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.
Its thriving food scene, iconic temples and unique floating markets mean holidays in Bangkok deliver a true feast for the senses.
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.
With so many delicious dishes on offer, it’s little wonder that Thai food has become popular across the world – and Bangkok is the country’s foodie capital.
For a traditional experience, take a seat on the floor and dine at low tables overlooking the Chao Phraya River, or check out the options on upmarket Witthayu Road. Street food is also huge here, with Bangkok home to one of the only street food restaurants in the world to receive a coveted Michelin star.
Head to the weekend Chatuchak Market, the largest of its kind in Thailand, for sumptuous, freshly cooked pad thai or creamy tom yum goong. The city also has a great range of seafood, Japanese and steak restaurants.
Every morning in Damnoen Saduak, the waterways come alive with the hustle and bustle of market traders and long-tail boats.
Located around an hour from central Bangkok, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the place to find handcrafted souvenirs and trinkets to take home.
You’ll find the winding canals packed with fruit-sellers, basket weavers and fishermen all jostling for the best spot to pitch their boat and start selling.
Join a chartered tour and take to the water for the best views of these busy waterways.
Dating back to 1782, the beautiful Grand Palace on the banks of the Chao Phraya River was the official residence of Thailand’s monarchs for 150 years.
Opulent and extravagant, the complex includes various residences, courts and religious buildings. The Palace grounds are also home to Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The temple's golden spires are among the largest in Thailand and can be seen for miles around.
The grounds are open to visitors, though entry to some rooms and buildings is restricted. You should act respectfully when visiting the palace, especially around the royal religious sites, removing shoes at the entrance.
Dive into the world-famous Khao San Road, a magnet for travellers from across the globe for decades.
Khao San buzzes with the sounds of street vendors and lively restaurants, all lit by a neon hue. The street comes alive in the evening, when the eateries and market sellers open up shop.
Tuck into tasty mango sticky rice as you pick your way through the vendors and pop-ups that line this famous road.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bangkok uses the Thai baht, but you’ll find that some tourist areas also accept US dollars. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted.
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.
The national language of Thailand is Thai, but English is spoken across most of the country, particularly in Bangkok.
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.
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.
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.
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