With floating markets, busy waterways, majestic Buddhist temples and towering sky-scrapers, Bangkok is a thrilling assault on the senses and a 'must see' for any dedicated traveller.
A city of contrasts, Bangkok is where temples mingle with buzzing bars, traditional markets and the bright lights of city shopping malls. Whether you flit through the streets by tuk-tuk or cruise around them in a flash Mercedes, you’ll experience old and new in every corner of this vibrant capital.
Bangkok is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, which means ‘city of angels’. It’s true enough, as you won’t meet nicer people anywhere. Hop aboard a boat and float through the markets to pick up weird and wonderful souvenirs. You’ll be mesmerised by the smells and tastes of Bangkok’s street food, arguably the finest in the world.
Temples in Bangkok go beyond opulence with their gold leaf spires and intricate decorations. We will take you through some of the most beautiful man-made structures on the planet on our Temple Tour. You’ll visit the Grand Palace where the Temple of the Emerald Buddha lies, the most sacred temple in Thailand. At Wat Po, you can marvel at the world’s largest reclining Buddha, or gaze at the huge Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), that stands on the Chao Phraya river.
The Patpong night market is the best way to get an authentically Thai shopping experience, and what’s more, you’re unlikely to get pestered by the sellers. A trip on a ‘James Bond’ boat along the Chao Praya will give you a real sense of local life, while for some essential luxury and wow factor a meal at the Banyan Tree’s Vertigo Restaurant will be something you won’t forget in a hurry.
Ricky
Travel Specialist
Where to go in Thailand
Thailand travel information
When to visit Thailand
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- Time zone: +7 GMT
- Flight time: 11-15 hours
- Recommended airlines: Thai Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways
- Currency: Thai baht
- Tipping guideline: Tipping is not customary in Thailand, but small tips for good service are appreciated.
- Health considerations: There is a risk of altitude illness when travelling to destinations of 2,500m or higher. There is a risk of dengue. There is a risk of Zika virus. There is a low risk of malaria in the rural, forested borders of Thailand with Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. There is a very low risk of malaria in the remaining areas of Thailand. There is no risk of yellow fever in Thailand, however, yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Capital: Bangkok
- Population: 71,650,197
- National languages: Thai, English
- Electricity and plugs: Type A, B, C, F, & O, 220 V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage with several mobile service providers available.
- UK passport visa requirements: You don't need a visa for Thailand if you have a British passport - for a maximum of 30 days
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