Bangkok City Breaks

A guide to Bangkok

There is nowhere quite like brash, intoxicating Bangkok. This is as uncompromising an Asian city as you could possibly find, encompassing gleaming temple pagodas which punctuate the skyline and Buddhist monks, as well as the wildest nightlife on earth. Despite the prevalence of soaring office blocks and malls, its traditional charm is still very much evident, and there are several breath-taking attractions that shouldn't be missed.

Captivating golden temples and a bohemian street scene

Visit the spectacular golden temples of Wat Arum and Wat Po, followed by the immense Grand Palace and its very own temple of the Emerald Buddha - the city's number one visitor attraction. Other famous highlights to glimpse in Bangkok include Jim Thompson's enchanting traditional house and the equally arresting Vinmanek Palace, constructed entirely of teak. A very different attraction, and even more compelling, is the notorious Khao San Road, the famous back packer district. The streets are filled with no shortage of oddball characters, wild nightlife and the most unusual shops and boutiques around, and the area offers the best colourful people-watching opportunities around.

Eclectic nightlife, including colourful bars

The city’s main roads may often resemble a gigantic car park at times, but do brave the fumes at least once for a quick tour around town by tuk-tuk - a great way to soak up all the intensity of city life. Bangkok is synonymous with riotous night time entertainment and the city’s racy go-go bars would make even Amsterdam blush, having become a major tourist attraction in their own right. There is so much more to a night out in the city, with a great live music scene, a smattering of jazz, dozens of well-known hardcore dance clubs and or even a night watching a Muay Thai boxing match.