Planning Your Time

For a city its size, Bangkok is short on sights, though hardly lacking them, and the heat, traffic, and chaos can be overwhelming. No wonder, then, that many visitors to Thailand quickly repair south to the islands. That said, two full days are the minimum for getting a quick fix of the country's dynamic capital, and three would be better. You just need to pace yourself. The Skytrain, subway, and river ferries will help you dodge some of the traffic, but the heat and urban sprawl can exhaust you. Don't try to pack too much into one day and you'll have more fun. Plan on half a day to take in the Grand Palace and Wat Po and another half to visit one or two other nearby sights. Later, enjoy a meal along the riverside and have a drink at a skyscraper's rooftop bar. Another day could be well spent exploring Chinatown in the morning and the Jim Thompson House or Snake Farm in the afternoon, followed by a dinner cruise on the river. Food lovers can take an extra day to explore the markets and hole-in-wall restaurants. If in town on the weekend, be sure to visit Chatuchak Market.