Holiday houses in Bangkok

Situated on the Chao Phraya River, Thailand’s lively capital city is a fascinating juxtaposition of ancient temples, modern factories, mesmerising cultural sites, and exciting arts community. This is a city that’s best explored at your own pace — simply wander the streets and you’ll find something new, like colourful flower markets, ornate monuments, gigantic shopping malls, incense-laden shrines, a seemingly endless array of boutiques and shops, and aromatic fare from street food vendors.

Bangkok is a city that never sleeps, with 24-hour markets that are busiest at night, dazzling rooftop bars, restaurants that serve flavour-packed dishes whatever the hour, and bars and clubs that open from dusk until dawn. Even most of the city’s temples, which play a key role in everyday Thai life, are open around the clock. During the day you can explore the city with a ride in a tuk-tuk, take a water taxi along the city’s winding canals, or simply sit back in a riverside café.

Bangkok has a tropical climate, which means it has two distinct seasons: wet and dry. It can get incredibly hot and humid in the wet season, which runs from April to October. This time of year can also be prone to monsoons, which bring short bouts of intense rain, and September and October are usually the wettest months. Though the weather is more unpredictable in the wet season, the city is also quieter, and many of Bangkok’s shops offer huge sales from June to August.

The best and most popular time to visit is generally in the dry season, from November to March. This is when the city starts to dry out, the temperatures are milder, and there’s far less humidity. This is also the most ideal time of year if you want to pair your visit to Bangkok with a trip to Thailand’s many beaches.

Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market

Bangkok is well known for its iconic floating canal markets, which feature vessels laden with fresh fruits, vegetables, and other wares. One of the largest and most known markets, Damnoen Saduak, is around a 90-minute drive from the city. However, within just 25 minutes of town, you’ll find the lesser-known Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, a traditional market where you can pick up an array of tropical fruits like papayas and rambutans. Among the canals you’ll also find vessels selling clothes, accessories, home furnishings, and fresh flowers. You can also enjoy some sensational canal-side food like hoi tod, an oyster omelette.

The Grand Palace

One of the most striking collections of buildings in Bangkok, the Grand Palace has been home to Thai royalty since 1782. Today, it’s considered the spiritual heart of Thailand. Its intricate and impressive architecture is decorated with gemstones and gold detailing. The complex is open daily, and there are several buildings to explore once inside, so allow a few hours for your visit. Don’t miss the beautiful Emerald Buddha inside the Wat Phra Kaew temple.

Lumpini Park

Find some respite from all the action and activity of Bangkok in the sprawling Lumpini Park, a green space with a lake in the centre of the city. This is where locals meet to walk, cycle, meditate, or take exercise classes. Enjoy a picnic, hire a paddleboat, or if you are visiting on a Sunday, catch an outdoor classical or jazz concert.