Bangkok Hotels

Thailand has a long and fascinating history that is reflected in the many attractions you can visit on a Bangkok holiday. Discover more about this vibrant country, experiencing mouth-watering food and a captivating atmosphere along the way.

A Home away from Home

Perhaps the best place to discover more about the country’s heritage is at the National Museum, in Rattanakosin. The collection here includes religious art, ceramics, furniture and other items from many different periods, providing an insight into how Thai people used to live.

Markets

The floating markets are a must-see during your holiday in Bangkok and really captivate the senses with the array of sights, sounds, and smells they conjure. Boats piled high with exotic fruit and local snacks, freshly cooked, gently amble by at Amphawa, Bang Khu Wiang, and elsewhere along the riverside.

Back on dry land, there are the Chinatown markets, with a tempting selection of street stalls that really come alive after sunset. If you don’t feel brave enough to try the food on your own, take one of the night foodie walks where a guide will recommend lots of tasty stuff to sample.

A Taste of Thailand

There are plenty of good restaurants where you can enjoy Thai food, it’s making a decision that’s the hardest part. For something truly special, try Issaya Siamese Club, a hundred year old house that stands in a tranquil garden and serves outstanding culinary cuisine such as banana flower salad and coconut panacotta.

Seven Spoons is situated in more modest surroundings, in a tiny shophouse on a quiet street, with just four tables that are constantly busy. What attracts people here are the low prices and mouthwatering dishes on offer, including bacon wrapped pork fillet and roast aubergine stuffed with rice and barley pilaf. Try one of the fantastic cocktails while you’re here, such as the Seven Spoons, a fiery blend of rum, Martini Bianco, lime and galangal. It’s the perfect place if you’re on a cheap holiday in Bangkok and sticking to a budget.

Shopping

From the largest malls to the smallest stalls, there are plenty of opportunities to shop on a Bangkok holiday. Sleek sophisticated malls such as MBK, Emporium, and Central World Plaza stock lots of shiny goods, with newer malls popping up all the time.

Technology fans will love Pantip Plaza, an electronics mall renowned as the place to find new and used computers, tablets, cameras, and other gadgets at cheap prices.

Fashionistas might prefer to head over Pratunam, a wholesale fashion district where you can pick up tomorrow’s trends for a bargain while on your Bangok city break.

Panoramic Views

For a taste of the highlife, the Sirocco Sky Bar sits on the roof of State Tower and is open to the air, with a dizzying view across the city’s skyline. There’s also a restaurant on one side, serving Mediterranean food, and a live band most evenings.

Go shopping in Bangkok

The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok, offers an array of diverse shopping experiences showcasing a mix of both the modern and the traditional. With a plethora of shopping malls and street markets, it is undeniably recognised as a top destination for shopaholics from all over the globe.

Dubbed the 'Fashion Destination' of South East Asia, Siam Square reigns as one of Bangkok's iconic fashion hubs. Its quaint streets are adorned with trendsetting boutiques, select fashion shops, textile stores and luxurious shopping centres, such as the renowned Siam Paragon and Central World. On the other hand, the MBK Centre, less glamorous yet equally enticing, contains myriad stalls providing an assortment of clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and much more, at pleasingly affordable prices. Here, haggling can be quite the norm, making it a fundamental part of the overall shopping experience.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly shopping spree, the sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the world's largest markets, is not to be missed. Featuring an astonishing 15,000 booths, it offers an extensive range of merchandise including clothes, handicrafts, ceramics, and furniture at remarkably low prices. The remarkable knack of every vendor is an essential factor that ensures no visitor leaves the market empty-handed.

After all, a trip to Bangkok would undoubtedly feel incomplete without marketing some local souvenirs. Thai silk, intricate silverware, delightful ceramics or 'Benjarong', local hand-painted porcelain, can be easily found in these markets. Thai spices and spa products such as aromatic soaps and herbal balms are also highly sought after items, and not forgetting the popular elephant-themed products as a distinctive mark of Thailand.

It should be noted that visitors are advised to understand the customs regulations of their own country to avoid any disappointment when bringing back these local souvenirs. Nevertheless, undeniably, shopping in Bangkok is an experience that allows fascinating glimpses into the Thai lifestyle and culture.