wat arun temple bangkok

Bangkok Holidays

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Experience temples and traditions in Thailand’s lively capital

Holidays to Bangkok take you to the heart of one of Asia’s most dynamic and beautiful cities – a modern metropolis built around an ancient, culture-rich centre.

Explore the neon-lit streets of the City of Angels on foot or take to the waterways via riverboat taxi. Wander among the glittering stupas of Bangkok’s temple district, home to stunning Wat Arun and the spectacular Grand Palace, former home of the Thai royal family.  

Dive into the world-famous street food scene, centred on the cafes and pavement pop-ups that line the vibrant Khao San and Sukhumvit roads.  

At the Chatuchak weekend market you’ll find treats, trinkets and more for sale, while the floating markets of the capital offer a unique shopping experience.

Afterwards, relax by the side of the lakes of Lumphini Park, a perfectly tranquil corner of this energetic and exciting capital.

Explore all this and more on an incredible Bangkok holiday with Etihad.

skyline bangkok

Things to do in Bangkok

Its thriving food scene, iconic temples and unique floating markets mean holidays in Bangkok deliver a true feast for the senses.

giant statue at temple bangkok

Historic temple-hopping

A Bangkok holiday wouldn’t be complete without a visit to some of its awe-inspiring temples.

The ornate Wat Arun – also known as the Temple of Dawn – is covered in tiles made from broken pieces of Chinese dishes that were originally salvaged from a British shipwreck.

At Wat Pho, one of the oldest of Bangkok’s royal temples, lies the reclining Buddha. This gilded 150-foot long statue is said to bring good luck to those who leave an offering beneath it.

Top off your temple tour with a visit to Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred Buddhist site in the country. This royal temple is home to the Emerald Buddha, a jade stone statue that serves as the ceremonial protector of Thailand.

Where to stay in Bangkok

aerial view bangkok

Spectacular Silom

Dine among views of Bangkok’s dazzling cityscape in the sky-high hotels of downtown Silom. The business district is the perfect base for a luxury holiday in Bangkok.

The five-star Lebua at State Tower boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, spectacular suites and a rooftop balcony overlooking the city skyline.  

With the Silom Skytrain just minutes away, you can reach Bangkok’s most popular attractions in minutes.

Active adventures

Learn the ancient sport of Muay Thai at the spectacular Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort.

Swim in one of the capital’s largest pools or practice your downward dog during one of the hotel’s yoga classes.

Kickboxing training and a full fitness suite make this five-star spot ideal for an active holiday in Bangkok. 

panoramic view of the urban landscape in bangkok thailand
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Romantic retreats

Relax on a romantic Bangkok honeymoon in one of the city’s impressive hotel resorts.

The stunning Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok provides a peaceful escape in the heart of the city centre.

Recharge with a couple's massage or enjoy a romantic breakfast from your balcony suite as the sun sets on Bangkok.

subway track bangkok

All you need to know about Bangkok

Getting around

The Skytrain is a low-cost and efficient way of getting around the city, with stops located at most major landmarks. Otherwise, taxis and tuk-tuks have cheap fares and are easy to find.

Currency

Bangkok uses the Thai baht, but you’ll find that some tourist areas also accept US dollars. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted.

Public holidays

Thai New Year, or Songkran, falls on 13 April and runs for several days. Public holidays are also observed on royal family birthdays and anniversaries.

Languages

The national language of Thailand is Thai, but English is spoken across most of the country, particularly in Bangkok.

More about Bangkok

Religion

Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist nation and you’ll notice its influences wherever you go during your holiday in Bangkok.

If you decide to tour some of the beautiful temples during your stay, be sure to observe a few basic rules which will often be displayed in the entrance area. 

Typically, you’ll be asked to dress respectfully when entering religious sites and take off your shoes at the entrance. 

wat pho temple bangkok
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Shopping

Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise where almost anything can be found for sale.

Glamorous malls offer the latest from the catwalk, while street markets overflow with trinkets and treasures.

The largest street market in the country, Chatuchak has over 15,000 stalls and is a favourite spot for locals to shop and socialise.  

For designer brands, visit Siam Paragon near Lumphini Park. This vast mall is home to the likes of Prada, Louis Vuitton and Chanel.  

History

Bangkok has been the capital of Thailand since 1782, when the country was still known as Siam. The city was built to resemble the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, the former centre of Siamese civilisation.

The importance of the city has only grown since the 18th century and today Bangkok is one of the most visited capitals on the planet. 

A cosmopolitan destination, Bangkok blends a burgeoning tourism industry and towering skyscrapers with a storied history.

The nation’s history is still visible across much of the city, from the golden spires of the Grand Palace to the riverside Wat Arun temple.  

grand palace bangkok
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Why we love Bangkok

“Bangkok is a feast for the senses. It’s wonderfully chaotic and buzzes with an undeniable energy. The atmosphere here is truly electric and the best way to experience it is by wandering the streets, sampling the food and getting to know the locals.” 

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