One day in Bangkok. The best of the Thai capital.
After a sweaty morning exploring Bangkok’s famous temples, the pad ka pow at Phed Mark hit hard.
It might’ve been my favourite dish in Thailand, and set me up perfectly for a wild evening on Khao San Road.
All in one day!
Short on time in the Thai capital and not sure where to start? This guide’s for you.
Temples, tuk-tuks, street food, sky-bars, scams… Bangkok is incredible, but it can be overwhelming. I’ve done this route myself (twice!) and built a no-fluff 24-hour itinerary to make your day easy, affordable, and unforgettable.
This backpacker-friendly plan includes culture, food, a bit of shopping, and that essential nightlife hit every Bangkok trip needs.
Whether you're on a layover, starting a Southeast Asia trip, or just curious what one day in Bangkok looks like…
This guide’s for you!
You’ll get what to do, how to get around, what things cost, and a vibe check at every stop.
Just another awesome day in Bangkok.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
Why visit Bangkok for just one day?
You might be thinking: is one day in Bangkok even worth it?
Absolutely.
Whether you’re on a layover, crossing in from Cambodia, or just squeezing in a stop before heading to the islands, Bangkok’s an awesome 24-hour stop.
I even spent my birthday here on a layover from Vietnam to Phuket… Despite already visiting twice on past Southeast Asia trips. That’s how much I love this city.
It’s chaotic, colourful, full of contrasts, and somehow, even one day gives you a solid taste of what makes Thailand unforgettable.
Awesome views from a skybar.
On my last short stay, I managed temples at sunrise, unbeatable street food, a football shirt haul at MBK Centre, and more than a few Changs on Khao San Road.
That’s the magic of Bangkok: it’s intense but compact.
Temples? Right by the river.
Markets and malls? Skytrain away.
Nightlife? Always just around the corner.
So if you're short on time, don’t skip the Thai capital, just hit it hard and smart.
This one-day Bangkok itinerary shows you exactly how.
Some funny graffiti art in China Town.
A moment of peace in a hectic city.
How to get around Bangkok in one day?
Bangkok’s big, hot, and a bit mad, but getting around is easier than it looks if you know the city.
My pick: Motorbike taxis.
If you want something fun and uniquely Bangkok, this is it. A little chaotic? Sure. Slightly risky? Maybe. But honestly, it felt like the fastest, most efficient way to get across the city, by far.
You’ll find motorbike taxi stands all over the city. They’re fast, dirt cheap, and a big dose of adrenaline.
Honestly, some of my favourite memories in Bangkok are on the back of a motorbike weaving through standstill traffic.
A stress free option - BTS Skytrain / MRT.
Your best friend in Bangkok. Fast, cheap, air-conditioned, and a lifesaver during rush hour.
Single journey: 16–59 THB (under £1), depending on distance
Day pass (BTS only): 150 THB (£3.50) for unlimited rides
Contactless: Most BTS and MRT stations now accept tap-and-go payments with Visa or Mastercard — no ticket machines, no faff
Th skytrain is very efficient.
Tuk-tuks.
A fun experience for first time visitors to the Thai capital, but also risky, and scam heavy.
They’re often overpriced… Agree on a price or walk away.
Grab (Thailand’s Uber).
Reliable, air-conditioned, trackable, and no haggling.
Fixed fares shown upfront, ideal for stress-free city travel.
Tuk Tuk land.
Are you prepared for Thailand?
E-sims are now very popular and minimise hassle before visiting new countries!
As soon as I arrived at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport airport, I just had to click activate and I was straight on a 5G network.
Airalo proved to be a very handy travel tool for me throughout my South East Asia trip
Purchasing an e-sim in advance of your trip is a travel hack.
This is the best option for most visitors, as it is unlimited data for ten days. all for less than £3 per day.
Our tuk tuk driver getting his credentials checked.
What to do in Bangkok in one day.
So, you've got 24 hours in Bangkok and want to make it count. The good news?
With smart planning, you can experience the best of Bangkok in a single day
Every corner of the Thai capital reveals fun surprises, so you don’t need a lot of time to feel the awesome energy of the city.
This one-day itinerary is designed for backpackers, layover travellers, or anyone trying to squeeze max adventure into minimum time, but it is more than doable.
You will have your moments of chill during the day.
Below is a practical route that balances culture, food, shopping, and nightlife, all while staying budget-friendly and easily connected via public transport or Grab.
At a glance:
Morning: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).
Midday: Terminal 21 or MBK Centre.
Afternoon: Lunch at Phed Mark.
Evening: Khao San Road.
Optional add-on: Early visit to a floating market (Taling Chan or Khlong Lat Mayom) if you're out the door by 7am.
A beautiful Buddha statue.
Wat Arun – An iconic landmark to start the day.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, known locally as Wat Run is the perfect place to start your Bangkok adventure!
The temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period, and gets its name from Aruna, the Hindu god of dawn.
As you can imagine, the temple attracts tens of thousands of international visitors everyday, so getting there early is key.
For the best travel experience you want the iconic temple in your sights before the sun rises.
It’s one of the few peaceful moments you’ll get in Bangkok, and way easier to enjoy without the tour groups crowding the place.
Plus, the early light makes it a great spot for photos.
Wat Arun at sunset.
I enjoyed climbing the steep steps of the central prang, as the panoramic view of the river and city are unmatched in my opinion.
It’s a bit of a leg workout, but totally worth it. Just take your time, the steps are steep and not for the faint-hearted, especially in the heat.
The temples are a big draw to Thailand, and as introductions to Thai culture go, this one’s hard to beat for first-time visitors.
Daily Opening Hours:
8:00am – 6:00pm (last entry usually around 5:30 PM).
This is a cheap activity with entry costing 100 THB (£2.50), however, modest dress is required. You can purchase or rent trousers nearby though.
Getting there: Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin, then a river ferry to Tha Tien Pier. A short boat ride across will drop you at Wat Arun.
This boat trip will give you stunning views of Wat Arun, especially at golden hour - Check it out.
Wandering around the famous temple.
Eat like a local at Phed Mark.
If you want to try Thailand’s most famous dish at an iconic restaurant, then I have got the perfect place for you to visit as a first timer in Bangkok.
Phed Mark is co-owned by Mark Wiens, one of Thailand’s most well-known food YouTubers, and it specialises in just one thing: pad ka pao (spicy Thai basil stir-fry), done to perfection.
This option fits perfectly into a short Bangkok itinerary as it is fast, affordable, and the place is usually buzzing with a mixture of locals and tourists.
The city’s beautiful food options, both local and international, contribute towards Bangkok being one of Asia’s most popular cities.
Phed Mark gives you a proper taste of Bangkok’s street food culture, without the guesswork or the street-side seating.
An iconic spot in Bangkok.
The restaurant offers this tasty dish with customisable options… By spice level (1 to 5), and protein choice.
I opted for beef and spice level 3 and it was a challenge!
And the meal certainly lived up to the hype.
Prices hover around 120–150 THB (£2.50 - £3.50), making it a solid choice for all traveller types.
It hits that perfect balance between local authenticity and backpacker convenience… No wonder it’s become a bit of a Bangkok hotspot.
Ideally you want to plan to visit off-peak to avoid queues, and bring cash.
It's also a small shop with limited seating… It is well worth the wait though!
Getting there: BTS Ekkamai Station, it’s just a few minutes’ walk.
An amazing, but spicy pad ka pow.
Explore Terminal 21 or MBK Centre Mall.
One of my favourite activities in Bangkok is exploring the malls… They are incredible.
My favourite one is MBK Centre, located on Rama I Road next to National Stadium BTS, as it feels more like a market than a mall. It is rough around the edges, but you can find some absolute bargains.
It is so much fun haggling with the locals!
Its old-school vibe is manifested through tight corridors, neon signs, and seven floors of chaos
There is an awesome food court here, so I ended up spending a couple of hours in the popular shopping spot.
This is a famous mall in Bangkok for fake designer goods, and you can get basically anything you want… Trainers, clothes, watches etc.
Head to Level 5 for electronics and Level 6 for the clothes and knock-off gear.
The Food court is located on Level 6 and is very well priced.
Getting there: BTS National Stadium exit 4, MBK is right outside.
MBK Centre.
Retro football shirt heaven.
I kept seeing people in the Thai capital wearing old football shirts.. The ‘98/99 Man Utd shirt’, the ‘Beckham Real Madrid shirt’, and the ‘Ronaldo Brazil shirt’… So I was wondering where they got them.
Then the gold mine that is the MBK Centre revealed itself!
Tucked away on the upper floors, you'll find small stalls stacked with classic kits… Premier League, Serie A, World Cup throwbacks.
Most stalls sell decent-quality replicas for 300–500 THB (£6–£11), and haggling is part of the game.
They always have more sizes and higher quality hidden, so don’t be scared to ask!
I picked up an awesome Arsenal JVC kit!
Football shirt heaven in MBK Centre.
Terminal 21 is another amazing mall… with a twist!
Each floor is themed after a different world city… From Tokyo to London to Istanbul, all complete with themed decor, signs, and even airport-style gates.
There was every type of cuisine imaginable available here!
I was craving some Western food by this point in my Asia trip, so I had a beautiful pizza.
Pier 21 food court on the top floor is one of the best budget eats spots in Bangkok, especially for Thai food.
Terminal 21 is a fun mall.
Experience the chaos of Khao San Road.
If you're a backpacker or first-time visitor, there’s no better way to wrap up your one day in Bangkok than with a night on Khao San Road.
This short stretch turns pedestrian-only in the evening and explodes with loud music, neon lights, and unbeatable street food.
Every bar is fun on Khao San Road.
Why go? For the atmosphere.
Whether you’re solo or in a group, it’s easy to make friends and soak up the madness. Grab a cocktail bucket, a massage, or even try a scorpion or two… They aren’t that bad!
Khao San Road is a kind of big deal for new visitors to the Thai capital, but after that it loses some of its appeal, as there many more chilled spots in the city’s abundant life.
This blog is mainly aimed at curious first time visitors though, so by all means.. Head to the backpacker street.
Crocodile is a famous street food option on Khao San Road.
Keep an eye on your stuff, avoid overpriced tuk-tuks nearby, and start on the calmer Rambuttri Road for a chill vibe before diving in.
Getting there: Taxi or Grab from MBK (under 20 mins). No direct BTS, so rideshare is easiest.
Street art near Khao San Road.
Costs and budgeting for one day exploring Bangkok.
Here’s what you can realistically expect to spend in one packed day exploring Bangkok — backpacker style:
Attractions & Temples.
Wat Arun: 100 THB (Most attractions are free or very affordable).
Food & Drinks.
Street food meal: 40–80 THB / Phed Mark: 150 THB / Chang beer on Khao San: 80–120 THB.
Transport.
BTS/MRT single ride: 16–59 THB - BTS Day Pass: 150 THB - Grab ride across the city: 100–200 THB - Motorbike taxi (short trip): 30–80 THB.
Shopping / Extras
MBK souvenirs or a fake football shirt: 200–400 THB / Foot massage on Khao San: 150–250 THB.
Backpacker daily budget estimate:
Low budget: 700–900 THB (£15–£20).
Comfortable day out: 1,000–1,500 THB (£22–£33).
Bangkok is a crazy place, and you can enjoy it for pennies… So you decide on your daily budget, and then go have a blast!
Very cheap street food in Bangkok.
Tips for first-time visitors.
Here are three tips many first-time visitors to Bangkok don’t realise until it’s too late.
Carry small cash & coins.
Most street vendors, tuk-tuks, and smaller shops are cash-only, and they rarely have change for big notes. I always visit a 7-Eleven for a snack early in the day to break my larger baht notes.
I also used cash in many of the famous temples across Thailand.
Dress smart for temples.
Temples are sacred spaces, and the Thai people take religion very seriously.
Cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid clothes which reveal too much skin. A light scarf or sarong, or trousers are available near most temples, and can be rented or purchased, which can save you from being turned away.
Watch for the typical tourist scams.
If someone tells you ‘the temple is closed’ and offers you a tuk-tuk tour instead, walk away.
We have all fallen for this one before... It will only cost you money in the end, for a low value experience, along with some unnecessary stress.
Some beautiful street art near China Town in Bangkok.
Alternate itinerary ideas.
Not every traveller vibes the same, but luckily, Bangkok offers something for every type of visitor.
Whether you’ve been before, want to skip the crowds, or you have seen so many temples on your Asia trip that you just want a beer and a laugh instead.
Here are a few easy swaps to tweak your day:
Mahanakhon Skywalk (Bangkok’s best viewpoint).
This one is a little different, but unique in its own way. Head to the Mahanakhon Skywalk, Bangkok’s highest observation deck at 314 metres.
The glass floor is a thrill for many visitors, and the sunset views are unreal.
Chinatown (Yaowarat Road).
Not into the backpacker madness of Khao San Road? Chinatown brings high energy in its own way. You will still enjoy some amazing street food, bright lights, and an awesome atmosphere.
Chinese themed street art.
Jay Fai (Michelin-Star street food).
If you’re chasing the hype, Jay Fai’s crab omelette is the real deal. It’s pricey, the wait is long, and yeah… it’s just an omelette… but somehow, it’s a taste sensation.
Maeklong Railway Market (The one with the train).
If you’ve got time for a half-day trip, Maeklong Railway Market is a fun one.
Similar to Train Street in Hanoi, a train arrives and passes through the market, just inches from you.
It takes about 1.5 hours from Bangkok by van, taxi, or tour. I paired it with a floating market, and it was a great day!
👉 Check the tour here.
A new piece of street art being created.
Maeklong Railway Market near Bangkok.
FAQs about spending one day in Bangkok.
Planning a short visit to the Thai capital? Here are the most common questions first-time travellers ask when trying to make the most of one day in Bangkok… From what to wear at temples to how to get around without stress:
Is one day in Bangkok enough?
Enough for the highlights, yes.
With good timing, you can fit in temples, Thai street food, shopping, and nightlife… All in under 24 hours.
What should I wear to temples in Bangkok?
Shoulders and knees must be covered.
Avoid ripped jeans, short skirts, or tank tops.
Bring a light scarf or sarong if you're unsure.
What’s the best way to get around Bangkok?
BTS Skytrain and MRT are fast, cheap, and air-conditioned.
Grab (Thailand’s Uber) is great for short rides.
Motorbike taxis are fun and fast… I rate them for short trips.
Tuk-tuks are fun but often overpriced… Always agree on a price first.
Is Bangkok walkable?
In parts, yes.
However you’ll want to use the BTS Skytrain, MRT, or Grab (ride-hailing app) to save time and avoid the heat. The intense heat makes everywhere feel further!
Some parts of the city are beautiful to walk around.
Is it safe to explore Bangkok solo?
Yes. I have visited Bangkok many times alone, and it is one of the safest cities for solo travellers. Just keep an eye on your belongings and avoid obvious scams (like the infamous ‘tuk-tuk tours’).
Is Bangkok airport close to the city?
Suvarnabhumi (BKK): 45 mins by Airport Rail Link or Grab.
Don Mueang (DMK): 30–60 mins depending on traffic.
Tip: Always allow buffer time — Bangkok traffic can surprise you.
Where can I store luggage for a day in Bangkok?
Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports have lockers.
Malls like Terminal 21 and MBK Centre offer storage.
Use luggage services like AIRPORTELs (found in major malls and BTS stations).
Can I visit a floating market in one day?
Yes, but only just. The best quick options are:
Taling Chan.
Khlong Lat Mayom.
Both are about 30–45 mins from central Bangkok. Go early (before 9 AM), or skip it if your time is tight, the city itself has more than enough to fill a day.
Still figuring out how to spend your 24 hours? Check out the full One Day in Bangkok itinerary for the best routes, food stops, and how to make every hour count… Backpacker style.
A quirky Coca Cola stall at the floating markets.
Final thoughts – One unforgettable day in Bangkok.
Bangkok’s a city that hits hard and fast, and even with just one day, you can feel its energy.
From riverside temples to spicy street food, shopping hauls to night-time chaos, this itinerary gives you a real taste of what makes Bangkok unforgettable.
It’s not about seeing everything… It’s about experiencing the right things, the right way.
One day won’t scratch the surface, but it’ll leave you wanting more.
After multiple trips to the Thai capital, I still love it!
Whether you're on a layover, starting your Southeast Asia adventure, or just passing through, Bangkok delivers.
Hit it hard. Make it count.
A birthday beasting at Crossfit Arena.
Check out if Northern Thailand might be your thing instead.
If the Bangkok buzz leaves you craving something more laid-back, it might be time to head north.
Chiang Mai offers temples, mountains, and night markets, all with a slower pace and cooler air.
And if you really want to chill out, Pai is the backpacker paradise you didn’t know you needed: motorbikes, waterfalls, and the most picturesque sunsets.
I fell in love with Northern Thailand, and did not want to leave… I also fell into that famous Pai hole!
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.