Bangkok trips and vacations

Chances are you’ve taken a very long flight to enjoy a vacation in Bangkok. There’s no better way to reward your knotted muscles than by getting a traditional Thai massage. The city is home to thousands of talented practitioners. Take your pick from spas in every neighborhood, or visit the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School for a wallet-friendly treatment by a trainee.

Experience a celebrated tradition and discover incredible photo opportunities by visiting a floating market on Bangkok's rivers and canals. Watch vendors in longtail boats sell fruit, flowers, spices and even artwork. Damnoen Saduak is the largest floating market in the city, while Amphawa is a local favorite for seafood in all forms.

Bangkok is a fashion powerhouse, home to lavish fabrics, talented tailors and creative dressmakers. You’ll find studios all across the city, especially around Sukhumvit Road, where you can choose your fabric and design of choice — and at an amazing value. Be sure to visit one early during your Bangkok trip, then come back before you leave to collect your custom-made garments.

This is where to stay in Bangkok if you plan to spend your days shopping and your nights out in the city. Some of the capital’s best fine-dining restaurants and drinking establishments are here, including chic rooftop bars. Retail ranges from the upscale EmQuartier mall to humble markets. And getting around is a breeze with the Ekkamai BTS (Skytrain) station at your doorstep.

Good for: Shopping, restaurants, bars

Steeped in history, Phra Nakhon is best known for must-see landmarks, including the impressive Grand Palace and Wat Phra Chetuphon, the temple with the famous Reclining Buddha. The riverside area is home to plenty of bistros and the vast Sanam Luang park. Khao San Road is another face of this diverse district, with a 24/7 party atmosphere.

Good for: Museums, temples, nightlife

Creative, cosmopolitan and chaotic, busy Bang Rak is where to stay in Bangkok for luxury hotels, historic temples and the famous Patpong Night Market. Discover street art and pop-up food stands. Drink, dine and people-watch at swanky rooftop venues, such as Sky Bar, which featured in ‘The Hangover Part II’ movie. The bar is in Silom, an LGBTQ+ friendly area.

Good for: Restaurants, art, LGBTQ+

You’ll never run out of fun things to do with family in Bangkok. A boat trip on the Chao Phraya River is a popular kid-friendly adventure, while Lumpini Park is ideal for burning off some energy in the shade. Other highlights include the rooftop Pororo Aquapark, the Mahanakorn Skywalk and Playmondo Centralworld for kids under 13.

Shopping in Bangkok is a heady experience. With 15,000 stalls over 35 acres, Chatuchak Weekend Market alone could fill a day of your vacation. Then there are the hundreds of malls. Start at IconSiam for high-end shops, a rooftop garden and daily fountain show. MBK Center is great for bargains, while Warehouse 30 is a mini mall with arts and crafts vendors, a spa and cafes.

Bangkok has some of Thailand’s most dazzling temples, but it’s worth seeking out some of the lesser-known ones. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is a good option, tucked away in Chinatown. Learn meditation at Wat Mahathat, a university for Buddhist monks. Among the best museums in Bangkok is the open-air Ancient City, which is designed in the shape of Thailand.

The nightlife in Bangkok has made a name for itself around the world. For a peek into the city’s energy after dark, go barhopping on Khao San Road or visit a multi-level club such as Route 66. Rooftop bars, night markets or a midnight tuk-tuk foodie experience with a tour company are also fun ways to spend an evening.

The spirit of Bangkok is evident in its food, whether perfectly wok-fried noodles or innovative Asian fusion food is your thing. Street food can rival the upscale restaurants if you know where to look – the jungle curry at Sriyan Market is a local favorite. Some of the best restaurants in Bangkok include the Haawm supper club and Michelin-starred Mia, with its seasonal tasting menus.

The beaches near Bangkok are the ideal flipside to the buzz of the city. Take a day trip to Koh Larn for turquoise waters surrounded by jungle. On Koh Samet, go from a secluded beach in the south to parties on the northern beaches. The island is a three- to four-hour drive from Bangkok, but there are many accommodations if you decide to stay overnight.