Savouring Bangkok's riverside temples is the top visitor draw, with the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew considered the holiest site in Thailand.
Up until 1900, it was the official residence of the Thai monarchy and a self-contained city. Its most acclaimed inhabitant is the Emerald Buddha and the statue is
draped in ceremonial robes which are changed with the seasons - by the king himself. Wat Pho is another blockbuster temple nestled on the banks of the "River of Kings", Mae Nam Chao Phraya.
The enormous phallic-like structure, intricately decorated with mosaics, is home to the sublime reclining Buddha which symbolises his passage into nirvana. The 46m long, gold-leaf gilded figure is a truly majestic sight. If you have the time and the inclination, there are literally hundreds of temples all over the city which are welcoming to the outside world. But these two temple sights remain the perennial smash hits.
The River of Kings cuts a course through the heart of Bangkok like a well-worn, unwashed ribbon.
Central Thais are river people and many of their homes and livelihoods are built along the waterways. The river is always bursting with life and industry, with hulking freighters, pleasure craft and fishing boats gliding past the glass towers, temples and market stalls.
For an emblematic insight into authentic Bangkok life, board a river ferry at any terminal and watch the world pass by. A single trip will cost you less than $1, and the ferries are a great way to hop around the city sights.
