Cheap Bangkok Holidays from £1049pp

Why go to Bangkok

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.

When to go to Bangkok

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.

What to do in Bangkok

Events for your diary

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.