The Thai capital of Bangkok is not unaccustomed to tourists. In fact, it’s always packed full of them! Even though some parts of this chaotic city are a little too touristy for our liking, that’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of fun things to do in Bangkok. If you find yourself with just one day in Bangkok, here’s what we think you should do with it.
Morning
Start early in the day with a visit to Pak Klong Taalat, the vibrant Bangkok flower market, which is alive with the colour and smells of all kinds of flowers. From there, take a stroll to Chinatown and watch the streets come to life with a variety of stalls that sell just about everything. On the weekends, the second-hand market (known locally as the Thieves Market) is a good place to pick up a bargain.
After you get your flower and market fix, jump on a tuk-tuk and head to the Grand Palace, home of the Emerald Buddha, the most auspicious statue in the Thai religion. Once home to the royal family, it is presently more of a spiritual home, and the temple glistens magically with light from the tiles.
A short walk from the Palace is Wat Po, home to the biggest reclining Buddha statue in the region. At 45 metres, this statue is a Bangkok must-see! Wat Po is one of the oldest teaching universities in Thailand, and is also home to a Thai massage training school.
Midday
Time for lunch! In Bangkok, the thing to do is eat with the locals at one of the roadside food stalls. Pick a stall that’s busy, and full of locals (that way you know it’s authentic and delicious!). Enjoy a cheap bowl of noodle soup or authentic Pad Thai for about $1 USD (yes, we’re serious). This is fast food at its best, prepared right in front of you and delivered to you in five minutes.
Bangkok can get really hot during the day time, so now may be a good opportunity to take some time out and enjoy a traditional two hour Thai massage. Thai massages are done in a traditional style that involves stretching and deep tissue massaging. This form of body work is usually performed on the floor, and the client wears comfortable clothes that allow for movement. No oils are used in a Thai massage, known locally as ‘nuat phaen boran’.
Evening
As the evening approaches, jump on board a boat for a slow cruise down the Chao Phraya River, whilst enjoying a meal on board. This is a great way to see another angle of Bangkok, as rice barges populate the river, transporting goods from provinces further north.
After dinner, it’s time to visit a nightclub in the Sukumvit area. This area has many modern establishments, like Bed Supper Club. If you want to join the locals, head to the RCA Entertainment Area, which is a favourite area for office workers to party the night away.
If clubs aren’t your scene, consider visiting one of the rooftop bars at any of the five-star hotels. They offer great cocktails and unbeatable views of the booming, vibrant, exciting metropolis of Bangkok.
Looking for more Bangkok? Check out our exciting Bangkok tours!
