Where should I visit in and around Bangkok?
Bangkok is a fabulous arrival point and gateway to the rest of Thailand. It’s especially handy if you’re keen on heading to places such as Koh Samui or Phuket – making it the perfect bridge to your next Thailand adventure.
Lumpini is the central pocket of the city and it’s where you’ll find central Bangkok’s green lungs. The lush 142-acre Lumpini Park boasts green spaces, lakes and rivers. On the other side is where you’ll find many of the city’s plush embassies, a sure sign you’re in affluent parts. Take a stroll through the park for a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city or why not do what the locals do and use it for cycling, rowing, swimming or yoga? It’s super well connected on the Skytrain, so getting around is easy. The Kimpton Maa-Lai hotel makes for a charismatic stay in a luxuriously contemporary setting.
Riverside is the traditional heartland of this magical city, with a history of fallen and rising kingdoms. As one of the scenic spots of Bangkok, you can sit and watch its personality change by the minute. See water taxis take commuters to work and rice barges chug by glittering temples and historic landmarks. It’s a great place to stay, housing some of the city’s most luxurious hotels and you’ll find incredible places to eat from generations-old restaurants to glitzy new ones. There’s plenty of shopping with the likes of River City Bangkok or Asiatique. All the while Riverside is still framed by the special charm of the Wat Arun temples casting their mesmerising reflection on the waters of the Chao Phraya River. Overlooking the river is the luxurious Shangri-La Bangkok hotel.
Silom is a popular part of Bangkok and brings together malls, street food markets and some pretty interesting nightlife. The area takes in Lumpini Park with its green lawns, blue lakes and lots more. Brave the King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk – Thailand’s highest viewing deck, and head for a cocktail to calm your nerves afterwards at its rooftop bar.
Action-packed Sukhumvit offers plenty of glitzy restaurants as well as bars, luxury hotels, malls, and a good sprinkling of hip nightclubs. As one of the city’s modern, cosmopolitan areas, it can get busy, but you can always find a sweet, calm spot in the small cafes and lush day spas that sit on quieter side streets. The Skytrain runs through most of Sukhumvit’s downtown stretch, making exploring its staggering length incredibly easy. It’s also the area where you’ll find the quirky Terminal 21 – a shopping mall in Asok that recreates several world-famous cities under its roof. Sukhumvit also offers a planetarium and space museum and the lovely Rama IX Park, where you can kick back with the locals. Within walking distance to all the shops and restaurants, you’ll find The Landmark Bangkok, ideal for a Sukhumvit stay.
Bangkok and beyond – a beguiling coastline
Pattaya is a well-known city in Thailand’s eastern Gulf. Come here for its beaches, shopping malls, cabaret bars and 24-hour clubbing. By contrast, you’ll also find Wat Phra Yai Temple with its 18-metre golden Buddha and designer golf courses. Expect it to be bustling; it’s not for those seeking a serene beach experience, but outside the central buzz, you can find some quiet spots. Look out for the amazing Sanctuary of Truth – it’s a religious temple-meets-work of art that’s been under construction since 1981. You can also take a day trip to the small nearby islands of Koh Lan, Koh Sichang and Koh Samet, as well as Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and the riverside town of Chanthaburi – all with beauty worth seeing. The Mera Mare makes the perfect base for your Pattaya adventure and beyond.
Hua Hin doesn’t offer the traditional palm-tree escape you might be looking for – it’s not that kind of place, but as ‘Thailand’s original beach resort’ it’s all the better for it. Instead, Hua Hin offers lively markets and a cosmopolitan vibe. Check out Hua Hin Night Market, great for food, shopping or just hanging out. It’s super relaxed and there’s no shouting , just home-made art and buskers to add to the atmosphere. Because of Hua Hin’s location on Thailand’s Upper Gulf coast it’s the ideal base for excursions into the outlying countryside. For romance, sunset sailboat trips are popular, while families will love the water parks, and seafood lovers are sure to find the local catch very agreeable. Get a luxurious rest at the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa before hitting the burgeoning nighttime club scene in Hua Hin.
If you’re looking to enjoy a less crowded alternative to Hua Hin, consider stopping off at Cha-am – you’ll come across it en-route to Hua Hin from Bangkok. It’s home to three miles of white sand and is a favourite for locals and other Thais to escape to at the weekend. With that in mind, if you can time a midweek visit you won’t regret it. It’s worth taking a hike to the beautiful limestone hills of the nearby Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park for some view of the surrounding landscape. While out here, take the quirky but unique excursion to the Nayang Bat Viewpoint and watch bats stream out of caves like waves of smoke at sunset.