Holiday in Bangkok

What makes Bangkok special as a destination?

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is a metropolis of contrasts: centuries-old temples stand alongside glittering skyscrapers, street food stalls steam under elevated trains, and tranquil khlongs (canals) wind through the chaos of a 10-million city. The city, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, is the political, economic, and cultural heart of Southeast Asia and welcomes over 22 million international visitors each year. The Grand Palace with Wat Phra Kaew, which houses Thailand's holiest Buddha — the Emerald Buddha — is the cultural crown jewel of the city. Wat Pho impresses with its 46-meter-long reclining Buddha and is considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Across the Chao Phraya River stands Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) with its iconic pagoda adorned with porcelain shards, shining in golden light at sunset. Bangkok's street food is legendary and has been recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage: Yaowarat Road (Chinatown) serves the best shrimp soups and oyster omelets in the country at night. The Chatuchak Weekend Market, with over 15,000 stalls, is one of the largest markets in the world. For a breather, rooftop bars like the Sky Bar at Lebua offer breathtaking panoramic views. Bangkok's BTS Skytrain and MRT make the city surprisingly easy to navigate. As a hub of Southeast Asia, Bangkok is ideal for a two- to three-day stopover before continuing your journey.