Top 10 and more sights to see in Bangkok and vicinity -Thailand

1. What Po Temple

2. Wat Traimitr Temple (Temple of the Golden Buddha)

3. Wat Benchamabophit (Marble temple)

4. Wat Aroon (Temple of Dawn)

5. The Grand Palace

6. Bridge over the river Kwai

7. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

8. Nakorn PathomNakorn -Rose Garden in Thailand

9. Klong Suan Market

10. Boat ride in the Phraya River

11. Duzit zoo

Sightseeing in Bangkok

Temple tours could be booked with a tour operator at your hotel, and most of the major temples would be covered in this ½ day tour. Also metered taxis are available abundantly. The ‘Tuk tuks’ the three wheeled taxis are available at most road intersections on some of which the fare could be negotiated.

The temples in Thailand are somewhat linear in their dress code compared to temples in other countries. Wearing shorts or sleeve less clothes is not an issue nor is posing in front of the statues.

There are Thai girls dressed in traditional costumes in most of the temples, and you could have your picture taken with them for about 20-30 baht.

Day trips to Kanchanaburi and suburbs could be booked through tour operators. Be prepared for the traffic. You may not be able to see all the sights you plan to see.

The Bangkok zoo is worth a visit as it features many Asian animals.

Climate

It is hot and humid in Thailand. This causes for a lot of sweat and be prepared with light clothing. The months of April and May tend to be very hot. June through October brings torrential rain which result in floods in the roads causing huge traffic jams and delays.

Accommodation

There are accommodation ranging from hostels to five star hotels, most at affordable rates. It is worth while to book on half board basis, as most hotels have sumptuous buffets with Thai specialties as well as dishes from neighboring countries, like Singapore, Vietnam etc

Food & Drink

Road side vendors sell different varieties of meat grilled on skewers, and the aroma of food is in the air in most street corners. Also there are many vendors selling soup in road side carts. Most markets have full food courts.

Shopping - Markets in Bangkok

Pratunam Market - There are lots of clothing and shoe shops and souvenir shops. The market spans over several floors. The entrances to the market is somewhat hidden due to the many street vendors selling food, clothing and other items. Be prepared to bargain. Ask for a cheaper price than what the vendor suggests. If several pieces of clothing is picked at the same shop you could bargain for a cheaper price based on the number of items being purchased.

Patpong night market – There is the usual clothing and souvenir shops in this market.

Banglamphu market – For cheap clothing and other items

Bo-Be market – For cheap clothing

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – Take a boat ride along the length of the market where the vendors sell their produce. There is vegetable, and fruit and many authentic Thai dishes made on site in the boats to sample. Or take a seat in the platform in the river bank and hail any boat you fancy for buying any produce.

Taling Chan Floating Market

Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market

There are banks located in or near most of the markets and money could be exchanged without any hassle. However, the banking hours may vary depending on the time and most banks hours of operation is between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Shopping for Jewelry

Try a Jewelry shop whilst in Bangkok. There are exquisitely carved semi precious and precious stone studded jewelry for very reasonable prices. Tours of the manufacturing plant could be taken and see the craftsmen hand craft the jewelry.