Faiza Rizvi Saudi Gazette Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Exotic temples, lively alleys, thriving shopping experiences and plenty of visual delights aptly summarize this colorful city. Brimming with excellent tourist locations, Bangkok promises to offer an unforgettable experience. If you're planning to head to Bangkok for a vacation, make sure to plan your itinerary well in advance because the city is a mystical land with hidden treasures and you should know the most popular tourist attractions to unfold its mesmerizing layers of beauty. Be it dazzling temples, spectacular palaces, a world-famous floating market or colorful Chinatown, each of these famous places has an intriguing story to tell. Places to visit Grand Palace: Built in 1782, Grand Palace is an architectural symbol of the Royal Thai family. Undoubtedly, the most popular tourist attraction, Grand Palace continues to awe visitors with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail. Floating market: Damnon Saduak floating market is a treat for the eyes and offers an authentic experience despite heavy crowds of tourists thronging the place. Colorfully clad merchants pedal along the canal in canoes, mostly selling fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh coconut juice and traditional Thai sweets. You can also ride in one of the boats by arranging a guided tour. Chao Phraya river: Cruising along ‘Chao Phraya river' which translates as River of the Kings, is the best way to explore the majestic charm of this vibrant city. Bangkok, which was once dubbed as ‘Venice of the East' offers a variety of convenient river cruises to choose from. The best time to book a cruise is at night, when the city offers a spectacular view of glittering temples and magnificent skyscrapers. The view of the Wat Arun temple adds to its grandeur. Made out of porcelain bits, this temple is an important landmark of the city. Siam Park City: Siam Park City is one of the oldest amusement and water park in Thailand. With over two million visitors every year, it is the largest theme and water park in South East Asia and the perfect destination for a fun-filled family experience. Its wave pool made it to the Guinness World Records for being the largest in the world and it also houses one of the two world's largest suspended roller coasters. Shopper's paradise Make sure you visit Bangkok with pockets loaded with credit cards and a good sense of bargaining because this city is a heaven for shopaholics. Last year Bangkok was rated the world's second best city for tourist shopping. Malls: Bangkok has wide variety shopping malls to suit all kinds of lifestyles and budgets. If you're looking for a sumptuous mall, head to Emporium. Or visit MBK mall, for bargaining galore with more than 2000 shops spread over eight floors. Central World, the sixth largest shopping complex in the world, also offers a great shopping experience. Chatuchak weekend market: Don't miss the Chatuchak weekend market if you're in Bangkok over the weekend. Probably the biggest outdoor market in the world, the stalls and shops of Chatuchak will literally make you shop till you drop! From souvenirs to clothes to food, name the item you wish to buy and the market will not disappoint you. Chinatown: Packed with market stalls, street-side restaurants and dense concentration of gold shops, Chinatown is a must-visit for tourists. It buzzes with frenetic activity of crowds and a burst of energy oozes from its endless rows of shops. It's best to visit Chinatown during evenings when the market lights up, offering a spectacular view. Getting around the city In spite of heavy traffic in the city, Bangkok offers numerous options to make it easy for tourists to navigate their way around. ‘Tuk-tuks': Your trip to Bangkok will be incomplete if you didn't ride in the bright and colorful ‘Tuk tuks'. These are motorized three wheelers that are a fun way of getting around within the city. Fares are negotiable depending on the time of the day and distance travelled. Sky train: These trains that run on elevated platforms effortlessly glide through the city and are a great way to escape congested traffic jams. Colorful taxis: Unlike cabs in other countries, taxis in Bangkok are found in bright colors like pink, orange and purple! They're cheap and available 24 hours a day.
