If you’re reading this, you’re probably going to be on a long flight soon. Maybe across an ocean, or over another continent, and you’ll have 24 hours in Bangkok. Needless to say, this isn’t a lot of time. This guide isn’t for anyone looking for temples or tourist spots. This is for people who want to relax and maybe enjoy some nature, without any rush. As an expat of four years, this is what I would do if I had 24 hours to spend in Bangkok as a first-time traveler.
Morning: Bike Riding Through the Green Lung (Bang Krachao)
Depending on where you’re staying, this might be a pain to get to. But if you’re close, go for it.
As soon as you get to Bang Krachao, you can hop on a rented bike (they’re everywhere and cheap) and pedal around the green lung.
If you don’t like cities, this is a great way to escape. Locals often come here to escape it for the same reason. It’s a little swampy there, and you’ll probably see some big monitor lizards, but the air is rather fresh, especially in the morning, and there are all kinds of places to stop and eat during your bike ride.
As you can probably see, the “green lung” is much greener than the surrounding areas, which is why everyone refers to it as such.
Afternoon: Art Museum & Massage
I’ll just go right ahead and say it: Most art museums in Bangkok are not great. However, MOCA Bangkok is an exception to this, and it also exclusively features Thai art and artists. The entire complex has a modern feel to it (MOCA stands for Museum of Contemporary Art), and it seems like a place you would find in New York or Los Angeles.
After this, I’d recommend heading back to your hotel for a nap and a massage. They’re everywhere and easy to find. A simple Thai massage will cost you around 250 baht (~$7 USD).
Evening: Jazz & Nightlife
If you can resist the urge to sleep, or are too jet lagged to sleep anyway, head to Saxophone Pub near Victory Monument. They’ve got live music just about every night, and you can check their schedule here. I don’t even like jazz, but this place is highly regarded by expats and locals alike; the food is good, too.
If this place gets boring, you can always head to Khao San Road. If you’re over, say, 35, I wouldn’t recommend it, unless you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a young crowd, with both foreigners (especially backpackers) and locals. Nobody will judge you if you’re older, though. That’s the fun part about Thailand.
The Bottom Line
That’s it. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but it’s what I would do if I had 24 hours in Bangkok. If you’ve been stuffed in a plane for half a day and want a relaxing itinerary with no crowds of tourists, there you have it.
Tried the bike ride through Bang Krachao and wow, what a breath of fresh air away from the city hustle! Felt like I was in a completely different world. Worth the effort to get there. Thanks for highlighting this spot, Adam!
Glad you enjoyed Bang Krachao, it’s our green oasis! Always lovely to hear visitors appreciating it.
Sounds cool! What kind of bike did you use for the ride? Anything specific you’d recommend?
Honestly, MOCA Bangkok being a standout? I went with high hopes after seeing a bunch of rave reviews, but it felt like it was trying too hard. Some pieces are great, but overall, I wish there was more depth to the collections.
Saxophone Pub is legit one of the coolest spots in Bangkok for jazz. The vibe there is unbeatable, and the musicians? Top-notch. Always happy to see places like this getting a shoutout. For anyone reading this and wondering if it’s worth checking out – it absolutely is. Food’s decent, but let’s be honest, you’re going for the music, and it does not disappoint. Honestly, it’s venues like these that keep the jazz scene alive and kicking.