taste of bangkok
One Day in Bangkok:
Must-See Sights, Modern Delights, and Local Experiences
If you are traveling to Bangkok for the first time and have only one day available, you must use your time effectively if you want to grasp the beauty of Bangkok, understand why it is so beloved, visit its must-see historical sites, discover the modern face of the city, do some shopping, admire the views, and soak up the atmosphere. Don't forget to read the BANGKOK ESSENTIAL GUIDE .
BANGKOK
If you're about to visit Bangkok for the first time and only have one day available, it's important to plan your time well in order to discover why this city is so beloved, visit the historical sites you can't miss, explore the modern face of Bangkok, do some shopping, admire the landscapes, and breathe in its spirit in just one day.
Among the historical sites of Bangkok are the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of the Dawn, and the Reclining Buddha Temple, which offer the opportunity to learn about their history and importance and appreciate the cultural richness of Bangkok. Modern Bangkok is known for its lively nightlife, shopping centers, and restaurants.
Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, and MBK Center are among the most popular places to shop in Bangkok.
If you love landscapes, you can take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River. During this tour, you'll have the opportunity to admire the splendid view of historical sites such as the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun) and modern buildings in Bangkok.
To breathe in the spirit of Bangkok, you can visit local markets and try street food dishes.
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest outdoor market in Bangkok where you can buy various products and taste street food.
Don't forget to read the BANGKOK ESSENTIAL GUIDE to get to know the tips to know this city better. With good planning, you can fully experience the city of Bangkok even in just one day.
Among the historical sites of Bangkok are the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of the Dawn, and the Reclining Buddha Temple, which offer the opportunity to learn about their history and importance and appreciate the cultural richness of Bangkok. Modern Bangkok is known for its lively nightlife, shopping centers, and restaurants.
Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, and MBK Center are among the most popular places to shop in Bangkok.
If you love landscapes, you can take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River. During this tour, you'll have the opportunity to admire the splendid view of historical sites such as the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun) and modern buildings in Bangkok.
To breathe in the spirit of Bangkok, you can visit local markets and try street food dishes.
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest outdoor market in Bangkok where you can buy various products and taste street food.
Don't forget to read the BANGKOK ESSENTIAL GUIDE to get to know the tips to know this city better. With good planning, you can fully experience the city of Bangkok even in just one day.
ONE DAY IN BANGKOK
There are 3 important temples you shouldn't miss:
1- The Grand Palace,
2- Wat Pho (with the reclining Buddha statue and the temple of medicine),
3- Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn).
The most important activities to do are:
1- A ride on the Chao Phraya River
2- A tour of the small canals of Bangkok, called Khlong
3- Trying Thai cuisine dishes
4- Getting a massage
5- Going shopping
1- The Grand Palace,
2- Wat Pho (with the reclining Buddha statue and the temple of medicine),
3- Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn).
The most important activities to do are:
1- A ride on the Chao Phraya River
2- A tour of the small canals of Bangkok, called Khlong
3- Trying Thai cuisine dishes
4- Getting a massage
5- Going shopping
One Day Itinerary for Exploring
Bangkok's Temples, Canals, and Markets
Based on your location, you can reach the palace early in the morning by subway or the nearest water transport, Tha Chang (N9).
8.30-11.00 Visit to the Grand Palace - 500 baht reach on foot
11.00-12.30 Visit to Wat Pho Temple - 100 baht reach on foot
12.30-13.30 Tan Tien Market and/or Amulet Market reach on foot
13.30-14.30 Lunch reach on foot
15.00-16.30 Long-tail boat canal tour // You can get off the boat at Wat Arun from the Tan Tien pier. If they drop you off at Tan Tien, Wat Arun is just across the river and there are constantly boats in service. 4 baht
16.30-17.30 Visit to Wat Arun Temple (Temple of Dawn) - 100 baht
Reach the Wat Arun pier with the Chao Phraya Tourist Express boat and enjoy a panoramic tour to Sathorn pier. Single trip 60 baht.
From there, walk for 2 minutes to the BTS Saphan Taksin station (N6) and get off at Siam (CEN) station. 37 baht
18.00-20.00 Get a massage and shop at Siam Square - minimum 350 baht (foot massage) and maximum 600 baht (full body massage)
The easiest and most convenient way to get to China Town and Jodd Fair is by taxi. 4-5 euros.
For Asiatique, take the BTS to Saphan Taksin station and follow exit number 2, then take the Asiatique boat service. BRT37 baht
20.30-24.00 Dinner and night market options: China Town, Asiatique or Jodd Fair.
Transport: Chao Phraya Tourist Express: 150 baht (daily unlimited use) or single trip 60 baht
To cross the river to Wat Arun, 4 baht
Metro/BTS: single trip 37 baht.
8.30-11.00 Visit to the Grand Palace - 500 baht reach on foot
11.00-12.30 Visit to Wat Pho Temple - 100 baht reach on foot
12.30-13.30 Tan Tien Market and/or Amulet Market reach on foot
13.30-14.30 Lunch reach on foot
15.00-16.30 Long-tail boat canal tour // You can get off the boat at Wat Arun from the Tan Tien pier. If they drop you off at Tan Tien, Wat Arun is just across the river and there are constantly boats in service. 4 baht
16.30-17.30 Visit to Wat Arun Temple (Temple of Dawn) - 100 baht
Reach the Wat Arun pier with the Chao Phraya Tourist Express boat and enjoy a panoramic tour to Sathorn pier. Single trip 60 baht.
From there, walk for 2 minutes to the BTS Saphan Taksin station (N6) and get off at Siam (CEN) station. 37 baht
18.00-20.00 Get a massage and shop at Siam Square - minimum 350 baht (foot massage) and maximum 600 baht (full body massage)
The easiest and most convenient way to get to China Town and Jodd Fair is by taxi. 4-5 euros.
For Asiatique, take the BTS to Saphan Taksin station and follow exit number 2, then take the Asiatique boat service. BRT37 baht
20.30-24.00 Dinner and night market options: China Town, Asiatique or Jodd Fair.
Transport: Chao Phraya Tourist Express: 150 baht (daily unlimited use) or single trip 60 baht
To cross the river to Wat Arun, 4 baht
Metro/BTS: single trip 37 baht.
BUDGET: Daily Expenses IN BANGKOK
An ideal visit to Bangkok lasts 3 to 4 days, and a daily budget of around 50 euros per couple would be sufficient.
However, since you are planning a program that covers 3 to 4 days in just one day, the daily budget will increase accordingly.
For transportation, consider an average cost of 250 baht (6-7 euros) per day.
If you use a taxi, you will need to calculate an average of 3 euros for each ride.
For food, a total of around 500-600 baht (14-16 euros) will be needed.
For massage, prices range from 350 baht (10 euros) to 600 baht (12 euros).
For museum/temple entrances, 700 baht (19 euros) will be needed.
However, since you are planning a program that covers 3 to 4 days in just one day, the daily budget will increase accordingly.
For transportation, consider an average cost of 250 baht (6-7 euros) per day.
If you use a taxi, you will need to calculate an average of 3 euros for each ride.
For food, a total of around 500-600 baht (14-16 euros) will be needed.
For massage, prices range from 350 baht (10 euros) to 600 baht (12 euros).
For museum/temple entrances, 700 baht (19 euros) will be needed.
MORNING
Piers where the historical Chao Phraya River lands in Bangkok
There are three temples worth visiting, the Grand Palace and Wat Pho are very close to each other, while Wat Arun is across the river.
To avoid crowds and not have to wait in line at the entrance, it is advisable to arrive at the Grand Palace at 8:30 am, at opening time.
Taking a boat is a great option, if taking the subway you will need to walk a bit more. The nearest pier is Tha Chang (N9).
Remember that in the temples and the Grand Palace, sandals without socks or flip-flops that show the toes are not allowed.
During the visit, both women and men should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees.
The visit to the Grand Palace lasts a maximum of an hour and a half, considering the entrance, ticket purchase, etc.
You should allow for about two hours. The ticket price is 500 baht per person.
To avoid crowds and not have to wait in line at the entrance, it is advisable to arrive at the Grand Palace at 8:30 am, at opening time.
Taking a boat is a great option, if taking the subway you will need to walk a bit more. The nearest pier is Tha Chang (N9).
Remember that in the temples and the Grand Palace, sandals without socks or flip-flops that show the toes are not allowed.
During the visit, both women and men should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees.
The visit to the Grand Palace lasts a maximum of an hour and a half, considering the entrance, ticket purchase, etc.
You should allow for about two hours. The ticket price is 500 baht per person.
The Grand Palace
After the Royal Palace, it is possible to reach the Temple of Dawn/Wat Pho on foot, where the large reclining Buddha statue is located. The peculiarity of Wat Pho Temple is not only to host the largest Buddha statue in Thailand, but also to be the birthplace of Traditional Thai Medicine. In fact, inside this temple complex there is also a school of traditional Thai massage and here it is possible to get a massage.
Wat Pho - Reclining Buddha Statue
Before or after visiting Wat Pho, I recommend taking a walk through the nearby Tha Tian market or the amulet market. In the amulet market, you will find small religious objects and amulets for sale. Although it is said to be a place frequented by those involved in risky and dangerous activities, Thailand has a strong presence of religious beliefs and superstitions, so here you can meet people of all kinds.
A typical long tail boat
LUNCH
You can have lunch at Krua Khun Kung's restaurant, located in the Navy Club building, enjoying a splendid view of the Chao Phraya River and Wat Arun. The Navy Club building is a historic landmark and offers a unique atmosphere and plus, being close to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho makes it a very convenient stop for a one day itinerary.
Wat Arun View
Afterwards, you can go to one of the nearest piers - Tha Chang, Tha Tien, Tha Maharaj, or Thonburi railway station - and negotiate to take a canal tour, called a Khlong Tour, on one of the long-tail boats.
This is the best opportunity to observe the real local life and discover the true face of Bangkok. In the past, since Bangkok had very few roads, the city's life mainly took place on the canals.
All Bangkokians know how to swim very well and also know how to use these local long-tail boats. During the canal tour, it is very likely that you will encounter a species of giant lizard called the "monitor lizard," which lives in Bangkok. Don't worry, they are harmless.
This is the best opportunity to observe the real local life and discover the true face of Bangkok. In the past, since Bangkok had very few roads, the city's life mainly took place on the canals.
All Bangkokians know how to swim very well and also know how to use these local long-tail boats. During the canal tour, it is very likely that you will encounter a species of giant lizard called the "monitor lizard," which lives in Bangkok. Don't worry, they are harmless.
Monitor Lizards
A canal tour lasting one or one and a half hours usually costs between 700 and 1000 Baht per boat. An even smarter option is to book the tour online in advance. For instance, the popular website www.bangkokboat.com offers a tour for 950 Baht per person, or you can find various canal tour options with local guides online (tours with locals). To find the right people for the tour at the pier, you can ask the employees who sell tickets for the Chao Phraya Tourist Boats. Even if they have limited English skills, you can still communicate with them.
A khlong tour in Bangkok typically involves traveling by long-tail boat through the city's network of canals, also known as khlongs. This allows you to see a different side of the city, away from the hustle and bustle of the streets. Along the way, you may pass by traditional Thai houses, floating markets, and temples.
After the canal tour, if you can get off at the pier near Wat Arun, you will save time. If the boat insists on leaving you at the starting pier, don't worry, you can take one of the boats that go back and forth from the Tha Tien pier to reach Wat Arun. It costs only 4 baht.
In 1760, during the Ayutthaya kingdom in Siam, General Taksin fought against the invading Burmese army. He fled from Ayutthaya and founded a new capital in Thonburi, Bangkok. It is said that when Taksin arrived in Bangkok for the first time, he saw the ruins of Wat Arun from the Chao Phraya River at dawn and swore to rebuild it after the war. This general united the people of Siam and repelled the Burmese invaders, founding the short-lived Thonburi kingdom and building Wat Arun as he had promised.
In 1760, during the Ayutthaya kingdom in Siam, General Taksin fought against the invading Burmese army. He fled from Ayutthaya and founded a new capital in Thonburi, Bangkok. It is said that when Taksin arrived in Bangkok for the first time, he saw the ruins of Wat Arun from the Chao Phraya River at dawn and swore to rebuild it after the war. This general united the people of Siam and repelled the Burmese invaders, founding the short-lived Thonburi kingdom and building Wat Arun as he had promised.
Wat Arun - DAWN TEMPLE
after lunch
You can reach Siam Square from the nearest MRT or BRT station to immerse yourself in Bangkok's modern life. Siam Square is a stunning mix of modern shopping malls, covered passages, and open-air markets. You could easily spend an entire day in this neighborhood shopping, observing modern Thai youth, and enjoying a massage, so keep an eye on the time!
There are many shopping malls in Siam Square. The most important ones include Siam Paragon, where luxury brands are located, Central World, the largest shopping mall in the world, and MBK Center (Mah Boon Krong), the oldest and most typical. MBK is not just made up of global brand shops, but it is a different kind of shopping center that gives the impression of being in a market, with products displayed along the corridors and outside. Here, prices are more affordable and you have the chance to do a bit of bargaining.
Other attractions in Siam Square include the side streets, called "Soi," which are located between the shopping malls and the Novotel. Here you'll find many small restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and especially massage parlors. To find the best massage parlor, read the article BANGKOK IN 3 DAYS.
There are many shopping malls in Siam Square. The most important ones include Siam Paragon, where luxury brands are located, Central World, the largest shopping mall in the world, and MBK Center (Mah Boon Krong), the oldest and most typical. MBK is not just made up of global brand shops, but it is a different kind of shopping center that gives the impression of being in a market, with products displayed along the corridors and outside. Here, prices are more affordable and you have the chance to do a bit of bargaining.
Other attractions in Siam Square include the side streets, called "Soi," which are located between the shopping malls and the Novotel. Here you'll find many small restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and especially massage parlors. To find the best massage parlor, read the article BANGKOK IN 3 DAYS.
Siam Square
EVENING
After doing some shopping and relaxing with a nice massage in Siam Square, you can head to Chinatown to recharge your energy. This neighborhood is one of the largest Chinese neighborhoods in the world, where you can find the best markets and the most delicious street food. The neighborhood is very lively and stays open until late, so you can end your day here. But if it happens to be Monday, look for an alternative to Chinatown because the street market is prohibited that day and the area will be a bit sad and empty.
As an alternative, you can go to Asiatique Riverfront, a shopping center located on the riverfront that has been opened in recent years. This area was the largest and oldest international commercial port of the Kingdom of Siam. Asiatique is a modern, clean, elegant, and lively entertainment and dining area where you can relax if you have experienced a cultural shock. To reach Asiatique, you need to take the Sathorn pier and get on the number 2 of the BTS Saphan Taksin station, where there are free boats that depart every 15 minutes between 4:00 PM and 11:30 PM. Asiatique is open until midnight.
Night markets change in popularity over the years. In the past, the famous Patpong Road was one of the few places where tourists went for night markets. However, this area has become known for low-quality nightclubs and sex tourism and is therefore no longer a popular choice. In 2022, the most popular night market (excluding Asiatique) was created by the renovation of an old railway market called Jodd Fairs.
Alternatively, if you want to discover how the young Thai generation has fun during the weekends, you can go to Khaosan Road, which used to be a neighborhood for backpackers with a bad reputation but has now been cleaned up and restored.
Night markets change in popularity over the years. In the past, the famous Patpong Road was one of the few places where tourists went for night markets. However, this area has become known for low-quality nightclubs and sex tourism and is therefore no longer a popular choice. In 2022, the most popular night market (excluding Asiatique) was created by the renovation of an old railway market called Jodd Fairs.
Alternatively, if you want to discover how the young Thai generation has fun during the weekends, you can go to Khaosan Road, which used to be a neighborhood for backpackers with a bad reputation but has now been cleaned up and restored.
BYE BYE BANGKOK!..
KHAOSAN ROAD