Bangkok Winter Sun

Thailand offers sun almost year round and is a great place to see out cold, damp British and US winters. However, no trip to Thailand is complete without a visit to lively Bangkok. Explore the city's evocative markets and glitzy malls; soak up some Buddhist philosophy, and discover the fabulously rich Thai culture.

In the vibrant Thai capital of Bangkok, you can spend your days wandering about ancient Buddhist temples or taking in the Old City’s charms; then come sundown, hit Chinatown, indulge in amazing street food and party along Khao San Road, one of the hippest streets in town.

Take a tour of some of the most unusual Buddhist temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimitr, with its invaluable Golden Buddha (5 ½ tons of solid gold); Wat Po, the most extensive temple in Bangkok, with its colossal, reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings.The Grand Palace is one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Siamese court. It used to be the residence of the Kings of Thailand. Here, you will see palaces that were each used for different occasions: the Funeral Palace; the Reception Palace; the Throne Hall; the Coronation Hall; the Royal Guest House and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple. 

Visit Thailand’s urban capital for a fabulous cultural experience. Explore Bangkok’s wonderfully ornate wats, learn about history at the stunning Grand Palace, tour the eccentric floating market and get a taste of Siam Thai culture. See all this and more on our holiday: Bangkok Culture.

Be sure to head over to the floating market of Damnoen Saduak, situated 110kms west of Bangkok. The tour includes visits to the rural Maeklong Station Market and to Nakorn Pathom, the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. Then enjoy lunch along the Sampran Riverside. Afterwards, catch the Thai village show for an introduction to Thai life. The show also features Thai Boxing, hill tribe dances, sword fighting and elephants.

Fancy a holiday? Read a snapshot of our The Best of Thailand trip below.

This multi-centre trip lets you see The Best of Thailand. From Bangkok with its beautiful temples, lively markets and Grand Palace to lush Chiang Mai’s hill tribes and historic Old Town and then on to laidback Koh Samui with its raw island beauty. Expect traditional Thai shows, cultural treasures, elephant safaris, kayaking, diving and snorkelling, national parks and more.

Explore Bangkok's bustling and lively Chinatown, which is a very popular tourist attraction and food haven. This 1km-strip is packed with market stalls, street-side restaurants and numerous gold shops. Continue on to Pakklong Talaad, the biggest wholesale and retail fresh flower market in the city. From here, you can drive to Wat Suthat and The Giant Swing before you continue on foot past Bangkok Metropolitan Office and the Democracy Monument. Dine at Hotel D' Moc's restaurant and then travel by tram around the Ratanakosin area. Here, you'll experience fantastic views of “the must-see” attractions in Bangkok, such as Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, The Golden Mount, Wat Ratchanaddaram, The Democracy Monument, The City Pillar Shrine, The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, National Theatre, and Santi Chaiprakarn Park. Finish the night by exploring Khao San Road, famously described as "the centre of the backpacking universe."

Buy a book or eBook: Insight Guides: Explore Bangkok

Read more about Bangkok: A perfect day in Bangkok

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