Thailand’s capital is as atmospheric as they come; this thriving, fast-paced city is a hive of activity no matter the hour, with bustling street markets, traffic-weaving tuk-tuks, ornate temples and palaces, colourful Old Towns, and beyond. This world-famous city is considered more of a stopover, whether you plan on exploring Thailand’s islands, you’re pausing in the city before flying further afield, or you’re heading off on a leisurely cruise – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a whole host of things to explore here, so be sure to save a day or two to lap up that big city life.
When is the best time to cruise from Bangkok?
The best time to cruise from Bangkok is during the high season from November to March, this is when the weather is most pleasant. During the city’s summer months (low season), namely June and July, the humidity is much more uncomfortable and Bangkok experiences lots of rain.
Which cruise lines sail from Bangkok?
There are a variety of cruise lines that depart from the capital, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, plus luxury lines such as Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, and Seabourn, too. While the city will show as a cruise port, the nearest port for Bangkok is actually Laem Chabang in the Gulf of Thailand, which is around an hour and a half away from the hustle and bustle – so be sure to leave enough time to travel there (if you can tear yourself away from the city, that is!).
Where do cruises from Bangkok go to?
You can expect to visit destinations around Southeast Asia when you cruise from Bangkok, such as Vietnam, Manila, Singapore, and places in the surrounding Gulf of Thailand.
What should you do whilst you’re in Bangkok?
There’s so much to discover in this fascinating city it can be difficult to know where to start. It’s rich ancient history and modern grandeur make it one of the most inspiring places to visit in Asia, with everything from famous floating markets to awe-inspiring temples on the must-see menu.
You can’t visit the capital without admiring the world-famous Grand Palace and Wat Prakaew in the Old Town, once the home of Thai Kings and the Royal Court. Wander the sacred grounds and admire their beauty or soak up the intricate architecture – you’ll feel as though you’re wandering through a fairy-tale book. Similarly, Wat Pho’s gigantic reclining Buddha is a landmark worth ticking off your list, for the sheer size of it alone!
Like to be at the heart of the hustle and bustle? Bangkok’s Chinatown is a colourful yet chaotic pocket of the city sprinkled with restaurants, fragrant food vendors, dazzling gold shops and rows upon rows of market stalls and wooden shop-houses – the adjacent Charoenkrung Road a popular spot for those that like to shop. Want to learn about the city’s heritage? Head to the Bangkok National Museum, home to the largest collection of artefacts in Thailand, with a treasure trove of art, weapons, clothing, and precious stones to discover. Equally, grab tickets to watch an action-packed Muay Thai match, the country’s national sport is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture, with every anticipated event promising an exciting experience.
During the day, explore the bustling streets at your own leisure while in the evenings you can head to Vertigo at Banyan Tree and Sky Bar for elevated 360° views of the stunning cityscape. Whatever you decide to do whilst you’re here, you can guarantee your itinerary will be jam-packed – and what better way to unwind from a busy few days, than by hopping on a luxury cruise…
Paramount Cruises Top Tips
Check out some of the team’s top tips from our previous trips. Find out where to eat, where to drink and what to do in Bangkok in the map below:
Extend your stay?
We highly recommend that you extend your stay in Bangkok if you can, since there’s a whole host of exciting things to see and do while you’re here. Explore the vibrant capital itself, or if you’re all city-ed out, hop on a short flight and discover some of the country’s amazing islands such as Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi for their post-card-worthy beaches.
