This should be the top historical tourist destination you visit while in Bangkok. The royal compound lives up to its name, with magnificent buildings that would put the most decadent modern monarchs to shame.

The grand palace, which was constructed in 1782 and continues to be used for significant ceremonies and hosting heads of state, served as the royal residence for several generations. When visiting the Grand Palace, you should dress modestly, which means basically covering your arms and legs and avoiding any loose clothing. Take the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Tour to avoid any hassles and to get the most out of your trip. This is a morning or afternoon half-day sightseeing tour that includes transportation from your hotel and a local guide to explain the significance of the sights you see. Without a guide, it's easier to overlook significant things or not understand the significance of what you are seeing, and the hotel pickup simplifies the entire experience.

Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon

If your feet are up for additional walking, Wat Pho, which is situated right outside the Grand Palace enclosure, is a great addition to your palace visit.

The oldest temple in Bangkok was constructed by King Rama I. It has a long history as a center for healing, and King Rama III established both the pharmacy and Thailand's first "university," which made it famous decades ago. The traditional medical school on the site offers foot or Thai massage, but the costs are much more than those at other massage parlors in the city. Today, Wat Pho is best renowned for the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which houses a statue of the Buddha that is so big with 45 meters long and 15 meters high. Particularly beautiful are the foot soles, which have a variety of valuable stones set into them. Additionally, keep an eye out for the long earlobes that denote a noble birth and the lotus-bud form of the hand, which stands for purity and beauty.

Address: 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, Pranakorn District

With origins in past battles between the former Siam and Burma, Wat Arun is somewhat of a triumphant complex. Ayutthaya was reduced to rubble and ashes after it was conquered by the Burmese, but General Taksin and the remaining survivors vowed to march and build a temple here "until the sun rose again". It was the Wat Arun or Temple of the Dawn. The new king subsequently constructed a private chapel and his royal palace here.

You will be rewarded with an outstanding view of the sun setting over the Chao Praya River if you climb to the top of the prang just before sunset. Sunset is definitely the best time to experience this location in all its beauty, even if you don't intend to do any climbing.

Address: Arun Amarin Road, Bangkok

The Wat Traimit temple in the Chinatown area of Bangkok is a Royal temple famous for the enormous gold Buddha image it houses. About 450 meters west of the Hualampong Railway Station, in Chinatown Bangkok, is where this magnificent temple may be found.

This highly revered temple contains the Golden Image Buddha, which is made of solid gold and weighs approximately 5 ½ tons. The 13th-century gold sculpture is almost 5 meters tall and has a long history. It is the largest solid gold Buddha image in the world. On the third floor of Wat Traimit is a museum where you may learn about the Golden Buddha's history. Following a brief introduction to Buddha images in a film presentation, the complete history of the sculpture inside the temple is told. The historical background of Wat Traimit's origins is also included in the exhibits. 3D presentations chronicling the history of the Chinese traders in Bangkok are on display on the second floor.

Address: 661 Charoen Krung Rd, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok

One of Bangkok's oldest and most stunning Buddhist temples is Wat Suthat, which is close to the Great Swing. Its construction was supervised by three kings: Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty, started it soon after his coronation in 1782; Rama II continued it; and Rama III finished it ten years later.

The temple has beautiful architecture in addition to some incredibly interesting wall paintings. It contains a beautiful prayer hall with sweeping roofs, magnificent murals, and excellent hand-carved teakwood door panels. The enormous red Giant Swing that stands at its entrance is well-known. Wat Suthat offers a more tranquil and personal experience because it is less well-known than some of the other temple complexes in the city. Wat Suthat Thepwararam is conveniently close to Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha due to its location in Bangkok's Old Town.

Address: Bamrung Muang Road, Sao Chingcha, Phra Nakhon

The Giant Swing (locally called Sao Chingcha) is located in front of Wat Suthat. It was constructed in 1784 in front of the Devasthan shrine by King Rama I.

The swing was initially constructed in the 1700s to be used in traditional Brahmin (Hinduist) ceremonies, but it was later damaged by lightning and became merely a decoration. Standing at over 21 meters (69ft) tall, the Giant Swing is a Brahman religious structure and was originally used as part of a ceremony during the Brahman Festival. Teams of three would swing 25 meters or more "up to Heaven" and take turns balancing on a dangerously narrow board while attempting to catch a bag of silver coins between their teeth. If successful in reaching the bag, they could keep the treasure, though many were not.

Address: 239 Dinso Rd, Bang Khun Phrom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

History lovers should plan to spend at least half a day exploring the national museum. It's definitely worth a visit, especially if visiting nearby Wat Phra Kaew or the Grand Palace.

The Bangkok National Museum houses the largest collection of Thai art and artifacts in the country. You won't miss out on any of the fascinating ancient and modern histories of the country thanks to the fact that almost every exhibit is labeled in both Thai and English and that guided tours are also available in English. The Wang Na Palace of King Rama I, which is located on the museum's grounds, is still there today and serves as a symbol of Thai history. The Viceroy's throne, regalia, religious and ceremonial artifacts, ceramics, games, weaponry, musical instruments, and an impressive collection of Buddha images arranged by time period are all on display for visitors to see.

Address: Na Phra That Road, Bangkok

Chatuchak market is an indoor and outdoor market that has earned a reputation as a must-see destination for tourists. The largest weekend market in the world and one of the best things to do in Bangkok is this enormous semi-outdoor market.

From jewelry and religious symbols to pet supplies, paper lamps, and delicious street cuisine, shoppers can find it all here. More than 15,000 vendors in Chatuchak Market sell everything you can imagine, and even better, any souvenir you would want is probably available here for considerably less money than it would cost elsewhere in Bangkok. If you want to visit this location, arrive early and clear your schedule for the rest of the day. This is a great spot to mingle with locals and immerse yourself in everyday Thai life.

Address: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok

Bangkok used to be known as the "Venice of the East" due to the prevalence of floating markets. You might plan a trip to Damnoen Saduak, a well-known floating market in Ratchaburi, for an even more interesting market experience (about 1.5 hours outside Bangkok).

Many Thai and foreign visitors come here daily to shop, eat, and take in the atmosphere of Thailand's water markets, which have been in this format for more than a century. . Klong Damnoen Saduak Damnoen Saduak is the straightest and longest canal in Thailand. Bring your camera to capture the river filled with wooden boats carrying a variety of fruit and vegetables that are being sold to people who are standing on the shore. Just like you would expect from a Thai market, the scene is vibrant and hectic.

Address: 51 Damnoen Saduak, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi

This area of Bangkok is known as the "backpacker district" and it is packed with hotels, food stalls, clothes shops, and tourists from all over the world. Khao San Road is a welcome respite and you are sure to have a memorable time here.

When you're here, you'll need to have some patience since even if it's vibrant and exciting in its own right, the crowds, scents, and loud music can overwhelm even the most composed spirit. Having said that, Khao San Road is also a great spot to browse the treasures in a used bookstore, dive into some delicious Indian food from a local restaurant, and pick up a few pairs of baggy fisherman pants, an essential part of every traveler's wardrobe when trekking through Thailand.

Address: Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok