Family Adventure in Bangkok: 4 Nights, 3 Full Days of Fun

We stayed at Rembrandt Hotel and Suites in the Sukhumvit area – an ideal location for first-time visitors. The hotel offered spacious, comfortable rooms and a pool where the kids could unwind after sightseeing. Its central location made it easy to access attractions and nearby restaurants without feeling rushed. We had a family room, which was perfect for us as it had bunk beds for the boys, but this hotel has several room types and is perfect for couples as well as families.

Day 1: Markets and First Impressions Our adventure kicked off with a day trip to the Maeklong Railway Market, a fascinating experience where train tracks run right through the market stalls. It was incredible to see how vendors fold back their awnings just minutes before a train passes and then carry on as if nothing happened. We followed this with an afternoon at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, exploring the colourful boats and sampling local treats. Although the market is super busy with lots of boats, it feels very tranquil. What I found fascinating is that as you slowly sail through, if a particular stall takes your fancy, let the vendor know you want to look or buy and they will hook you over!! That evening, we had dinner at Indulge, just a short walk from the hotel. The menu offered both Thai and Western options, making it perfect for the kids to try new dishes while adjusting to the flavours of Bangkok. It was a relaxed and enjoyable start to our trip.

Day 2: Culture and the River of Kings Our second day was filled with iconic sights. We joined a guided tour with Intrepid and Urban Adventures, exploring the Grand Palace and Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha. While both were breathtaking, the highlight for us was the boat trip along the River of the Kings. It offered a glimpse into a simpler way of life for some Thai locals living along the ‘Khlongs’ or canals, away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Bobby, our 7-year-old, was thrilled to spot a huge Asian water monitor lizard along the river, which he was convinced was a crocodile! It was such a fun and educational way to show the boys wildlife in the city’s natural environment.

Day 3: Pool fun in the sun Although we travelled in July which is actually rainy season, it was super hot with little rain. The trips were amazing, but both early starts and we all needed the day to chill out. The pool at Rembrandt hotel was lovely and for a 4* hotel in a city location, drinks by the pool were reasonable.

Dining in Bangkok Our evenings were spent sampling some of Bangkok’s culinary delights: • Baan Khathani: A beautiful, traditional Thai restaurant. Despite appearances suggesting it might be pricey, we had far too much food for four (definitely one curry and one rice too many!) and the bill came to £90, including wine and soft drinks. With slightly smaller portions, it could easily have been around £75. One of our best Thai meals of the trip! • Jodd Fairs Night Market: A lively market where we enjoyed tasting different dishes from various stalls. The boys loved exploring the toys and souvenirs, while we were fascinated by the unusual local snacks, including insects (which we didn’t dare try!). • The Deck: Our final night was truly special. We dined overlooking Wat Arun. Arriving early for a pre-dinner drink at the rooftop bar gave us the best views and photo opportunities, watching the sun set over the temple before enjoying dinner. Top tip: Pre-book a table and aim to arrive early to catch the sunset and stay for drinks afterward.

Transport and getting around We just got a taxi everywhere because it was cheap and convenient to do so. The hotel concierge was happy to arrange taxis every morning to where we needed to be and a 30 minute taxi journey from the hotel was around £7 although around £10 to return when flagging down a taxi or Tuk Tuk. the Tuk Tuk's are good fun and it's safe to flag them and the taxi's down. Just make sure they have their badge/license on show when you get in.

If you want a quicker, local and even cheaper experience, the MRT is super easy. It's like an overground version of the London tube. An unlimited day pass is around £3.50 each person or a single journey starts from around 40pence!

Top Tips for Travelling to Bangkok 1. Time your arrival: Try to arrive on a Friday and stay local for the first night. Bangkok traffic is terrible, and Friday evenings are especially bad. 2. Plan day trips for Sundays: Traffic is much lighter, making it the perfect day to explore locations further out of the city. 3. Pace yourself: Half-day excursions are ideal for families with young children. It allows time to acclimatise, enjoy hotel amenities, and still see the main attractions. 4. If you have a bit longer or you’re planning a second time visit, Bangkok has a surprising number of green spaces and parks where you can relax, let the children run around, and enjoy a more local, laid-back side of the city. Lumphini Park is perfect for a morning stroll, paddle boating, or spotting monitor lizards in the ponds. Benjakitti Park offers scenic walking and cycling paths around its lake, and the recently upgraded Chatuchak Park provides open spaces and playgrounds for younger children. For something different, consider King Rama IX Park, which features beautifully landscaped gardens and a large lake – ideal for a picnic away from the city’s noise. These spaces give families and couples alike the chance to slow down, enjoy nature, and see a quieter side of Bangkok that many visitors miss. Final Thoughts Bangkok is a city full of colour, culture, and unforgettable experiences. With careful planning, even a short stay of 4 nights and 3 full days can provide a perfect blend of sightseeing, relaxation, and family-friendly adventures. From bustling markets to tranquil river trips and exceptional dining, our time in Bangkok was truly magical and one our family will cherish forever. We paired our city break with 9 nights in Koh Samui…See separate blog