Start your adventure with a visit to Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn. It's a magnificent structure on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. From there, head to Wat Pho, a famous temple that houses the giant Reclining Buddha statue. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking involved.
Take a day trip to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. Visit the Ayutthaya Historical Park, which is declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the numerous ancient ruins, including Wat Chai Watthanaram and Wat Mahathat. Afterward, stop by the Bang Pa-In Palace, a stunning royal palace with a mix of Thai, Chinese and European architecture.
Wrap up your trip with a visit to some of Bangkok's hip cafes and markets. Start off at Campus Coffee Roaster, known for its specialty coffee and chill vibes. Then head over to the Artbox Night Market, one of Bangkok's trendiest weekend markets, and try some of the delicious street food. End your day at the Terminal 21 shopping mall, where you can buy souvenirs and enjoy various activities.
As some attractions require visiting remote areas, it is advisable to use taxis or hire a private car. Bangkok's public transportation system is convenient and inexpensive, including buses or the elevated BTS Skytrain. Taxis and tuk-tuks are also widely available, and Grab or Go-Jek ride-hailing apps are popular in Bangkok. Transportation in Bangkok is convenient and won't eat up much of your budget.
If you have more time, consider a visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market, known as the largest market in Thailand with over 8,000 stalls. You could also visit the Grand Palace or the Floating Market. If you have less time, you can skip some of the temples and focus more on markets and street food.
Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). BKK is the main airport and located 30 km east of central Bangkok, while DMK is located 20 km north of central Bangkok, handling low-cost airlines. Bangkok's airports are busy but efficient, with numerous facilities for travelers, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges.