We visited Bangkok for 24 hours recently, and we were pleasantly surprised by how much we managed to squeeze in. Now, we have both visited this fun city numerous times, so we knew exactly what sights we wanted to skip and which ones were a must-see for our 24 hours in Bangkok.
And the itinerary below is the exact one we followed for our short time in Bangkok. And honestly, I can’t fault it. We got to tick off what I consider to be the city’s must-see attractions (Wat Pho and the Jim Thompson House). But we also managed to fit in some time at Bangkok’s lesser-known gems. Places like Lumphini Park and Asiatique.
I will add that we were both surprised by how quickly we fell in love with Bangkok – sure, it’s a busy, slightly chaotic city, but it has an energy like no other city in Asia! And even with just a day here, I’m certain you’ll be just as enamoured by it as we are after several visits!
💡If you have just one day in Bangkok, you will need to book certain tours and a hotel in advance! My recommendation is to book the following pre-arrival –
📍This completely private guided tour is a great choice if you’re on a tight schedule in Bangkok. It includes guided visits to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun, and all transport. It costs from $125 USD per person.
📍Speaking of hotels, we highly recommend booking our favorite Bangkok hotel – the Arte Hotel in Sukhumvit, a 4-star, art-filled hotel with a rooftop pool.
Our One Day in Bangkok Itinerary
Morning – Grand Palace & Wat Pho
Grand Palace:
Kickstart your 24 hours in Bangkok at the Grand Palace, which is easily the city’s most iconic landmark. It isn’t actually just one building here – there are several impressive structures spread across this large complex.
Some of the most important buildings here include the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), which houses a highly revered Buddha statue carved from a single block of jade, and the Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat buildings.
The Grand Palace complex, which has served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782, is a stunning example of traditional Thai architecture combined with intricate details and opulent design. As you wander through the grounds, you’ll be captivated by the ornate decorations, vibrant murals, and the overall grandeur of the place.
The Grand Palace opens from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, and we recommend getting here as soon as it opens to beat the crowds and to ensure you squeeze as many activities in as you can later today.
🌟Please note there’s a very strict dress code at The Grand Palace and all the other temples I recommend visiting today (Wat Pho & Wat Raimit). All adults must cover their shoulders and legs – and don’t wear leggings. It’s more relaxed for children, but I would still cover them up to be on the safe side.
Wat Pho:
To get from The Grand Palace to our next suggested stop (Wat Pho), you can easily walk as they are located around a 15-minute walk from one another. Alternatively, you can hop on a short ferry ride across the Chao Phraya River.
Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is home to one of Thailand’s largest and most stunning Buddha statues, which stretches an impressive 46 meters long.
We loved wandering around Wat Pho (we spent around 1.5 hours here), it really is a feast for the eyes, with intricate murals, beautifully adorned stupas, and serene gardens.
💡Top Travel Tip: You can customize your own Bangkok city tour with your own personal guide for $71 USD. This tour has over 400 positive reviews, and it’s a great call if you don’t want to worry about/ be delayed by public transport.
Afternoon: Jim Thompson House & Wat Traimit
Jim Thompson House:
This afternoon, aim to visit the Jim Thompson House for a fascinating insight into Thai silk history.
As the name suggests, this unique museum is the former home of Jim Thompson, an American entrepreneur who is credited with reviving the Thai silk industry in the mid-20th century.
His home is a perfect example of traditional Thai architecture. It’s constructed from six antique teakwood houses that Thompson meticulously collected from various parts of Thailand. On a visit here, you can admire the beautifully preserved houses, which are filled with Thompson’s impressive collection of Southeast Asian art and antiques.
Not only were we impressed by the houses, but we also loved wandering the lush gardens surrounding the houses, as it meant a brief escape from the stifling heat (lots of shaded parts in the gardens).
On our visit here, we also learned about Jim Thompson’s mysterious disappearance – he went for a walk in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia and was never seen again. This was all the way back in 1967.
This is a super popular spot in Bangkok, so our suggestion is to get here around lunchtime to beat the crowds. Then, go for a late lunch nearby after your visit. This is what we did, and it worked out perfectly for us. We went to TOOKPAK on Rama I Rd for lunch, and loved it. There’s also a great restaurant on-site, called the Silk Cafe.
Wat Traimit:
Wat Traimit, or the Temple of the Golden Buddha, is home to the biggest solid gold statue in the world. It stands tall at nearly five meters and weighs a whopping 5.5 tons. And it dates all the way back to the Sukhothai period (around the year 1300).
Fun fact: Not long after it was made, it was plastered over so that it wouldn’t be stolen. However, rulers at the time made no note of the fact that the gold was plastered over, and so, the gold wasn’t discovered again until the 1950s. It was by pure luck that some of the plaster fell off while the statue was being moved!
The Temple of the Golden Buddha is located in Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown, which is around a 20-minute bus ride from Jim Thompson’s House. There’s also an on-site museum that offers fascinating insights into the history of the Golden Buddha, including its rediscovery.
Late Afternoon: Lumphini Park
To escape this afternoon’s heat, I suggest heading for Lumphini Park. Situated right in the heart of the city, this popular park offers a peaceful break from all of Bangkok’s chaos. You can take it easy here with a stroll along the shaded paths and look for lizards and other reptiles in the large lake at its center.
Afterward, grab a coffee from nearby Little Prince Cafe on Thanon Suan Phlu. I don’t know about you, but I’m usually itching for a coffee at this time in the afternoon.
Watch the sunset at a rooftop bar
I try to catch the sunset every evening of my vacation, and that didn’t change while I was in Bangkok. Sure, a city sunset is a tad different from a beach sunset. But, honestly, one of my favorite parts of my 24 hours in Bangkok was catching the sunset at a rooftop bar with an ice-cold drink in my hand.
These are my picks for the best rooftop bar in Bangkok –
- Sirocco at Lebua State Tower – made famous in The Hangover Part II, this spot offers 360-degree views of Bangkok’s skyline. It is pricey, however.
- Octave Rooftop Bar – Located on the 45th floor of the Marriott Hotel – this spot does great cocktails backdropped by Bangkok’s skyline.
- Moon Sky Bar – Located on floor 61 at Banyan Tree Hotel, this is another fancy spot (no flip-flops or t-shirts).
Late Evening – Asiatique & Khao San Road
Asiatique:
Located along the Chao Phraya River, this huge night market boasts over 1,500 shops and 40 places to eat. There’s something for everyone here! This is where we recommend eating this evening, as there are so many options. From what I remember, I had an awesome Pad Thai from one of the stalls here, and my husband had a spicy Thai curry.
The standout, though, is the massive Ferris wheel, where you can catch killer views of the city. Plus, you’ll likely get the chance to catch awesome shows like the Calypso Cabaret if you’re into that sort of thing.
You can catch a free ferry here from Sathorn Pier every day between 4 pm and 11:30 pm.
Khao San Road:
Huh? I know that’s what frequent travelers to Bangkok will be saying. But hear me out! For those that don’t know, Khao San Road has a bit of a bad rep – it’s a little seedy, it’s noisy, and it’s jampacked. But, if you have just one day in Bangkok and want to see all sides of the city, then a visit to Khao San Road after dark is a must.
When the night falls, this spot comes alive – it’s definitely one of the best spots to party in Bangkok. There are heaps of bars and nightclubs here – and most offer live music. You can let loose here, as pretty much anything goes.
The street is nicknamed ‘backpacker street’, so it’s likely to be other tourists as opposed to locals you’ll be seeing here.
Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok:
Sukhumvit:
Known for its bustling nightlife, shopping malls, and diverse dining options, Sukhumvit is perfect for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere. It’s well-connected via the BTS Skytrain, making it easy to explore the city. And it’s one of the most popular areas to stay in Bangkok. We love Arte Hotel, a 4-star, art-filled hotel with a rooftop pool. Rooms here cost from around $50 USD (1,588 Baht).
Silom:
Often called Bangkok’s financial district, Silom transforms at night with a range of entertainment options, including markets and rooftop bars. It’s a great area for business travelers and those who like to mix business and leisure. Our favorite hotel in this area is Pullman Bangkok Hotel G – a luxurious 5-star hotel where rooms cost around $70 USD (2,224 Baht) per night.
Siam:
Siam is home to major shopping centers like Siam Paragon and MBK Center. So, it’s ideal for shopaholics or families looking for a central location with plenty of activities. We recommend staying at Siam Design Hotel – an ultra-modern, 5-star hotel, where rooms cost around $90 USD (2,859 Baht).
Riverside:
Boasting scenic views of the Chao Phraya River, this area is best for those who want a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s home to plenty of luxury hotels and cultural sites, such as the Grand Palace, which is nearby. Splurge on a night at Royal Orchid Sheraton, a 5-star, super-fancy resort hotel on the banks of the river. Rooms here cost around $125 USD per night (or 3,971 Baht).
Ari:
Known for its laid-back, trendy vibe, Ari is filled with chic cafes, boutique shops, and vibrant street art. It’s a great choice for those looking to experience a more local and authentic side of Bangkok. We really like The Quarter Ari, a hip hotel with a fab rooftop pool. Rooms cost around $50 USD (1,588 Baht) per night
Here are my favorite hotels in Bangkok:
Have I convinced you to spend one day in Bangkok?
Even though, 24 hours in Bangkok isn’t enough time to tick off every amazing thing to do in Bangkok. It still means you can get to see some of the city’s top sights and a few hidden gems. I say, 24 hours in Bangkok is better than no time at all! So, what are you waiting for – go ahead and have a blast in one of my favorite cities in Asia!
While you’re here, you may also enjoy –
My experience kayaking in bioluminescent waters in Thailand
Best Things to Do With 24 Hours in Hong Kong
How Many Days in Taipei? (3-Day Taipei, Taiwan Itinerary)
How to Spend 3 Days in Hanoi Vietnam
PIN IT
Last Updated on September 17, 2025 by snaphappytravel