Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a fascinating city. And to the first-time tourist, the millions of sensations that greet you here might seem overwhelming at first glance. Bangkok can be seen and visited from many perspectives, depending on the passions you embrace. It can be a historical Bangkok, a religious Bangkok, a gastronomic Bangkok or, for the more adventurous, a Bangkok of mysteries.
Famous for its temples and monuments, Bangkok amazes the visitor with its blend of modernism and antiquity, history and contemporary fun, making it a favourite destination for tourists. The capital Bangkok is, therefore, a lively city full of surprises where you can discover fragments of Thai culture and history at every turn. It’s not an “easy” city, but once you get the hang of it, you will fall in love.
In 1238, the Kingdom of Sukhothai, called Siam by its neighbours, was founded in central Thailand. Bangkok became the Kingdom’s capital in 1782 under the Chakri dynasty, which still rules today. In 1932, following a military coup, Siam was transformed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one. In 1939 the name Siam was replaced by Thailand. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), the father of the current King Rama X, came to the throne in 1947 and ruled Thailand during one of the longest and most intense periods of development in the country’s history, earning a special place in the Thai people’s consciousness as the father of the nation.
These are the historical premises of a city which, despite being one of the busiest cities in the world, is also one of the most welcoming. For those who want to see Bangkok from a historical perspective, the places presented below represent the capital’s most important landmarks, some of that should be included on any visitor’s list of Bangkok.
When to visit Bangkok
First, however, let’s look at when to visit Bangkok. Bangkok’s climate is tropical, with high humidity. Temperatures exceed 26 degrees Celsius at any time of the year, making Bangkok a destination that can be visited anytime. And that’s because of some prejudices about when to go to Thailand’s Capital.
The peak season for Bangkok starts in November and lasts until April. During this period, the weather is warm, dry and perfect for sightseeing and sunbathing. The average temperature is 30 degrees Celsius. Also, hotel prices are high at this time, and the city is very crowded.
The off-season starts in May and lasts until October. Rains are more frequent but short-lived. The weather is enjoyable, and the high humidity will spoil the ladies’ hairstyles. The average temperature is 34 degrees Celsius.
What to visit in Bangkok from a historical point of view
Royal Grand Palace in Bangkok
The Royal Grand Palace of Bangkok constitutes a visit impossible to circumvent. The residence of the kings of Thailand from 1782 to 1946, the site houses multiple buildings as well as the Royal Chapel in which the Emerald Buddha is displayed.
The Royal Palace of Bangkok is located on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River in the historic centre of Bangkok. The Palace is close to the Bangkok National Museum, Wat Pho Temple and the Siam Museum.
Besides everything, Bangkok Palace has a dazzling architecture. King Rama I chose Bangkok in 1782 as the site of his new capital, abandoning Thonburi and building the Royal Palace. The size of the site is impressive: four two-kilometre-long walls surround the 29-hectare complex, which also includes temples, courtyards and numerous statues.
The Chakri Maha Prasat Palace, dating from the late 19th century, is particularly impressive. Surrounded by formal gardens, it houses the throne room. Not far away is the Celestial Palace, which was used for royal funerals. Another attractive building is the Royal Cabinet, with collections of ornaments, jewellery and coins.
The Emerald Buddha of Bangkok Palace
Located to the northeast of Bangkok Palace on the grounds of Wat Phra Kaew, the Royal Chapel is decorated with frescoes depicting episodes from the life of Buddha and houses the Emerald Buddha. Installed on an altar and topped by a golden parasol, the statue is made of jadeite and measures 60 cm high and 45 cm wide.
The origin of the Emerald Buddha remains a mystery. It was discovered in the early 15th century in the country’s north. The statue was moved several times before finally coming into the possession of King Rama I, who installed it in Wat Phra Kaew in 1785.
Depending on the season, the Buddha is dressed in three different outfits, one covered in gold, another adorned with diamonds and the third decorated with sapphires. The king or one of his ministers changes the costume. Near the Royal Chapel is the Phra Sri Ratana Chedi, a gold-covered chedi containing relics of Buddha.
Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho can be found behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the temple houses an impressive collection of inscriptions, sculptures, astronomical and archaeological works. In addition to these wonders, the temple has a superb garden with stone carvings, porcelain, a souvenir shop and the College of Traditional Medicine. Inside is a gold-blown Buddha, an impressive 46 m long.
In 1832, King Rama III built the 46-meter-long and 15-meter-high image known as Phra Phuttha Saiyat. Reclining Buddha shows the Buddha’s entry into Nirvana after death, whether it is called the lying Buddha or the sleeping Buddha.
Buddha’s feet are huge, measuring almost 5 meters, and inlaid with 108 mother of pearl segments, representing all 108 lakshanas, the Buddha’s auspicious characteristics. People donate coins to bring good fortune along the Phra Phuttha Saiyat image, which has 108 bronze bowls.
Also, inside the temple, you can enjoy an amazing Thai massage.
Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of Emerald Buddha
There are many places that Thai history and culture consider defining – the Kingdom’s ancient capitals, thousands of temples, jungles, islands and beaches interweave the country’s modern tourist image. But there is one place that every pilgrim needs to know intimately. This is Wat Phra Kaew – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Thailand’s most important temple is unique due to the 66 cm statue of Buddha, symbolising power and divinity. The tiny statue is carved from a single piece of jade, and the king is the only person allowed to touch it. It is part of the vast temple complex located in the centre of Bangkok, close to the Grand Palace.
The ritual takes place three times a year in a special ceremony during which the textiles symbolising the Buddha’s robes are changed according to the season. Legend has it that the statue was discovered in the 15th century in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand. Still, by the end of the 18th century, it had spent more than 200 years in Laos. It is believed to bring prosperity to the country where it “lives”, which is why Thais revere it so much.
Wat Arun in Bangkok, the majestic temple of the dawn
By its elegance, abundance and location, the temple of Wat Arun is one of the most emblematic buildings and most visited in Bangkok. Not to be missed. Wat Arun, or “Temple of the Dawn”, is located in the district of Bangkok on the opposite bank of the historic centre of Bangkok.
King Taksin, who reunited the country after its fall during the Burmese wars, founded his new capital around the temple: Thonburi. It was built after the fall of Ayutthaya on the site of an ancient temple. It housed the Emerald Buddha before it was moved to the Bangkok Palace.
On the opposite bank of the river from the Old City of Bangkok in the Bangkok Yai district stands what was for a long time the highest building in Bangkok. According to sources, the main pyramid or prang is between 66 and 82 metres high.
Although it is a Buddhist temple, the pyramid symbolises Mount Meru topped with Shiva’s trident. It is surrounded by smaller pyramids dedicated to the wind god: Phra Pai.
The Temple of Dawn’s religious complex includes many newer temples and a Buddhist monastery. Part of the religious complex is a cemetery where you can see portraits of some of the residents. A visit to the whole complex will take you about an hour or more if you are a keen photographer.
The walls of Wat Arun are made of countless statues of animals and warriors dotted with floral motifs made of Chinese porcelain and shells. The whole thing is impressive. From up close it may look as kitschy or naive as the Palais du docteur cheval near Lyon, the Rosa Mir garden in Lyon or Gaudi’s mosaics in Parc Guell in Barcelona.
The view of Wat Arun from the opposite bank at sunset is splendid. Several terraces of bars and restaurants will allow you to appreciate the ceaseless flow of boats on the river in the foreground against the background of the pyramid with mineral sobriety in the distance. At the same time, the view from Wat Arun will allow you to enjoy the Chao Phraya River and a part of the Old City.
Ancient City Muang Boran
Ancient City (or Muang Boran) is located 30 km south of Bangkok, an hour’s drive by taxi, in Samut Prakan province. The project was initiated by a Thai businessman named Lek Viriyaphant, who is also the initiator of the construction of the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya.
A visit here is a foray into one of the world’s most incredible historical parks, if not the greatest. This park, which is shaped like Thailand, allows you to visit the Kingdom from north to south in just one day. It presents reproductions and copies of the most beautiful ancient monuments of the country, classified by regions, on a space of 128 hectares.
The ancient city is a gateway to the heritage of Thai culture, creating an atmosphere that allows visitors to appreciate the continuity of Thai history, religions, cultures, arts and customs from its origins to the present day. All regions are presented, as well as the typical way of life of its inhabitants.
In addition to reproductions of hundreds of existing monuments, such as temples and palaces with their murals and sculptures, you will see villages with traditional houses, markets, museum pavilions, as well as explanations of building techniques and tools of daily life.
Jim Thompson House
Born in Delaware (1906), Jim Thompson was an army officer during the Second World War and a secret agent for the OSS (the forerunner of the CIA). He left the army for good and moved to Bangkok in 1946 but remained a secret service agent for the rest of his life (he is said to have died on a mission).
He was a multi-faceted American: a retired army officer, a former architect, a spy, a silk dealer and a famous collector of antiques. In 1967, at the age of 61, Jim Thompson found himself in Malaysia, wandering through the surrounding jungle and never to be seen again.
His disappearance was the subject of many theories. According to a new documentary about him (from 2017), he was killed on a mission while trying to get in touch with the leader of the Malaysian Communist Party:
Thompson’s huge achievements during his 25-year stay in Thailand earned him great fame, and with his mysterious disappearance, he became a legend. After his disappearance, his house came under the control of the James HW Thompson Foundation, and under the royal patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
In 1958 Jim Thompson began what was to be the pinnacle of his architectural achievement, the construction of a new teak house to display his art.
Using parts of old country houses, some of them a hundred years old, he managed to build a masterwork that involved the redevelopment of six Thai homes on his estate.
Most houses were dismantled and brought down the river from Ayutthaya. Still, the largest, a weaver’s house (now the living room), came from Bangkrua (just across the river).
Jim Thompson’s house is on a 1,600 m2 plot of land and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. The man loved this lush tropical jungle landscape in the city’s heart, which gives the house its unique appeal.
Conclusion
Of course, these are just some historical sights to see in Bangkok. Besides these, many other temples and places speak of the old and new times that shaped Thailand’s Capital. You need at least a week to discover and admire them and then appreciate them at their true value. The Land of Smiles is waiting for you!
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