Start your trip to Bangkok by visiting its most famous attractions. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are located within the same complex and showcase the unique Thai architecture and culture. They are also famous for the elaborate mosaics and sculptures. Make sure to dress appropriately (no shorts or sleeveless shirts) and allocate at least 2 hours for this visit.
Experience the local way of life by visiting the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Taste the food, buy souvenirs, and observe the vendors and their boats in the canal. Afterward, visit the nearby Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) located across the river. It's particularly beautiful during sunset. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent, and allocate 5 hours for this visit.
Shop for local products and enjoy the food at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the world's largest outdoor markets. It's open only on weekends, so plan accordingly. In the afternoon, visit the Vimanmek Mansion, the largest golden teakwood mansion in the world. The mansion displays the royal family's lavish lifestyle and artifacts. Allocate at least 5 hours for this visit.
Explore the diverse flavors of Thai cuisine by joining a food and cooking tour. You'll visit the local markets, learn about the ingredients, and cook your own dishes. In the afternoon, visit Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha. It's one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok, and houses many other Buddha images and mural paintings. Allocate at least 6 hours for this visit.
Learn about the history and legacy of Jim Thompson, the American silk entrepreneur who lived in Bangkok and disappeared mysteriously. The Jim Thompson House showcases the traditional Thai architecture and interior design, as well as the art collection of its owner. In the afternoon, visit Siam Paragon, one of the largest and luxurious shopping malls in Bangkok. It also houses an aquarium, a cinema, a food court, and various international brands. Allocate at least 5 hours for this visit.
Take a break from the bustling city and visit Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll see the ruins of the ancient temples and palaces, as well as the iconic Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree. In the evening, visit Khao San Road, a lively and vibrant street famous for its nightlife, street food, and backpackers. Allocate at least 8 hours for this visit.
End your trip by immersing yourself in the contemporary art and culture scene of Bangkok. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre showcases various exhibitions and events related to visual arts, music, theater, and film. Lumphini Park is a green oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for a morning jog, a picnic, or a relaxing walk. Allocate at least 4 hours for this visit.
Most attractions in Bangkok are accessible by public transportation, including skytrain, subway, bus, and boat. The fares are relatively cheap, ranging from ฿10 to ฿60 depending on the distance and mode. Taxis and tuk-tuks are available, but make sure to negotiate the price beforehand. Grab, a ride-hailing app, is also a convenient and safe option. For the day trip to Ayutthaya, consider booking a private tour or a minibus for a more comfortable experience.
If you have more time, consider visiting other temples such as Wat Saket, Wat Traimit, and Wat Benchamabophit. You can also take a river cruise, watch a traditional Thai dance show, or get a Thai massage. If you have less time, prioritize the attractions based on your interests and preferences. Be cautious of the scams and pickpockets, and keep your belongings safe.
Bangkok has two main airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). BKK is the larger and newer airport, located 30 kilometers east of central Bangkok. It serves most international and domestic flights, and offers various transportation options including taxi, train, and bus. DMK is the older and smaller airport, located 24 kilometers north of central Bangkok. It serves mainly low-cost airlines and domestic flights, and also offers various transportation options including bus and shuttle van. Plan your itinerary based on your arrival and departure airport, and consider the travel time and cost.