Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited tourist cities in Asia, and is known for its cultural diversity and vibrant nightlife. Set along the banks of the mesmerizing Chao Phraya River, Bangkok is home to wonderful temples, jazzy nightclubs, and overwhelming markets.
For a full list, check out also my super comprehensive post on the 41 best things to do in Bangkok.
To experience all that Bangkok has to offer, one would have to spend at least a few weeks in the city. There really is so much to do!
However, if you are short on time and only have a handful of days, you can still tick the main sights off your list and have your three perfect days in Bangkok before heading to the islands, maybe Phuket or Koh Samui. Wondering what to see in the city with so little time?
I’ve come up with the perfect 3 days in Bangkok itinerary to help you discover the heart of Thailand to the fullest. Check it out!
Table of Contents
Day 1 | The Essentials: Temples, Chinatown & Khao San Road
Today is your first day in the city, so you should start with visiting some of the most popular attractions in Bangkok, which include a few temples, Chinatown, and the infamous Khao San Road.
▶️ If you prefer to explore the main landmarks of the city hassle-free, check out this Bangkok in a Day: Must-Visit Highlights Tour with a Guide. This private tour is catered to your group, and it follows the same program that you’ll find below for the first day. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ A great alternative is this Bangkok: City Highlights Temple and Market Walking Tour. You’ll visit the three major temples, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, as well as local markets and landmarks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
I also wrote a full post about the best temple tours in Bangkok if you’re looking for something different.
Otherwise, you can move around using Grab (the local version of Uber), taxis, or public transportation. You could also check out these bike tours in Bangkok for a fun way to explore the city.
I find Grab very easy to use, and much cheaper than normal taxis. Uber was recently bought by Grab and isn’t available in Thailand, so make sure you download the Grab app for IOS or the Grab app for Android. Sign up with my referral code GRABEVERYSTEPH and get free rides and discounts.
9 AM: Coffee Time with a Cause
Your first day in Bangkok is going to be packed, so you might want to grab a cup of coffee before we begin. I suggest stopping at Elefin Coffee, which is right across the street from Wat Pho.
This cafe serves coffee sustainably sourced in Chiang Rai, and supports hill tribe farmers with their operations. Also, their lattes look so good!
Elefin Coffee Opening Hours: Daily from 7.30 AM to 6 PM.
10 AM: See the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
Let’s start your Bangkok temple tour with Wat Pho! Today you’ll visit quite a few temples, all incredibly beautiful and in my opinion what makes Bangkok special.
Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is a must-visit spot for any first-timers in the city of Bangkok. The temple’s star attraction is the massive reclining Buddha, covered in gold-plated leaves. The statue is 46 meters long and is a sight to behold.
In the same room you find 108 bronze bowls, signifying the 108 auspicious characters of Buddha, at the corridor of the temple and if you want to bring some extra luck to your life, purchase a bowl of coins at the temple entrance and drop the coins in one of the bowls.
Wat Pho is also rumored to be the origin of the traditional Thai massage, and if you have time, I’ve heard the massages at the school here are to die for.
Wat Pho Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 6.30 PM.
Wat Pho Entrance Fee: 300 Baht (approximately $8.75).
11.30 PM: Explore the Stunning Wat Arun Temple
Known to the locals as Wat Chaeng, Wat Arun is located on the western banks of the Chao Phraya River. Undoubtedly, one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok, Wat Arun boasts a unique design as compared to the rest of the temples that you will experience in the city.
Almost directly opposite to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Arun is also known as the Temple of Dawn, mainly due to its spectacular beauty at sunset.
Because of its grandiose architecture and intricate craftsmanship, Wat Arun is often regarded as one of the most picturesque temples in the country.
Wat Arun Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Wat Arun Entrance Fee: 100 baht (approximatey $3).
1 PM: Have Lunch + Head to the Marble Temple
After spending the first part of the day exploring two of the most spectacular and enormous Thai Wats, it is obvious for you to feel famished, so have lunch somewhere before heading to yet another temple…but trust me, they are all different and worth a visit!
Wat Benchamabophit, also known as the Marble Temple, is incredibly beautiful, made of Italian Carrara white marble and gold carvings.
I’m not sure why cause I found it spectacular, but Wat Benchamabophit is not as known as the other temples on this list, so you can easily have it all for yourself. When I was there, we were 4 people total! I don’t know about you, but I love escaping the crowds.
Wat Benchamabophit Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Wat Benchamabophit Entrance Fee: 50 Baht (approximately $1.50).
3 PM: Go Up the Golden Mount (Wat Saket)
I hope you’re not templed out yet, ’cause you’ve got another one that’s worth visiting: Wat Saket.
Get yourself ready for a climb up 300 steps, needed to reach the iconic Golden Mount stupa that sits on top of the temple itself, built on a 80-meter high man-made hill. From the top, you have a good view over the city.
Wat Saket (Golden Mount) Opening Hours: Daily from 7 AM to 7 PM.
Wat Saket (Golden Mount) Entrance Fee: 50 baht.
4.30 PM: Stroll Around Chinatown
What’s the best thing to do after all these temples than paying a visit to Bangkok’s very own version of Chinatown!
Before you immerse yourself in the color of Chinatown, if you haven’t had enough of temples yet, take a moment to pay a visit to the highly popular Wat Traimit. The temple complex also comprises a museum dedicated to the history of Chinatown and can be visited by paying an entrance fee of 100 Baht.
One of the largest of its kind in the world, Bangkok’s Chinatown is full of market stalls, restaurants, a ton of noise and colors and smells. It’s also noted for its street-food scene, and walking around it not knowing what half of the stuff is is one of the most fun things to do in Bangkok.
Though there is no perfect time to visit here, you might like to flock here after sunset, that is when the historic streets of China Town turn in a bedazzling show of light and vibrancy.
Check out this guide to the best Bangkok food tours that include some great tours in Chinatown.
▶️ The Bangkok: Backstreets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings is a foodies’ dream! An expert guide will take you to the old part of the city, where you’ll explore its back alleys, sample delicious local bites such as satay chicken, shrimp dumplings, and tom yum soup, and learn about the city’s culinary scene. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
7 PM: Spend the Night at Khao San Road
The infamous party street of Bangkok, Khao San is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city, and whether it is your first visit or the 50th, you are bound to end up here at some point or the other during your trip. Thus, it only makes sense that you get a fine taste of this place on your first day in Bangkok.
Khao San is one of the best places to visit in Bangkok at night, because this is when the streets here come alive to their full potential with an anything-goes vibe.
Described as “the center of the backpacking universe” by none other than the famous book (and movie), The Beach, Khaosan Road is a kilometer-long stretch of budget shops, cheap restaurants, quirky bars, and street-food stalls as far as your eyes can see.
Depending on how fresh or tired you feel, you could either use your time here to shop to your heart’s content or join hundreds of others in a frenzied night of exchanging stories and partying like there is no tomorrow.
And, don’t worry whenever you feel like you have had enough, there is always someone smiling at you and offering foot massage. Something you can add to any Bangkok budget itinerary!
Day 2 | Day Trips from Bangkok + a Quirky Cafe and Rooftop Bar
After spending an eventful first day, your second day in the city is to choose between two of the most popular day trips from Bangkok, and then spending the night at one of the most iconic rooftop bars in Bangkok.
Depending on what you prefer for your 3 days Bangkok itinerary, you could either spend the morning visiting two of the most unique markets not only in the city but anywhere else in the world, or you could explore the ruins of an extremely famous ancient city, Ayutthaya.
Both these options will take most part of your morning and afternoon, so prepare accordingly.
7 AM: Take a Day Trip to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market
Your first stop will be the extremely unique Maeklong Railway Market. Here, you will witness something that you may have never witnessed before!
In one moment, you see rows of stalls selling their goods and buyers looking for the best, and in the next, you see everyone hurrying to make way for the train to pass as its deafening sound approaches the tracks. Slowly, so it’s not dangerous, but still a very unique thing to see.
Then you’ll go to one of the most popular floating markets in the country, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Once you arrive at the market by long tail boat, you can decide to take a boat (at a cost of about 150 baht, $4,60) through the narrow waterways of the market, or you can just walk around looking at the stalls from the mainland.
In the past few years, this market has become very touristy, so it’s not as authentic as it used to be, but it’s still something very peculiar to witness and one of the most amazing places to visit in Thailand.
With only three days in Bangkok, you are short of time and you must make the best out of it, which is why you might want to go on a tour with a guide and driver to maximize your time.
▶️ The Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market is a 7-hour tour that takes you to both markets with a professional guide. You’ll interact with the vendors, see the famous train, and bargain for food or trinkets at the floating market. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Maeklong Railway and Floating Market Food Tour From Bangkok allows you to explore the bustling markets from a foodie perspective. Learn how the market stalls are built and easily retractable at the Railway Market, haggle at the floating market, taste local bites, and visit a coconut farm. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
OR Take a Day Trip to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya, the historic capital of Thailand when it was the Kingdom of Siam, is a fascinating and deeply historical site. Founded in the mid-14th century, it was a trading port and thriving city, home to plenty of Buddhist temples, palaces, and monasteries.
Nowadays, the palatial buildings are little more than ruins, but remain a strong tourist attraction for anyone visiting Bangkok. It’s a treasure trove of history, culture, and religion that you’ll get to unveil when visiting with a guide, immersing yourself in Thailand’s past.
Ayutthaya is located around 80 kilometers outside Bangkok, and while you could organize the trip yourself and save some money, it may be time-consuming.
Besides, arranging for transportation and everything else could be really hectic, so it’s again one of those occasions where it’s a good idea to sign up for an organized Ayutthaya day trip.
There are amazing excursions that will provide roundtrip transfers, and a comprehensive visit to the Summer Palace of King Rama V, the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, and other striking locations.
▶️ The Ayutthaya Day Tour by Bus with River Cruise From Bangkok takes you on an air-conditioned vehicle to the ancient Thai capital, where you’ll explore the various structures and temples with an expert guide. Then, cruise along the Chao Phraya River back to Bangkok, savoring a buffet lunch onboard. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Ayutthaya Full-Day Trip with Driver From Bangkok is a private tour, exclusive to your party. You’ll travel comfortably, and explore all the temples and palaces of Ayutthaya, learning about their history from a guide. ➥ BOOK HERE
5 PM: Find the Kid in You at Unicorn Cafe
Assuming that you still have some energy after the amazing day you have had so far, it is time that you do something slightly different. What’s unique about a café, you think? Well, Unicorn Cafe in Bangkok has been named one of the most magical cafes in the world, and I can’t disagree!
This quirky cafe in Bangkok brings all your childhood dreams about unicorns to life. One visit to this cafe filled with giant unicorn murals, over-sized pink furniture, and everything-unicorn is sure to lift up your spirits right away. Plus, their rainbow waffles and the enormous cotton-candy milkshake are to totally die for.
Rent one of their unicorn onesies like I did (they have adult sizes as well!) for a full unicorn experience and the most fun photos you’ll ever take.
Unicorn Cafe Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 12 PM to 8 PM. Closed on Mondays.
8 PM: Get a Cocktail with a View at Sky Bar at Lebua
This Bangkok blog post wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the many rooftop bars.
The highest open-air bar in the world, Sky Bar at Lebua, is located on the 63rd floor, suspended 820 feet over the city. The rooftop bar was made even more famous by the Hangover II boys.
Innovative cocktails and its elegant ambience (there’s a smart casual dress code in place) are what make Sky Bar at Lebua such a hit among tourists and locals alike, and of course, those views!
From the Sky Bar you have a spellbinding view of the city of Bangkok, which is incredible both at daytime and after dark. Even better, come at sunset!
Cocktails aren’t cheap, but the views make the price tag worth it.
Sky Bar at Lebua Opening Hours: Daily from 5 PM to 12 AM.
Average price of a cocktail: $15-20.
Day 3 | Grand Palace, Markets, and a Night Food Tour
You are now on the last leg of your 3-day trip to Bangkok, and it only makes sense that you leave the city with a heart full of memories, a relaxed body, and a bag full of amazing souvenirs.
9 AM: Visit the Grand Palace
Keeping the most opulent for last, your visit isn’t complete until you have explored the majestic corners of the Grand Palace.
The official residence of the royal family since 1782, Grand Palace, spread over approximately 218,400 square meters, is located on the banks of the glistening Chao Phraya River. The palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, garden spaces with pavilion, and courtyards.
Holding within itself a history over two centuries, the Grand Palace is also home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew.
While a part of it is now a museum and is open to the common public, some parts of the palace are still used for official proceedings by the government and the royal families.
Considered as the most sacred site in the entire country, the Grand Palace follows a strict dress code – no tank tops, see-through dresses, bare feet, or bare shoulders, and they don’t allow scarves to cover up, so bring some long-sleeve t-shirt and long pants with you.
Grand Palace Opening Hours: 8.30 AM to 3.30 PM.
Grand Palace Entrance Fee: 500 Baht.
▶️ If you prefer to visit the palaces with a knowledgeable guide, join this half-day Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun Private Tour. It includes transfers, and all entrance fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
12.30 PM: It’s Time to Shop!
For those of you who don’t already know, Thailand, especially Bangkok, is noted for the hundreds and thousands of shopping opportunities it presents to everyone, whether you are a luxury shopper or a budget one.
Shopping in the city is a 24-hour event meaning that you can shop here irrespective of the time of the day. For luxury shopping and brand-addicts, the Sukhumvit area and malls such as MBK, Siam Paragon, and CentralWorld have it all.
But for something totally different, time your visit to the city over a weekend so you can attend the largest market in Thailand, the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
With over 15,000 stalls and over 200,000 visitors every weekend, the market is where all your shopping demands come to realization.
Chatuchak Market Opening Hours: Friday from 6 PM to 12 AM, and Saturday & Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM.
OR: Get a Sak Yant Tattoo
If shopping isn’t your thing, what about a spiritual experience? The art of the Sak Yant Tattoo, made with bamboo, is an ancient one.
Sak Yant tattoos are believed to provide protection, and there are over 1000 tattoo designs that provide different kinds of protection.
The experience starts with a consultation with the ajarn (tattoo master), where you’ll talk about your life to decide together what kind of protection suits you best.
The only company I feel comfortable recommending you for such a delicate (and permanent!) ceremony is Where Sidewalks End.
This sustainable small tour operator takes the whole experience very seriously by making sure first that the equipment is sterile and safe, and by pairing you with a private translator who will help you communicate with the tattoo master.
It’s not for all budgets, and definitely you can find cheaper operators out there. Is it worth it though? I heard horror stories about people not being able to communicate with the tattoo master and ending up with a tattoo they hated.
Plus, hygiene standards are not always respected and you might even end up with some nasty infection. I think that if you decide to go for this experience-of-a-lifetime, since it’s permanent, you should go with the best, not the cheapest.
▶️ Check out the Original Ink Experience that includes a private driver/guide/translator, a translated consultation before the ceremony to decide what tattoo designs suits you best, the Sak Yant ceremony and a meal afterwards. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
4 PM: Stop for a Thai Massage
Thailand is known all around the world for its traditional art of Thai massage, and Bangkok doesn’t disappoint in this regard.
Scattered all around the city you can find thousand and thousand of massage places for all budgets. A traditional Thai massage can cost as little as $6, and you can go as up as $100 at luxury spas.
You can find a massage parlor on your own, or book your massage in advance. I recommend the Let’s Relax Spa Sukhumvit Soi 39, located in the Sukhumvit area (where you’ll do all the shopping!) so you can relax after all that walking. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Choose between a Thai massage, aromatherapy oil massage, or hot stone massage, and get recharged before eating a ton!
7 PM: Go on a Night Food Tour by Tuk Tuk
Food is synonymous with Thailand. Forget the local Thai restaurant down the street from your house! To experience the best Thai cuisine, you need to get in the streets.
In my opinion, one of the best things to do in Bangkok at night is joining a night tuk tuk tour. An enthusiastic driver/guide will show you around the top locations in the city, from temples to bustling markets, and lead a delicious food tasting experience.
▶️ The Midnight Food Tour by Tuk Tuk is the one I chose on my visit to Bangkok, and I highly recommend it. You’ll try the best Pad Thai and crispy noodles in town before heading to a secret bar with amazing views of the city, and visit the Flower Market. ➥ BOOK HERE
▶️ This Bangkok: Markets, Temples and Food Night Tour by Tuk Tuk takes you to the major temples and landmarks so you can admire them at night. Of course, there’s also great street food and stops at a local market and beloved eateries included! ➥ BOOK HERE
And there you go. I hope this Bangkok itinerary for 3 days was useful to make your plans and make the most of your time in the city!
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Book your accommodation by using the map below ⬇
My Recommendation: Amari Watergate Hotel
If you haven’t planned and booked your stay in the city yet, let me tell you: you have to stay at Amari Watergate Bangkok. I mean, look at this pool on the 8th floor!
Do you still need more convincing? OK, here’s the deal.
An environmentally-friendly, five-star property, Amari Watergate has won awards (5 green leaves from the Green Leaf Foundation among others) for its work on environment protection, and it’s Bangkok’s most sustainable hotel.
Not only do they believe in reusing resources but they also invite guests to contribute by agreeing to save water and energy, reuse linens and towels, and avoid the use of chemicals for washing clothes. You can read here all the measures the hotel is taking to save the environment.
The check-in process was very smooth. Amari’s Executive Club rooms come with a dedicated reception area, so we were sent directly to the Executive lounge where there’s always someone happy to help Executive rooms customers.
My friend Veronica and I spent 3 nights in Bangkok and stayed in one of the 40-meter Executive Club rooms, that was elegant, spacious, and came with a wonderful hot tub.
By staying in this room, we had access to the Executive lounge on the 32nd floor, where guests can have breakfast instead of the main breakfast restaurant, and where complimentary soft drinks are available anytime with a stunning backdrop of Bangkok’s skyline. Reminds me of the view from my room in Singapore!
Between 5 PM and 7 PM, we could also choose between chilled cocktails, beers, wine, and a selection of hors d’oeuvres, which was great after a long day out exploring the city.
Let’s now talk about the breakfast, and what a breakfast it is! I’ve stayed at plenty of luxury hotels in the past few years, and I honestly have never seen such an extensive choice for breakfast.
You’ll find anything from freshly-made waffles and fresh fruit, to pastries and all sorts of cooked food.
There must be, no kidding, hundreds of choices, and the cool part is that you find Western options, Thai dishes, Indian food, Chinese cuisine… there’s something for all the guests, wherever they’re from and whatever their taste.
Amari Watergate is located in the Pratunam neighborhood, right next to the Pratunam Market and very convenient for most attractions in Bangkok. Rates start at $81 per night.
CHECK OUT RATES & AVAILABILITY for AMARI WATERGATE HOTEL
If you’re coming from Suvarnabhumi Airport and don’t want to deal with taxis, book here an affordable private transfer to your hotel. If you are coming from Don Mueang instead, book here.
The Amari Watergate Hotel kindly hosted me in Bangkok. No matter who footed the bill, my opinions can never be bought. This posts contains affiliate links, meaning that if you book through my links, I will receive a small commission, at no extra cost for you whatsoever.
ania
Monday 1st of July 2019
I love your tattoo, i hope that on my next visit in Bangkok I will be brave enough and do one as well