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With its many temples, palaces, museums and markets, Thailand's capital requires a minimum of three days to appreciate the very least of its sites, though a week would give serious travellers a little more time to soak up more of Bangkok's wonders.

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo

Featuring some of the most spectacular architecture in Southeast Asia, this huge compound near Sanam Luang occupies an area of about one square mile..

The palace and temple were the inspiration of the first king of the Chakri dynasty upon moving his capital across the river from Thonburi. Begun in 1782, the palace buildings are highly decorated with unique architectural details. The royal temple of Wat Phra Kaeo houses the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand.

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Other Temples

There are many other temples to visit around Bangkok. A few are listed below.

Wat Arun, opposite the Grand Palace on the Chao Phraya River - the temple is easily spotted on Bangkok's skyline by it's tall thin pagodas decorated with ceramic tiles and fragments of multi-coloured porcelain. Easy access is by boat from Tha Tien Pier, near Wat Pho. Wat Pho is the largest temple in Bangkok, it is also famous for its 46 meter long, 15 meter high gold-plated reclining Buddha. Wat Mahathat is located on Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University and in the vicinity of the Grand Palace. Wat Saket is another prominent landmark on Bangkok's skyline, Wat Saket features an artificial hill topped by a gilded pagoda which is 260 feet in height from its base.

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Museums

Bangkok has a wealth of museums and other cultural attractions well worh a visit. A few are listed here.

The National Museum near the Grand Palace houses a collection of artifacts found in all parts of the country. Open everyday, except Mondays, Tuesdays, and annual holidays, from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Admission fee is 40 baht. The National Gallery Museum on Chao Fa Road opposite the National Museum has traditional and contemporary works of art. Open everyday except Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. The Royal Barge National Museum, near Phra Pin Klao Bridge houses barges used on royal occasions and formerly at war. Open everyday from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Getting there - by long tail boat from any pier along the river. Jim Thompson's Thai House on Kasemsan 2 opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Road shows Mr.Thompson's collection of Asian artifacts and many other fabulous antiques. Open everyday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

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