1 day in bangkok
 

How to best spend time if you have only a little over 1 day in Bangkok? What attractions to visit? Which part of the city to stay in and which hotel?

From reading the threads it is clear 1 day is insufficient for the mesmerizing Bangkok experience but unfortunately that is what we have available to make the best of. We are arriving (from phuket) 10:30 am on 2nd Jan, and departing flight, 5:20 pm on 3rd Jan (to India).

We (my wife and I) enjoy scenic locations/views, want to see a balance of the cultural side as well as the most developed/downtown/trendy areas. Shopping is lowest on priority and we aren't much 'late night' people either.

We were thinking of following attractions (some maybes). We would greatly appreciate feedback on which one's to visit, the order and transportation, and hotels to stay (budget 100-150 US$)

-Wat Arun sunset on the river (great views of city on the spire)
-The Grand Palace
-Wat po (Reclining Buddha close to GP)
-Wat Benjamabophit (Marble Temple)
-China Town?
-Floating market?
-Cooking class?
-Cotton house for custom dress (silk dress)?


Thank you in advance

Taxis are cheap in Bangkok and there is the Skytrain and subway system so where you stay does not matter that much.

The Grand Palace and Wat Arun are fairly close (the wat is across the river). China Town is interesting and is packed with shops and has 2 large markets. No real sights though other than what you would find in any large Chinatown anywhere. Ocean World in the Paragon Mall (Siam Square) is good and full of underwater life. Jim Thompson's House is nearby. The Vimanmek museum is a short hop on a taxi along Rathcha Withi. From Saphan Taksin Skytrain station, walk towards the river and take the rourist boat along the river for hardly any money, which is a lot more interesting than the floating market (lots of old women selling stuff from boats). Night time do some shopping. MBK (Mah Boon Krong), a shopping mall near Siam Square is open till 10pm. A short taxi ride from there is the large Suan Lum night bazaar, and a short walk from there, Silom which has a large and crowded night market, which includes the red light district, Pat Pong (the area is full of family people). Accommodation:

http://www.travellerspoint.com/budge...en-ci-103.html


http://www.asiarooms.com/thailand/bangkok.html

http://www.bangkokbudgethotels.net/

I'd say...due to your situation...to hire one of the private drivers recommended frequently on this board. Happy Travels!

A number of the things you have listed are simply not possible with one day. Forget having a dress made, forget the cooking class, forget the floating market (takes too much of your precious time).

Start with an early morning visit to teh Marble temple to see people making merit by giving food to the monks. PLan to arrive at the GP/EB when it opens at 8:30, then go from there to Wat Po.

Thanks all for responses! Which area in Bangkok would be advisable to stay to minimize travel to/from below places? Also what is the downtown, city center equivalent area of Bangkok called? Is it Sukhumwit or Suk or some other area?

Based on the responses, Here are what we are planning to cover in ~1 day/1 night - no particular order.

Wat Arun
Marble Temple
GP
Wat Po
Tourist boat along river (from Saphan Taksin)
MBK/Siam/Suan Lom

-Will also be sure to check out the private driver suggestion.

Thanks

If your budget allows, stay on the river. It's great to see the river come alive. You can take the river ferry to GP/Wat pho and Wat Arun. The hotels recommended in descending price are oriental, peninsula, Shangri-la, Royal Orchid Sheraton and Marriott Resort. All are super. You can take a skytrain or Taxi to the shopping areas.

I'm not sure where Centre Point Silom is in terms of their renovations, but it's a wonderful place to stay. It's on the river (a block, actually) and for $80-some a night, you get a large one-bedroom apartment, full breakfast included. Great location, great deal. You should arrive at your hotel and be checked in by 1:00 so you'll have time that first afternoon to squeeze in a thing or two. You may want to do a klong tour that includes a stop at Wat Arun. Then the next morning you can get up and follow Kathie's suggestions. An alternative the first afternoon would be the Jim Thompson House. You can take the Skytrain to get there (then it's a 10-minute walk), making it an easy destination. Even though it's short you'll have a great time - and want to return! With only one night, I'd have dinner at Tongue Thai or Bed Supper Club (you'll need reservations at the latter). Have fun!
Karen

Thank you all for the excellent feedback! The trip is shaping up very well..A couple of questions about hotel and food...

How does a $175 deluxe river view room at the Millenium Hilton on the riverside, compare to a 275$ grand deluxe room in the Peninsula? Is the $100 difference worth the splurge?

Note we have only 1 day and might be exploring bangkok most of the time. But on the other hand it is the last day of our Thailand and 1st wedding anniversary trip... so the Peninsula might be just perfect.

Also thanks for the dinner place suggestions. We want to have the thai cuisine but are mostly vegeterian with an Indian palate taste (prefer spicy curries etc. way over boiled veggies).

What kind of Thai food place would be advisable to try for lunch/dinner?

Thanks all!