If you’re headed anywhere in Southeast Asia, chances are, you’re searching for the perfect 1-day Bangkok itinerary.
This mighty metropolis is the gateway to the region, and its international airport services hundreds of layovers a day, leaving many with less than 24 hours to see the city.
In this guide, I’ll let you in on how to spend the perfect day in Bangkok, with a flexible itinerary that can be tailored to your transport connections.
We’ll cover where to stay for one night in the city, the top sights to tick off, and all of the best transport options for your trip. I’ll also include some alternative things to do in case it’s not your first time in the city.
If you still have questions at the end, let me know in the comments! I’d love to help plan your adventure.
1-Day Bangkok Itinerary at a Glance
Where to stay:
Mandarin Oriental: Ultra luxe by the river
The Standard Mahanakhon: Central and super stylish
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit: City oasis near vibrant nightlife
How to get to and from the airport: When carrying luggage, a taxi is by far the quickest and easiest way to get from the airport to any hotel in the city.
How to get around the city: Taxis are cheap and easy using the Grab app, (similar to Uber), but you can also use the Metro, Skytrain or river ferries for very little. More details below.
Don’t miss: A visit to Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, a tuk tuk street food tour, and sunset at a rooftop bar.
Top Tip: Get an e-SIM for your phone when you arrive at the airport – it makes getting around the city and ordering cabs so much easier. You’ll see the stalls in the arrivals hall.
Where to Stay For One Day in Bangkok
Sukhumvit
If you only have one day in Bangkok, I recommend staying somewhere central. Sukhumvit is a popular area with a wide range of accommodation and excellent transport links across the city.
You want to look for accommodation near the public transport links of Asok and Sukhumvit – right by the Terminal 21 mall. This is also near the famous Soi 11 strip, home to some of Bangkok’s best nightlife.
The hotel I recommend in Sukhumvit is the Sheraton Grande. It has a gorgeous jungle oasis-style pool and is perfectly situated between the metro and the city’s nightlife.
Si Lom
Si Lom is also centrally located but offers a more exclusive range of accommodation with a good blend of luxury hotels and upmarket food and drink choices.
In Si Lom, the best place to stay is The Standard. It’s located inside the tallest building in the city, and you get free access to the skywalk and rooftop bar when you stay for the night.
Riverside
Finally, Riverside is a popular spot if your priority is temple hopping and seeing the sights. While it’s a little quieter in the evenings here, it’s peaceful and scenic, with some hotel rooms boasting beautiful river views.
If you choose to stay in Riverside, I recommend splashing out on a night in the Mandarin Oriental.
One of the top hotels in the city, you’ll get gorgeous river views from your suite, plus top-tier facilities like riverside dining, an ultra-luxe spa, and even a Muay Thai studio.
What to See in Bangkok for One Day
Some of the top things to see in Bangkok if you only have one day include:
I’ll go into more detail about each below, and then further on, you can find some alternatives in case it’s not your first time in Bangkok, or you’re looking for something a little more unique!
1-Day Bangkok Itinerary for First Timers
This 1-day Bangkok itinerary gives you some ideas of how to spend the morning, afternoon and evening in the city. You can rearrange the order to suit your layover depending on when you land.
For example, if you land in the evening, start with the suggestions under evening. The following morning, return to the top of the itinerary.
Morning
Bangkok is a hot and humid city all year round, so sightseeing can sometimes be challenging. That’s why I recommend getting up early to hit some of the biggest sights during the coolest part of the day.
The top temples and sights to see in Bangkok are the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
They’re all located quite close by, so it’s possible to see them all in one morning.
The easiest way to do this is to book a guided tour of all three, which starts at 09:00am. This is incredibly reasonably priced for five hours’ worth of history and includes a boat ride across the river to Wat Arun.
You can also book a private tour for a more exclusive experience.
If you prefer to DIY without a guide, see below for details.
08:00AM
What: Temple of the Reclining Buddha
When: Opens from 08:00AM to 06:00PM every day
How much: Entrance is 300THB per person (about £6.50)
The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, also known as Wat Pho, opens first at 8am.
Be the first ones in and you could have the place to yourself for a few precious moments. This temple is known for its gigantic Buddha statue, but it’s also said to be the birthplace of the Thai massage.
As with all the temples in Thailand, you’ll need to dress modestly to get in. This means covering your shoulders and chest, and wearing long pants or a skirt that reaches your ankles.
09:00AM
What: Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha
When: Opens from 08:30AM to 03:30PM
How much: Entrance is 500THB per person (about £11.50)
Around the corner from Wat Pho, the Grand Palace is the most visited attraction in Bangkok.
If you’ve never been to the city before, it’s certainly worth a visit. It’s home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and was the former royal residence of the King of Siam.
It opens at 08:30AM, so try to arrive as early as possible. You’ll probably need at least two hours to explore the whole site, and you’ll need to dress modestly.
They do sell long cover-ups right outside the entrance, as well as traditional costumes for rent.
Be aware of a little local scam where someone will tell you the palace is ‘closed today’ and try to sell you some other tour or a ride in their tuk tuk. The palace is usually open every day, so you can politely ignore this kind of solicitation.
11:00AM
What: Temple of Dawn
When: Opens from 08:00AM to 06:00PM
How much: Entrance is 200THB per person (about £4.50)
The final stop on your morning temple run is Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. You can catch a ferry across the river from the Grand Palace to get here, follow the signs for the Tah Tian pier.
This final temple is famous for its towering spires (called prangs) covered in intricate porcelain mosaics that sparkle in the sunlight. Up close, you’ll see colourful porcelain tiles and seashells decorating the towers, and no two sections look exactly the same.
It’s especially stunning when lit up at night – and there’s a secret tip for how to see it in the evening too, later in this guide.
Don’t forget to dress modestly here too!
Afternoon
01:00PM
What: ICONSIAM Mall
When: Opens from 10:00AM to 10:00PM
How much: Free to enter
The mid-afternoon heat can feel very intense, so I recommend a quick retreat to one of Bangkok’s famous malls.
The ICONSIAM mall is a short ferry ride down the river from Wat Arun, and features the full range of designer and global brand clothing, plus plenty of boutique stores to get stuck into.
If shopping is not really your style, you can simply pop in to marvel at the architecture; it’s a feast for the eyes! There’s also a pseudo-floating market and street food hall down on the lower ground floor.
If you’ve only got one day in Bangkok you probably won’t have time for a day trip to the real floating markets, so this can be a fun compromise!
03:00PM
What: Take a break or have a Thai massage
When: At your leisure
How much: Variable
So far, this 1-day Bangkok itinerary has been quite jam-packed, so I recommend taking a couple of hours out in the afternoon to relax.
It’s highly likely you’ll be battling some jet lag, so this is your chance to acclimatise a little bit.
If your hotel has a pool or somewhere to sunbathe, you can always get a head start on your sun tan. Alternatively, why not stop by one of the hundreds of massage parlours for a famous Thai massage?
It’s a rite of passage when visiting Thailand, and people always say the cheapest and best massages can be found in Bangkok (and not on the tourist-packed beaches!).
If you’re still feeling up for some more exploring, I recommend dropping by the famous Khao San Road – otherwise known as the ‘centre of backpacking universe’.
It’s a complete assault on the senses, but fans of the movie The Beach will surely want to tick this one off.
If you’re after a cheap souvenir or want to try some wacky street food (like a scorpion on a stick!), this is the place to do it.
05:00PM
What: Rooftop bars of Bangkok
When: Variable
How much: Variable
The sun sets pretty early in Bangkok, usually around 5:30 – 6:30PM, depending on the time of year you visit. The best place to see it is at one of the city’s many cool rooftop bars.
If you choose to stay at The Standard, you get free access to the Mahanakhon Skywalk, included in your room rate – home of the highest rooftop bar in the city. There’s also a glass walkway up there if you’re brave enough!
If you want to visit the Mahanakhon Skywalk and Sky Beach Bar independently, the entrance fee varies depending on when you visit. It’s recommended to book your ticket in advance if you’re planning to go at sunset.
For more bars with free entrance to visit at sunset, read my guide to the top 10 coolest bars in Bangkok.
Evening
07:00PM
What: Tuk tuk Street Food Tour of Bangkok
When: 4-Hour tour, start times from 06:00PM – 07:00PM
How much: Approx £55 per person
While there are plenty of lovely restaurants you can visit, the city is famous for its street food, so this Tuk Tuk tour is the perfect way to experience it all and round off your day in Bangkok.
The tour includes a stop at the Eagle’s Nest bar with a stunning view of the Wat Arun temple all lit up at nighttime, plus a visit to the famous flower market.
This means you can tick off some of the best foodie spots in Bangkok, and get over 10 tastings all in one whistlestop tour of the city.
You can choose your start time from 06:00PM to 07:00PM, and the tour lasts for approximately four hours. You’ll get dropped off at your hotel afterwards.
**You might also be interested in reading: 10 of the Best Food Tours in Bangkok for Every Traveller.**
11:00
Looking for a little late-night action in Bangkok? Sukhumvit Soi 11 is a long strip filled with fun bars and clubs to sample.
You can also hit the Khao San Road if you’re looking for something a little more rough and ready, or check out some of the coolest cocktail bars in Bangkok.
Alternative 1-Day Bangkok Itinerary (for Second and Third Timers)
Been to Bangkok before? Here are a few alternative ways to fill your day in the Thai capital.
Morning
09:00AM
What: Temple of the Dragon
When: Open from 07:00AM to 06:00PM
How much: Optional donation for entrance, 50 – 150 THB (£1 – £3)
In the morning, I recommend a visit to the Temple of the Dragon, also known as Wat Samphran. It’s a unique pink temple located just a little outside the city, encircled by an incredible dragon.
There are no public transport links, so you’ll need to take a taxi there, and it takes about 40 minutes.
You might struggle with hailing a cab for the way back or finding one on Grab, so you can arrange with your driver to stay and pick you up. Most are usually happy to do this for a small extra fee.
Alternatively, you can book a private driver for the whole morning on the Grab app.
Getting there and exploring the temple is likely to take you the whole morning. Nearby, there’s a cafe called After the Rain, which makes a great spot to hit for lunch if your driver is happy to take you.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for cool or unique cafes for lunch or a coffee when you arrive back in the city, I recommend The Green Craft House or The Rainforest Cafe.
Afternoon
01:00PM
What: Thai cooking class OR Canal boat tour
When: From 01:00PM – both tours last around 4 hours
How much: Thai cooking class is £30pp, Canal tour is £35pp
For something a little different in the afternoon, you’ve got two options.
You can either take home the ultimate souvenir – a knack for re-creating your favourite Thai dishes at home – with a cooking class led by a local. Or, you can explore some lesser-known sights of the city via a canal boat and bike tour.
Both of these tours are highly rated and offer a more authentic insight into the city.
At the cooking class, you’ll get to eat all of your yummy creations at the end of the class, which includes tips for four traditional Thai dishes. It also includes a tuk-tuk tour of the local market, where you’ll pick up ingredients for the class.
If cooking is not really your thing, the canal tour first includes a cycle through the winding backstreets of Bangkok, as well as a lunch stop overlooking the canal.
You’ll continue the bike ride along the canal to reach a market, where you can board a traditional long-tail boat to tour some of the more local communities.
Evening
05:00PM
What: Chang Chui Plane Night Market
When: Open from 04:00PM to 11:00PM (closed on Mondays)
How much: Free to enter
For a unique evening meal, hop in a taxi and head to the Chang Chui Plane Night Market – with food stalls, artisanal boutiques, bars and restaurants all centred around a decommissioned plane.
This is a Thai night market like you’ve never seen before, complete with wacky sculptures and artists and creatives showcasing their work.
The plane itself is a fine dining restaurant and cocktail bar, so you’ll want to book in advance if you plan to dine there.
Alternatively, there are plenty of other bars and restaurants to choose from, plus the traditional array of street food.
If you love vintage clothing boutiques and one-of-a-kind antiques, this is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir, too.
08:00PM
What: Speakeasy bar or Muay Thai Fight
When: Variable
How much: Variable
For a completely unique after-dinner drink, head to one of the city’s incredible speakeasy bars.
I’ve listed my favourites and how to find them in my guide to the coolest cocktail bars in Bangkok, but for those in a hurry, my favourite is called Lost in Thaislation.
Havana Social is also a great spot for a cocktail near Sukhumvit Soi 11, with regular live music.
Alternatively, you could visit one of the city’s Muay Thai stadiums to see a local boxing match, if that’s more your thing.
The most famous stadium is the Rajadamnern Stadium, and you can buy tickets for the daily matches here.
How to Get From the Airport to Bangkok City Centre
Taxi
As I mentioned at the start of this blog, a taxi is by far the quickest and easiest way to get to your hotel in Bangkok city centre if you have luggage.
You can download the Grab app to order one and go to the designated pick-up spot at Suvarnabhumi Airport. It’s located on the first floor of the arrivals terminal near Gate 4.
Alternatively, you can get in the regular taxi queue outside the terminal. A taxi typically costs between 300 to 500 THB (£6-£12) to get from the airport to the city centre, and you may need to pay a little more for the toll roads.
Be sure to ask your driver to turn the meter on when you get in. The drive takes around an hour, but can be more during rush hour.
Metro
If you’re travelling light or on a very tight budget, you can also get the metro.
You’ll need to head down to the basement of the airport, and you’ll need THB in cash to pay for your tickets.
There’s just one train into the city, and then you’ll likely need to change to get to your end destination – the journey can take around 1-2 hours altogether.
It runs between 6AM and midnight every day, and tickets cost 45 THB (£1) to get to the city centre (you’ll need to buy another ticket for the metro or skytrain for your onward journey).
How to Get Around the City in One Day
Honestly, we found that taxis via the Grab app were so quick, affordable, and convenient, we didn’t feel the need to use public transport too much.
However, if you would prefer to test out the local transport system, you’ve essentially got three options:
BTS Skytrain
Air-conditioned and perfect for avoiding the city’s notorious traffic. The BTS connects major shopping areas like Siam and trendy spots like Sukhumvit. You’ll get great views of the city from above too. You’ll typically need cash to buy your ticket – anywhere between 16 – 60 THB, depending on how far you’re travelling.
MRT Metro
Clean, reliable, and less crowded than the BTS, the MRT is ideal for reaching cultural hotspots like Wat Arun. It also links conveniently with the BTS and Airport Rail Link. Rides typically cost 17 – 45 THB, and on some lines, you can simply tap your card to pay on entry, like the London Underground.
Chao Phraya River Ferry
Hop on an orange-flag boat and cruise past temples, markets, and old town charm. It’s cheap (around 15 baht), scenic, and drops you near Wat Arun, ICONSIAM mall, the Grand Palace, and Chinatown. Slower than most other options on this list, but arguably more fun!
3 of the Best 1-Day Tours of Bangkok
If you prefer not to DIY and want to make life really easy, here are a few 1-day tours of Bangkok I recommend instead.
These might be a great option if you don’t plan to stay in the city overnight and you’re working with a limited timeframe, or simply prefer the convenience of a guided tour with transport included.
- Grand Palace Temple Run Tour (5 Hours)
- Bangkok City Private Full Day Tour (8 Hours)
- Floating Market and Railway Market Day Trip from the City (7 Hours)
1-Day Bangkok Itinerary: FAQs
Can you do Bangkok in one day?
It’s possible to see a lot of the highlights of Bangkok in one day, including a couple of the most famous temples, plus some of the markets and shopping malls.
However, as the gateway to Southeast Asia, the city is huge, and you could easily spend more time or find more things to do on your second visit.
Where to spend the day in Bangkok?
If it’s your first time visiting, I recommend spending a day in Bangkok checking out the Grand Palace and the most famous temples, and then enjoying some shopping in one of the city’s famous malls or markets.
See the full itinerary above for more details!
Can you leave Bangkok Airport during a layover?
This all depends on your flight connection – if it’s short and with the same airline, you might have to stay inside the airport.
If you have a connection longer than a few hours, it may be possible to leave the airport to explore some of the city, but just be aware that a taxi ride to the centre can take up to an hour each way, depending on traffic.
What to do in Bangkok for two days?
If you have more than one day in Bangkok, you can spend the first exploring the iconic temples, malls and markets, and then use the second to dig a little deeper into the city, perhaps with a canal tour or cooking class.
I’ve included lots of ideas for how to spend a day or two in Bangkok in the itineraries above, with all the details on where they’re located and how much they cost.
How to spend a rainy day in Bangkok?
You’ve got lots of options for a rainy day in Bangkok. If you like shopping, you could tick off some of the city’s famous malls, including ICONSIAM, Terminal 21, and MBK Centre.
If authentic experiences are more your thing, why not take a cooking class led by a local, where you can learn to craft your favourite Thai dishes, with recipes to take home.
Can you store luggage in Bangkok airport?
Yes, luggage storage is available at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), and it’s located on the second floor. If you don’t want the hassle of taking your bags into the city centre for a one-day layover, this can be a convenient option.
Have more questions about this 1-day Bangkok itinerary? Let me know in the comments below!
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