Why I love Bangkok

“Admittedly, there are some things – the hot weather, the pollution, the political instability – that make Bangkok a less-than-ideal city. But there’s so much more that makes it amazing. I love the food. What other city has such a full-flavoured, no-holds-barred, insatiable, fanatical approach to eating? I love old Bangkok. Districts such as Banglamphu and Chinatown still carry the grit, charm and character of the...” Read More

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Austin Bush
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Top experiences in Bangkok

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Best speakeasies in Bangkok

When the last visitors leave the gilded temples and the nine-to-fivers clock out, they’re all united by a common goal: soaking up the buzzy Bangkok nightlife. Instead of a rowdy evening with the crowds on Th Khao San, escape to a hidden speakeasy to find an equally authentic slice of Bangkok’s famous nightlife scene.

Your after-dark adventure could begin by ducking down secret passageways or discovering the way in via a broken phone booth. These six bars — and the drinks you’ll find there — are worth the search.
Ashley Niedringhaus
Lonely Planet Writer

A tale of two Thai cities: how to visit Ayuthaya and Lopburi in just one day

So, you're taking the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and want to visit Ayuthaya and Lopburi on the way, but your schedule is too tight to spare two days? Conventional wisdom says you need to choose one or the other because there's not enough time for both. But while you certainly should give two days to these two interesting towns – you don't need to.

If you're willing to rush a little, you can have an interesting and enjoyable – if tiring – day. Here's how.
Tim Bewer
Lonely Planet Writer

Durian 101: everything you need to know about Southeast Asia's ‘King of Fruits’

In Southeast Asia, you don’t need to go looking for durian. The powerful odour of this boulder-like fruit will find you. Many travellers lose their appetite when the boisterously ripe whiff of durian stings their nostrils. But hold your nose: sampling the iconic ‘King of Fruits’ is a rite of passage and allows you to tap into intriguing aspects of Asian food cultures.

After all, it’s not just the nutritious qualities of durian that make them so highly prized. The fruit’s significance is also reflected in idiom: in Indonesia, unexpected windfalls are compared to ripe durian toppling from a tree. Selecting and eating durian is part science, part art-form, and marvellously sociable. Here’s everything you need to know about this most notorious of Asian delicacies.
Anita Isalska
Lonely Planet Writer
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Bangkok adventures

$56.49 Sightseeing tours

Thailand's Ayutthaya Temples and River Cruise from Bangkok

Visit the Ayutthaya temples on a cultural day trip from Bangkok, it's a highlight of any Thailand visit. The tour to the ancient capital of Siam includes a trip by riverboat, a must-do activity when you're in Bangkok, with close-up views of the temples and historic sites that line the Chao Phraya RiverThe Unesco World Heritage site of Ayutthaya is 53 miles (85 kilometers) north of Bangkok. Ayutthaya was a thriving Siamese kingdom from 1350 until 1767, when it was captured by the Burmese. Today, Ayutthaya is know for its spectacular ruins and temples. Many of its temples are still intact, such as Wat Phra Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Panangcherng and Wat Chai Mongkol, known for its large bronze statue of the Reclining Buddha.You will also see the summer palace of King Rama IV with its mixture of Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture. The palace is a well-preserved 'museum', providing a glimpse into a time when Thailand was known as Siam.On your full-day guided excursion from Bangkok you will visit Thailand's former ancient capital by van and returning to Bangkok by boat. During the boat cruise from Ayutthaya you will see temples such as Wat Arun lining the Chao Phraya River.
$1399 Small group tours

Bangkok to Singapore on a Shoestring

Bliss out on world-class beaches in exotic southern Thailand before cooling off in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia. This 2-week tour will introduce you to three diverse nations—and three of the region’s most vibrant cities. Sample street food or hit Bangkok’s clubs with other travellers your own age—so you can be sure to get down with those that’ll keep up. With your hotel and transport arranged by our CEOs, you can concentrate on choosing your own adventure: pack your trip with everything you want and nothing you don't.
$36.62 Sightseeing tours

Floating Markets of Damnoen Saduak Cruise Day Trip from Bangkok

Experience rural Thai culture and explore the canal waterways outside the capital on this 6-hour day trip to the Damnoen Saduak floating markets from Bangkok. Cruise by long-tailed speedboat with your guide to the floating markets. Discover the ancient canals constructed in the 19th century by Thailand’s King Rama IV. See the vendors selling local produce including fresh fruit and vegetables, traditional sweets and souvenirs. Soak up the atmosphere of the bustling, vibrant markets and gain insight into everyday life in Thailand.Following a morning pickup from your Bangkok city hotel, meet your guide and travel out by air-conditioned coach to the Damnoen Saduak floating markets. Located a 2-hour drive southwest of Bangkok, the markets sit on a canal waterway created by King Rama IV in the 19th century to promote trade and development outside the capital. Today, they’re widely considered one of Bangkok’s top attractions and offer valuable insight into traditional Thai culture and traditions.On arrival at Damnoen Saduak, hop aboard a long-tailed speedboat with your guide for an exciting ride through the marshes and stilt-houses to the markets. Once there, listen to a brief introduction from your guide and feel free to ask any questions you may have.Marvel at the colorful fruits, vegetables, sweets, meats and souvenirs on display and take time to capture the market scenery on camera. Watch the traders and customers going about their daily business on this bustling and vibrant part of the canal, and perhaps purchase some fruit or souvenirs for yourself (own expense). Take a ride on a local boat (optional extra, payable locally) through the maze of traditional canoes and soak up the market atmosphere out on the water.When your time at the Damnoen Saduak floating markets is up, cruise back to your coach and hop back aboard for the return journey to your Bangkok hotel, where your tour will come to an end.
$1839 Small group tours

Northern Thailand Encompassed

This is the ultimate, comprehensive Northern Thailand experience. Spend 17 days discovering the best of Thai culture. From big-city life in Bangkok to historic Ayutthaya and a hilltribe trek outside of Chiang Mai to meet the locals, this tour takes you to all the places on your must-see list, and some you didn't know to add. Perfect for first-timers or travellers that have seen it all.
$1599 Small group tours

Northern Thailand Journey

Never been to Northern Thailand? These 14 days from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and back again sure are the perfect introduction to all the life-changing cultural experiences people come here for. Stay on a traditional floating rafthouse in Kanchanaburi, enjoy an local cooking class with delcious meal and take a guided bike tour of Sukhothai Historical Park. Nature, nourishment, palaces, and people – this trip's got it all.
$1299 Small group tours

Northern Thailand Sampler

Find a part of yourself you didn't know existed on this 12-day tour that begins in the hills around beloved Chiang Mai. Trek through the hills, making genuine connections with the region's hilltribes before heading on to Chiang Rai and further south. Explore golden temples and remote villages of Northern Thailand before ending up in bustling Bangkok. This is so much more than a trip; it's a spiritually transformative experience.
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