What To Do in Bangkok - Day 2
This Bangkok Journey & Itinerary is part of the Bangkok Travel Guide, which you can download for FREE. I believe the plan is straightforward, but in order to gain a better grasp of the infographics, you might want to read the first journey first: Bangkok – Siam Square Zone & Chinatown, which explains how to read the Journey & Itinerary.
On the second day of your trip to Thailand, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the country’s most iconic temples. In the evening, you can enjoy a riverfront meal with a stunning view of the sunset over the Chao Phraya River, followed by a night out on Khao San Walking Street.
This itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your time in Bangkok and to help you navigate the city with ease. However, you can also customize it to suit your own travel pace.
Bangkok Itinerary
Temple Day and Khao San Road
Strict Dress Code !!!
First of all, today you will visit several royal temples that required a strict dress code. So, you must wear appropriate attire in order to enter the temples.
These are the prohibited clothes: sleeveless shirts, torn shirts, very short blouses, spaghetti-strap blouses, see-through clothes, skin-tight pants, shorts three quarter length pants, and culottes.
This signage is at the main entrance of the Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kaew). To be honest, I think we need to improve this signage! Huh…
However, if you don’t wear the right clothes (according to the sign), you can buy new ones at the inner gate. The price is around 200 baht per item, but the clothing rental is no longer available.
Perhaps, as a result of the COVID outbreak, the Grand Palace no longer offers the rental option to engage in hygiene practices.
Let’s Start the Journey
The Grand Palace, also known as Wat Phra Kaew, is Thailand’s most famous, most popular, and most important temple. The Grand Palace should be seen first because it closes earlier (3.30 PM) than the other temples. It’s an iconic Thai temple that’s a must-see for anyone visiting Thailand.
After the Burmese forces completely destroyed Ayutthaya, King Taksin had no choice but to abandon it because it was impossible to rebuild Ayutthaya. He relocated the capital to Thonburi, but he died 15 years later. The new king, Rama I, decided to relocate the capital again to Bangkok in 1782. One of the reasons is that Bangkok has a stronger strategic location and the Grand Palace was built since then.
That marked the end of the famous Ayutthaya Kingdom and the start of a new era, which we now call the Rattanakosin Kingdom or Bangkok.
Back to the present, taking a taxi to the Grand Palace is the most convenient way, but if you encounter many taxi drivers who refuse to turn on the meter, then take the MRT (subway) instead. You can get off at MRT Sanam Chai Station and walk to the Grand Palace in around 10-15 minutes. The main entrance for tourists is Viseschaisri Gate only, which is located on Na Phra Lan Road.
I recommend you to arrive at the palace around 8.30 AM. To find the entrance, type Viseschaisri Gate into Google Maps. You’ll notice that you’ll go through Wat Pho first, but I wouldn’t recommend stopping there just yet because you’ll return to this area later to explore other attractions and have lunch. So just head right to the Grand Palace.
After you finish exploring the Grand Palace which should be no later than 11 AM, then walk to Tha Tian Market (which is near Wat Pho). This market is very old, selling dried seafood and surrounded by many local restaurants and cafes. So it’s the right place for you to grab some quick lunch here. A list and a map of recommended eateries and cafes are provided in the FREE TRAVEL GUIDE.
Wat Pho is the next stop, suggesting to start about 1 PM. The famous giant Reclining Buddha is located in this temple. Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s top attractions because its architectural style makes it different from others.
If you finish Wat Pho before 2 PM, you might want to try an hour of traditional Thai Massage in Wat Pho. The parlor in Wat Pho was considered an ordinary Thai Massage because its origin was back in the reign of King Rama III, 150 years ago. However, the last time I visited the temple was in Oct 2020, and the massage was closed because of the Coronavirus.
However, there are other parlors open at Tha Tian Market, which you have to walk back to the market anyway to catch the ferry to Wat Arun.
It’s fine if you don’t have time for the Thai Massage. I believe you can find many Thai Massage parlors nearby your hotel. So prioritize visiting all the temples first.
Then go to the pier at Tha Tian Market. Take the ferry from Tha Tian Pier to Wat Arun Pier. You will reach Wat Arun in a few minutes because it is located just right across the Chao Phraya River and the ticket costs only 4 baht! You should arrive at the temple around 3.30 PM and leave before 5 PM.
The highlight of Wat Arun is its beautiful massive spire with over 70 meters of height standing by the river. Wat Arun is known as Temple of the Dawn, but you will get an amazing river view at sunset from the opposite bank of the river. That’s why your next destination is the riverside restaurant.
Return to Tha Tian Market via the same pier (do not confuse the nearby pier). As I previously stated, this market is surrounded by a number of restaurants. I strongly advise you to dine at one of the riverside restaurants because you will undoubtedly enjoy a spectacular view of Wat Arun.
The temple begins to light up at 6.30 p.m., so get a table early, perhaps around 5-6 p.m., or call ahead to reserve a place. As a result, you could see both Wat Arun’s sunset and night views.
(Note: I had dinner at Eat Sight Story restaurants a couple of times, and the view was impressive. However, there are other riverside restaurants in that area, which I provide a list in the itinerary section of the Thailand Travel Guide, so you may make your own decision.)
For your information, Eat Sight Story rooftop is a bar where foods and drinks are 30% more expensive than the G floor, but you will definitely get a better view and more chill.)
The last destination for today is Khao San Road, it’s only 2 km away. Taking a taxi appears to be the best option; you’ll be there in less than 5 minutes.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Khao San Road was, in my opinion, the best night walking street in Bangkok since it still reflected Thai life, with local bars, restaurants, street food, booze, party music, and dancing, all at an inexpensive price. And because of the low price, it is always a favored hangout among Thai youngsters.
However, I just re-visited Khao San in December 2020, to see how things are going. The restaurants and bars seem to face high challenges due to the COVID-19. Many businesses are closed, not sure temporary or permanently, and there are far fewer people than it used to be. Hopefully, when Thailand reopens to tourists, Khao San Road will be as crowded as it was before.
Conclusion
On Day 2 of this Thailand Trip will take you to three of Bangkok’s most famous temples: Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. Those with adequate time might choose for a traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho. Then, explore one of Bangkok’s oldest markets and dine at a riverside restaurant for a stunning sunset view of Wat Arun. If it’s still too early to return to the hotel, staying out on Khao San Road is a great choice for a fun nightlife and a chilled beer.
Again, if you like this Infographic Travel Guide and details of the itinerary, it’s available in PDF that you can download for free. The free version contains 3 Journeys and Itineraries in Bangkok. However, there is also a paid one that consists of 13 Journeys and Itineraries for Bangkok & Vicinity with in-depth travel tips.