Bangkok welcomes over 30 million visitors a year! There is truly so much to see and do. You have gorgeous ornate temples, ultra modern shopping centers, tasty street food and bustling markets.

The Chao Phraya River is Thailand’s most important waterway, flowing for over 230 miles from the northern mountains to the Gulf of Thailand. Known as the “River of Kings”, it is vital for transportation, tourism, irrigation, and connects historic riverside temples to the modern city.

Marla and I have visited Bangkok 26 times over the years and have stayed at many different hotels. Our favorite for location and value is the Chatrium Riverside shown above. To the left of the hotel is the Four Seasons and to the right is a prestigious private school.

This is a view from our terrace with the Four Seasons residences on the right.

We enjoy reserving their riverview suite with either one or two bedrooms.

The Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok offers a complimentary shuttle boat service that operates between the hotel’s private pier and the “Sathon Pier”. At this pier you can get on the Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain (thankfully air-conditioned) to explore many area of the city in comfort. The boat also provides service to the ICONSIAM pier for shopping and dining. 

I highly recommend booking a tour of the wonderful and historic Grand Palace. Many tours include visits to other nearby temples and even boat rides on the river.

The image above shows the gilded pagoda of the Phra Suvarnachedi on the left. It is guarded by colorful demon statues called Yakshas. On the right is the intricately decorated Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew.

We have taken grandchildren to Thailand in 2019 (shown above) and in 2023. Our daughter Lisa and son-in-law accompanied us in 2025. We will take our granddaughters in 2026.

I filmed this video of an important Buddhist prayer ceremony at the Grand Palace in 2025.

Marla holds a lotus bud dipped in holy water for a blessing at our visit last year.

The dramatic reclining Buddha at nearby Wat Pho.

Our daughter Lisa and husband Ray at Wat Pho last year.

In 1995 Marla walked up the steps of Bangkok’s most dramatic temple, Wat Arun. The year before she had 12 months of cancer treatments: Stem cell transfer, chemo & high dose chemo, radiation and multiple surgeries. At this spot Marla told me she was finally feeling like her self again!

We’re having dinner at the Deck Restaurant at the Arun Residence.

In 2019, Paxton and Logan talked about their first day in Bangkok.

On a longtail boat with Owen and Vaughan on the Chao Phraya River.

Our longtail boat ventured into a canal (called a Klong) and we saw this amazing golden Buddha. It is the tallest Buddha in Bangkok at 226 feet tall. It is at the Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen.

The majestic Wat Arun Temple: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Arun

Relaxing at the Chatrium Riverside hotel.

Marla waits for the BTS train.

Super informative video on Bangkok transportation!

Marla and I highly recommend taking a tour of the Jim Thompson House and Museum.

This is the living room filled with original artifacts and of course, Jim Thompson silks.

Our grandson Vaughan found a beautiful Jim Thompson silk shirt.

The shirt looks great on him!

An informative video on Jim Thompson.

ICONSIAM is the most luxurious and biggest mall in Bangkok and in Thailand. With its 8 floors, over 100 restaurants, and an impressive collection of 7,000 Thai and international brands, you’re guaranteed to have an incredible shopping experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

Grandsons Vaughan and Owen explore “Sook Siam”, a traditional market inside the ICONSIAM mall. You can even purchase sliced crocodile!

A short video of ICONSIAM.

Sala Rim Naam is a great place to experience Thai cuisine and Thai dancing in a luxurious setting next to the Chao Phraya River. A dancer came by our table. Look at the link: https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/bangkok/chao-phraya-river/dine/sala-rim-naam

We explored the the Chatuchak Weekend Market with Paxton and Logan in 2019 and also with Vaughan and Owen in 2023. It is the world’s largest weeked market and a very fun experience!

37 miles north of Bangkok is the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace or the Summer Palace. I recommend a day tour from Bangkok for a visit and and the temples at Ayutthaya are usually included.

Devout worshippers pay respects at the Reclining Buddha statue at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon in Ayutthaya.

Visitors climb the steps of the ancient pagoda at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon in Ayutthaya.

For a very nice dinner to celebrate your Bangkok adventure try Riva del Fiume at the Four Seasons.

There are so many wonderful areas to explore on your visit to Bangkok. I know you love it and will want to return again and again.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.