What are the must-see places in Bangkok for a day? If you only have one day in Bangkok, I recommend visiting some of the popular attractions.
Wat Arun - Temple of the Dawn.
This temple has a remarkable 79-meter pagoda with unique architecture that I found quite intriguing.
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Although there are many tourists there, the temple is definitely worth a visit. The locals are also interested in sacred places where they can light candles, so the crowd is mainly concentrated in the religious areas. However, the complex itself is free to explore.
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You can climb the stairs of the pagoda and capture some beautiful photos. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do so because I didn't have a tripod or someone to assist me.
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The entrance fee to the temple is 100 baht and 30 minutes should be enough to explore it. Just remember to dress appropriately, as bare knees, shorts, and revealing shoulders are not respected in the Buddha's presence.⠀
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is an absolute beauty. It was constructed by Rama I towards the end of the 18th century. Interestingly, the Rama dynasty still rules Thailand. It seems like Rama has a habit of changing the capital and we now have Bangkok as the new residence with breathtaking beauty.
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They have indeed created an unbelievably stunning place. There are countless turrets, demons, and birds on top of the pagodas, as well as flower beds with hares, incredible mosaics, golden architectures, and statues. It truly feels royal. I spent a good 2 hours exploring the palace grounds, which also include a museum and areas for walking and relaxing. I didn't miss the opportunity to meditate near the shrines either.
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The entrance fee is 500 baht and it is recommended to allocate 1.5-2 hours for the visit. The dress code is similar to other places—modest attire. Yes, even for guys, hehe.⠀
China Town
If you want to experience authentic Asian vibes, then China Town is a must-visit.
It might feel a bit chaotic, crowded, and buzzing with energy, but it's also a lot of fun.
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China Town is a district without clear boundaries and is a shopping mecca. You can find everything here, from clothes and musical instruments to canned goods, plumbing supplies, and even fried scorpions on a stick. They also sell mango juice, Panama hats, rice, beads, wigs—you name it. I quickly got lost in the maze of shops, and my head was spinning with the thought of finding my way out.My favorite part was reaching the top of the district, which requires climbing 300 steps. Bells hang along the way, creating a divine sound when touched by the wind. As you ascend, Buddhist prayers can be heard through speakers, creating a beautiful atmosphere.
Wat Saket - the Golden Mountain
Once you reach the top, there's a sense of accomplishment and a renewed spiritual connection. The area is also surrounded by lush greenery and adorned with stunning statues, not just Buddhas, but beautiful ones as well.Interestingly, I discovered that this place was a burial ground for 60,000 plague victims 300 years ago. It may sound morbid, but now it is a romantic area that I didn't want to leave. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to visit one of the places as they close closer to 5 o'clock, so I suggest going in the morning.
Floating markets
To me, the floating markets are a real gem of Bangkok. These markets usually offer fresh seafood, and I really wanted to capture some photos of the vendors selling their goods from boats.
Khao San Road - the "Green Arbat"Some people often recommend visiting Khao San Road, which is similar to famous streets like Nevsky or Arbat.
It's a touristy street filled with bars, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. There are also establishments with adult entertainment, so it represents the wild side of Thailand that everyone talks about.
I stayed near this street in a hostel. If you're looking for that kind of atmosphere, I recommend finding accommodation nearby to easily drop by this lively area. It may not be the most authentic neighborhood, but it certainly has a history of catering to visitors and their needs.
