My Suggested 3-5 Day Itinerary for 2025

When folks inform me they hate Bangkok and don’t discover a number of issues to do there, I completely perceive. It’s a love/hate metropolis that most individuals aren’t a fan of on arrival.

In truth, after I first visited Bangkok in 2006, I despised the town and couldn’t wait to depart.

It wasn’t till I lived in Bangkok that I really fell in love with it.

Nearly twenty years later, Bangkok remains to be considered one of my favorite cities in the world.

It simply takes slightly time to get to know and love.

Bangkok is just not a metropolis that opens itself up simply, and most of the people spend only a day or two right here earlier than leaving to go to the islands or the jungle.

That mentioned, there are a number of things to do and see in Bangkok. Low-cost issues, costly issues, distinctive issues, and out of doors issues. Bangkok has a little bit of all the pieces.

That can assist you plan your journey and take advantage of your go to, beneath is my urged itinerary for Bangkok. It can aid you deal with this sprawling, hectic metropolis in a approach that will get you on and off the crushed monitor so you’ll be able to peel again the onion that’s Bangkok and uncover why I find it irresistible a lot.

Bangkok Itinerary: Day One

The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun

The primary place it’s best to go to in Bangkok is the Grand Palace (Royal Palace) and neighboring Wat Pho, residence to the well-known reclining Buddha and therapeutic massage faculty. The Royal household doesn’t reside within the palace (it’s solely used for official state features) and you may’t go into any of the buildings, however wandering the grounds and open temples is definitely worth the go to. It’s stunning and the craftsmanship within the structure is superb. Go very first thing within the morning to keep away from the crowds.

Afterward, wander down the road to Wat Pho and the well-known reclining Buddha (in addition to the well-known Golden Buddha). It’s the most important reclining Buddha statue within the nation at 46 meters (150 toes) lengthy. The Wat Pho advanced fills a metropolis block so whereas seeing the statues doesn’t take lengthy, you can spend a stable hour wandering the maze-like temple grounds.

Subsequent, head throughout the river to Wat Arun (Temple of the Daybreak). This can be a attractive Buddhist temple on the Chao Phraya River reverse the Grand Palace. It has one essential spire and 4 small ones and is so iconic that it’s on Thai cash. From the highest of the primary spire, you get to see sweeping views of the town. It’s my favourite temple in Bangkok.

If you need a deep-dive into the temple and palace, take a guided tour. You’ll be taught in regards to the historical past of every temple and the palace from an skilled native information who can reply all of your questions and supply a way more nuanced expertise.

Notice: When visiting these locations, you should definitely put on garments that cowl your legs and shoulders; it’s thought-about disrespectful to put on revealing garments. Meaning no quick skirts, no tank tops, nothing that exhibits your abdomen, and no ripped pants.

The Grand Palace is positioned on Na Phra Lan Highway; royalgrandpalace.th/en/residence. Open day by day 8:30am-3:30pm. Admission is 500 THB.

Wat Pho is positioned on 2 Sanamchai Highway, Grand Palace Subdistrict, +66 083-057-7100, watpho.com/en. Open day by day from 8am–7:30pm. Admission is 300 THB.

Wat Arun is throughout the river at 158 Wang Doem Highway, +66 2 891 2185. Open day by day 8am–6pm. Admission is 200 THB.

Take a River Cruise

Take a tour of the Chao Phraya River, a soothing and delightful expertise that shouldn’t be skipped. Don’t take an overpriced tour, although (they value over 2,000 THB). You possibly can journey the water taxi up and down the river for round 35 THB. Begin on the central pier, go to the tip, and are available again. Presto! Prompt tour for a fraction of the value!

Tour Extra Temples

Bangkok has a number of stunning temples. Rent a tuk-tuk driver to take you round for the day to see the temples. That is typically the most affordable and best strategy to see the temples all through Bangkok. You possibly can even break up the fee with different vacationers to save cash.

My favourite temples are:

Wat Saket – The Golden Mount has an infinite, 100-meter-high, 500-meter huge chedi (mound-like construction containing Buddhist relics). That is considered one of my favourite temples within the metropolis due to its stunning golden temple and fantastic views of the town from its prime. On the base of the mountain is an overgrown cemetery for 18th-century plague victims. Open day by day 7am-7pm. Admission to the temple is free whereas the chedi prices 100 THB.

Wat Benchamabophit – This temple is pictured on the again of the 5-baht coin. The white marble used to distinction the constructing was imported instantly from Italy, and there’s a distinctive mix of each Thai and European structure and design. Within the courtyard, there are 53 Buddha pictures representing each mudra (gesture) and elegance from Thai historical past. This makes it a great place to visually see how Buddha has been represented in Thailand over time. Open day by day 8am-5:30pm. Admission is 50 THB.

Simply make sure that your tuk-tuk driver doesn’t take you purchasing alongside the way in which — drivers get kickbacks if they bring about clients into sure retailers. Ask your lodge/hostel workers for a good driver; they may doubtless know somebody.

Go to Khao San Highway

The backpacker capital of the world, this street (together with Soi Rambuttri) is a should go to! You’ll discover limitless bars, retailers, road meals, worldwide eating places, distributors, locals, and actions all day and all evening. It’s additionally a well-liked spot on the weekend for Thais. I personally just like the quieter Soi Rambuttri, however Khao San is an superior place to sit down outdoors and meet different vacationers. It’s way more industrial than it was once, nevertheless it’s nonetheless enjoyable to discover!

Bangkok Itinerary: Day Two

Try the Floating Market

You possibly can take pleasure in a half-day go to to the floating markets across the metropolis (Khlong Lat Mayom and Taling Chan are the 2 hottest). It makes for a filling morning journey and if you happen to get there early you’ll be able to keep away from a number of the crowds. Thaling Chan is the extra touristy one so to keep away from the hordes of tour teams, undoubtedly get there early. They’re not the perfect place to buy, however they’re nice for people-watching and consuming. Each markets might be visited by public transportation.

I like the chaos, the smells, and the little women cooking and promoting you numerous treats as they paddle by you. (You by no means depart hungry.)

Discover Chinatown

Chinatown in Bangkok is a culinary feast. You possibly can buy groceries right here and purchase numerous ineffective souvenirs, however what I like about this space is the meals. On the chaotic vendor-lined streets, you’ll discover a ton of distributors promoting meals you hardly see wherever else within the metropolis. This can be a crowded and busy a part of the town however considered one of my favorites. At evening, the realm is without doubt one of the finest locations within the metropolis to get scrumptious seafood.

Go to the Malls

Okay, hear me out: Malls in Bangkok are extra than simply malls, they’re social hubs (thanks partially to the air-conditioning) the place folks eat (mall meals courts in Bangkok are scrumptious), drink at bars, see films, sit at espresso retailers, and even go bowling! A variety of life within the metropolis occurs within the malls and every has its personal character.

Right here’s a listing of the perfect malls within the metropolis:

• Terminal 21 (88 Sukhumvit Highway 19, +66 2 108 0888, terminal21.co.th)
• MBK Heart (444 Phayathai Highway, +66 2 853 9000, mbk-center.co.th)
• Siam Paragon (991/1 Rama I Highway, +66 2 610 8000, siamparagon.co.th)
• Emporium (622 Sukhumvit Highway, +66 2 269 1000, emporium.co.th)
• CentralWorld (999/9 Rama I Highway, +66 2 640 7000, centralworld.co.th)

Watch a Muay Thai Combat

Muay Thai (a fight sport involving hanging and clinching) is in every single place in Thailand and Thais take it very significantly. Fighters prepare for years. Don’t trouble seeing the vacationer Muay Thai fights on any of the islands. As a substitute, spend an evening seeing an genuine match with world-class fighters in Bangkok at Rajadamnern Stadium, which may maintain as much as 8,000 spectators. There’s normally one thing occurring each evening so examine the web site.

You too can catch fights at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, which seats as much as 5,000 folks, on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Between the 2 stadiums, there are fights occurring each evening of the week.

1 Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd, +66 2 281 4205, rajadamnern.com. Tickets begin at 1,500 THB.
 

Bangkok Itinerary: Day Three

Wander the Chatuchak Weekend Market

The weekend market is without doubt one of the finest issues in Bangkok. It’s the scale of many soccer fields and fairly crowded. You’ll discover all the pieces and something from genuine designer garments to their pretend counterparts to telephones to knockoff films to pets to backpacks to kitchenware. There’s a giant eating space with nice, low cost meals. Don’t miss coming right here. With over 15,000 stalls, it actually does have all the pieces!

Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, +66 2 272 4813, chatuchakmarket.org. Open Saturday and Sunday 9am-6pm.

Tour Jim Thompson’s Home

Jim Thompson was an American spy and silk service provider in Thailand through the ’50s and ’60s who vanished mysteriously in 1967 whereas in Malaysia. Some say he was misplaced or killed whereas mountain climbing whereas others say he disappeared himself (he was a spy, in any case).

When he returned to personal business after the conflict, he virtually single-handedly revitalized Thailand’s sinking silk business. He made his residence within the conventional Thai type, adorning it with stunning teak wooden and a surrounding backyard. The excursions characteristic a number of historical past about Jim, the silk business, and the way and why Thais design their houses the way in which they do.

1 Khwaeng Wang Mai, +66 2 216 7368, jimthompsonhouse.org. Open day by day 10am-5pm. Admission is 200 THB.

Chill out in Lumpini Park

Lumpini Park is Bangkok’s Central Park. This sizable inexperienced house spans over 140 acres and is effectively price a go to if you happen to’re a folks watcher. In any respect hours of the day, you’ll discover folks enjoying sports activities, strolling, biking, working towards tai chi, or simply enjoyable. In a metropolis that lacks a lot inexperienced house, you’ll most likely crave slightly wildlife after navigating all of the visitors and distributors on this concrete jungle. Seize a guide, pack a lunch, and are available and lounge within the shade and watch the afternoon go by. It’s a pleasant change of tempo from the hectic circulate of the remainder of the town (it’s a no-smoking space too).

192 Wi-fi Rd, +66 2 252 7006. Open day by day 4:30am-10pm.

Cling with the Hipsters on Soi Nana
There are two areas in Bangkok known as Soi Nana (one is a intercourse tourism hub), however the Soi Nana I’m referring to is a hip space for nightlife close to the prepare station in Chinatown. This road is stuffed with tiny bars, cocktail lounges, and artwork reveals in old-style Chinese language houses left of their unique type.

Among the finest bars are Pijiu (Chinese language beer bar), Teenagers of Thailand (first gin bar in Thailand), Ba Hao (four-floor Chinese language-inspired bar), El Chiringuito (Spanish tapas), and 23 Bar & gallery (bar in an artwork house). It’s extremely fashionable with younger Thais and one of many coolest areas of Bangkok. Don’t miss it.
 

Bangkok Itinerary: Day 4

Go to the Nationwide Museum

Opened in 1874 and established by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), this museum focuses on Thai tradition, with highlights that embrace a big assortment of musical devices, recorded music, ornate royal funeral chariots, and spectacular wood carvings. The museum isn’t very large and the indicators aren’t very detailed, however the artifacts are attention-grabbing to take a look at.

Na Phra That Alley, +66 2 224 1333, finearts.go.th/museumbangkok/. Open Wednesday-Sunday 8:30am-4pm. Admission is 200 THB.

Take a Meals Tour

Bangkok has an unbelievable meals scene and is without doubt one of the finest foodie locations on this planet. One of the simplest ways to be taught in regards to the meals tradition (whereas devouring some samples) is on a meals tour. Bangkok Food Tours has a wide range of tasty excursions the place you’ll be able to attempt all the pieces from road meals to unique fruits. Excursions begin from 1,650 THB.

And for cooking courses, a half-day cooking class (together with a market go to) prices round 1,345 THB. They’re a enjoyable strategy to be taught in regards to the delicacies whereas studying new expertise and recipes you’ll be able to attempt once you get residence.

Get pleasure from an occasion on the Bangkok Artwork and Tradition Heart
This modern arts heart highlights and hosts artwork, music, theater, movie, design, and cultural occasions in its exhibition and efficiency areas. Opened in 2007, the BACC hosts cultural occasions in its exhibition and efficiency areas. There may be additionally an artwork library, cafe, gallery, craft store, and guide retailer right here too. In a metropolis that lacks an actual artwork scene, that is an enriching place to see some native artwork. Test the web site to see what’s occurring throughout your go to.

939 Rama I Highway, +66 2 214 6630-8, en.bacc.or.th. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-8pm. Admission is free although occasions value cash. See the web site for pricing and tickets.
 

Different Issues to See and Do in Bangkok

Have extra time within the metropolis? Listed here are another issues to see and do in Bangkok:

Museum of Siam
This museum makes use of a wide range of media to discover the origins of the Thais and their tradition. Opened in 2007, there are shows, films, and multimedia that cowl tradition, historical past, Buddhism, conflict, and the making of recent Thailand. It’s an interactive and academic little museum housed in an outdated Nineteenth-century European-style constructing that not a number of vacationers go to.

4 Maha Rat Rd, +66 2 225 2777. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission is 100 THB.

Wakeboard at Lake Taco
If you wish to get out of the town and have some journey, head to the outskirts of Bangkok for some wakeboarding (using on a brief board whereas being pulled by a motorboat). This can be a fashionable factor to do with expats and although I by no means did it, my buddies at all times mentioned it was a enjoyable time. The lake is simply 40 minutes away so it’s a straightforward exercise to do everytime you want a break from the town.

thaiwakepark.com. A 90-minute newbie session prices round 395 THB.

Calypso Ladyboy Present
This ladyboy present is definitely a great cabaret present that draws a wide range of guests. It’s Bangkok’s model of Moulin Rouge. There’s glitz, glamour, and spectacle — all the pieces you’d count on from a cabaret present in Bangkok. Calypso Cabaret, based in 1988, is the perfect place to see a present within the metropolis. Playhouse Cabaret and Golden Dome Cabaret are two different respected venues that host enjoyable performances as effectively.

2194 Charoenkrung 72-76 Highway, Warehouse #3, +66 2 688 1415, calypsocabaret.com. Performances are at 7:45pm and 9:45pm and tickets begin at 900 THB.

Day Journey to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya (pronounced ah-you-tah-ya) was based round 1350 and was the second capital of Thailand (it was the capital earlier than it relocated to Bangkok). Sadly, the town was destroyed in 1767 by a Burmese assault and there are solely ruins and some temples and palaces nonetheless left standing.

A UNESCO World Heritage Web site, it’s residence to the summer time palace and tons of breathtaking and distinctive temples. Because it’s so near Bangkok, it’s a extremely popular day-trip vacation spot for excursions.

Whereas numerous corporations supply journeys, it’s really easy to get to that it’s best to merely go by yourself by prepare. Prepare tickets value round 130 THB, with the journey taking 1.5 hours every approach.

To essentially be taught extra, take a guided tour. They’re simply 1,300 THB and are a good way to find out about this UNESCO website.

Opposite to fashionable perception, there’s extra to see and do in Bangkok than simply temples, purchasing, and visitors. It’s a metropolis whose attraction emerges slowly when you get off the crushed path.

Whilst you can see the highlights in a few days, with 4 or 5 days you can begin to peel again the layers of this chaotic metropolis and begin to see why Bangkok actually is without doubt one of the finest locations on this planet.

However don’t simply take my phrase for it. Use this submit as a information and be taught to like the town the way in which I did. I promise you gained’t be disillusioned!

Get the In-Depth Funds Information to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ web page guidebook is made for funds vacationers such as you! It cuts out the fluff present in different guidebooks and will get straight to the sensible data you could journey round Thailand. You’ll discover urged itineraries, budgets, methods to save cash, on and off-the-beaten-path issues to see and do, non-touristy eating places, markets, bars, security ideas, and way more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Planning a Journey to Southeast asia

Get all my finest Southeast Asia journey ideas & free planning guides despatched straight to your inbox