We arrived into Bangkok early in the morning on our Etihad flight, a little sleepy but full of excitement. After clearing immigration and collecting our bags, we headed straight to our hotel: the five-star Berkeley Hotel Pratunam. It was a fabulous base for our short stay, especially with children in tow. The location worked really well for shopping and getting around, though next time I would definitely choose to stay along the river for a different perspective on the city.

After an early check-in and a refreshing shower, we made a beeline for the rooftop pool. For a family who had just stepped off a long-haul flight, a dip in the pool with those city views was exactly what we needed. The kids loved having the space to splash around and burn off some energy, while we enjoyed simply stretching out on a lounger and taking in the Bangkok skyline.

That evening, re-energised, we headed out to the night markets nearby. The atmosphere was buzzing: stalls filled with clothes, souvenirs, toys for the kids, and of course so much delicious street food. It was the perfect first taste of Bangkok: colourful, lively and a little bit chaotic, in the best possible way.

The next morning we had a full day planned. To make the most of our limited time, we hired a private driver for a whistle-stop sightseeing tour. This worked brilliantly as a family: no haggling over taxis, no worrying about directions, and the children could rest between stops if they needed to.

Our first visit was to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, which rises beautifully from the riverbank. The intricate details of the temple are incredible up close, and even the kids were impressed by the towering spires and shimmering mosaics.

From there we continued to the Grand Palace, the former royal residence and one of Bangkok’s most iconic sights. The complex is vast, with ornate buildings, glittering temples and so much history at every turn. It can be busy and hot, but it is absolutely worth seeing at least once.

We finished our temple trio at Wat Pho to see the famous Reclining Buddha. Even when you know it is going to be big, the sheer scale of it still takes your breath away. The golden statue stretches almost the length of the hall, and the atmosphere inside is calm and reflective despite the number of visitors.

That evening we headed down to the river for a night cruise on the Chao Phraya. Seeing Bangkok from the water was a real highlight. As we sailed along, the city lights flickered on, temples and modern skyscrapers were beautifully lit, and we could spot some of the places we had visited earlier in the day from a completely different angle.

After the cruise, we made our way to Asiatique, the open-air riverside complex that combines shopping, dining and entertainment. The kids were immediately drawn to the amusement rides, especially the big Ferris wheel. We all went up together and were rewarded with fabulous views over the city at night: the glowing river, the skyline, and the constant movement that makes Bangkok feel so alive.

Our final morning came around quickly, with another early start as we headed back to the airport for our onward flight to begin our wider Thailand adventure. Even though our time in Bangkok was short, it was packed with memorable experiences: rooftop pool relaxation, night markets, iconic temples, river cruises and family fun at Asiatique.

It was the perfect introduction, and it reminded me how much there is still to discover. Next time I visit I would love to stay along the river for a different feel and to explore more of the city’s neighbourhoods at a slower pace.

For now, Bangkok has firmly earned its place as one of my favourite city break stops in Asia, and I know we will definitely be back to see more.

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