Bangkok has always been fascinating for foreign travelers, given its visual delights, diversity and cosmopolitanism. Its diversity demands that tourists spend at least four to five days on exploring the city. The best way to explore it is by staying at the most well-located Bangkok hotels, which may range from five-star luxury to budget, boutique and airport hotels. Although Thailand’s hotel industry experienced a dip in 2007, leading hotels have experienced healthy booking rates during the following years.
Must-Visit Places near the Best Bangkok Hotels
While staying at the best Bangkok hotels, tourists can visit popular destinations, such as the Grand Palace, floating markets, and the ancient temples. Here are the details:
Grand Palace: Built in 1782, the Grand palace is representative of the culture during Thailand’s monarchy. The palace was the residence of the Thai King, and the Royal Court and the government’s administration were held here for 150 years. Known for its architecture and sophistication, the palace mirrors the creativity and skillfulness of the Thai people. It accommodates the famous Wat Phra Kaeo Temple, the Thai war ministry and the mint, and is located near the best Bangkok hotels.
Temples or “wats”: Bangkok’s temples are architectural masterpieces that are adorned with intricate gold gilded structures. Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho are the two most popular temples here. The Wat Phra Kaew or the “Temple of Emerald Buddha,” is the most revered Buddhist temple. Wat Pho, called the “Temple of the Reclining Buddha”, is located behind the “Temple of the Emerald Buddha.” The largest temple in Bangkok, it has a huge reclining Buddha.
Floating Market: Noisy, colorful and vibrant, the floating market carries boats full of tropical fruit and vegetables, and local food cooked in the boat kitchens. Take a guided tour of the market in long tail boats to sink in the atmosphere. Famous floating markets include Damnoen Saduak, Taling Chan Market and Tha Kha.
Chinatown: It is the historic area of trade started by Chinese immigrants, who migrated from communist China and settled down here. This 1-km stretch is packed with shops and stalls that sell Chinese medicines, gold and Chinese food. After sunset, the market is thronged by Chinese food lovers, while during the day the street is packed with traders and people visiting the Chinese temples. The best time to visit Chinatown is during festivities, such as the Chinese New Year, and the October vegetarian festival.