Looking for a perfect 1 day Bangkok itinerary? You’ve come to the right place. Even if you have only 24 hours to spend in this amazing city, it’s going to be a stay to remember.
When we were living in Bangkok, we always made sure to take any visitors we had on a tour of the city’s highlights. This way they could get a good feel of the city in a short amount of time. Now we’re sharing it with you, so you too can enjoy Bangkok to the fullest.
Since Bangkok is so big we’ll be focusing mostly on the riverside area. This way you don’t waste too much time moving from one place to another.
Morning: Bangkok’s Temples
Start your morning right after breakfast and grab a bottle of water to go. Since you only have 1 day in Bangkok, it’s best if you make it an early start. Also so you can avoid the crowds at our first stop: Wat Pho.
Wat Pho might very well be one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. This famous temple is also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and is a must-see, even if you’re here only for a short time.
The 46 meter reclined Buddha is the highlight of this temple, but the other shrines at the complex are impressively decorated as well. Since it’s an active temple be sure to stay mindful and respectful of the people visiting as part of their religion.
Wat Pho Information:
The entrance fee is about 200 Thai Baht per person, and you should plan to spend around an hour here. Keep in mind that you must be dressed appropriately if you wish to enter the temple. For Wat Pho this means that covering your shoulders and knees is required. In case you forget the temple also offers sarongs for rent, or you can buy a pair of the iconic Thai elephant pants from one of the many vendors in front of the temple.
Bonus tip: if you want to skip the busy ticket line, make sure to enter the temple from one of the side entrances. Also Wat Pho is famous for their traditional Thai Massages, so be sure to take advantage of this! This is especially nice if you just came from a long a flight and need to get over your jet lag.
Next Stop: Wat Arun
After your What Pho visit give yourself some time for a snack. There are many food stalls, restaurants and convenience stores nearby, so there’s plenty of choice. We enjoyed the food at Home Cafe Tha Tien and La Pad Thai Cuisine.
After this pit-stop, it’s time to make your way to the Tha Tien Boat Pier. The pier is around the corner from Wat Pho so you can easily walk there. At the pier you cross the river by boat for about 5 Thai Baht and go directly to another beautiful temple: Wat Arun.
Wat Arun is another of Bangkok’s really unique temples. It features a towering pagoda that’s covered in porcelain mosaics. When the sunlight hits just right it almost seems reflective. This makes approaching Wat Arun from the water a stunning sight to see, so keep your camera (phone) ready!
At Wat Arun take your time to stroll around and admire the level of detail of each pagoda. Some of the pagodas are even accessible to climb, but we only recommend this if you’re level of fitness is good since the steps are steep and it can get crowded.
Wat Arun information:
The entrance fee for Wat Arun is 200 Thai Baht per person and can only be paid in cash. As for clothing, here too you must be dressed appropriately. For Wat Arun this means shoulders covered and for women, knees should be covered as well. If not the kind people of the temple will provide you with a red sarong to cover up.
Afternoon Bangkok Itinerary: Food, Luxury Mall and a View
Leaving Wat Arun happens by boat as well, and we recommend buying a ticket for the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat.
There are also local taxi boats that operate on the river, but honestly the tourist boat is the most convenient and most comfortable way of moving along the Chao Phraya river.
A ticket costs about 30 Baht for a single boat ride and gets you to where you need to go next: the Icon Siam Mall. Have a seat, take a rest and enjoy a 15 minute boat ride.
Icon Siam: the Mallest of Malls
The Icon Siam Mall is one of Bangkok’s very many luxurious malls. It features an indoor waterfall and all the stores you can think of.
It’s one of the most luxurious malls Bangkok has and is truly a sight in itself. On the highest floor there’s a free observation deck to take in the view of the Chao Phraya River and the Bangkok Skyline.
On the basement level you’ll find a traditional Thai Style indoor floating market. We recommend strolling along the food court market, and to sample a few of the many delicious dishes on offer here.
Definitely try items such as: Som Tam (papaya salad), Mango Sticky Rice, Pad Thai or Pad Kra Pao (minced pork with fried holy basil and an egg).
Late Afternoon: Bangkok from up high
Next we’ll make our way to the King Power Mahanakhon Tower, which is home to Thailand’s highest observation deck. It’s 314 meters tall and a part of the skywalk has a glass floor so you can look down on the people below you. But wait don’t look down! Look around you at this outdoor Skydeck and take in the sheer size of Bangkok city.
Entrance to the King Power Mahankhon Tower costs about 1000 Baht. You can get here by either taking the BTS Skytrain to Chong Nonsi or book a (Grab) Taxi.
If you want more tips on how to get around in Bangkok and more, then read our Bangkok Travel Tips & Arrival Guide!
Evening in Bangkok: Food and Fun
After your ‘towering’ visit, it’s time to make your way to Yaowarat Road in China Town. You can get here easily with a short ride by (Grab) taxi or enjoy a classic Bangkok Tuk Tuk ride (be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand if you end up going by Tuk Tuk).
China Town in Bangkok is the largest China Town’s in the world. On it’s main street, also known as Yaowarat road, you’ll find one of Bangkok’s best places for street food.
During the day there’s a large market going on, but at night there are many stalls with delicious snacks set-up along the road. In case you’re in serious need of a place to sit down by now, don’t worry as there are plenty of delicious restaurants in China Town too.
End this day in Bangkok at your hotel or at one of the city’s many rooftop bars to enjoy a drink with a view!
Night Time in Bangkok: Where to stay
If you’re only staying for a short amount of time we recommend a hotel that’s located closely to the riverside area of Bangkok or near any of the other attractions we mentioned in this itinerary. It’s simply the most convenient and there are lots of hotels available that suit every budget.
We recommend the following hotels:
- Budget Hotel: Ibis Styles Silom. With easy access to public transport you’re close to the riverside and other parts of Bangkok. Rooms are on the smaller side, but comfortable and well designed.
- Mid-Range Hotel: The Quarter Chaophraya. Located on the western side of the river, close to ICON SIAM. Comfortable rooms and perfect if you’re looking for luxury, but not at full price!
- Luxury Hotel: Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok. Right next to the Chao Phraya River with a beautiful pool overlooking and close to all the action.
Happy Bangkok Travels!
We hope you have an amazing time in Bangkok albeit it only 24 hours. If you’re planning on staying longer than 1 Day Bangkok, then be sure to read our Bangkok Best Areas Travel Guide for tips on where to stay.
For more a more visual spectacle check-out our Bangkok Travel videos.
Thank you so much for reading and we wish you safe travels! – Laurens & Laura
