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Disorienting, alluring, and stimulating almost to the point of hallucination, the streets of Bangkok are where you really get to grips with the city.

How to Survive (and Thrive) during Your First 24 Hours in a New City

AFAR sent writer Leslie Jamison to the Indian Ocean island nation with just 24 hours’ notice. Arriving with no preparation and no plan, she caught a ride to the war-torn north to find out what kind of traveler she truly is.

A writer travels to the Horn of Africa to find the source of a global obsession.

Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft brings the country’s street food scene to Atlanta, offering tapas-style dining with unbeatable views of the skyline. Tucked into the top floor of a shopping center, guests are greeted with a real tuk tuk next to the elevator that takes you to the dining room. The flavors are authentic, with items like soups, curries, and street noodles. The ba-mee moo dang, barbecue pork noodles, and a lychee martini offer the full experience.

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Thanks to Bangkok’s extraordinary number of things to do and restaurants to try and photos to snap, figuring out how to spend just one day in the city can be ... overwhelming. Consider this your essential one day travel guide. From the Chao Phraya River to the Grand Palace and a shopping mall or two, you’ll take tuk tuks and the train for a sampler platter of Bangkok that will have you reconsidering your decision to leave.

Whether you wander by boat, bike, or tuk tuk (or, highly recommended, a combo of all three), Bangkok spills over with places both new and very old to explore. Along the way, modern-day wonders rub shoulders with traditional Thai culture. Hop from the floating market to a day cruise on the Chao Phraya River to a cocktail at one of the city’s innovative bars. Make meals of tastes from street food vendors and mix in some table service at some of the city’s most renowned restaurants. Overwhelmed by all the options? Stop for a Thai massage. Need souvenirs? The weekend market awaits.

Tuk Tuks are open-air, colorful, motorized rickshaws that weave in and out of the streets of Bangkok and other Thai cities. They are usually similar in cost to a regular taxi but you should always bargain for the price before you get in to avoid the surprise of a large fare. More of a novelty for tourists than something locals are apt to ride in (though this Thai family appeared to be transporting empty water delivery bottles in theirs), it’s still something you have to experience while in Thailand!

While you’re in Thailand, be sure to escape the colorful chaos of Bangkok and head toward the historic capital of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The best option to get there would be by train and they run frequently from Bangkok’s central station and take just over two hours. Upon arrival you’ll have tuk tuk drivers and bike rental salesmen fighting for your services and either way are a great way to get around and explore on your own time. If you’re short on time, I’d suggest the tuk tuk, but a day biking among the ruins of this ancient city is hard to beat. Ayutthaya is a ghostly city of beautiful ruins and entangled or slanted wats. Brightly colored offerings are gorgeous contrasts to the aging stones and brick. King Ramathibodi founded Ayutthaya in 1350 and city was the capitol of the Siamese kingdom until its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767. Leave Bangkok behind and go and make this exceptional place, yours for the day. Be sure to grab a map and some bottled water before you start navigating the treasures.