Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Wat Arun
Tour the dazzling Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha, see the vast reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, then cross the Chao Phraya to the porcelain spires of Wat Arun.
Flight + hotel city breaks · Temples, street food & rooftop bars
Flights Included · City Break
Flight + hotel city breaks with return flights from Canada
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At a glance
Bangkok runs on two rhythms — the gilded temples and canals of the old Rattanakosin quarter beside the Chao Phraya River, and the neon high-rise sprawl of Sukhumvit and Silom threaded by the BTS Skytrain. Between the Grand Palace, the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, Chinatown's street-food stalls and rooftop bars 60 storeys up, it's a hot, humid, wonderfully chaotic city best explored by river boat, Skytrain and on foot.
Climate
26–35°C · tropical, three seasons
Hot and humid year-round with three seasons: cool-dry (Nov–Feb), hot (Mar–May), and the green rainy season (Jun–Oct).
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)
1 CAD ≈ 25 THB · carry cash for street food
Entry
Visa-free
Visa exemption up to 60 days for Canadians
Tour the dazzling Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha, see the vast reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, then cross the Chao Phraya to the porcelain spires of Wat Arun.
Graze the sizzling stalls of Yaowarat in Chinatown after dark, then browse thousands of stalls at the sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Watch the city glitter from a Silom sky bar with a cocktail in hand, then dive into the buzzing bars and night markets around Khao San Road.
Passport: A Canadian passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date is required to enter Thailand.
Visa & arrival card: Canadians receive a visa exemption for tourist stays of up to 60 days. Complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before you arrive.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in Thailand. Comprehensive travel medical insurance is strongly recommended for this long-haul trip.
Power & plugs: Thailand uses 220V/50Hz with Type A, B and C outlets. Bring an adapter, and a converter for any device that isn't dual-voltage.
Time zone: Bangkok runs on Indochina Time (ICT, UTC+7), roughly 11–12 hours ahead of Toronto — expect noticeable jet lag.
The best weather — warm, sunny days and lower humidity. Busiest and priciest, especially over the holidays.
Very hot, often 35°C-plus. The Songkran water festival in April is a highlight; hotel value improves.
Short, heavy afternoon showers with lush greenery, thinner crowds and good deals between the downpours.
The heaviest rains and occasional street flooding. Cheapest prices, but plan your days around the weather.
Where to stay
Bangkok is huge, so base yourself near the BTS Skytrain, the MRT metro or the river to beat the traffic. Here's how the main areas compare.
Asoke & Phrom Phong
Bangkok's cosmopolitan spine of malls, rooftop bars and restaurants, strung along the BTS Skytrain and packed with hotels for every budget.
Charoen Krung & Bang Rak
Historic luxury hotels line the Chao Phraya River, with ferries, the Asiatique night market and sunset views from the water.
Banglamphu & Khao San
The temple heart of Bangkok — the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun are all here, alongside the backpacker buzz of Khao San Road.
Business district
The financial core between the BTS and MRT, with sky bars, Lumphini Park and the Patpong night market steps away.
Beyond the city
Ancient capitals, floating markets and wartime history all sit within a couple of hours of the city. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel concierge.
Explore the crumbling temples and Buddha-lined ruins of Thailand's former royal capital, including the famous stone head cradled in tree roots at Wat Mahathat.
Ride a long-tail boat through the vendor-packed canals of Damnoen Saduak floating market, then watch stalls fold away as a train rolls through the Maeklong railway market.
Cross the Bridge on the River Kwai, ride a stretch of the WWII Death Railway, and visit the war cemetery and museum amid green riverside hills.
Swap the city for the seaside at Pattaya, with a beach afternoon, the hilltop Big Buddha and the option of a speedboat over to Koh Larn island.
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Good to know
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
No — Canadians receive a visa exemption for tourism and can stay up to 60 days. You'll just need to complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before you arrive.
There are no non-stop flights. Expect about 21–24 hours from Toronto or Vancouver with one connection, usually through Hong Kong, Taipei, Tokyo or Seoul.
Bangkok has two airports — Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK). Both link to the city by taxi, the Airport Rail Link or bus; check which one your flight uses when you book.
The cool, dry season from November to February has the most comfortable weather. March to May is very hot, and June to October brings the green season's afternoon rains and the best prices.
The BTS Skytrain and MRT metro are fast, air-conditioned and beat the traffic, while Chao Phraya river boats connect the old city. Grab (ride-hailing) and metered taxis fill the gaps; keep tuk-tuks for short hops.
The Thai baht (THB). Hotels, malls and larger restaurants take cards, but you'll want cash in small notes for street food, markets, boats and tuk-tuks.
It's strongly recommended. Provincial health plans don't cover care in Thailand, and insurance protects a long, expensive trip against medical bills, delays and cancellations.
Yes — you can add excursions like Ayutthaya, the floating markets and the River Kwai to your trip at checkout or through your hotel concierge.