Clear immigration and meet your transfer to a riverside 4–5★ hotel (Mandarin Oriental, Banyan Tree, or Riva Arun are great choices for comfort and easy access to historic sites).
Explore the Grand Palace complex (the Emerald Buddha) and nearby Wat Pho ( Reclining Buddha); essential for Bangkok history and architecture. (Typical hours: Grand Palace ~8:30am–3:30pm; Wat Pho ~8:00am–6:00pm — confirm on the day.)
Enjoy sunset cocktails and modern Thai or international cuisine with panoramic city views — great for a memorable first-night dinner. (Typical service ~5:00pm–midnight; dress smart-casual.)
Choose backpacker-style energy on Khao San Road (street bars, live music) or clubbing at RCA (Route 66, Onyx) for a more large-club scene — both are lively; club hours commonly until 2:00–3:00am.
Pick a 2–3 hour longtail canal tour through Bangkok's old waterways for local life scenes, or visit Jim Thompson House (~9:00am–6:00pm) to learn about Thai silk and history.
Multiple daily flights; carriers include Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai Vietjet or low-cost options — book 2–3 weeks ahead for best fares. Flight time ~1h30m.
Full-day speedboat tours to Phi Phi include snorkeling, Maya Bay viewing, and beach stops; Phang Nga Bay tours offer canoeing and James Bond Island — most depart ~7:00–8:00am and return late afternoon.
Have dinner near the sand and, if you like, continue at a beach club for cocktails and DJs (clubs typically open daytime through late night; check specific closing times).
Fly business class with one-stop carriers (EVA Air, Japan Airlines, ANA, Singapore Airlines frequently have competitive fares) — book early and monitor fares or use points for cheaper upgrades.