6 New Outdoor Attractions in Bangkok That You Must Visit!
Bangkok continues to be one of the favorite destinations in Southeast Asia for tourists looking to holiday in Asia. In fact, according to data from Money Transfer – a global money transfer service provider, Thailand has been revealed as the country with the most tourists this year.
As a renowned center of Buddhist religion, the city is filled with sacred sites that are also tourist destinations. Additionally, its cheap shopping centers and diverse, unique street food are also highlights and attractions for tourists.
Well, if you're planning a trip abroad and are curious to try the uniqueness of Thai cuisine, this is the right article for you! Discover more about the latest tourist destinations in the Thai capital below.
1. Grand Palace
Location: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Opening hours: 08:30 - 15:30 local time.
The Grand Palace is certainly the first must-visit tourist destination. Not only is it a tourist destination, but it also symbolizes the grandeur and historical heritage of Thailand that captivates tourists. This palace was the center of culture, religion, and the power of Siamese kings from 1782 - 1925.
To this day, the Grand Palace still maintains its function for official events and royal ceremonies. Comprising various structures, from vast courtyards to places of worship, the Grand Palace blends diverse architectural styles, including distinctive Thai architecture, Western-style gardens, and buildings with a strong Western feel.
The Emerald Buddha statue, a sacred icon of the Thai kingdom, is the main attraction. Its presence in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a religious center for the majority of Buddhists in Thailand. This statue is made of gemstone with a gold layer and is considered the guardian and protector of the kingdom.
Visitors can explore the temples, historical buildings, and unique architecture. Although open to tourists, the Grand Palace still functions as a place of worship, so visitors are advised to dress modestly as a sign of respect.
2. Wat Pho
Location: 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand
Opening hours: Wednesday - Thursday 07:00-18:00, Friday 18:00-24:00, and Saturday - Sunday 09:00 -18:00 local time.
Wat Pho, also known by its official name Wat Prachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam, is a Buddhist temple that is an amazing cultural heritage of Thailand. This temple is famous for its gilded reclining Buddha statue. The statue is 15 meters high and 46 meters long.
This temple is a place where people can learn and gain knowledge at every corner, recording the principles of traditional Thai massage that are still taught today. Recognition by UNESCO as Memory of the World in 2008 affirms the importance of Wat Pho as a guardian of invaluable documentary heritage for Asia and the Pacific.
Uniquely, there are 152 reliefs in this temple that depict the Thai version of the Ramayana story, namely Ramakien. Wat Pho is not only rich in carved art dedicated to the first four kings of Thailand but also unique with the use of four different colors representing each king.
This temple is also famous as a center for the development of traditional medicine and the famous Thai massage, even becoming the first public university in Thailand since the reign of King Rama III. To explore Wat Pho, you only need to pay 100 THB with a bonus of free mineral water!
3. Wat Arun
Location: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok, Thailand.
Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00 local time.
In addition to Wat Pho, Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, also holds the beauty and heritage of the Ayutthaya era, serving as a symbol of Thailand's historical grandeur. Wat Arun is one of the oldest historical sites.
Unlike most other temples, Wat Arun does not display the brilliance of golden walls; most of its walls and spires are covered with colorful porcelain and ceramics from China. This is why the best time to enjoy the magnificence of Wat Arun is at sunrise – just like its name, the Temple of Dawn.
To visit Wat Arun, you only need to cross the Chao Phraya River via the Tha Thien pier. You can buy an entrance ticket for 50 THB, which includes access to souvenir stalls offering various goods with services in Indonesian and accepting payment in Rupiah!
4. Chao Phraya River
Location: Phra Phutta Yodfa Bridge, Rama VIII Bridge
The Chao Phraya River is the main waterway that divides Thailand, flowing through Bangkok towards the Gulf of Thailand. You can witness the daily lives of people along the river. They also engage in activities and use water transportation such as boats. In fact, some people living near the river even own personal speed boats!
To maximize your holiday experience in Thailand, you can enjoy the beauty of the Chao Phraya River by cruising on the luxurious Chao Phraya Princess Cruise. From the ship, visitors will be treated to stunning views, such as ancient temples and the beauty of the Grand Palace.
Along the Chao Phraya River, there are several cool tourist spots you can visit. Just prepare 10-15 Baht for the boat fare. Visitors can enjoy a journey along the river to these destinations.
Among them is Asiatique the Riverfront, a port-themed night market, especially from Sathorn Taksin. Asiatique offers a variety of experiences from tasting seafood and authentic Thai dishes to shopping for cosmetics and unique Thai souvenirs.
Meanwhile, there is also an art and architecture museum, as well as the Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC) which attracts artists and design enthusiasts. There is also Lhong 1919, a tourist spot that was formerly a temple and later transformed into cafes, artistic souvenir shops, and was a residential area for people of Chinese descent in Bangkok. Find antiques, boutiques, and river views with live music at River City Bangkok Mall.
5. Safari World
Location: 99 Panya Indra Rd, Sam Wa Tawan Tok, Khlong Sam Wa, Bangkok 10510, Thailand
Opening hours: Tuesday - Friday 9:00 - 16:30, Saturday - Sunday 9:00 - 17:00 local time.
Another famous tourist destination in Thailand is Safari World. For Ballers who love diverse and protected unique animals, get an exciting experience with a combination of safari park and amusement park here.
Safari World Bangkok, or Bangkok Safari Park, is divided into two main parts: Safari Park and Marine Park. Safari Park, covering 480 hectares, features a variety of wild animals in their natural habitat. Visitors can explore the safari park by bus or car, observing various species such as lions, tigers, zebras, and more. There is also a special area for feeding docile animals like goats and rabbits!
Meanwhile, at Marine Park, visitors can enjoy various attractions and shows themed around marine life, such as mesmerizing dolphin shows, adorable sea lion shows, and exotic bird shows like parrots.
6. Chatuchak Weekend Market
Location: 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Opening hours: Wednesday - Thursday 07:00 - 18:00, Friday 06:00 - 00:00, Saturday - Sunday 09:00 - 18:00 local time.
Lastly, not to be missed is the Chatuchak Weekend Market, or simply Chatuchak Market, which has become a must-visit and most popular tourist destination. From local delicacies like Mango Sticky Rice to a variety of goods, everything is available here.
Also known as JJ Market among locals, Chatuchak Market in Bangkok spans 35 hectares, filled with 27 aisles and over 15,000 vendor stalls. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, this market attracted around 200,000 visitors daily, making it the largest weekend market in Thailand and worldwide.
Having moved locations for many years, Chatuchak Market finally settled permanently in Chatuchak Park in 1982. Since then, the market has become iconic with its landmark Clock Tower, and a bustling trade center with its characteristic bargaining culture and tempting Thai culinary delights.
Typically, from Monday to Thursday, only a portion of the stalls in this market are open. On weekends, however, about 11,000 stalls operate fully. To reach this market, you can take public transportation such as the BTS Skytrain to Mochit or the MRT Subway to Chatuchak Park.
Well, after exploring these recommended outdoor attractions in Bangkok, there's nothing more exciting than taking home beautiful memories from your trip. To ensure your journey is more comfortable and practical, don't miss out on special moments with Baller's latest collection.
