Last Updated: January 11, 2024
Bangkok is the kind of city where you can spend days or weeks and always find something fun to do, but you could also easily explore it in just one day! Yes, that’s right, Bangkok offers a bunch of amazing things to do and you can experience most of them in one day.
We spent a week in Bangkok but if we’re being honest, most of the attractions we ticked off our list in one day. All it needs is good planning and this comprehensive guide has you covered.
The guide below is just an indication of the best things to do in Bangkok. You can of course tailor the itinerary below based on how much time you have to explore Bangkok. If you have a full one day in Bangkok, then you most definitely can visit all the places below in one day. Your legs will most likely be sore by the time you’re done exploring but we guarantee that it’ll totally be worth it!
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Let us walk you through all the amazing things that you can do in Bangkok in one day!
ONE DAY IN BANGKOK: 10 AMAZING THINGS TO DO
1. GRAND PALACE
A visit to Bangkok is not complete without seeing the spectacular Grand Palace. This was our second time visiting this place (the first time was 12 years ago!) and we were equally amazed. The truth is, you need roughly 2 hours to properly see it, but we believe that it’s easily doable in one hour too. Be sure to go with an empty memory card in your camera as this place will have you snapping pictures uncontrollably. It is THAT impressive!
The Grand Palace is open daily from 08:30 to 15:30 and the entrance fee is 500 THB.
TIP: Like all temples in Thailand, you’ll need to dress appropriately. Wear long trousers, cover your shoulders and avoid crop tops.
2. WAT PHO (TEMPLE OF THE RECLINING BUDDHA)
This is also one of the best things to do in Bangkok in one day and its convenient location makes visiting it even easier. Wat Pho is situated right next to the Grand Palace, only a few minutes walking distance. The architecture of the temples is extraordinary but its most famous attraction is the reclining buddha. We visited during the low season and it wasn’t too busy. However, it’s worth noting that this is one of the most popular attractions in Bangkok, so expect heavy crowds. Wat Pho is significantly smaller in scale than the Grand Palace, so you can easily squeeze it into your one day in Bangkok itinerary.
Wat Pho is open daily from 08:30 to 18:30 and the entrance fee is 200 Baht.
3. WAT RATCHABOPHIT
Bangkok is famous for its temples, so it is no surprise that yet another temple is on our list of the best things to do in Bangkok in one day. Wat Ratchabophit is a short 10’ walk from Wat Pho. The architecture is similar (and equally impressive) to the buildings found at the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Although it’s close to the other temples, if your time is limited, then perhaps it’s best to avoid this one and dedicate your time to seeing a few other attractions in Bangkok.
4. WAT ARUN
Wat Arun or else known as Temple of Dawn is located across the banks of the river (opposite Wat Pho). If we’re being honest, we were running out of time, so we didn’t manage to visit this temple but we did have a few spare minutes so we walked by the river and took in the view from afar.
If you decide to visit, you’ll need to catch a ferry in order to reach it. There are plenty of little boats departing from the Phu Pha Suthat Fort.
The ferry ride is incredibly picturesque, especially during the sunset.
Wat Arun is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm and the entrance fee is 50 Baht.
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5. GOLDEN MOUNT TEMPLE
This is a wonderful place to visit in Bangkok and I highly recommend including it in your one day in Bangkok itinerary. The temple is situated on a hill offering spectacular panoramic views over Bangkok. You will require to climb some stairs in order to reach the top so be sure to have some water with you.
Golden Mount Temple is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm and on Mondays from 7 am to 7 pm. Note that on holidays it is closed to the public.
The entrance fee is 50 Baht.
6. CHINATOWN
If you’re a foodie you’re going to love Chinatown in Bangkok. Here you’ll find some of the best street food in the city. Don’t just eat from the first food stall you’ll come across though (as tempting as that may be), but rather walk along its streets and sample bits and pieces from its many vendors who have been selling local food here for generations.
It is truly a foodie’s heaven!
7. LUMPHINI PARK
We always like to check out at least one park when we visit a city, especially a big city such as Bangkok. It’s a good place to escape the noisy streets and seek shade. Grab a snack from one of the many street vendors you’ll find on your way and enjoy it in peace at Lumphini Park. If you only have one day in Bangkok, chances are you’ll be quite tired after a few hours of exploring the city. At Lumphini Park you can unwind, even if just for a short while before you move on to the next location.
TIP: The park is located 20’ by car from The Grand Palace. If you’ll only spend one day in Bangkok and you want to speed things up, then you better order a taxi from Grab to get around Bangkok. This way you’ll save time on transportation.
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8. SIAM PARAGON SHOPPING MALL
Fashionistas rejoice! Siam Paragon is THE ultimate destination in Bangkok if you love shopping. This upscale shopping mall offers some of the most luxury brands out there and it has nothing to envy from the likes of prestigious shopping malls such as the ones found in Dubai, Italy, and France. What’s best, its food court is pretty remarkable too, so while you do your shopping, your significant other can wait for you at one of the many great restaurants or coffee shops.
Bonus point: Siam Paragon is home to Thailand’s largest aquarium! If you have some extra time, it’s undoubtedly worth visiting.
Siam Paragon is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
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9. JODD FAIRS NIGHT MARKET
You can’t visit Bangkok and not explore one of its many markets. Jodd Fairs night market is close to Bangkok’s downtown making it very convenient to reach. So if you’re spending only one day in Bangkok then you can easily add it to your list. Jodd Fairs is one of the best night markets in Bangkok and offers an abundance of food stalls to choose from.
Word of advice: come with an empty stomach!
Although food is what attracts most visitors to this market, it also has no shortage of cool vintage shops and kiosks that sell various souvenirs.
Jodd Fairs night market opens daily from 4 pm to midnight.
10. EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH THE TOWN
Last but certainly not least, indulge in the local cuisine. Thai food is one of my favorite cuisines in the world; it’s fragrant, it’s rich in flavors and it’s everything BUT dull!
Bangkok as a capital offers endless choices of amazing places to eat. If you’re not familiar with the local cuisine and you don’t know where to start, we’d suggest Pad Thai as your first choice. It’s a staple of Thai cuisine and you can never go wrong with it.
Also, don’t miss out on their fresh fruits and freshly squeezed juices. They are delightful and so refreshing!
