The Grand Palace is a beautifully ornate palace where visitors can explore the opulence of the Thai royal family. The Wat Phra Kaew is a major landmark, known for its impressive Emerald Buddha statue. Proper attire is required, meaning no shorts or sleeveless shirts.
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest outdoor markets in the world, offering everything from clothes and accessories to antiques and collectibles. Afterwards, head towards Wat Arun, The Temple of Dawn; with its beautiful architecture and colourful boat ride, you will find a lot of interesting artifacts.
Bangkok's Chinatown is full of life, flavours, and colours. From street food to incredible temples, visitors can get a genuine Chinese-Thai experience. In the evening, take a relaxing boat ride on the famous Chao Phraya River and admire the beautiful night view of Bangkok.
The Jim Thompson House is a museum located on a peaceful canal that once belonged to the famous American businessman-cum-spy. Afterward, hit up Khao San Road, Bangkok's famous “backpacker” area, where visitors can indulge in street eating and a variety of beverages.
Wat Pho is known for its massive reclining Buddha statue and the numerous temples located within its grounds. At Wat Traimit , visit the world's largest solid gold statue of Buddha. Be ready to climb quite a few stairs to reach the top.
Siam Paragon is just one of many shopping malls in Bangkok, but it is known for its luxury stores, a cinema and restaurants. Ban Kamthieng Museum will give you the opportunity to experience rural Thai village life without even leaving the city.
Lumpini Park is a 500,000 square meter park in central Bangkok, great for morning walks, exercise, and just a relaxing day out. Wat Saket, also known as the Temple of the Golden Mount, offers views of the city from the top of the hill.
While there are several modes of transportation available in Bangkok, the best way to get around is via the BTS Skytrain or MRT Metro systems. It's also worth hailing a Tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled vehicle, for a fun, albeit bumpy ride. Metered cabs are available as well, but make sure that the meter is on to avoid being overcharged. Estimated costs for transportation in Bangkok are around THB 100-150 ($3-5) per day.
If you have more time, take a day trip to visit the ancient city of Ayutthaya, or take a cooking class to learn how to make Thai food. If you have less time, consider spending less time shopping, and select fewer temples or leave out Khao San Road.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the primary airport, located about 35km east of Bangkok's city center. The closest airport to the city center is Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), approximately 24km from downtown Bangkok. Both airports offer taxi and public transport options for transportation to and from the city.