BANGKOK
BANGKOK
Rama VIII Bridge
Royal Barges Khaosan Road
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The Giant Swing |
Wat Arun |
Grand Palace
Wat Pho
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Jim Thompson House
Siam Paragon
National Stadium
CentralwOrld
MBK Centre
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Siam Square
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Chinatown |
Bangkok Railway Station |
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Lumpini Park |
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ICONSIAM |
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Chao Phraya River
BANGKOK
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Grand Palace
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Terminal 21
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Exciting , smile-inducing , noisy and chaotic , there ’ s nowhere in the world quite like Bangkok
Undoubtedly the city ’ s must-see landmark is the dazzling Grand Palace complex , a former royal residence now used for ceremonial occasions . Amidst the gold-spired temples , courtyards and manicured gardens is the notable Wat Phra Kaew , which houses the highly revered Emerald Buddha , meticulously carved from jade . Close by is Wat Pho , which features an enormous golden reclining Buddha while across the river is the exquisite Wat Arun ( Temple of Dawn ), where if you climb to the top just before sunset , you ’ ll be rewarded with unforgettable views . The Chao Phraya River adds zest to the city landscape with its backdrop of temples and hotels . It ’ s a constant hive of activity with water taxis and longtail speedboats whizzing along , or heavily laden barges chugging sedately upstream . Leading off the river are a network of criss-crossing klongs ( canals ) which trickle past precariously perched houses , floating villages and markets . On land , the skytrain and subway are your best way to get around , and no visit would be complete without a hair-raising ride on a tuk tuk ! Whether you ’ re hoping to snag a bargain or splurge on designer labels , shopping in Bangkok is an around the clock activity . Top spots include MBK Centre , ICONSIAM , CentralwOrld , Siam Paragon , Chatuchak Weekend Market , Asiatique the Riverfront and Terminal 21 Asok . Tours to floating markets just outside the city are also available . Another big draw is the food , and with over 50,000 places to eat there ’ s no danger of going hungry . From humble street stalls with their fragrant aromas to classy fine dining restaurants , tasty treats are always on the menu . Bangkok ’ s nightlife has evolved over recent years with the emphasis now firmly on swanky rooftop bars with panoramic views , chic nightclubs and lively jazz lounges as well as microbreweries and hip cocktail bars .
Getting there : Non-stop flights from the UK to Bangkok take around 11½ hours .
Best time to go : Thanks to a tropical monsoon climate , Bangkok enjoys consistent hot temperatures year round . Rain is possible at any time , but the driest months tend to be November to March .
Asiatique The Riverfront
1 Century Park 2 Cross Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit 3 Rembrandt Hotel & Suites 4 Pathumwan Princess
5 Royal Orchid Sheraton 6 Lancaster Bangkok 7 The Landmark 8 Shangri-La
UNMISSABLE BANGKOK EXPERIENCES Get more out of your stay . Prices are per person
FREE CITY & TEMPLES TOUR
Discover Chinatown and a selection of Bangkok ’ s awe-inspiring temples . Available Aug 24-Dec 25 if you book at least 60 days before arrival and also book return airport / city transfers . Admission fees payable locally .
GRAND PALACE from £ 49
This 90 minute tour to the stunning Grand Palace complex is a “ must-do ”. Tour its temples and pagodas , including magnifi cent Wat Phra Kaew - the Temple of the Emerald Buddha . As you stroll the complex , admire the golden domes , inspirational spires and exotic , richly carved murals .
DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET from £ 55
This half day tour begins with a drive through Samui Songkram Province to see the timeless lifestyle along the canals . Later , travel by boat through the scenic waterways to the floating market . On arrival , continue on foot taking in the bustle and canoes laden with fresh produce and crafts .
BANGKOK BY FOOT , TUK TUK & RIVER BOAT from £ 55
On this fun half day tour , explore Chinatown on foot , stopping at the massive Sampeng Market . Ride by tuk tuk past Little India and visit Bangkok ’ s biggest flower market . Then travel by boat on the busy Chao Phraya River to River City Pier .
BANGKOK BY NIGHT from £ 55 ( including dinner . Tour not available Mondays ) Discover bustling Yaowarat ( Chinatown ). Stroll the main street towards Paklong Talad flower market , then stop on Khao San Road which brims with restaurants , pubs and market stalls .
SABIENG THAI COOKING CLASS from £ 69
This half day culinary adventure begins at Bangkok ’ s largest fresh market where you shop for premium ingredients before a Tuk Tuk ride to the cooking school . Guided by the skilled chef , you ’ ll craft a daily set menu tailored to your taste , while mastering essential cooking techniques . Later , you and your fellow food enthusiasts get to tuck into your delectable creations !
AYUTTHAYA EXPERIENCE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT from £ 99 ( inc lunch ) A full day tour taking in the spectacular ruins , pagodas and temples of Ayutthaya , travelling by train and local truck . Highlights include Wat Mahathat and Wat Pra Srisanphet .
MUAY THAI TRAINING & THAI MASSAGE from £ 125
A half day tour offering an insight to Muay Thai ( Thai boxing ), the national sport of Thailand and unique martial art . A professional boxer at Galaxy Gym will take you through the basics before weight training with a sport science trainer . Afterwards , relax with a traditional Thai massage .
FREE CITY TOUR
20 THAILAND prices & offers change constantly - call for today ’ s best available deals !