Bangkok holidays

Popular holidays

Holidays to Bangkok are spent touring gold-tinted temples, rummaging your way around the night markets, and tucking into sizzling street food.

The City of Angels

It’s the opposites that attract in Bangkok. In Thailand’s capital, longtail boats float across the Mae Nam Chao Phyra River while Mazdas speed along 12-lane motorways. You’ll see Buddhist temples in the shadows of skyscrapers. And you’ll find hectic markets around the corner from one-in-one-out designer boutiques.

The Grand Palace

Add the city’s diversity to its 602-square-kilometre size and it’s easy to see why sightseeing schedules are fully loaded in Bangkok. A visit to the Grand Palace tends to top most visitors’ itineraries. This 53-acre palace was once the home of the Thai king, and it’s landscaped with golden chapels, formal gardens and throne halls.

China Town

Chinatown is another must-see. This one-mile strip is lined with Thai temples, a cryptically named Thieves’ Market, and some of the best street food stands in the city.

Multi-Centre holidays to Bangkok

Bangkok’s just one of the colourful tiles on the mosaic that makes up Thailand – so you might find yourself umming and aahing between which part of this country is right for your holiday. Luckily for you, our Multi-Centre holidays tick off Bangkok along with other parts of Thailand, so you can combine city and beach destinations on one getaway. Pair city lights with toothpaste-white beaches on our Krabi, Bangkok and Khao Lak trio. Or, double up on the hustle and bustle of cities by visiting both Bangkok and Pattaya – we’re talking neon-lit nightlife, dramatic temples and floating markets. Our Phuket, Bangkok & Krabi Multi-Centre, meanwhile, includes capital sights, vanilla-white sands, and jungle tours in one fell-swoop.

Popular hotels in Bangkok

Top things to see and do in Bangkok

Shopping

Bargain buys

Markets underpin the shopping scene in Bangkok. They’re all over the city. The biggest takes place on weekends next to Chatuchak Park. More than 15,000 stalls colonise 27 acres of the city. Traders sell everything from trilbies to amulets. The sections between 2 and 4 resemble London’s Spitalfields and young Thai fashion designers have stalls here.

Mid-range buys

Bangkok has an entire district dedicated to mall shopping. To the east of the city centre, Pratunam is easily accessed by the Skytrain. The Central World Shopping Centre has 8 floors of stores, ranging from Zara to Toys R Us. Siam Square is a grid of 12 shopping streets lined with independent fashion boutiques and brand-name stores like Quicksilver.

Designer buys

To tap into Bangkok’s selection of genuine designer label shops, make a beeline for Peninsula Plaza. There are 70 designer emporiums here and the names above the doors include Versace and Gucci. Some people say Bangkok is the place to snap up antiques, but it’s not a place for beginner buyers. If you know what you’re looking for, head to River City in the Thanon Silom area of the city.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Bangkok does a good line in low-key nights out. Hit one of the city’s jazz bars to nurse something on the rocks while first-class jazz bands jam. There are a few in the Sukhumvit area. Alternatively, book tickets to the Siam Niramit show in the Ratchada Theatre. This 90-minute production rivals the West End when it comes to staging and costumes.

Lively evenings

Thousands of people work the night shift in Bangkok. There are the bartenders in the Brit pubs, Auzzie bars and themed pubs on Sukhumvit Road. There are the mixologists in the city’s increasing number of rooftop bars, like Vertigo and Park Society, on Sathorn Road. Then there are the DJs that man the decks in the city’s super clubs on Royal City Avenue and Khao San Road.

Food & drink

Pad Thai

Pad Thai is such a well-known Thai dish that it’s almost a cliché. But it’s on sale everywhere in Bangkok. Cooked over a searing hot wok, this noodle dish is finessed with tamarind juice, palm sugar, chillies, banana blossom, prawns and coriander leaves.

Massaman Curry

If you’re tired of running the gauntlet of spicy Thai foods, try a massaman curry. This dish is usually made with beef, coconut milk, and a store cupboard’s worth of spices. Its texture is shaken up with the likes of cashew nuts and peanuts.

Pla Kahpung Neung Manao

This is a speciality in the street food stands of Chinatown. When you order this dish you’ll get a whole seabass served to you on a platter with a lit flame underneath it. The fish will have been steamed in lime juice, chilli and garlic.

Kuay Jab Nam Sai

You can pick up a bowl of Kuay Jab Nam Sai for the equivalent of a couple of pounds at the street food stands in Chinatown. This dish is a peppery soup filled with rice noodles and lots of different types of pork, including crispy pork belly and liver.

Bua Loy Nam King

Pudding doesn’t get much of a look in on Bangkok menus. If you want something sweet, hunt down some Bua Loy Nam King. These sweet dumplings are filled with a cakey black sesame mixture and are served bobbing in a bowl of sweet ginger water.

Top Hotels in Bangkok

Facts about Bangkok

Currency

Thai Baht

(THB)

Language

Thai

Time zone

GMT +7

Flight duration

12 hours from London Heathrow or Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

Is Bangkok cheap or expensive?

Bangkok is very affordable for budget to mid-range holidays, offering cheap street food and local transport, and budget hotels. It can become expensive if you opt for luxury hotels, fine dining, or lots of shopping.

What's the currency in Thailand?

The currency of Thailand is the Thai baht - or THB - and a baht is made up of 100 satang. £10 in the UK works out as around 420THB.

Is Thailand LGBTQ+ friendly?

Yes, Thailand is very LGBTQ+ friendly and considered one of the most welcoming destinations in Asia. There’s a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, legal protections like same-sex marriage, inclusive hotels, and open attitudes, particularly in cities like Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya.

What's Bangkok best known for?

Bangkok’s best known for its contrasts of ancient and modern landmarks. Think Buddhist temples like Wat Arun, Wat Pho's Reclining Buddha, and the Grand Palace, as well as skyscrapers and sprawling shopping malls. You can also expect world-class street food, busy markets, and lively nightlife.

When’s the best time of year to visit Bangkok?

The best time to visit Bangkok is during the cool, dry season from November to February.

What’s the best area to stay in Bangkok?

The best area to stay in Bangkok depends on your style. Sukhumvit is great for shopping, dining, nightlife, and modern vibes. Siam’s got central access to shopping malls and transport links. The Riverside’s more upmarket with swanky hotels, while Silom’s all about rooftop bars. And the Old City – AKA Phra Nakhon – is a great neighbourhood for a budget-friendly holiday.

How many days do I need to visit Bangkok?

Three to five days is enough to see most of Bangkok’s major tourist sites, including the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya, and the famous floating markets.

What vaccinations do I need to visit Bangkok?

It’s recommended that you have routine vaccinations for MMR, Tdap, flu, and COVID-19, as well as Hepatitis A and typhoid.

Is Bangkok safe for tourists?

Yes, Bangkok is generally considered safe. The main concerns for tourists are petty crime and common scams.

Do people in Bangkok speak English?

English is widely spoken in Bangkok, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and by people working in tourism. Note that many locals have basic English language skills and it's less commonly spoken in very local neighbourhoods.

Do I need a visa to visit Bangkok?

Many countries, including the UK, USA, and EU nations, get a 60-day visa exemption for tourism, though you must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within three days of arrival.

How do I get around Bangkok?

The best way to get around Bangkok is a mix of the BTS Skytrain and the MRT subway, as well as boats for riverside sights.

Will I be able to find vegetarian or vegan food in Bangkok?

Yes, you’ll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan food in Bangkok, which is a vegan-friendly hotspot with dedicated vegan restaurants thanks to the Buddhism-inspired culture of Thailand.

Is the tap water safe in Bangkok?

No, it’s not recommended to drink tap water in Bangkok. It's safest to drink bottled or filtered water, and to be cautious even with boiled tap water due to potential metal contamination

What are the best things to do in Bangkok?

Bangkok's top activities include exploring temples like the Grand Palace, the Wat Pho Reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun – AKA the Temple of Dawn. Other must-dos including sampling the street food in Chinatown, shopping at massive markets like the Chatuchak Weekend Market, and taking a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River.

What is Bangkok’s nightlife like?

Bangkok's nightlife is very diverse, ranging from live music in backpacker hubs like Khao San Road to trendy upscale bars in Thongor and colourful LGBTQ+ clubs in Silom.

Should I carry cash or can I use my card in Bangkok?

You should carry both cash – Thai baht – and cards in Bangkok. Cash is essential for street food, markets, tuk-tuks and small shops, while cards work at malls, hotels and restaurants.

Do I need to tip in Bangkok?

Tipping isn't mandatory in Bangkok but is a kind gesture for good service. Consider rounding your bill up in restaurants or for taxi fares.

What plugs are used in Thailand?

If you're from the UK, where we use a type G plug, you’ll need a plug adapter, especially for the newer type O sockets which are commonly used in Thailand. A universal adapter covering types A, B, C, F, and O is ideal.