Bangkok is one of the most chaotic cities I have visited, yet it is also one of my favorites. Even amongst the chaos, there are tons of peaceful places and moments to be found. Whether you are en route to somewhere else in Thailand or want to leave the airport during a long layover, I have the perfect 1 day Bangkok itinerary for you!
In one day in Bangkok, you can see some of Thailand’s most incredible temples, eat Thai street food (safely!), and indulge in some shopping or a Thai massage.
Keep reading for the ultimate 1 day Bangkok itinerary, which maximizes your time in the city to make sure you see the best places and eat the best food.
Published: January 5, 2025
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1 Day in Bangkok Itinerary
I spent nearly a week in Bangkok, and I did a TON of stuff while I was there. To help you make the most of your time in the city, I made a 1 day Bangkok itinerary with all the best things to do and food to eat, based on my time there!
Here is your ultimate 1 day Bangkok itinerary:
Morning
To kick off your day in Bangkok, you are going to visit two of the most iconic temples in the city, including one of my favorites in the world. You have three options for the best temples in Bangkok, and I recommend choosing two for the morning so you don’t wear yourself out.
- Grand Palace: The most popular temple in Bangkok is home to the Emerald Buddha. Make sure you stay alert for scams and pickpockets in the area, as they target popular tourist destinations.
- Wat Arun: Another famous temple is Wat Arun, or Temple of Dawn, which sits on the Chao Phraya River.
- Wat Pho: Wat Pho is one of my favorite temples that I have visited in the world, and it is home to the 150-foot-long (46 m) Reclining Buddha.
Note that one of the biggest scams in Thailand is from Tuk Tuk and taxi drivers claiming that a temple is closed, specifically the Grand Temple in Bangkok. If they try to claim it’s closed, but offer to take you around to other places in the city. Politely decline and find another way to get to the temples.
Lunch
Thai food is my FAVORITE, and you are lucky to be getting lunch in Bangkok today! I recommend finding some street food in Chinatown. There are so many options, and you can even try a few places if you want to do your own little “street food tour”.
To prevent any illness, make sure the food is cooked in front of you and isn’t sitting out. If you need ideas, look for where others are eating, or ask a local. You can always head into a hotel or other business for safe suggestions for another area.
Afternoon
If you are up for one more temple on your 1 day in Bangkok, I recommend visiting the third one you didn’t from this morning: either the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, or Wat Pho. Or, if you are near Chinatown, check out Wat Trai Mit, a temple with a large golden Buddha.
If you don’t want to visit another temple, my suggestion is to take a walking tour! A walking tour will give you a good look at the city other than the temples, and will help you learn about all the history and neighborhoods.
But, if two temples today were enough and you want something more chill, I recommend getting a Thai massage. If you aren’t familiar with Thai massages, I recommend looking up a video before you get one and considering any health issues before you do.
Evening
Don’t be said that your day in Bangkok is over, as you still have one more meal to enjoy Thai food (my mouth is watering just thinking about it).
For dinner, grab more street food. No matter where in the city you end up, it won’t be hard to find thankfully. Just remember to be careful with finding food that shouldn’t make you sick.
Or if you want something nicer, make a reservation at one of Bangkok’s many nicer restaurants. You can enjoy Thai food and a sit-down meal, contrast to the street food from lunch, but just as delicious.
After dinner, there are two ways you can end the night. If you are in a party mood, head to Khao San Road, Bangkok’s famous party street. There are dozens of bars here; it is a fun place to walk down and shop. It’s a great place to end your day in Bangkok, especially if you want to partyyyyy.
Otherwise, find a rooftop bar, whether it be at your hotel or somewhere else in the city. Grab a drink and enjoy a mellow evening admiring the city lights from above. I love rooftop bars in Bangkok, as you can see the temples from high up, which is really cool!
Things to Do in Bangkok
If the suggested 1 day Bangkok itinerary doesn’t fit your interests, here are more activities to consider:
- Floating markets
- Thai cooking class
- Take a street food tour
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Jim Thompson House
- Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)
- MBK Center/Siam Paragon (shopping)
- See a Muay Thai match
These are also top things to do in Bangkok that are worth doing during your day in the city.
Tours to Book in Bangkok
Booking a tour in Bangkok is a great way to maximize your 1 day there and see the top sites on your itinerary. Plus, there are a huge variety of tours, so everyone can find something that interests them!
Here are the top tours in Bangkok to take in 1 day:
Tips for One Day in Bangkok
To make the most of your 1 day in Bangkok, I want to share some advice on how to get around and avoid scams and the weather.
Getting Around Bangkok: Bangkok’s traffic can be heavy, so the best way to get around quickly is by using the BTS Skytrain or MRT subway. Both are efficient, air-conditioned, and affordable. Tuk-tuks are a fun experience, but they can be more expensive and slower due to traffic. For short distances, Grab (a ride-hailing app) is a reliable option. If you’re visiting the Grand Palace or Wat Arun, consider taking a Chao Phraya River boat to avoid traffic altogether.
Avoiding Scams in Bangkok: While Bangkok is generally safe, stay aware of common scams. If someone tells you a temple is closed, double-check the information—they may just be trying to sell you a tour. Only use official ticket counters for transportation like boats and trains, and always agree on a price before taking a tuk-tuk. For shopping, stick to reputable markets and avoid being pressured into buying items you don’t want.
Weather in Bangkok: Bangkok is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures often reaching 30°C (86°F) or higher. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes for walking. If you’re visiting during the rainy season (May to October), bring a compact umbrella or rain poncho. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and plan outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Want to spend more than one day in Bangkok? I don’t blame you! If you decide to spend more time in Bangkok, Thailand, check out these great hotels and home rentals at the best prices: