Discovering the Best of Thailand in One Day

1. 9:00am: Wat Phra Khao Yai (The Big White Buddha)
   30 minutes (16.5 km) from Bangkok, Thailand
   A majestic temple with a 300-foot, white Buddha statue ornately carved with tiny, glittering tiles. Check out the intricate murals with gold leaf and enjoy the incredible panoramic views from the top.
2. 10:30am: The Grand Palace
   15 minutes (4.9 km) from Wat Phra Khao Yai
   Explore Thailand's spiritual heart with this architecturally gorgeous complex. See the Wat Phra Kaew Temple which contains the world-renowned Emerald Buddha, a saintly and famous representation of the Buddha in meditation carved from a single piece of jade.
3. 12:00pm: Lunch at Khao Gaeng Jake Puey
   10 minutes (2.1 km) from The Grand Palace
   Experience some Bangkok street food authenticity with a lively atmosphere; kind of service that’s click and go style. Get the massaman curry and pad kra pow moo saap dishes to sample the Thailand's traditional flavours.
4. 1:00pm: Wat Pho
   15 minutes (3 km) from Khao Gaeng Jake Puey
   As one of Thailand's oldest temples, Wat Pho also is the oldest university in the country that is known for its Reclining Buddha. Measuring 46 meters long and covered in shiny gold leaf, it is an iconic masterpiece. Also, take a peaceful stroll around the complex housing numerous other stupas, shrines, and religious images.
5. 2:30pm: Thai Massage
   10 minutes (2.6 km) from Wat Pho
   Complete your visit to Thailand with a rejuvenating Thai Massage near Wat Pho. These massages use a sequence of yoga-like stretches, pressure-point stimulation, and muscle manipulations that will unwind you from the inside.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Wat Phra Khao Yai (free)
• The Grand Palace (500 baht = $15 USD, 2 hours approx.)
• Khao Gaeng Jake Puey (60 baht - $2 USD, 1 hour approx.)
• Wat Pho (200 baht = $6 USD, 1.5 hours approx.)
• Thai Massage (300-500 baht = $9-15 USD, 1 hour approx.)
• Total Estimated Costs: 1,060 baht = $33 USD

Useful Tips

For a fun experience, take a long-tail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River. Another fantastic place to check out is Chatuchak Weekend Market (10,000 stores) if you're running short of time, substitute Wat Phra Khao Yai or the Grand Palace's visit with Dusit Zoo, one of Thailand's oldest zoos, near the Bangkok Palace and within 30 minutes of walking distance from our itinerary's first two attractions.