Perfect Day: Bangkok Itinerary

You only have one day in Bangkok, the City of Angels, and need the perfect itinerary for one day in Bangkok to make the most of your time? No problem, you can enjoy a fun river tour, see a historical palace and temple, enjoy great Thai food and a uniquely Thai market – all in one fun day in Bangkok! Read on, how to plan your perfect day in Bangkok!

Bangkok is one of my favorite cities in Asia and deserves more than a day to visit. But sometimes, that’s all you have, whether it’s on a stop-over to the beautiful beaches of Ko Samui, the ancient temples  of Angkor Wat or elsewhere or just and added day on a business trip. If it is a short stop on your first visit to Bangkok, you want to stay either near the Riverside or close to the SkyTrain system (read more tips Where to stay in Bangkok).

GrandPalaceWallSmallAfter breakfast, head to Saphan Taksin pier (next to the BTS station) and board one of the Chao Phraya River Expressboats going up the river – it’s a lot more fun than taking a taxi through the crowded streets of Bangkok and will take you to some of the most exciting tourist sights of Bangkok! Get off the boat at stop 9 near the Grand Palace and head inland to see Wat Po and the stunning golden Buddha statue and the palace! You can ignore all the “helpful” guides  – the palace is not closed, you don’t need a tuk-tuk and you probably don’t want to go to any of the stores they recommend!

Wat ArunIf you have worked up an appetite from all the walking around the palace and temple, you can explore the streets in nearby China town for some cheap street foods or you can head back on the river boat one stop and have lunch across the river from Wat Arun – it’s probably one of the best views you can have for lunch in Bangkok! After lunch, head back to your hotel and relax with a Thai massage – your legs will thank you. Most hotels have their own spa or can recommend one in walking distance! If you are feeling more adventurous or want to try out a Thai Massage for under $10/hour, just walk along the little side streets near your hotel and you are sure to find a local massage shop offering massage – you can’t miss them, they are everywhere! Somebody will shout “Want massage?” within a few minutes of walking.

AsiatiqueAfter freshening up at your hotel, it’s time to enjoy the two favorite activities of the locals: Shopping and eating! Head back to the Saphan Taksin pier and find the free Asiatique Riverboat! It will take you on a 15 minute ride to the mall and entertainment center! You can shop for souvenirs and local specialties, enjoy food from local favorites to international fine dining or bar food! There is even a large ferris wheel or a Muay Thai show on offer, so you can get lots of entertainment and people watching, all in one place!

If you still have energy left, make your way back to Saphan Taksin and hop into a taxi to the Banyan Tree hotel. On the rooftop, you will find the Vertigo roof-top bar with stunning views over Bangkok at night. You can enjoy a drink there and plan your next return trip to Bangkok, before turning in for a well deserved, restful night!


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