The Top Things To Do & See In Dusit, Bangkok
Modern day Bangkok can be stressful — while the bustling city and its continual expansion (usually) does nothing but good things for the City of Angels, it is nice to flee the chaos and escape to a quieter, more original area of the city known as Dusit. This is a delightful area of the city that is both authentic and local. Whether you want to wander around marble temples or spend a day shopping for local goods, Dusit is the place to be. Here are the top things to see and do in Dusit, Bangkok.
1. Visit Dusit Palace Park
Museum, Park
Visit Dusit Palace Park
This royal property is home to a palace, museum, gardens and awe-inspiring structures. The Vimanmek Mansion is one of the world’s largest buildings made entirely of teak, and it is one of the main structures within Dusit Palace. The Ananta Samakhom Throne, also on these grounds, is made of teak as well. Visitors can also visit the museum that sits inside the Ananta Samagom Throne Hall. There is a ฿150 entrance fee to get into the museum, as well as a strict dress code for Dusit Palace Park.
Dusit Palace, Bangkok, Thailand +66 02 283 9411
Bangkok – Dusit Palace | © Courtesy of VnGrijl/Flickr
2. Browse The Royal Elephant National Museum
Building, Museum
Browse The Royal Elephant National Museum
The Royal Elephant Museum is found on the grounds of the Dusit Palace. The actual museum used to be the home of royal elephants, and the stables were constructed under King Rama V. King Rama VII later added on another building, and the museum consists of these two structures. In 1988, the Ministry of Education gave a proposal for the stables to be used as a museum. The museum’s exhibits are all centered around elephants, with life-size replicas of how royal elephants used to look during ceremonies and other important monarchy events. The museum is fairly small, but it is an interesting place to visit for those hoping to learn more about Thai culture. There is no entrance fee, and the museum is open every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Royal Elephant Museum, 16 Uthong Nai Alley, Dusit, Bangkok, Thailand +66 02 282 3336
Visit Wat Benchamabophit
Wat Benchamabophit, otherwise known as Wat Ben or the Marble Temple, is one of a few temples located in Bangkok’s Dusit District. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and the architecture will impress even the least impressible. The temple has yet to make its way onto the itineraries of those traveling through Bangkok, so visitors will be surprised to find that this beautiful structure is usually pretty empty, with only a handful of monks walking the grounds. The temple is made almost entirely of white marble that was imported from Italy and was completed in the late 19th century, with underlying tones of both Thai and European architecture throughout it.
Wat Benchamabophit, 69 ถนน นครปฐม ถนน ฮ ก ติด ริม คลอง เปรม ประชากร 10300, Dusit, Bangkok, Thailand +66 02 281 4012
Chow Down At One Of The Best Restaurants
This area has an abundance of restaurants, and by restaurants, we mean family-run, hole in the wall eateries. Many of these restaurants are tucked into the small streets of Dusit. For something a bit more extravagant, there are a handful of international restaurants along the Chao Phraya River.
3. Visit Wat Thewarat Kunchorn Worawihan
Visit Wat Thewarat Kunchorn Worawihan
Near the banks of the Chao Phraya River is Wat Thewarat Kunchorn Worawihan, a towering, picturesque temple. While this temple can not compete when it comes to size with its big fellow temple contenders, for example, Wat Arun, it remains a striking structure worth visiting. Because it is less well-known, there are fewer foreigners and tourists at this temple, making a visit to its grounds a peaceful and uncrowded one. The Ordination Hall within the temple is similar to and just as beautiful as the Grand Palace.
Wat Thewarat Kunchorn Worawihan, 90 Thanon Si Ayutthaya, Wachira Phayaban, Dusit, Bangkok, Thailand +66 02 281 2430
Wat Thewarat Kunchorn Worawihan | © Courtesy of Dan C/Flickr
4. Play Golf At Royal Dusit Golf Club
Play Golf At Royal Dusit Golf Club
Royal Dusit Golf Club has a total of 18 holes for golfers to tackle. You do not need a membership to the club to play, and visitors are welcomed on a daily basis. The green fee is only ฿500 (about $15), and it is a great place for those who enjoy golfing to spend an afternoon.
Royal Dusit Golf Club, Bangkok, จังหวัด กรุงเทพมหานคร, Thailand +66 02 281 1330
5. Stroll Through Suan Amporn
Park
Stroll Through Suan Amporn
Just a short distance from the Dusit Palace is Suan Amporn. Suan means park in Thai, and it is here where visitors will find a small yet shady and cool retreat from the city. In addition to the Dusit Palace, this park is within walking distance from the top sights and attractions in the area, including the Monument to King Rama V, the Royal Plaza and more.
Suan Amporn, 10300, 123 Soi Lat Phrao 87, Khlong Chaokhunsing, Wang Thonglang, Bangkok, Thailand +66 02 281 8922
Dusit Park | © Courtesy of Max Pfandl/Flickr
6. Take Photos At King Rama V Monument
Take Photos At King Rama V Monument
This is one of the most photographed statues in Bangkok; it was the first ever monument dedicated to a Thai king, and was completed in 1908 to honor the 40th anniversary of the crowning of King Rama V. The structure is of the king sitting on a horse.
King Rama V Monument, จังหวัด กรุงเทพมหานคร, Bangkok, Thailand +66 087 472 8123
7. Visit Nang Loeng Market
Market, Thai
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