Holidays in Bangkok

If you’re going to experience Bangkok up close and personal, you’re going to need a hotel that’s in the thick of the action. Luckily, we’re on hand to help with our Bangkok holiday packages designed to suit every traveller, whether you’re looking for the perfect base for city sightseeing or a luxury break.

• Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok - When it comes to luxury Bangkok holidays, look no further than the Shangri-La. This hotel lives up to its mythical name as an enchanted (and enchanting) spot where graceful Thai dancers entertain you and world class chefs create incredible Italian food. Yes, Italian, although Thai is on the menu too. Take a trip on the hotel’s private boat or just relax by the infinity pool.
• Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers – Sitting on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the luxury Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers is designed to allow guests to retreat from the city quickly and easily, but return to the fray with only a moment’s notice. An adjoining pier is used as a pick-up point for the hotel’s complimentary boat rides across the river to the nearest Skytrain station, making it one of the best-connected hotels in the city.
• BelAire Bangkok – A step back from the popular Sukhumvit Road, the BelAire Bangkok is within easy reach of the local Skytrain station and many of the city’s most important monuments. The neighbouring city towers lend the swimming pool an urban paradise feel, and there’s both a spa and fitness centre for guests to enjoy.

There’s so much to see and do in this busy city. So, to get you started, here’s a few of our absolute must-see and do activities.

• Discover Bangkok’s many temples - Among the madness of modern Bangkok, there’s an awful lot of cool historic sites to visit. The temples of Wat Arun and Wat Pho are two of the most prominent in the city – at the latter you’ll find an incredible 46m-long gold statue of Buddha laying on his side – but the smaller ones you’ll find down side alleys and in unexpected corners are the true treasures.
• The Great Palace - The dazzling gold spires of the Great Palace are a must-see for all visitors to the city. As official residence of the Thai royal family, the complex is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city.
• Shop till you drop at Chatuchak Market - One of the biggest markets in the world, the Chatuchak Market is a (seemingly) disorganised sprawl of stalls selling everything from clothes and antiques, to fresh vegetables and pets. There is actually a method to the organisational madness, but we think getting lost in the busy market streets is half the fun!

• Chinese New Year February – This is the big one. The whole of Bangkok explodes into a raucous, colourful celebration, with a different theme every year. Find out which Chinese star sign you are, and expect firecrackers. A lot of firecrackers.
• Makha Bucha February/March – A little bit more serene than Chinese New Year, this is a celebration of the teachings of Buddha and gives you a great insight into the real culture of Thailand.
• Songhkran (Thai New Year) April 13 - April 17 – wet and wild, this is a joyful celebration that ends up in the biggest water fight you’ve ever seen. Expect to get wet.
• Loi Kratong November 4th – watch thousands of tiny rafts made from banana leaves and decorated with candles and flowers, float away down rivers, taking all the owners’ worries with them.

• Tuk tuks - There’s no more exhilarating and exciting way to travel the city than in the back seat of a tuk-tuk. They’re also quick, affordable, and efficient, too.
• Taxis - Taxis are also relatively inexpensive. They’re great if you’re travelling in a larger group or have luggage, but if you’re in a hurry they may not be the best choice in the clogged streets of the city centre.
• Skytrain and Metro - The Skytrain is probably the most popular form of public transport in the city. Used in combination with the Metro system, it’s an excellent way of moving around Bangkok.

• Street eats - Holidays to Bangkok are the perfect opportunity to sample some of the world’s best street food. Chinatown and the Saphan Lueng and Old Town areas are our top tips for great street eats.
• Cocktails and speakeasies - The cocktail scene in Bangkok is booming and there’s a whole host of trendy cocktail bars and secret speakeasies to take advantage of. We recommend the Rabbit Hole, the Cuban-themed Havana Social, and the swanky Teens of Thailand – though you may have to queue for a seat at this hip cocktail bar.
• Upmarket and up in the air - Bangkok is a city of skyscrapers and there’s plenty of restaurants high up in the clouds that will give you an incredible view of the city. Vertigo, Riverside Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, and the Floating Market are three of the best rooftop restaurants you’ll find.

Bangkok sits close to the equator and is consequently hot all year round. However, there’s major variations in rainfall, so you need to make sure you’re getting the weather you want when planning your Bangkok holiday.

• November – February - Bangkok’s ‘cool’ season (if you can call it that). Highs of 32°C, lows of 22°C, and the lowest amount of rainfall out of all the seasons.
• March – June - The hot season, when it’s not uncommon for temperatures to exceed 35°C. Generally dry, but a greater chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
• July – October - The rainy season, when monsoon rains lash the city and rainfall can exceed 330mm in a month. September is the wettest month of the year.