Bangkok itineraries

Old Town temples in a day

Knock out the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun before lunch, catch the late light from the Golden Mount, and end with noodles on the Chinatown pavement. One day, and Bangkok makes sense.

Siam & Sukhumvit, two days

Base yourself in Asok. A silk mansion, the malls, a glass floor 78 storeys up and a rooftop cocktail, then Chatuchak, Thonglor cafés and a two-hour massage. No temples, just the city side of Bangkok.

Three days on the river

Stay on the river at Charoen Krung and get around by boat. ICONSIAM and Asiatique the first evening, temples from Wat Arun to Chinatown and a dinner cruise the second day, a Lumphini morning and Ekkamai and Ari cafés the third.

Festivals & seasons

• 2 — Chinese New Year in Yaowarat
• 2 — Bangkok Design Week
• 3 — Hot season
• 4 — Songkran, Thai New Year
• 5 — Royal Ploughing Ceremony
• 6 — Bangkok Pride
• 9 — Peak of the rainy season
• 10 — Vegetarian Festival (Kin Jay)
• 10 — Bangkok Art Biennale
• 11 — Loy Krathong
• 11 — Cool, dry season
• 12 — New Year countdown

Souvenirs

• Dried mango and coconut chips (Kunna)
• ChaTraMue Thai tea mix
• Jim Thompson silk scarves and pouches
• Snake Brand cooling powder
• Ya dom herbal inhaler and Tiger Balm
• Elephant pants and handmade crafts
• Pretz tom yum and Mama instant noodles
• Ele night mask