Bangkok is a city rich in cultural heritage, offering numerous attractions that showcase its history, art, and traditions. The art and cultural activities in Bangkok will give you an insight into the city’s history, traditions, and artwork. While visiting the cultural attractions in Bangkok would prove to be informative, attending its artsy events will leave you entertained. From cultural performances to historical monuments that give you a glimpse of the past, take a look at this list to know Bangkok better. Include these attractions in your itinerary for Bangkok and have a great vacation.
Here are some of the top cultural attractions in Bangkok:
1. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace more than lives up to its name. The white exterior walls keep the priceless relics hidden from the public, but upon paying the entrance fee, visitors are treated to views of towering spires and stunning temples across the grounds. A second must-see inside the palace walls is Wat Phra Kaew, otherwise known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Inside, a smallish emerald and gold-laden Buddha dons a cloak that the king changes with the passing of each season.
2. Wat Pho
Located immediately south of the Grand Palace precinct, Wat Pho makes an excellent addition to your palace tour, provided your feet are up for more walking. The temple was built by King Rama I and is the oldest in Bangkok. It has long been considered a place of healing and was famous centuries ago for its pharmacy and as Thailand’s first “university”-both established by King Rama III. You can get a Thai or foot massage at the traditional medical school on the premises, but the prices are significantly higher than what you will find at massage parlors elsewhere in the city.
3. Wat Arun
Wat Arun is a prominent Buddhist temple located along the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok Yai District. It is one of the few temples that remain from Thailand’s Chakri dynasty. The temple’s most distinctive feature is the central Khmer-style tower. Glazed porcelain tiles and seashells cover the exterior, giving the entire complex a brilliant shine, particularly in the early morning light. For many years Wat Arun housed the famous Emerald Buddha before it was moved to Wat Phra Kaew in 1785.
4. Jim Thompson House
The historic home of a “self-made American entrepreneur” who disappeared while traveling in Malaysia now stands as a relic of an older time in Bangkok. Jim Thompson settled in Thailand after spending time there as a serviceman around the end of WWII and quickly became a well-known name in the Thai silk industry. Thompson was awarded the Order of the White Elephant, an important honor given to foreigners who have made significant contributions to Thailand. Thompson’s home has been turned into a museum offering insights into his life and business, as well as the history of the city and the Thai silk industry.
5. Museum of Siam
The Museum of Siam, officially known as the “Museum of Siam: Discovery Museum,” is a popular cultural museum located in Bangkok. Situated in a neoclassical building near Sanam Chai MRT station and the Grand Palace, the museum offers an interactive and engaging exploration of Thai history, culture, and identity.
6. Bangkok National Museum
Situated on the former grounds of the 18th Century Wang Na Palace and nearby the Grand Palace, the Bangkok National Museum is one of the top places to see in Bangkok. From housing the largest collection of Thai art to offering a good sneak peek into the country’s history, this is an ideal place, especially for cultural vultures.
7. Khlong Bang Luang Artist House
Khlong Bang Luang Artist House, also known as Baan Silapin, is a cultural center and art space located along the canal (Khlong) in the Khlong Bang Luang area of Bangkok. It is a charming and historic wooden house that has been transformed into a hub for preserving and promoting traditional Thai arts and culture.
8. Thai Traditional Puppetry at Artist’s House
Thai Traditional Puppetry at Artist’s House, also known as “Hun Lakhon Lek,” is a captivating form of traditional Thai puppetry that combines art, culture, and storytelling. The Artist’s House, locally known as Baan Silapin, is a historic wooden house located in the Khlong Bang Luang area of Bangkok. It serves as a cultural center and a hub for preserving and promoting Thai traditional arts.
9. Erawan Museum
Amongst the best Bangkok sightseeing places, this is one of the most famous museums in Bangkok, mostly for the fact that it boasts a splendid three-headed elephant statue at its entry, which is the first and the last thing you would see while you are here. The three stories inside comprise extraordinary antiquities and priceless ancient religious objects that are enough for getting an insight into the Thair heritage & culture.
10. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Bangkok Art and Cultural Center is the center of Bangkok’s prospering craftsmanship scene and offers a wide scope of contemporary workmanship, planning, music, theatre, and film in the city. Located just a few meters away from National Stadium BTS, this stunning center has an array of artworks from both Thai and International Specialists. Both inside and outside the building is reminiscent of the Guggenheim in New York, with its colossal white facing and winding walkways. Bangkok Art and Culture Center gathers and shows a wide assortment of artwork including Thai and global contemporary craftsmanship. The winding staircase takes guests on a round displaying these stunning masterpieces on every floor of this 9-story building.
