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🇹🇭 London → Bangkok Route Guide

London to Bangkok – Flight Duration, Temples, Street Food & Travel Tips

Last updated: 25 August 2025

Bangkok dazzles visitors with golden palaces, bustling street markets and a riverfront skyline peppered with skyscrapers and temples. A long‑haul flight from London brings you straight into a sensory feast of sights, sounds and flavours. This guide outlines flight details, airports, where to stay, must‑see attractions and insider tips to help you navigate Thailand’s capital.

✈️ Flight Duration & Booking Tips

Direct flights between London and Bangkok take roughly 12 hours 22 minutes. Thai Airways, British Airways and EVA Air operate non‑stop services from Heathrow, while connecting routes via the Middle East and Europe are plentiful. For the best deals, book several months in advance and avoid peak holiday periods.

London airports: Heathrow (LHR) hosts most long‑haul flights to Bangkok, but Emirates and other carriers sometimes depart from Gatwick (LGW). Factor in your departure airport when considering transfer times and costs.

🚉 Bangkok Airports & Transfers

Bangkok has two main airports. Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) is the primary hub for international flights, located about 25 km east of the city. Take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai station for a quick connection to the BTS Skytrain or grab a metered taxi—airport taxis charge a small surcharge and tolls. Don Mueang Airport (DMK) handles low‑cost carriers; reach the city by shuttle bus or taxi. Both airports have Grab car pick‑up areas and luggage storage.

🏨 Where to Stay in Bangkok

Sukhumvit: A modern district packed with malls, nightlife and rooftop bars; BTS stations make it easy to explore the rest of the city.

Rattanakosin (Old Town): Home to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and other historic sites; ideal for culture lovers who want to walk between attractions.

Silom & Sathorn: Bangkok’s business district turns into a lively dining and night‑market scene after dark; close to Lumpini Park and the Chao Phraya River.

Riverside: Luxury hotels and scenic views along the Chao Phraya; enjoy leisurely boat rides and sunset cocktails.

🌟 Must‑See Temples & Street Life

  • Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha: This sprawling complex of more than 30 buildings was built in 1782 and once served as the royal residence. The palace is open daily 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and admission is 500 Baht; visitors must dress modestly.
  • Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): Located next to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho houses a 150‑foot‑long reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. The temple is open 8:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. with a 200 Baht entry fee.
  • Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): Recognisable by its 270‑foot Khmer‑style spire decorated with porcelain; climb partway up for river views. Open 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; entry 50 Baht.
  • Khao San Road: This quarter‑mile strip is a backpacker magnet filled with hostels, bars, market stalls and street vendors. It really comes alive at night.
  • Chinatown (Yaowarat): Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the world’s largest, centred on Yaowarat Road. Wander through its temples and shopfronts selling herbs, teas, dried fruit and gold jewellery.

🍜 Food & Drink

Bangkok is a street‑food paradise. Feast on classics like pad thai, tom yum goong (hot‑and‑sour soup), som tum (papaya salad), grilled pork skewers and mango sticky rice from hawker stalls. Explore night markets such as Rot Fai Train Market and Chatuchak Weekend Market for endless snack options. For fine dining, the city boasts Michelin‑starred restaurants that put creative spins on Thai cuisine.

🚇 Getting Around & Day Trips

The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are fast, air‑conditioned ways to escape traffic. River ferries shuttle passengers up and down the Chao Phraya, and tuk‑tuks provide fun short rides—just agree on a price first. Day trips include visiting the ancient city of Ayutthaya, exploring the floating markets at Damnoen Saduak or taking a Thai cooking class.

💡 Quick Tips & FAQs

  • Dress modestly at temples: Shoulders and knees should be covered; some sites offer sarong rentals.
  • Avoid the midday heat: Sightsee early in the morning or late afternoon; carry water and sunscreen.
  • Use metered taxis or Grab: Insist that drivers turn on the meter or book a ride via the Grab app to avoid scams.

🔗 More Routes & Resources

Planning more adventures? Check out our complete route guide index, review flight booking strategies and explore our travel blog for inspiration.