Bangkok
Welcome to Bangkok
The insider's travel guide to BangkokKnown by the locals as Krung Thep, Thailand’s capital city is a sprawling, sweaty fusion of old and new, where towering skyscrapers emerge from crumbling pavements, and historic temples are circled by colourful tuk tuk cabs and monks clad in vibrant orange robes.
Once a small trading post for the 15th century Ayutthaya Kingdom, this thriving metropolis is now home to over 10 million souls, and is considered one of Asia’s premier tourist destinations. Whether you explore the capital’s historic district, hone your haggling skills at one of the many markets, brave the red light district or fill up on world-famous street food, there is something for everyone in this ever-evolving city.
The Bangkok atlas
4 picks Places & Experiences You Won't Find Elsewhere-
Thailand's capital city; vast, bustling, traditional in places, sleekly modern in others, and fascinating for visitors of all ages. Bangkok is surprisingly accessible for family travellers. Public transportation is excellent and easy to navigate, the food is varied and, despite its size, the city and its inhabitants are exceptionally welcoming to kids. A half day in the historic district is a must to take in key sites like Wat Pho's 46m-long gilded reclining Buddha, the lavish mix of 18th and 19th century architecture at the Grand Palace, and Phu Khao Thong, the Golden Mount affording views of the city set to chiming prayer bells. In between, thrill the kids with a ride in one of the city’s sputtering tuk tuks. If the kids are suffering from temple overload there's plenty more to keep them entertained for a day or two. There’s mask painting, puppetry and evocative canal-side life at the Artist House of Khlong Bang Luang, one of several stops on Thonburi's famous khlong (canal) tours. And if they need a real break from sightseeing, for an all-out kids’ day in Bangkok try the Dream World amusement park and make education fun at the Children’s Discovery Museum. Throw in a river ferry ride on the Chao Phraya followed by dinner, and finish with a spin on the ferris wheel at Asiatique. It's not all kid-friendly paradise, however. The city can feel cramped, choked with traffic and often extremely hot. Don’t squeeze too many activities into a day, and look for air-conditioned spots to cool down. Try to avoid using the metro and the roads during rush hours.
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The main event at the late Thai visionary Lek Viriyabhun's Erawan Museum, off Bangkok's southeast fringe, is a 44m tall copper elephant depicting the vehicle of Hindu god Indra. Look for scenes from every world religion beneath a tremendous stained glass ceiling crafted by the late German artist, Jakob Schwarzkopf.
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Dive into Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Sacred City of Angels), the Thai name used for the kingdom's New York City-sized swirl of life, art, history, boats, tuk-tuks, markets, malls and more than enough sizzling woks to make you sneeze. Rise for an early northbound train to wander the 14th to 18th-century ruins at Ayutthaya. On day three, journey west into Kanchanaburi for travertine waterfalls followed by various sites related to the brutal forced construction of the Thai-Burma Railway during World War II. If you have any time left, finish with a float down the River Kwai, which is pronounced kway, by the way.
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Pick up at the urban tourism hub of Surat Thani — Phuket works too — and turn uphill to Khao Sok, arguably Thailand's most impressive national park. Spend one night in a rafthouse and another in a treehouse after days spent hiking and kayaking beneath the vertical limestone cliffs. Head to Krabi Town for bursting markets and riverside scenery, then catch a boat to Ko Lanta and take your pick out of a baker's dozen beaches boasting top-notch family and luxury resorts. Take another boat ride south to sedate Ko Muk for the Emerald Cave and snorkelling around (or staying on) neighbouring islands like Ko Kradan, Ko Ngai and Ko Rok, all boasting luscious beaches as well. Re-engage with the non-island world at Trang, a low-key town with an airport and train station.
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Kid-friendly Bangkok
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Enter the belly of an elephant near Bangkok
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Bangkok and beyond
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Action and relaxing down South
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