Buy airline tickets to Bangkok, where busy streets are filled with food vendors and markets. Sukhumvit restaurants serve Thai delicacies. Ornate palaces reside in Rattanakosin, while Silom is home to late-night bars.

Things to do

A ticket for Bangkok's boat trips affords breathtaking ceremonial riches at the Grand Palace and the National Museum of Royal Barges. Buddhism reigns at Wat Pho temple, and Thai kickboxing takes centre stage at Lumpini Stadium.

Shopping

Bangkok city breaks are all about shopping. Silom offers imitation bargains at Pat Pong and Suan Lum night markets. Designer Thai tailoring is on sale in the upmarket malls of Pathumwan, and bespoke silk clothes along Sukhumvit.

Restaurants

Spicy Thai dishes are on offer in the streets and teak dining-rooms of Sukhumvit. The Indian population provides curries in Silom, and French cuisine is on the menu at Le Normandie in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Nightlife

Pick up a ticket for Bangkok's world-famous Lady Boys Cabaret, and explore the Pat Pong red light district. Holidays in Bangkok are all about having fun, from Irish pubs to lively bars and smart clubs in Silom and Sukhumvit.

When to go

KLM has frequent flights to Bangkok. Book airline tickets to join in the festivities during Songkran (Thai New Year). Admire the skills at the International Kite Festival by booking Bangkok flights in March or April.