If you are looking for a comprehensive Bangkok itinerary that combines the famous tourist attractions with a taste of the real Bangkok then I hope you’ll find this blog post useful.
I’ve put together a complete guide covering how to spend 3 or 4 days in Bangkok, Thailand, after many visits to this huge, buzzing, metropolis that fuses the ancient and ultra modern together in a hot, heady mix.
As the capital of Thailand, Bangkok is a where most travelers start their trip, so it’s normally the first stop on any Thailand itinerary. Plus, it’s one of the best places to visit in Thailand if you want to experience the big city buzz, culture, history, food and nightlife.
When I visited Bangkok for the first time the heat and chaos was a little overwhelming, but it’s a really fascinating city that grows on you and deserves at least a few days exploration. So don’t be in too much of a rush to get to the islands – Bangkok has a lot to love too!
Tips for Planning Your Bangkok Itinerary
There’s so many things to see and do in Bangkok, from marvelling at golden temples and exploring ancient waterways and floating markets to indulging in the delicious street food and crazy nightlife. So it’s no wonder Bangkok is one of the most visited cities not just in Southeast Asia, but in the whole world.
But the heat and traffic can make sightseeing exhausting so it’s best to visit in the winter and to plan your itinerary for Bangkok carefully to make the most of your trip. Don’t try to travel to the opposite side of the city during rush hour and don’t forget to allow yourself time to recover from the jet lag and adjust to the climate.
While you could see the famous sights, like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, in just one or two days, you’ll get a better insight into the city and enjoy the experience more if you allow some time to get off the beaten track.
The perfect Bangkok itinerary should also include a boat trip along the smaller canals through the more authentic Thai neighbourhoods, browsing the local markets, relaxing with a traditional Thai massage and soaking up the amazing views from a rooftop bar.
The Thai capital also makes a great base for day trips exploring the nearby historical sights like the ancient city of Ayutthaya and natural beauty spots – so however long you spend in Bangkok you won’t get bored!
Before you plan your itinerary for Bangkok it’s smart to do a bit of research into the best time to visit, how to get there and get around and where to stay and eat, so I’ll cover all this too in this blog post. If you already know the basics then click here to skip to the day by day itinerary.
How Long To Spend in Bangkok
If you just want to explore the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok then you should spend at least 2 days in Bangkok, but if you have time I would recommend spending 3 or 4 days to see more, get off the beaten track and explore beyond the city.
Spending 3 days in Bangkok will give you enough time to relax and explore the temples, palaces, and markets at a more relaxed pace. If you have time to spend 4 days in Bangkok you will also be able to explore some more authentic districts and take some day trips outside the city to visit the ancient city of Ayutthaya.
In this 3 – 4 day Bangkok itinerary, I’ll give you my recommendations for the famous attractions that you should not miss when visiting Bangkok, as well as some suggestions for if you have more time and want to get off the beaten track.
If you’re visiting Bangkok as part of a trip around rest of the country I recommend spending 2 weeks in Thailand to see the best of the North and South. Plan to spend 3 days in Bangkok when you arrive and you might also need to stay one more night in Bangkok at the end of your trip before you fly home.
First off, I’ll go through some essential Bangkok travel tips then I’ll include a detailed itinerary for 3 – 4 days in Bangkok.
The Best Time to Visit Bangkok
When planning your Bangkok itinerary you need to consider the weather to have the best experience.
Bangkok is a hot and humid city all year round so the best time to visit Bangkok is between November and March when the weather is cooler, dry and more comfortable. The temperature is between 22°C / 71°F and 32°C / 90°F in December and January – the coolest months.
During this period the days are sunny and dry and it’s less humid making it the best time to get out and explore the city and its surroundings. This is also the most popular time to visit Thailand so make sure you book your transportation, accommodation, and activities in advance.
The rainy season, from June till October, is not a bad time to visit. The cloud cover and rain showers bring relief from the hot, humid summer weather, the rain shouldn’t ruin your plans too much.
I don’t recommend visiting Bangkok in April and May as this is the hottest time of the year with temperatures frequently reaching over 40°C/104° , although it can be fun to get involved with the Thai New Year Songkran festivities and water fights on 15th April.
I also recommend you start in the early morning to beat the heat and crowds. If you plan your itinerary to include a weekend you can experience the Chatuchak weekend market which is one of the biggest markets in the whole world.
How to get to Bangkok
Getting to Bangkok is relatively easy as the city has some of the best flight connections in Southeast Asia and receives many international flights from all around the world.
Bangkok has two airports, Suvarnabhumi international airport (BKK) – where mostly long haul international flights arrive and depart, and Don Mueang international airport (DMK) – for domestic and regional flights with low cost airlines like Air Asia. There are many domestic and international flights operating to and from this airport to places all over Thailand, and the rest of Asia.
If you’re traveling from outside Southeast Asia you’ll probably start your Thailand trip by flying into Suvarnabhumi airport. If you are flying to other places in Thailand you’ll probably fly out of Don Mueang. The two airports are connected by BTS and shuttle buses but are on other sides of the city so always double check which airport you need!
Entering Thailand is usually straightforward as most nationalities receive either a Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival which is valid for 30 days. You can extend this once by another 30 days for 1,900 Thai Baht at the Immigration Office. Check the latest news and current requirements at the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The airport rail link that connects the airport to the BTS Sky train is the quickest and cheapest way to get into the city. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the Phaya Thai BTS station. Buses are also available but can be confusing if you don’t know Thai and I wouldn’t recommend cramming in at peak hour if you have a lot of luggage.
There are also plenty of taxis available at the airport, but this may take longer than the BTS if there is heavy traffic. A convenient way of booking a taxi if you don’t speak Thai is by using the Grab App. Grab is a ride-hailing app similar to Uber and is my favorite way of getting around Thailand now.
You can also ask your hotel if they offer an airport pick up or shuttle service or book an airport transfer for a smooth and stress free arrival – it’s not expensive and is worth it after a long flight.
You can also travel to Bangkok by train or bus from cities like Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Singapore but it’s a long journey with limited direct options.
How to Get around Bangkok
Bangkok is a fascinating city but it is also hot, sprawling and congested so you need to plan your itinerary for Bangkok carefully to avoid spending too much time sitting in traffic.
Luckily Bangkok’s public transportation is pretty quick and affordable once you know how to use it. Check out this handy guide to Bangkok’s public transport.
During rush hours the super modern BTS Skytrain and MRT Metro are the quickest ways to get around Bangkok. There are also plenty of buses and the ferries are a refreshing way to travel along the rivers and canals.
Tuk tuks can also be a fun way to explore the city but make sure to agree on the price with the tuk tuk drivers before setting off. The most convenient way to hail a taxi or tuk tuk is using the Grab App.
Bangkok is the hub for all flights, trains and bus services around Thailand. Overland journey times can be long but there is a good network of domestic flights which will save a lot of time traveling around Thailand. The easiest place to book tickets online is at 12 Go Asia.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a huge and diverse city with many different areas and neighbourhoods. It’s worth doing some research into the best place to stay depending on your budget and requirements as it takes time to get around and each neighborhood is very different.
For first time visitors I recommend staying on the Riverside or near the Rattanakosin and Banglamphu area.
On the riverside you’ll find some stunning luxury hotels like the Mandarin Oriental and Lebua State Tower that offer refreshing views of Bangkok’s skyline and river. These are conveniently located near Saphan Taksin station offering easy access both along the river and across the city.
Rattanakosin is one of the oldest parts of Bangkok where you’ll find the Grand Palace complex, historic temples and markets. There’s some wonderful riverside boutique hotels in this area like Sala Rattanakosin which is close to Wat Pho and boasts stunning views over the river to Wat Arun.
Nearby, the Banglamphu area is where you’ll find the lively Khao San Road. I don’t recommend staying on noisy Khao San road itself, but there’s plenty of backpacker hostels, budget hotels and affordable eating and drinking options nearby. Plus it’s within walking distance of the river and the Grand Palace.
The best hotels here include:
The only downside to this area is that it’s not on the BTS so it’s not so well connected to the rest of the city, but its cheap and fun to ride on the local ferry down the river to Saphan Taksin where you can get on the BTS.
If you prefer to be in a more modern and better connected area then stay in Sukhumvit or Siam. These centrally located modern districts on the BTS have plenty of shopping, eating, nightlife and accommodation options.
The Skyview Hotel is a great pick – I love the rooftop infinity swimming pool and views. Eleven Hotel is a popular modern hotel near the nightlife on Sukhumvit 11. If you’re on a budget Rezt Bangkok offers modern and comfortable dorms and private rooms with light and airy common areas.
Check out my full article about where to stay in Bangkok for more information and hotel recommendations.
So now you’re ready to start planning your day by day itinerary! If you are planning a 3 day Bangkok itinerary just do the first 3 days, if you have more time consider 4 days so you can get off the beaten track too.
My Ideal Bangkok Itinerary: How to Spend 3 – 4 Days in Bangkok:
- Day 1 – Grand Palace, Temples, Chao Phraya River Cruise and Khao San Road.
- Day 2 – Floating Markets, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Siam Square, Tuk Tuk Street Food Tour
- Day 3 – Day Trip to The Ancient City of Ayutthaya
- Day 4 – The Ancient City Museum, Backstreets Tour and Rooftop Bar.
Day 1 – Old Bangkok – Grand Palaces and Temples
Morning: Start your Bangkok itinerary by diving into Thailand’s cultural heritage and ticking off the city’s most famous and spectacular sights, palaces and temples in old Bangkok.
Your first stop should be the stunning Grand Palace, a gorgeous glittering masterpiece of Thai art and architecture and the former residence of the Thai royal family.
The Grand Palace complex is also home to Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) which houses a revered statue of the Buddha carved from a single piece of jade. Entry to the Grand Palace costs 500 Thai Baht for foreigners and it’s is open from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. I recommend getting there as early as possible.
If you’re not staying nearby then the best way to get there is to catch the sky train to Saphan Thaksin and then take the Chao Phraya Express Boat up the river to Phra Athit. It’s a fun and refreshing way to get around and see the sights. Check out this guide to getting around Bangkok by boat first.
After your mind has been blown by the Grand Palace you could check out the unique Amulet Market and then head to Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and marvel at the massive famous reclining buddha that is covered in gold leaf. You can also enjoy a foot massage at the traditional Thai medicine and massage school here.
As these temples are religious sites they have a strict dress code. Both men and women must dress respectively (covering shoulders and legs) and remove footwear to enter. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted, so wear loose, lightweight pants and a t shirt and be respectful of the local customs and traditions. See more tips for visiting temples in Thailand.
Be aware that there are a few scams around the Grand Palace and there’s so much detail to take in you might want to take a guided tour to learn about Thai culutre and spiritualty and have the best experience. If you’d like a guide consider this private and customizable full day Bangkok tour. Your friendly guide will accompany you wherever you want to go and help you get to know the city.
Lunch: For lunch, why not enjoy some traditional Thai food by the riverside. Near Wat Pho you’ll find a variety of restaurants including THE SIXTH 6th, a reasonably priced cosy and tasty Thai café.
If you’d like a lunch with a view try Eat Sight Story Deck, a cosy waterfront restaurant with views of Wat Arun. They serve a variety of traditional Thai dishes like green curry and pad thai, as well as some western favourites.
Afternoon: If you want to escape the afternoon heat and learn more about Thai culture and history why not visit one of Bangkok’s air-conditioned museums. The Museum of Siam is an interactive museum close to Wat Pho and makes the ideal activity to do after lunch.
Afterwards, cross the river and visit the iconic Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn.) Wat Arun is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok and is dedicated to the Hindu god Aruna. It’s famous for it’s 70 meter high mosaic covered spire (phrang) which you can climb up for amazing views over the river.
Cross back over the river and grab a taxi or tuk tuk to Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan (The Golden Mount) in time for sunset and enjoy the views over the city. If you fancy trying some Michelin starred Bangkok street food then Jay Fay’s stall is close by. This famous goggled chef is renowned for her amazing crab omelettes.
Evening: A popular and relaxing way to end your first day in Bangkok is with a Chao Phraya River Cruise. These cruises usually include a buffet dinner (and some also have entertainment or karaoke) It’s a nice way to see the temples along the river and the skyline illuminated at night.
Or check out the infamous Khao San Road, a buzzing street popular with backpackers and budget travelers that is lined with street food stalls, bars and nightclubs with cheap drinks. Even if you’re not a backpacker, it’s a unique experience and worth a look.
If you prefer something a bit more refined you could catch a boat down to the Asiatique night market on the waterfront where you’ll find plenty of stalls and shops, food and drink, a ferris wheel and a lively atmosphere.
If you’re tired after all the exploring, or still getting over the jet lag, then take the opportunity to relax with a traditional Thai massage, either at your hotel or in one of the many massage parlours and spas. Massages in Thailand are very affordable so why not treat yourself.
Day 2: Floating Markets and a Tuk Tuk Tour
After temples, another thing that Bangkok is famous for is floating markets, street food and shopping so get ready to explore these on your 2nd day in Bangkok.
Morning: Bangkok is known as the Venice of the East due to it’s ancient waterways and traditionally many markets were held on the water. Nowdays, Bangkok’s floating markets are pretty touristy but it’s still a fun and unique experience.
Start your day by heading to the Damnoen Saduak floating market where vendors ply the canals in boats selling everything from snacks to souvenirs. Hop aboard a long tail boat to join in the fun and practice your bargaining skills.
Another interesting sight is the Maeklong railway market where you’ll experience the vendors packing up the stalls and jumping out of the way as the train comes through the market.
These markets are a bit out of the city so the easiest way to get there is with a tour. This floating market and railway market tour combines both into an easy half day trip.
Afternoon: If you visit Bangkok on a weekend then take the BTS to the massive Chatuchak weekend market. With over 15,000 stalls organized into 26 sections spread across 35 acres, this market is one of the largest in the world.
You can find everything at the Chatuchak weekend market, from clothing, accessories and souvenirs to home decor, handmade crafts, and antiques. It’s a great place to shop for bargains and souvenirs or just enjoy the bustling vibe and try some delicious Thai snacks.
If you’re not shopped out yet, head to Siam – the heart of modern Bangkok where you’ll find the city’s best modern malls all conveniently located close together, and the Bangkok Art and Culture Center.
Some of the best malls include Central World, Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon and MBK. They also have huge food courts where you’re spoilt for choice with all kinds of Thai and international food at affordable prices.
Also nearby and well worth a visit is the Jim Thompson House Museum. Jim Thompson was an American businessman and art collector who helped revive the Thai silk industry in the 1950s and his disappearance in Malaysia remains a mystery to this day.
Located in a beautiful garden oasis in the heart of Bangkok near Siam Square, this unique museum showcases traditional Thai architecture and features a collection of art, silks, antiques and artifacts from all over Thailand.
And if you need an escape from the city hop on the skytrain and visit Lumpini Park, Bangkok’s central park and largest greenspace. This manicured park is home to some massive monitor lizards and offers a great view of the Bangkok skyline and business district. You can rent a pedalo for a fun way to explore the lake.
Evening: Bangkok really comes alive after dark once the heat dies down so it’s a great time to explore. Not only is Bangkok’s nightlife legendary, the temples and skyscrapers are illuminated and the night markets and street food stalls come to life.
Bangkok’s street food stalls serve up cheap, fresh and tasty thai cuisine like pad thai, tom yam soup, mango sticky rice and loads of dishes you’ve probably never even heard off.
Trying the street food is an essential part of getting to know the city but it’s a good idea to take a guided food tour with a local to avoid any stomach issues!
A fun way to explore the city and it’s food at night is with a tuk tuk tour! This Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk Tuk Tour will zip you around Old Bangkok after day you’ll see the temples illuminated, explore bustling Chinatown, a colourful 24 hour flower market, and local street food markets.
Your guide will take you to only the best and most authentic street food stalls where they know the food is safe, so it’s a great way to try the local cuisine and get to know Bangkok after dark. The tuk tuk ride in itself can also be quite a thrilling experience!
If you’re up for partying afterwards head down Sukhumvit Road for a taste of Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife scene. Sukhumvit Soi 11 is a good place to start with plenty of bars and popular nightclubs like Sugar. Levels, and Candy.
Be aware that Sukhumvit is also home to infamous red light districts like Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy. If you prefer to avoid that vibe then avoid those streets or check out the classier scene in trendy Thonglor and Ekamai. BangkokNightlife.com has more information on what’s happening after dark.
Just don’t stay too late as there’s still plenty to explore tomorrow.
Day 3 – Ancient Ayutthaya
Daytime: If you’re interested in Thai history and want to see some more iconic sights from Thailand’s past then Ayutthaya is a must visit.
The ancient city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located just 1.5 hours from Bangkok so it makes an easy day trip. It was once the capital of Siam (the former name of Thailand) and a wealthy trading port.
The Ayutthaya Historical Park contains the ruins of the ancient temples and palaces of the former capital. A highlight is the three impressive stupas (dome-shaped structures) of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the huge reclining buddha and the Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat.
As the site is in ruins having a local guide will help bring the ruined capital to life so you understand it’s importance. This Ayutthaya day trip includes transport, a knowledgeable guide and also visits the nearby former summer home of the Thai kings – Bang Pa-In Royal Palace.
Other Day Trips from Bangkok
Ayutthaya is the quickest and best day trip from Bangkok, but there are plenty of other options too:
- Kanchanaburi – A historically important town surrounded by natural beauty home to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, the Death Railway, the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum and the amazing 7 tiered Erawan waterfalls in the Erawan National Park. The easiest way to explore it all in one day is with this Kanchahaburi private tour, but it can be quite a long day as it takes 2 – 3 hours to get there and there’s so much to see.
- Khao Yai National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest and most diverse national parks in Thailand with hiking trails, wildlife, scenic viewpoints and Haew Narok waterfall, famously featured in the movie ‘The Beach‘. It’s 2 – 3 hours from Bangkok and this Khao Yai National Park full day tour visits the highlights.
- Pattaya Beach – If you don’t have time to visit Thailand’s islands, luckily the beach resort city of Pattaya is only 2 hours from Bangkok. It’s famous for it’s nightlife, but there’s also lovely beaches, cultural sights like the unique Sanctuary of Truth, an impressive carved wooden temple, and the nearby island of Koh Larn to explore. This Pattaya day trip visits the highlights with plenty of time to enjoy the beach.
Evening: You’ll probably be pretty tired after your day trip so once you get back from your day trip why not relax with a massage and dinner at your hotel and get an early night ready to have an amazing last day.
Day 4 – Ancient City Museum, Backstreet Tour and Rooftop Bar
If you are planning a 4 day itinerary for Bangkok then you’ve got time to get off the beaten track and discover some more authentic areas, now you’ve seen Bangkok’s major tourist attractions.
Morning: Head just outside the city to the amazing Ancient City Museum. Also known as Muang Boran, this is the largest outdoor museum in the world and showcases the history of Thailand from ancient times to the present day in a fun way.
This unique museum features over 100 replicas of famous Thai landmarks, including temples, palaces, and shrines. It’s like a whirlwind tour through Thailand’s most impressive sights with many great photo opportunities. It’s a sprawling 250 acre site that is best explored by bicycle or tram. Even if you’re not a museum person it’s well worth visiting. Get your tickets here.
Have lunch in the Ancient City and head back to explore the real Bangkok!
Afternoon: If you want to get a better insight into local life and experience parts of Bangkok that most tourists don’t see I recommend taking a tour of one of the more traditional and authentic neighbourhoods, like Thonburi.
Thonburi is the oldest district in Bangkok and a former capital, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It’s a laid back, more authentic, residential neighborhood with canals, wooden houses and beautiful temples, including Wat Arun.
The best way to explore the hidden gems of this area is on a bike tour through the backstreets, or a boat tour of the canals, which will give you a unique perspective on the city and its history.
Another area worth visiting is Bangkok’s Chinatown, a busy district full of energy, amazing food, markets, shrines, temples, gold shops and traditional Chinese medicine stores. You can also visit Wat Traimit (The Golden Buddha Temple) and check out the street art in Talat Noi nearby Chinatown.
The main street in Chinatown, Yaowarat Road, is where you’ll find some of the city’s best street food with vendors selling everything from crispy fried chicken and dim sum to steaming bowls of noodles. It’s a great place to take a food tour if you want to try the best dishes.
This award winning Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour was designed by a chef and is lead by an expert food guide. You’ll explore the streets of Chinatown while indulging in over 15 tastings of Thailand’s best dishes such as chicken satay, Thai curries, noodles and more.
If you’d like to explore the hidden gems of both Chinatown and Thonburi consider this Real Bangkok bicycle tour. where you’ll explore the narrow alleyways of Chinatown and the canals of Thonburi to see and experience things that you are unlikely to come across on your own.
Evening: Bangkok is home to some of the best rooftop bars in the world, offering cocktails and dinner with stunning views of the city skyline – it’s the perfect way to spend your last night in Bangkok!
One of the most popular rooftop bars in Bangkok is the Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower, which was featured in the movie “The Hangover Part II”. Another great option is the Sky Bar observation deck at Baiyoke Sky Hotel and the Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit.
The newest tallest building in Bangkok is the King Power Mahanakhon Tower, which has a glass floor observation deck and skywalk as well as a rooftop bar on its 78th floor called “Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar” which offers 360 degree views of the city.
For the best experience go just before sunset to witness the city as it changes from day to night and be aware that many rooftop bars have a dress code, no shorts or sandals, so make sure to dress up for the occasion.
If you want to carry the night on head either Sukhumvit or Khao San Road afterwards.
And if you want to head north next check out my suggested itinerary for Chiang Mai, or if you want to check out the islands read this Phuket and Krabi itinerary for more tips to plan an amazing trip to Thailand!
Booking Activities and Tours
There’s plenty of guided tours and day trips that make exploring Bangkok and the surroundings easy and stress free. The best tours usually also include transport and lunch.
Some activities are very popular and have limited space, so if you are visiting Bangkok in the peak season then I recommend booking these in advance to avoid disappointment.
The best place to find, read reviews and book day trips and tours in Bangkok is on Viator and Get Your Guide. Local travel agents sell tours but I like to be able to read the reviews first so that I know I’m going to get a good experience.
Public transport connections to major cities in Thailand are good and it’s easy to book bus and train tickets on 12Go Asia. But if you want to visit specific attractions or get more off the beaten track it’s best to take an organised tour. It will allow you to see much more in one day than you could with public transport alone, plus having a local guide makes the experience more meaningful.
The top tours and day trips from Bangkok include:
Now you know how to spend 3 or 4 days in Bangkok
As you can see, Bangkok has so much more to offer than just temples, malls, and bars, so I hope this blog has inspired you to explore more of the Thai capital!
While the Grand Palace, golden temples, river cruises, floating markets, and rooftop bars are certainly a highlight there’s so many more things to do in Bangkok!
It’s really worth spending 4 days in Bangkok so you can get a taste of the city beyond the popular tourist attractions. If you explore the backstreets and canals of the more traditional neighbourhoods and visit Ayutthaya you’ll see a different side to the city.
How ever many times you visit Bangkok there’s always something new to discover!
For more tips on the best areas to stay in the city check out my guide to where to stay in Bangkok and my picks for the best boutique hotels in Bangkok.
And, if you’re visiting Bangkok as part of a longer Thailand trip, you might find my Thailand Travel Guide and my 2 Week Thailand Itinerary useful. You might also want to check out my other Thailand blog posts:
Most importantly – take the time to explore Bangkok and enjoy!
