There are plenty of giant Buddha statues in Bangkok, and many of them are golden, too, but one of the most underrated ones is located by the river. This one, the largest of them all, is the stunning Golden Buddha at Wat Paknam. You can visit on foot and gain perspective of the statue from all angles and points. You can walk in the temple behind it. Enjoy the Thai atmosphere with monks walking around and praying. Walk through such a beautiful neighborhood, and you find peace wandering around. You can always take a canal cruise tour, pay a local boatman, and pass by the river to enjoy a stunning view of the Buddha and its surroundings. One of the best times to visit is the golden hour and sunset, as well as the beautiful sky and sunlight on the statue.
Not too far from the Golden Buddha Statue, you will find a spectacular temple called Wat Tramit. This temple has a rich history and is a beautiful structure to admire. It is the most impressive temple, and you can access it for a small fee. Remember to dress appropriately; they won't allow you to enter with undercovered shoulders and legs. When you finish admiring and discovering the temple, you can visit the museum dedicated to the Golden Buddha, which has an extensive collection of cultural and historical insights. Once you finish, head over a block or two SouthEast from the temple area and find unique Thai ice cream to refresh in the Thai heat and sun.
Head to the Icon Saim night food market for a fantastic Asian dinner. Seriously, this place is enormous, with endless food options and various drinks, dishes, snacks, and desserts. While you wander around and choose what to eat from many of these vendors, you will find a cheerful and lively atmosphere with live music and a big crowd. Do not skip the Tom Yam soup and Pad Thai, but you can still eat many more varieties of Southeast Asian dishes and drinks. This night food market is indoors and has AC, which makes it a lot more comfortable to stay around for a while since the outdoor markets tend to get so hot that the food coma will hit faster.
These three activities are perfect for one day. Another suggestion is to take tuk tuks from one place to another, as they can be cheap and are the most fun way to commute within Bangkok.
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