A Perfect Day: Bangkok in One Day

9 AM: A Coconut Matcha Latte for Breakfast

The feeling of waking up in Bangkok for the first time in a few weeks or months is indescribable. Jet lag or not, I'm immediately looking forward to stepping outside and taking in the city with all my senses. Of course, this includes a delicious breakfast. The choice here is as huge as the city itself, from Thai to American, and from sweet to savory. I love going to Piccolo Vicolo, the branch not far from the famous Jim Thompson House. Here, I can find a little bit of everything in a really pleasant atmosphere, where minimalism is paired with Thai flair. My insider tip is the coconut matcha latte. It sounds unusual, but it's extremely tasty!

10 AM: Explore Bangkok by Bike

Time for a short bike ride. With Grab, the Asian equivalent of Uber, I can get to one of the many group bike tour operators in a flash. Of course, you can also hire a private guide for more flexibility. My favorite tour starts near Chinatown on the Chao Phraya, the river that divides the city. It takes about three hours and offers insights into a Bangkok that visitors easily overlook. On the other side of the river, a world awaits us where time seems to have stood still. The old town, with its adventurous wooden houses, offers a charming contrast to the incredible skyscrapers that dominate the cityscape. During the tour, some of the bikes are transported on boats, and we pass sights such as the Wat Arun temple and the legendary flower market on the water.

2 PM: Relax in a Beach Club That Is Not Located on the Waterfront

After taking in so many sights and doing lots of physical activity, it's time for a bit of relaxation. I find it at the very chic TRIBE Sky Beach Club, which isn't on the water at all, but on the roof of the fantastic EmSphere mall. As well as great international designers, you can also find an Ikea there! Since I had already eaten well on the bike tour, I just have a nonalcoholic cocktail at TRIBE, enjoy the view over the city, and prepare myself for my next item on the agenda.

4 PM: Enjoy an Invigorating Thai Massage

Now, I treat myself to an extensive Thai massage, which is a must in Bangkok – it's both relaxing and invigorating. There are countless options here, ranging from cheap stalls to very posh day spas. I prefer the middle ground and like to go to the Oasis Spa. It's within walking distance of TRIBE in a quiet side street off Sukhumvit Road, one of Bangkok's central arteries, where there seems to be a 24-hour traffic jam. A two-hour Thai massage at the Oasis Spa costs around 45 euros – not the cheapest price in the city by any means, but pretty much the best value for money.

6:30 PM: Try Some Delicious Thai Food in a Park

Time for dinner. I love eating street food in Bangkok, which is rightly considered to be the best in the world. If I'm in the mood for a more elegant dinner, I head to Baan Suan Sathon. The restaurant is located in a beautiful park with waterfalls and serves first-class Thai and Italian cuisine.

8 PM: A First Drink in a Great Sky Bar

The famous Bangkok nightlife can begin. Another rooftop bar kicks things off. Tichuca is not as well known as the likes of Vertigo and Lebua Sky Bar, so it's not completely overcrowded. But it's still quite busy here. The drinks are good, the music is loud, and I'm slowly getting into the mood.

9 PM: Drifting Through the Silom District at Night

Remember that old song, "One Night in Bangkok"? One night in this city and the world is yours. That's how it is, and for the rest of the evening, I just let myself drift through the nightlife in the Silom district. There's a small night market offering delicacies (highly recommended), a stall selling fake designer bags (not recommended), and an extremely chic bar. Contrasts are in Bangkok's DNA. And everywhere, there are people, people, people! Thais mingle with tourists from all over the world, the air is filled with the heavenly scent of grilled food, the night is wonderfully warm – and anything can happen.

About

Dennis Talat has been with Lufthansa since 2011. As a purser, he travels the world and has already been to Bangkok around 20 times – not only professionally, but also privately. In addition to his work at high altitudes, Dennis works for Lufthansa on the ground as a content creator and corporate influencer. He posts his experiences and adventures on Instagram.

Out and About in Bangkok – More Tips From the Lufthansa Editorial Team

1. To avoid the morning traffic jam, have breakfast at Piccolo Vicolo near Jim Thompson House, then take the Skytrain to the Siam transfer station. Continue from there to Saphan Taksin, where you can change to the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat (the All Day River Pass is worth it!). This is a quick way to reach Chinatown for the bike tour, and you can also enjoy wonderful views of the skyline from the water.
2. Bangkok's rooftop bars not only offer great drinks and excellent food, but are also perfect places to watch the sunset. It's easy to plan your visit, as Bangkok is close to the equator and there is no time change, so the sun sets at a similar time all year round – usually between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
3. To be fully prepared for a day in Bangkok, we recommend packing the following items: a light scarf (shoulders and knees must be covered in temples), thin socks (the temple floors can get very hot), mosquito spray, small bills (20 to 100 baht) for street food and tips, and a power bank. This will keep you flexible throughout the day.