Bangkok

Bangkok

There are lots of reasons why Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world, and they all guarantee an unforgettable trip. Thailand’s capital city has been welcoming people to its shores for decades – from backpackers to luxury travellers – drawn by the amazing Thai cuisine, fascinating culture and famous party scene.

Flights to Bangkok land in Suvarnabhumi Airport (also known as Bangkok International Airport). If you’re visiting for the first time, you should know that Bangkok is a city of extremes, in the best possible way.

When it comes to a place to stay, be sure to choose a location that suits your style of lodging. Certain areas are livelier than others, so if tranquillity is your thing, try one of the beautiful villas on the outskirts of the city. Thai hospitality is renowned across the world – indeed, hospitality brands out of Thailand have blossomed on the international lodging scene. So to get an incredible hotel boasting first-rate service is not difficult.

Once you’ve settled in, the fun begins. You can spend your morning visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha, and by the evening be living it up on the Khao San Road. This busy street, made famous in Alex Garland’s novel The Beach, is a magnet for backpackers – so its bookshops, boutiques and restaurants cater to those on shoestring budgets.

Some of the best things to do in Bangkok are often based on joining in with the locals. Whether it’s cheering on a Muay Thai boxer, shopping in one of the numerous markets or hanging out in the lively entertainment districts, the best thing you can do is to get involved and experience it.

And all of that’s without touching the surface of one of the biggest Thailand attractions of all: the Bangkok dining scene. There are loads of options, whether you prefer fine dining restaurants or would rather grab a snack from a street food hawker. Get started on Sukhumvit Soi 38, a street near Thong Lo Station that’s famous for its food stalls.

You could always pick up some fresh produce at the famous Bangkok traditional floating markets. There are lots of other great shopping options too, including Central Embassy and Silom Complex (which is located on the buzzing Silom Road, a popular spot for a night out).

As the sun goes down, the city seems to put on its own neon light show, and takes on an amazing energy as locals and visitors hustle and bustle to get to their favourite restaurants and nightlife venues. It’s clear that Bangkok is bursting with lots to see and do, at all hours of the day and night.

Things to do in Bangkok

■ Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market
■ Watch a Muay Thai fight
■ Visit the temples
■ Take on the Escape Hunt
■ Floating markets
■ Visit Bang Krachao Island

Eat in Bangkok

■ Tealicious (Thai)
■ Rossini's (Italian)
■ Papa's Kitchen (American)
■ Mango Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant and Arts Gallery (Vegetarian/Fusion)
■ Asiatique The Riverfront (Night market)
■ Street Food (Ready-to-eat)

Stay in Bangkok

■ Tenface Bangkok
■ Smile Society
■ Phranakorn-Nornlen Hotel
■ Metropolitan by COMO
■ Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
■ Ariyasom Villa