Joe Louis Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre

The highest observation deck in Thailand is located on the roof of Thailand's second-tallest skyscraper (314 meters, 78 floors) and offers a 360-degree panoramic city view. The 74th floor features an enclosed platform with views through panoramic windows, while the summit has an open Skywalk area with a glass floor at 310 meters high. From above, stunning sights of Baiyoke Sky, the Chao Phraya River, and Lumpini Park unfold, with a bar available on the roof.

Probably one of the few buildings that puts a smile on your face, the Robot Building, well, looks like a giant robot. It was designed by Sumet Jumsai in the mid-1980s and is meant to reflect the computerization of banking. It is an odd building, and Jumsai has stated that it could be regarded as a reaction against high-tech postmodern buildings common in that time. The antennas and eyes of the robot are not just for the looks, but all have practical functions. Now the building has a kind of retro feel. It is closed to the public, but you can best see it riding the Skytrain between Chong Nonsi and Sala Daeng BTS stations. So take a look from the window!

Located in front of Lumphini Park, the statue was sculpted by Professor Corado Feroci, an Italian sculptor that in Thailand is better known as Silpa Bhirasri. He and four Thai artists gave it the final touch on 7 June 1941, so it could be revealed on 27 March 1942. It is devoted to King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), who asked the Italian government for an artist to teach and promote art in Thailand (which at that time was seen as not able to cope with European standards). King Vajiravudh is displayed as standing in his ceremonial uniform and holding a sword. It's not a coincidence that Lumphini Park is its location: King Vajiravudh donated this large plot of land to the city's citizens by turning it into a public park.

A rare expanse of public greenery in the heart of the city, it was once property of King Rama VI, who issued a royal command to turn the area into a public park as a gift to Bangkok's residents. The park's symbol, a statue of its creator King Rama VI, stands at the main entrance at the southwestern corner, right opposite MRT Si Lom station. The park has a lake with boats for rent and with a cycle track around it, and is popular among early-morning fitness enthusiasts, but there's little reason to wander in during the daytime heat. The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra does, however, put on occasional performances in the winter. There are rather large lizards in the park — they are well worth a look. They tend to spend most of their time in the water of the lake. Do not get too close to one, as they can bite.

This institute contains a collection of poisonous snakes which are "milked" daily for their venom in order to produce invaluable anti-snakebite serum. Twice a day a venom extraction show is held, in which the announcer explains about the dangerous kinds of snakes living in Thailand and what to do when you run into one. The animals are treated professionally and the whole show is safe. If you want a picture with a dangerous snake curling around you — this is your chance.

The Assumption Cathedral is the main Roman Catholic church of Bangkok. The original building at this place was the brainchild of French missionary Father Pascal in 1809, and completed in 1821. Throughout the second part of the 19th century, the area surrounding the church played an important role for French Christian missionaries arriving in Bangkok. It is near the Oriental Hotel and the French Embassy in an area that still captures somewhat of its French history. The current church dates from the 1910s, when the building was completely reconstructed in a Romanesque style. It was heavily damaged by bombing in World War II, but was restored after extensive repairs. Its rectangular structure and red brick exterior makes it stand out from the dull white surroundings. Its interior is spacious with a high ornate ceiling. Pope John Paul II visited the church in 1984, showing the prominence of the church in the Roman Catholic community of Thailand. The only religious service in English is held Sundays at 10:00.