Bangkok Walking Tour 2h40 and 22 audio reviews

The Siam Museum is housed in an elegant neoclassical building from the early 20th century, once the headquarters of the Ministry of Commerce. Since its opening in 2008, it offers an interactive and modern journey dedicated to Thai history and identity.

At the heart of Bangkok’s frenzy, here’s an unexpected break: eight hectares of calm and serenity. Welcome to Wat Pho, one of Thailand’s oldest Buddhist temples. The current sanctuary was founded in the 18th century and expanded by King Rama I, then beautifully restored under Rama III.

An undisputed star on the right bank of the Chao Phraya, Wat Arun is recognized from afar for its slender silhouette dominated by five towers. The history of the temple is intimately linked to that of the capital: after the fall of Ayutthaya in the 17th century, a shrine was erected here, but it quickly lost its importance when Rama I

Behind these bright white high walls lies one of Bangkok’s most iconic places: the Royal Palace. And if you look up, you'll already see the golden arrows sticking out, a promise of the wonders of this huge complex.

With its vibrant red colour and architecture inspired by traditional Thai style, the Thawornwatthu building immediately catches the eye. Built in the late 19th century, it was designed to house the royal crematorium of Crown Prince Vajirunhis, eldest son of King Rama V.

As unmissable as Bangkok’s temples, the National Museum is one of the city’s great cultural treasures. Its foundation dates back to Rama V, who, having just been crowned, decided in 1874 to open a place to preserve and share his father’s Private Collections.

At just 410 metres, Khao San Road is one of Bangkok’s most famous streets. Established in 1892, it once housed a large Rice Point of Sale. Its name, moreover, keeps track of it: Khao San means “bleached rice”.

Bangkok today has fifty districts, but the one you are in is probably the most emblematic: Phra Nakhon, literally “the royal city”. It was here, in 1782, that King Rama I established the new capital, around which the metropolis continued to expand.

Here you are in Saranrom Park, a 19th century royal garden that has now been transformed into a haven of greenery for walkers. Shaded walkways, pools and tropical trees offer a refreshing break in the heart of Bangkok’s historic centre. Let us take this opportunity to mention three amazing facts about Bangkok.

Wat Suthat is one of the top six royal Buddhist temples in Thailand, making it a prestigious and quite rare place. Its construction began in 1807 during the reign of Rama I, but it took nearly forty years under Rama III to complete.

With nearly 400 Buddhist temples, Bangkok offers an exceptional religious heritage. But behind the profusion of shapes and colors, most follow a common plan. A wat, as a temple is called in Thai, usually consists of three main buildings. First the sala, an open pavilion where monks and faithful gather

You are here in front of the main entrance of the Royal Palace, the gate of Wiset Chai Si, on Na Phra Lan street. This is where all visitors who wish to discover the palace grounds and the temple of the Emerald Buddha pass. The other doors are reserved for the Royal Family and official ceremonies.

In front of you stands the Wat Ratchabophit, a temple that immediately attracts the eye with its rich ornaments. Built in 1869 during the reign of King Rama V, it offers a superb example of Thai religious architecture, with superimposed roofs, sparkling gilding and colorful mosaics.

After crossing so many temples, it’s a good time to step back and talk about religion in Thailand. Here, spirituality is everywhere around you. More than 90 per cent of the population is Buddhist of Theravāda tradition. Nearly 64 million people practice it, making it the second largest Buddhist community in the world after China.

Bangkok is often called the “Venice of the East”, and it’s not for nothing: the city lives to the rhythm of water. Crossed by a network of canals, called khlongs, it has always been organized around Chao Phraya, the great river artery that stretches in front of you.

You see on the other side of this double street that seems impossible to cross, a pastel yellow facade lined with palm trees. Behind its walls lies one of Thailand’s premier art venues: the Bangkok National Gallery.

Among Bangkok’s many temples, Wat Mahan deserves a special stop. Its construction began in 1850 during the reign of King Rama III, and it was thanks to funds provided by his successor, Rama IV, that the sanctuary was completed.

Right next to the old crematorium stands the Maha Sura Singhanat Monument. This brave general was the younger brother of King Rama I, founder of the Chakri dynasty. Appointed viceroy, he led the army of the Kingdom of Siam (the ancient name of Thailand) in the Nine Armies War of 1785.

Next to the Museum is the Bangkok National Theatre, inaugurated in 1965 to preserve and transmit the Thai performing arts. This place is best known for hosting performances of khon, a dance theatre with masks, once reserved for the royal court and inspired by the great national epic, the Ramakian.

You have noticed that in Bangkok, it is normal and frequent to meet memorials, royal statues, shrines or small altars placed in the center of major roads, roundabouts or land.

In front of you lies one of the largest squares in the historic centre. Hard to miss, it is dominated by the imposing Bangkok City Inn, or Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

This is the San Chao Pho Ho Klong, a small Sino-Thai shrine whose name means the “shrine of the spirit of the drum tower”. At the time of Rama I, a nearby belfry housed three large drums: one to mark the time, one to prevent fires, and one to announce war.