Sights

Wat Phra Kaew & Grand Palace
Wat Phra Kaew, or, in English, the ‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha’, is an architectural wonder. It features gleaming gilded chedi – sometimes called pagodas – apparently floating above the ground; polished orange-and-green roof tiles piercing the humid sky; mosaic-encrusted pillars and marble pediments. The iconic Emerald Buddha sits far above worshippers in the main temple building at only 66cm high. The adjoining Grand Palace is a former royal residence. The exteriors of the four Palace buildings are also worth visiting.
Th Na Phra Lan
Ko Ratanakosin
tel: 0 2224 1833
www.palaces.thai.net
08:30 - 15:30

National Museum
This is Southeast Asia’s largest museum and an excellent place to discover Thai art. All periods and styles are represented, including painting, ceramics, clothing and textiles, woodcarving, royal regalia, Chinese art and weaponry. The museum grounds contain the restored Buddhaisawan Chapel, built in 1795, with one of the country's most revered Buddha images, which art historians attribute to the 13th century. The museum isn't air-conditioned and English signage is sporadic. Taking a foreign-language tour will contribute greatly to your appreciation of Thailand's rich artistic history.
Th Na Phra That
Ko Ratanakosin
tel: 0 2224 1402
www.thailandmuseum.com
09:00 - 16:00 Wed-Sun

Jim Thompson's House
This is a must-see for architecture and art buffs. The premises belonged to Jim Thompson, who is credited for the worldwide popularity of Thai silk. He sent samples to fashion houses in Milan, London and Paris, building a steady clientele for the craft. Thompson, a New York architect who served in the Office of Strategic Services – forerunner to the CIA– collected parts of various derelict Thai homes and had them reassembled in the current location in 1959. He also had a small but splendid Asian art collection, which is on display.
Soi Kasem San 2, Th Phra Ram I
Siam Square
tel: 0 2216 7368 / 0 2215 0122
www.jimthompsonhouse.org
09:00 - 17:00

100 Tonson Gallery
Housed in a spacious residential villa, and regarded as the city’s top commercial gallery, 100 Tonson hosts a variety of contemporary exhibitions by local and international artists. All art forms are represented, including photography, painting, sculpture, installation and mixed media. It’s possible you might find the next international art star here.
100 Soi Tonson
Th Ploenchit
www.100tonsongallery.com

Lumphini Park
Named after Buddha's birthplace in Nepal, this is Bangkok's largest and most popular park. An artificial lake in the centre is surrounded by broad, well-tended lawns, wooded areas, walking paths and, around sunset, the odd ambling turtle - it's the best outdoor escape from Bangkok without leaving town.
cnr Th Phra Ram IV & Th Ratchadamri
Silom
05:00 - 20:00

Wat Pho
Of all Bangkok’s temples, Wat Pho, or Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is the one most worth visiting for both its remarkable Reclining Buddha image and sprawling grounds. Wat Pho has a long list of credits: the oldest and largest wat in Bangkok, dating back to the 16th century; the longest reclining Buddha, the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, and the earliest centre for public education.
Th Sanam Chai
Ko Ratanakosin
tel: 0 2221 9911
www.watpho.com
08:00 - 17:00

Siam Center & Siam Discovery Center
These sister centres fill in the budget range between proletariat MBK and luxe Siam Paragon. The Discovery Center has a little of everything, but mainly stylish home-furnishing stores. Follow the pouty, mobile-phone crowd to link with Siam Center, which has recently been rebranded to the younger set with more fashion and thumping techno.
cnr Th Phra Ram I & Th Phayathai
Siam Square
tel: 0 2658 1000 / 0 2658 1019
10:00 - 22:00