Categories > Guides and Tips
Only have one day in Bangkok? Here’s what to do on your trip!
- Morning in Bangkok
- The Grand Palace
- Wat Phra Kaew, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
- Wat Phra Kaew Museum
- Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
- Wat Pho
- Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)
- Where to Have Lunch in Bangkok
- Old Town Cafe Bangkok
- Karim Roti Mataba
- Afternoon in Bangkok
- Bangkok National Museum
- ICONSIAM
- Canal Tour
- Night in Bangkok
- Chinatown Night Market
- Khao San Road
- Red Sky Bangkok
- Where to Stay in Bangkok
- Sala Rattanakosin
- Siri Heritage Bangkok Hotel
- Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel
We’re so excited to share with you this Bangkok itinerary! Quite frankly, if you have just one day, appreciating Bangkok is tough – it’s like being thrown into the Andaman Sea, where you’ll get drowned by the vast attractions to explore.
But we’re not saying it’s not doable. With the right itinerary, you can explore the best of Bangkok in a single day, and that’s why we’re here! Follow our guide for the best day in the Land of Smiles!
Morning in Bangkok
The Grand Palace
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Address: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 2 623 5500
Website: https://www.royalgrandpalace.th/th/home
Time to Spend There: 20 to 30 minutes
Admission Cost: 500 baht
The best way to start your one-day trip to Bangkok is to visit the stunning Grand Palace. It’s the capital city’s most popular attraction for two reasons: its historical significance to King Rama I’s ascent to the throne and its impressive structures.
There’s plenty to see inside this 218,0000-square-meter complex, from golden stupas to temples, shrines, a throne hall, public offices, a library, and several trimmed gardens. Given the number of sights here, you must speed through the tour to see everything.
If you enjoy taking architectural and temple photos, you’ll have plenty of options here. Just know this place gets too crowded, so it’s best to visit early to get cleaner shots of the palace’s sights.
Pro tip:
We suggest going here minutes before the opening time to get the most out of your visit, especially with your limited time. Moreover, the following are things you must consider before going to this palace complex:
- There’s a strict dress code, so you must wear clothes that cover your shoulders and legs. Otherwise, you must buy a sarong or long pants from the vendors at the entrance which shouldn’t be pricey if you haggle.
- Tickets are available on-site, but you can purchase them online so you have more time to explore the palace. Online tickets must be booked at least a day before your visit.
- Before planning your tour, check the schedule calendar on their website. The palace is usually closed all day during special Thai holidays.
Wat Phra Kaew, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
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Address: The Grand Palace, Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 2 623 5500
Website: https://www.royalgrandpalace.th/th/home
Time to Spend There: 10 to 15 minutes
Admission Cost: 500 baht
A one-day trip to Bangkok’s Grand Palace isn’t complete without checking out Wat Phra Kaew. After all, access to this sacred temple is included in your palace ticket pass.
It’s Thailand’s most important temple, so we think it’s definitely worth visiting. That’s why it attracts crowds of locals and pilgrims who want to pay their respects, offer white flowers, and pray for good health and good fortune.
With your limited time, it’s best to focus on notable sights like the emerald Buddha and the Thai-style Ramayana wall paintings. You can’t photograph these parts of the temple, so we recommend spending most of your time here to appreciate them better.
Pro tip:
For the best experience, it’s best to have a tour guide lead you through this temple as it’s the most crowded spot within the palace complex. This way, you can see and learn about its important sights and relics as fast and efficiently as possible.
Wat Phra Kaew Museum
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Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 2 623 5500
Website: https://www.royalgrandpalace.th/th/home
Time to Spend There: 10 to 15 minutes
Admission Cost: 500 baht
For history buffs, touring this museum should be the most interesting experience within the Grand Palace. This underrated venue is packed with artifacts and relics from the royal palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Think war cannons, religious relics, sculptures, ceramics, and ancient carvings. It also has multimedia and audio guides for each exhibit and information about the palace, which makes it a historical treasure trove.
Moreover, the museum is air-conditioned, so it’s a nice way to escape the heat and massive crowds from the palace complex’s more popular attractions.
Pro tip:
A tour guide will make your time in the museum easier since you won’t have to go through each informational screen and note in the exhibits. This will save you more time for other venues.
Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
Media from qsmtthailand
Address: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Operating Hours:
- 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Sunday, Tuesday – Friday)
- 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Saturday)
Contact Number: +66 2 225 9430
Website: http://www.qsmtthailand.org/
Time to Spend There: 15 to 20 minutes
Admission Cost: 150 baht
Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles is a unique attraction inside the Grand Palace because it features traditional handicrafts. Its most notable exhibit consists of royal gowns and dresses made by local textile craftsmen.
Since the displays are made using fabrics from various provinces in Thailand, it’s also a great place to learn about their differences in technique and style. It’s perfect if you have a thing for fashion and clothes.
Entry to this museum is cheaper since you can visit it by itself, but it’s also included in your palace entry pass.
Pro tip:
To avoid any issues during your visit, be sure not to smoke, bring food, take photos, or use a mobile phone inside the museum. If you have a stroller or backpack, you must be okay to have it checked at the entrance.
Wat Pho
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Address: 2 Sanam Chai Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 83 057 7100
Website: https://www.watpho.com/th/
Time to Spend There: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Tour Cost: 200 baht
This old temple is just across the street from the Grand Palace, so it’s worth considering for your one-day trip to Bangkok. The highlight of Wat Pho is its 46-meter golden reclining Buddha image.
It’s a popular statue, so expect to see mixed crowds of locals and tourists when you visit the temple. Also, this temple used to be a school teaching traditional Thai medicine that’s why it has a building where visitors can book a traditional massage treatment.
Wat Pho has numerous stupas, chedis, and wihans, so exploring its temple complex would take some time. If you like historical photos, you’ll find many scattered on the temple walls.
Pro tip:
We recommend checking out the temple’s directory to pinpoint the places you want to see the most. This way, you can make the most out of your limited time before lunchtime.
Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)
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Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 2 891 2185
Website: https://www.facebook.com/watarunofficial/?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Time to Spend There: 10 to 15 minutes
Admission Cost: 200 baht
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, is one of the most beautiful temples in the region, so it’s worth visiting during your one-day trip to Bangkok. It’s only across the Chao Phraya River, so it’s a solid addition to your itinerary.
You can reach it in 5 minutes via a longtail boat from Tha Tian Pier which is at the end of Thai Wang Road south of the Grand Palace. The highlight of this temple is its stunning stupas covered in colorful porcelain tiles.
Aside from that, Wat Arun also has numerous golden Buddha images and a statue of King Rama II. This temple complex isn’t massive, so you don’t have to spend too much time to see everything it offers.
Pro tip:
Longtail boats can’t dock at the Tha Tian Pier if the river’s water is too high, so your next best option is to hire a taxi to Wat Arun. It’s only 6 kilometers away so it should take approximately 14 minutes.
The Grab app will help you quickly book a taxi in this situation.
Where to Have Lunch in Bangkok
Old Town Cafe Bangkok
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Address: 130,12 Fueang Nakhon Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Operating Hours:
- 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Monday – Tuesday)
- 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Weekends)
Contact Number: +66 81 810 8456
Website: http://www.facebook.com/OldTownCafeBangkok
Prices: ฿
This cafe is the place to go for an affordable meal, and it’s definitely worth the 200-meter walk from Wat Pho. Old Town Cafe is well-known for its great selection of coffee and sandwiches.
That makes it the ideal spot for a quick bite during your one-day trip to the capital. Our team’s caffeine addicts particularly enjoyed their signature Old Town Muddy Coffee blend.
It’s a matcha latte with a double espresso shot. Have it with their special Asian-style baguette or croissant sandwiches.
Karim Roti Mataba
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Address: 136 Phra Athit Road, Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Operating Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 80 770 7080
Website: http://roti-mataba.net/
Prices: ฿ – ฿฿
Karim Roti Mataba is a halal restaurant along the Chao Phraya River that’s easy to reach via a longtail boat to Phra Arthit Pier. It’s close to the Bangkok National Museum, so it’s a solid option since we can visit this venue after our meal.
This place specializes in sweet roti dishes, but you can also find numerous classic Indian and Thai cuisines. Think Indian curry, chicken biryani, red curry, green curry, massaman curry, chicken soup, ox tail soup, and more.
Afternoon in Bangkok
Bangkok National Museum
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Address: 4 Soi Na Phra That, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Wednesday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 2 224 1370
Website: http://www.virtualmuseum.finearts.go.th/bangkoknationalmuseums/index.php/th/
Time to Spend There: 1 to 2 hours
Admission Cost: 200 baht
The Bangkok National Museum doesn’t get massive crowds so it’s great to visit midway through your one-day trip. It’s a must-see because it has all the information you need to learn about the key eras in the country’s history.
Aside from that, you’ll also find interesting details about Thailand’s royal family and see some of their ancient treasures and antiques. You’ll even find Buddhist artifacts from countries like India and Indonesia.
This museum only has 15 exhibition halls, so there’s plenty for you to see.
Pro tip:
Only three exhibits are permanent at the Bangkok National Museum, so check their website before visiting for information about their current displays.
ICONSIAM
Media from iconsiam
Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 2 495 7080
Website: https://www.iconsiam.com/
Time to Spend There: 1 to 2 hours
Admission Cost: Free
This massive and ultrachic mall is nothing to scoff at. It has numerous high-end shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues that can easily occupy half of your one-day trip itinerary if you want to.
ICONSIAM’s on-site floating market, in particular, is worth checking out. It’s a unique section of the mall dotted with shops and is made to resemble Thailand’s traditional floating market.
This mall is perfect if you like to do a variety of things.
Pro tip:
ICONSIAM is along the Chao Phraya River so you can access it faster via a longtail boat from Bangkok National Museum.
Canal Tour
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Address: Thai Wang Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Time to Spend There: 1 hour
Tour Cost: 1,500 to 2,800 baht
Hiring a longtail boat along the Chao Phraya River gives you a chance to explore the city’s canals during your one-day trip to Bangkok. It’s the perfect afternoon activity since the river is more stunning during the sunset.
This boat tour will take you through the canal along Bangkok’s Wat Tha Phra and Thon Buri neighborhoods. It’s a great way to explore the capital city from a different perspective.
Aside from seeing a unique side of Bangkokian life, you’ll also learn more about its water systems.
Pro tip:
The typical asking price for canal tours is approximately 1,500 baht, but you can haggle with the boat operators for a better price. There are also pricier private options that include a tour guide and meals onboard.
Night in Bangkok
Chinatown Night Market
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Address: 148 Maha Chak Road, Chakkrawat, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Operating Hours: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Daily)
Time to Spend There: 1 to 2 hours
Admission Cost: Free
The Chinatown Night Market is an excellent place to visit after sunset. Plus, going here gives you the chance to experience Bangkok’s Chinese culture while enjoying its popular shops and food stalls.
That means you’re already covered for sightseeing, shopping, and dinner. Since this night market has many food options ranging from 35 to 200 baht, most likely, you’ll find the perfect dish that suits your taste and budget.
The common food items here are BBQ skewers, grilled seafood, noodles, and classic Thai delicacies like mango sticky rice and pad Thai.
Pro tip:
Haggling is practiced in this night market, so don’t forget to bargain for better prices when shopping. It’s also wise to bring cash because most vendors here don’t accept card payments.
Khao San Road
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Address: Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Time to Spend There: 1 to 2 hours
Admission Costs: Free
Khao San Road is the infamous nightlife hub in the city, so it’s worth including on your one-day trip to Bangkok. This street is popular for its cheap bars, lively nightclubs, and loud music, so expect to see plenty of tourists and backpackers all night.
That makes it ideal to meet new people and make new friends. There are also plenty of streetside eateries and stalls if you have room for more food.
The average cost of food and drinks here is around 100 baht per order or bottle. Other establishments in Khao San Road include massage shops, tattoo studios, cafes, and souvenir shops.
Pro tip:
The atmosphere in Khao San Road gets crazier the deeper the night goes, so it’s best to relocate to a more relaxed place if you plan to drink until late.
Red Sky Bangkok
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Address: 999, 99 Rama I Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Operating Hours: 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 2 100 6255
Website: http://www.bangkokredsky.com/
Time to Spend There: 1 hour
Admission Cost:
This rooftop bar is the perfect venue to end your one-day trip to Bangkok. It’s on the 56th floor of Centralworld Bangkok, so expect a stunning 360° panoramic night view of the capital city.
Another good thing about Red Sky Bangkok is the number of seating options. That means you don’t need a reservation to get inside most of the time.
This rooftop bar offers an exquisite selection of draft beers, cocktails, and world-class labels, so there are plenty of drink options. Every Wednesday through Sunday, a jazz quartet plays for their guests from 7 to 10 p.m.
Pro tip:
Red Sky Bangkok has a separate section for its restaurant and champagne bar. Don’t go to the restaurant section if you only want to drink because they have a strict 1 meal per guest policy.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Sala Rattanakosin
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Address: 39 Tha Suphan Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Operating Hours: 3 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 2 622 1388
Website: https://www.salahospitality.com/rattanakosin/
Prices: ฿฿฿
Sala Rattanakosin is a great option for tourists who prefer a hotel that offers maximum comfort and all the necessary amenities without the premium price tag. It’s not a 5-star venue, so you won’t burn a big hole in your wallet staying here unlike other hotels.
It’s the quintessential deluxe hotel that isn’t VIP level. Also, this hotel is next to Wat Pho, so it’s the perfect place to start and end your one-day trip to Bangkok.
Siri Heritage Bangkok Hotel
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Address: 10 Siri Ammat Alley, San Chao Pho Sua, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 2 224 0095
Website: https://www.siriheritagebangkok.com/
Prices: ฿฿
This mid-range hotel is ideal if you like a good balance between comfortability and affordability. It has a chic and colorful interior with hints of oriental motifs, so expect to see porcelain decors and ornaments.
Siri Heritage Bangkok Hotel is only a 14-minute walk from the Grand Palaces, so it’s a great base of operations during your trip.
Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel
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Address: 204 206 Maha Chai Road, Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & noon (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 2 221 4442
Website: https://www.facebook.com/nirasbankocculturalhostel/
Prices: ฿
If you like a budget-friendly hotel for your one-day trip to Bangkok, there’s Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel. You can choose between their private rooms and mixed or female-only dorms.
The private rooms are perfect for families while the dorms are best for friends visiting the capital city. The Grand Palace is an 8-minute taxi ride from this hotel, so it’s a solid pick location-wise.
