Holidays in Bangkok will suit those looking for a sedate break, with Buddhist temples, palaces, museums and traditional architecture and heritage on show. Party people will feel equally at home with bustling markets, shops and cool cafés to explore during the day, and the wild nightlife and entertainment of Khao San Road, Patpong, Soi Cowboy and Nana during the night. Families prepared for a hectic holiday will also find a warm welcome and plenty to do in Bangkok.
The flight time to Bangkok International Airport (BKK) is around 11 hours from the UK. The minute that your bus or taxi chugs into the fume-filled streets of the city, you know you have arrived in Bangkok.
Take to the streets by foot, or hire a tuk-tuk if you dare. A ride in the infamous open cabs is a real Bangkok holiday experience, though drivers have been known to rip off unwitting tourists - so be prepared to haggle.
However you get there, be sure to explore some of the city's famous landmarks, such as Wat Arun Palace on the Chao Phraya River, better known as the Temple of the Dawn, and Wat Phra Kaeo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Other must-see sights include: Ban Kamthieng Museum, where you can delve into Thai heritage with manuscripts and books or simply wonder at the architecture of the building itself; the royal residence of Chitralada Palace; Jim Thompson's traditional house; the city pillar shrine Lak Mueang; Suan Pakkad (the cabbage field) Palace, which is actually a museum; and the former royal palace, Vimanmek Mansion.
Temples can be found at every turn in Bangkok. The best are Wat Pho, home of the Reclining Buddha, and Wat Saket, better known as the Golden Mount, plus aforementioned Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaeo.
Lovers of art can browse the collections at Bangkok National Museum and the Queen's Gallery.
The simplest pleasures to be found in Bangkok often arrive at your feet as you tread the streets of the capital and let fortune guide you. Tuck into tantalising street food, haggle for bargains at night markets, such as those near the Memorial Bridge, or hop onto a passing boat and explore the klongs (canals) and rivers.
The financial heart of the city is among the sparkling skyscrapers, which contrast with the ramshackle buildings in other parts of the city. For a dose of western pleasures, such as shopping and international cuisine, take the Skytrain and feel transported into a different place and time.
As darkness descends, the city's neon lights buzz into action, especially in the red-light districts of Patpong, Soi Cowboy and Nana. Just like Amsterdam, these areas are not as seedy as you might imagine - and can be avoided - and men and women of all ages gather here to party and catch some of the more unorthodox entertainment.
Bangkok is an ideal twin-centre destination and can be paired with a break in the northern city of Chiang Mai, or one of the islands or coastal resorts of Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui.
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Weather
The daily average temperature hovers around 30C all year round. The best time to avoid getting caught in rain is from November to March.
Events
Chinese New Year; January: Bangkok's Chinatown, Yaowaraj, is the only place to be if you're in the city in January. The streets explode into life to see in the Chinese New Year. Watch dragon dancers and snack on street food as the festivities whirl around you.
Songkran; April: Re-live your childhood during one of the biggest and friendliest water fights in Thailand. Buckets and water pistols ensure a thorough soaking during the event, which is considered to be a good luck ritual.
Loy Krathong; November (usually): This is the evening that falls on the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar. Elaborately decorated lotus-shaped floats are released on the waterways of Bangkok and fireworks light the evening sky (as if the moon wasn't bright enough).
Golden Mount Fair; November: Travel up to the imposing Golden Mount of Wat Saket in the days following Loy Krathong for the famous fair, which includes dancing and other traditional performances.
Trooping of Colours; December: This colourful event is much the same as the British version as it celebrates the monarch's birthday with a parade of the troops. Take your camera to the Royal Plaza in Dusit to capture the spectacle.
