How to Spend 24 Hours In Bangkok
Planning for 1 day in Bangkok may sound like an impossible challenge but it can be done! This is the exact itinerary that I followed for my 24 hours in Bangkok. I left feeling like I got a good taste of the city known as the capital of Asia, both literally and figuratively.
I will say it was a bit of a whirlwind with an early start and many stops but who wouldn’t want to get out and experience their 1 day in Bangkok to the fullest?!
Visit Bangkok’s Temples
If you are limited to one day in Bangkok, my recommendation would be to visit Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace! Not only are they all near each other in proximity allowing you to maximize your time, but they are each so stunning and uniquely beautiful so you will get a sense of variety!
Start your day bright and early and take the BTS Sky Train to Sathorn Central Pier stop. Once you arrive at the Pier take an express boat along the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun for 20 Baht.
Wat Arun
Plan to arrive at Wat Arun by 8:30 am when it opens. I was most excited to see the temple also referred to as the Temple of Dawn, so I decided to start my day here to enjoy the details of the design without the crowds taking away from my experience. Wat Arun is very unique compared to others with it’s mosaic porcelain design. Be sure to actually stop and admire the stunning detail before you start snapping away!
Make sure you don’t skip the Ordination Hall that is situated directly next to the main entrance. Upon entering you will find gorgeous sitting Buddha statues and Monk’s chanting.
Once you are done admiring the beauty of Wat Arun, take the water taxi that is located directly in front of the temple’s Ordination Hall to get across the river to Wat Pho!
Wat Pho
The grounds of Wat Pho are much larger in comparison to Wat Arun, so I would plan to spend at least 2 hours admiring the the intricate features of the many structures. The highlight for me was visiting the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This temple houses a massive reclining Buddha laying in enlightenment pose, the same pose Buddha was said to have passed in. I would also suggest paying close attention to the feet of the large Buddha. You will find 108 squares depicting the story of enlightenment.
Entrance to Wat Pho was 200 baht, but for an additional 20 baht you are able to participate in the tradition of dropping 108 coins into 108 metal bowls. The number is significant referring to the 108 positive efforts made by Buddha help lead him to enlightenment.
Take a Tuk Tuk Ride
Yes I know we are mid temple talk here, but this would be a perfect time for you to take a Tuk Tuk ride! You can absolutely walk from Wat Pho to the Grand Palace but speaking from experience you’ll regret the decision immediately. To get to the Grand Palace from Wat Pho you are basically directed to walk all the way around the Grand Palace to reach the entrance. Bangkok is a HOT city so why not take a break from walking around in the high heat and take the Tuk Tuk ride you know you want to take before your 1 day in Bangkok is over!
Grand Palace
As I was planning my visit to Bangkok I got mixed reviews on the Grand Palace. It seemed wrong to skip over such an impressive cultural site so I decided to include it in my 24 hours in Bangkok Itinerary. After visiting myself, I would tell anyone to include it in their first-timers trip to Bangkok, but keep in mind that the crowds will make it a bit more difficult to navigate and take in the beauty in comparison to other Thai temples.
The Grand Palace itself is a city within a city. Within the walls, you will find so many beautiful structures to marvel at including my favorite, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. When planning your visit know that the temple is open until 3:30 pm and cost of admission is 500 baht.
Tips:
- Be sure to dress respectfully and have your shoulders and knees covered when visiting the temples. If you do not come prepared, they do sell and rent pants and shawls at the entrance of each of temples.
- Plan the order in which you visit the temples based on which one you are most excited to see. The earlier you arrive, the less crowded.
- Keep in mind the Grand Palace and Wat Pho are right next to each other. Plan to visit these back to back.
Experience Bangkok’s Street Food
No trip to Bangkok would be complete without enjoying and participating in the street food culture that the city is so well known for! You can find street food all over Bangkok but everyone I asked told me to head over to China Town for the best street food. Yaowarat Road will be your best bet for finding great eats!
Visit a Flower Market
There are various markets to be explored in Bangkok, but the one I found most unique was the flower market. You’ll find locals preparing floral garland offerings and bouquets made with beautiful native flowers for the Bangkok temples.
Have A Drink at Roof Top Bar
Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower is probably the most well known rooftop bar in Bangkok. Sitting 63 floors high, it became even more famous after being featured in the Hangover II movie. It’s towering view’s over the city will give you an epic sunset view. Other great options include Vertigo & Moon Bar, Octave bar, Attitude Rooftop, and The Speakeasy. There is no better way to end your 1 day in Bangkok than enjoying the gorgeous view of the city lit up at night.
I hope you found this guide helpful! If you have any questions please leave a comment and I’ll be sure to get back to you!
