Bangkok Express

 WHAT TO SEE IN BANGKOK
Bangkok began as a small trading centre and port community on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River some 200 years ago. Today, while the city is up to speed with modern times, the grandeur and glory of its illustrious past still prevails. Be it dazzling temples, spectacular palaces, a world­ famous floating market or colourful Chinatown, each of these famous places has an intriguing story to tell.
1.  Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Old City
A dazzling site from afar, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew command respect from all who have walked in their sacred grounds. Built in 1782, the Grand Palace continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail. Wat Phra Kaew enshrines the highly revered Buddha image Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha),carved from a single block of jade, dating from the 15th century AD.
Open: 08:30­15:30 Location: Between Wat Pho and the Royal Field How to get there: taxi
2. Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Chinatown is a colourful, exotic and pleasingly chaotic area, packed with market stalls and probably the highest concentration of gold shops in the city. During major festivities like Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival, the dynamism and spirit of celebration spreads across town like wildfire, and if you happen to be around, don’t miss an opportunity to witness Bangkok Chinatown at its best.
Location: Yaowarat Road MRT: Hua Lamphong How to get there: taxi or MRT then walk five mins.
3. Floating Market, Damnoen Saduak
The pioneer of all floating markets, Damnoen Saduak continues to offer an authentic experience despite its increasingly touristy atmosphere. Imagine hundreds of wooden row boats floating by, each laden to the brim with farm­fresh fruit,vegetables or flowers. Food vendors fill their vessels with cauldrons and charcoal grills, ready to whip up a bowl of ‘boat noodles’ or seafood skewers upon request.
Location: Ratchaburi Province How to get there: best to book a tour, call +66 (0)2 651 9515
4. Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), Riverside
Constructed during the first half of the 19th century by King Rama II, in the ancient Khmer style, the stupa (or ‘Prang’ in Thai), showcasing ornate floral pattern decked out in glazed porcelain, is even more stunning up close. Apart from its beauty, Wat Arun symbolises the birth of the Rattanakosin Period and the founding of the new capital after Ayutthaya fell. Contrary to what its name suggests, the temple appears most beautiful at sunset.
Open: 8:30­17:00 ­ Location: Thonburi ­ How to get there: river taxi to Tien Pier, then cross the river via ferry
5. Wat Pho, Old City
There’s more to Wat Pho than the gigantic reclining Buddha and traditional Thai massage. Once a centre for public education during the reign of King Rama III, Wat Pho harbours a fascinating collection of murals, inscriptions and sculptures that delve into various subjects, from warfare to literature, astronomy to archaeology. The vast temple complex contains a landscaped garden with stone sculptures, stupas adorned with glazed porcelain, a souvenir shop and the College of Traditional Medicine.
Open: 8:00­18:00 ­ Location: Sanam Chai Rd. ­ How to get there: Taxi or river taxi to Tien Pier
6. Chao Phraya River & Waterways, Riverside
The areas from Wat Arun to Phra Sumeru Fortress are home to some of the oldest settlements in Bangkok, particularly Bangkok Noi, where you can still revel in the charming ambience of stilt houses and markets flanking the complex waterways. One of the most scenic areas, the riverside reflects a constantly changing scene day and night: water­taxis ferrying commuters and heavily laden rice barges chugging upstream, set against a backdrop of glittering temples, historical landmarks and luxury, five­star hotels.
Open (river taxis): 06:00­20:00 ­ Location: start from Sathorn Pier (Central Pier) ­ Book tour: call +66 (0)2 651 9515
7. Jim Thompson’s House, Siam
Jim Thompson’s three decades of dedication to the revival of Thai silk, then a dying art, changed the  industry forever. After he mysteriously disappeared into the jungles of Malaysia, he left a legacy behind, which is reflected through his vast collections of Thai art and antiques now on display at the Jim Thompson’s House and Museum, itself a lovely complex of six Thai­style teakwood houses preserved to their original glory.
Open: 09:00­18:00 - Location: Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama I Rd. - BTS: National Stadium
8. Vimanmek Mansion, Old City
Once the royal residence of King Rama V, Vimanmek Mansion is an architectural marvel – the entire structure is fashioned entirely from gold teakwood without using a single nail. The interiors resemble a living museum, where you can walk through (under strict guidance) some of the rooms and marvel at a treasure trove of rare arts and furniture pieces from the early Rattanakosin Period – all belonging to the late king.
Open: 08:30 until 16:30 (Tues­Sat), last tickets 15:30 Location: Rajavithee Road How to get there: taxi
More at http://www.bangkok.com/attraction/BANGKOK GUIDE
YOUR FREE BANGKOK GUIDE
FROM THE ASIA TRAVEL SPECIALISTS
www.asiawebdirect.com
Book online or call us at +66 (0)2 651 9515

Came across these suggestions as to what to see when we are there, if you have any suggestions or hints/tips that would be useful please feel free to add them and we'll give them a go.

We are in Bangkok for the first 3 days before we (hopefully) catch a train to Kanchanaburi to see the Bridge over the River Kwai so time is somewhat limited.