Named after Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal, the capital’s best green enclave was donated by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in 1925, whose statue dominates the main (south-western) entrance. It’s most interesting around dawn and dusk, when its pagoda and lakes (pedalos can be hired) are circled by joggers.

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Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, (full name Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan) is one of Bangkok’s best known landmarks. It is the most visited and photographed temple in Bangkok: its towers glitter spectacularly in the sunlight during the day, and stand dark and noble at dawn or dusk. Not that in 2016, the temple is under construction.

The central balcony commands an impressive view of Bangkok across the river. From here one can see the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaeo (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha)and the spacious Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha).

Phone: +66 2 891 2978

Email: cmo@cm.co.th

Website: www.watarun.org

The Chao Phraya river is located just a few stops away via the skytrain. Nightly river cruises depart from Saphan Taksin, and feature a traditional Thai dinner and live entertainment as you cruise up and down the river. Ask our concierge about the best river cruises in Bangkok. 

Thais revere King Rama V (Chulalongkorn the Great) for modernising Siam. Inspired by Western planning, he built the Italianate palaces of Dusit Park. The grounds contain ornate gingerbread-gabled villas exhibiting art, artefacts and photographs.

Silom Thai Cooking School offers an exposure to Thai cuisine and culture in a relaxing, friendly and helpful setting. Classes of only 1-11 take place in an open kitchen, with certified Thai chef’s to give you all the inside tips on choosing the best ingredients for each traditional Thai recipe.

The Erawan Shrine is named for a hotel once on this site that was beset with disasters until this statue of Brahma placated the local spirits. Those granted wishes here pay the shrine dancers to perform. It’s not the only Hindu god at this cosmological crossroads.

Almost everyone visiting the Jim Thompson House imagines living like the almost-legendary American in exquisite teak stilt dwellings amid a lush canal-side garden. Thompson’s 1959 residence, created from six old Thai houses, pioneered the neo-traditional style that now infuses hotels and spas.

Golden Buddha (Phra Phuttha Maha Suwan Patimakon) is a Sukhothai Dynasty style 5.5 tons gold statue, the main attraction of the Wat Traimit temple. While its free to visit the statue, you have to pay a small, symbolic fee to enter the temple.

Opened in December 2005, Siam Paragon is one of the biggest shopping centers in Asia. The mall includes a wide range of specialty stores, and multiplex movie theater (consisted of 15 large size theaters with one of the them having the biggest screen and seating capacity in Asia).

Address: 991/1 1st Floor, Rama I Road, Bangkok 10330, Bangkok 
BTS Skytrain: Siam Station
Phone: +66 2 690 1000
Hours: Open: 10:00 - 22:00
Website: www.siamparagon.co.th

A large open-air shopping and dining complex by the Chao Phraya River, just minutes away via Saphan Taksin BTS SkyTrain station.

Content: Spend an evening by the Chao Phraya River and enjoy shopping at Asiatique The Riverfront, home to more than 1,500 retail boutiques and 40 restaurants. Operating from 5pm until late, the mall is a unique blend of night bazaar and warehouse complex, with everything from street vendor food to French bistro meals.

Redefining luxury retail, Central Embassy is an extravagant shopping destination with a vast array of upscale dining options. Located in the heart of the Chitlom district, this major retail complex is an iconic landmark for its inspired architecture and array of international luxury brands. With 200 stores in total, Central Embassy is a handy one-stop shop for luxury goods. A short walk from Ploenchit BTS SkyTrain station.

The MBK (Mah Boon Krong) Center is not as glamorous as others in Bangkok, but it offers 89,000 square meters of a complex with less expensive goods, making it a major tourist attraction. Find clothing, shoes and clothing, electronics, a gigantic food court and entertainment on the top floor.

Just around the corner from Crowne Plaza Lumpini Park, guests will find the bustling night market of Patpong. Geared towards tourists rather than locals, prices here are on the higher end of the spectrum, however, if you are looking for leather goods or luggage, you'll find plenty to choose from. The markets also offer souvenirs, sarongs, sunglasses, t-shirts and other popular tourist items. Always bargain with the vendor for a reasonable price. Opens around 6pm and trades until late. 

Tourists will find it all here. Central World Plaza is a major one-stop complex. We’re talking 550,000 square meters of space that houses 500 shops and boutiques, over 100 different restaurants and dozens of first-class entertainment and recreational outlets. It’s one of the city’s premier venue.

A colourful and vibrant flea market, with a breath-taking array of clothes, handicrafts, souvenirs and more.

A gigantic weekend market with thousands of vendors selling just about everything from live rabbits to vintage sneakers, a visit to the Chatuchak Weekend Market can easily be a half-day trip. Enjoy browsing through the many aisles and pick up handcrafts or small gifts for family and friends back home.

Hours: Open 5am-6pm Sat-Sun; plants only daytime Wed, Thur