Bangkok in a Day: The Ultimate 24‑Hour Itinerary

Bangkok is a massive city, and the longer you spend here, the more you can see. Many seasoned travelers recommend at least a few days, but what if you only have 24 hours? With the right Bangkok itinerary, 1 day can be enough.

If you’re visiting the Thai capital for a fleeting period, whether on a layover or during a tour of Southeast Asia, we have the perfect Bangkok one-day tour itinerary for you.

Is it Worth Going to Bangkok for One Day?

A day isn’t long enough to fully experience everything that Bangkok has to offer. But it’s plenty of time to explore the highlights, try a few hidden gems, and get a taste for the city.

Your accommodation is key, as the more you travel, the less you’ll see. Book a hotel in Sukhumvit, for instance, and you’ll be close to numerous bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as the popular Terminal 21 mall, the Soi Cowboy nightlife spot, and Benjakitti Park.

Do some sightseeing in the morning, hit up some attractions in the afternoon, and spend the evening at one of many night markets, restaurants, and bars.

Some attractions require a little more travel time, but public transportation is excellent here, and as long as you plan in advance and prepare some bus timetables or Skytrain routes, you can whizz around the city and cram more into your day.

So, yes, a one day trip to Bangkok is definitely worth it, but preparation is key!

Budgeting for One Day in Bangkok

Before you start preparing for your Thailand adventure, you need to budget.

A one day tour of Bangkok will typically be much cheaper than a longer stay, and it’s not a particularly expensive city. However, those costs can spiral if you’re not careful.

See the table below to better understand average prices in Bangkok:*

*Prices vary. Check official sources before you travel.

Average Daily Expenses in Bangkok

Most attractions charge entry fees. Religious sites like The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Chetuphon usually charge around THB 500 ($16), and many amusement parks go up to THB 1,000 ($32).

Always check the prices online first to make sure they are within your budget. Some attractions also offer online discounts.

To create a budget-friendly itinerary for one day in Bangkok, visit some free destinations. The city’s night markets, weekend markets, and shopping malls are a great option, as are its parks and thoroughfares, such as Lumpini Park and Chinatown.

Restaurant meals cost an average of 150 baht (about $4.50) if you stick with street food or local eateries. At some street food stalls, typically those located away from tourist hotspots, you can grab a snack for as little as 40 baht ($1.25) or a noodle dish for less than 100 baht ($3), with similar dishes in local and inexpensive restaurants available for up to 200 baht ($6).

For upmarket locations and tourist traps, especially those serving fine dining seafood and Western cuisine, there could be an extra zero on that bill. At Michelin starred restaurants like Cote by Mauro Colagreco and Signature Bangkok, for example, multi-course meals cost upwards of 3,000 baht ($94), and that’s before you consider wine pairings and service charges.

Public Transportation in Bangkok

Tuk tuks are a great way to get around, giving you some freedom of movement during your 1 day tour in Bangkok. A tuk tuk costs around THB 50-100 ($1.50-$3) for short rides, but they’re not fixed and you can negotiate the price.

The Skytrain is usually a cheaper option for longer journeys at around THB 17 ($0.50) for a single stop, and there are also hop-on, hop-off bus tours covering the most popular sights. These can be a godsend during a one day tour of Bangkok, and typically cost upwards of THB 150 ($4.50) per adult, depending on the service and length of validity. Buses are a cheap option, too, with many available for just THB 10 ($0.30).

Alternatively, various rideshares operate in the city, including Bolt and Grab. These charge a base rate depending on the vehicle or location (often THB 40-50), with the length of the journey then dictating the total price. Typically, it’s a more expensive option, and most mid-length journeys cost several hundred baht.

Prices vary, so always check in advance.

Accommodation in Bangkok

Check out our guide to Bangkok accommodations to find suitable, ideally-located hotels in the city.

Hostels in backpacker-friendly parts of the city (such as Khao San Road) charge less than THB 300 ($9), with budget guesthouses exceeding THB 1,000 ($31), and high-end hotels often charging in excess of THB 5,000 ($155).

Choose something close to the attractions you want to see. Ask about airport transfers, as many hotels provide free shuttles. If you don’t have to worry about paying for airport taxis or buses, you’ll free up some cash for everything else.

Top Attractions to Visit in Bangkok in 1 Day

Get more from your Bangkok one day tour with these tips for first time visitors:

• Use public transportation as much as possible, especially during rush hour (7-9am and 5-7pm), as the roads are heavily congested.
• Carry some small bills and coins to pay for drinks, snacks, and transport.
• If prices aren’t listed at a market stall, the vendor will expect you to negotiate and may start high.
• Dress appropriately when visiting temples (cover anything above the knees) and dinner cruises (usually smart casual).
• Find time to visit must-see religious sites like Wat Arun (also known as the Temple of Dawn) and Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha).

For more tips for your Bangkok one day tour, read our guide on the best places to see in Bangkok.

Early Morning (dawn – \~08:00)

A bright and early start is essential for a one day trip in BKK—if you keep hitting that “snooze” button, your full-day tour will turn into a half-day tour before your breakfast has settled.

Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talat)

This 24-hour flower market is best before dawn, as this is when the trucks and boats bring flowers to the market. Plan an early arrival (around 4am), enjoy the sights and smells, get some fresh flowers, and experience a market that few foreign visitors see.

• Hours: 24/7.
• Price*: Free.
• Dwell Time: 2 to 3 hours.
• Nearest MRT: Sanam Chai Station.
• Tip: Visit before dawn, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for a sensory adventure!

Explore the Floating Markets

Floating markets are traditional Thai markets where vendors sell goods from boats along the canal. There’s plenty of food, lots of souvenirs, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Explore the wares, negotiate some prices, and try some traditional fare like Kuay Teow Reua or “boat noodles.” The best options include the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Amphawa Floating Market, but they’re a little out of the way. Taling Chan Floating Market is a short trek from Bangkok city center, and may be a better option if you don’t want to stray too far.

• Hours: Varies.
• Price*: Free.
• Dwell Time: 2 to 4 hours.
• Nearest MRT: No nearby stations for the options mentioned above. Book a taxi or check day tour options.
• Tip: Book a tour to avoid dealing with the logistics of travelling outside the city. Arrive early, explore the market, and be back in time to prepare for the city’s nightlife.

Maeklong Railway Market

The Maeklong Railway Market opens at 6am, with the awnings hanging over the train tracks before being pulled back when a train arrives. It sounds chaotic, but this train market dance is beautifully orchestrated, and it’s worth including on your Bangkok one day tour itinerary for this spectacle alone.

• Hours: 6am – 6pm.
• Price*: Free.
• Dwell Time: 1 to 2 hours.
• Nearest MRT: No nearby stations. Drive, take the train, or book a tour.
• Tip: Withdraw cash in small bills and try to stay off the tracks.

Morning Highlights (\~08:30 – 12:00)

The sun is out and the city is buzzing! Morning is when you can experience the best of Bangkok.

Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha in Wat Phra Kaew

Head to the Grand Palace to include some cultural and religious sites on your 1 day tour in Bangkok. Located in the heart of the city, this complex includes Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the famous Emerald Buddha.

• Hours: 8:30am to 3:30pm.
• Price*: THB 500 ($16)
• Dwell Time: 1 to 2 hours.
• Nearest MRT: Sanam Chai Station.
• Tip: Cover your knees and shoulders, remove your shoes before entering, and refrain from touching any of the Buddha statues.

Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)

Wat Pho is less than 15 minutes from the Grand Palace on foot. It’s one of Thailand’s oldest temples and is home to the glorious Reclining Buddha statue. A few hours should be enough time to explore these two locations, leaving you plenty of time for the rest of your 1 day tour in Bangkok.

• Hours: 8am to 7:30pm.
• Price*: THB 300 ($9).
• Dwell Time: 1 to 2 hours.
• Nearest MRT: Sanam Chai Station.
• Tip: Try a traditional massage at the local massage school.

Canal Tours in Thonburi

A key garrison town during the Ayutthaya Kingdom, and a short-time capital thereafter, Thonburi is steeped in history, and the best way to explore it is with a canal tour. Book a private tour on a longtail boat and enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the canal network.

• Hours: Daylight hours.
• Price*: Up to THB 1,000 ($31) for private tours.
• Dwell Time: 2 hours.
• Nearest MRT: MRT Bang Khun Non.
• Tip: Load up on local fare during the boat’s many stops. If you eat your fill on this culinary city tour, skip the lunch break and continue with your Bangkok one day tour.

Lunch Break (\~12:00 – 13:30)

There are many great places to eat in Bangkok, from traditional pad thai at a street food stall to fresh local seafood at a riverside restaurant. Research the best restaurants in your area, focusing on eateries popular with locals.

Pad Thai & Café Culture

You can find pad thai anywhere in the world, but it’s best enjoyed in its native home. It’s fresh, flavorful, and available in various combinations, including shrimp, chicken, and tofu. Available everywhere from street food stalls to upmarket restaurants, it will keep you suitably fueled for the rest of your Bangkok one day tour.

Bangkok also has an excellent café culture, with coffee shops dotted throughout the city. They love their specialty teas and coffees here, and some of our favorite areas for cafes include Phaya Thai, Ari, Silom, and Chinatown.

Afternoon (\~13:30 – 17:00)

At this point, you’ll either be looking forward to some afternoon sunshine or eager to escape the sun. The heat doesn’t let up, and neither does this Bangkok one day tour.

Erawan Shrine

If you bought flowers at the flower market, they make for an excellent offering to show your respect at this sacred shrine. Incense is also common.

• Hours: 6am – 11pm.
• Price*: Free.
• Dwell Time: 1 hour.
• Nearest Station: Chit Lom BTS Skytrain Station.
• Tip: Keep your voice low and stay mindful of your surroundings, as this is a place of worship.

Siam District

Shopping is a must when visiting Bangkok. It’s home to many of the country’s biggest and best malls, and several of them are in Siam District. Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon, and MBK Center are all worthy of a day trip in themselves.

• Hours: Varies (many are from 10am to 9-10pm)
• Price*: Free to enter.
• Dwell Time: 2 to 3 hours.
• Nearest MRT: Siam BTS.
• Tip: Pick up some authentic souvenirs and spend some time playing arcade games or even riding a carousel.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Calling Chatuchak a market feels like an understatement. It’s like calling the Grand Canyon a pothole. Sure, it’s a market, but not like any market you’ve seen before.

There are over 15,000 stalls spread across a complex maze. Your senses will guide you through, whether it’s the tempting smell of sweet treats, the vibrant colors of handcrafted merchandise, or the calls from vendors.

Even if you only have a 1 day tour in Bangkok, you should still include the Chatuchak Weekend Market on your itinerary.

• Hours: 9am – 6pm.
• Price*: Free.
• Dwell Time: 2 to 3 hours.
• Nearest MRT: Chatuchak Park and Kamphaeng Phet station.
• Tip: Grab a market map to avoid missing anything important. Take small bills and be prepared to haggle.

Evening & Night (after \~18:00)

The neon lights are out, and the bars are open. The night is young, but your Bangkok one day tour is nearing its end, so let’s go out in style.

Nightlife and Dinner Cruises

There are a few different sides to Bangkok at night.

On the one hand, you have the nightlife—bars, restaurants, and throngs of people lining neon-lit streets. Streets like Khao San Road and Sukhumvit Soi 11 are not to be missed for fun seekers and extroverts.

For something more laid back, book a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. It’s a boat tour and a delicious meal in one. You’ll still be able to enjoy those neon-lit streets, but you’ll be doing it from afar, perhaps with a glass of sparkling wine in your hand.

How you choose to end your Bangkok one day tour is up to you.

*Prices vary. Check official sources before you travel.

Optional Full‑Day Excursions

If you’re still stuck for what to do for one day in Bangkok, why not take a tour and fill your day with adventure? Experience Bangkok with a walking tour or cycling tour, take a canal tour for cityscape panoramas, or spend a full day as part of a guided tour group. These Bangkok tours will arrange everything for you, so you don’t need to stress about your itinerary.

Best Day Trips from Bangkok

A Bangkok one day tour might just be the start of your Thailand adventure. With excellent connections, the capital is a great jumping-off point to explore other locations.

Half‑Day Tour Options

We noted that some of our recommended Bangkok one day tour options were a little out of the way, including the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market. But if you’re prepared to travel and spend a few hours there, they are great options.

See our pages on Bangkok to Maeklong Railway Market and Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market to discover the best routes.

Day Trip Essentials & Packing

Whether you’re driving down to Pattaya or taking a bus to Ayutthaya, make sure you’re prepared with the essentials:

• Appropriate clothing
• Sunscreen
• Snacks
• Water
• A phone charger
• A wallet/purse with small and large bills
• All required medication
• Identification

Ayutthaya: A Journey Back in Time

You can travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya by train, van, or bus, with most options taking less than 90 minutes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its majestic ruins, showcasing the remnants of a city that dates back to the 14th century and was once the capital of Siam.

Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai

For a taste of natural beauty with a historical flavor, head from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. Book a private tour, group tour, or find your own way. It’s peaceful, but somber; serene but thought-provoking. It’s a must for students of history.

If nature and wild animals are more your thing, the Bangkok to Khao Yai National Park route will drop you in an impressive wildlife park that spans over 2,000 square kilometers.

Conclusion: Bangkok One Day Tour

As big and busy as Bangkok is, it’s still possible to capture the vibrancy, diversity, and beauty of this city in a single day. Make the most of every journey and every meal, see what you want to see, and if you find that you can’t drag yourself away from a particular attraction, stay a little longer.

The goal is to enjoy yourself at your own pace—it’s not a race.

Who knows, your 1 day tour in Bangkok might be the start of a new love affair with the city, one that you’ll want to repeat time and time again.