Sharing 945,000 square meters of common ground, Wat Pra Kaeo and the Grand Palace are Bangkok’s most popular cultural attractions. The wat, which was built in 1782 at the behest of King Rama I, consists of several gilded structures and is noted for its extensive murals showing scenes from the Ramakian, the Thai version of the Indian epic Ramayana.

Also known as The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, a large bot (main chapel) at the wat houses the small (75cm tall), but culturally significant statute. The origins of this much traveled piece of statuary are a mystery, but it was returned to Thailand from Laos in 1778 by General Chao Phraya Chakri, who later became King Rama I.

The Grand Palace is no longer used as a royal residence, but serves a variety of other functions. The numerous buildings are constructed in several architectural styles that reflect the desires of the monarchs who created them. Chakri Maha Prasat, the largest of the buildings, was designed by British architect John Clunish in 1882, but is topped with Thai style spires. The room below the largest spire contains the ashes of several Chakri monarchs and their queens. When visiting the compound care must be taken to dress appropriately. Shorts, sleeveless shirts and shoes without toes and heels are not permitted. When entering the bot or other sanctuaries of the Wat shoes must be removed.

Open daily from 08:30-15:30, the admission fee to the compound is 200 baht.

Suan Pakkad Palace

Formerly the residence of Princess Chumphot, one of Thailand's leading art collectors, the five traditional Thai teak house a large collection of various Thai arts and antiques, from furniture to dolls. Located in a beautifully kept garden on Si Ayutthaya Road near the Phayathai intersection. An easy 500 metre walk from the Skytrain (Phayathai) station. Admission: 100 Baht
Open every day 9:00 - 16:00

Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

Located in the Grand Palace compound, this temple is home to Thailand's most revered Buddha image - the Emerald Buddha. Overwhelming in its rich display of colour, images and architecture, the buildings inside the temple grounds comprise of a Golden Stupa, containing relics of the Buddha, a Library where Buddhist scriptures are kept, and the Royal Pantheon which is a pavilion used for keeping statues of deceased kings of the Chakri dynasty. The entire area is surrounded by a wall containing mural paintings depicting the story of the Ramayana. Open daily from 8.30 to 3.30 except for auspicious and ceremonious occasions, visitors must dress appropriately - no shorts or singlets.

Wat Arun

The “Temple of Dawn” is a Bangkok landmark. Dramatically jutting into the air from its location on the Thonburi banks of the Chao Phraya, the central Khmer-style prang has been elongated to give it an appearance that is unmistakably Thai. Four smaller prangs of similar design surround the main spire. All five of the spires have been covered with broken pieces of porcelain that were used as ballast by Chinese ships that formerly came to Thailand. Steep steps lead halfway up one side of the main prang to a point where there are dramatic views of the river and surrounding areas, including Wat Pra Kaeo and The Grand Palace. The interior of the temple’s bot is also worth exploring. The murals picturing Prince Siddhartha encountering examples of birth, old age, sickness and death are particularly impressive.

The wat is open daily from 07:30-17:30; admission is 10 baht. It can be reached from the Bangkok side of the river by taking the ferry from Tha Tien Pier to the Wat Arun Pier.

Wat Pho

The second largest Buddha image in Thailand is housed in this, the oldest and largest wat in Bangkok. Although the wat was built in the 16th century during the Ayutthaya period, it has been rebuilt and modified several times. The 46 meter long Buddha image was created in the 19th century during the reign of Rama III. Built around a brick core and covered with plaster that is finished with gold leaf, the eyes and feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Wat Pho is also the resting place for numerous gilded Buddha images that were brought from temples destroyed during conflicts with the Burmese. The wat has always concerned itself with traditional medicine, including Thai massage. For 250 baht an hour or 150 baht a half-hour, visitors can receive a massage. Those interested in learning the art can enroll in five to 10-day courses.

Wat Pho is open from 08:00-17:00 and costs 20 baht to visit.
Wat Traimit. The central attraction at this wat is a 5 ? ton gold Buddha that never fails to amaze visitors with its gleaming beauty and incredible value. Covered with plaster to protect it from people more interested in gold than its religious significance, the true character of the image was discovered only 45 years ago. While workers struggled to move it, a chunk of plaster fell off, revealing its solid gold interior. The statute is housed in a rather non-descript temple near Chinatown and Hualamphong train station. The wat is open daily from 09:00-17:00 and has a 10 baht admission charge.

Wat Traimit

Located on Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University and close to the Grand Palace, the temple houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in Thailand and also offers meditation classes for foreigners. The temple is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Wat Mahathat

Located on Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University and close to the Grand Palace, the temple houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in Thailand and also offers meditation classes for foreigners. The temple is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Wat Saket

Another prominent landmark on Bangkok's skyline, Wat Saket features a gilded pagoda which is 260 feet in height from its base. Begun by King Rama III and completed in the reign of King Rama IV, the golden mount is one of the most celebrated landmarks in Bangkok's old area and offers a panoramic city view from the top.

Wang Suan Phakkard

Formerly the residence of Princess Chumbot of Nakhon Sawan, this collection of five traditional wooden Thai houses is a delight to visit. The structures of the “Lettuce Farm Palace” are filled with antiques, art, porcelain and furnishings. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and the pond contains ducks and swans. Although not a particularly popular destination with Thais, foreigners always seem to enjoy the peaceful respite from hectic Bangkok and the useful information they receive about Thai history and culture. Located on Si Ayutthaya Road near the Siam City Hotel, it is open every day except Sunday from 09:00-16:00. There is a 150 baht admission fee.