Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The Chao Phraya River, full of boats, feeds its network of canals, flowing through the royal district of Rattanakosin, home to the opulent Grand Palace and its sacred temple of Wat Phra Kaew. Nearby is the Wat Pho Temple with a huge reclining Buddha and, on the opposite bank, the Wat Arun Temple with its steep stairs and a Khmer-style tower.
1. Dusit Palace
Dusit Palace is the name of the complex of royal residences, built in European style between 1897 and 1901 for King Rama V. The most outstanding building is the Vimanmek mansion, built in golden teak wood. The largest wooden mansion in the world, it contains 31 exhibition halls, as well as the throne room, bathrooms and bedrooms. If you visit the Grand Palace before this one be sure to keep your ticket, as it gives you free entrance to the mansion.
2. Wat Arun
Located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun ("Temple of Dawn") is one of Bangkok's oldest and most famous tourist attractions. The temple is an architectural representation of Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology. Despite its name, the best views of Wat Arun are at night with the sun behind.
3. Grand Palace & Wat Prakeaw
The construction of the Grand Palace began in 1782 when the capital of Siam was moved from Thonburi to Bangkok. The palace served as the residence of the kings of Thailand until the mysterious death of King Ananda Mahidol in 1946. His brother King Bhumibol Adulyadej who succeeded him moved permanently to the Chitralada Palace. Today the palace is a major tourist attraction of Bangkok. Part of the palace complex is dedicated to a royal temple, Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred temple in Thailand and the home of the famous Emerald Buddha. A jade statue adorned in golden clothes.
4. Floating Market
Floating market can only be visited if you have additional days in Bangkok. A visit to a floating market will take you half a full day away from your schedule as it is a 1 to 2 hour drive from Bangkok city. While many tourism agencies will recommend you visit the original floating market of Damnoen Saduak, I personally prefer the floating market of Amphawa as it is less touristy.
5. Koh Lanta Island
Koh Lanta is one of the most pristine islands in Thailand, and a particularly attractive destination for beach lovers. Compared to the crowded beaches and mass tourism of Phuket and Samui, Koh Lanta offers rustic charm and a relaxed atmosphere. The best beaches of Koh Lanta can be found along its western and southern coasts. Bamboo Beach (photo) is particularly serene. Located on the southern tip of Koh Lanta, this 500-meter-long beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and lounging. It has crystal clear water and a beautiful background of lush forest. Bamboo Beach has three boutique style resorts, so it is never crowded.
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