Bangkok is the gateway to Asia. It’s a great starting place for anyone visiting South East Asia. It’s also a natural stop-over location for many who are travelling elsewhere in the region. As such, most visitors tend to have anywhere from 1 day to 3 days in Bangkok before moving on again. Whatever your plans may be, the below itineraries have got you covered. From 24 hours in the city, to a full 3 day Bangkok itinerary!
Visiting Bangkok
Bangkok is a captivating city. A hot pot of vibrant colours and intoxicating aromas. With centuries-old traditions and towering modern skyscrapers. It’s an exhilarating experience, both stunning and chaotic, and on first experience you will either love it or hate it.
It took us a day to climatise (both to the heat and to the chaos), but we loved our time in Bangkok. The below itineraries draw on our own experiences from our time in Thailand. Many of these are also featured in our round-up of 10 things to do in Bangkok.
Getting around Bangkok
As you would expect from a major city like Bangkok, it has an incredibly well-developed and reliable public transport system. If you’re only staying in Bangkok for a short while, you’ll want to maximise your Bangkok itinerary and time in this bustling city.
BTS Skytrain
The Skytrain is one of the most efficient ways of getting around Bangkok, with over 60 stations across three lines. The coverage may not be as thorough compared to the New York subway, or London underground, but the Skytrain will get you the majority of the way towards the major sites and locations in Bangkok. The rest of the journey can easily be continued on foot, by boat, taxi or Tuk Tuk.
The Skytrain is super easy to navigate and cheap, making travelling around the city a breeze.
Boat
To truly appreciate this dynamic metropolis, consider exploring it by one of its most iconic features—the Chao Phraya River. This flowing central river is the lifeblood of the city. Many commuters, tourists and freight transporters access the river all-day long.
The Chao Phraya Express will be your best bet. There are a piers along the river, stopping close to many of the main sites and attractions; from temples and palaces, to vibrant neighbourhoods.
Taxi
Bangkok is notorious for its city traffic, but sometimes a taxi is unavoidable. If your hotel can arrange taxi pick-ups for you then I recommend you arrange this with your hotel. We found this to be the most reliable option when we needed a taxi.
You can also download ‘Grab’ (a bit like Uber) to book taxi rides around the city. However, we found this to be unreliable, as most drivers would cancel the pick-up even after confirmation.
Tuk Tuk
Have you even been to South East Asia if you haven’t ridden in a Tuk Tuk? For many, it is a right of passage when in the region. It is easily the quickest way to get directly to where to you want to go. Perfect to maximise the most time from your Bangkok itinerary!
Beware the fares can be over-inflated, however Tuk-Tuk fares are typically negotiable. Ask the driver for the fare to your destination first and then negotiate to a price that works. This is where Grab came in handy. We would often find the taxi fare on Grab, and use that as a benchmark with the Tuk Tuk driver.
Fares are usually cash-only so make sure you have some change on you. Whilst bargaining is part of the fun, please be respectful when negotiating.
Your 3 day Bangkok Itinerary
- Day 1: Temple hopping. Visit The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Plus, Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn). In the evening, dive into Thailand’s culinary delights with a food tour!
- Day 2: Explore the old capital of Thonburi. In the evening, explore the local markets for food, and take in the views of Bangkok from the rooftops.
- Day 3: Spend a leisurely morning at Lumpini Park, splurge in Bangkok’s huge shopping malls. In the evening, explore the sensory overload that is China Town and the back backer haven of Khao San Road.
Day 1: Temple Hopping
Bangkok’s temples are iconic and are a must on any Bangkok itinerary. If you only have 1 day to explore the city, a day temple hopping will give you a good flavour of the main highlights. “Wats” (temples) are not only places of worship in Thailand, but are also architectural marvels, adorned with intricate details, glistening gold, and vibrant colours. By exploring these temples, you’ll gain insights into Thai spirituality, history, and artistry. That said, there are over 400 temples in Bangkok – so where do you start?
Three of the most popular temples worth visiting include Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn). Plus The Grand Palace, which houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
You’ll encounter countless Buddha statues and images of various sizes and poses. Be mindful not to touch them, and never climb on or point your feet at Buddha statues. You must also dress modestly, removing shoes before entering sacred areas. We have a separate write-up about visiting these temples on a DIY-temple hopping tour here. This includes travel options, an overview of temple etiquette and what to wear. Below though is a quick summary of each temple.
The Grand Palace
Built in 1782, the Grand Palace is a vast complex of over 100 buildings, palaces, courtyards and pavilions. It previously served as the official residence of the Thai monarchs for over 150 years. While it is no longer the royal residence, some buildings are used as Government offices and the Grand Palace remains an important centre for royal ceremonies and events.
The Grand Palace is a stunning masterpiece of Thai architecture and design. Shimmering in gold leaf, each building is beautifully impressive. Characterised by intricate details, ornate decorations and colourful mosaics, and wrapped by a tall 1.9km long wall. You can easily spend your time here just marvelling at the ornate structures and vivid murals.
The complex is split into two main areas: the royal residential areas, and Wat Phra Kaew. Within the grounds of the Grand Palace is one of the most important and sacred temples in Thailand… Wat Phra Kaew houses the highly regarded Emerald Buddha. This is a small, ancient statue carved from a single block of jade. It is considered the most sacred and holist Buddha image in Thailand. You cannot take photos inside this temple, but it is well worth a visit on any Bangkok itinerary.
Wat Saket (The Golden Mountain)
Next on your Bangkok itinerary is Wat Saket, also known as the Golden Mountain Temple. This is a stunning and captivating temple, nestled on top of a man-made hill, overlooking all of Bangkok.
The temple’s origins trace back to the Ayutthaya period (14th-18th Century). It sits on top of a 79m white mount, known as Phu Khao Thong, with a sweeping spiral staircase of 318 stairs . From here you are presented with stunning views over the city as you ascend.
One of the temple’s most distinctive features is its gleaming gold chedi (stupa) crowning the top of the temple complex. From the roof you have more panoramic views across the city. This will be a very different experience to the Grand Palace. We felt that Wat Saket embodied everything a temple should be. It was serene and peaceful, with nothing but the sound of birdsong and windchimes from the roof. A true oasis within the city.
Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Wat Pho is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok, dating back to the 16th Century. The temple is expansive. There are multiple courtyards with beautifully landscaped gardens and serene ponds. Plus chapels, and intricately adorned buildings with ornate decorations and colourful ceramics.
The temple is famous for its colossal reclining Buddha. Covered in gold leaf and measuring an impressive 46m in length and 15m in height! It is an important symbol of Buddha’s entry into Nirvana. But Wat Pho is not just known for this; it has the country’s largest collection of Buddha images. It is also recognised as an important centre of traditional Thai massage, and houses a renowned school teaching Thai massage techniques.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
For your final temple stop of the day, you’ll visit the unrivalled Wat Arun, or Temple of Dawn. With a stunning riverside location, it is one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, rounding off your day of temple hopping.
Located opposite the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, this is one of the prettiest temples in Bangkok. With its renowned 70m tall ‘prang’ (tower), and surrounded by four smaller towers. While the other temples are large and grand in appearance, Wat Arun almost appears delicate. Its central prang is adorned with intricate floral patterns and colourful porcelain tiles. It has undergone significant restoration during its lifetime to preserve its architectural beauty, fusing both Buddhist and Hindu design elements. The central tower is said to represent Mount Meru in Hindu cosmology, symbolising the temples role as a bridge between the earthly and divine realms.
Evening: Food Tour
Thailand is renowned for its street food. No Bangkok itinerary is complete without sampling the delights of local street food vendors. Picture sizzling chicken satays. Steaming pots of curry. Sweet, sour and spicy noodles. Soups and broths. Fresh banana pancakes and the taste sensation that is mango sticky rice!
Street food is an integral part of Thailand’s cultural fabric and is a way of life throughout the country. Street food vendors often become community hubs, where neighbours, friends and family come together over a good meal. It is incredibly cheap and affordable, attracting everyone from across the city, locals and tourists alike. It is also the epitome of authenticity, supporting local trade and watching dishes be prepared right in front of you.
That said, knowing where to start, what to order, the range of options available, and where to go can be overwhelming. If you have limited time in the city, you’ll want to try the best of the best! A street food tour is a great way to get acquainted with the foods and try something new. We booked with Taste of Thailand, and could not recommend them enough!
We have also provided a much more detailed overview of our experience of the street food tour on our 3 Days in Bangkok trip report.
Day 2: Explore the old capital, Thonburi
Previously Thailand’s capital, and known then as the Thornburi Kingdom, Thonburi is a rural residential area within the larger metropolitan area of Bangkok. Consisting of small villages and twisting canals, Thonburi offers a unique blend of historical charm, cultural heritage and a laid-back vibe. If you spent your first day temple hopping, then Thonburi will be a welcome change of pace!
It is a completely different side to Bangkok and well worth spending a day here. Thonburi offers a glimpse into local life. A quiet life along the river, with close-knit communities, family restaurants, and vibrant local markets. One of the most well-known is Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market. You can explore stalls selling fresh produce, local dishes, handicrafts, and more along the canals.
Wat Hong Rattanaram and Wat Kalayanamit are two must-see temples in the area also, known for their serene ambiance and beautiful temple detailing.
A trip here will not disappoint, and you will be completely immersed in Thonburi life. We really recommend booking with Small Teak Boat Canal Adventure, who will show you all the sights, amazing temples and the best local foods in the area. We truly believe this will be the highlight of any Bangkok itinerary! You can read more about our day in Thonburi in our 3 Days in Bangkok Trip Report.
Evening: Visit the local markets and rooftop bars
Visiting a market in Bangkok promises a vibrant and sensory-filled experience. Immersing you in the heart of Thai culture and daily life, from street markets, floating markets or traditional bazaars, Bangkok has it all!
Markets in Bangkok are known for their lively atmosphere and bustling crowds. With vibrant stalls and a kaleidoscope of products; from fresh produce and street food, to handicrafts, clothing, trinkets and souvenirs. The markets are truly a treasure trove to explore. You can observe how locals interact and you can chat to sellers to learn more about their products.
After you’ve spent some time in the evening shopping and eaten your way through the market stalls, it’s time to grab a night cap and see an entirely different side of Bangkok – from the rooftops!
A view of Bangkok’s skyline is like nothing else. The clash of traditional and modern skyscrapers is like a scene from a dystopian film. There are various rooftop bars dotted across the city where you can quench your thirst and drink in the chaos of the city below you. In our opinion none offer a view that quite compares to the Moon Bar on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel. Split over 3 levels, the rooftop offers stunning 360 degree views of the city around you. Cocktails are reasonably priced and taste damn good too!
Another hot spot worth trying close to the Moon Bar is the Zoom Sky Bar. This is located on the 40th floor at the JC Kevin Sathorn Bangkok Hotel. Come here at night to be sat amongst the glittering skyline lights.
Day 3: Lumpini Park and giant shopping malls
At over 500,000sqm, (142 aces) Lumpini Park is a lush green paradise in the heart of the city centre. Often referred to as “the green lung” of Bangkok, it is what Central Park is to New York. This is the perfect way to round-off your 3 day Bangkok itinerary.
Situated in the Sathorn District, Lumpini Park is easily accessible from all areas of Bangkok, and is a tranquil retreat for locals and tourists alike. In the mornings you’ll often see locals from all over the city jogging or completing a morning Tai Chi ritual. The park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, plus various species of birds, monitor lizards and bats which zip across the lake in the evenings.
After this, why not indulge in some retail therapy in one of Bangkok’s huge shopping malls? Bangkok is home to several modern and bustling shopping malls that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Bangkok’s shopping malls are well worth a visit – they’re expansive and multifunctional, serving as a one-stop destination where you can shop, dine, watch movies, visit entertainment centers, and even attend cultural events or exhibitions. Some of the most popular malls include, MBK Centre, located in the heart of the city centre, Siam Paragon, a luxurious shopping complex known for high-end boutiques, or there’s CentralWorld, one of the largest malls in South East Asia.
Evening: China Town and Khao San Road
If Bangkok wasn’t already an overstimulating experience for the senses, it will be after your final evening in China Town (Yaowarat Road) and Khao San Road.
Bangkok’s Chinatown is a microcosm of cultural diversity and fusion. It’s a vibrant neighborhood where Thai and Chinese cultures intertwine, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere that’s unlike any other.
The area has a rich history dating back over a century, and is dotted with historic buildings, temples, and narrow alleys that throw-back to its early days as a trading hub and immigrant enclave. The main street in Chinatown, Yaowarat Road, comes alive in the evening with colorful signs, bustling markets, and a lively street food scene. In fact, you’ll find an incredible array of street food stalls condensed here, plus traditional eateries all serving up delectable dishes, from savoury noodles to dumplings and curries. It is the perfect place to wrap-up your time in Bangkok and sample some new foods and culinary delights, all before washing it down with some tasty drinks at Khao San Road’s renowned nightlife scene.
Khao San Road is a famous and vibrant street. It’s known as a haven for backpackers and travellers from around the world, which its cheap hostels, cheap eats and cheap drinks.
It’s a place where travellers often begin or end their journeys through Southeast Asia, and as such has a unique blend of cultures and backgrounds, but ultimately a fun atmosphere. During the day, Khao San Road is a bustling street market where you can find a wide range of items, including clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and local crafts, but Khao San Road truly comes alive at night. The street is famous for its energetic nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and street vendors serving food and drinks until the early hours of the morning.
Get in touch
That wraps up your whirlwind time in Bangkok. Whether you’re in the city for 1 day, 3 days or more, you will find this city has so much to offer. While these itineraries cover some of the most popular sites and landmarks, once you’re in Bangkok, you’ll find you’re only really scratching the surface.
We hope you enjoyed our Bangkok itinerary suggestions! If you have any questions, please ask away in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you!
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