Thousands of holidays
Compare 20+ trusted brands
Book your getaway with confidence
Part of MoneySuperMarket
Saving you money for almost 20 years
Expert travel advice
Get the latest holiday tips and inspiration
Thousands of holidays
Compare 20+ trusted brands
Book your getaway with confidence
Part of MoneySuperMarket
Saving you money for almost 20 years
Expert travel advice
Get the latest holiday tips and inspiration
One of the most visited cities in the world, Bangkok is a mesmerising collision of modern and traditional, with glitzy mega-malls and skyscrapers alongside ancient Buddhist temples and colonial-style mansions.
It’s also the place to go to for street food: referred to as the unofficial outdoor dining capital of the world, the city offers a dazzling array of cheap and delicious fare like nowhere else. Be warned though, it’s likely to be super spicy unless you specifically request it less so.
A holiday in Bangkok will likely see you sampling its legendary nightlife. From lively bars along the Khao San and Sukhamvit roads, and the notorious red-light districts dotted around the city, to quirky cocktail bars and glamorous rooftop bars, Bangkok has stacks of great places for drinking and dancing the night away.
Shopping
Bangkok is inundated with shiny malls, department stores and sprawling markets, and even its streets are lined with vendors flogging knock-off designer brands at dirt-cheap prices. Chatuchak Weekend Market (or JJ as it’s sometimes known) is a must-see. Prepare to spend at least half a day there, and you may come home with a whole new wardrobe.
Huge upmarket malls like MBK, Siam Paragon, Emporium Mall, and CentralWorld are designed to tempt you into a holiday spending frenzy.
Bangkok has a tropical monsoon climate, meaning that it’s hot and humid throughout the year. The best time to visit for a holiday is between November and February, when temperatures range between 27C and 30C but humidity and rainfall are at their lowest. Inevitably, this is peak tourist season too, so it’s not the cheapest time to visit, although a package deal with flights and accommodation included could save you some money.
March, April and May are the hottest months – by May, average temperatures are 35C and often go even higher. However, Songkran, the Thai New Year, takes place in April and is a really fun time to be in the country.
May to October is the low season and the cheapest time to visit, with the added benefit of fewer crowds. It’s generally overcast, with afternoon rainstorms, although these become increasingly frequent from July onwards and don’t really cool things down. There are plenty of indoor activities in Bangkok, though – such as visiting one of the many malls, aquariums and temples, and it’s a good time to nab a cheap package holiday deal.
Bangkok’s Chinese community celebrates one of the biggest annual events in the Chinese calendar, Chinese New Year, in January or February. Although the actual day is not a public holiday in Thailand, parades take place in the city’s Chinatown district, firecrackers are let off and people dress up in red.
The traditional Thai New Year, Songkran, takes place officially between April 13-15, but usually lasts longer. The city shuts down for what amounts to a massive water fight, accompanied by music and dancing – a welcome relief from the heat. Taking part in Songkran is an experience you’re unlikely to forget.
11.5 hrs
(from London)
Baht (฿)
Thai
We compare millions of holidays from the UK’s leading travel companies
Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom
Prices from
Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18
Prices from
Vince Hotel Pratunam
Prices from
Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam
Prices from
The Cottage Suvarnabhumi
Prices from
Hotel Clover Asoke
Prices from
Swissôtel Bangkok Ratchada
Prices from
Mode Sathorn
Prices from
1 / 2
Baansuanprannok Residence
Prices from
ibis Bangkok Sukhumvit 4 Hotel
Prices from
Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre Chaeng Watthana
Prices from
The Mulberry Bangkok Khaosan Road
Prices from
ibis Bangkok Sathorn Hotel
Prices from
Galleria 12 Hotel Bangkok
Prices from
Le Tada Residence
Prices from
Princeton Bangkok
Prices from
1 / 2
Le Tada Residence
Prices from
Galleria 12 Hotel Bangkok
Prices from
Hotel Citrus Sukhumvit 13 by Compass Hospitality
Prices from
The Grand Sathorn Hotel
Prices from
Al Meroz Hotel
Prices from
Miracle Grand Convention Hotel
Prices from
Royal Bangkok @ Chinatown
Prices from
Park 9 Srinakarin
Prices from
1 / 2
5 min read
Published 25 November 2021
7 min read
Published 28 February 2019