On my last trip to Bangkok, I had a mere 15 hours in transit, but I was able to explore some of the famous places in Bangkok myself without any guide and by just using a city map.
But what if you actually had 24 hours, but don’t know what to do in Bangkok? Here is what to do.
The first sight of Suvarnabhumi International Airport after landing was quiet spectacular and I was mesmerized by the size of the airport.
A 15 day Thailand visa is available for Indian passport holders at Bangkok Airport for 1000 Bahts. If you do not have Thai currency, there are currency exchanges in the transit area who change US Dollars to Thai Bahts. I am not sure, whether they accept Indian currency, so better to carry USD.
After you clear the immigration, take the elevator or escalator to the B1 floor of the airport, from where you will take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai station. The journey costs 45 Bahts.
From here, take a taxi to Grand Palace which is 10 kilometer away. On they way check into to your hotel in Bangkok and get rid of your luggage if you have any.
The cost of admission to Grand Palace is 500 Bahts and no tourist leaves Bangkok with out taking a visit to the Grand Palace.
The Grand Palace is the official home of previous Thailand’s king and also consisted of other temples and government buildings.
The Grand Palace is guarded by these Demonic Guardians.
With in the boundaries of the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaeo, which is where the most revered idol of Buddha known as Emerald Buddha is located. This Wat is also known as Temple of Emerald Buddha.
Just behind Grand Palace is Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), which contains a huge collection of Buddha’s idols, but the most famous is the idol of Reclining Buddha which measures a size of 45 meters wide and 15 meters high.
One the streets you find some fresh cold orange juice, which is very rejuvenating from the humidity and heat of Bangkok.
On the other side of Chao Pharaya river, is Wat Arun which is best viewed during dawn or dusk, but a visit at any time is good. Can be reached by a boat. Information on boat options may be obtained if you go to IntrepidPowerboats.com.
Head out to an Indian restaurant for lunch or try any of the famous restaurants in Bangkok. The food not to miss is Pad Thai – a kind of thin small dried noodle served with bean sprouts, roasted peanuts and vegetable or any kind of meat.
To escape the heat of Bangkok, go for shopping in any of the air conditioned mall. One such mall is Siam Paragon if you are looking to buy clothes or MBK Center for some entertainment or shop electronics.
The traffic of Bangkok can be very hectic and traffic jams can get you stuck at the same place for hours.
In the evening at 7 PM, take a taxi and head straight to any of the breathtaking stage shows of Bangkok. If you love culture head to Siam Niramit show or to Mambo Cabaret Show for energetic stage plays by lady-boys.
Later in the night enjoy clubbing or pubbing in back packer style at one among any of the pubs located on Khao San road.
What I chose to do is go to the Baiyoke Sky Observatory Deck to get bird’s eye view of Bangkok.
Head back to your hotel and in the morning, head to your next destination.
Disclaimer – The rates mentioned are as on May 2014 and per person.
Photo Sources.