Best Things To Do In Bangkok In Just A Day

Our day, of course, began with a hearty breakfast! Bangkok’s food scene is top-notch—whether it’s street food, a cozy café, a market stall, or a fine-dining spot, your taste buds are in for a treat. As we stepped out of our BnB, we spotted street stalls sizzling with oversized sausages, chicken satay, and crabmeat balls. (Most of these were priced between 10 to 20 Baht—pretty reasonable considering the generous portions!) Being the foodies that we are, we couldn’t resist and indulged in as much as we could.

Since it was a weekday, the usual office crowd had already gathered at the pier, and we knew we were in for a delightful ride—watching the locals go about their day as we cruised towards our destination. That’s the beauty of taking local transport—you get to experience a slice of everyday life, observe the rhythms of a place, and of course, save a few bucks along the way!

As we neared our stop, the sight of a towering white structure standing in all its glory took my breath away. Wat Arun, with its intricate details and steep elegance, was just as mesmerizing as I had imagined. Hopping off the ferry, we grabbed our tickets and wandered inside, completely awestruck by this architectural marvel.

(Entry fee: 50 Baht | Time needed: Around an hour to explore the complex)

Our next stop was Wat Pho, just across the river. A quick ferry ride took us straight from Wat Arun to this famous temple, best known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. While Wat Arun had been relatively quiet, Wat Pho was bustling—with flocks of tourists trying to snap the perfect selfie with the massive golden Buddha!

Wat Pho is home to Thailand’s largest collection of Buddha images, including the iconic 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha. It’s also one of Bangkok’s oldest temples and was once a key center for public education in Thailand. The temple’s marble illustrations and inscriptions—designed for public learning—are so significant that UNESCO has recognized them in its Memory of the World Program. Adding to its rich history, Wat Pho houses a school of Thai medicine and is famously known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, which is still taught and practiced here.

As we were about to leave, we stumbled upon a group of school kids rehearsing in the courtyard. Our curiosity got the best of us, and after chatting with a supervising monk, we learned that they were preparing a play for the King’s upcoming visit. Watching them twirl around in colorful masks was an unexpected and heartwarming moment—one of those little travel surprises that stick with you.

By then, it was late afternoon, and hunger had officially kicked in. Luckily, right next to the temple, a narrow lane led us to a handful of cozy cafés. We picked one that had just the right vibe – inviting, laid-back, and promising a delicious Thai feast.