A cultural sight seeing in Bangkok can be a daunting task considering there are so many places to see all over town and to fight the traffic to reach all the places would require a lot of patience and perseverance.  A good way to start off in terms of getting the most Bang(kok) for the Buck would be at the Grand Palace.  Constructed simultaneously with the establishment of Bangkok by King Rama I the Great, the complex covers a total area of 132 rai and comprises 3 major quarters– the throne halls, royal residences and Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a royal temple situated on the northeastern corner of the Grand Palace compound. It is where the image of the Emerald Buddha is enshrined as well as royal religious ceremonies have been performed. The construction of the temple was completed in 1784, and it has consistently undergone several times of restoration from the reign of King Rama I through to the reign of King Rama IX.

Next to the Grand Palace Complex is Wat Pho,  home to the 46 meter long Reclining Buddha.  The temple is considered the first centre of public education and is regarded as ‘Thailand’s first university’.  Thai traditional massage is taught at this temple.  Certified masseuses are available for weary tourists wanting to relax after a long sightseeing day.
Across the Chao Phraya river from the Grand Palace is Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn),  famed for its sparkling porcelain encrusted 79 metre central pagoda.  The temple can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tian Pier near Wat Pho. 

Royal Barge National Museum
Thailand’s ornately carved and decorated Royal Barges are displayed in boatsheds on Khlong (Canal) Bangkok Noi, just off the Chao Phraya River near Phra Pin Klao Bridge on the Thon Buri side.  The barges are used on royal occasions and formerly served as war vessels.  

Making way across town to Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, it is worthwhile to stop and admire an ancient solid gold seated Buddha image of the Sukhothai Period at Wat Trai Mit at the end of Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road near Bangkok Railway Station.

China Town <Yaowarat> was gradually settled up by Chinese traders who came by junks to trade with Siam during the Sukhothai era. By 1891, King Rama V had several more roads cut through the area with Yaowarat Road as its center. The shape of Yaowarat Road is curved like the dragon’s body, making it an ideal location for business. What visitors can find here vary from leading gold shops, textiles, garments, souvenirs, second-hand parts and equipment, electric goods, computer parts, antiques, imported musical instrument and definitely local delicacies.