24-hours in Bangkok: The first-time visitor's guide

To counteract your inevitable evening of sin, days in Bangkok are all about Thai culture. The simplest way to soak it all in is by purchasing a blue flag (tourist) Express River Taxi ticket from Sathorn Central Pier which is on top of Saphan Taksin BTS Station (just five short stops from Siam) that will see you cruise along the Chao Phraya River. With multiple stops at the key tourist hotspots, we recommend you head to The Grand Palace first and work your way back to Central. The Grand Palace operates a strict dress code so be sure that you’re appropriately made up before attempting entry. Ladies, fashion should be modest with your shoulders and knees covered. A light jumpsuit or maxi dress with capped sleeves is optimal attire. Also note, clothing that is considered too tight, even if it is full length, may also see you turned away so forget leggings and skinny jeans unless you’re wearing a tunic-style top that covers your bottom. Gents, shorts are not permitted so be sure to wear full-length trousers. If you are dressed ‘inappropriately’ there are plenty of outlets that line the outer walls of The Grand Palace where you can easily buy a new outfit for a bargain price. 

When inside The Grand Palace, signs are scarce and audio guides are unheard of so it’s tricky to understand what all the ornate frescoes and green-faced gods represent. To gain the most out of your visit it’s useful to hire a private guide. Reasonably priced, it’s recommended that you hire a guide who is already inside the Palace rather than one from outside the landmark who has fake-credentials and sky-high fees. With your handy guide answering all your questions, you’ll probably spend at least 90-minutes to two-hours here taking pictures of the intricate gold details and Emerald Buddha. One of Bangkok’s more visited attractions, there will be crowds and large tour groups here but take it all in your stride and remember that not everyone has the same consideration as us Brits when it comes to queuing. 

After temple number two, you may be in need for a little break from Buddhist relics. If so, continue south for approximately 10-minutes to Pak Klong Talad, Bangkok’s biggest flower market. Colourful blossoms and flora-related items are in full bloom here, and the scent is simply delightful. If you want to see the market in all its glory, midnight or pre-dawn (between 3.00am and 4.00am) are the best times to visit, however with just 24-hours, a midday visit will have to do. It’s at this point that we also recommend you enjoy a pomegranate juice or coconut water as the heat will definitely be taking its toll on your hydration levels by now. Once you’ve had your fill of florals, head towards the pier to catch the boat across the river to Wat Arun.

Standing majestically on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is easily one of the most breath-taking temples in Bangkok. Location aside, it’s unusual architecture allows it to stand out from the rest. Comprising colourful spires which are intricately decorated with tiny pieces of glass and Chinese porcelain it has become a symbol of Bangkok’s religious scene and makes for a picture-perfect postcard time and time again. You’ll probably spend at least an hour here during which you simply have to climb the central prang which offers unbeatable views of the winding river, Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
 

As the sun starts to set, Bangkok truly comes to life and boy does this city know how to live. Here, the party can be as tame or as crazy as you want so we’ve crafted a well-rounded evening that’s suitable for a range of adults. To cram as much in as possible, it’s wise to head out early. 

To start, we highly recommend a visit to Khao San Road that boasts an infectious atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world. This backpacker district is a tourist hub that’s spilling at the seams with great bars, street stalls cooking taste-tingling cuisine and market stalls overflowing with souvenirs and clothing. Here the dress-code is flip-flop casual so leave your Louboutins in your suitcase and wear your most comfortable sandals. 

After dinner and drinks here, it’s time to head to Patpong Night Market. Part of Bangkok’s adult scene, here you’ll find plenty of Go-Go Bars, the infamous ‘ping pong’ shows and a foray of stalls selling anything from handbags to belts. A great spot to people watch, after a while here we recommend heading to Sukhumvit Soi 11 for an evening of cocktails and rooftop views. A few of our favourite bars here include Nest Rooftop Lounge, an eighth-floor open-air terrace that offers comfy daybeds, excellent music and good food. Alternatively, for a more exclusive evening head to Havana Social, a 1940’s Cuban cocktail bar that has a prohibition theme and speakeasy vibe at its centre. This secret venue is located opposite Fraser Suites and has no signage outside, instead you need to call the venue ahead of your visit on (+66) 087 066 7711 for a code which you dial in the telephone box outside. Get the code correct and a door will swing open to unveil a path to rum and salsa. 
However, our favourite bar on Soi 11 has to be Above Eleven located atop Fraser Suites Sukhumvit. This rooftop bar offers stunning views across the whole city, excellent fusion cuisine and a menu of creative cocktails. It’s one of the hottest places in the whole of Bangkok.