing posture, his right hand pointing downwards to represent the gesture of touching the earth (bhumisparsha mudra). The statue is decorated with golden paint and radiates a spiritual atmosphere.
• In addition to the impressive Buddha statue, Wat Intharawihan offers other interesting sights, including an ordained monk, the mummy of one of the temple’s famous meditation figures.
• The temple is an important place of worship and prayer for devout Buddhists and also attracts many visitors and tourists who come to admire the impressive statue and experience the tranquil and spiritual atmosphere of the temple.

Chao Phraya

Sights & Facts

• The Chao Phraya is not only an important transportation route for cargo and passenger ships, but also a source of irrigation and fishing, which contribute to the country’s economy.
• The river is of great historical importance and played a central role in the development of the Thai kingdom, especially during the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin eras.
• Along the Chao Phraya are some of Thailand’s most important historical sights, including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) .
• The Chao Phraya is also a major tourist attraction in Bangkok with promenades, restaurants, hotels and boat tours along its banks.
• A boat trip on the river not only offers visitors a magnificent view of the Bangkok skyline, but also an insight into the everyday life of the people along the river and their traditional way of life.

Skyline

Sights & Facts

• With a height of 314 meters, the King Power Mahanakhon Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Bangkok. Its unmistakable glass façade and striking spiral design make it a landmark on the skyline. It has a skywalk and a sky bar.
• ICONSIAM is a luxury shopping center and skyscraper complex on the banks of the Chao Phraya. It offers impressive architecture as well as exclusive shopping facilities and restaurants.
• The Baiyoke Tower II is the tallest skyscraper in Thailand with a total height of 328 meters. It houses a hotel, offices, restaurants and a viewing deck that offers a 360-degree view over Bangkok.
• The River is a striking residential complex on the banks of the Chao Phraya, offering luxurious apartments with panoramic views of the river and the city.
• There are also a number of other rooftops and sky bars in Bangkok, such as the Bangkok View Rooftop Bar on Khao San Road or the View Rooftop Bar in the Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam .
• Most sky bars in Bangkok have a special dress code, in which at least overly casual clothing should be avoided.

Siam Center

Sights & Facts

• The Siam Center was opened in 1973 and has been rebuilt and extended several times over the years.
• Today, it offers a wide selection of stores with international and local brands in the areas of fashion, accessories, cosmetics, electronics and more.
• The shopping center also stands out for its support of up-and-coming designers and brands. It regularly organizes fashion shows, events and exhibitions to showcase the work of talented young designers and provide them with a platform.
• In addition to the shopping facilities, the Siam Center offers a wide range of dining options, from local specialties to international restaurants and cafés.

Wat Bowon Niwet

Sights & Facts

• The temple was built during the reign of King Rama III in the 19th century and is closely associated with the Thai royal family.
• Wat Bowon Niwet is best known as the home of traditional Thai forest Buddhism, particularly the Thammayut Nikaya sect. This sect emphasizes strict adherence to the Buddhist monastic rules and intensive meditation.
• One famous monk associated with Wat Bowon Niwet is the late Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara Suvaddhana Mahathera, who received his monastic training here.
• King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and his son King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) also have a close relationship with this temple.
• Wat Bowon Niwet is known for its impressive architecture in traditional Thai style with ornate towers and elaborate carvings. The temple also houses many religious artifacts, statues and sacred shrines.

Damnoen Saduak

Sights & Facts

• The name “floating market” comes from the fact that trading takes place directly on the water. Traders and vendors sail along the canals in boats to present and sell their wares.
• The market offers a lively and colorful atmosphere. Tourists can buy traditional Thai food, fresh fruit, handicrafts, souvenirs and other local products directly from the boats.
• Many of the boats at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market are traditionally designed and the traders often wear traditional Thai clothing, giving the market a cultural charm.
• In addition to the market, visitors can also experience the local way of life and the beautiful landscapes of the surrounding area on boat tours along the canals.
• The market is usually at its liveliest in the morning until midday. It is advisable to arrive early to get the best deals and enjoy the atmosphere of the floating market to the full. Tours are often offered in Bangkok.

Bangkok

Impressions from various places in Bangkok.

centralwOrld

Sights & Facts

• The shopping center offers an impressive selection of stores, from international fashion brands to local handicrafts and designer furniture.
• New Year’s Eve in centralwOrld is a spectacular celebration that attracts thousands of people from all over the world every year.
• Local and international artists perform on several stages, from pop and rock to traditional Thai music.
• Various Thai boxing matches are also held.
• The highlight of the New Year’s Eve celebrations in centralwOrld is, of course, the exuberant fireworks display at midnight.