Be sure to pack those walking shoes, because with its grand palaces, fascinating temples and myriad historical sites, you're liable to spend much of your time outside in Bangkok.
Formerly the home of the King of Thailand, the Grand Palace is one of Bangkok's most impressive sites, and is well-known as the home of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the king's personal house of worship and royal temple. Much more modern – but no less impressive – is another former royal palace in Bangkok, Vimanmek Palace (Vimanmek Mansion). Built in 1900, this European-style palace features a museum and guided tours of its 81 rooms.
Thailand's strongly Buddhist legacy is no more apparent than in Bangkok, home to some of its most impressive temples. Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) and its massive central prang (tower) is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Thailand. The largest Buddha image in Thailand is in permanent residence at the Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), where the eponymous statue reclines 150 feet in length and over 50 feet in height, clad in gold leaf and intricate mother-of-pearl inlay. Those looking for some exercise with their temple sightseeing can't miss a trip up the steep steps of the Golden Mount at the Wat Saket Buddhist Temple.
Bangkok's distant history remains alive at the Ayutthaya Historical Park, where joggers, bikers and tourists alike wind through the ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya, past temples, statues and crumbling city ways. More history is on display at the National Museum, the primary museum of Thailand. In operation since 1874, the museum charts the history of Thai peoples and culture back to Neolithic times.
Be prepared to bargain on a trip to Bangkok's crowded Chinatown. Popular among tourists and locals like, Chinatown boasts myriad restaurants, markets, stores and gold shops, all packed into a ½ mile stretch of street.
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