Famous Attractions Near Sathon

There’s no shortage of famous attractions near the Sathon district in Bangkok that are easy to see with a Sathon car rental. With keys in hand, here are the best sites to see near Sathon:

Temples and Historical Sights

One of the best things about Thailand is its deep spiritual history of Buddhism. Temples of every size and shape are scattered across the country, many of them registered as historical sites or as part of a larger historical complex. 

The Grand Palace

Located just northwest of Sathon, the former official residence of the King of Thailand is now a major historical attraction in central Bangkok. Covering an area of 200,000 square metres, the complex houses several royal residences as well as sacred temples and shrines. While no longer an official residence, the palace is still used for important public events involving the monarchy. 

Wat Traimit

Also known as the ‘Temple of the Golden Buddha,’ this religious site houses a massive golden Buddha statue. Unlike other temples where a Buddha’s gold colour comes from paint or gold leaf, this statue is made of approximately 83% pure gold. With a weight of more than 5,500 kilograms, it is estimated to be worth more than 364 million pounds.

The statue is originally believed to have been constructed around 600 years ago. In the mid-1700s, the population fled from a Burmese invasion, and the statue was covered in plaster to hide its value. After being ignored by the Burmese invaders, the statue was forgotten. 

In the mid-1950s, restoration works began. Workers found some chipped plaster and, upon further inspection, discovered the stunning gold hidden underneath. 

Wat Arun

Wat Arun is located on the opposite side of the river from the Grand Palace. It is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and adorns countless souvenir postcards and trinkets. Constructed in the 1600s, the temple’s famous spire was built around 1850. Since then, it has been a favorite of locals and tourists alike. 

Museums

Bangkok has no shortage of museums for those who value history and culture. Here’s what you should be sure to check out:

Bangkok National Museum

Just to the north of the Grand Palace is the National Museum. Here, visitors can see antiquities and artifacts dating back to prehistory. The statues, military weapons, sacred jewels, and coins here have more than 1,000 years of Thai history. 

Jim Thompson House  

Jim Thompson was a former American military officer who lived in Thailand after WW2. In 1948, he founded a silk company, and in 1951, with a bit of good luck, this company was chosen as the supplier for the production of The King and I.

This film became an overnight success that almost single-handedly saved the Thai silk industry. Today, travellers can visit Thompson’s former home and learn the history of this fascinating individual. 

Parks and Green Spaces

There are plenty of places to get away from the hustle and bustle in Bangkok. Here are the best:

Lumphini Park

Often referred to as ‘Bangkok’s Central Park,’ this 146-acre site is home to walking paths, ponds, and trees. Relax in the shade with some fresh fruit or Thai tea and watch the day pass by. 

For nature lovers, the park is also home to several species of birds and reptiles, including gigantic monitor lizards. When it comes to the pros and cons of Sathon district, Lumphini Park is, without a doubt, a huge pro.  

Benchakitti Park

This park opened in 2004, making it the city’s newest. Located on the former grounds of a major tobacco factory, this park is now a crown jewel of central Bangkok. A large lake makes up the eastern third of the park, and the western section holds one of the largest urban forest parks in Asia. 

See It All With Drive Car Rental

Drive Car Rental has a conveniently located office right in the heart of Sathon. We also have seven other Bangkok branches, including at both airports. Our fleet includes compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and even luxury vehicles. 

For maximum savings, Drive Car Rental is also proud to offer monthly and yearly vehicle leases for expats and long-stay business travellers. Check out our selection today and see how much can be saved by choosing to rent with Drive Car Rental!