Bangkok

Bangkok is a city of glorious contrasts — gilded temples beside gleaming skyscrapers, tranquil canals and roaring traffic, street-food carts steps from rooftop bars. Thailand's capital overwhelms the senses at first, then quickly wins you over with its energy, flavour and warmth.

Top Things to Do in Bangkok

The Grand Palace and the adjacent Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, are the city's must-see landmarks — dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. Nearby, Wat Pho houses the enormous reclining Buddha and the country's oldest massage school.

Glide through the historic canals of Thonburi on a longtail boat, browse the vast Chatuchak Weekend Market, and above all, eat — a guided street-food tour through Chinatown is one of the world's great culinary experiences.

Tours Worth Booking

• Grand Palace and temples guided tours
• Chinatown street-food evening tours
• Floating market and canal longtail boat trips
• Ayutthaya ancient-capital day trips

Best Time to Visit

November to February is the cool, dry season and by far the most comfortable time to visit. March to May is very hot, and the June–October monsoon brings heavy but usually short downpours. The Songkran water festival in April is a famously fun (and very wet) time to be in the city.

Getting Around

The elevated BTS Skytrain and underground MRT are fast, cheap and air-conditioned — a relief from the heat and traffic. River express boats run along the Chao Phraya past many temples, and metered taxis or tuk-tuks fill in the gaps. Avoid road travel at rush hour where you can.