PenCities

Top Sights

• Chinatown and Pahurat
  Chinatown has grown into the country’s largest Chinese district and is a sprawl of narrow alleyways, temples and shop houses packed between Charoen Krung (also known as New Road) and the river, separated from Ratanakosin by the Indian area of Pahurat - famous for its cloth and dressmakers’ trimmings, bordered on the east by Hualamphong train station. There are almost 100 gold shops in the Sampeng quarter. Chinatown is captivating for its markets, shophouses, open-fronted warehouses and remnants of colonial-style architecture, and it also has a few noteworthy temples.
• The Grand Palace
  The Grand Palace is one of Bangkok’s major tourist attractions. Built in 1782, The Palace occupies an area of 218,400 square metres and is surrounded by walls totalling a length of 1,900 metres. Situated within the walls are the Royal residences, the Royal Chapel of the Emerald Buddha and Government offices.
• Chaloemkrung Royal Theatre
  Located on Charoenkrung Road in Phra Nakhon district, this theatre used to be Chaloemkrung movie house 111. The place was renovated to become a modern theatre well equipped with special effects and techniques including laser and multi-vision systems. There is a wide variety of performances on offer, including Khon (drama enacting scenes from Ramayana), plays, period dramas and movies. Khon at Sala Chalermkrung is performed every Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm. Tickets cost THB 800, THB 1,000 and THB 1,200.
  Charoenkrung Road, Phra Nakorn
  Reservations: (66-2) 224 4499
  www.salachalermkrung.com
  
• Royal Barges Museum
  This is one of the most interesting museums in Bangkok and gives visitors a real taste of Thailand’s rich river culture. The museum houses 50 or so beautifully designed and ornate longboats used by Thai kings for ceremonial purposes. The Sri Suppanhong (Golden Swan) barge features a swan figurehead carved into the bow and requires a crew of 50 paddlers. The museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and is located on the banks of Khlong Bangkok Noi near Phra Prinklao Bridge.
• Siam Niramit
  Siam Niramit is a world class spectacular of traditional Thai arts and cultural heritage, including the Village of the Four Regions. With its luxurious 2,000-seat theatre, this is one of the largest stage productions in the world. Amazing state-of-the-art special effects enhance an incredible show and display of Thai culture, traditions and mythology. Truly a gift from Thailand to the world.
  
  19 Tiamruammit Road., Huaykwang, Bangkok.
  Open 6:00 pm -10:00 pm. Showtime at 8:00 pm daily
  Reservations: +66 (0) 2649 9222
  www.siamniramit.com
  
• Wat Arun - The Temple of Dawn
  This is a favourite among Bangkok’s many temples. Visiting this remarkable and highly recognisable site at sunset or sunrise is a stunning experience. The temple is a classic Prang structure of Ayutthayan style, built as a representation of Mount Meru, home of the Khmer gods. According to scholars, a wat (temple) has occupied this spot along the river for centuries, but only in 1768 was it named the Temple of Dawn.
  
• Wat Pho - The Temple of The Reclining Buddha
  This famous statue was featured in the first season of Jerry Bruckheimer’s smash hit television show, The Amazing Race, and is the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok. The Buddha itself is 151 feet long and its feet alone are 10 feet long and inlaid with Mother of Pearl, marking the 108 auspicious signs. Around the statue are 108 bowls where visitors can place coins for good luck. Buy a packet of coins and make the circuit around the Buddha, putting one coin in each bowl. Afterwards, head outside to the Massage School of Wat Pho and enjoy an inexpensive but excellent massage.