Visit Bangkok

Behind these dazzling white walls lies one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks: the Grand Palace. And if you look up, you can already glimpse golden spires rising above the ramparts, a promise of the wonders hidden within this immense complex. Founded in 1782 by King Rama I, at the very moment of his coronation and the birth of Bangkok as a capital, Read more

As essential to Bangkok as its temples, the National Museum is one of the city’s greatest cultural landmarks. It was founded in 1874 by King Rama V, who had just come to the throne and wanted a place to preserve and display the private collections of his father, King Rama IV. At first the museum was housed inside the Grand Palace, but in 1887 Read more

Buddhist temples aren’t the only colourful part of Bangkok. The city is full of beautiful flower markets, with delightful smells! The largest of them — and in fact, the biggest in the entire country — is Pak Khlong Talat. It originally began as five separate markets selling various goods, which eventually merged into one. Read more

With its striking red façade and traditional Thai architectural style, the Thawornwatthu Building immediately catches the eye. Built in the late 19th century, it was originally intended to serve as the royal crematorium for Crown Prince Vajirunhis, the eldest son of King Rama V. But in 1895, tragedy struck the dynasty: the young prince died suddenly Read more

Bangkok today is made up of fifty districts, but none is more iconic than Phra Nakhon, whose name means “the royal city.” This is where it all began in 1782, when King Rama I founded the new capital and the city began to grow outward from here. Phra Nakhon is Bangkok’s historic heart and still its richest area for sightseeing. Read more

You’re now in Saranrom Park, a nineteenth-century royal garden that has become a green oasis for locals and visitors alike. With its shaded paths, ponds, and tropical trees, it’s a refreshing pause right in the middle of Bangkok’s historic quarter. And while we’re enjoying this break, let me share three surprising facts about the city. Read more

Wat Suthat is one of only six royal temples of the highest rank in Thailand, a distinction that makes it truly special. Construction began in 1807 under King Rama I and was completed nearly forty years later during the reign of Rama III. The temple is admired for its graceful architecture and the magnificent murals inside its main chapel. Read more

After passing so many temples, this is the perfect moment to pause and talk about religion in Thailand. Spirituality is everywhere here. More than 90 percent of the population are Theravāda Buddhists, around 64 million people, making Thailand home to the second-largest Buddhist community in the world after China. Read more

With nearly four hundred Buddhist temples, Bangkok holds an extraordinary religious heritage. And while they may differ in form and color, most follow a common layout. A wat, as a temple is called in Thai, is usually made up of three main buildings. First comes the sala, an open pavilion where monks and laypeople gather Read more

You are now standing at the main entrance to the Grand Palace, the Wiset Chai Si Gate on Na Phra Lan Road. This is where all visitors enter to explore the palace grounds and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The other gates are reserved for the royal family and official ceremonies. Access requires a ticket and is not part of this tour, but let me tell you why this sanctuary is Read more

You cannot miss the Grand Palace, Bangkok’s most iconic landmark, spanning 29 hectares. King Rama I ordered its construction in May 1782, and he moved in a month later during his coronation ceremony. It was initially built from wood and logs, as this was all that the dynasty could afford. Read more

Right in front of you stands Wat Ratchabophit, a temple that immediately catches the eye with its dazzling detail. Built in 1869 during the reign of King Rama V, it is a striking blend of tradition and innovation. From the outside, everything is classic Thai: layered roofs, golden spires, and vibrant mosaics. Step inside, however, Read more

At just 410 meters long, Khao San Road is one of the most famous streets in Bangkok. When it was created in 1892, it served as a major rice market—its name, “Khao San,” literally means “milled rice.” The street’s true fame, however, came much later. From the 1980s onward, its central location made it the natural meeting point for backpackers from around the world. Read more

Bangkok has a few nicknames, such as the “City of Angels” or the “Venice of the East”. The first refers to Bangkok’s etymology, and the second highlights water’s symbolic place in the Thai capital. It has an impressive canal network, known as the khlong, and the city is built around the Chao Phraya River, which flows in front of you. Read more

Across this wide double avenue that looks almost impossible to cross, you’ll notice a pastel yellow façade framed by palm trees. Behind those walls lies one of Thailand’s key landmarks of artistic creation: the Bangkok National Gallery. The building itself is a historic monument: it once housed the Royal Mint Read more

Among Bangkok’s many temples, Wat Mahan holds a special place. Construction began in 1850 under King Rama III, and it was completed thanks to the support of his successor, King Rama IV. But the temple’s role goes beyond religion. In 1884, it became the very first site in Thailand to host a public school, Read more