Day 1: Best of Bangkok in 24 Hours
Grand Palace & Wat Pho
Start early at the Grand Palace (฿500) — Thailand's most sacred site and former royal residence. The Emerald Buddha temple within the complex is breathtaking. Then walk five minutes to Wat Pho (฿300) to see the 46-metre reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. The temple also houses Thailand's first university and offers traditional Thai massages in the grounds (฿260/30min). Grab a Thai iced tea from a street vendor outside.
Khao San Road & Chao Phraya River
Tuk-tuk to Khao San Road (negotiate ฿60–80) for the quintessential backpacker experience — cheap eats, bucket drinks, and traveler energy. Pad thai from a street cart: ฿50. Then walk to Phra Arthit pier and take the Chao Phraya Express Boat (฿15–40) down the river — the cheapest sightseeing cruise in the city, passing Wat Arun's iconic spires along the way.
Wat Arun at Sunset & Yaowarat Night Food
Cross the river to Wat Arun (฿100) — the Temple of Dawn is actually most stunning at sunset when the porcelain-encrusted spires glow golden. Climb the steep central prang for river views. Then take the boat back and MRT to Wat Mangkon station for Yaowarat (Chinatown) — Bangkok's ultimate street food strip. Oyster omelettes, grilled seafood, mango sticky rice, and pad see ew from ฿40–80 per dish.
