If you only visit one major historical tourist attraction in Bangkok, this should be the one. The royal compound lives up to its name, with spectacular structures that would put the most decadent modern monarchs to shame. It's also the home of Wat Phra Kaeo, which houses the Jade (or Emerald) Buddha.

Discovery Museum is located in Thanon Sanam Chai, The Grand Palace, substituting the former building of Ministry of Commerce. The museum serves as a learning center on ethnology, anthropology, and other fields related to Thai society and Southeast Asia, in order to instill consciousness and understanding of the Thai people in their history, nation, culture, and localities, as well as connect relative ties with neighboring countries.

Bangkok's sprawling weekend market is the largest in the world. Here shoppers find everything from jewelry and religious icons to animals and delicious street foods. There are 15,000 stalls, offering just about anything you can dream up. This is a great place to mingle with locals and immerse yourself in everyday Thai life, so arrive early and clear your schedule for the rest of the day if you want to do this place justice.