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One Day in Bangkok: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Planning your first trip to Bangkok, Thailand? My one day in Bangkok itinerary covers how I spent an entire day exploring one of the world’s most busiest and touristed cities. This Bangkok itinerary is perfect for first time visitors as it is packed with must-see attractions, do not miss landmarks, and local experiences that I recommend. From visiting the Grand Palace to walking through markets. This Bangkok travel guide will help you make the most out of your day here. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! One Day Bangkok Itinerary This one day in Bangkok itinerary is based off of our visit and personal preferences. I like to do a good variety of seeing attractions, eating, and exploring a cities nightlife, so I try and pack in as much in a full time as I can. Bangkok is a huge city, you simply can’t see it all in a day or two. But if you are like me, sometimes all you have is a day to fully explore a city. We stayed within the historic center of Bangkok, so most of the attractions I recommend are in the historical area. This does include most of Bangkok’s “must see” sites so I think it is a great starting point. Thanks for reading my one day in Bangkok itinerary below, feel free to follow it yourself or mix and match. If you find other places that are a must in the Bangkok area, list it in the comments. Morning Saranrom or Rommani Nat Park → The Grand Palace → The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho Stroll Saranrom or Rommani Nat Park Bangkok had a few really nice city parks. Perfect for your morning walk, relaxing, or taking pictures of some of the unique wildlife. To me, starting your day off in Stroll Saranrom or Rommani Nat Park are a great way to start the day. Rommani Nat Park was larger, more crowded, but it did have an outdoor gym. If you are traveling to Bangkok and wondering about a gym. Go to the park and use the free equipment there. I personally liked Saranrom Park and mainly because there were giant Water Monitor Lizards that strolled and hung out here. These lizards are truly massive and exciting to spot as they lounge around, swim, or walk the trails just like you and I. The Grand Palace The Rattanakosin District of Bangkok is great, it is the historic center of Bangkok and is very walkable. After spending the morning at one of Bangkok’s city parks, I recommend visiting the Grand Palace. Bangkok’s Grand Palace is an iconic landmark and a must visit destination especially for first-time visitors. The Grand Palace did serve as the official residence of the Thai Kings. Come early, as the Grand Palace can get busy. When we visited the palace, we were there when they opened at 8:30 am and there were still a ton of people. The architecture at the Grand Palace is stunning, don’t miss out on the Emerald Buddha and other buildings within the complex. Waking by the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall was impressive. Bangkok’s Grand Palace was a highlight of our one day in Bangkok itinerary. The level of detail in the architecture and the vibrant colors really stood out to me. The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho If you are visiting Bangkok for your first time, the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is a must-see. The temple complex of Wat Pho is a masterpiece in itself and the Reclining Buddha is the cherry on top. Measuring 46 meters long and covered in gold leaf, the Reclining Buddha is open to visitors. The Reclining Buddha depicts Buddha entering Nirvana and according to the temple, it is a symbol of peace. We spent a solid hour at Wat Pho, the temple complex is huge and takes time to fully explore. Wat Pho is up there as one of my most recommended places to visit in Bangkok and a must for first time visitors. Afternoon Wang Lang Market → Wat Arun → Pak Khlong Talat Wang Lang Market Bangkok’s city center or historical center is walkable and in my opinion, easy to get around. But there are attractions that are on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. After visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, I recommend taking a ferry across the river to check out some more sites and sample foods at a local market. There are several ferry services that cross the river, I went to the Tha Maharaj ferry terminal and embarked on a ferry to Prannok ferry terminal right by Wang Lang Market. Wang Lang Market is a bustling market that spans for several blocks in every direction. This market is paradise for those that love both food and shopping. I focused primarily on snacking and tried a few delcious items. Wat Arun About a 20-30 minute walk from Wang Lang Market is the famous Wat Arun. Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn is one of Bangkok’s most visited temples. Plain and simple, Wat Arun has to be included in your one day in Bangkok itinerary. You can spot Wat Arun from afar because it’s towering central spire that is decorated with porcelain and seashells. Some of the best photos of Wat Arun can be taken from across the Chao Phraya River. Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market) After visiting Wat Arun, I took a ferry back over to the other side for photos and to visit the Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market). Definitely not a must do when visiting Bangkok, but if your itinerary allows for it, it’s a unique market. It’s a flower market on steroids with several buildings, stalls, and alley ways, selling flowers, fruits, and vegetables, but mainly flowers. Evening/Night Khao San Road → Food Tour → Nightlife Khao San Road One of the most famous roads in Bangkok, Khao San Road is a popular destination for budget minded travelers and first time visitors. Khao San Road has a vibrant nightlife, cheap street food, and a lot of accommodations. I spent a rainy evening on Khao San Road sampling street food from Pad Thai to meat on skewers. This is definitely a party street. So if late nights in Bangkok and partying is your thing, don’t miss out on Khao San Road. Food Tour When visiting a new destination, I always recommend booking a food tour and we did just that. Our first night, we booked a Bangkok Food Tour around Chinatown. Booking a food tour is the perfect way to sample as much delicious food as possible and learn about the food scene and culture. On our food tour, we sampled over 10 items from Kanom Gui Chai to Mango Sticky Rice. Conclusion Spending one day in Bangkok offers an exciting introduction to Thailand’s capital. You could spend several days if not weeks exploring Bangkok, but there is still so much you can see in a day if that is all you have. In one day, you can explore some of Bangkok’s most iconic temples like Wat Pho or Wat Arun, taste amazing local dishes, walk through markets, and learn about the history and culture along the way. This one day Bangkok itinerary for first time visitors ensures that you won’t miss out on the highlights and must see places in Bangkok. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇹🇭 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Bangkok Food Tour: Where to Eat like a Local in Chinatown
One of the best ways to explore a city’s iconic culinary hotspots is by joining a food tour. A Bangkok food tour is a must especially one that specializes in the backstreets of Bangkok’s Chinatown. Known as Yaowarat Road, Chinatown is a haven for food lovers, like me! This post outlines our experience in booking a Bangkok Food Tour and covers all the delicious food dishes we tried along the way from crispy pork belly to finishing the night with a classic Thai dessert, Mango Sticky Rice. Whether you are visiting Bangkok for the first time or have been multiple times, joining a Bangkok Food Tour is a must do experience. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Booking a Bangkok Food Tour I recommend booking your Bangkok Food Tour online prior to your trip. We booked this Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour through Viator. We chose to book the Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour because it included about 15 or more tastings and he food on the itinerary sounded Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour and it was! Here are some other options of Food Tours in Bangkok, in case you want to see what other options are available. Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour Bangkok Midnight Food Tuk Tuk Tour Bangkok: Train Market and Floating Marekt. Bangkok Food Tour Tastings The Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour we joined primarily focused on Bangkok’s Chinatown. There was a nice mix of food dishes that were Thai and influenced by China. Below is a list of all the food items we sampled while on the food tour. Khao Kha Mu (Pork Leg Stew with Chili Garlic) Our first taste of Thai cuisine at Chinatown was Khao Kha Mu. This is a popular Thai street food dish that consists of braised pork served over rice. We had ours served with a Garlic-Chili Sauce and it was a nice mix of crunchy, sweet, and spicy. I’d hate to say it because this was our first dish and so early on, but it might have been my favorite dish we tried while on our food tour. Kanom Gui Chai (Chive Pancake with Soy Sauce) Kanom Gui Chai is another popular Thai street food snack. It’s a lighter meal that consists of a sticky rice batter with chives, it’s green in appearance. Apparently, there are two types of Kanom Gui Chai, Steamed and fried/pan fried. The tour had us try the steamed Kanom Gui Chai. It was served to us with soy sauce. I loved it, I liked the texture and the taste. Moo Satay (Pork Satay with Peanut Sauce) Moo Satay, Moo meaning pork in Thai, is a style of Thai pork satay. I had satay in both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and it has honestly become one of my favorite street food dishes in Southeast Asia. Satay are small meat filled skewers that are grilled over charcoal. The pork is well marinated with coconut milk, turmeric, curry, and other spices. For me, the peanut sauce steals the show. Usually the peanut sauce is served with satay and it consists of ground peanuts, coconut milk, and other spices. It compliments the satay very well. Suki Yaki (Thai Hot Pot) Thailand has their own version of Suki Yaki that is inspired by the Japanese version of Suki Yaki. Thailand adopted this delicious dish and added local flavors. Suki Yaki, is a hotpot dish where you ingredients are simmered in a broth. We got to sample small bowls of Thai Suki Yaki with noodles, chunks of meat, and a spicy sauce. I like Suki Yaki in general and found the Thai version to be very good. Nam Bai Bua Bok (Centella Juice) Have you ever heard of Nam Bai Bua Bok or Centella Asiatica Juice in English? I never did until our Thai Food Tour. Nam Bai Bua Bok is a herbal drink made from centella asiatica which is also known as pennywort. This drink is valued in Thailand and known as a cooling drink with healthy benefits. Our guide told us that locals drink it to help with inflammation, circulation, and skin health. Nam Bai Bua Bok had a slightly bitter taste and was somewhat earthy. But while drinking it during the day in Thailand while it was hot outside, I did feel its cooling affect. You can’t drink to much of it, just keep that in mind. Giaw Goong (Shrimp Dumpling) To try some of the best shrimp wontons around, our tour guide took us to Jok’s Kitchen, which was tucked away in a narrow alley of Bangkok’s Chinatown. Jok’s Kitchen is a Michelin-recognized restaurant and is a bit of a mystery. You make reservations here and there is no menu. Mr. Jok simply makes your meal with the food of that day. One of the signature dishes at Jok’s Kitchen are the shrimp filled dumplings and we got to try them on our Bangkok food tour. The dumplings were on the smaller side and I got to eat a few but they were really good. Hats off to Mr. Jok for his delcious dishes. Gang Keaw Wan Gai (Curry) Next, we went to a outside vendor called Jek Pui Curry to try Gang Keaw Wan Gai. This dish is a classic Thai Green Chicken Curry. The server had large pots and you order the type of curry you want. We then grabbed our bowls, sat, and ate. In general, I really love curry and enjoyed this dish. Thailand tends to use a lot of spice, so if you don’t like spicy food, make sure to tell the server. Durian (King of Fruit) Durian, known as the “King of Fruit” is known for it’s strong and pungent smell and custard-like fruit. Durian is definitely a love it or hate it kind of fruit. In my case, I’ve tried it a few times, last time was in Kuala Lumpur, I didn’t enjoy it as much. In Thailand, the Durian fruit had a much sweeter taste. The odor was not as strong and the texture was thicker. I actually didn’t mind the durian here. Not to say that I’d eat a ton of it, but if it is offered to me, I’ll try it again. Guay Jab (Roll Noodle Pepper Soup) Another one of my favorite dishes I tried during our Bangkok food tour was the Guay Jab. This popular noodle dish is made of rolled rice noodles in a rich peppery broth. I got my Guay Jab with braised pork and intestines. The flavor of everything was nice, especially the peppery broth. Soy Sauce Ice Cream I liked the Bangkok food tour we were on because the tour provided a nice mix of savory and sweet dishes. After slurping down the peppery soup, we popped into a store that sold soft serve ice cream and Deksomboon soy sauce. Yes, the soft serve ice cream was mixed with the soy sauce. Although soy sauce doesn’t seem like it would pair with any type of dessert, it worked with ice cream. With the rich vanilla flavor, the soy sauce added a slightly salty/caramel flavor. T & K Seafood Restaurant One of the final places we visited while on our food tour throughout Chinatown was T & K Restaurant. Here we tried many things to include Kung Pao (BBQ Prawn), Ma Muang Nam Pla Wan (Sour Mango with Salty Sauce), Pad Pak Boong Fri Dang (Stir fried Morning Glory), Pad Hoi Lai (Stir Fried Clam), and Mung Good (Mangosteen). Pa Tong Go (Donut with Green Pandan Custard) Before the tour ended, we got dessert again. We tried two more things, Pa Tong Go and Mango Sticky Rice. Pa Tong Go is a deep fried dough, like a donut. Its outside is crispy and the inside is soft and airy. We tried this with a Green Pandan Custard sauce. Khao Niew Ma Muang (Mango Sticky Rice) Last but not least, we concluded our Bangkok Food Tour with Khao Niew Ma Muang or Mango Sticky Rice. Mango Sticky Rice is a beloved dessert in Thailand and I highly recommend it. I had all sorts of Mango Sticky Rice in both Thailand and Cambodia and it was always a nice treat. Fresh mango with sticky rice and a coconut glaze to drizzle on top, it was delicious. You can find Mango Sticky Rice everywhere from street vendors to restaurants throughout Bangkok. Conclusion A guided street food tour in Bangkok’s Chinatown is the perfect way to explore hidden alleyways, taste authentic dishes, and discover local favorites that you might miss out on when traveling on your own. Whether you are traveling to sample local dishes or a first-time Bangkok visitor like me, booking a Bangkok food tour is a must if you want to try as much as possible, learn about the cuisine, and find hidden gems. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇹🇭 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok: Thailand’s Ancient Capital
If you are looking for the best day trips from Bangkok, I recommend checking out Thailand’s ancient capital, Ayutthaya. Most tours that offer an Ayutthaya day trip includes a stop at Bang Pa In Palace then visit Wat Mahathat, the historic city of Ayutthaya, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. I booked a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok just to get a little glimpse of historical sites outside the big city and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site I can check off my list. In this post, I’ll share everything about our trip to Thailand’s ancient capital. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Historic City of Ayutthaya: UNESCO Ayutthaya was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Ayutthaya is recognized by UNESCO for its cultural value and well-preserved ruins of the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. The site is protected and has an impressive collection of ancient temples, monasteries, and statues. Today, UNESCO helps preserve this iconic site for all visitors to enjoy. Why Visit Ayutthaya An Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok is a must for any traveler visiting Thailand. Visiting Ayutthaya offers a glimpse into Thailand’s rich history and offers visitors a different cultural and historical experience. Just 1.5 hours from Bangkok, Ayutthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has ancient temples, ruins, and a giant reclining Buddha statue. Ayutthaya Day Tours from Bangkok Sure you can drive the 1.5 hours from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and explore the ruins on your own, but what do you really get out of it? I recommend booking an Ayutthaya day tour from Bangkok. By booking a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, you get a knowledgeable guide who explains the history and significance of the sites plus you get transported in an air condition van. I booked this Ayutthaya Historical Park Full Day Tour from Bangkok. The tour included an air conditioned vehicle, a bottle of water, a guide, hotel pick up within a certain area, and entrance fees. After the tour, I definitely recommend it to my readers. It was a full day of exploration and seeing ancient temple ruins outside of Bangkok. Here is the tour we booked: ✅ UNESCO’s Ayutthaya Historical Park: Full-Day Tour from Bangkok If you like options, here are some other Ayutthaya tours: ✅ Private Excursion to Ayutthaya with Boat Tour ✅ Private Excursion to Floating Market and Ayutthaya World Heritage ✅ From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temples Guided Tour with Lunch Ayutthaya Itinerary Just so you know what to expect during your Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok, I’ve outlined our Ayutthaya itinerary. Or if you are visiting the ancient ruins on your own, don’t miss out on these sites. Bang Pa-In Royal Palace Bang Pa-In Royal Palace also known as the Summer Palace is a must-visit destination from Bangkok and lucky enough it was included in our Ayutthaya Day Trip. The Bang Pa-In Royal Palace was formerly used by the Thai Kings. The palace grounds showcase a lovely blend of Thai, Chinese, and European architecture all set in a beautiful park. The Aisawan-Dhipaya-Asana Pavilion set in the middle of the pond was my favorite landmark at Bang Pa-In Royal Palace. Wat Yai Chaimongkhon After visiting Bang Pa-In Royal Palace and as an intro to the Historic City of Ayutthaya, our first stop was Wat Yai Chaimongkhon. When we first arrived at Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, I instantly noticed the giant chedi or Buddhist stupas. At the site, the information board said that Wat Yai Chaimongkhon was initially built by King U-Thong in 1900 B.E. to accommodate monks. In the center of Wat Yai Chaimongkhon is a giant Stupa, you can walk up. There is also a reclining Buddha and many statues of Buddha scattered throughout the temple. Wat Mahathat Wat Mahathat is one of the most iconic and must visit temples in Thailand. Wat Mahathat is known for the Buddha head that is entwined in the tree roots, ruins, and relics. Wat Mahathat is one of the oldest temples in Ayutthaya and according to our guide, royal ceremonies were held at this temple. Buddha Head in the Tree Roots One of the most iconic scenes at Ayutthaya is the Buddha Head that is wrapped in the roots of a Bodhi tree. According to the sign posted at the site, the Buddha head was a part of a Buddha statue that fell off the main body and landed on the ground. Over time the Buddha head became trapped in the growing roots. There are many theories as to why or how the Buddha Head at Ayutthaya is where it is. Our guide told us that it was possibly taken by Burmese during the Burmese-Siamese War and dropped or set at the location. Wat Phra Sri Sanphet Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was a Royal Palace prior to becoming a monastery during the reign of King Ramathibodi I. During the peak of Ayutthaya, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was the largest temple. Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is known for the three Chedis that dominate the complex. While walking around the three Chedis are in constant view, making it a a photographers dream! Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is one of Thailand’s top-rated historical attractions and was a highlight especially while exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand. Reclining Buddha Sai Yat From its head to its toes, the Giant Reclining Buddha is 42 meters in length. The official name of the reclining Buddha he is Phra Buddha Sai Yat and it’s well worth a brief stop when visiting Ayutthaya from Bangkok. Conclusion An Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok is a must-do for anyone exploring Thailand, especially if you are spending time in Bangkok. Ayutthaya is known for its ancient temples and rich history. The biggest bonus is that it’s just outside of Bangkok. I recommend a guided tour to Ayutthaya but if you are traveling solo, it’s easy to visit this UNESCO site. If you are looking to visit historical sites near Bangkok, add a visit to Ayutthaya to your Thailand itinerary. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇹🇭 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.