Destination spotlight: Bangkok

Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis that brims over with culturally-rich historic sites, exciting restaurants, fantastic shopping and some of the top hotels in the region.

The colourful capital of Thailand has been named as the most-visited city in the world for three years in a row and it is easy to see why visitors continue to flock in their millions to Bangkok. It is home to chic and contemporary hotels, amazing shopping, historic sites and the most incredible restaurants. Whether you are going for the temples, the bars and exciting nightlife, the shops, or perhaps all of the above, Bangkok has plenty to offer the discerning traveller.

The Prince Heritage Theatre Stay is a beautiful and historic hotel close to the Chao Praya river. You will find a plethora of the most amazing street food vendors nearby, making it ideal for trying the local cuisine. If you love character and style, this hotel will not disappoint as it is in the most magnificent Art-Deco building which used to be a cinema (in fact, the original screen is still intact) This is one of the best hotels for female travellers as it has a selection of dedicated dorms that are female only.

If you are looking for an escape from the bustling streets, the Oriental Residence is quite the peaceful haven. This chic hotel is a gleaming skyscraper from the exterior but venture inside and you will find cosy but chic apartment-style suites that screams luxury living.  The rooms are a real sanctuary and have a calming palette of light colours and some suites come with their own dining area. The Oriental Residence is suitable for single travellers and families alike.

The Banyan Tree is a great hotel choice for couples, and it is also one of the best hotels for foodies thanks to its great selection of restaurants and bars which includes the fine dining restaurant Vertigo and the stylish and sophisticated Moon Bar.

Have a chat with your Personal Travel Expert to find the best hotel in Bangkok for you.

The colourful Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on the Silom road is a sight to behold. It was built over 100 years ago and is open to visitors of all faiths. Whilst you are there, pay a visit to the Kathmandu Gallery where you can see exhibitions from local photographers and artists.

Escape the streets of Bangkok and head to the lush greenery of Lumpini Park which is an oasis of calm in the heart of Bangkok’s finance district. Stroll around the manicured lawns, the lake where you can hire row boats or just simply relax on a bench and watch the world go by. This pretty park was opened in the 1920s by King Rama VI and is the oldest and largest of Bangkok's open spaces.

When you think of Bangkok, what springs to mind? For many, it’s the dazzling Grand Palace. Built in 1782, the Grand Palace is a series of impressive buildings which were the home of the Thai King and the Royal Court.  You can also visit the Wat Phra Kaew – one of the most important temples in the country.

If you need some help when it comes to sightseeing, please do give your dedicated Personal Travel Consultant a call to discuss this further.

Bangkok is a city full of contrasts and no more so than when it comes to eating and drinking. Whether you favour street food or fine fining at an elegant rooftop restaurant, visitors to Bangkok will not go hungry. It really is easy to find the best restaurants in Bangkok, regardless of your travel budget.

If you are a foodie and are seeking a fantastic fine dining restaurant, you can’t go wrong with the Michelin-starred restaurant L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon. Chef Robuchon’s food style is stylish and classic French gastronomy.

If you are looking for where to eat in Bangkok on a budget, you can’t go wrong with cost-effective restaurants like the Cozy House Restaurant which is just a short walk away from the Khao San Road. Diners can choose from a great selection of menus which includes

One of the things on your Bangkok ‘must-eat’ list must be khao gaeng and Rossaneh is one of the best places to try for this cuisine. Why not try the gaeng kua, a fragrant coconut milk-based curry flavoured with turmeric?

From malls to markets and everywhere in-between, as you meander through the streets of Bangkok, you will find an unrivalled variety of shopping opportunities, making Bangkok the ideal destination for an overseas shopping expedition.

Antique lovers should head over to House of Chao where you will find a scintillating selection of curiosities and antiques from Thailand and beyond.

If you head out of town, you will find Papaya Vintage which is a vintage lover’s dream – they stock clothes, accessories, furniture and even the off vintage vespa!

The King Power Complex is the perfect place for label lovers, from designer sunglasses to luxury handbags, you can pick up the latest styles with ease and best of all, you can buy it at duty free prices too!

Need your caffeine fix to perk you up as you explore the city? The Old Town Café in Banglamphu is close to major attractions like the Grand Palace. It has a charming old-school vibe and you can grab a snack to go with your coffee.

If you are in Bangkok at the weekend, head over to the Chatuchak Weekend Market which is popular with tourists and locals alike. It is the world’s largest weekend market and you can find souvenirs and goods from every part of Thailand. The market receives thousands of visitors a day, so it is recommended that you get there early and that you wear comfortable shoes, as there will be a lot of walking involved!

Tep Bar is a historic shophouse in the up-and-coming Charoenkrung area which has been renovated into a multi-story celebration of Thailand. Don’t forget to try the traditional Thai liquor - ya dong which is a Thai herbal whisky. Head over there in the evening to enjoy a delicious meal and to see local musicians take the stage playing traditional music

Are you ready to discover Bangkok? Get in touch with your Personal Travel Expert today.