Bangkok

Bangkok was our first stop when we flew out on 31 May 2026, and it set the tone for everything after. It is loud, hot and endlessly generous with food. Most people give it two days and rush to the islands. Give it four and it starts making sense.

Best time to go

November to February for cooler, drier days. We arrived in the rainy season and loved the emptier temples.

What it costs

Comfortable on £45–£60 a day for two, including a private room, street food and transport.

What we'd actually do

The old town on foot, early

Start at Wat Pho by 8am before the tour buses, walk to the Grand Palace, then cross the river to Wat Arun. By 11am you will want air conditioning, and that is the point.

Eat where the plastic stools are

Our rule: if there is a queue of office workers, join it. Boat noodles at Victory Monument and the night stalls in Chinatown never let us down.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Twenty-seven acres of everything. Go at opening, take cash, and agree a meeting point because phone signal disappears in the middle.

Where to stay

• Ari — leafy, local, brilliant coffee, and on the BTS line
• Riverside (Thonburi) — quieter, with ferry access to the old town
• Sukhumvit (Phrom Phong to Thong Lo) — best for longer stays and co-working

Things we wish we'd known

• Get a Rabbit card on day one — the BTS beats taxis in traffic every time.
• Use Grab or Bolt rather than negotiating with tuk-tuks unless you enjoy the sport.
• Bangkok is one of the easiest cities in Asia to find a house or pet sit in — expat owners travel constantly.