Bangkok: The five things to do in 24 hours

Bangkok is home to over 8 million people and one of the most visited cities in the world. 

For many tourists, the city is a stop-over on their way to the beach resorts and jungles of Southeast Asia.

If you're in Thailand's capital for a limited amount of time, here's the five spots you should visit.

Street vendors near Bangkok's Flower Market.
Street vendors near Bangkok's Flower Market. Photo credit: Newshub.

Bangkok Flower Market

On the bank of the Chao Phraya river is the Pak Khlong flower market - a bustling, 24 hour market selling colourful produce from the surrounding provinces. The market, which is at its busiest around midnight, sees local florists scour the recently stocked stalls on the hunt for a bargain. 

If you visit during rush hour, be careful not to get in the way as it can get mighty hectic.

Wat Arun 

A short ferry trip across the river lies Wat Arun, or the Temple of the Dawn. 

This early 19th century temple towers above the surrounding houses and businesses, it's white-washed exterior gleaming in the rising sun. 

The building represents Mount Meru, the centre of the universe and of mind in Tibetan Buddhist mythology. 

Wat Arun or "Temple Of The Dawn" on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok.
Wat Arun or "Temple Of The Dawn" on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok. Photo credit: Newshub.

The Grand Palace 

A short ferry ride north is the Grand Palace, the official residence of Thailand's royal family since 1782, although the monarchy no longer lives inside its walls.

It's the most sacred site in Thailand, so a strict dress code is enforced - long pants and shirts with sleeves must be worn by men, while women must dress 'modestly', with their shoulders covered.

Be wary of scam artists operating outside the palace who will try to convince you it's closed to visitors, before trying to talk you into a ride on their tuk-tuk to see the other sites close-by.

If you accept the driver's offer, you'll usually end up at businesses owned by accomplices and be aggressively sold a suit.

The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand Photo credit: Newshub

Ratchada night market

The hustle and bustle of Thailand's capital city can really work up an appetite. 

For authentic Bangkok street food, there is nowhere better than the Ratchada night market. On offer is everything from a classic pad thai to New Zealand mussels.

To keep your belly in working order for the rest of your trip, avoid the empty eateries and obey the basic rule - if the locals are digging in, it's probably okay for you, too.

Khaosan Road

The iconic Khaosan Road is a hedonistic blur of bars, street food and bizarre souvenirs. 

Bar staff will try to entice you in with offers of "very strong cocktails", laughing gas and, yes, ping pong shows and 'ladyboys'.The heady atmosphere and deafening music can become tiring after a while.

For more sophisticated watering holes, try Soi Ram Butra, which runs parallel to Khaosan. It has quieter bars and significantly less ping pong shows. 

Newshub travelled to Bangkok courtesy of Air Asia.

Newshub.