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Top Thailand Attractions
The first time you visit Thailand, or any new destination,
the question asked isn’t usually what attractions should be
scene but what attraction to see first, what to expect, how to get
there, and how much time is needed. We’ve provided tips, advice,
and other information about the top tourist attractions in Thailand
to help with your itinerary planning.
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The Royal Grand Palace
A trip to Thailand is not complete without a visit to the Royal
Grand Palace. This architectural wonder is worth every effort. Taking
up almost an entire city block, the palace is an ornate compound
with three sections:
- The Outer Palace (Phra Ratchathan Chan Nok) on the north
- The Middle Palace (Phra Ratchathan Chan Klang) at the east
- The Inner Palace (Phra Ratchathan Chan Nai) to the west
The grand palace was build when King Rama I decided to move the
capital city from the west bank of the Chao Phraya River to the
Eastern side of the river. He also decided the palace to be built
as not only his residence, but also to house his offices and various
ministries.
Within just three years, this grand marvel was built, including
a temple located within the compound. It is nearly identical to
the palace in the former capital. This palace has an area of 218,400
sq. meters and is surrounded by walls built in 1782. The length
of the four walls is 1,900 meters. Within these walls are government
offices and the Chapel Royal of the Emerald Buddha in addition to
the royal residences.
When traveling to the Grand Palace, be sure to pay respect to the
Buddhist culture. Proper dress is required. Men cannot wear shorts
or slippers. Women cannot wear undershirts, singlets, shorts and
sandals. Taking photos inside the building is also not allowed.
If you travel on a Sunday, you will also see many worshippers and
Buddhist monks roaming around the grounds.
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Temple of the Reclining Buddha
One major tourist destination in the capital city is sure to delight
any Westerner. Wat Pho is the oldest and largest wat in Bangkok,
built all the way back in the 16th century during the Ayuthaya period.
It features the very popular reclining Buddha and the largest collection
of Buddha images in Thailand. Wat Pho became known as a “university”
when King Rama III had texts inscribed on stone slabs around the
temple for the Thai people to read.
However, the main attraction for tourists is simply the infamous
Reclining Buddha. Ask any cab driver to take you there. The Buddha
is 153 feet long and 50 feet high. The statue was made to represent
the Lord Buddha trying to overwhelm one of the powerful demons and
convince him that his power is not supreme. It is made out of plaster
around a brick core. You will also find mother-of-pearl in his eyes,
and feet displaying 108 different characteristics of Buddha. It
is an awesome sight and you will want to bring your camera.
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Jim Thompson's House
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| Address
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6 Kasemsan2 Lane, Rama I Road,
Pathumwan |
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| Location
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Bangkok |
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| Transportation
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BTS
National Stadium Station
BUS
15, 47, 48, 73, 204, AC8
Parking
Free inside the compound |
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| Admission
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Under 25 -- 50 Bht
Adult -- 100 Bht |
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| Hours
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Daily 9am-4:30pm |
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| Phone
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662 216 7368 |
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You wouldn’t expect a tourist destination to have such an
American-sounding name, but Jim Thompson has an interesting story.
He was born in Delaware and became an architect before World War
II. Volunteering for service in the US Army, he came to Asia as
part of a force planning to free Thailand. However, the war ended
before this occurred. He still came to Bangkok and fell in love
with the city and Thai culture. Upon leaving the service, he decided
to live in Thailand permanently.
He devoted himself to the craft of weaving silk and to the silk
industry. He was a gifted designer and received worldwide recognition.
Due to his background in architecture, during his stay in Thailand,
he combined six teak buildings, which represented the best of traditional
Thai architecture.
He wanted to make everything as authentic as possible, so he used
the traditional customs of constructing the teak houses. He built
them above ground as precaution to flooding and painted the walls
red. He added beautiful chandeliers, traditional furniture and vibrant
color from his silks.
Today Jim Thompson’s house remains open to the public and
is considered part of the rich cultural heritage of the Thai people.
All proceeds from viewings are donated to Thai charities.
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Naithonburi Beach
Resort
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| Address
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9 Moo 4, Tambon Sakhu, Amphur
Thalang |
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| Location
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Phuket |
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| Phone
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66 76 318700 |
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| Website
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www.naithonburi.com |
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Phuket is a jewel among Thailand’s islands. It has a serene
quality about it, perfect for the traveler wishing a nice, tropical
vacation.
For a very low price, you can make your stay in Phuket feel like
the lap of luxury by staying at the Naithonburi Beach Resort. It
only has 79 rooms, so you will not feel crowded with the large franchise
chains. Instead, enjoy a tranquil ambiance and a beautiful view
of either a courtyard or the gorgeous ocean. If you don’t
feel like leaving the comfort of a hotel, you can enjoy a traditional
Thai massage (very famous) right on the grounds of the resort. Additional
facilities include the Jasmine Rice Restaurant, a large pool and
Jacuzzi complete with a pool bar, a fitness center, activities center
and a tropical garden.
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Thailand Travel Guides
 Frommer's Thailand
Lonely Planet Thailand
Let's Go Thailand
Fodors Thailand
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