Bangkok holidays

How to reach Bangkok

• Flight time: Direct flights to Bangkok from London take around 11 to 12 hours. From other airports there are connecting flights via hubs in Europe or the Middle East, which are usually cheaper but add a few hours to your journey (14 to 18 hours).

• Transfer time: From Suvarnabhumi Airport to central Bangkok, the fastest option is the Airport Rail Link, taking under 30 minutes. Taxis are also readily available and take anywhere from 40 to 90 minutes depending on traffic, but make sure you take a regular cab and that the meter is switched on.

• Price: The Airport Rail Link costs B45 (£1) to Phaya Thai station, while a taxi to the city centre will usually set you back around B500–B600 (£11.50–£13.50), including toll charges.

Best time to visit Bangkok

Bangkok has a tropical climate with average temperatures generally varying little between 26°C and 30°C and occasional showers year-round. However, the weather can vary significantly depending on when you visit, so here’s a quick guide to help you plan your holidays to Bangkok.

• November to February: This is the best time to visit, with warm weather and minimal rainfall, making it perfect for beach lovers or sightseeing. However, as it is peak season, expect larger crowds and higher prices.

• March to May: These months bring hotter weather, with temperatures sometimes soaring to 35°C, but still with low rainfall. If you can handle the heat, it’s a great time for the pool or beach and exploring Bangkok’s indoor attractions.

• June to October: Known as the rainy season, caused by the southwest monsoon, this period sees frequent downpours, especially in the afternoons. If you don’t mind the showers and high humidity, you’ll benefit from fewer tourists and more affordable accommodation.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Thai is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels and major shopping centres. Learning a few basic Thai phrases can help win smiles and get better treatment.

• Local habits and customs: Thai people are known for their politeness and gentle manner, so showing respect and a friendly attitude will help a lot. It’s considered rude to touch someone’s head or point your feet at people or sacred objects. Dress modestly away from the beach, especially when visiting temples, and remove your shoes.

• Health and safety: Bangkok is generally safe for tourists, but it’s wise to be mindful of your belongings and not leave them unattended, and be on guard for pickpockets, bag-snatchers and scams. Drinking bottled water is recommended, and be cautious when eating street food.

• Currency: The Thai currency is the baht (B). ATMs are everywhere in the city, and most major credit or debit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops. However, it’s a good idea to have some cash for markets, street food, small shops and taxis.

• Getting around: Bangkok has a mix of public transport, including buses, taxis and Grab (the local ride-hailing app) – though journeys can get delayed by traffic. The Skytrain, subway and boats operate on limited routes, but aren't affected by the jams. Tuk-tuks are fun for short rides but cost more than taxis, and be sure to negotiate the fare in advance.

• Electricity and plug types: Thailand uses a 220V supply with two-prong round- or flat-pin plugs. UK travellers should take a multi-travel adaptor.

• Time zone: Bangkok is on Indochina Time (ICT), 7 hours ahead of GMT.

• Required travel documentation: UK visitors can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days, but your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and you’ll need an onward or return ticket.

Best things to do in Bangkok

Bangkok is Thailand's energetic and exotic capital, packed with things to see and do, from bustling commercial areas to serene temples and vibrant markets to the dazzling culture. Here are some of the best things to enjoy on your Bangkok holidays.

The best districts

• Siam Square: The hub of Bangkok’s shopping scene, where you’ll find everything from luxury malls to quirky local boutiques. Siam Paragon, CentralWorld and MBK are some of the biggest shopping centres, each with their unique style.

• Khao San Road: Famous for its backpacker culture and lively nightlife, this area is buzzing with street food vendors, bars and market stalls. It’s a great place to people-watch, meet other travellers, see young Thais out shopping or socialising, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

• Chinatown (Yaowarat): A maze of narrow streets full of markets, traditional Chinese stores, colonial buildings and jewellery shops. The area comes alive at night, when foodies flock here to try everything from dim sum to grilled seafood.

Historic monuments

• The Grand Palace: No trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting the Grand Palace, a stunning complex that was once the home of Thai kings. The architecture is magnificent, with intricate designs and golden spires. Within the complex, you’ll find the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), one of the most sacred sites in Thailand.

• Wat Pho: Known for its giant Reclining Buddha, this lively temple is the oldest in Bangkok. The temple complex is serene, with beautiful murals, statues and courtyards, and is also home to a school teaching traditional Thai massage.

• Wat Arun: One of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, the Temple of Dawn is situated by the Chao Phraya River opposite Wat Pho. Its tall spires are decorated with colourful porcelain and are especially beautiful when lit up at night.

Day trips in the area

• Ayutthaya: The ancient capital of Ayutthaya is just an hour north of Bangkok, with ruins of temples and palaces that tell stories of Thailand’s rich history, and several fine museums making it a fascinating visit.

• Erawan National Park: About a three-hour drive from Bangkok, this park is famous for its astonishingly beautiful seven-tiered waterfall. It’s an ideal spot for a nature escape, with opportunities for hiking, swimming and picnics.

Activities for families in Bangkok

Bangkok is surprisingly family-friendly, with plenty of activities that will keep both kids and adults entertained.

• Museums: The National Museum is home to an amazing collection of art and history, and the free tours from volunteers are a great way to learn about the exhibits and Thai culture and religion.

• Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World: The largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, its huge tanks and tunnels hold hundreds of species including sharks, rays and local catfish. There are also touch tanks and feeding shows for penguins.

• Cycling tours: Family-friendly tours by bike are one of the best ways to see the city. Routes take in quieter, rural areas including cycling through coconut groves, orchards, local villages and markets.

Free things to do in Bangkok

Bangkok has plenty of things to see and do that won’t cost you a thing. Whether you’re visiting during one of the colourful annual events or exploring the local markets, there’s lots to see on a budget.

• Free events: Check out local festivals like Songkran (Thai New Year) in April, where you can join in the water fights and street parties. The Loi Krathong festival in November is another must-see, where thousands of candlelit floats are set adrift on the rivers.

• Temples: Many of Bangkok’s smaller temples are free to enter, offering a peaceful retreat from the busy streets. Visit Wat Ratchabophit, Wat Ratchanatdaram or Loha Prasat to admire their stunning architecture without the crowds.

• Markets: Many people opt for one of the city's touristy floating markets, but the Chatuchak Weekend Market offers Bangkok's craziest shopping experience. Thousands of stalls sell everything from household items to art and crafts, while the food stalls have produce and cooked food to go.

Wellness in Bangkok

• Thai massage: Traditional Thai massages are a must-try in Bangkok. For some of the most authentic, head to the school at Wat Pho temple complex, or indulge in more luxurious treatments at one of the many high-end spas in the city’s hotels.

Local dishes in Bangkok

Bangkok boasts a hugely diverse mix of food, with everything from gourmet Thai meals to food courts and street stalls on offer, as well as international cuisines. Here are some of the dishes to try during your stay.

Some typical dishes

• Pad Thai: The famous stir-fried noodle dish with eggs, tofu, shrimp, bean sprouts and peanuts, flavoured with tamarind sauce, lime and peanuts. It’s a classic, found everywhere from street vendors to high-end restaurants.

• Tom Yam Kung: A hot and sour shrimp soup infused with lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal and chillies. It’s fragrant, spicy and full of bold flavours.

• Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan): A creamy, spicy curry made with green chillies, coconut milk and a mix of meat or tofu, along with vegetables and Thai herbs. It’s usually served with jasmine rice.

Street food

• Som Tam: A spicy green papaya salad with fresh chillies, tomatoes, peanuts and shrimps that balances sweetness, saltiness and spiciness. You’ll often see it prepared fresh at street-side stalls.

• Moo Ping: Grilled pork skewers marinated in a mix of soy sauce, garlic and coriander root. They’re cheap, delicious and available at nearly every corner of the city.

Sweets and desserts

• Roti: Usually filled with banana or coconut and drizzled with condensed milk, you’ll find these thin, crispy roti being cooked up at street food stalls.

• Luk Chup: Another local delicacy, these miniature, fruit-shaped sweets made from mung bean paste are often found in markets.

• Khao Niaw Mamuang: Don’t miss this delicious dish, where sweet sticky rice is topped with fresh slices of mango and a drizzle of coconut milk.

Local drinks

• Cha Yen: This sweet, iced tea is flavoured with star anise and topped with condensed milk – perfect for cooling down on a hot day.

• Coconut Water: Fresh coconuts are sold everywhere in Bangkok, and there’s nothing more refreshing than drinking the chilled water straight from the shell.