They say if you can’t find it in Thailand, it doesn’t exist.  This is even more true for it’s capital city of Bangkok.  This place offers you whatever you can dream up, and is rarely costly or difficult to find.  Some of the great attractions I’ve enjoyed have centered around history, animals, and food; there is definitely something for everyone.  So, I thought I’d list a few of MY must-see places, and hopefully you have a chance (or have had a chance already) to check them out!

Markets

Bangkok’s Floating Market is probably the most famous option.  This is a very interesting and authentic rural floating market where a vast array of products are sold from vendors in tiny boats. Visiting the floating market takes you away from hustle and bustle of the city. This also offers a chance to visit the Thai Village Show, which gives an introduction into Thai life. For more details on this read my Thai Village Show post!

Then there is Chatuchak Market, which is the world’s largest weekend market, selling practically everything under the sun, such as foods, trendy fashions, antiques, wooden carvings, masks from far-off lands, adorable fluffy dogs, colorful fish of every hue, and singing birds. The market includes 9,000 individual booths to sell this plethora of goods.  It is only open on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Safari World

Though I’m not typically one for zoos, the open aspect of Safari World makes it quite enjoyable.  It is lovely seeing the animals comfortable in their own habitat.  In addition to the standard, walk-through park, there is the option to go on a guided safari, which was spectacular.  There is also a dolphin show (I personally didn’t watch this as it’s not the kind of thing I want to see, but I hear it’s impressive…).  There is also an “action stunt spectacular” called Spy War which consists of a Universal Studios quality (…almost, kind of) re-creation of a James Bond-type action film, performed by live actors.  Loud, intense, and funny all at the same time.

I have to say though, my absolute favorite part of this entire park was the Safari Terrace.  Here you can purchase a bucket of bananas for around 40 Baht ($1.30CDN), walk to the edge of the terrace, and be greeted face-to-face with a giraffe!  These guys have all the space they could want to wander around, and they can come and go from the terrace as they wish.  They’re obviously very used to seeing people and very familiar with what we have to offer them, because they are not shy.  Imagine having a foot-long tongue reach out to you looking for a banana!  This experience was definitely one of my favorites in all of Bangkok.

Jim Thompson House

This small museum is the former home of the self-made American entrepreneur who was the founder of the world renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company.  The Jim Thompson House complex consists of six traditional Thai-style houses, teak structures that were purchased from several owners and brought to the present location from various parts of Thailand.  Inside you will find Jim Thompson’s beautiful collection of art and artifacts from Thailand and Southeast Asia.  Admission is 100 Baht ($3.35CDN).

Interesting side-note:  during the Easter weekend in 1967, Thompson disappeared while on holiday with friends in Malaysia.  An extensive search failed to reveal any clues about his disappearance, and to this day it is still a mystery.

Corrections Museum

This one is a bit gruesome, but I found it very fascinating, and it’s not something you’ll read about in many guide books.  Essentially this is an old prison that has been disbanded and turned into a park and a free museum.  Inside the cell block you can see and read about torture devices that have been used in the past in Thailand.  In the main building (you must remove your shoes) there are a few paintings and wax models depicting past execution methods, as well as some weapons on display.  This is not a large or extensive museum, but it is free, and it’s a very different perspective on Thailand’s correctional past.

Restaurants

Blue Elephant:  Housed in a century-old building, visiting Blue Elephant is like traveling back in time.  Traditional Thai cuisine is enhanced with a twist of fusion to suit even the most discriminating palate.

Baan Kanitha:  Located in a grand, converted Thai house, this restaurant is decorated with antique furniture and paintings. The extensive menu lists all the popular Thai dishes, as well as a wide selection of seafood.

Sirroco – The Dome:  Sirocco combines delicious food and fantastic live music with a view from the city’s second tallest building, and highest outdoor balcony. Sirocco is one of Bangkok’s best live jazz venues, featuring the vocal styling of international performers six nights a week.

There are so many exciting things to do in and around Bangkok that this post could go on forever. I chose to highlight a few of my favorites, but if you’re looking for even more, check out my Bangkok – Things To Do (Part II) post!

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them here!  Have you visited any of these suggested locations?  Do you have any other must-do activities to add to the list??  I look forward to hearing from you.