Bangkok Vacations

1. Great Palace

Gold-decorated roofs and facades welcome you to the former royal residence. The Great Palace was built in 1782 by Rama I and today houses a museum. During your Bangkok vacation, it is best to arrive just before the last entrance, then the biggest rush of visitors is over and take one of the free brochures with valuable information at the entrance.

2. Temple of the Emerald Buddha

One of the main attractions of the Great Palace is Wat Phra Kaeo, the temple of the Emerald Buddha, inside of which a statue of green shimmering jade represents the meditating Buddha. His golden robe is changed three times a year by the king at the beginning of the new season. Also have a look at the artistic murals which show the life of Buddha.

3. Temple of the Dawn

On the western bank of the Chao Phraya river the Wat Arun or temple of the dawn enchants with its elaborate decoration of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain. The holy monument offers you a particularly breathtaking sight at night when it is brightly illuminated.

4. Temple of the Golden Mountain

One of the oldest temples in Bangkok is Wat Saket - Temple of the Golden Mountain. To reach the golden Chedi on the top you have to climb about 300 steps, which at the beginning lead through shady gardens with splashing fountains and further up are lined with magnificent bells. Enjoy the view of the romantically illuminated city at sunset.

5. Wat Po

Wat Po attracts with a Buddha statue measuring 150 feet and covered with gold leaf, which lies stretched out inside the temple. If you want a wish to come true, buy temple coins and throw them into the bronze bowls. This is also the location of Bangkok's leading massage school, so you can really relax during a treatment by experienced masseurs.

6. Jim Thompson House

The private collection of the American businessman Jim Thompson is housed in typical Thai teak houses surrounded by an exotic park. A guided tour is interesting not only because of the exhibited art objects from Southeast Asia but also because of the history of traditional silk weaving in Thailand. Take a stroll through the cool gardens and take a look at the souvenirs made of high-quality silk.

7. Chinatown Bangkok

Like in China, you will feel like you are in this lively shopping district, where numerous shops and stalls are lined up side by side. Visitors haggle for gold, feast in the cookshops and sniff aromatic spices. Let yourself drift through the side streets, which are narrow and crowded, but always fascinate with bizarre goods and food.

8. Erawan shrine

This shrine is dedicated to the Hindu God Brahma and attracts countless believers daily. Originally it was meant to appease evil spirits that interfered with the construction of the luxury hotel Erawan in the 1950s. For a small donation of money, you too can place incense, candles or flowers in the Shrine to venerate the God of Mercy.

9. Floating markets

The floating markets in Damnoen Saduak promise an exceptional shopping experience. You will be taken to the stalls by boat on water channels. From handmade souvenirs, clothes and bags to jewellery, you will find a wide variety of goods. Enjoy fresh fruit or Phad Thai from the traders paddling by. Less