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Norse Atlantic Airways is set to launch the first-ever direct flight from Manchester to Bangkok on November 26 – here’s your one stop guide to the top things to see there.

With fares starting from only £217pp one-way*, there has never been a better time to travel to Thailand’s capital from the UK’s global gateway in the North, which adds to its impressive global network of more than 200 destinations.

Bangkok is the world’s most visited city and it’s easy to see why. From golden temples to bustling markets, we’ve rounded up a dozen places in the city you have to explore once you land.

Cultural sites

The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

Step into the spiritual heart of Thailand at this stunning complex of royal buildings and sacred temples, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. It’s among Bangkok’s most famous landmarks and a must-visit for history lovers.

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

One of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho dates back to the 17th Century. It is famous for its massive reclining Buddha statue and traditional Thai massage school. Visitors enjoy this temple for both its peaceful nature and awe-inspiring views.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this temple is one of the most photogenic temples in Bangkok, featuring a soaring 70-meter-high spire decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain.

Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)

This temple contains the Golden Image Buddha, which is made of solid gold and weighs approximately five-and-a-half tons. This temple is a symbol of Bangkok’s spiritual and artistic heritage.

Museums

Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson, an American ex-military officer who moved to Thailand after World War II to open a hotel, became a major investor in the Thai silk industry and built himself a grand mansion in central Bangkok, modelled on traditional Thai architecture. The mansion now houses a huge collection of Southeast Asian art.

Bangkok National Museum

Thailand’s largest museum offers a detailed look into Thai heritage, with exhibits on art, weaponry, clothing, and royal regalia. It has been open since the late 19th century and underwent a major renovation in the 2010s, with exhibits across three main buildings.

Lumphini Park

Bangkok’s largest and oldest green space, Lumphini Park, is something of an open-air museum. With a collection of statues, lakes, botanical gardens, an aquarium and its own library, there is lots to keep you entertained – but the park is best known for its population of free-roaming monitor lizards.

Shopping and Leisure

Khaosan Road

Explore the beating heart of Bangkok’s backpacker scene, a street near the Chao Phraya river that is less than 500m long but lined by more than 50 hostels, along with a huge collection of bars, restaurants and tour operators. It has been the go-to spot for travellers on a budget for half a century and was immortalised in 2000’s The Beach, starring Leonardo Di Caprio.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market is home to a whopping 15,000 stalls spanning 26 sections and is the world’s largest weekend market. Scout for local delicacies, clothing, second-hand merchandise, home decor, handicrafts, antiques, and even plants.

Asiatique The Riverfront

An open-air shopping centre that offers a dynamic combination of shopping, dining, sightseeing, and events with scenic river views to boot. Enjoy live music performances and take a ride on the Ferris wheel or carousel.

Siam Paragon & MBK Center

From luxury brands to bargain finds, these two shopping centres cater to every shopper. Siam Paragon dazzles with designer labels, while MBK is packed with deals and local food.

Rooftop Bars

Experience Bangkok’s skyline in style at one of its many rooftop bars. Whether it’s cocktails at sunset or a night out under the stars, the views are unforgettable. Some of the most popular include Sky Bar, which towers over the city from the 63rd floor of a skyscraper, as well as Vertigo, a ‘moon bar’ complete with a fine dining restaurant, and Octave, on the roof of the Marriott Hotel with 360-degree views.

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