Grand Palace
Nah Pha Laan Road, Bangkok
Tel: +662 2226889
Originally built by the founder of Bangkok in 1782, the Grand Palace has become Thailand's most famous attraction and an important shrine for Buddhists world-wide. The royal chapel, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo), is renowned as the most beautiful temple in Thailand. Exquisitely decorated with gold, murals, and statues, it contains one of the most sacred statues of the Buddha, carved from a single piece of Jade.

National Museum
Tha Pra Chan Road, Bangkok
Tel: +662 90275689

This eighteenth-century palace houses the largest collection of Thai art and artefacts in the country, tracing the history of Thailand and revealing the richness of Thai culture.

Jim Thompson's Thai House
Kasemsan Soi 2, Rama I Road, Bangkok
Tel: +662 2167368

Opened to the public after his disappearance in 1967, this is the former residence of Jim Thompson, a luminary in the Thai silk industry. He amassed a wonderful collection of Southeast Asian art, now displayed in his home which consists of seven ancient Thai houses, transformed into one.

Vimanmek & Abhisek Dusit Museum
Rajavithee Road, Bangkok
Tel: +662 2816880

Built in 1901 by King Chulalongkorn the Great (RAMA V) as a royal residence and recently renovated by HM Queen Sirkit, this is the biggest golden teak wooden building in the world. It is a museum of the late king containing memorabilia and photographs from his reign (1868-1910) as well as antique furniture, glassware, porcelain and other historic treasures.

Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Po)
Thye Wang and Sanam Chai Road, Bangkok
Tel: +662 2220933

The largest and oldest temple in Bangkok, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha contains the largest statue in Thailand. Measuring 46 metres in length, the feet of this impressive figure are three metres long and the whole body is covered in gold leaf.

Temple of the Golden Mount (Wat Saket)
Between Boriphat Road and Lan Luang Road, Bangkok

Built in the eighteenth century, this landmark, in the old part of the city, is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok and believed to contain buried Buddhist relics. The city's tallest structure, it's a tough climb up winding steps to the top, but well worth the effort to see the beautiful view of Bangkok.

The National Theatre
Rachinee Road, Phra Nakom, Bangkok
Tel: +662 2210171

The theatre features plays, classical Thai dance and is home to the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra.

Erawan Shrine
Corner of Ratchadamri and Ploenchit Roads, Bangkok

The shrine is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, who is believed to have the power to grant wishes. Although it is usually busy, it is busiest the night before the national lottery draw. For those whose wishes are granted, thanks is offered by sponsoring performances of Thai classical dance. These shows provide an ideal opportunity to see classical dance in an unusual setting.

The Thailand Cultural Centre
Ratchadapisek Road, Bangkok
Tel: +662 2470013

The centre features Thai dance and musical performances.

Weekend Market
Chaturhak Park, Paholythin Road, Bangkok

A popular market for handicrafts, shoes and clothing.

National Art Gallery
Chao Fa Road, Bangkok
Tel: +662 2812224

This gallery exhibits the works of both modern and traditional Thai artists.

Democratic Monument
Ratchadamnern and Lan Luang Roads, Bangkok

The Democracy Monument was built in 1939 to commemorate the ending of the absolute power of the monarchy.

Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimitr)
Yaowarat Road and Charoen Krung, Bangkok

Home to the largest solid gold Buddha in the world. It was cast about 900 years ago and is three metres tall. At one time the statue was covered in plaster, and the golden Buddha inside was forgotten. However, the five-ton statue's full glory was rediscovered whilst being moved, when it was dropped and the plaster cracked.