Literally. That’s all you have, unfortunately. This happens to many. They have so much fun in Thailand, but somehow the city that they fly in to, Bangkok, is sometimes cut out of the itinerary. Maybe it’s because they are more of a beach bum than a city-slicker, or perhaps they simply didn’t plan to spend much time in the “other” city that doesn’t sleep.
Whatever the reason is, even if you have less than 24 hours in Bangkok, you can still make the most of your time.
Here are a few things and must-see places you can squeeze in one day –
Temples
The temples in Bangkok are plentiful and beautiful. The one problem: We only got one day people! So if you’re dying to see a temple, here are some of the most popular options:
Wat Arun
This temple, or wat, is located on the Chao Phraya River. It has unique tower structures and a view from the top balcony of the city and river.
Grand Palace
This is probably one of the most visited what’s in the country. Even just roaming the gardens outside this massive structure is breathtaking. If you’re up for shelling out a few hundred baht, you can get a glimpse of the famous Emerald Buddha. I, personally, don’t think it’s super worth it; the outdoors are beautiful enough.
Wat Saket
I love this temple because you get some nice views and a work out. Clammer up some steps, hit a few of the bells along the way, and at the top is a huge chedi with balcony for some amazing vistas of Bangkok.
Wat Pho
This is the world’s largest reclining Buddha and that’s it’s claim to fame.
Market
Eat at a market. Seriously, it’s impossible to leave the streets of Bangkok without wandering through that market that’s attacking all of your senses to the max. You have to eat anyway, make it market food.
For traditional markets, Nang Loeng and Sriyan are two of the best. Hang out with the cool university kids while noshing on some excellent Thai favorites, Isaan dishes, and southern Thai food at Ramkhamhaeng. Yaowarat, Chinatown, is also a simply delicious choice as well with more than just mouth-salivating food being offered, but good shopping too.
Massage
Do I need to say anything else? This is the land of massages, and whether you want to relax with an oil massage or get twisted and stretched with a Thai massage, everyone has an hour to spare for an incredible and very cheap massage.
Shop
Holy shopping. Bangkok is a haven for the shopaholics, and really, you could spend over a week shopping here, but with only one day, where do you go? I would suggest keeping it on the streets. Do you really care to shop in a huge mall? I’m sure you have one back home. Not to mention the price differences.
Pratunam Market is an excellent spot with tons of stalls selling everything from souvenirs to wholesale clothing, there’s trendy clothes and electronics a Wang Lang Market, and if you’re here on the weekend, Chatuchak (JJ) Market is a must. It’s the largest weekend market in the world, requires a map to navigate, and you could spend days here and not see everything. Keep an eye on that watch!
Nightlife
Elegant Resorts will certainly provide you with a sweet spot to lay your head down at night, but you’re in Bangkok. This is the city to do anything and everything but spend time in your hotel room!
Before you hightail it to any bars or clubs, you MUST go to a sky bar. Bangkok is known for having some of the coolest sky bars in the world. Vertigo and Moon Bar and Sirocco are at the top. Be sure to come around sunset for day and night pictures.
After that, you’re ready for a real party I’m sure…
The backpackers hang out on the infamous Khao San Road, where drinking buckets on the street and stumbling from bar to bar is an every night occurrence. If you’re feeling a bit fancier, the Silom and Sukhumvit areas are a bit more trendy and classy. For the naughty types, Soi Cowboy and Nana Place are giving you the red light.
Last Minute Remarks…
The exact itinerary is up to you. if you can squeeze in more, then go for it! These are the main spots to go see, and one or two options from each category are totally doable in one day. I would suggest using a metered taxi only. You might have to ask a few before one agrees, but it’s worth it.
Buses take forever and you don’t have time for that. If you haven’t rode on a tuk-tuk yet and want the experience, I would suggest going only a short distance; ask someone else about how much it should be for a base price. They over charge and Bangkok’s pollution in your face the whole drive isn’t really fun, so I wouldn’t use one all day. Use the cheap and easy BTS system when you can to save time, and use a motorbike taxi if you’re running low on time, and don’t mind a pretty terrifying drive. They cut through Bangkok traffic like no other.
Photos by Marcus and Baron Reznik
