Join us on a holiday to Bangkok
Thailand’s glittering capital is a heady mix of ancient golden palaces, towering high-rise developments, colourful floating markets and everything else in between.
Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia’s most seductive cities, a dazzling mix of the ancient and modern. Known as the ‘Big Mango’ – the tropical equivalent of New York – Bangkok is a surprisingly flat, sprawling urban mass, with the snaking Chao Phraya River passing through its centre, feeding a sweeping network of canals, or klongs.
Most Bangkok tours will invariably focus on the city’s many glittering temples and palaces, and rightly so. Bangkok is home to many hundreds of temples, with the iconic Wat Arun and its Khmer-style spire, together with the opulent Temple of the Emerald Buddha among the most famous. Don’t miss the sumptuous Rattanakosin Royal District, home to the lavish Grand Palace and the sacred Wat Phra Kaew temple. Nearby is the Wat Pho temple, with its enormous reclining golden Buddha. Away from the temples and palaces, you'll find plenty of other things to see and do, from catching a traditional Thai dance performance to exploring the city's bustling Chinatown.
Ready to become immersed in this incredible city? Our Bangkok holidays packages include visits to some of Thailand's most extraordinary sights, as well as the best of other Asian countries like Cambodia and Vietnam.
Things to do in Bangkok
Make no mistake, this city is a true feast for the senses, with a plethora of sights, scents, tastes and sounds that are sure to seduce you, even if you’ve been before. The heat and the noise can be a little overwhelming at first, especially for first-time visitors, but once you’ve acclimatised, you’re in for a real treat - just take a look at our three top experiences in the capital.

Visit the Grand Palace
A popular addition to our Bangkok tour package, the Grand Palace is one of the city's biggest tourist attractions. A former royal residence, the complex is home to more than 100 buildings and dates back to the late 18th century. A visit to the site provides the chance to enjoy the palace's gardens and four of the royal buildings.

Browse the markets
Bangkok is home to several legendary markets where you can buy anything from delicious fresh food to the latest offerings from international fashion brands. Bangkok’s best markets include the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the floating market at Khlong Lat Mayom and the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat.

Enjoy a traditional boat ride
To escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s busy streets, take a relaxing boat tour of the city’s canals. Here you’ll get a glimpse of traditional Thai life as vendors peddle their wares to one another and passers-by. Board a traditional longtail boat, sit back and relax as you journey through the city's klongs.
Things to see in Bangkok
Unsurprisingly for a city as vibrant and diverse as Thailand's capital, there is a wide range of historical, cultural and modern landmarks and traditions to enjoy. Need a little more convincing? Here is a selection of just some of the thrilling sights you can look forward to on your holiday in Bangkok.
Food and drink in Bangkok
Thai cuisine is built on four bold and intense pillars: sweet, sour, chilli pepper and garlic. You’ll find this powerful combination matched with fresh herbs and earthy spices throughout the land, and Bangkok is no exception. As with elsewhere in Thailand – aptly called the Land of Smiles – you’ll receive a friendly service from the eateries of Bangkok, keen to add a touch of charm to your visit and showcase the famous Thai hospitality.
Thailand, and in particular Bangkok, is famous for its street food, so it should come as no surprise that the Thai capital is home to some of the best food markets on earth. Indeed, the culinary offerings at the city's food stalls are so good that there is even one vendor with a Michelin star. The owner of Jai Fai, Supinya Junsuta, may be in her mid-70s, but that doesn't stop her serving up delicious street food classics to hungry visitors every day - some of whom have queued for hours to taste the famous dishes.
Thai food has gained popularity in the UK in recent years and by now we are all reasonably well versed with the classics, such as the fabulous, fragrant green curry, the ubiquitous pad Thai, and the delicious massaman. You’ll find all these dishes – and plenty more besides – at every road-side cafe, high-end restaurant and bustling street market in the city.
Other mouthwatering dishes to try on your Bangkok holiday include pad kra pao moo - stir fried pork with basil - and kway teow rua. This delicacy is also known as boat noodles due to it traditionally being served from vessels at the city's floating markets. It is made from beef, pork or soybean paste served with noodles in a rich soy sauce broth. Need something sweet to satisfy a craving? Mango sticky rice is found throughout the city, as is the rich and refreshing coconut ice cream.

BANGKOK FAQS
First trip to Bangkok? Here are a few questions you might have.
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Is Bangkok safe?
Generally speaking, Bangkok is a safe, friendly city to visit. As with many other Asian cities, Bangkok does experience some petty crime. However, taking sensible precautions, such as not wearing or displaying valuables, will negate the majority of any risk with regard to petty crime
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Is Bangkok expensive to visit?
Thailand is generally one of the more expensive places to visit in South East Asia, with prices higher in Bangkok than in other parts of the country. That being said, by Western standards Bangkok is a relatively cheap city to visit.
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Do I need any vaccinations to visit Bangkok?
You don’t need any vaccinations to enter Thailand. However, it is recommended that UK travellers get a tetanus, hepatitis A and yellow fever vaccine for travel to Thailand. Taking anti-malarial medication is not necessary when visiting Bangkok. Book an appointment with a travel nurse before you go.
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