See

Most of Bangkok's sights are concentrated on the island of Rattanakosin, often referred to as the "Old City". Out of Bangkok's hundreds of temples, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun usually make up the top 3. The Grand Palace has an immense size, so expect to spend at least a full morning or afternoon there. Within the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred Buddhist temple of Thailand. Unlike other temples, it is not one building, nor are there living spaces for monks. Instead, it is a collection of highly decorated holy buildings and monuments. One of its buildings houses the Emerald Buddha, and while you might not expect it from its size, it is the most sacred Buddha image of Thailand. Sadly the entrance fee is quite steep (500 Bhat, August 2016) for what you get. There are basically only two buildings you can enter and the whole area is absolutely overcrowded. Huge loads of tourists everywhere, it feels like a zoo or Disneyland. It kind of ruins the experience.

Nearby is Wat Pho, home to the world's largest reclining Buddha image and a famed massage school. Entrance Fee is 100 Bhat and you get a free water + you can refill your water bottles inside. Regarding to the ticket its open to 6:30 pm. (August 2016). Take the ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Thonburi for the outstanding Wat Arun. The main structure is about 60-88 m high and it is surrounded by four smaller prangs. It is one of Thailand's most picturesque temples, and is engraved on the inner part of all ten-baht coins. It is so recognisable that it even became the logo of the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT). If you look closely, you will see that it is beautifully decorated with colourful broken Chinese porcelain pieces. It is currently being renovated and the majority is covered in scaffolding. Climbing up is also prohibited due to the renovations. Heading back to Rattanakosin, there are many other major temples you could visit, including the Golden Mount, Wat Suthat and Wat Ratchanaddaram.

Don't throw away the entry ticket of the Grand Palace, as it gives free entry to the Dusit Palace in Dusit. It is situated in a leafy, European-style area built by King Rama V to escape the heat of the Grand Palace. Its main structure is the Vimanmek Mansion, touted as the largest golden teakwood house in the world, but you could spend your whole day in the museums if you wish. There are many museums in Bangkok showing traditional Thai-style residences. Most visitors take a tour through Jim Thompson's House, the CIA-operative's mansion assembled by combining six traditional Thai-style houses, conveniently located near Siam Square. Ban Kamthieng in Sukhumvit, M.R. Kukrit's Heritage Home in Silom and the Suan Pakkad Palace in Phahonyothin are not quite as impressive, but still make for a nice experience. Rattanakosin's museums are mostly dedicated to history and culture, including the National Museum (about Thai history and archaeological remains), the Museum of Siam and the King Prajadhipok Museum. Bangkok has a small, but vocal art community, and you might want to visit the National Gallery or The Queen's Gallery, or one of its numerous smaller galleries spread over the city. Siam Square features the recently opened Bangkok Art and Culture Centre which has temporary art exhibitions throughout year.

Lumphini Park in Silom is the largest park in central Bangkok, and a good way to escape the fumes. Backpackers around Khao San Road can head for Santichaiprakarn Park, a small but fun park along the Chao Phraya River with a breezy atmosphere, usually with locals juggling or practicing tricks. It is built around the 18th-century Phra Sumen Fort with a nice view on the modern Rama VIII cable-stayed bridge. Zoos and animal farms are some of the more popular tourist attractions in Bangkok, but before visiting, please be aware that animal welfare in Thailand is not strictly regulated. Poor living conditions of the animals and inadequate veterinary care are examples of the sad mistreatment of the animal population. You can't go wrong at the Queen Saovabha Institute Snake Farm in Silom, as the staff takes good care of their snakes and they have a job of informing the public about the risks associated with them. Another nice family attraction is Siam Ocean World in Siam Square. It has a steep price tag, but at least you get to see the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia.

PAK NAM temple is located on Petch Kasem road. This place is quite peaceful because less people go there. Beside the temple, there is a big canal located for you to feed the fishes. And the Architecture here is also very nice and so amazing that the wall of this temple is neatly carved to describe about the history of the Buddhism and most of the parts of this temple are made up of teak woods.

People spotting

More than any other place in Thailand, Bangkok offers wonderful opportunities for just sitting and watching people go by. Here's a partial checklist:

University student — Many of Thailand's universities continue to enforce a uniform, and what a uniform it is: for girls, it's a sheer white blouse with a short black skirt, and the little shiny logo button on the blouse tells the cognoscenti which particular university she is attending. Boys wear a white dress shirt and black trousers.

Office lady — Sharply clad in infinite variations of solid pastel shades.

Bargirl — Mostly short and dark-skinned farm girls from the provinces, a bargirl can be spotted a mile away thanks to her pink hotpants and the kilo of gold around her neck. Often found in happy financial symbiosis with the sexpat.

Sexpat — Fifty-plus, bald, beer belly, stained shirt, lovestruck expression and a hairy arm wrapped around a girl too young to be his daughter. He's found what he's looking for.

Expat — A farang walking about purposefully in dress shirt and long trousers, seemingly oblivious to the fact that it's 35°C outside. For extra credit, try to distinguish between the scruffier English teacher type and the jet-setting expense package type. Or try classifying them by the old joke about the three types of expat — missionaries, mercenaries and misfits.

Yuppie — Like every other big city, Bangkok boasts a coterie of young professional types who are hip, well-educated and relatively affluent. Similar to the Expat, they usually sport business attire and are likely to be hurried — except they probably know a shortcut, and they aren't sweating so profusely.

Khao San Road vagabonds — Braided hair, bead necklace, sarongs, shorts and floppy pants, either on their way to or just back from the beaches. Despite claims of being 'travellers', and consequently look down of others they deem to be mere 'tourists', become dazed and bewildered when torn apart from the familiar surroundings of Khao San Road.

Itineraries

One day in Bangkok — if you have just one day to spare and want to catch a feel for the city

One weekend in Bangkok — for attractions that only open in weekends

Rattanakosin Tour — a quick tour along Bangkok's famed historic district

Yaowarat and Phahurat Tour — a full-day walking tour through this multicultural district

9 Temples tour — a day trip to 9 most sacred temples in Bangkok

Pattaya

Beaches

The three kilometres long Pattaya Beach runs along the city centre. The beach is full of life with hotels, restaurants, shopping malls all along the road facing the beach. The street south of Beach Road, Walking Street, comes alive with rock music as the night sets in. People throng the street to experience the night life, which is unique in all respects. There are hundreds of beer bars, go-go bars, discotheques around the area. Muay Thai, the Thai Boxing, an open arena in some of the beer bars are exciting to the hilt.

Another beach in Pattaya, Jomtien Beach, more popular among family vacationers, is on the southern part of the city, and separated from the main Pattaya Bay by Buddha hill. Jomtien is more calm and serene compared to the crowded Pattaya Beach and a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Jomtien is also popular for its amusement park and tower, to keep children entertained. The one km long, Wong Phrachan Beach, situated on the Northern part of the Pattaya Beach is a favourite among swimmers.

There are acres of sand jam-packed with recliners and umbrellas (usually with an "in-house" supply of drinks), serviced by an army of laid-back but tenacious hawkers offering anything and everything from food (especially seafood, fruit, ice cream) to massage, manicure/pedicure, tattoos, lottery tickets, newspapers, herbs, flowers, gems, perfumes, sunglasses, CDs, watches, lighters, clothes, toys, souvenirs, handicrafts (it's a bit like TV shopping - as soon as you've declined one offer, it's time to consider another) and so on. Eventually you buy a very dark pair of sunglasses, and after that you just pretend to be asleep.

Pattaya Beach is almost 3 km long and bordered by Beach Road. Due to its central location and proximity to several hundred hotels, and because it's a relatively narrow strip of sand, it's crowded at the best of times (and even more so at high tide). Hefty fines for littering help keep the sand neat and tidy, however the sea is not so clean around here.

The northern end of Pattaya Bay is occupied by Wong Amat Beach, which is accessed from Naklua; and beyond the southern end, around the Buddha Hill headland that separates Pattaya Bay from Jomtien, are several more smaller beaches.

Naklua Bay is immediately north of Pattaya Bay, with Rachvate Cape separating the two. Naklua Beach, to the far north, is the main strip, with the smaller Crescent Moon Beach and then Palm Beach further south. Beyond them is Wong Amat Beach which occupies the northern end of Pattaya Bay, but is accessed from Naklua. All are generally cleaner and more suitable for quiet relaxation than Pattaya Beach.

Wong Phra Chan Beach (หาดวงพระจันทร์). This small tranquil one kilometre beach is on the northern side of Pattaya Bay. The serene atmosphere here is attractive to those longing for a complete rest and privacy.

Sacred places

Ban Sukhawadee (บ้านสุขาวดี), 219 Moo 2, Sukhumvit Rd, ☎ +66 38 223-536(-9), [12]. M-F 08:30–18:00, Sa-Su, hols 08:00-18:00. This is the residence of Dr. Panya Chotithewan. Visitors can enter the house to pay respect to the Bodhisattva Kwan Yin, to see the spacious conference room and the roof. 300 baht/adults, 50 baht/children

Buddha Hill (เขาพระตำหนัก หรือ เขาพระบาท Khao Phra Tam Nak), (between Thap Praya Road and Phratamnak Road; 5-10 mins by songthaew). Buddha Hill is one of the highest points in Pattaya. At the summit is the biggest Buddha statue in Pattaya, and nearby is a beautiful Chinese-style sacred area dedicated to Confucius and Lao-zi. The next hill, just across the Phra Tam Nak Road, has the best Pattaya Bay coastline viewpoint and is also worth a visit, especially for sunset. The locals come here to pay homage to Wat Khao Phra Bat atop the hill and the monument of Kromluang Chomphonkhetudomsak, who is regarded as the founding father of the modern Thai navy. 

Chaloemphrakiat Park (สวนเฉลิมพระเกียรติ). A park at the foot of Khao Pattaya. With an area of 6 acres, the park was dedicated to commemorate His Majesty the King's sixtieth birthday on December 5, 1988. The gardens of the park boast a wide variety of flowering plants and offer a scenic view of Pattaya. There are also multipurpose grounds and winding trails for walking or jogging and standard exercise facilities. It is not at all obvious how to access the gardens of the park from the summit, and those from overseas should ask a local for guidance. 

Sanctuary of Truth (ปราสาทสัจธรรม), 206/2 Moo 5, Soi 12, Naklua Rd, ☎ +66 38 367-229(-30), [13]. 09:00-18:00 daily. This huge ancient-style wooden temple is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet, North Pattaya. The entrance is at Soi 12, Na Kluea Road. The Sanctuary of Truth was first begun in 1981 by Mr. Lek Wiriyaphan, the founder of the Ancient City in Samut Prakan Province. With exquisite an unique architectural features, the building was conceived out of the vision that human civilisation has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth. It is an unfinished project, but worth a visit even now. 500 baht. 

Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan (วัดญาณสังวรารามวรมหาวิหาร), (turn left from Sukhumvit Road, at Km. 160 for 5km). It was constructed in 1976 for Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the present Supreme Patriarch, and later was supported by His Majesty the King. At the entrance are situated international pavilions presenting each country’s national architectural style around the pond. Within the compound of the temple are the Mondop where a replica of the Buddha’s footprint is enshrined, a large Chedi containing the relics of the Lord Buddha, as well as, his enlightened followers, and Wihan Phra Yanaret. It is open from 8.00AM-4.00PM For more information, Tel. 0 3823 7506. Moreover, there is a place where the Royal Project for Agricultural Training Centre and Wildlife Preservation Area are located. 

Museums and galleries

Anek Kuson Sala (Wihan Sian) (เอนกกุศลศาลา (วิหารเซียน)), (entrance is a bit prior to Wat Yanasangwararam, 800 metres from the intersection at the reservoir), ☎ +66 38 238-367. 08:30-17:00 daily. Anek Kuson Sala is an art gallery with high-class Chinese architecture and fine arts constructed in 1987 to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Birthday. Inside is an exhibition displaying precious antiques such as the large white jade Bodhisattva Kwan Yin's image, terra-cotta soldiers and horses from the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, an emperor’s golden throne, ancient paintings and pottery. 50 baht. 

Liam's Gallery, Soi 4 Pratamnak Rd, Moo 12, ☎ +66 38 251-808. Liam's Gallery exhibits and sells original art works from Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia. 

Ripley's Believe It Or Not, Second Rd or Beach Rd (on the third floor of Royal Garden Plaza), ☎ +66 38 710-294(-8), [14]. 11:00-23:00 daily. At the same location there's also a "Haunted Experience" show, a 4D movie theatre and "Infinity Maze" game. Various combination tickets available to enter all four. Foreigners 380 baht/adult and 280 baht/child, Thais 280 baht/adult, 230 baht/child. 

Theme parks

Cartoon Network Amazone, 888 Moo8, NaJomtien, Sattahip, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand, ☎ +66 38 237 707, [15]. Cartoon Network Amazone is the world's first Cartoon Network-themed waterpark. Here you can splash out with all of your favorite Cartoon Network friends, including Ben 10 and his aliens, Adventure Time's Finn and Jake, The Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo and many more. Foreigners 1590 baht, Thais 1290 baht. 

Mini Siam (เมืองจำลองพัทยา), (on Sukhumvit Road, surrounded by Soi 33), ☎ +66 38 421-628, [16]. 07:00-22:00 daily. Mini Siam features miniature replicas of iconic structures from Thailand and all over the world. It is one of the most famous model villages in the world. It celebrates the heritages of Thailand with miniature replicas of the most famous monuments and historical sites including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Democracy Monument, Bridge over the River Kwai, Prasat Hin Phimai etc. Minature replicas of the Tower Bridge of London, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain are also displayed in the section called "miniworld". 250 baht/adults, 120 baht/children. 

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, 163 Sukhumvit Rd (15 minutes east of town centre), ☎ +66 38 429-321, [17]. Beautiful gardens with waterfalls, elephant shows, "Cultural Extravaganza" performances 4 times a day, restaurants and so forth - enough to fill an entire day. Foreigners 500 baht, Thais 200 baht. 

Siriphon Orchid Farm (สวนกล้วยไม้ศิริพร), 235/14 Moo 5, Noen Phlap Wan Rd (turn left for 800 metres from Sukhumvit Road, diagonally across the Pattaya Klang intersection), ☎ +66 38 429-013. Inside the farm are various kinds of orchids to be admired and purchased such as Pompadua, Vanda, Golden Shower, and Cattleya. 

Three Kingdoms Theme Park (อุทยานสามก๊ก), 100 Moo 9, Tambon Pong (adjacent to Horseshoe Point, 20 minutes from Pattaya), ☎ +66 38 421-428(-9), [18]. 10:00-17:00 daily. This is a Chinese-style garden filled with pagodas, murals and figures from the Chinese epic San Guo Zhi, and more an expression of filial piety than a theme park. Perhaps worth a quick look on a slow day, but unlikely to offer much to visitors not familiar with the story. 150 baht/adults, 80 baht/children. 

Animals and zoos

The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm (อุทยานหินล้านปีและฟาร์มจระเข้พัทยา), Chaiyaphonwithi Road (15 minute drive from central Pattaya), ☎ +66 38 249-347(-9), [19]. 08:30-18:30 daily. Features an exotic zoo, and crocodile, fire-swallowing and magic shows, as well as the garden and stone park. This popular attraction is Its grounds are landscaped with flowering and rock gardens. Hundreds of crocodiles as well as some rare animals, including albino bears and horses, are kept. There are crocodile shows, magic performances and animal shows 7 times a day from 09:00-17:00. 300 baht/adults, 150 baht/children. 

Pattaya Elephant Village (หมู่บ้านช้างพัทยา), 54/1 Moo 2, Tambon Nong Prue, ☎ +66 38 249-145(-7), [20]. This elephant camp focuses on daily life of elephants and their masters and also offers stage shows demonstrating how to catch wild elephants, elephants-at-work in the jungle, elephants playing football and a grand war elephants parade. The shows are held daily at 14:30 and last one hour. A one-hour elephant ride is available from 08:00-17:30 for 900 baht/person and rafting trekking three-hour is available from 10:00-15:30PM at 1,800 baht/person. 500 baht. 

Underwater World (อันเดอร์วอเตอร์ เวิลด์), 22/22 Moo 11, Sukhumvit Rd, ☎ +66 38 756-879, [21]. 09:00–18:00 daily, feeding times 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00. This is a relatively small aquarium where there is a collection of marine species in the Gulf of Thailand. Visitors can walk through the acrylic pedestrian tunnel and witness various kinds of fish swimming in the 180 degree area. The tunnel is 105 metres long divided into 4 zones; the first zone where there are beautiful and rare fish such as angel fish, cleaning wrasse and butterflyfish, the second zone displays soft-bone ones such as sharks, stingrays, while those in the third zone are the economic ones such as the Napoleonfish, groupers, pomfrets, hawksbill turtles, and green turtles which reside around a replica of shipwreck; the fourth zone is a special one where fish from the Amazon River are on display. Moreover, there are marine life feeding shows, both on the surface of the water and underwater in each zone. It is possible to dive in the tank with the fish for a cost of 2500baht for 30 minutes. 500 baht/adult, 300 baht/child.  edit

Wineries

Silverlake Winery Pattaya- the first famous and only vineyard in the East of Thailand. There are beautiful view for photo and drama shooting. Grape and vine products are also sell and it plenty of the colorful flowers. Silverlake becomes popular owing to spectacular natural views. Visitors, they can relax with colorful of flowers, what’s more the activity that attract visitors are riding an ATV, horse-drawn carriage, Elephant, bicycle and look around the yard by a round trip by bus. Visitors can go there by a metered taxi, Songthaew or own car. For own car go on Sukhumvit Road to the Sattahip direction. Contact information +66-3893-8250.

By car

Pattaya is located 147 km from Bangkok and can be reached in a comfortable 2-hour drive. There are two convenient ways to get there.

Via the Bangkok-Chon Buri-Pattaya Motorway (Highway 7) The motorway is linked with Bangkok’s Outer Ring Road., (Highway 9) and there is also another entrance at Si Nakharin and Rama IX Junction.

Via Bang Na-Trat Highway (Highway 34) From Bang Na, Bang Phli, cross the Bang Pakong River to Chon Buri and take Chon Buri’s bypass to meet Sukhumvit Rd, (Highway 3, passing Bang Saen Beach, Bang Phra to Pattaya.

Most visitors arrive by road from or via Bangkok, many having flown in to Suvarnabhumi (the "new" BKK). Much smaller numbers arrive direct by road from the north and east, by rail from Bangkok, and by air via U-Tapao from Ko Samui or Phuket in Southern Thailand or Siem Reap in Cambodia.