Around and About Bangkok / Samyan
เที่ยว
Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is right behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha – it’s a must-see for any first-time visitor to Bangkok. As one of the largest temple complexes in the city, it’s famed for its giant reclining Buddha that is 46 metres long, covered in gold leaf.
It’s an easy 10-minute walk between here and the Grand Palace, and we recommend coming to Wat Pho second because even though the golden Buddha here is just as popular, many people don’t take the time to wander around the rest of the complex, making for a more relaxing experience. Wat Pho is also a great place to get a traditional Thai massage. It’s often considered the leading school of massage in Thailand, so you really are in good hands here.
The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
The highlight for most people visiting Wat Pho is the Reclining Buddha. The figures here are impressive: 15 metres tall, 46 metres long, so large that it feels like it’s been squeezed into the building. The Buddha's feet are 5 metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious laksanas (characteristics) of the Buddha. The number 108 is significant, referring to the 108 positive actions and symbols that helped lead Buddha to perfection.
You’ll need to take your shoes off to enter, and if you’d like a little good luck, we recommend purchasing a bowl of coins at the entrance of the hall which you can drop in the 108 bronze bowls which line the length of the walls. Dropping the small pennies in makes a nice ringing sound and even if your wishes don’t come true, the money goes towards helping the monks renovate and preserve Wat Pho. As this is a revered image, all visitors must wear appropriate clothing – no exposed shoulders or skin above the knee.
Other highlights of Wat Pho
It’s really worth taking a look around the rest of the temple. Wat Pho also has good English speaking guides who will provide interesting information for around 200 or 400 baht, depending on how many people there are in your group and how good your negotiating skills are. If you prefer, you can wander alone.
Recommended sites include 4 chapels that contain 394 gilded Buddha images, long lines of golden statues from different parts of Thailand sitting in the lotus position. Although the intricately detailed murals that cover the walkways around Wat Pho will require a book or guide to decipher, the exquisite murals are so detailed and intricate that even if you don’t understand all the imagery you can still appreciate the artwork.
Finally, in the courtyards at Wat Pho Temple are some comical-looking Chinese statues that were once used as ballasts on ships and 91 chedis (stupas) decorated in ceramic pottery flowers and colourful tiles.
Good to know about Wat Pho
Wat Pho was the first public university in Thailand, specialising in religion, science and literature. It is now more well-known as a centre for traditional massage and medicine. After a walk around the temple, there’s nothing quite like a relaxing foot or head and shoulder massage. If you've never tried a traditional Thai massage, Wat Pho is a good place to experience it.
It's quite different from most other forms of therapeutic massage and tends to be invigorating rather than relaxing, incorporating yoga style postures to relieve stress and improve blood circulation. This is a very popular activity at Wat Pho temple, so we recommend you pop in before your treatment to book a spot, or you might end up with a long wait.
You can find Wat Pho on Maharat Road, close to the river (within a kilometre south of the Grand Palace) in the Old Town (Rattanakosin).
672 vendasit rekomandojnë
Wat Phra Chetuphon
Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is right behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha – it’s a must-see for any first-time visitor to Bangkok. As one of the largest temple complexes in the city, it’s famed for its giant reclining Buddha that is 46 metres long, covered in gold leaf.
It’s an easy 10-minute walk between here and the Grand Palace, and we recommend coming to Wat Pho second because even though the golden Buddha here is just as popular, many people don’t take the time to wander around the rest of the complex, making for a more relaxing experience. Wat Pho is also a great place to get a traditional Thai massage. It’s often considered the leading school of massage in Thailand, so you really are in good hands here.
The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
The highlight for most people visiting Wat Pho is the Reclining Buddha. The figures here are impressive: 15 metres tall, 46 metres long, so large that it feels like it’s been squeezed into the building. The Buddha's feet are 5 metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious laksanas (characteristics) of the Buddha. The number 108 is significant, referring to the 108 positive actions and symbols that helped lead Buddha to perfection.
You’ll need to take your shoes off to enter, and if you’d like a little good luck, we recommend purchasing a bowl of coins at the entrance of the hall which you can drop in the 108 bronze bowls which line the length of the walls. Dropping the small pennies in makes a nice ringing sound and even if your wishes don’t come true, the money goes towards helping the monks renovate and preserve Wat Pho. As this is a revered image, all visitors must wear appropriate clothing – no exposed shoulders or skin above the knee.
Other highlights of Wat Pho
It’s really worth taking a look around the rest of the temple. Wat Pho also has good English speaking guides who will provide interesting information for around 200 or 400 baht, depending on how many people there are in your group and how good your negotiating skills are. If you prefer, you can wander alone.
Recommended sites include 4 chapels that contain 394 gilded Buddha images, long lines of golden statues from different parts of Thailand sitting in the lotus position. Although the intricately detailed murals that cover the walkways around Wat Pho will require a book or guide to decipher, the exquisite murals are so detailed and intricate that even if you don’t understand all the imagery you can still appreciate the artwork.
Finally, in the courtyards at Wat Pho Temple are some comical-looking Chinese statues that were once used as ballasts on ships and 91 chedis (stupas) decorated in ceramic pottery flowers and colourful tiles.
Good to know about Wat Pho
Wat Pho was the first public university in Thailand, specialising in religion, science and literature. It is now more well-known as a centre for traditional massage and medicine. After a walk around the temple, there’s nothing quite like a relaxing foot or head and shoulder massage. If you've never tried a traditional Thai massage, Wat Pho is a good place to experience it.
It's quite different from most other forms of therapeutic massage and tends to be invigorating rather than relaxing, incorporating yoga style postures to relieve stress and improve blood circulation. This is a very popular activity at Wat Pho temple, so we recommend you pop in before your treatment to book a spot, or you might end up with a long wait.
You can find Wat Pho on Maharat Road, close to the river (within a kilometre south of the Grand Palace) in the Old Town (Rattanakosin).
The Royal Barges Museum is where you can discover 8 of the country's most unique and stunning vessels: the Royal Barges. These boats a reserved for auspicious ceremonies and state occasions like the very rare Royal Barge Procession, and have only made an appearance on the water about 16 times in the last 65 years.
Each is carved from huge pieces of teak, their prows engraved with mythical creatures, gilded in gold and intricately decorated with tiny shimmering pieces of glass. Rowed by up to 50 specially trained oarsmen, the boats leave their dry dock at festival times and important state occasions for spectacular processions along the river.
The Royal Barges
There was a time in Bangkok when the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries were the most important avenue of communication and boats the main mode of transport for all, even royalty.
Each of the 8 royal barges has a sign indicating the name, the year of construction or renovation, and the size of crew required to operate it. It’s rather impressive to think that the largest and most important vessel, named Suphannahonse, is 46 metres long and needs 50 oarsmen and 14 crew members!
During Thailand's turbulent history, the barges were often damaged or partly destroyed by bombings or fire. All around the building, photos and illustration are displayed showing past processions and the remains of previous vessels as well as the techniques used to operate the barges.
The most beautiful golden barges are stored under a huge roof and only leave their shelter for special occasions. The entire fleet can count up to 50 barges. The 40 other boats are more discreet in appearance, usually with dark wood bodies with a colourful mythical dragon painted on the prow.
These other barges are visible in a separate warehouse near the bridge. Given that the procession doesn't happen very regularly, you’ll have to be lucky to catch the boats on the river. Even so, the advantage of the museum is you get to see them up close.
The warehouse sheltering the barges is usually very hot, so don't miss a fun little bar called 'We Have Soft Drink', offering a nice break before walking back. The people there are very friendly and speak great English and they'll be happy to give you information about the area.
You can easily find the Royal Barges Museum on the Thonburi side of the river, not far from Phra Pin Klao Bridge. Note that the barges might not be in the museum during or in preparation for the special ceremonies.
How to get to the Royal Barges Museum
The Museum is located on the banks of a klong (canal) connected to the main Chao Phraya river, and there are 2 ways to get there. The best way is to board the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Wang Lang Pier (N10), then it’s a short walk to the museum. Alternatively, hire a long-tail boat to tour the Bangkok waterways and include the Royal Barges Museum in your itinerary.
The other way is by land, but it’s quite a tricky itinerary. You’ll need to cross the Phra Pink Lao bridge (the one located just past the Grand Palace), then turn left and aim at the small Arun Ammarin bridge. But don't cross this one as the museum is located almost under it. Park somewhere near the bridge and you’ll easily spot some small signs pointing to the museum.
The museum itself is almost visible from the street across a small naval yard, but guards won’t allow you to cross it and you need to walk all the way through the maze behind it. The narrow and rather messy concrete path is very well indicated along the way, but it’s a bit of a trek. Once there, the entry fee is a 100 baht – another 100 baht applies if you want to take photos (or 200 baht for videos).
A brief history of the Royal Barge Procession
Dating back to the Ayutthaya Period, the Royal Barge Procession used to involve as many as 200 longboats in an elaborate procession undertaken by King Narai the Great to accompany a diplomatic delegation sent by King Louis XIV of France. During this period, the royal barges were used in battles, religious occasions, boat races as well as royal ceremonies. Unfortunately, these early barges were burnt to dust after Ayutthaya fell and was ransacked by the Burmese.
After King Rama I ascended the throne and established a new capital in Bangkok, he revived the centuries-old tradition and ordered the construction of new barges. Among the most elaborate and significant is the Suppanahong, with the ‘golden swan’ as the figurehead. This majestic 50-metre long vessel, carved from a single piece of teak, is considered the personal barge of the King.
The arrival of motorised boats after King Rama IV’s reign and the absence of war has limited the role of the royal barges to purely ceremonial purposes, particularly the Royal Kathin procession at the end of every Buddhist Lent. World War II and a period of political turmoil during King Rama VII’s reign had disrupted the royal barges’ service, until King Rama IX (King Bhumibol) initiated the restoration of war-damaged vessels and resumed the Royal Krathin procession which, due to the fragility of the boats, only happens for important royal occasions such as anniversaries.
20 vendasit rekomandojnë
Royal Barges National Museum
1 Thanon Arun AmarinThe Royal Barges Museum is where you can discover 8 of the country's most unique and stunning vessels: the Royal Barges. These boats a reserved for auspicious ceremonies and state occasions like the very rare Royal Barge Procession, and have only made an appearance on the water about 16 times in the last 65 years.
Each is carved from huge pieces of teak, their prows engraved with mythical creatures, gilded in gold and intricately decorated with tiny shimmering pieces of glass. Rowed by up to 50 specially trained oarsmen, the boats leave their dry dock at festival times and important state occasions for spectacular processions along the river.
The Royal Barges
There was a time in Bangkok when the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries were the most important avenue of communication and boats the main mode of transport for all, even royalty.
Each of the 8 royal barges has a sign indicating the name, the year of construction or renovation, and the size of crew required to operate it. It’s rather impressive to think that the largest and most important vessel, named Suphannahonse, is 46 metres long and needs 50 oarsmen and 14 crew members!
During Thailand's turbulent history, the barges were often damaged or partly destroyed by bombings or fire. All around the building, photos and illustration are displayed showing past processions and the remains of previous vessels as well as the techniques used to operate the barges.
The most beautiful golden barges are stored under a huge roof and only leave their shelter for special occasions. The entire fleet can count up to 50 barges. The 40 other boats are more discreet in appearance, usually with dark wood bodies with a colourful mythical dragon painted on the prow.
These other barges are visible in a separate warehouse near the bridge. Given that the procession doesn't happen very regularly, you’ll have to be lucky to catch the boats on the river. Even so, the advantage of the museum is you get to see them up close.
The warehouse sheltering the barges is usually very hot, so don't miss a fun little bar called 'We Have Soft Drink', offering a nice break before walking back. The people there are very friendly and speak great English and they'll be happy to give you information about the area.
You can easily find the Royal Barges Museum on the Thonburi side of the river, not far from Phra Pin Klao Bridge. Note that the barges might not be in the museum during or in preparation for the special ceremonies.
How to get to the Royal Barges Museum
The Museum is located on the banks of a klong (canal) connected to the main Chao Phraya river, and there are 2 ways to get there. The best way is to board the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Wang Lang Pier (N10), then it’s a short walk to the museum. Alternatively, hire a long-tail boat to tour the Bangkok waterways and include the Royal Barges Museum in your itinerary.
The other way is by land, but it’s quite a tricky itinerary. You’ll need to cross the Phra Pink Lao bridge (the one located just past the Grand Palace), then turn left and aim at the small Arun Ammarin bridge. But don't cross this one as the museum is located almost under it. Park somewhere near the bridge and you’ll easily spot some small signs pointing to the museum.
The museum itself is almost visible from the street across a small naval yard, but guards won’t allow you to cross it and you need to walk all the way through the maze behind it. The narrow and rather messy concrete path is very well indicated along the way, but it’s a bit of a trek. Once there, the entry fee is a 100 baht – another 100 baht applies if you want to take photos (or 200 baht for videos).
A brief history of the Royal Barge Procession
Dating back to the Ayutthaya Period, the Royal Barge Procession used to involve as many as 200 longboats in an elaborate procession undertaken by King Narai the Great to accompany a diplomatic delegation sent by King Louis XIV of France. During this period, the royal barges were used in battles, religious occasions, boat races as well as royal ceremonies. Unfortunately, these early barges were burnt to dust after Ayutthaya fell and was ransacked by the Burmese.
After King Rama I ascended the throne and established a new capital in Bangkok, he revived the centuries-old tradition and ordered the construction of new barges. Among the most elaborate and significant is the Suppanahong, with the ‘golden swan’ as the figurehead. This majestic 50-metre long vessel, carved from a single piece of teak, is considered the personal barge of the King.
The arrival of motorised boats after King Rama IV’s reign and the absence of war has limited the role of the royal barges to purely ceremonial purposes, particularly the Royal Kathin procession at the end of every Buddhist Lent. World War II and a period of political turmoil during King Rama VII’s reign had disrupted the royal barges’ service, until King Rama IX (King Bhumibol) initiated the restoration of war-damaged vessels and resumed the Royal Krathin procession which, due to the fragility of the boats, only happens for important royal occasions such as anniversaries.
Silom Soi 4 | Bangkok’s Best Gay Street
Silom Soi 4 is a side street off Silom Road full of gay bars. Its the perfect place for pre-drinks or simply relaxing with a drink while people watching. Silom Soi 4 is at its best from 9 pm – 12 am after which people move across the road to the gay party street of Silom Soi 2.
Best For Lively gay crowd & pre-drink
Location Silom Soi 4
Open Hours 7 pm – 2 am, Daily
Silom 4 Alley
Soi Silom 4Silom Soi 4 | Bangkok’s Best Gay Street
Silom Soi 4 is a side street off Silom Road full of gay bars. Its the perfect place for pre-drinks or simply relaxing with a drink while people watching. Silom Soi 4 is at its best from 9 pm – 12 am after which people move across the road to the gay party street of Silom Soi 2.
Best For Lively gay crowd & pre-drink
Location Silom Soi 4
Open Hours 7 pm – 2 am, Daily
this interesting place is where luxury brands like Bvlgari, Hermes is in the same building of street foods and Gourmet restaurants. Super interesting. Please do try to visit them once.
172 vendasit rekomandojnë
ICONSIAM
299 Charoen Nakhon Rdthis interesting place is where luxury brands like Bvlgari, Hermes is in the same building of street foods and Gourmet restaurants. Super interesting. Please do try to visit them once.
แวดวงอาหาร
Sky Bar at Lebua Bangkok stands at almost 250 metres above sea level, offering impressive views of the Thai capital. Located in Silom, this rooftop bar is quite easy to find – after a 10-minute walk of the Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain Station, look for a tall cream-coloured building with a gold dome on the roof. The bar is made even more famous after it was featured in Hollywood film, The Hangover Part II.
Sky Bar at Lebua Bangkok highlights
A must-try is Sky Bar’s Hangovertini (green tea liquor, apple juice, Martini Rosso and rosemary honey). There are plenty of other original cocktail choices, together with a good range of beers and wines. If you’re coming for a special occasion, it’s worth considering dinner at Sirocco, where you can enjoy dinner at one of the world’s highest rooftop restaurants.
It can get rather crowded and loud, especially on weekends. Staff usher you down the steps at an impressive speed. Once you are in the bar area, it can feel a bit claustrophobic due to the lack of seats. Most people come to Sky Bar to take photos of the sunset and Bangkok skyline.
Good to know about Sky Bar at Lebua Bangkok
If you arrive before Sky Bar opens, you can still have a drink and enjoy the view from Distil Bar, located on the 64th floor of Lebua Bangkok. This comfortable whisky bar has an outdoor terrace with a comfortable sofa area. The view isn’t as good compared to Sky Bar, but it offers a slightly more relaxed affair.
6 vendasit rekomandojnë
The Dome
Si Lom RoadSky Bar at Lebua Bangkok stands at almost 250 metres above sea level, offering impressive views of the Thai capital. Located in Silom, this rooftop bar is quite easy to find – after a 10-minute walk of the Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain Station, look for a tall cream-coloured building with a gold dome on the roof. The bar is made even more famous after it was featured in Hollywood film, The Hangover Part II.
Sky Bar at Lebua Bangkok highlights
A must-try is Sky Bar’s Hangovertini (green tea liquor, apple juice, Martini Rosso and rosemary honey). There are plenty of other original cocktail choices, together with a good range of beers and wines. If you’re coming for a special occasion, it’s worth considering dinner at Sirocco, where you can enjoy dinner at one of the world’s highest rooftop restaurants.
It can get rather crowded and loud, especially on weekends. Staff usher you down the steps at an impressive speed. Once you are in the bar area, it can feel a bit claustrophobic due to the lack of seats. Most people come to Sky Bar to take photos of the sunset and Bangkok skyline.
Good to know about Sky Bar at Lebua Bangkok
If you arrive before Sky Bar opens, you can still have a drink and enjoy the view from Distil Bar, located on the 64th floor of Lebua Bangkok. This comfortable whisky bar has an outdoor terrace with a comfortable sofa area. The view isn’t as good compared to Sky Bar, but it offers a slightly more relaxed affair.
Sightseeing
We would recommend spending at least an hour visiting the temple. Although it’s known as the Temple of the Dawn, it's absolutely stunning at sunset, particularly when lit up at night. Even so, the quietest time to visit is early morning, before the crowds.
Given the beauty of the architecture and the fine craftsmanship, it’s not surprising that Wat Arun is considered by many as one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. The prang (spire) by the Chao Phraya is one of Bangkok's world-famous landmarks. The imposing spire rises over 70 metres high, beautifully decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain placed delicately into intricate patterns.
You can climb the central prang if you wish – the steps are very steep but there’s a railing to help with your balance. Getting up is as tricky as getting down! When you reach the highest point you can see the winding Chao Phraya River and the Grand Palace and Wat Pho opposite. Along the base of this central tower are sculptures of Chinese soldiers and animals.
Head into the ordination hall and you can admire a golden Buddha image and the detailed murals that decorate the walls. Although Wat Arun is very popular for tourists, it’s also an important place of worship for Buddhists. Make sure you dress appropriately or pick up one of the cover-ups that are available for rent near the entrance.
History of Wat Arun
Wat Arun was envisioned by King Taksin in 1768. It’s believed that after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya, which was taken over by a Burmese army at the time, he arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking. He later had the temple renovated and renamed it Wat Chaeng, the Temple of the Dawn. It used to be the home of the Emerald Buddha before the capital and Palace was moved to the other side of the river. This can now be seen at the Grand Palace.
The central prang was extended during the reign of Rama III (between 1824 and 1851) and is now one of the most visited sites in Thailand. It was also Rama III who added the decoration of the spires with porcelain so that they glimmer in the sunshine.
322 vendasit rekomandojnë
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan
158 Thanon Wang DoemWe would recommend spending at least an hour visiting the temple. Although it’s known as the Temple of the Dawn, it's absolutely stunning at sunset, particularly when lit up at night. Even so, the quietest time to visit is early morning, before the crowds.
Given the beauty of the architecture and the fine craftsmanship, it’s not surprising that Wat Arun is considered by many as one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. The prang (spire) by the Chao Phraya is one of Bangkok's world-famous landmarks. The imposing spire rises over 70 metres high, beautifully decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain placed delicately into intricate patterns.
You can climb the central prang if you wish – the steps are very steep but there’s a railing to help with your balance. Getting up is as tricky as getting down! When you reach the highest point you can see the winding Chao Phraya River and the Grand Palace and Wat Pho opposite. Along the base of this central tower are sculptures of Chinese soldiers and animals.
Head into the ordination hall and you can admire a golden Buddha image and the detailed murals that decorate the walls. Although Wat Arun is very popular for tourists, it’s also an important place of worship for Buddhists. Make sure you dress appropriately or pick up one of the cover-ups that are available for rent near the entrance.
History of Wat Arun
Wat Arun was envisioned by King Taksin in 1768. It’s believed that after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya, which was taken over by a Burmese army at the time, he arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking. He later had the temple renovated and renamed it Wat Chaeng, the Temple of the Dawn. It used to be the home of the Emerald Buddha before the capital and Palace was moved to the other side of the river. This can now be seen at the Grand Palace.
The central prang was extended during the reign of Rama III (between 1824 and 1851) and is now one of the most visited sites in Thailand. It was also Rama III who added the decoration of the spires with porcelain so that they glimmer in the sunshine.
This highly revered temple contains the Golden Image Buddha, which is made of solid gold and weighs approximately 5 ½ tons.. This temple is quite close to the world renowned china town. SO if you wish to visit China town, you might as well cover this tourist attraction.
44 vendasit rekomandojnë
Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)
661 Charoen Krung RdThis highly revered temple contains the Golden Image Buddha, which is made of solid gold and weighs approximately 5 ½ tons.. This temple is quite close to the world renowned china town. SO if you wish to visit China town, you might as well cover this tourist attraction.
Food scene
It is so close by and only take about 200 m walk to this great place. There are hundred of good restaurants here. If you can handle hot foods, please do try "Tam Muo". it is north-eastern Thai food or "Spicy House" it is hot spicy Chinese foods. Love them.
It is also connected to the MRT Samyan, so it is very convenience to shop here.
18 vendasit rekomandojnë
Samyan Mitrtown
944 Thanon Rama IVIt is so close by and only take about 200 m walk to this great place. There are hundred of good restaurants here. If you can handle hot foods, please do try "Tam Muo". it is north-eastern Thai food or "Spicy House" it is hot spicy Chinese foods. Love them.
It is also connected to the MRT Samyan, so it is very convenience to shop here.
Këshilla për qytetin
Mos e humb
Bangkok river cruises
Bangkok river cruises travel along the Chao Phraya river, Bangkok’s main artery of life. The river is at its prettiest during sunset, with the iconic Wat Arun and Grand Palace both illuminated brilliantly over the water. Some river cruises offer traditional Thai dances, while others have live jazz and live commentary of some of the landmarks along Bangkok Riverside.
Si të lëvizësh
MRT Samyan
The room is so close to Samyan MRT Station. So we would recommend you to traveling around with MRT and BTS. It is the best way to traveling in Bangkok. In case that you traveling light, from Suwannabhum international airport, you can use the airport link and change to MRT, it will taking only 50 minutes top. and from Don Muang, you can use the red line and change to the blue line. It is super convenience. especially when you are fighting to gain back your time from the traffic.