Bangkok’s highlights in a day
Although one day (or night!) in Bangkok is not enough time to delve into the intricacies of a place with such a wealth of culture and range of activities, it is possible to see its best bits in a day. So many tourists overlook the fact that this remarkable city offers a great deal in culture and activity that few bother to spend more than a day or two passing through. If you would rather get to the island and mountains, here’s what we suggest you get to in just one day.
Probably the most visited attraction in Thailand’s capital is Wat Phra Kaew (temple of the Emerald Buddha), located in the grounds of the Grand Palace. This complex was the official home of the Thai monarchy until the 20th century and offers spectacular examples of a range of architectural styles including authentic Thai and Italian Renaissance. The complex is also home to the monumental statue the Emerald Buddha. The Buddha figurine, dating to 43 BC and originating in India, is carved from green jade and clothed in intricate gold ornamentation. More on the Grand Palace. (Duration: 90 minutes)
Wat Arun, with its fabulous location on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, is visited by many tourists for its striking 79 meter high pagoda and includes Chinese statues and intricate puzzle-like ceramic detail. At sunset, the ‘Temple of Dawn’ is one of the most beautiful sights in the city, best viewed from the boat as you cross the river from the Grand Palance and Wat Po. The latter is another must-see temple in the are with its famous giant reclining Buddha and multiple spires. All three are within easy reach of one another. (Duration: 90 minutes).
The National Museum, the largest in Thailand, is home to extensive displays of artefacts spanning the history of Thailand. The museum provides insight into Thai culture and the significant role Buddhism has played in its development. English language tours are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and are well worth the extra baht for the knowledge divulged. With only a day to see everything you might only manage a stroll through one of the wings, but it does contain one of Asia’s best selection of fine art and Buddhist relics dating back to the earliest civilisations of the region. (Duration: 1-2 hours).
Claiming to be the largest golden teak mansion in the world, the Vimanmek Palace was once home to King Rama V. Today, it is one of Bangkok’s top tourist attractions. The spectacular design of the building combined with the beautifully kept gardens and daily traditional performances make it a gem among Bangkok’s places to see. Nearby is the Dusit Throne Hall - a neo-classic building closed to the public but worth photographing. It is here too that you experience the leafy suburbs and broad, low rise avenues of ‘Royal and administrative Bangkok.(Duration: up to 2 hours).
American architect and war veteran Jim Thompson is widely credited as having played a significant role in the development and worldwide promotion of Thailand’s silk industry. His home, today a museum - Jim Thompson’s House is open to the public, providing visitors a look at traditional Thai architecture. It combines buildings from around the country, which were dismantled and brought to the capital to create this impressive complex. (Duration: 45 minutes).
Bangkok is a shopping hub for the region. There is no end of markets, shopping centres and pedestrian shopping streets. If you have time on your one-day stop in Bangkok, the jam-packed lanes of Chinatown offer shopping enthusiasts a vast range of products from jewellery and clothes to curious antique collections. Chatuchak weekend market is by far Bangkok’s largest and most bustling market. Only open on Saturdays and Sundays, it is well worth a visit for some serious bargains in everything from traditional Thai crafts to retro vintage clothing.
There are few tourists who come to Bangkok who don’t pay a visit to the world renowned Khao San road. The street is a Bohemian hotspot packed with bars, nightclubs, massage parlours, restaurants and street stalls. It is one of the most entertaining spots in all of Bangkok with endless streams of characters from across the world providing some interesting people watching opportunities. This means trekking all the way back to the Rattanakosin area, so you might prefer the people watching of the popular ex-pat/tourist area of Sukumwit with its upmarket restaurants and sleazy corners. Silom Road is another magnet in the evenings with its famous Patpong Red Light District and night vendors. (Duration: 1-2 hours). More on Night Attractions.
From street stalls to fine dining, Bangkok has it all in the way of food. Across the city eateries serve delicacies from the four main regions of the country, all offering distinct and varying tantalising flavours. If you are not ready to delve into the serious flavour that is Thai cuisine, then the city can offer foods from around the world, whatever your preference.
Of course traffic is alwaysy going to be a problem and the above itinerary is designed to avoid cross-town journeys if you follow it in order. Take a map and mark your destination to show often cunning taxi and tuk-tuk drivers exactly where you want to go. Wear loose fitting and comfortable clothes, and if you are intending to visit any of the city’s temples, wear long sleeves and a skirt or trousers that cover your legs. Drink lots of water and stay calm and polite and Bangkok may very well provide you with some of your best stories to take back home.
