Bangkok holidays

Fast-paced and drenched in colour, Thailand’s capital is one of the most intoxicating cities in the world. Holidays to Bangkok are a brilliant attack on the senses and a peek into a fascinating culture where ancient traditions meet pulsing modernity. Explore grand palaces and gold-spired temples alongside gleaming mega-malls, and seek out a new generation of chefs turning out some of the most exciting food in Southeast Asia.

Bangkok holiday highlights

Loosen up

Chances are you’ve taken a very long flight to enjoy a holiday in Bangkok. There’s no better way to reward your knotted muscles than by getting a traditional Thai massage. The city is home to thousands of talented practitioners. Take your pick from spas in every neighbourhood, or visit the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School for a wallet-friendly treatment by a trainee.

Hit the floating market

Experience a celebrated tradition and discover incredible photo opportunities by visiting a floating market on Bangkok's rivers and canals. Watch vendors in longtail boats sell fruit, flowers, spices and even artwork. Damnoen Saduak is the largest floating market in the city, while Amphawa is a local favourite for seafood in all forms.

See a tailor

Bangkok is a fashion powerhouse, home to lavish fabrics, talented tailors and creative dressmakers. You’ll find studios all across the city, especially around Sukhumvit Road, where you can choose your fabric and design of choice — and at an amazing value. Be sure to visit one early during your Bangkok holiday then come back before you leave to collect your custom-made garments.

Bangkok: Know before you go

Language

Thai

Currency

Thai baht (฿)

Time zone

UTC+7 (ICT)

High season

December – February

Low season

September – October

Find the best time to go to Bangkok

Weather in Bangkok

April – October: The rainy season brings high temperatures and increased humidity. Carry an umbrella with you, as downpours can come out of nowhere. The city’s parks and gardens are extra lush during this time. Monsoons grow more intense later in the season, making it a great time to explore indoor attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.

November – March: This is Bangkok’s cool, dry season, with temperatures usually hitting the 30s°C — though some days dip to 20°C. Humidity is lower, and evenings are generally balmy. This is also the busy tourist season, so expect more crowds and steeper prices. Be sure to book in advance.

Events in Bangkok

Songkran Festival (April): Bangkok is one of the best places to celebrate Thai New Year. Enjoy parades, performances and traditional foods like mango sticky rice. Water fights are a big part of the festivities, so expect to get wet.

Vegetarian Festival (October): Many Thai citizens abstain from eating meat during this community-wide cleanse. That means you can sample vegetable-based dishes of every kind, from street stalls to white-tablecloth restaurants. Most of the action happens in the city’s Chinatown.

Wonderfruit (December): This wellness-focused festival includes musical performances, sound healing, and sunrise and sunset celebrations. Don’t miss the late-night treetop karaoke lounge.

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The best neighbourhoods in Bangkok

Watthana

This is where to stay in Bangkok if you plan to spend your days shopping and your nights out in the city. Some of the capital’s best fine-dining restaurants and drinking establishments are here, including chic rooftop bars. Retail ranges from the upscale EmQuartier mall to humble markets. And getting around is a breeze with the Ekkamai BTS (Skytrain) station at your doorstep.

Good for: Shopping, restaurants, bars

Phra Nakhon

Steeped in history, Phra Nakhon is best known for must-see landmarks, including the impressive Grand Palace and Wat Phra Chetuphon, the temple with the famous Reclining Buddha. The riverside area is home to plenty of bistros and the vast Sanam Luang park. Khao San Road is another face of this diverse district, with a 24/7 party atmosphere.

Good for: Museums, temples, nightlife

Bang Rak

Creative, cosmopolitan and chaotic, busy Bang Rak is where to stay in Bangkok for luxury hotels, historic temples and the famous Patpong Night Market. Discover street art and pop-up food stands. Drink, dine and people-watch at swanky rooftop venues, such as Sky Bar, which featured in ‘The Hangover Part II’ movie. The bar is in Silom, an LGBTQ+ friendly area.

Good for: Restaurants, art, LGBTQ+

Things to do in Bangkok

© Copyright Thomas Bekker.

Family friendly things to do

You’ll never run out of fun things to do with family in Bangkok. A boat trip on the Chao Phraya River is a popular kid-friendly adventure, while Lumpini Park is ideal for burning off some energy in the shade. Other highlights include the rooftop Pororo Aquapark, the Mahanakorn Skywalk and Playmondo Centralworld for kids under 13.

Shopping

Shopping in Bangkok is a heady experience. With 15,000 stalls over 14 hectares, Chatuchak Weekend Market alone could fill a day of your vacation. Then there are the hundreds of malls. Start at IconSiam for high-end shops, a rooftop garden and daily fountain show. MBK Center is great for bargains, while Warehouse 30 is a mini mall with arts and crafts vendors, a spa and cafes.

Take in the culture

Bangkok has some of Thailand’s most dazzling temples, but it’s worth seeking out some of the lesser-known ones. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is a good option, tucked away in Chinatown. Learn meditation at Wat Mahathat, a university for Buddhist monks. Among the best museums in Bangkok is the open-air Ancient City, which is designed in the shape of Thailand.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Bangkok has made a name for itself around the world. For a peek into the city’s energy after dark, go bar-hopping on Khao San Road or visit a multi-level club such as Route 66. Rooftop bars, night markets or a midnight tuktuk foodie experience with a tour company are also fun ways to spend an evening.

Places to eat

The spirit of Bangkok is evident in its food, whether perfectly wok-fried noodles or innovative Asian fusion food is your thing. Street food can rival the upscale restaurants if you know where to look – the jungle curry at Sriyan Market is a local favourite. Some of the best restaurants in Bangkok include the Haawm supper club, and Michelin-starred Mia, with its seasonal tasting menus.

Beaches

The beaches near Bangkok are the ideal flipside to the buzz of the city. Take a day trip to Koh Larn for turquoise waters surrounded by jungle. On Koh Samet, go from a secluded beach in the south to parties on the northern beaches. The island is a three- to four-hour drive from Bangkok, but there’s plenty of accommodation if you decide to stay overnight.

Plan your holiday to Bangkok

Budget

For a cheap holiday to Bangkok, you’re best off booking during the wet season. Despite the rain, the city still shines with delicious, cheap food and a fascinating cultural scene. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost you about 100 Thai baht (฿). A domestic beer or a cappuccino costs as little as ฿85. Short taxi rides start at ฿200, but you’ll usually save more on a tuk-tuk.

Day trips from Bangkok

Drive 30 minutes and then take a short boat ride to the tiny river island of Koh Kret. You won’t need a car here — only bikes are allowed for transport. Sip craft beer, shop for local pottery and fill up at the bustling food market. Explore temple ruins in the historic city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site an hour from Bangkok.

Getting around Bangkok

The best mode of transport on your holiday in Bangkok depends on your destination. In ‘new’ Bangkok, the train, BTS (Skytrain) and MRT (metro) are good options. Elsewhere, flagging down a tuk-tuk is often best. Hop on the Chao Phraya Express Boat for all the major sightseeing spots. Walking is great in short bursts during cooler parts of the day.

FAQs about Bangkok holidays

December brings the coolest weather for a Bangkok holiday. Plan your trip then and you'll find lows of 19ºC (66ºF).
Thai is the go-to language for most interactions. From friendly greetings to colourful local sayings, you're sure to pick up some new phrases during your city break in Bangkok.
It’s ideal to spend around five days in this large city with lots to see. This will give you enough time to visit many of the top sights and neighbourhoods. There are flights and hotels to Bangkok to suit all budgets, so you can comfortably spend five days in the city without overspending.
The cheapest time to visit Bangkok is in May, when flight prices are at their lowest. Look for Bangkok flights and hotels during this month and there's a chance you'll land an awesome deal.
The official currency in Bangkok is the Thai baht (THB). It's helpful to bring some cash during your trip to Bangkok, but digital payments and cards are usually widely accepted.
With temperatures hitting highs of 37ºC (99ºF), April is the warmest month in Bangkok.
Whether you're a check-every-box traveller or a more relaxed explorer, the cost of your city break in Bangkok will depend on the kind of experiences you're after. Factor in everything from entry fees to guided tours, in addition to your Bangkok flights and hotels.
Given the good availability of cheap holidays to Bangkok, this city is a popular destination. It’s generally considered safe for travellers too. As it’s a particularly busy place, it’s always advisable to keep a close eye on your personal belongings, just as you would anywhere in the world.
Grand Palace and Wat Arun are only the tip of the iceberg of what's waiting for you here. Check out the list of things to do in Bangkok and discover why it should be your next travel stop.
With around 29 cm of rainfall, September is the wettest month. If you're going on your Bangkok holiday then, you might want to plan for some indoor activities. Dine at one of the best spots in town, unwind in a cosy cafe, or indulge in some retail therapy.
Many temples welcome visitors and seeing one will be a highlight of your holiday in Bangkok, but remember they are places of worship. Remove shoes, hats and sunglasses, dress modestly and never take a selfie with a Buddha. Observe how locals are behaving and follow their lead.

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