- Duration
- 11 days / 10 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $16,200
Bangkok
Known as Krung Thep, which translates to "City of Angels," Bangkok was established in the 15th century as a small trading post at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. After facing the turmoil of Japanese occupation during World War II, Bangkok boomed in the 1960s and 1970s, as the United States came to rely on Thailand as a staging area for the Vietnam War effort.
Today, Bangkok has blossomed into Thailand's most populated city, with 12 million residents as of 2012. The city is rich with cultural heritage and plays a leading role politically, socially, and economically in the country as well as southeast Asia. The city offers a wide range of attractions to satisfy varied tastes, including temples, nightlife, shopping, museum, palaces, and much more.
Must-see activities and sites in Bangkok include the poetically-named Wat Arun, or Temple of the Dawn, a beautiful, ornate structure overlooking the Chao Phraya; Wat Pho, home to a giant Buddha and perhaps one of the most renowned temples in Thailand; the Grand Palace, which once housed Thailand's kings; and the famous floating markets, where merchants in canoes sell fresh, natural produce.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Canals
Drive to Bangkok’s Noi District where you can see how the locals live in greater Bangkok’s authentic canal-side neighborhoods, with homes and gardens dotted along the waterfront of the klongs, or canals. Board a local “rocket boat” – long, canoe-like traditional vessels with outboard motors on the back – to zip up and down the canals.
Chao Phraya River & National Museum
Take a boat trip up the Chao Phraya River, the city’s main artery, to meet a curator at the National Museum, which houses three permanent galleries: the Thai History Gallery, the Archaeological and Art History Collections, and the Decorative Arts and Ethnological Collection. Tour the museum with the curator, who will share the highlights of the collection with you.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
With over 10,000 stalls, Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market is perhaps the largest weekend market of its kind. A rambling maze of crowded alleys, Chatuchak’s stalls sell a wide variety of trinkets, souvenirs, clothing, food, and even live animals. Additionally, the food is first-rate – ranging from skewers of grilled pork, sliced vegetables, and squid eggs to plates of pad kee mao, or wide, flat rice noodles stir-fried in a wok with vegetables, meat, and scallions.
Floating Markets of Damnoen Saduak
Visit the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak, one of the iconic sights and activities of the Thai capital. The market operates each day between 06:00 and 11:00, though it is best to arrive as early as possible to avoid the tourist crowds. Traditional Thai homes built on stilts line canals that are packed with canoe-like boats selling local vegetables, fruits and flowers; many such boats are operated by women vendors, who dress distinctively in blue shirts and high straw hats, the classic attire of Thai farmers.
Jim Thompson House
Have a private tour of the Jim Thompson House, a living history of traditional Thai architecture assembled by the silk magnate and former American OSS officer who mysteriously disappeared in Malaysia in 1967.
Pak Klong Talaat
Visit Pak Klong Talaat, a popular fruit and vegetable market. Boats on the Chao Phraya River and trucks from nearby provinces arrive with immense quantities of fresh cut flowers, vegetables, spices, and fruits, all piled high inside the market and along nearby streets. All the flowers, particularly the orchids, are sold under fluorescent lighting – making for bright, polychrome photos.
Suan Pakkad Palace Museum
Continue your discovery of traditional Thai architecture with a private tour of Suan Pakkad Palace Museum. This is a collection of homes bequeathed by Thai royalty, and features a vast collection of art and antiquities belonging to the Prince and Princess.
Suanlum Night Market
Try your bargaining skills at Suanlum Night Market, which has over 3,000 stalls of everything from local crafts to antiques. Browse food stalls hawking delicious satays, all the manner of skewers, and fresh fruit juices.
Thai Cooking Class
Discover the secrets of homestyle Thai cuisine with a private cooking class at a renowned cooking school located beside the Chao Phraya River. You will have a chance to explore the school’s traditional herb and spice garden, and select from its organic ingredients for your hands-on lesson, for which you will have your own cooking station and utensils.
Wat Arun
Directly across the Chao Phraya River from Wat Pho is the landmark Wat Arun, the “Temple of the Dawn.” Wat Arun’s central “prang,” or tower, is a representation of Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology; surrounding the central tower are four shorter, satellite prangs, decorated with with seashells and bits of porcelain previously used as ballast by trading ships arriving from China. Visitors may wish to climb the steps of the central prang for an excellent view of the city.
Wat Pho
Built in the 16th-century, Wat Pho is the oldest and among the most active Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Wat Pho’s giant reclining Buddha is one of Bangkok’s iconic sights; behind the statue are 108 bronze bowls, into which people drop coins for good luck. In addition to being a religious center, Wat Pho is also regarded as Thailand’s first public university and the founding place of Thai massage. Arrive in time for the resident monks’ morning chanting at 08:30.
Wat Phra Kaew & the Grand Palace
Explore the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, or The Temple of the Emerald Buddha. While the Buddha itself is small, the vast temple complex of gilded shrines is an impressive sight – with tiled roofs of bright orange and green, and mosaic-covered pillars. The Gallery of Murals features a vast, incredibly detailed depiction of the Ramayana, one of Asia’s most famous epic tales. While Thailand’s Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the 20th century, the palace complex is still used to mark all the manner of ceremonial events and auspicious occurences.
Wat Suthat
Visit Wat Suthat, one of Bangkok’s most important Buddhist temples, which was founded in 1807 by King Rama I. Afterwards, continue around the large temple complex as your guide explains the history behind the 25-foot tall bronze Buddha statue, the temple’s remarkable series of wall paintings, the landmark giant red swing, and more.
Thailand Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.
Northern
Central
Beaches
National Parks
Bangkok Itineraries
- Duration
- 13 days / 12 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $20,900
- Duration
- 16 days / 15 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $19,500
- Duration
- 4 days / 3 nights
- Price Per Person
- Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
- Duration
- 5 days / 4 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $6,300
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $9,900
- Duration
- 20 days / 19 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $21,000
- Duration
- 10 days / 9 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $13,000
- Duration
- 13 days / 12 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $10,800
- Duration
- 12 days / 11 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $93,100
Banyan Tree Bangkok
The Banyan Tree Bangkok is nestled in the upmarket Sathorn area of bustling Bangkok and offers views of the Chao Phraya River from its floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor terraces, and opulent rooftop pool. The rooms and suites are beautifully decorated and furnished. Guests can relax at the world-class spa or exercise at the expansive Health Club, and there is no shortage of places to eat with over nine dining destinations. Highlights include a rooftop bar, river cruise restaurant, and the hotel's...
Capella Bangkok
Drawing on its reputation for elegance and personalization, the Capella Bangkok is nestled along the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, providing panoramic views from all 101 rooms, suites, and villas. The hotel has also thrown a couple of hats into the capital city’s ring of culinary offerings with two gourmet restaurants and a waterfront patio area that’s perfect for al-fresco dining. Three-Michelin-starred Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco is the mastermind behind much of Capella’s cuisine, and there is a...
Four Seasons Bangkok
Nestled on the banks of Bangkok’s bustling Chao Phraya River, the Four Seasons Bangkok is designed around water-centric serenity and fluidity, inspired by the riverfront location. Situated in a vibrant part of the city, guests can view the abundance of activity on the river and enjoy nearby restaurants and cafes, art galleries and temples, with easy access to the various shopping and cultural activities for which “The City of Angels” is renowned. Guests seeking a holistic experience can avail themselves...
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
For over 140 years, royalty, celebrities, dignitaries, and distinguished travelers from Graham Greene to Rudyard Kipling have stayed in the legendary Oriental on the Chao Phraya. The 331 guest rooms and suites, with views over the river and the city, are sumptuous. The many restaurants and bars, serving all types of Asian and Western cuisine, are in a class of their own: Le Normandie is one of the best French restaurants in all of Asia - with an opulent setting...
Park Hyatt Bangkok
Once the scene of elegant garden parties hosted by the British Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, this prime corner plot in the heart of the city’s business district is now home to Park Hyatt Bangkok. Designed by prominent New York-based Yabu Pushelberg, it features contemporary architecture matched by luxurious residential interiors, expertly curated art, world-class dining, and refined service. The 222 rooms and suites, in 57 different room configurations are designed around a "liveable luxury" concept with nods to...
Rosewood Bangkok
As visually stunning as it is luxurious, the 30-story Rosewood Bangkok occupies a prime location in the heart of Thailand’s bustling capital. But while its striking geometric angles and top-to-bottom glass windows certainly draw attention, the hotel really shines in its stylish, exclusive facilities and accommodations that lie just minutes away from some of the most fascinating activities in Bangkok. Several highly revered temples lie within an easy boat crossing or taxi ride away, some of the city’s most high-end...
SO Sofitel Bangkok
SO Sofitel Bangkok is a chic and contemporary urban hotel situated in Bangkok’s hip business district on Sathorn Road. The hotel’s interior design is the result of a collaboration of French fashion designer Christian Lacroix and five of Thailand’s leading designers. There are 238 rooms and suites featuring modern amenities and modern décor with panoramic views over Lumpini Park and the Bangkok skyline. All of the 238 rooms and suites are equipped with 40” flatscreen LCD televisions. Broadband internet and...
Sukhothai
Located in Bangkok’s Sathorn area, the Sukhothai is well-known amongst frequent visitors to the city as one of Bangkok’s best, most stunning hotels. The hotel has gone to great lengths to preserve its historical charm and grandeur, with opulence dripping from its walls in the form of luxurious ancient Thai art and crafts. A fine array of restaurants are some of the city’s best, offering fine and authentic Thai cuisine and one of Bangkok’s best Sunday brunches. Amongst the facilities...
The Peninsula Bangkok
Overlooking the Chao Phraya river, the iconic Peninsula’s commanding views of the city’s skyline make it one of the most elegant choices in Bangkok. Designed with a blend of modern and traditional Thai decor, the hotel provides all of the comforts of home with an exotic flair, all with the level of quality service and amenities that define the Peninsula. The hotel boasts three restaurants: Mei Jiang for Cantonese cuisine; Thiptara for Thai home-style cooking on an open-air pavilion; and...
The Siam Hotel
The Siam Hotel is set on 3 acres of verdant lawn along the city side of Bangkok’s main river, the Chao Praya. The Siam is a private 39-room luxury retreat with its own unique historical background located in Bangkok’s royal Dusit district. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, the property is Art Deco inspired with infusions of Thai antiques and traditional architecture. Guests have an array of amenities at their fingertips: restaurants, a cooking school, bar, café, spa, gym,...
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An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
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