One Perfect Day in Bangkok for Backpackers

One Day in Bangkok Itinerary

Have Breakfast at On Lok Yun

With 24 hours of exploration ahead of you, it is best that you start your day with a delicious Thai/Chinese-style breakfast at On Lok Yun restaurant, a Kopitiam-style restaurant that sells cheap and delicious old-school breakfast such as fried eggs in a pan, "American" breakfast, toast, and iced coffee.

On Lok Yun serves breakfast from 6 AM to 2:30 PM every day, with prices starting at 23 THB and going up to 90 THB. You can reach the place by taking the MRT to Sam Yod Station, and the restaurant should be right near Sam Yod Station Exit 2.

Learn Thai History at Bangkok National Museum

To start your day off in Bangkok, it is best that you spend some time and learn a little bit about Thailand and its rich history. There is no better place to do that than at the Bangkok National Museum.

The Bangkok National Museum consists of several exhibitions highlighting each prominent period of Thailand. Within the museum, you will find a huge collection of curious artifacts and Buddhist art dating back to the founding years of Siam.

From the Dvaravati and Srivijaya eras that came before Siam to the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods, there is no shortage of amazingly rare things to see here. The museum doesn't contain just artifacts from Siam; the artifacts and Buddhist art displayed here came from all over Asia, from the Indian Gandhara to the Indonesian Java.

There are three permanent exhibitions spread across over 15 exhibition halls, so you will need at least an hour or two to walk through them all. They are all interesting, in my opinion, and should provide you with loads of fascinating facts and stories about how we came to be.

Bangkok National Museum's opening hours are between 9 AM and 4 PM every day except Monday and Tuesday. The admission fee for the national museum is 200 THB for foreigners, 30 THB for Thais, and free for children and monks.

Have Lunch at Karim Roti Mataba on Phra Atthit Road

After spending a few hours at the Bangkok National Museum, it is time to have lunch. And there is no better place to eat than at all the awesome local restaurants along Phra Atthit Road, a strip of road known for its delicious food located not too far from the Bangkok National Museum.

I highly recommend you drop by Karim Roti Mataba and try their delicious Beef Pa Naeng stew with yellow rice and their mataba, which is what they are known for. You will also find plenty of other local restaurants along Phra Atthit Road, so be sure to keep an eye out when you are here.

Visit the Grand Palace

Once you are done with lunch, it is time to visit the crown jewel of the city, the Grand Palace, home to some of the most stunning Thai architecture in the country and a great spot to start your journey in Bangkok.

The Grand Palace is a complex of beautiful buildings and has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since the 80s. The palace consists of stunning pagodas and architectures, all covered in either gold or extremely intricate sculptures and patterns that will make your jaw drop.

The Grand Palace has a very strict dress code, and you won't be allowed to enter without having your shoulders and legs covered. So, no tank top and shorts for you here. Be sure to dress properly if you plan to visit the Grand Palace.

They used to let you rent long pants, but not anymore. So, if you don't have any, you will be forced to buy one from the shops across the street. However, they aren't expensive, and it should cost you around 150 THB for one of those elephant pants.

Once inside, you will enter the Grand Palace courtyard, and you will be surrounded by massive golden pagodas, ordination halls, and structures that are covered in stunning and intricately designed Thai traditional patterns and carvings. It is quite a sight to behold.

There are 2 sections in the Grand Palace: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where you can walk around and go inside all the beautiful temples, and the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, a stunning piece of architecture that blends the European colonial architectural style with the Thais perfectly.

For the second section of the Grand Palace, you won't be able to enter, but you can still appreciate its beauty from the outside. The structure is built with a colonial architectural style from the base up, whereas the roofs are of Thai architectural style, which is a sight you don't see every day.

The Grand Palace's admission fee is 500 THB, and the opening hours are between 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM every day. Do not listen to tuk-tuk drivers who claim that the Palace is closed. The place is never closed, even on public holidays, unless it's during a renovation.

Check Out the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho

Right next to the Grand Palace, you will find Wat Pho, which is home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the country and is a great place to visit after the Grand Palace.

Wat Pho is a little less busy than the Grand Palace and offers you a closer look at the stunning Thai architecture within the temple courtyard. From the giant Reclining Buddha image to lines and lines of Buddha statues, there is no shortage of great photo ops here at Wat Pho.

Not to mention, Wat Pho is the place where you will find these stunningly detailed and colorful pagodas, where many travelers from all over the world come to Bangkok just to take photos with these magnificent architectures.

Wat Pho courtyard is quite large, and you will have to spend at least 30 minutes to see all that the temple has to offer. In my opinion, I prefer Wat Pho over the Grand Palace.

Wat Pho has a cheaper admission fee, it has no shortage of stunning architecture for photos, and it is way less crowded than the Grand Palace, allowing me to enjoy the beauty of the temples a little bit more.

Wat Pho's opening hours are between 8 AM and 6:30 PM, and the entrance fee for foreigners is 200 THB. I prefer this temple more than the Grand Palace because it is way less crowded, and you can actually sit and enjoy the place at your own leisure.

Visit Wat Arun

Across the Chao Phraya River from Wat Pho, you will find Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn, an old Buddhist temple that is home to the stunning white pagoda, which is featured prominently on the 10 Thai baht coin.

Wat Arun is probably one of the most recognized landmarks in Bangkok, due to its stunning location right on the riverside of the Chao Phraya. It serves as a great point of interest for travelers to watch the sunset at one of the many riverside restaurants nearby.

To get from Wat Pho to Wat Arun, you will have to cross the mighty Chao Phraya River from Tha Tien Ferry Terminal, and you will have to get on the river-crossing ferry, which will take you across for around 4 THB.

Once you are at Wat Arun, you can climb up the newly-renovated pagoda to the upper section and watch the beautiful sunset over the city of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River from the top.

Wat Arun is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day, and the admission fee for foreigners is 100 THB, while Thais can enter for free.

Watch the Sunset at The Deck

One of the best spots to watch the sunset behind the beautiful Wat Arun is at The Deck, a Thai restaurant located right in front of Wat Arun on the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River.

They offer an unobstructed view of Wat Arun and the river. Although the food is expensive, we are paying for the exclusive view of the temple during the golden hours, which I think is well worth the price.

Eat Street Food at Yaowarat (Chinatown)

For dinner, you can never go wrong with Yaowarat or Bangkok's Chinatown, a foodie haven in Bangkok. Every evening, all sorts of street food stalls and carts will flock to the roadside of Yaowarat Road and start selling street food and snacks for you to indulge yourself in.

From the affordable seafood dishes served at one of the 2 red/green apron roadside restaurants to a Chinese-style meal and snacks, there is no shortage of delicious food here.

Yaowarat Street Food Market's opening hours are between 6 PM and 10 PM, and the food can cost as low as 35 THB to 200 THB or more per dish. Basically, Yaowarat has all kinds of food for everyone.

Looking for a foodie guide to Thailand's street food? Check out:15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try

Drink Away at Red Sky Bar

Now that we are approaching the end of our 12-hour journey in Bangkok, I highly recommend you visit one of the many rooftop bars in Bangkok for a stunning view of Bangkok's skyline at night.

I highly recommend you to check out Red Sky Bar located on the 58th floor of Centara Grand Hotel right in the Siam District in the city center of Bangkok.

Red Sky Bar will offer you a magnificent 360° panoramic view of the city center of Bangkok with its open-air platform that goes around the top of the skyscraper. There are plenty of seats here, so you do not need to reserve a spot when you visit Red Sky, unlike other rooftop bars.

Red Sky Bar opens from 5 PM to 11 PM, and you can get there by taking the MRT to Sukhumvit MRT Station and changing to BTS to travel to Chit Lom BTS Station.

Looking for more best things to do in Bangkok? Check out:16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Where to Stay in Bangkok?

If you plan to stay one night in Bangkok before you move on to other places, here are some of the best accommodations in Bangkok that I highly recommend. They are modern, clean, and centrally located, which is essential for you as you have limited time in Bangkok.

Budget

Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel

Dorm | $

See Availability

👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Siri Heritage Bangkok Hotel

Double Room | $$

See Availability

High-End

Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok

Double Room | $$$

See Availability

View More Hotels

Looking for the best places to stay in Bangkok outside of the Old City? Check out:7 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok

When to Visit Bangkok?

The best time to visit Bangkok is from November to January, when the weather is cooler and less humid, making it much more enjoyable to explore Bangkok.

That said, Thailand has suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's winter period (December - January). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.

March-April is the hottest and most humid period of the year, so if you can't handle heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be a bit better during this time, but it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be a rainy season, which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also be seeing a lot more rain, which might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to rain.

As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime, BUT now that the air quality is getting worse and worse, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality or vice versa.

For more detail on the best time to visit Thailand, check out:The Best Time To Visit Thailand

How To Get From Bangkok's Airports to your Accommodation?

By Bus: If you are staying near Khaosan Road or the Old Town area, I recommend taking the bus, as it goes directly to your location without the need for transit.

If you fly into Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you can take the S1 bus, and it will take you to Khaosan Road for 60 THB. Depending on the traffic, the journey should take around 1.5 hours, and the bus runs between 6 AM to 8 PM every 30 minutes.

If you fly into Don Muang International Airport, you can take the A4 bus, which should take you to Khaosan Road for 50 THB. From Don Muang Airport to Khaosan Road, you can expect around a 1-hour journey ahead of you. The A4 bus runs between 7 AM and 10 PM, and it runs every 30 minutes.

By Sky Trains: If you are staying elsewhere in Bangkok, you can take the sky train instead. Just make sure that you know which sky train station to get off at.

If you fly into Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you can take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai Station. From there, you will be able to connect to the main Sukhumvit Line and take the train to the nearest station near your accommodation.

The Airport Link runs every 20 minutes, and the trip from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai will cost you 45 THB and take around one hour. From Phaya Thai, the price varies depending on how far your accommodation is. The sky train price starts at 15 THB. The train operates from 6 AM to 12 AM.

If you fly into Don Muang International Airport, you will first have to take the A1 bus, which will take you to Morchit BTS Station. The A1 bus comes every 5 minutes, and it should cost you 30 THB.

From Morchit BTS Station, you can then take the train to the BTS Station near your accommodation. The sky train price starts at 15 THB and goes up to 70 THB, depending on how far your journey is. The train operates from 6 AM to 12 AM.

By Taxi: Taking a taxi is a comfortable way to reach your accommodation, but it can be expensive due to an additional airport fee of 50 THB. This fee is added on top of the metered price, so you can expect to pay around 300 THB if you are coming from Suvarnabhumi Airport or approximately 150+ THB from Don Muang Airport.

One tip for taking taxis in Bangkok: if they don't turn on their meters, get out and get a new one. Do not tolerate this kind of behavior!

How to Get Around Bangkok?

Bangkok is home to over 10 million people, and the city has grown so much that it had to incorporate neighboring provinces into Greater Bangkok. Due to the size of the city, there are several ways you can get around Bangkok, but for this itinerary, speed is of the utmost importance.

By Walk: All the attractions I listed here are concentrated within the Old City area, which is within walking distance of one another. Therefore, you should be able to reach most of them on foot. However, Bangkok can get blazingly hot, so if you prefer seeing more things in less time and don't mind paying a bit more, other modes of transportation might be better for you.

By Taxi: Taxis are cheap in Bangkok, starting at 35 THB for a quick trip, and they are an affordable way to get around Bangkok, as long as they turn on the meter. If they refuse or claim that the taxi meter is broken, get out of the taxi and get another one. There are no shortages of taxis in Bangkok that are willing to take you somewhere without scamming you.

By Grab: Grab is a popular taxi-hailing app here in Thailand. If you do not wish to deal with scammy taxi drivers, you can hail a taxi via the app, and the price and distance will be calculated beforehand. This way, you will know how much you are supposed to be paying for the ride, reducing the chance that the taxi drivers will scam you.

By Sky Trains/Metros: Sky Trains (BTS) and Metros (MRT) are great ways to get around Bangkok. However, since we won't be traveling out of the Old City Area, you will likely only be using the MRT for traveling short distances. The MRT price starts at 14 THB and increases depending on the distance you are traveling.

When you arrive at the MRT station, you can either buy it from the ticket office or get change to be used at the ticket machines nearby. To enter the station platforms, just tap the token on the sensor and enter. On your way out, drop your token in the machine (MRT) and exit the platform. Easy peasy.

By Bus: You can also travel by bus if you don't mind waiting around a lot because the traffic jam is horrible. However, for this itinerary, we won't be using it as speed is not what Thai buses are known for.

By Tuk-Tuk: I would avoid taking tuk-tuks at all costs in Bangkok. Scams often take place when riding tuk-tuks because they do not use meters like taxis. Additionally, they frequently collaborate with shady businesses that provide commissions for bringing unsuspecting tourists to their stores. It is important not to support this kind of behavior!

How Much Money Do I Need For Bangkok?

With 1 day in Bangkok, we can calculate approximately how much you will spend in Bangkok as follows:

Accommodation: For one night, you can expect to pay around 11 USD (337.70 THB) for accommodation.

Food: Food costs about 50 THB minimum in Bangkok on average, so you can expect to pay around 150 THB for three meals.

Transportation: To reduce your travel time, taxis might be used to accommodate you in getting around Bangkok, so expect to pay around 100 THB for transportation.

Activities: For the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Bangkok National Museum, and Wat Arun admission fees, you can expect to pay around 1,000 THB for activities in Bangkok.

Total Budget for 1 day in Bangkok: 1,587.7 THB (52 USD)

Is it Safe in Bangkok?

Although Bangkok is generally safe and the people are friendly, it is always a good idea to second-guess people who approach you and try to offer you something that is too good to be true because it probably is. That is a sure way to avoid any scam attempts from tuk-tuk/taxi drivers or other scammers who might approach you.

When you get in the taxi, ask the taxi driver to use the meter. If they don't, get out and find another cab. Otherwise, use the taxi-hailing app Grab to get a taxi, in order to avoid getting scammed by unfavorable taxi drivers.

Scams in Bangkok often involve tuk-tuks, and with so many other ways to get around Bangkok, I would recommend avoiding taking the tuk-tuk altogether if you can. They are not metered, and they often partner with scammy businesses to earn commissions.

A common scam in Bangkok is the claim that the Grand Palace is close, which is often not true. The Grand Palace rarely closes (except during a global pandemic), and if a tuk-tuk tells you that, ignore them.

If they offer a trip around Bangkok for a very cheap price, say 40 THB, don't get on the tuk-tuk and ignore them. I guarantee you, the moment you get on the tuk-tuk, they will take you to some sketchy tailor stores, and they will leave you there while they earn commissions for taking you there.

And, as always, please exercise precautions as you would when traveling in any foreign country. Do not leave your belongings unattended and watch out for your belongings at all times.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Thailand?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Bangkok, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Bangkok, Thailand:

There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True. All of them offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverage. Personally, I use AIS because I have been with them since my first phone. They have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand, and their coverage hasn't failed me yet. So, if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.

There are 3 packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on how long your trip to Thailand will be, you can pick one of these 3 packages that fit your itinerary the most.

With these three packages, you can top up more in case you need additional data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.

For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Bangkok?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Bangkok, Thailand:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Bangkok, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Thailand? Check out:What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: 12go is a great place to look for bus and train schedule and buy tickets online in Southeast Asia that would otherwise not have been available in English online.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a comprehensive travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Planning a trip to Thailand? Here are the 11 Best Places to Visit in Thailand.
• Thailand is incredibly rich in history, with ancient cities scattered across its landscapes. If you’re looking to explore some of the country’s most remarkable historical sites, don’t miss this guide: Discover Thailand's Rich History: 12 Best Historical Sites to Visit.
• Looking to go off the beaten path in Thailand? Check out the 10 Best Hidden Gems to Visit in Thailand.
• Visiting a country like Thailand, you are going to need a comprehensive packing list to ensure that you bring everything you need for your trip. Check out: What to Pack for Thailand - The Essential Packing List.
• Wondering when the best time to visit Thailand is? Here is a complete guide on picking The Best Time to Visit Thailand.
• Want to spend one month backpacking around Thailand? Check out: One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
• Have 2 weeks in Thailand? Check out this itinerary: 2 Weeks Backpacking Thailand Itinerary.
• Have only 10 days in Thailand? This itinerary might be more suited for you: 10-Day Itinerary for Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend spending at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3-day itinerary for Bangkok.
• More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok, and there are a ton of things you shouldn't miss in this city. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
• Wondering which temples are worth visiting in Bangkok? Check out: 10 BEST Temples to Visit in Bangkok.
• Want to spend a day outside Bangkok but not sure where? Here are the 9 Best Day Trips To Make From Bangkok.
• For the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Bangkok, check out: 7 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok.
• There is no need for an introduction to the renowned old capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai. Here are the 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai, according to the locals.
• One of the best road trips you can make in Thailand is traversing the Mae Hong Son Loop. Here's a complete backpacking guide and 10-day itinerary for the Mae Hong Son Loop.
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand, Central Thailand, or Southern Thailand?
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.