Start your trip to Bangkok by visiting Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn, this temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. Admire the temple's exquisite Khmer-style spires and the intricate decorations on these spires. You can also climb to the top of the temple to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Chao Phraya River. Ensure that you arrive here before 5 PM, as the temple closes at that time.
After visiting Wat Arun, take a tuk-tuk for a short ride to Wat Phra Chetuphon, commonly known as Wat Pho, Bangkok's largest and oldest temple. Marvel at the temple's intricate architecture and its striking 46-meter-long reclining Buddha statue covered in gold leaf. Wat Pho is open from 8.30 AM to 6.30 PM, and an estimated time of 2 hours should be enough for you to explore it thoroughly.
Take a short ride to Wat Saket, also called Golden Mount. The temple is situated on an artificial hill, and it provides beautiful views of the city. The temple is open from 9 AM to 7 PM, and it can be visited in an hour. Be aware that you might need to climb a steep staircase to reach the top of the temple.
Visit the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the world's largest markets, which has over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing to antiques. The market is only open on weekends from 09:00 AM to 6:00 PM, which makes Friday the best day to visit it. You can easily spend two to three hours exploring the market's different sections with a wide variety of products. Haggling is a crucial part of the market culture, so feel free to bargain for a better price.
Visit the majestic Grand Palace and its reigning jewel, The Emerald Buddha Temple. The Grand Palace is the official royal residence for the Kingdom of Siam, and it features several beautiful buildings with intricate Thai architecture. The temple is open from 8.30 AM to 3.30 PM, and it takes around 2-3 hours to explore it thoroughly. Ensure that you are dressed properly for the temple visit as it is a religious site.
Visit Khao San Road, which is one of Bangkok's most popular tourist destinations. The street is famous for its vibrant nightlife, street food, and market stalls. Popular among backpackers, the street is busy with people exploring its markets, bars, and street food. It takes approximately 2-3 hours to wander around the street.
If you have some more time, you could visit the nearby Wat Traimit Golden Buddha, which is a short ride away from Wat Pho. You can also explore the vibrant Chinatown, which is 15 minutes away from the Grand Palace. If you have less time, you can prioritize the places based on your interests and available time. Ensure that you have ample time to travel between locations as traffic congestion in Bangkok can be unpredictable. Public transport can be sparse, so feel free to use taxis or tuk-tuks to get around.