Bangkok is the largest city in Thailand, a buzzy metropolis featuring sprawling bazaars, mouthwatering cuisine, glittering shrines, and vibrant nightlife spots. This captivating city is packed with things to do, but don’t worry — three days are definitely enough to get the best of what Bangkok has to offer. Read on for KKday’s three-days-and-two-nights Bangkok itinerary to ensure you make the most of your time in the city.
Day 1: Temple Hopping
Exploring Buddhist temples is a good way to spend your first day on vacation. A temple tour of Bangkok is flexible; you can go to as many shrines as you want and stay for however long you want in each one. After all, there’s no need to hit all the temples during your vacation — although we recommend visiting two in particular: Wat Pho and the Grand Palace’s Wat Phra Kaew. Just make sure you’re wearing appropriate clothing before entering sacred spaces.
The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace is a sprawling royal complex considered the center of culture in the capital city. Established in the 18th century, it is home to stunning palaces, temples, and halls, including the divine Wat Phra Kaew. This ornate temple is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, as it is home to the sacred Emerald Buddha that’s widely recognized as the country’s most significant Buddha image.
Wat Pho
One of Bangkok’s most iconic attractions is the glorious 46-meter reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. It’s one of the largest Buddha images in the world, a magnificent golden statue that takes up nearly the entirety of the temple. Wat Pho is within easy walking distance from the Grand Palace, so this is a great stop after roaming the royal grounds. Other superb Bangkok temples include Wat Arun and Wat Traimit. If you have enough time after your arrival, these sites are fantastic sightseeing experiences.
Hit the Streets for Lunch & Dinner
Thailand is hailed for the appetizing delicacies available on the streets — and Bangkok is the center of street food spots in the country. There are hundreds of thousands of vendors in the city so you won’t run out of choices. If you want the cream of the crop, visit Guay Tiew Mu Rung Rueang Tung (minced pork soup) and Guay Jub Mr. Joe (crispy pork belly, either ala carte or in broth). Both are recipients of the Michelin Bib Gourmand award.
Indulge in a Spa Treatment
Wind down your first day in Bangkok with a relaxing spa treatment to soothe the stresses of spending the whole day on your feet. Whether you’re in the mood for a body scrub, a special Thai massage, or a foot massage, the award-winning Let’s Relax Spa is an excellent option, with more than a dozen branches throughout the city.
Day 2: Day Tours (Downtown Sites or Floating Markets)
Today, you have a little more time to roam the city and explore more Bangkok attractions beyond the glittering temples. Depending on your preferences, we’ve highlighted two highly-rated tours.
Option 1: Downtown Tour
Explore downtown Bangkok and discover what makes the city such a beloved cultural destination. Hit all the spots on your list with a chartered day tour, which is ideal for travelers who want a comfortable and worry-free sightseeing experience. On this full-day tour, simply give KKday a list of all the places you want to visit, and the tour guide will craft the day’s itinerary for you!
Suggested Stops:
- Jim Thompson House
- Bangkok Art & Culture Center
- Sky Walk at King Power Mahanakhon
- Chinatown
- Banglamphu (including Khao San Road)
Option 2: Floating Markets Tour
Another great whole-day activity in Bangkok is visiting the floating markets in and around the city. It’s a charming peek into the lives of the locals, as well as an opportunity to enjoy the best bargains around.
Located in the Samut Songkhram province, the Maeklong Railway Market is one of the largest seafood markets in the country. Vendors also sell fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies. Set right along the railway, passing trains speed by close enough to touch.
Another wonderful day trip destination from Bangkok is the colorful Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one of the most popular floating markets in Thailand. Hop on a long-tail boat to explore the waterways, where stilt houses and market vendors are bustling with activity even early in the morning. There’s plenty of food to sample if you’re hungry, from colorful fruits to rich broths.
Dinner: Savor a Michelin-Level Dinner Cruise
At night, treat you and your travel companions to a private fine-dining river cruise. Sailing the historic Chao Phraya River, the Pruek Cruise is a bespoke luxury experience that offers travelers the chance to enjoy a mouthwatering dinner while basking in the scenery. Pruek partners with chefs from Michelin-awarded restaurants, including Chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier (formerly of Le Normandie) and Chef Sujira “Aom” Pongmorn (of Saawaan).
After Hours: Legendary Nightlife Scene
Even if parties aren’t really your scene, you can’t leave Bangkok without getting a taste of the city’s vibrant nightlife. Famous backpacker hub Khao San Road is an exceptional spot for partying and bar hopping. Travelers flock to this busy street at all hours of the day, though; with so many fellow explorers around, it’s a pleasant place to savor street food, get a massage, or even just to people watch.
Day 3: Shop, Shop, Shop!
Before leaving the city for other Thailand destinations, there may be time to squeeze in a little more sightseeing and souvenir shopping. If it’s the weekend, don’t miss the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
If you happen to be in the city on a weekend, don’t miss the Chatuchak Weekend Market. One of Asia’s biggest open-air markets, it is the perfect destination for souvenir shopping, with endless stalls selling everything. And yes, we mean everything, from clothes and shoes, to antiques and local handicrafts, to kitchenware, furniture, and plants. Keep in mind that Chatuchak can get very crowded, so it’s best to get here bright and early. Expect to spend a few hours here (and to spend a pretty penny).
Enjoy High Tea
If you’re still in the city in the afternoon, sit down for an elegant afternoon tea experience in one of Bangkok’s more refined settings. An hour or two of savoring tea and delicate snacks will allow you to relax and wind down before embarking on a new adventure in other Thailand destinations.
Other Fun Activities in Bangkok
Learn to Cook Thai Food
Enroll in a special Thai cooking class and learn how to whip up your new favorite dishes at home. Sompong Thai Cooking School is one of the most famous culinary schools in Bangkok, with professional chefs who will teach you how to make local specialties from scratch.
Witness a Muay Thai Match
If you’re a sporting enthusiast, watching Thailand’s national sport in action may be something you’ll enjoy. Rajadamnern Stadium is a first-rate boxing stadium in Bangkok, a venue of many top boxing and muay thai fights in the city.
Visit Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World
Travelers who are in the city with children can take a trip to Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World (formerly Siam Ocean World) for close encounters with a wide variety of sea creatures. Famous for being Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium, it is home to 400 species of marine life, including the gentoo penguin, giant Pacific octopus, sand tiger shark, and countless colorful tropical fish.
Find more travel essentials and exciting Bangkok experiences by browsing through KKDay!
