One Day in Bangkok Itinerary: From Laem Chabang Cruise Port

Are you traveling to Thailand on a cruise and looking for a perfect one-day Bangkok itinerary from the Laem Chabang Cruise Port? Then you are in the right spot.

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a city rich in history, culture, and attractions. It’s known for its great nightlife, impressive shopping malls, traditional markets, and delicious street food. 

But it can be pretty hard to find your way around the big, crowded city without a local guide.

I have been on a cruise to South East Asia, and for planning my perfect itinerary I have consulted with Alika in Wanderlust, one of the best travel bloggers in the area.

And in this post, I’ll share all of our knowledge to save you the hassle of planning.

If you’re docking at Laem Chabang Cruise Port and have just one day to explore Bangkok, we’ll help you make the most out of the short time on shore.

Let’s get to it.

One Day in Bangkok From Laem Chabang: In Short

If you are just here for my hand-crafted itinerary for your shore day in Bangkok without any additional info, look no further.

For more information on the specific stops, keep on reading.

The Laem Chabang Cruise Port

Laem Chabang Cruise Port is a major port in Thailand, near Pattaya. It serves as a gateway to Bangkok or alternatively to Pattaya.

Because it is a bit farther outside the city, arranging for good transport is crucial.

Location

• Distance to Bangkok: About 80 miles southeast.

Amenities

• Shops: For souvenirs and essentials.
• Restaurants: Local and international cuisine.
• Wi-Fi: Free internet access.
• Lounges: Comfortable waiting areas.

Getting to Bangkok

• Taxis: Available at the port, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours
• Shuttle Buses: Often provided by cruise lines (usually overpriced)
• Private Transfers: Should be pre-arranged

Not interested in arranging transportation by yourself? Experience a full-day shore excursion (8 hours) with a personal English-speaking guide. Your private guide will have a list of major landmarks, Markets, Monuments, and Museums or you can simply hand him this itinerary.

1. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Your first stop should be the Grand Palace, one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. It tends to be more quiet in the morning, so it is good to start there.

This complex has been the heart of Thai royalty since 1782. You can find it sitting proudly by the Chao Phraya River.

Within the palace grounds, you’ll find Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It houses a Buddha statue carved from a single block of jade.

Important: Make sure to follow the Grand Palace’s strict dress code, which requires both men and women to wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.

If you need to buy something appropriate, there’s a store outside the Grand Palace with reasonably priced options.

Insider tip: don’t miss the free shuttle bus near the exit that takes you to a complimentary show at 1 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4 pm.

2. Wat Pho

The next stop on our one-day Bangkok itinerary is the Wat Pho temple.

It is located right next to the Grand Palace which makes it super convenient. This temple complex is famous for its massive Buddha statue, which stretches 46 meters high and is covered in gold leaf.

Wat Pho is not only a place of worship but also a center of education and healing. It is home to Thailand’s first public education institution and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

The temple grounds are decorated with beautifully decorated stupas, murals, and serene gardens. It’s like finding an oasis in the middle of the city.

3. Lunch

For a traditional lunch in Bangkok, you should try Pad Thai Kratong Thong.

Pad Thai Kratong Thong is a unique Thai dish that combines the classic Pad Thai with crispy pastry cups.

The Pad Thai includes stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp or chicken, bean sprouts, and peanuts, flavored with a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce.

This gets served in bite-sized, crispy Kratong Thong cups. It is a cool combination of textures and flavors.

My favorites: Try Pad Thai, Som Tum (papaya salad), and Mango Sticky Rice for a taste of local flavors!

Alternative: Coffee Break

If you are not so much into eating a full meal, a stop in one of Bangkok’s most instagrammable cafés might be just what you need.

Here are my favorite, unique cafés in Bangkok:

☕ Baan Suan Sathon

This unique cafe has a captivating forest theme. You can take pictures in the gardens, tranquil waterfalls, and charming koi fish ponds.

You’ll have the option to enjoy your meal in either the serene outdoor seating area or the comfortable air-conditioned cafe.

☕ After the Rain Cafe

This café is a bit off the beaten tracks, but it is worth the detour if you have the time.

The best way to get here is by Grab and you can easily order one to get you back into the city.

After you finish your meal at the cafe and pay you will be given a number to wait your turn for a canoe along the canal to take beautiful photos and videos in the boat.

☕ Bubble in the Forest Cafe

The Bubble in the Forest cafe is about a 45-minute drive away from the city so best to take a Grab or a metered taxi. Since the cafe is quite popular, expect a possible wait to get a table.

Opting for regular seating can help minimize your wait time. Keep in mind that prices may differ based on your seating choice.

4. Wat Arun and the Chao Phraya River

After a delicious Thai lunch, we’ll head over to Wat Arun Temple.

To reach Wat Arun from the Grand Palace, take a short 5-minute ride on the taxi ferry across the river. The short ferry ride costs 5 Baht.

Wat Arun is a beautiful riverside temple located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.

The temple is famous for its central spire, which rises over 70 meters high. It is decorated with colorful porcelain and seashells, creating a dazzling mosaic that catches the light beautifully.

I suggest climbing the steep steps of the spire for breathtaking views of the river and the city.

After visiting Wat Arun, take a scenic boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to admire the city’s skyline and riverside life.

Alternative: Wat Pak Nam

If you want a more quiet temple experience on your shore day in Bangkok, consider Wat Pak Nam Temple instead. It is lesser known, and a bit of a hidden gem.

You can find this temple in Bangkok’s Thonburi district. This Buddhist temple is known for its Gold Buddha, the largest in Bangkok.

It is made of pure bronze (the only one in the world). The top floor is a dome with an 8-meter emerald glass stupa with a colorful psychedelic ceiling.

Secret tip: Find the best photo spot of the Gold Buddha here.

5. Visit One of Bangkok’s Famous Markets

One of the must-do things in Bangkok is to visit one of the lovely markets in the city. In this chapter, I’ll let you in on my favorite markets in Bangkok!

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak is one of the world’s largest markets. It is a paradise for shoppers with its maze of over 8,000 stalls selling everything imaginable.

It’s a must-visit for any cruise guest – sadly it is only open on the weekends.

Chatukchak Weekend Market is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm.

Asiatique The Riverfront

If you visit on a weekday, this market is a great alternative.

This riverside complex combines shopping, dining, and entertainment in a beautifully restored warehouse setting.

Asiatique is especially famous for cute boutiques and handicraft stores.

Icon Siam

Luxury travelers will love shopping at Icon Siam.

Icon Siam is a market with a luxurious design and stunning riverfront views. You can find high-end boutiques, designer brands, and flagship stores.

On its G Floor, you’ll find an indoor floating market, while the top floor offers panoramic city views.

Restaurant Recommendation: Yuzu Ramen on the top floor of Icon Siam

Bar Recommendation: HOBS Iconsiam (amazing views)

6. Rooftop Bar

Bangkok is famous for fancy and Instagram-worthy rooftop bars. Naturally, I needed to include some in my itinerary.

If you don’t have enough time before your cruise ship leaves, you can skip this part.

Here are my favorite rooftop bars in Bangkok:

🍹 Tichuca Rooftop Bar: Tichuca opens at 5 p.m. daily. If you visit between Friday to Sunday it’s walk-in only. No reservation is needed.

🍹 Sky Bar, Lebua Hotel: Hangover 2 was filmed here!

🍹 The Abandoned Mansion: The one and only gangster-themed bar in Bangkok with live jazz performances. Located near Asoke BTS station & open daily from 6 pm.

🍹 Tulum Skybar: Located on the 29th floor of Movenpick Ekkamai. Open daily from 5 pm. For a rooftop bar in Bangkok, this one is affordable.

Conclusion: 1 Day in Bangkok

Wrapping up an unforgettable day in Bangkok from the cruise port. I hope you’ll leave with lots of lovely memories.

While the cruise port is a bit of a drive away from Bangkok, you can still have a lovely day. I suggest booking a private driver to make the most out of your day.

From the awe-inspiring Grand Palace and serene Wat Pho to savoring delicious Pad Thai and capturing moments at an Instagrammable cafe, every moment is a delight.

As the day winds down, sip a drink at a rooftop bar or take a fun Chao Phraya River cruise.

Shop at the beautiful Chatuchak Market or explore the Asiatique – and bring some souvenirs back to the ship.