Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Located 80km (50 miles) southwest of Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a daily riot of colour and noise. Farmers and smallholders from the surrounding hills turn up each morning to sell and exchange fruit and vegetables from their heavily-laden barges, as they sail up and down the canals amongst the orchards and vineyards. Trading starts early, at around 0600 and lasts only until 1100, with the main clients being other farmers and the residents of the stilt-houses that line the canals. Visitors can also take boat trips to see the way of life in the many villages up river.
Transport: Bus 78 from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal to Damnoen Saduak Bus Terminal; Opening time: Daily 6am to 11am; Admission: Free
Royal Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings in Bangkok, Thailand. It served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century onwards. Construction of the Palace began in 1782, during the reign of King Rama I, when he moved the capital across the river from Thonburi to Bangkok. The Palace has been constantly expanded and many additional structures were added over time. The present King of Thailand, King Rama IX, however, resides at the Chitralada Palace.
Address: Na Phralan Road, Phra Nakhon; Telephone: (0)2 623 5500; Website: www.palaces.thai.net; Opening time: Daily 8.30am to 4.30pm; Admission: B 250 (adults); children free
Royal Barges National Museum
The Royal Barges are one of Bangkok’s most fascinating sights. Housed in sheds in The Royal Barge National Museum on Bangkok Noi Canal on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, they provide a fascinating insight into Thai history and culture. These are not barges in the sense of vessels employed to carry cargo up and down the river. Rather, they are ornately decorated boats with magnificently carved prows that at one time served a military function, but today are limited to use in State ceremonies and celebrations.
Address: Arun Amarin Road, Bangkok Noi; Telephone: (0)2 424 0004; Website: www.thailandmuseum.com; Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm; Admission: B 30
The Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
Wat Pho, also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, Thailand, located in the Rattanakosin district directly adjacent to the Grand Palace. Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage..
Address: 2 Sanamchai Road; Telephone: (0)2 222 5910 or (0)2 226 2942; Transport: Bus 6, 8, 12 (aircon); public buses 1, 25, 44, 47, 62 and 91; or express boat to Tien pier ; Opening time: Daily 8am to 5pm (closed from 12pm to 1pm); Admission: B 20