Your fleeting visit is just a tiny taste of Thailand’s capital, and Bangkok does deserve more than 24 hours to see it, however you can make the most out of your day here. You’re going to see Bangkok from the back of a Tuk Tuk, a river ferry boat, and by foot.
It is important to stay in a hostel / hotel that is extremely local and accessible to the center of Bangkok. The Prince Theatre Heritage stay is a hostel within walking distance to the Chao Phraya River, the central river that runs through Bangkok – imagine the Thames, in which is central to manoeuvre around the city. The hostel includes a buffet breakfast and your own sleeping pods, the experience was luxurious, for a backpacker. With a 9.2/10 rating on Hostelworld and a bed in a mixed dorm from £8.89 a night – there are no questions asked.
1: Bangkok National Museum or the National Gallery
It is so important to understand a city’s history and / or culture, no matter how little time you are spending there. The Bangkok National Museum and The National Gallery both have entrance fees of 200 baht. (£4.91, Feb 2019) Bangkok’s National Museum contains beautiful architecture with traditional Thai art and artifacts. The National Gallery is similar, however focuses more on fine art, with art from the 17th century - present.
How to get there:
From the hostel you can take an 8-minute walk to the nearest ferry port called ‘Oriental’. You want to travel towards the Grand Palace but stopping at the ‘Tha Prachen’ ferry port, which is a stop away from the Grand Palace. A ferry boat crossing is roughly 3 baht each way. (0.74p, Feb 2019) Once exiting the ferry port, you can take a 10-minute walk to either the Bangkok National Museum or the National Gallery.
2: The Emerald Buddha, Grand Palace and Wat Pho - Temple of the Reclining BuddhaThe Emerald Buddha is believed to watch over Thai society, the Grand Palace houses the royal family, and has done for 150 years and Wat Pho is one of the largest temples in Bangkok, finished with gold leaf and intricate architecture. The Emerald Buddha, Grand Palace and Wat Pho are considered number one attractions when visiting Bangkok. It would be like a tourist visiting London and not visiting the London eye, it just doesn’t happen. All three are situated within walks apart from each other. I would recommend starting at the Emerald Buddha, as it is situated within the ground of the Grand Palace and working your way down. With a 10-minute walk between the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. The Grand Palace requires an entrance fee of 500 baht (£12.28, Feb 2019) whilst Wat Pho is 100 baht (£2.46, Feb 2019) How to get there: From either museum you can walk, which is around another 10 minutes to the Emerald Buddha. Or you can catch a tuk tuk, but it is about an expensive as any of the entrance fees and will probably take as long due to traffic, waiting time and haggling the price.
3: Wang Lang MarketBangkok is renowned for its street food. My personal favorite is Pad Thai (basic, I know). But there is an array of chicken, beef, pork, veggie options, sea food, sushi, noodle soups and of course more. This market remains very traditional, with locals still buying and eating there. You can easily find yourself stuck in a traditional cafe along the main street, sweating over the language barrier whilst the amused locals stare at you. This is a great place to get lunch, whilst still being surrounded by the atmosphere of Thailand’s capital. How to get there: From exiting Wat Pho, head to the nearest ferry port, 'Tha Tien' to 'Prannok Pier', which is located on the opposite side of the river. Once leaving 'Prannok Pier', it is a few minutes’ walk to the bottom of the street market.
4: Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn
Wat Arun sits tall on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It is argued to be the most staggering temple in Bangkok. It is mostly white and cream with flecks of reds and blues, completely contrasting the traditional gold leafing of most temples. There is a 100-baht entrance fee. (£2.46, Feb 2019)
How to get there:
From Wang Lang market you can walk for 20 minutes, or take a 5-minute taxi or tuk tuk, as it is on the same side of the river.
5: The Old Siam Shopping Plaza, Siam Shopping CenterThis one is controversial; however, Bangkok’s shopping scene is on a mass scale. With Bangkok still reaching the number one spot for the most visited city in the world. Shopping often unites people, whether tourists or locals. Therefore, the malls in Thailand are grand and spectacular, with marble floors and different levels hosting alternative price ranges, often going something like from mediocre, middle class and elitist. Even if you do not go to shop, you can see one of Bangkok’s many personalities along with the restless streets, traffic and neon lights. How to get there: From Wat Arun take the nearest ferry port Khun Mae Pueak, to the other side of the river to Tha Tian Express Boat Pier. Siam Shopping centre is just over an hours walk from the pier - so take a taxi or tuk tuk to travel, which is around 15 minutes. This is also the perfect time to take a tuk tuk, as you’re exactly among the thrill and somewhat fear of driving through the manic streets of Bangkok.
6: Calypso Cabaret PerformanceThe famous Calypso Cabaret show is dubbed Thailand’s ‘signature attraction.’[1] Thailand is stereotyped for its ‘lady boys’ and transgender movement and therefore is the perfect place to witness a traditional show. Admittedly, this show is extremely different to anything from the traditions of the West End or Broadway and it cries culture clash. But it is comical, sometimes uncomfortable and offers a complimentary drink, again so no questions asked. Tickets can be from £23 for a standard 90 min show, general timings are from 7:30pm or 9pm. I would recommend getting the 9pm show as you may have to rush for the 7:30, and no one likes stress. How to get there: From the Prince Theatre Hostel it is a 20-minute walk, or from Siam Shopping Center it is a 20-minute taxi or tuk tuk.
So, from museums to temples, street food and cabaret you can experience Bangkok all within 24 hours. There are many alternatives to see Bangkok, along with guided tours and many more hours. But this was the most effective way I experienced Bangkok to see and do everything I had planned.
[1] Expedia. Things to do Calypso Bangkok Cabaret Show.