{"id":91722,"date":"2018-09-21T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-09-21T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/10-reasons-why-bangkok-is-one-of-the-most-visited-cities-in-the-world\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:52:32","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:52:32","slug":"10-reasons-why-bangkok-is-one-of-the-most-visited-cities-in-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/10-reasons-why-bangkok-is-one-of-the-most-visited-cities-in-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Reasons Why Bangkok Is One Of The Most Visited Cities In The World"},"content":{"rendered":"

[Updated: February 2025]<\/p>\n

Thailand\u2019s capital city attracts hundreds of thousands of people from all over the globe every year. It offers tourists a unique set of characteristics –\u00a0it is the largest and most developed city in Thailand<\/a> but manages to maintain its historical architecture and traditions dating back hundreds of years. Bangkok<\/a>, which is for most\u00a0a jumping off point for Thailand holidays, is packed with everything from excitement and chaos, to freedom, beauty, and adventure. Through\u00a0the hustle and bustle, gigantic skyscrapers, grand palaces and temples, and a world-renowned floating market, Bangkok continues to attract millions of travellers from around the world.<\/p>\n

Here are 10 reasons why Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world today.<\/p>\n

1. Wat Arun \u2013 The Temple of Dawn<\/h2>\n
\"Wat
Photo credit: @fischerfotos<\/a> via Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wat Arun isn\u2019t just another temple\u2014it\u2019s a Bangkok icon. Perched on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, opposite the Grand Palace, its towering 70-metre spire is decked out in colourful glass and Chinese porcelain. Up for a challenge? Climb the steep steps for epic skyline views. While it\u2019s called the Temple of Dawn, it\u2019s pure magic at night, lighting up the river in a golden glow.<\/p>\n

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2. Floating markets<\/h2>\n
\"Floating
Photo credit: @archer10<\/a> via Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is one sight you won\u2019t see anywhere else other than in Southeast Asia. Picture this \u2013 anchored on either side of the river, boats stocked to the brim with fresh tropical fruit and veggies, coconut juice, and local food which has been lovingly tendered on open grills. The best way to go about exploring Bangkok\u2019s floating markets is to hop aboard one of the many guided boat tours on offer. The 3 most popular floating markets in Bangkok are Damnoen Saduak<\/strong>, Amphawa<\/strong>, and Klong Lat Mayom<\/strong> with Damnoen Saduak being the most popular floating market in the country.<\/p>\n

3. Khao San Road<\/h2>\n

\"Khao<\/p>\n

Khao San Road<\/strong> is where East meets West in a whirlwind of backpackers, party lovers, and pure chaos. Famous for its wild nightlife and budget-friendly stays, it\u2019s a rite of passage for young travelers in Bangkok. By day, it\u2019s a hub of cheap eats and guesthouses, but when the sun sets, the street comes alive\u2014mobile bars mix up \u201cdeadly\u201d cocktail buckets, music blasts from every corner, and the crowds keep the party going till dawn.<\/p>\n

4. The Grand Palace<\/h2>\n

\"Bangkok's<\/p>\n

Built in 1782 and once the home of the Thai King, the royal court and the administrative seat of government, Bangkok\u2019s Grand Palace is the most glorified and world-renowned landmark in the capital. Here all you architectural and culture junkies can lose yourselves in the ancient designs of the diverse array of Buddhist sculptures and temples that flow through the vicinity. Most popular amongst tourists has to be Wat Phra Kaew<\/strong>, in English the “Temple of the Emerald Buddha”.\u00a0 The 14th century Emerald Buddha<\/strong>, revered by all Thais, is a highlight too.<\/p>\n

5. Soi Cowboy<\/h2>\n

\"Soi<\/p>\n

In Thai, Soi means \u201cstreet\u201d. This particular street got its name in the 1970s when the first bar was opened by a real American, Stetson-wearing cowboy. Bangkok is a sex-oriented city, a characteristic that won’t go unnoticed unless you stay indoors at night, and Soi Cowboy is recognised as the epicentre of the city\u2019s Red Light District. It’s very different from Amsterdam’s Red Light District<\/a>;\u00a0bars line the street, the \u201cHello, welcome!\u201d yells\u00a0from girls becomes a familiar sound as you walk by. Here you can simply have a good time with your friends over a couple of drinks although you will definitely get some attention from the bar girls who will most likely try to get a few drinks out of you. Many of the bars have dancers and you are more than welcome to take a seat around the stage and enjoy the show.<\/p>\n

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