Weekend in Bangkok

Bangkok's backpacker hub — a chaotic, neon-lit street crammed with market stalls, street food carts, bars, and budget hostels. Great for people-watching and cheap eats like pad tha

Tip: Come after 7pm when it comes alive. Avoid the overpriced smoothie stands on the main strip; walk one block to Soi Rambuttri for the same quality at half the price.

Bangkok's largest public park, built on royal land in the 1920s. A green escape with a lake, jogging track, and resident monitor lizards. Free tai chi sessions happen at sunrise.

Tip: Rent a paddleboat on the lake for 40 baht per 30 minutes. The lizards are harmless but keep kids away — they can grow over 2 metres long.

One of the world's largest weekend markets with over 15,000 stalls selling clothes, antiques, plants, and street food. You could spend hours wandering the covered alleys without spending a baht.

Tip: Arrive by 9am to avoid the midday crush. Bring cash — most stalls don't take cards. Section 2 has the best cheap eats under 50 baht.

Home to a 46-metre-long reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. The temple complex also serves as a traditional massage school — you can get a one-hour Thai massage for 300 baht here, about half the pr

Tip: The massage school is in the southern zone; no appointment needed, just queue. Entry is 300 baht, but the massage is a separate cost.

The most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, inside the Grand Palace complex. The Emerald Buddha statue, carved from a single block of jade, sits high above the altar. Entry is 500 baht (around £11),

Tip: Go at 8.30am when gates open to dodge the tour groups and heat. Dress covering shoulders and knees or you'll be refused entry — rental sarongs are available near the entrance.