See and Do in Bangkok

Expats who relocate to Bangkok will find plenty to see and do. There are a number of fascinating and exotic attractions to discover, and with its unique culture, this city will continue to amaze its new residents. Take a trip to the Royal Grand Palace and stroll around the grounds to marvel at the ornate buildings adorned with gold leaf and emeralds, or visit the world famous Temple of the Reclining Buddha. A trip to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is worth a visit to sample some of the fresh fruit and other foods available on the floating stalls, while a popular pastime is to kick back with a Chang Beer and watch a Thai Boxing fight.

Royal Grand Palace
Any new expat should take a trip to the Royal Grand Palace to view the wonderful architecture, to learn about the country’s royal family and to view the world famous Emerald Buddha. It’s certainly a great way to spend the day.
www.palaces.thai.net
Tel: (0)2 623 5500

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
Thailand’s oldest and most famous temple, Wat Pho, is the home of the iconic Reclining Buddha and is a must-see for all new Bangkok residents. The gold-plated Reclining Buddha is 157ft (48m) long and 49ft (15m) high featuring Mother-of-Pearl on the soles of its feet.
Tel: (0)2 222 5910 or (0)2 226 2942

The Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)
This solid gold Buddha was discovered in 1957 when the surrounded plaster was shattered after an old stucco image was dropped by a crane. Expats living in Bangkok should be sure to visit the 13th century 10ft (3m) tall golden attraction.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Escape the western-style shopping malls of Bangkok for something more traditional – a trip to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Here, before buying wares from the local farmers, expats can explore the canals on their own boat – stopping to sample before purchasing.

Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing
One of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok, Wat Suthat is where expats can view the famous 14th century Buddha that was brought from Sukhothai. An enormous arch made of teak outside the temple is all that remains of the swing that was used to celebrate a bountiful rice harvest.
Tel: (0)2 222 0280

Chatuchak market
Rumoured to be the largest flea market in the world, the Chatuchak market is said to consist of 15,000 stalls selling both the weird and the wonderful. Expats will most likely find themselves visiting this market on more than one occasion even if only to see everything they didn’t see the first time round.
Royal Barges National Museum
Expats living in Bangkok will be fascinated by a trip to the Royal Barges National Museum, an institution housing several decorative barges. The earliest barge dates back to 1357, but many of the barges were used as war vessels and were subsequently used on royal or state occasions.
Tel: (0)2 424 0004
www.thailandmuseum.com

Jim Thomson’s House
The Jim Thomson House is the former home of the famous silk entrepreneur Jim Thomson. Expats who know anything about the famous man and his disappearance into Cameron Highlands of Malaysia in 1967 will be thrilled to visit his house to view an array of his personal belongings and art.
www.jimthompsonhouse.com
Tel: (0)2 216 7368

Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)
One of Bangkok’s most beautiful temples, Wat Benchamabophit, is made from white Carrara marble and its courtyard is paved with polished white marble. Expats will be blown away by the sheer opulence of this breathtaking temple.
Tel: (0)2 281 2501

Vimanmek Mansion Museum
This exotic teakwood mansion was built by King Rama V in 1901 and restored in 1982 to pay homage to its creator. Photographs, memorabilia and handicrafts can be viewed.
Tel: (0)2 281 8166