Bangkok Travel Guide

Bangkok is often described as crowded and noisy, yet is full of culture, historic sites and beautifully authentic food. Locals welcome holidaymakers with wide smiles and, amid all the chaos and congestion, there are hidden gems to discover. Bangkok is also the gateway to Thailand's legendary beach resorts and is ideal for those travelling on a budget.

A holiday in the city is particularly popular among young backpackers, simply because they are catered for in many cheap hostels. There is, however, a vast array of accommodation to suit all budgets in this tourist-oriented destination. Despite popular belief, the city is also very child friendly, thanks to its many zoos, play parks and educational museums.

Best time to visit Bangkok

The best time to travel to Bangkok is between November and February, although with its tropical climate, a Bangkok holiday offers high humidity and temperatures all year round. It is best to avoid the hottest months of March, April and May, and the rainy season between June and October.

What to see in Bangkok

-Visit the Bangkok National Museum.

-Marvel at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho).

-Take in the sights at Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple).

-See the Royal Barges National Museum.

What to do in Bangkok

-Get lost in the maze of stalls at Chatuchak Market.

-Experience the national sport of Thailand, Muay Thai.

-Take in a piece of history at Jim Thomson's House.

-Admire the unique Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Beyond Bangkok

Bangkok is the perfect doorway to a number of regions of Thailand, including Phuket and Chiang Mai. As the capital city, Bangkok is easily accommodated on any travel itinerary of Thailand, not least of all because it is easy to get flights into the city from all over the world. Most parts of Thailand are easily accessible from the central hub of Bangkok, with there being various forms of transport to each location, including bus, train and plane. A popular excursion from Bangkok would be to visit the hisorically rich Kanchanaburi, famous as the site of the movie, Bridge Over the River Kwai.

Getting there

Flights to Bangkok land in Suvarnabhumi International Airport, located 19 miles (30km) east of Bangkok; and Don Mueang International Airport is a small secondary facility located 15 miles (25km) outside of Bangkok. There are flights to Bangkok from various cities in the UK, US and many European cities.

Did you know?

-Some Bangkok bathrooms offer a third gender option for ladyboys.

-All of the temples pictured on Thai baht coins are in Bangkok.

-Bangkok holds the record for longest capital name in the world.