The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok City. It was the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782.
Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is beautifully decorated with colorful mosaic pieces and Chinese porcelain. Afterward, head to Chinatown where you can find a variety of local Chinese food as well as several gold shops.
The Jim Thompson House is the former home of James H.W. Thompson, a US-born Thai entrepreneur who contributed to the development of Thailand’s silk industry from the 1950s to the 1960s. Afterward, head to Siam Square, a busy shopping area known for its trendy fashion boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.
Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest market in Thailand with over 15,000 stalls selling clothes, handicrafts, antiques, and food. In the afternoon, visit Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.
The Bangkok National Museum is the main branch museum of the National Museums in Thailand and also one of Southeast Asia's largest museums. In the afternoon, head to Lumpini Park, the largest park in Bangkok, where you can enjoy a relaxing time in the heart of the city.
Getting around Bangkok is fairly easy with lots of options to choose from. The most popular modes of transportation are the Skytrain (BTS), subway (MRT), tuk-tuk, buses, and taxis. The most convenient way to travel around the city is to use the BTS or MRT. Both BTS and MRT provide services to most of the tourist attractions in Bangkok. The cost of riding the BTS or MRT ranges from ฿16 to ฿52, depending on the distance traveled. For tuk-tuk, the cost is about ฿100 for a short trip, but it can be higher for a longer trip or for tourist destinations. Taxis are also an option, with a starting fare of ฿35, plus ฿5.5 per kilometer.
If you have more time, take a day trip to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand, located about 85km north of Bangkok. You can also take a cooking class to learn how to make delicious Thai cuisine. If you have less time, consider skipping Wat Phra Kaew or Bangkok National Museum. Always carry a map or use GPS to navigate around the city.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the main airport in Bangkok, located about 30 kilometers east of the city center. The airport serves more than 60 airlines and is the hub for Thai Airways. The other airport in Bangkok is Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), which serves low-cost airlines and domestic flights. It is located about 25 kilometers north of the city center.