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
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time
Good time
Ok time
- 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
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on Other Shores
How and Where to Celebrate in Style
For lots of us, 2020 has been light on the good news. But even – or especially – in unexpected and ...
Other Shores Team - February, 2022The Luxury Wellness Retreats To Recharge At This Year
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought an untold amount of stress and worry for everybody. That's why, w...
Other Shores Team - December, 2021All Together Now: Holidays With Friends
2020 was a year of isolation, restrictions and a lot of cancelled plans. So, many of us are dreamin...
Other Shores Team - September, 2022Where's Hot in February?
February offers some excellent opportunities to seek out some sun. So, while it's rainy and chilly ...
Other Shores Team - September, 2023Amazing Travel Experiences For Your Post-Lockdown Bucket List
Sick of your sofa? Lost interest in your living room? Us too. The idea of travel has become even mo...
Other Shores Team - August, 2023The Best Luxury Hotel Spas in the World
Self-care and relaxation are the two things that are often left by the wayside when life gets busy ...
Other Shores Team - April, 202210 Jaw-Dropping Millionaire Holiday Hideaways
Since so many holidays have been cancelled or postponed lately, your next trip may as well be a big...
Tom - June, 2023Best Family Holidays for 2022
Family has never felt more important. If you're going to get the whole gang together and spend q...
Other Shores Team - June, 2022The World's Most Romantic Places to Propose
Thinking of popping the question soon? Then be inspired by our best places to propose around the...
Sophie - July, 2022Would you like to speak to a Bangkok expert?
Contact our Travel Specialists for a bespoke quote or some first-hand knowledge.
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
The Inspiring Difference
Personal to you
- We get to know you personally
- Tailor-made holidays that are unique to you
- Enhancing your escape with personal touches
Experts in luxury
- Expert Travel Specialists with first-hand knowledge
- Only the best premium travel experiences
- Handpicked selection of world-class luxury resorts
Always here
- Speak to us any time with 24-hour support
- Premium concierge service
- Personal relationships with our passionate team
Extensive experience
- Nearly 50 years of bespoke luxury travel
- Strong Relationships with industry partners
- Diverse portfolio and exclusive experiences
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware