Last Updated on November 20, 2024 by admin
Are you on a short visit to Bangkok or using Bangkok as a layover to visit other places in Thailand or other Southeast Asian countries? Are you wondering how to spend one day in Bangkok? While I highly recommend spending at least 3 days in Bangkok, this blog covers what to do in Bangkok for 1 day covering the Bangkok highlights and attractions.
The bustling capital of Thailand, Bangkok is a city that never fails to impress visitors with its captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels. Known for its active street life, heavily ornamented temples, bustling night bazaars, iconic landmarks and delicious street food, Bangkok offers a sensory overload that is truly unforgettable.
Whether you are visiting Nakhon Phanom, an offbeat province in north-eastern Thailand or Chiang Rai, the more popular temple destination, you will probably be transiting through Bangkok.
So if you only have limited time in the city but you still want to explore the best of Bangkok, you are in the right place! Read on this perfect 24 hours in Bangkok Itinerary – uncovering the hidden gems and fun activities that make Bangkok a must-visit destination.
Table of Contents
ONE DAY IN BANGKOK
After visiting Bangkok three times in last few years, these are the best things to do in Bangkok if you have only 24 hours in the city!
Lumphini Park
Lumphini park offers an open public space, trees, and playgrounds in concrete Bangkok and contains an artificial lake where visitors can rent boats. The park is extremely popular with locals and tourists as there is ample space for outdoor leisure activities. People can be seen exercising, doing Tai Chi, yoga, playing games or in picnic mode.
Visitors can also easily spot Komodo dragons around the water body in Lumphini park.
This park is around a lot of embassies, which is why it is peaceful and sophisticated. Although far, this area will be my first go to choice for an accommodation in Bangkok!
Wat Saket by Bangkok Canal Tour
A local friend who used to live Bangkok highly suggested an offbeat temple to visit that gives an amazing view of Bangkok Skyline. He also suggested taking the offbeat route i.e. by boat, while exploring the Bangkok canals. We took a cab from Lumphini park to Hua Chang (Siam Square).
The Khlong boats operate daily on the Saeh Seap canal from 05:30 am to 08:30 pm and are quite frequent (every 30 minutes). There is a time table so one can plan accordingly. We boarded the Golden Mount line of Khlong Boats from Hua Chang to Phanfa Leelard Pier (or Phan Fa Lilat) station.
We waited for about 10 minutes and the boat came in. It was fairly empty. The stench from the canals made it clear that it was not clean water. But it was interesting to pass through the old neighborhoods of Bangkok that the tourists don’t see. In some sense, it reminded me of Mumbai.
The canal tour passes through mosques, temples and local houses that are full of graffiti. It gave a different insight into how the locals live.
We reached the Phanfa Leelard Pier in 15 minutes and walked 400 meters to reach the foothills of Golden Mount.
Golden Mount is the only hill in Bangkok, which is of great significance for all followers of Buddhism. 320 stairs take you up to the top for panoramic views of the entire city. Thankfully there were mist fans throughout the climb. The sunset would be breathtaking from here (I could only imagine).
Originally known as Wat Sakae, the whole temple was re-established in the reign of King Rama I the Great and given the new name of Wat Saket. It is an ancient temple of the Ayutthaya period.
The Golden Mount was bestowed with the stupa that is 77 meters tall. The stupa enshrines the Buddha’s relics received from India. These relics were dug from the hill of the old stupa in Kapilavastu.
There are many small temples around this hill and one can easily spend a couple of hours meditating or overlooking the beautiful city.
Admission to Wat Saket is free, but the entrance to the stupa at the top of the mountain is 50 Baht.
If you love boat rides and have more time on hand, then I highly recommend visiting the Bangkok’s Floating Markets where fruits, flowers, souvenirs and even food is sold on boats. There are seller boats selling these items and buyer boats where tourists can sit, shop, eat or simply enjoy this sensory overload.
The Grand Palace
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok, the Grand Palace really draws in tourists. Whether you are spending one day in Bangkok or more, this is one of the Bangkok highlights not to be missed.
Built around the late 18th century, the Grand Palace, Bangkok has been home to Thailand’s royal family for over 150 years.
The palace is not one entity but a complex comprising many buildings. Which is why it could take up to one entire day to cover everything. The complex spans 218,000 square meters and features temples, stupas, government offices, throne halls, a Buddhist library, and many manicured gardens. But if you are in a hurry like me, you can check out the highlights in 2 hours.
There are about 36 points of interest and the main out of all of those is Wat Phra Kaew also known as the Emerald Buddha temple. It is the abode of spirituality in Thailand and one of the most sacred sites of Buddhism.
The Emerald Buddha statue is a 14th century statue carved from a single piece of jade which makes it so remarkable.
Grand Palace timings:
The Grand Palace is open daily between 8.30 am – 3.30 pm – try to arrive around opening time to avoid the crowds!
Grand Palace entrance fee:
Tickets cost 500 THB (15 USD) and you can buy them at the palace. You can also buy them online but you’ll need to do this at least 24 hours in advance.
Dress code for Grand Palace:
Visitors have to abide by strict dress code and are required to cover their shoulders and legs. There are street vendors selling pants and sarongs and they can be rented or bought.
Wat Pho
10 minutes walk away from the Grand Palace is Wat Pho, Bangkok. Wat Pho also known as the Temple of Reclining Buddha has to be one the itinerary of one day in Bangkok!
It is the oldest temple compound in Bangkok known for the 150 feet gold-plated statue of the reclining Buddha. The temple also houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand. Much like the cave temples of Dambulla!
Wat Pho is also considered as the first public university for Thai massage. There are many inscriptions and images with instructions for the Thai massage.
There are 91 big and small stupas inside the Wat Pho complex as well as belfries, central shrine, viharas, pavilions and gardens.
Wat Pho timings:
Wat Pho is open daily, between 8 am – 6.30 pm.
Wat Pho entrance fees:
Admission is 300 THB (8.6 USD).
Wat Arun
Wat Arun, known as the Temple of the Dawn is one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. It is very close to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho so easily possible to cover during the 24 hours in Bangkok itinerary. Albeit it is on the other side of the Chao Phraya river, so visitors need to get on the local ferry to go there. Taking a boat tour on Chao Phraya river is also a popular activity in Bangkok.
The history of Wat Arun dates back to the Ayutthaya era from the 17th century. It was earlier called Wat Makok, based on the village name. The temple was also the original home of Emerald Buddha. It was later restored by King Taksin to make it into the glorious structure that it is today.
The interior of the temple is simple like a simple pagoda, but it is the exterior that takes the breath away. The exterior wall is covered in over one million colorful ceramic tiles that were salvaged from a shipwreck before being used to embellish the temple.
Another popular activity to do at Wat Arun is to get a Thai Photoshoot. This photoshoot allows tourists to wear traditional Thai outfit that can be rented from the may shops outside the temple, hire a photographer (optional) and take pictures. This activity can cost you anything between 2000-3000 THB depending upon the size of your group. Read in detail about it here – Traditional Thai Costume Photoshoot at Wat Arun.
Wat Arun is lit up at night and makes for a spectacular sight across the river from the other end.
Wat Arun timings:
Wat Arun can be visited between 8 am – 5.30 pm.
Wat Arun entrance fee:
The entrance fee is 200 THB (5.7 USD) and you can buy a ticket at the temple.
Khao San Road
It was already evening by the time I completed all of these Bangkok attractions in one day. I was hungry, tired and looking for something other than temples. I originally wanted to visit Chatuchak market but it was very far and I had no strength to walk so much. I took a cab to go to Khao San instead.
Since I wanted to visit the local streets and shop for some souvenirs, I headed to the Khao San road. Khao San road is a must visit place in Bangkok. Extremely popular amongst the backpackers, this short pedestrian street explodes with a variety of smells, sounds and tastes in the evening.
Khao San has everything you need – hostels, guesthouses, cafes, street food, tattoo parlors, bars, massage parlors, souvenir shops and every other thing a tourist requires. Don’t forget to bargain while shopping for accessories, clothes and souvenirs.
You can have the wackiest and weird looking and tasting food in the streets of Bangkok. From fried insects to roasted crocodile, from scorpion on a stick to chicken sate, from fruit smoothies to pad thai noodles, everything is available on Khao San Road.
MUST TRY FOOD IN BANGKOK IN 24 HOURS
Bangkok in one day is more than enough to try some legendary Thai dishes. Do check out this popular Bangkok Cuisines you shouldn’t miss post.
While dining and cafes options are many, the street food in Bangkok is so famed that CNN named it the very best city in the world for street food.
If you’re planning the perfect trip to Bangkok and have been wondering what are some of the Thai dishes to try, there are many options. If you are a vegetarian like me, fret not, there are ample things to try as well, although less street food options! These are vegetarian foods to try in Bangkok.
Food Tours in Bangkok
A great way to sample the best places to eat in Bangkok and try some of the most delicious dishes is to go on a Bangkok food tour. There are plenty of tours offered, some also including a tuk-tuk tour of the city and others including a cooking class. The duration is 2-4 hours with a guide explaining the origins of the dish and its flavors.
Papaya Salad
Generally served as a side dish, the salad is bursting with flavours and is one of my favorite vegetarian dishes in Southeast Asia. I have had the opportunity to try it in Cambodia and Vietnam and it never disappoints.
The salad is a combination of freshly shredded green papaya and carrots, chilies, peanuts, tomatoes, and glass noodles or sticky rice with a sauce of garlic, sugar, fish sauce, lime, and tamarind juice. Just request them to serve without the fish sauce and you have freshly prepared savory salad.
Massaman Curry
Spicy and full of flavor, Massaman curries are easily available across Bangkok and there are varieties of green, red, and yellow. It tastes very similar to Thai curry available in India. The curry is cooked with potatoes, onions, coconut milk, and either meat, prawn, or tofu for a veg option, until it is perfect. It is served by pouring over the rice.
Mango Sticky Rice
This was a savior on countless occasions, especially when I couldn’t find vegetarian dishes. The freshly made sticky rice is soaked in coconut milk which has been cooked slowly with sugar and salt. After the milk settles, the juicy mangoes are peeled and sliced over the plate. This is a must try in Bangkok especially for those who have sweet tooth.
Coconut ice-cream
Coconut ice-cream served in Bangkok is probably the creamiest ice-cream I have tried. Full of fresh flavour that includes coconut shavings, it is served in a coconut cup making it even more authentic!
PRACTICAL INFO FOR SPENDING ONE DAY IN BANGKOK
In order to tick off all the attractions in one day in Bangkok, here are some of the practical details for your trip to the Thai capital.
How to reach Bangkok
If you’re traveling from overseas and you only have 24 hours in Bangkok, most likely you will arrive at one of Bangkok’s two airports : Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Muang (DMK).
Suvarnabhumi is situated in the southeast corner of the city, it’s around 30 minutes by taxi to Bangkok city. Most international flights are serviced here.
Don Muang (DMK) is an older airport and serves low-cost airlines such as AirAsia and typically serves domestic and regional flights. It’s located in the north of the city and again takes approximately 30 minutes by taxi to reach Bangkok city.
Alternatively, there are options to take public transportation such as train or a bus to reach Bangkok city from the airport. Bangkok Airport Rail Link is a commuter rail line connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai (BTS – skytrain interchange) station via Makkasan Station (MRT Phetchaburi – subway interchange). This line is operational from 6 am to 12 midnight with 10 minute intervals.
Best time to visit Bangkok
Being a Southeast Asian country, the best temperature Thailand can have is 27°C.
Thailand has two seasons, dry season and monsoon season. The monsoon season starts late May/early June and runs to mid-October. During these months, Bangkok is humid with almost daily showers which may be short or long. Although the showers subside soon with almost no waterlogging, it is something to keep in mind if you are a tourist.
The dry season (December to February) sees temperatures around 22°C to 32°C. Due to such temperatures, Thailand is thronged by tourists.
If you want to travel with less crowd, plan your One day in Bangkok for the shoulder season of March/April or November. I went to Bangkok in February which was hot but bearable and in June and July and although it didn’t rain, it was hot and humid but bearable. Of course I live in a city in India which sees crazy temperatures so Bangkok weather was totally a respite for me.
How to get around Bangkok
Bangkok has a fantastic public transport system in place. With english titles everywhere, it is easily accessible even by tourists. Such a transport system makes it possible for tourists to see the best of Bangkok in one day without worrying too much.
Bangkok Skytrain
One of the most efficient ways to zip around the city during your one day in Bangkok is via the Skytrain. This elevated rapid transport system connects much of the city. There are information kiosks everywhere plus maps that enable you to make sense of direction. These maps also have tourist sites mentioned so you know which station to get off at.
Bangkok Skytrain ticket charges are between 16 to 44 THB (0.50 – 1.50 USD). A one-day pass costs 140 THB (roughly 4.60 USD).
Bangkok MRT
The next best option is MRT. The Bangkok metro has two lines (Blue and Purple) connecting the city and prices are similar to the Skytrain. Hours of operation are 6 am – 12 am.
Bus
Apart from the Skytrain and the MRT, you can also find countless bus lines in Bangkok.
Tuk-Tuk
The notorious Tuks Tuks of Bangkok are the most adventurous way to get around the city. There are many scams involving tuk tuk in Bangkok, but these provide point to point drop off. Tourists have the option to hire the tuk tuk for one entire day covering all the tourist places in Bangkok by negotiating a rate.
Grab and Bolt
Grab and Bolt are the Thai version of Uber. Both are an app-based taxi/cab hailing service that allows for credit-card as well as cash payment. It is best in case you do not want to converse with the cab driver and want a point to point pick up and drop. One has to input the pick-up location through a GPS map and the drop location. The amount is calculated based on distance on the app.
Fees vary based on the journey but expect anything from 60 THB (2 USD) for short rides to 500 THB (17 USD) for longer rides across town. You can also book motorbikes which are cheaper, faster, and practical if you’re exploring Bangkok solo.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a huge city that offers all sorts of accommodation for all sorts of budgets. So much so that it can be overwhelming to choose from all the options out there! From choosing the area, to budget to what sort of accommodation, it can get a bit intimidating!
While the best and luxurious hotel options are located in the Riverside area, the Khao San area is really popular amongst backpackers due to the number of cheaper accommodations.
I personally feel it is better to choose a city centre although it may be far from the airport, the public transportation options are great. Since you have one day in Bangkok, it is best to be close to the BTS SkyTrain, so choosing the Siam Square or the Sukhumvit area is a good choice.
Below you can find my top picks for staying in Bangkok for every budget.
Luxury Hotel – Amari Watergate Bangkok
Located close to Chidlom and Ratchathewi BTS stations, this five-star property offers stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi and breathtaking views of the city. It really is one of the best places to stay in Bangkok. It is just a few meters from Pratunam Market and ferry terminal, platinum mall is also right opposite so one can shop to their heart’s content. My favorite view is the outdoor pool overlooking the Bangkok skyline!
Amari Watergate can be booked here.
Luxury Apartments – Amari Residences
If you are staying in Bangkok for a longer duration and want the comfort of home, then Amari Residences should be the choice. Amari offers apartment styled suites for large families looking for home away from home, including all the comforts of a luxury hotel. With a fantastic range of breakfast spread, the hotel also features a cafe. There is a gym, terrace pool and healthcare center. This is also one of the most sustainable properties in Bangkok. You can read my review here: Amari Residences
Amari Residences can be booked here.
Luxury Hotel – Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok
Surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant modernity, Kimpton Maa-Lai rests on the leafy-green Langsuan Road near the Lumpini Park. While this area is dotted with numerous luxurious establishments, Kimpton Maa-Lai surpasses them all and boasts of being in the centre of all the social happenings 24×7. The property has 362 accommodation rooms in this 40 floors building that includes rooms, suites and service residences. Read about my staycation in February 2024 here: Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok
Kimpton can be booked here.
Mid Range Hotel – Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
The luxurious Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn is connected to Surasak BTS Skytrain Station via the hotel’s own Sky Bridge. The hotel features an outdoor infinity-edge pool. A well-equipped fitness center and 3 dining options are available.
Eastin Grand can be booked here.
Budget Hotel – Ibis Bangkok Sukhumvit 4
Located in the heart of Bangkok and 900 meters from the Nana BTS Skytrain, Ibis Bangkok offers modern air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi in all areas. Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen cable TV, safety deposit box, and electric kettle. The hotel offers shuttle services to the nearest skytrain station every 30 minutes.
Ibis Bangkok Sukhumvit 4 can be booked here.
Hostel – BaanSu Hostel
Located 500 meters away from Ratchathewi BTS Skytrain Station, it is a home styled hostel with a shared lounge. This is a family run, 3-star hostel with air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi. There are many 7-eleven stores and laundry shops around so it makes it perfect to stay.
BaanSu Hostel can be booked here.
Hope this guide to the best things to do and places to see in Bangkok in one day will be helpful to you. Have you explored Bangkok and have tips to share? Or perhaps a question about your upcoming trip? Drop me a comment below and I will reply.
My guide on 24 hours in Bangkok was published in SpiceRoute (Spicejet’s in-flight magazine), November 2024 edition. Read it online here.
More travel inspiration from Thailand:
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.
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1 comment
Such a helpful article! I’ll definitely leverage this while in Bangkok, I’ve always wanted to visit.