Bangkok Layover Guide (DMK)

Baiyoke Sky Hotel: Observation Deck

Be dazzled by this 360-degree revolving observation deck which provides picturesque views from one of Thailand’s tallest buildings. The view of Bangkok is spectacular as you see beyond the megacity, till the Gulf of Thailand. There are many computerized multimedia kiosks, and coin-activated telescopes to help identify what is seen in the skyline. » book this tour

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market has been in many movies. The most popular one must be in The Man with the Golden Gun with Roger Moore as James Bond. This particular floating market is not only famous for being in films, it is truly a remarkable market to visit. Take in the sights and sounds of Thailand, wander through the colorful boats and chatty vendors. And be prepared to try some authentic Thai foods, such as Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice, Boat Noodles or Coconut Ice Cream sold along the canal. » book this tour

Maeklong Train Market

Maeklong Railway Market has the nicknamed Talat Rom Hup, which when translated from Thai which means the “umbrella pulldown market”. It is one of the largest fresh seafood markets in Thailand, and is centered on the Maeklong Railway’s track. One of the only ways to get there is often via train, this way you get to experience Thailand as a local would. » book this tour

The Grand Palace

Can’t go without visiting the revered palace at the heart of the city. A tour of the palace takes quite some time to cover considering its enormous size. You are allowed to rent an audio guide in lieu of a tour guide and is insistent on a dress code to visit — for men long sleeves and long pants are advised and women are advised to not wear tight or revealing clothes (no sleeveless shirts or anything that shows shoulders). A former residence of the royal family and government, the Grand Palace is now used as grounds for occasional ceremonies and tourist attractions. It is a large complex of several buildings and temples so take your time to explore.

Time required: Full day.

Airport to here: 30 minutes via taxi and an hour via public transport.

The Jim Thompson House

The house was built by American architect Jim Thompson in 1959 who ultimately established the Thai Silk Company, as his residence and museum to house his art collection of artifacts, Asian art, a large collection of Buddhist statues and traditional Thai art. The global market is familiar with the famous Thai silk and once here you learn the interesting history of the building, silk making craft and Jim Thompson. He revived the silk industry in Thailand with the establishment of his Thai Silk company. The complex contains a gift shop where you can buy silk-made souvenirs and a bookshop. The decor of the house features Chinese blue and white Ming Pieces, Thai Stone images, a once-owned King Rama V of Thailand dining table, Cambodian carvings, Burmese statues and Victorian-era chandeliers.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: 29 minutes via taxi and 42 minutes via public transport.

Wat Arun

Known for its magnificent ceramic and porcelain covered building and as an important religious site of Thailand, Wat Arun which means Temple Of Dawn sits at a height of more than 80 metres on the west bank of Chao Phraya River. It is most admired at sunset for its beautiful illumination against the river and very popular on postcards. You can take an evening cruise to see the temple, one of the best ways to admire its beauty, while enjoying dinner on the cruise. The central prang is surrounded by four Mondops (Shrines) one of which houses the footprint of Buddha. At the entrance of the temple are two mythical giants that are believed to guard the temple.

Time required: Half day.

Airport to here: 35 minutes via taxi and 2 hours via public transport.

Chatuchak Market

Have a weekend market day at the largest market in Thailand and the world’s largest weekend market with over 15,000 stalls and 11,505 vendors where you can find possibly anything you can imagine at a reasonable price.It attracts people from different cultures and is a very diverse market. Be careful to have a map of the market or a guide as you can get lost in the market due to its size.

Time required: Full day.

Airport to here: 30 minutes via taxi and 53 minutes via public transport.

SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World

SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World has over 400 aquatic species and 30,000 fish including adorable penguins, otters, water rats and many more. It is one of the more impressive aquariums in the world. You can choose to ride in a glass-bottomed boat through the main tank or even experience a unique fish pedicure where the fish eat off the dirt on your feet.

Time required: 2 hours to a full day.

Airport to here: Taxi takes an average of 30 minutes while public transport takes just under an hour.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is an ancient village about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok. It has a lot of history and was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. The ruins of the old city now form the Ayutthaya Historical Park which is on an island between 3 rivers and looks like something out of a history book. The archaeological site contains palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries and statues which can all be explored.

Time required: Full Day.

Airport to here: Typically takes a Taxi an hour and 20 minutes on average while public transport takes over 2 hours.

Nana Plaza

Nana Plaza is described as the world’s largest adult playground. It is full of gogo bars and pubs. During the night, there are a lot of Thai women looking for pleasure for a fee as well as many people out to enjoy the nightlife. Nana Plaza has an electric atmosphere and is a good place for people watching while sitting at the bar.

Time required: You will need at least a few hours to enjoy the plaza.

Airport to here: Taxi takes an average of 30 minutes while public transport typically takes an hour.

Asiatique The Riverfront

Asiatique The Riverfront has an entertaining cabaret show features transvestites and transsexuals who put on a talented and exotic show. The cabaret show has taken 30 years of dedication to the show business to perfect. The performances are in English, Korean, and Thai.

Time required: 2-3 hours.

Airport to here: Typically takes a Taxi 30 minutes while public transport can take more than an hour.