Bangkok holidays

How to reach Bangkok

• Flight time: Direct flights to Bangkok from Dublin take around 11 to 12 hours. Travellers from elsewhere in Ireland will need to connect via European or Middle Eastern hubs, often adding a few hours to the journey (14 to 18 hours in total).

• Transfer time: From Suvarnabhumi Airport, the quickest way into central Bangkok is the Airport Rail Link, which takes under 30 minutes. Taxis are also widely available and take between 40 and 90 minutes depending on traffic. Make sure the taxi uses the meter.

• Price: The Airport Rail Link costs B45 (approx. €1) to Phaya Thai station. A metered taxi including toll charges usually costs around B500–B600 (approx. €13–€14).

Best time to visit Bangkok

Bangkok is hot and humid year-round, but your experience will vary depending on the season. Here’s what to expect:

• November to February is the most popular time to visit. Temperatures are still warm (26°C to 30°C) but more comfortable, and rainfall is low. It’s perfect for sightseeing and outdoor markets, but also the busiest season.

• March to May brings hotter conditions, with highs often above 35°C. It’s great for enjoying hotel pools and Bangkok’s many air-conditioned malls and attractions, though it can feel intense for outdoor sightseeing.

• June to October is the rainy season. Daily showers are common – especially in the afternoon – but they rarely last all day. This is the best time for deals on hotels and flights, and the city is lush and less crowded.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Thai is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, major hotels, and shops.

• Local habits and customs: Respect is important in Thai culture. Always remove your shoes before entering homes or temples, dress modestly at religious sites, and avoid touching anyone’s head or pointing your feet at people. A polite greeting and smile go a long way.

• Health and safety: Bangkok is safe for tourists, but standard precautions apply. Watch out for scams, especially involving tuk-tuks or jewellery shops. Stick to bottled water and be cautious with street food – though many vendors are perfectly safe and delicious.

• Currency: The local currency is the Thai baht (B). ATMs are everywhere, and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants. For markets and street food, carry cash.

• Getting around: Traffic in Bangkok can be heavy, so the Skytrain (BTS), MRT (subway) and riverboats are often the fastest way to move around. Grab is a handy ride-hailing app, and tuk-tuks are fun for short hops but always agree on a price beforehand.

• Electricity and plug types: Thailand uses 220V electricity with plug types A, B and C. Irish travellers should bring an adaptor with flat or round two-pin compatibility.

• Time zone: Bangkok is on Indochina Time (ICT), which is 7 hours ahead of Irish time.

Best things to do in Bangkok

Bangkok is Thailand's energetic and exotic capital, packed with things to see and do, from bustling commercial areas to serene temples and vibrant markets to the dazzling culture. Here are some of the best things to enjoy on your Bangkok holidays.

The best districts

• Siam Square: The hub of Bangkok's shopping scene, where you'll find everything from luxury malls to quirky local boutiques. Siam Paragon, CentralWorld and MBK are some of the biggest shopping centres, each with their unique style.

• Khao San Road: Famous for its backpacker culture and lively nightlife, this area is buzzing with street food vendors, bars and market stalls. It's a great place to people-watch, meet other travellers, see young Thais out shopping or socialising, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

• Chinatown (Yaowarat): A maze of narrow streets full of markets, traditional Chinese stores, colonial buildings and jewellery shops. The area comes alive at night, when foodies flock here to try everything from dim sum to grilled seafood.

Historic monuments

• The Grand Palace: No trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting the Grand Palace, a stunning complex that was once the home of Thai kings. The architecture is magnificent, with intricate designs and golden spires. Within the complex, you'll find the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), one of the most sacred sites in Thailand.

• Wat Pho: Known for its giant Reclining Buddha, this lively temple is the oldest in Bangkok. The temple complex is serene, with beautiful murals, statues and courtyards, and is also home to a school teaching traditional Thai massage.

• Wat Arun: One of Bangkok's most iconic landmarks, the Temple of Dawn is situated by the Chao Phraya River opposite Wat Pho. Its tall spires are decorated with colourful porcelain and are especially beautiful when lit up at night.

Day trips in the area

• Ayutthaya: The ancient capital of Ayutthaya is just an hour north of Bangkok, with ruins of temples and palaces that tell stories of Thailand's rich history, and several fine museums making it a fascinating visit.

• Erawan National Park: About a three-hour drive from Bangkok, this park is famous for its astonishingly beautiful seven-tiered waterfall. It's an ideal spot for a nature escape, with opportunities for hiking, swimming and picnics.

Activities for families in Bangkok

Bangkok is surprisingly family-friendly, with plenty of activities that will keep both kids and adults entertained.

• Museums: The National Museum is home to an amazing collection of art and history, and the free tours from volunteers are a great way to learn about the exhibits and Thai culture and religion.

• Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World: The largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, its huge tanks and tunnels hold hundreds of species including sharks, rays and local catfish. There are also touch tanks and feeding shows for penguins.

• Cycling tours: Family-friendly tours by bike are one of the best ways to see the city. Routes take in quieter, rural areas including cycling through coconut groves, orchards, local villages and markets.

Free things to do in Bangkok

Bangkok has plenty of things to see and do that won't cost you a thing. Whether you're visiting during one of the colourful annual events or exploring the local markets, there's lots to see on a budget.

• Free events: Check out local festivals like Songkran (Thai New Year) in April, where you can join in the water fights and street parties. The Loi Krathong festival in November is another must-see, where thousands of candlelit floats are set adrift on the rivers.

• Temples: Many of Bangkok's smaller temples are free to enter, offering a peaceful retreat from the busy streets. Visit Wat Ratchabophit, Wat Ratchanatdaram or Loha Prasat to admire their stunning architecture without the crowds.

• Markets: Many people opt for one of the city's touristy floating markets, but the Chatuchak Weekend Market offers Bangkok's craziest shopping experience. Thousands of stalls sell everything from household items to art and crafts, while the food stalls have produce and cooked food to go.

Wellness in Bangkok

• Thai massage: Traditional Thai massages are a must-try in Bangkok. For some of the most authentic, head to the school at Wat Pho temple complex, or indulge in more luxurious treatments at one of the many high-end spas in the city's hotels.

Local dishes in Bangkok

Bangkok boasts a hugely diverse mix of food, with everything from gourmet Thai meals to food courts and street stalls on offer, as well as international cuisines. Here are some of the dishes to try during your stay.

Some typical dishes

• Pad Thai: The famous stir-fried noodle dish with eggs, tofu, shrimp, bean sprouts and peanuts, flavoured with tamarind sauce, lime and peanuts. It's a classic, found everywhere from street vendors to high-end restaurants.

• Tom Yam Kung: A hot and sour shrimp soup infused with lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal and chillies. It's fragrant, spicy and full of bold flavours.

• Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan): A creamy, spicy curry made with green chillies, coconut milk and a mix of meat or tofu, along with vegetables and Thai herbs. It's usually served with jasmine rice.

Street food

• Som Tam: A spicy green papaya salad with fresh chillies, tomatoes, peanuts and shrimps that balances sweetness, saltiness and spiciness. You'll often see it prepared fresh at street-side stalls.

• Moo Ping: Grilled pork skewers marinated in a mix of soy sauce, garlic and coriander root. They're cheap, delicious and available at nearly every corner of the city.

Sweets and desserts

• Roti: Usually filled with banana or coconut and drizzled with condensed milk, you'll find these thin, crispy roti being cooked up at street food stalls.

• Luk Chup: Another local delicacy, these miniature, fruit-shaped sweets made from mung bean paste are often found in markets.

• Khao Niaw Mamuang: Don't miss this delicious dish, where sweet sticky rice is topped with fresh slices of mango and a drizzle of coconut milk.

Local drinks

• Cha Yen: This sweet, iced tea is flavoured with star anise and topped with condensed milk – perfect for cooling down on a hot day.

• Coconut Water: Fresh coconuts are sold everywhere in Bangkok, and there's nothing more refreshing than drinking the chilled water straight from the shell.