The Grand Palace
Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of the grandeur architectural style. Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. In the present time, The Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes.
Khao San Road
Khaosan road is near Bang Lam Phu and Ratchadamnern Klang road. It has cheap accommodations, making the road popular among foreign tourists.
It is located in the Bang Lamphu area near Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue. It is a popular budget accommodation destination for international tourists and a meeting point for travellers from all over the world. Originally, this area was a very prosperous rice trading area during the reign of King Rama VI, but nowadays, it has become one of the most popular places for foreign tourists to visit because of Khao San Road. There are many guest houses; therefore, it is convenient for accommodation. In terms of location, it is also considered very good as Khao San Road is in the heart of the city and close to many major attractions like Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Bowonniwet, Wat Saket, Wat Ratchanaddaram, Democracy Monument, National Museum, and also close to shopping areas like Bang Lamphu, Tha Phra Chan, Phra Athit Road, and close to Santichaiprakarn Park as well. The charm of Khao San Road that foreign tourists are interested in is at night. Khao San Road becomes a centre of international restaurants, both as a regular shops and street food. Foreigners can easily try to taste the different flavours of Thai food. There are also many shops for listening to music, including shops selling a variety of goods and others offering various services. Khao San Road is therefore one of the most popular gathering places for foreign tourists in Bangkok.
Asiatique The Riverfront
It is located on Charoen Krung Road and is a gigantic shopping venue on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. It modified the former port warehouse of the East Asiatic Company, and the colonial-style structure is according to the culture of the reign of King Rama V the Great. It is divided into four zones: Charoen Krung District with more than 1,000 shops selling souvenirs and decorative products. Town Square District has an integration of Eastern and Western cultures with different performance activities, e.g., Joe Louis Puppet Show, the Calypso Show, etc. as well as various types of restaurants. Factory District is a 100-year-old sawmill area decorated to be modern to make it a fashion store, both costumes and accessories. Waterfront District comprises restaurants in the atmosphere of the Chao Phraya River and a walkway along the Chao Phraya River, a distance of 100 metres to see the scenery like a panoramic view. In addition, within the area there are seven wonders: a World War I bunker, an old tram, an old sawmill, a sawmill crane, an arched warehouse over 100 years old, historical port, and a separate crane of the waterfront. There is also modern playing equipment of the Asiatique Sky Ferris wheel that is 60 metres high. Sit and watch the surrounding scenery and the Mystery Mansion that was built from an innovation and imported from Italy. Inside, there is a light and sound show and games that are interesting, including a small puppet show by Joe Louis. Open daily 11.00 – 24.00 hrs. For further details contact, Tel. 09 2246 0812 (during office hours 16.00 – 22.00 hrs.) and 0 2108 4488 (during office hours 10.00 – 18.00 hrs.); website: www.asiatiquethailand.com.
Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon is the first and the biggest world-class shopping destination in Thailand that has become a legend and a must-see Bangkok landmark for both local and international visitors. Attracting millions of visitors annually, it consistently ranks as the most photographed mall in the world. Amid the time of economic crisis in 2005, Siam Paragon was grandly launched with US$ 460 million investment – the highest private investment in Thailand at the time and tremendously helped restore international investor’s confidence to the country. It has since become the unrivalled epicenter of modern life in Bangkok, bringing together an all-encompassing and magnificent collection of retail, world-class entertainment & attractions and dining destinations with a uniquely immersive experience. Thai and international shoppers alike continue to vote Siam Paragon as their most favorite shopping destination, while retailers report one of the most outstanding sales performances in the region and growth, consistently, year after year.
China Town
It is the largest Chinese community in Thailand. The Chinese began to trade with the Thai people since the reign of King Rama I the Great, which the commercial centre was around Ratchawong Pier. Later, in the reign of King Rama V the Great, roads were built to promote trade, and the King graciously bestowed the name Yaowarat Road. At present, Yaowarat Road is known by tourists worldwide as a source of popular street food. There are restaurants both inside buildings and set up along the road. In other words, there are all kinds of international dishes to choose from. This includes savoury dishes and various desserts, as well as a market selling fresh food and foods that are ingredients used for cooking and the selling of colourful Chinese clothes. In addition, Yaowarat Road is the venue for important Chinese festivals, e.g., Chinese New Year (during January) and the Vegetarian Festival (around October). Also, on this road, there are religious sites of many religions, e.g., Theravada-Mahayana Buddhism, Christian, Muslim, and shrines of many Chinese deities, including many old buildings with beautiful architecture.