The 'City of Angels' may have had its share of bad luck, but things seem to be progressively moving towards normalcy. In fact, many countries are toning down their level of warning pertaining to travel to Bangkok. After all, the city is one of the hottest travel destinations in the world, not to mention cheap, given the wide plethora of experiences that visitors can indulge in. Here is a small sampling of what Bangkok has to offer.
National Museum
This is among the largest museums in Thailand and houses an exotic array of artifacts dating back until the Neolithic age. Done up in traditional Thai architectural style, this immense museum is a sight in itself. The grand Teak Pavilion is perhaps the hottest draw here.
Wat Pho
Wat Pho or Temple of the Reclining Buddha is Bangkok's largest and oldest temple. The temple's main claim to fame is its humongous statue of a reclining Buddha. This gold plated statue makes for an imposingly stunning sight. The temple is also famed for its emphasis on teaching herbal medication and traditional massage.
Vimanmek Palace
Opulence all but screams at the Vimanmek Palace. This is the largest building in the world to be entirely made up in golden teak. Standing in the midst of excellently maintained lawns, the palace has as many as 31 exhibition rooms.
Royal Grand Palace
This historic structure is a walled complex housing a number of magnificent palaces elaborately done up in ceramics and tiles. A major highlight here is the Wat Phra Khaeo, the holiest temple in Thailand. This temple is home to the statue of the well renowned holy statue of the Emerald Buddha.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun or The Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun stands on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The elaborate usage of colourful tiles in its decoration gives the temple a brilliantly dazzling appearance from a distance. Wat Arun was the earlier site of the Emerald Buddha statue.
Royal Barge National Museum
Check out the barges once used by the royal family. These intricately gilded long narrow boats required 50 to 60 rowers each.
Jim Thompson Thai House
Jim Thompson was an American who revolutionised the silk industry of Thailand. Today, his house in Bangkok serves as a museum, showcasing Jim's Asian artifact collection. The house itself is an attraction of sorts. It was made up of six traditional teak structures brought from different parts of Thailand.
Sanam Luang
Nestling among old tamarind trees, Sanam Luang serves as the venue for different ceremonies like kite flying and the Ploughing Ceremony. To get a complete feel of the place, book a cheap Bangkok holiday during one of the major festivals.
Floating Market and Night Markets
Holidays to Bangkok remain incomplete without a feel of its shopping scene. Among the numerous shopping experiences in the city, the floating market makes for a unique and unforgettable experience. Similarly, bargain hunters may steal some fabulous deals at the night markets of Bangkok.
Siam Ocean World
This is the place to come up close to exotic deep sea denizens. The adventurous souls may go diving with sharks here. These are just a few of the numerous spoilers awaiting those who buy holiday packages to Bangkok.
Chinatown
Finally, the Chinatown does merit a mention. This bustling area fascinates with its numerous maze like lanes and charming little shops selling a wide plethora of items. Near to Chinatown is Phahurat, or the main Indian area packed full of bright little fabric shops and restaurants.
