Visit Bangkok for the first time is not easy,  you will probably face many radical changes, just stunning the first few days. The early hours may seem like a real challenge, but once you have gone beyond that, you can begin to get used to the way of life in Bangkok. It will therefore, alone, be strong in his head to overcome the first moments spent in Bangkok.

The capital of Thailand is a mix of ancient culture, food paradise and shopping paradise, but nothing is easy at first. The city is therefore extremely contrasted between the modern and the old.

Things to see in Bangkok

Visit the Grand Palace

This is probably the number one attraction in Bangkok, to avoid large groups, it is better to go early in the morning. The complex is huge, inside the Grand Palace you can visit the famous Wat Phra Kaew and the Emerald Buddha, as well as the gardens, the royal offices, amazing statues and Thai designs. Refer to the code of conduct and dress before returning if you do not want to have any inconvenience. To access it, do not forget that there is no metro or BTS train in the historical center of Bangkok. You will have to access it by bus, taxi, tuk tuk or on foot.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho is right next to the Grand Palace, and is one of Bangkok’s other main attractions. Here you will have a large space with a specific architecture and a magnificent temple, but the biggest attraction in this place is the giant reclining Buddha, 15 meters high and 46 meters long, all covered with gold leaves. The Buddha is inside a temple, and it is really impressive. Difficult to see impossible to take it totally in photo. If you go to Bangkok, do not miss this Buddha.

Wat Arun

Wat Arun, also known as Temple of the Down is a magnificent temple located in the historical heart of Bangkok. On the banks of the Chao Praya River, Wat Arun is almost opposite Wat Pho and to get there, you have to take a public ferry that crosses the river. It’s a great experience, especially if you climb the 67 meter high pagoda. However the stairs are steep, but the view you get from the top is beautiful and worth a visit.

The floating market of Bangkok

The traditional floating market in Bangkok is probably one of the best in the country if not the best. Visiting a floating market is a unique experience in Thailand. Here you’ll see boats full of fruits and vegetables, people trading on the banks of canals, the smell of Thai food in the air … that’s what you get by visiting a market traditional floating in Bangkok. But not all floating markets are worth visiting, some of them are real tourist traps.

However the one located in Bangkok is really quality.

Chinatown

As the sun sets, Chinatown becomes one of the largest concentrations of street cuisines. This is probably the best place to sample good street food in Thailand at great prices.

Although its inhabitants have been Thai for generations, this district still has everything of a Chinese city. It is probably Bangkok’s liveliest district, and at the same time a place to be lost.

Baiyoke Tower

Baiyoke Tower is the highest tower in Thailand, it dominates the city and you can not miss it. From the tower you can enjoy the spectacular views of Bangkok and beyond the metropolis, up to the Gulf of Thailand. Maps, computerized multimedia kiosks and coin-operated telescopes help you identify what is 250 meters below your feet. It was built 88 floors above the famous Bangkok Pratunam.

On the 77th floor there is the observation deck. But it’s really at the observation deck on the 84th floor that you’ll have a wonderful view of the city and you can even see part of the Gulf of Thailand. In addition, you will be impressed by the sight of Bangkok at night through the 360-degree rotating roof on the 84th floor. By day you can see a layer of pollution stretching over the city, at night the impressive illuminations of Bangkok.

Baiyoke Sky Tower also offers international luxury restaurants like Bangkok Sky at 76th. If you prefer the private and luxury atmosphere, the Crystal Grill Restaurant on the 82nd floor is your best answer. I can also recommend Thailand’s highest pub, located on the 83rd floor, where you can enjoy music in a pleasant atmosphere.

Khao San Road

Khao san road is probably Bangkok’s most famous street. Synonymous with holiday and cheap accommodation, the vibrant atmosphere attracts travelers and hikers from around the world. The majority of people who walk around will be tourists, and there is a strong backpacker community atmosphere that makes it a great place to meet with other travelers and share stories about where you have been or where you are going, and pick up tips and tricks. You can stop in the many restaurants and cafes, you can buy everything is anything as an object.

These are places you should probably visit, just to say that you were there. However the atmosphere is quite special and will not please everyone.

In the same way as for the historic center of Bangkok, there is no metro to get to Khao San Road. This means that if you do not arrive by boat, your only other options are taxis or buses.

Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson’s home is one of Bangkok’s best-known buildings, steeped in history and culture. The charming property surrounded by gardens and located on the shore of the Saën Saëb canal would have gone unnoticed if there had not been an inheritance left by a middle-aged American named Jim Thompson. The residence is made up of six traditional Thai teak wood houses transported from Ayutthaya and the Ban Krua community in Bangkok. Jim Thompson was a trained architect and collector of Asian art objects, he decided to move to Thailand, where he spent more than 30 years reviving Thai silk. This cottage industry was in decline, and he introduced it into the most respectable fashion houses and podiums of the world. His house was a museum on its own. He then mysteriously disappeared, and so began Jim Thompson’s legacy and the popularity of his home. When you arrive you see the unobtrusive facade of the house hiding a tastefully decorated lobby, an unconventional architectural feature in traditional Thai homes. An intelligent lighting scheme catches your eye on two wall niches displaying a standing 17th century Buddha and a hand-carved wooden figurine. You will see a large collection of art and antiques. Upstairs, you are greeted by a series of decorative wall hangings that Jim Thompson has acquired in various Buddhist temples. The dining room is housed inside the teak wood villa. On the dining table, fashioned from two tables of Chinese mahjong, the blue and white porcelain is spread out.

In summary a beautiful house, covering many special items, unique style and impregnable, to visit the time of a half-day.