BKK · 13.75° N · 100.50° E · Thailand
Golden temples on the Chao Phraya, river boats, markets and street food: Thailand's busy capital, and where most trips to its islands and north begin.
Bangkok can feel like a lot on a first visit, so we help our travellers plan it gently: a hotel on the river, a few temples a day, and time to eat.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho with its reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun on the opposite bank all stand beside the Chao Phraya. River boats and the Skytrain are the easiest ways to get around.
Away from the temples, shop at Chatuchak weekend market and eat your way through Yaowarat, the city's Chinatown. Bangkok is also where most trips to Thailand's islands and north begin.
Our five nights at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, on the Chao Phraya River, fly nonstop from Heathrow with Thai Airways. Thai Airways flies twice a day and EVA Air once a day nonstop from Heathrow to Bangkok.
Entry rules for Thailand depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, and they can change. Check the official sources below before you book and again shortly before you travel. Thailand's Immigration Bureau also runs an official online arrival card: if it applies to you, use only the government's own website and be wary of other sites that ask for payment.
See TravelHealthPro's Thailand page and book a travel health appointment several weeks before you go. Average highs in Bangkok stay above 32°C all year, so drink plenty of water, rest in the shade and use sun protection. Protect yourself from mosquito bites, take care with food and water hygiene, avoid contact with animals and keep an eye on local air quality reports.
Thailand's currency is the Thai baht (THB). Carry some cash for markets, street food stalls and small shops, tell your bank before you travel, and check what your card charges for payments and withdrawals abroad.
General information only, not legal or medical advice. Rules change, so check the official source before you travel.
Checked on 14 October 2026
The cool, dry season runs from November to February, with the fewest rainy days of the year. March to May are the hottest months. The rainy season lasts from around mid May to October, and September is usually the wettest month.
HolidayATOL protected
From London Heathrow Airport · Five nights at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, open on the Chao Phraya River since 1876, with direct Thai Airways flights from Heathrow. Temples by day, river boats and street food by night.
Live prices
Price checked when you search
Flight · Return
Search live prices from
The Thai baht (THB). Carry some cash for markets, street food and small shops, let your bank know you are travelling, and check what your card charges for payments and withdrawals abroad.
Checked on 23 October 2026
Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and legs. The Grand Palace is a place of reverence for Thai people and asks visitors to dress with respect: sleeveless or see through tops, shorts, mini skirts, and torn or tight trousers are not allowed. Dressing the same way for other temples is a good habit.
Checked on 23 October 2026
Rail is often quickest: the BTS Skytrain and MRT lines cover much of the city, and the Airport Rail Link runs to Suvarnabhumi Airport. River boats call at stops along the Chao Phraya. Metered taxis are easy to find, and tuk tuk fares are usually agreed before you set off.
Checked on 23 October 2026
That depends on your passport and why you are travelling. Check the official sources on this page before you book and again shortly before you go, as the rules can change. Thailand's Immigration Bureau also runs an official online arrival card; if you need one, use only the government's own website.
Checked on 23 October 2026
November to February, the cool, dry season with the fewest rainy days. March to May are the hottest months. The rainy season runs from around mid May to October, and September is usually the wettest month.
Checked on 23 October 2026
