With so many incredibly diverse destinations across Thailand, many travelers can only allocate one day in Bangkok. While it’s a can’t miss entry point to Thailand, you only need to spend 24 hours in Bangkok to get a feel for the city. It’s a modern city with a storied past, where ancient temples sit under the shadows of skyscrapers, and a seven course tasting menu receives the same Michelin rating as a Chinatown street stall.
How to Get Around Bangkok in One Day
Between chaotic intersections, weaving motorbikes, and standstill freeways, the traffic in Bangkok can be overwhelming. With only one day in Bangkok, we opted to stay central to main destinations, and relied heavily on Grab and taxis. When navigating Bangkok, there are various means of transportation.
- GrabTaxi is the Uber equivalent in Thailand
- Taxis and GrabTaxi App are the most convenient ways to get around
- The city’s train, skytrain, and metro are also great alternatives to avoid traffic
- Bangkok’s hot climate makes walking a less than ideal option, regardless of distance
- TukTuks are a tourist attraction, and will always be more expensive than a taxi or Grab
Tips for Taking a Taxi in Bangkok
- Taxis are required to use their meter; however, we did not have one taxi driver use a meter.
- If your driver is “unable” to use their meter, negotiate a flat rate with your driver before your ride starts.
- If you are unsure what the fare should be, plug your destination into the GrabTaxi app to get a sense of what that trip should cost. That way you have a basis to negotiate a flat rate with your driver.
- Taxis are mostly cash only, so bring cash to Thailand and carry small bills.
- Most taxi drivers don’t speak English, and may ask you to put your destination into their phone. Download the Google Translate app for easier communication.
Quick Tips for Spending 24 Hours in Bangkok
- Convert cash into Thai Baht before you leave home. Many taxis and vendors are cash-only, and card fees and conversion rates are steep.
- Although many Thai hotel and restaurant workers speak English, it goes a long way to learn basic phrases.
- Hello: “Sawadee Kah” for women, “Sawadee Krap” for men
- Thank You: “Kap Kuhn Kah” for women, “Kap Kuhn Krap” for men
What to Pack for One Day in Bangkok
There are a few essentials to pack for one day in Bangkok. If Bangkok is just your first stop, check out my complete packing list for two weeks in Thailand. Don’t leave home without:
- Cash
- Daypack
- Camera
- Universal converter
- Sunscreen
- Large reusable water bottle + electrolyte tablets
- Travel size tissue pack for public restroom use
- Sleep aid to help with jet lag
- Shoes that are easy to slip on and off at temples
- A wrap or sarong that covers your shoulders and/or knees
- Modest, lightweight linen or cotton clothing
When to Visit Thailand
The best time to visit Bangkok is during the dry, cool season, from November to March. March to June can be uncomfortably hot, and July through October is Thailand’s rainy season. Although the hot, wet months are best avoided, fringe months can often provide discounted travel fares and fewer crowds.
Where to Stay for One Day in Bangkok
With only one day in Bangkok, it’s important to stay centrally located to the activities and attractions you’d like to see. For most travelers, that leads to the Khao San, Bangkok Old Town, Riverside, Siam or Silom neighborhoods. There are a wide range of accommodations at various budget levels, but a few of my favorites are:
How to Spend One Day in Bangkok
Visit Iconic Buddhist Temples
Bangkok is home to over 400 temples, making it impossible to see them all in 24 hours. During your one day in Bangkok, prioritize the Grand Palace, and 1-2 others for a sampling of the best temples in Bangkok.
Start Your Day in Bangkok at Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace is a must-see in Bangkok. Once home to the royal family, the expansive complex is now open to the public and still carries the air of grandeur. The compound features intricately carved facades, detailed mosaic statues, and painted murals that make you believe walls can talk.
The architecture alone is worth a visit, but within the palace walls, you’ll also find Wat Phra Kaew. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha draws the most visitors of all temples in Bangkok, and can’t be missed during a tour of the Grand Palace. Be sure to take your shoes off before entering, be respectful of those who are there to worship, and don’t point your feed directly at Buddha.
The Grand Palace has a strict dress code, requiring men and women to cover both knees and shoulders. Entrance to the palace is 500 baht from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Plan your visit in the early morning hours to beat the midday heat and crowds.
Walk to Wat Pho
Wat Pho is an easy add-on to a morning spent at the Grand Palace. Wat Pho is better known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, and you’ll quickly see why. The modest compound – well, at least in comparison to the Grand Palace – is home to the most Buddhas in all of Thailand. Of all the buddhas, the main attraction is the 151 foot long, reclining buddha sculpture.
Wat Pho has a strict dress code for women, who are required to cover knees and shoulders. Entrance to the palace has increased for 2024 to 300 baht, and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Stop for Lunch at Rongros
As magnificent as the wats of Bangkok are, it’s easy to quickly get temple fatigue. Take a break for lunch with a view at Rongros. Rongros is a small, Michelin rated gem, located just a 5 minute walk from Wat Pho. While many restaurants near tourist hotspots often sacrifice on taste, Rongros – quite literally translates to ‘House of Flavors’ – offers elevated Thai food and service that rivals the iconic view of Wat Arun. Make a reservation in advance, as this riverside hotspot is popular at all hours.
Wat Arun
After an overnight flight in, we succumbed to our heavy eyes, and headed back to the hotel for a post-lunch nap. If catching a view of Wat Arun from afar has left more to be desired, hop on a boat from the pier just behind Rongros to be transported across the Chao Phraya River. This is a private pier, and will cost more for convenience. Alternatively, walk down to Tah Tian Pier for a cheaper service.
Eat a Michelin Starred Meal
When it comes to good food, Bangkok is the place to be. Bangkok has 38 restaurants with Michelin stars – from fine dining to street food. There are options for every appetite and every budget. It won’t be hard to find a unique tasting menu with star status here.
Only one street food post has earned the coveted Michelin star in Bangkok, and that is Jay Fai. Jay Fai is an icon herself, donning her signature black goggles as she cooks every order herself. Netflix’s Street Food Asia feature on Raan Jay Fai generated even more demand, making a seat at this outpost nearly impossible. By early afternoon she will no longer be taking numbers for the day. If her famed crab omelet is a must-eat during your 24 hours in Bangkok, be sure to go early in the morning and plan to wait.
While you wait, walk 10 minutes down the road to Kor Panit’s. The sticky rice cannot be missed on any Bangkok food tour.
Visit the Markets
Bangkok is home to some of the most unique markets in the world. Align your 24 hours in Bangkok to a weekend to visit the many markets that are only open Friday – Sunday.
Floating Markets Near Bangkok
If you can only make it to one market in Bangkok, visit a floating market. Which market you choose is up to you. Many are outside the Bangkok city limits, so you may have to omit a floating market if you only have one day in Bangkok.
- Damnoen Saduak is the most popular, and therefore most touristy.
- Taling Chan Floating Market is frequented by locals, and a more authentic experience.
- Bang Nam Pheung is small, but closer to the city center.
- Khlong Lat Mayom is small and boasts authentic, local food.
Maeklong Railway Market
With only one day in Bangkok, it’s tough to pencil in a day trip or half day trip. If your schedule allows, venture out of the city to the Maeklong Railway Market Tour. Many half day guided tours visit both the Railway Market and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, making it easier to check two great destinations off in one trip.
Pak Khlong Talt Flower Market
No matter what day of the week you’re in Bangkok, you can visit the Pak Khlong Talt market. The flower market is open 24/7, but best visited at night, making it perfect for a jet lagged layover in Bangkok.
Take a Food Tour of Chinatown
If Bangkok is a foodie heaven, Yaowarat Street is the pearly gate. The main street of Chinatown is an iconic street food destination. With so much to sample, the easiest way to experience it all is to join a guided street food tour.
If you choose your own adventure, stop at a few favorites:
- Guay Jub Ouan Pochana for hand-rolled rice noodles in pork broth
- Khao Gaeng Jek Pui for curry
- Pa Tong Go Savoey, for yaotiu, chinese fried dough served with pandan custard
Whether you join a guided food tour or head out on your own, tasting your way down this vibrant stretch of Chinatown is a must-do during your one day in Bangkok.
Sip Elevated Cocktails
The beauty of a city full of skyscrapers is the plethora of sky high rooftop bars. Among the many choices, Sky Bar is globally renowned as the bar from The Hangover II. Sky Bar makes the perfect nightcap after sampling the chef’s tasting menu at Sirocco, located just below. For a lower-key vibe, head to Speakeasy Rooftop, atop Hotel Muse.
If your rooftop plans are dampened by rainy season travel, The Bamboo Bar is a cozy place for an elevated cocktail. Bamboo Bar is a jazz bar located in the Mandarin Oriental hotel with a storied past. For decades it has drawn a high end clientele, and its recent renovation makes it a great spot to cozy up and people watch on one of your one day in Bangkok.
Take a Nature Break
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the hustle of the city, find solace in nature at Lumpini Park. The 142 acre green space is reminiscent of New York City’s central park, providing an escape from an otherwise concrete jungle.
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