The Perfect Bangkok Itinerary To Do in 2-days, 3-days or 4-days (2023 Travel Guide)
As one in all Asia’s greatest worth and hottest locations, Bangkok presents a plethora of issues to see and do. Filled with many spectacular Buddhist temples and ornate buildings, the town is without delay unique and on the identical time trendy with all of the creature comforts that one can think about. Bangkok is also called a buying haven, with mass consumerism juxtaposing in opposition to a robust market tradition. The metropolis’s streets are at all times buzzing and teeming with life.
I’ve been to Bangkok fairly a couple of occasions and at all times take pleasure in coming right here for the unbeatable worth, scrumptious Thai meals and interesting issues to see within the metropolis’s streets. Whether you’re a first-timer, a daily or perhaps a shopaholic, right here is my itinerary suggestion on a visit to Bangkok you could simply break down into 2-days, 3-days or 4-days relying on the size of time you’re there. I’ve made the length versatile to make the itinerary straightforward to execute throughout weekends or throughout longer visits. For another concepts, you can even try this Bangkok journey information.
Day 1 – Old Bangkok
Learn About Thailand’s Royal Traditions on the Grand Palace
If it’s your first time visiting Bangkok, venturing out to the dazzling Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha is beneficial. First constructed within the late 1700s, the palace grounds cowl an space of over 218,000 sq. meters. While the royal household not resides right here (they reside at Dusit Palace), the Grand Palace nonetheless hosts some official and state capabilities. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew, thought-about to be essentially the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, can be located right here.
If you’re visiting the Grand Palace, do observe {that a} gown code applies. Men are required to put on trousers and sleeved shirts whereas girls are anticipated to cowl their higher legs and arms as much as the thigh space. As a final resort, guests who present up with improper clothes can hire garments from retailers close by.
Be Awed by the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
wat pho
Also often known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, this well-known non secular constructing sits simply subsequent to the Grand Palace and could be simply mixed with the previous. The picture of the gold-plated reclining Buddha is maybe probably the most iconic vacationer pictures in Bangkok and at any given time of day, guests will discover the slim hallway housing the statue to be extraordinarily claustrophobic.
Wat Arun
wat arun throughout sundown
Immediately to the west of Wat Pho simply reverse Tha Tien pier, is one other one in all Bangkok’s most well-known landmarks. Wat Arun, also called the Temple of Dawn, consists of a big central tower and flanked by 4 smaller ones on all sides. The grey-ish look of the temple makes it appear to be it’s constructed from the identical materials because the likes of the Ayuthaya temples however it’s truly much more ornate than that when inspected intently. The materials is definitely Chinese porcelain. Visitors are in a position to enter for a payment each time the temple isn’t beneath renovation. It is effectively definitely worth the quick journey throughout the river to see this temple up shut. I’d additionally advocate checking this temple out throughout sundown when it’s floodlit.
Ong Ang Canal
ong ang canal
If you occur to be in Bangkok on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday – try the newly rehabilitated Ong Ang Canal which is roughly in between Wat Pho and Chinatown. The walkways across the canals had been just lately repaved and adorned with avenue artwork. During weekends, you will discover avenue performers, artists in addition to unbiased shopkeepers promoting their wares. You may even go kayaking right here and paddle via the canal.
Ong Ang Canal could be simply reached via Sam Yot MRT Station.
A Feast for the Senses at Yaowarat Road
yaowarat highway
Yaowarat Road, which is synonymous with Bangkok’s Chinatown, has seen fairly a little bit of transformation as of late. I’ve been visiting since pre-2020 when it was a hotbed for touristy eating places serving hen’s nest or shark’s fin. Gradual reliance on locals when the borders had been closed for two years meant that lots of these institutions are not round. Instead, avenue distributors providing something from fried crickets to noodle soup have elevated the road facet congestion even additional. The avenue has additionally turn out to be much more accessible through public transport, with the close by Wat Mangkon MRT station opening in 2019. A typical strolling route that takes one via the gist of Bangkok’s Chinatown is to start out from Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan up till Grand China Bangkok Hotel. The space is greatest visited from sundown onwards. That’s when the road actually turns into alive with neon indicators and avenue facet meals stalls.
Tom Yum Noodles for Supper at Jeh O Chula
jeh o chula
Jeh O Chula is a well-liked dinner and supper spot (they open til midnight) and they’re well-known for luxurious dishes equivalent to Tom Yum Noodles, Fried Pork Belly and Spicy Salmon Sashimi Salad. End your day right here after an extended day trip. There is at all times an extended and snaking queue however you may get a assured slot with a set meal by reserving upfront right here.
Day 2 – Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-In Excursion
Explore the Ancient Ruins of Ayutthaya
Set out early within the morning for a day journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya which is barely an hour away from Bangkok. You received’t have the ability to go to all of the temples inside half a day however you may anticipate to moderately cowl the most important ones like Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Yai Chaimongkon and Wat Phra Mahathat. You can select this tour that may take you there by an air-conditioned car and even consists of the picturesque Bang Pa-In Summer Palace.
Bang Pa-In Palace
Go for an tour to the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace simply north of Bangkok the place you will discover a mix of Thai, Chinese and European architectural influences. A go to right here is often mixed with the traditional ruins of Ayutthaya.
Cruise Along the Chao Phraya
bangkok at night time
Go on an night cruise alongside the Chao Phraya river and see monuments such because the Grand Palace and Wat Arun lit up within the night time sky whereas having fun with a meal.
With Bangkok’s infamous visitors jams, it’s generally extra sensible to simply take the water taxi and cruise down the Chao Phraya. If you’re heading to the spectacular Iconsiam on the different facet of the town, it could be extra sensible to go by boat. The shopping center is without doubt one of the largest in Asia and the spotlight here’s a part devoted completely to regional Thai delicacies. You can discover many avenue eats right here from so far as Isaan and Chiang Mai, multi functional roof!
Rooftop Bar-Hopping
sirocco bar at lebua state tower
Check out one of many metropolis’s many rooftop bars for wonderful views of the skyline. Lebua Tower (Sirocco), Banyan Tree (Vertigo) and So Sofitel are just a few you could take into account. You can’t go fallacious with any of those, or higher but go bar-hopping throughout a number of nights! Expect to pay western costs although for drinks in change for the spectacular view
Day 3 – New Attractions & Less Common Attractions in Bangkok
Experience the Green Side of Bangkok
lumphini park
Take it straightforward within the morning by exploring Bangkok’s inexperienced lungs. You could also be a Bangkok common by now, having accomplished all of the temples and the buying, however chances are high you haven’t been to Lumphini Park. Come to this lush oasis early within the morning when you may witness locals doing taichi and cycle your approach across the park with out the notorious Bangkok warmth setting in.
rama ix park
Further afield, Rama IX Park is extra off-the-beaten path than Lumphini Park and quite a bit greater. This park is a number of kilometers from Central Bangkok. Expect to pay about 200 Baht for a journey right here. Make certain to take a look at the Royal Pavilion which sits in a postcard excellent lotus pond.
Visit Unusual Museums
Bangkok has some fairly bizarre museums and you may spend today on an offbeat museum-hopping tour. From the corpses of mass murderers within the Forensics Museum to the grotesque Human Body Museum, you’ll slowly see Bangkok’s freaky facet. For one thing quirky, you can even try the Phallic Shrine, house to lots of of penises standing (and leaning) facet by facet. Women come right here to hunt blessings after they need to conceive a toddler.
Walk Through Transparent Glass 314 Meters Above Ground
kingpower mahanakhon skywalk
If grotesque museums aren’t your factor, try one of many metropolis’s latest points of interest – the Kingpower Mahanakhon Skywalk in Sathorn. This is the best statement deck in Bangkok. In sure areas, you get to stroll on a completely clear glass ground, supplying you with the impression that you’re strolling on air. You can guide tickets right here to get them at a reduction right here to take pleasure in a devoted on-line queue which is shorter than the walk-in one.
Charoenkrung Road
You can spend the afternoon testing the fast-gentrifying Charoenkrung Road which is house to charming cafes and photogenic colonial buildings. In this space, you will discover museums/galleries such because the Bangkokian Museum (open each day Wed to Sun, 10AM to 4PM) and uncover how metropolis folks lived within the olden days. For a spot of recent artwork, there’s additionally the Thailand Creative & Design Center or TCDC (open Tues to Sun, 10:30AM to 9PM) which used to ba Bangkok’s important put up workplace. The well-known night time market, Asiatique, can be positioned on this a part of the town.
Talad Rot Fai
Check out what is maybe Bangkok’s quirkiest market, Talad Rot Fai which is positioned in Srinakarin Road. You’ll discover all types of oddities right here, from antiques to classic gadgets relationship again from the 1970’s. The eating places round listed below are simply as odd – you’ll discover eating places utilizing outdated cinema chairs as dinner chairs and bars on reconstructed Volkswagen Beetles.
Day 4 – Shopping Day
Hunt For Bargains in Pratunam
Wake up early to entry the most cost effective items you will discover wherever in Bangkok within the Pratunam Morning Market. The least expensive items are sometimes out there between 5am to 8am and most shops are closed by midday. Be warned – bulk of the products consist of girls’ clothes. If sorting via wholesale markets isn’t your factor, you can even try Platinum Mall which sells mainly the identical garments because the Pratunam morning market however at a better worth and in airconditioned consolation.
Get Lost within the Maze That Is Chatuchak
Brace your self for this mini-village of a market. The Chatuchak Weekend Market is not only Thailand’s largest market, it’s also a preferred vacationer attraction. Here you’ll discover loads of attention-grabbing merchandise by budding designers and hipsters alongside extra standard gadgets equivalent to family merchandise, pets and even meals to convey house. A day isn’t sufficient to cowl the whole thing of the place, however hey you solely have a weekend!
Mall-Hopping in Siam & Sukhumvit
terminal 21 in bangkok
If you continue to haven’t had sufficient of the weekend markets and wholesale garments market, listed below are some notable buying malls to take a look at in Bangkok. Many of them are located across the Rama I and Sukhumvit stretch.
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- Siam Paragon – excessive finish mall near the BTS station, with all the posh manufacturers that you can imagine
- Siam Center – just lately renovated upscale hipster mall catering to a younger crowd
- Centralworld Plaza – One of the biggest malls on this planet, Centralworld is one other upmarket mall – although not as upmarket as Siam Paragon. You can discover Zen division retailer right here.
- Gaysorn Shopping Center – one other high-end buying malls with an identical tenant combine to Siam Paragon plus another manufacturers
- MBK Shopping Center – fingers down the preferred mall for vacationers. MBK is the place to be, particularly for these searching for bargains with out sacrificing consolation
- Siam Square – a street-level buying heart providing a useful mixture of retail, f&b, leisure and even tutor colleges. Popular with native college students
- Terminal 21 – Located in Sukhumvit Road with easy accessibility to Asoke station, customers can virtually discover the world on this mall which every ground having completely different worldwide themes
- Some of Bangkok’s malls have actually attention-grabbing interiors and are worthy points of interest even if you happen to’re not planning to purchase something. Design-wise, those I like to recommend are Central Embassy and EmQuartier
Watch a Muay Thai Match
In the night, you may watch one in all Thailand’s quintessential sports activities – Muay Thai (Thai boxing).
Helpful Tips for Bangkok
- Travel Insurance: You can evaluate for the greatest journey insurance coverage that fits you and get unique reductions and even freebies whenever you guide. Current promotions together with free PCR checks with journey insurance coverage buy can be found right here. If you reside in Singapore, try Starr Travelead, one of many least expensive journey insurance coverage. They have a promotion that comes with S$10 money rebate that helps to offset the insurance coverage value. If you’re based mostly elsewhere, you may try Worldnomads as they’ve fairly an in depth protection, even together with private accidents into their checklist of advantages.
- Airport Transport: Taxi scams was prevalent in Suvarnabhumi Airport. While they’ve largely dissipated lately, it nonetheless pays to watch out in coping with random presents for transport. Whether you arrive in Dong Muang or Suvarnabhumi, you will discover official taxi stands the place taxis go by the meter. Unfortunately, queues are typically very lengthy and generally, it’s additionally tough to get a automobile from a ride-sharing app like Grab. An inexpensive and quick approach to get to the town from Suvarnabhumi Airport is the Airport Rail Link which takes you to Siam Center the place there are practice connections to different components of the town. Alternatively, you can even guide airport transfers upfront to be able to skip the taxi queue.
- Which Bangkok Airport is Better: If you’re deciding whether or not to reach in Don Muang Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport, it does not likely make a lot of a distinction. I’ve used each throughout numerous events. I’d say that the airport services in Don Muang aren’t as intensive as in Suvarnabhumi. The former has fewer airport lounges and obligation free retailers. In phrases of immigration queues, it was higher in Don Muang however just lately it has turn out to be simply as dangerous. Taxi queues are very lengthy in each airports.
Where to Eat in Bangkok
Sri Trat (90 Soi Sukhumvit 33) – A showcase of delicacies from Trat province close to the Cambodian border. Specialties embody the native model of Sweet and Sour Pork Belly Stew, Massaman Curry with Durian and Stir-fried Noodles with Soft-Shell Crab.
Plu (Soi Sathon 3) – Located in a colonial home, Plu presents dishes from throughout Thailand. You will discover many well-known Thai dishes right here like Pad Thai and a extra coconut-y model of Tom Yum. The Steamed Sea Bass entails an extended serving time however is effectively definitely worth the wait.
Rung Rueang (10/3 Soi Sukhumvit 26) – This nondescript eatery off Sukhumvit is known for its pork noodles. You can organize them dry or with soup and with various ranges of spiciness. What units their pork noodles aside is the excessive and comparatively dense focus of minced meat which additionally they promote in frozen type.
supanniga consuming room
Supanniga Eating Room (a number of places) – A preferred Bangkok restaurant with three places – one in Sathorn, one by the river overlooking Wat Arun and one in Thonglor. Cuisine is usually from Eastern Thailand with specialties equivalent to Pu Jah (crab meat and minced meat in crab shell) and hearty curries.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Budget – Lub d Bangkok Siam is positioned inside strolling distance from Siam Station and Siam Square. I personally favor this space over the favored backpacker haven of Khao San Road because the practice within the Siam space allows you to keep away from Bangkok’s notorious visitors jams. Another handy location for stays is the Phaya Thai space which presents handy connections with Suvarnabhumi Airport. For a funds resort, Hotel Tranz presents spacious and spotless rooms whereas being positioned simply subsequent to Phaya Thai Station.
Midrange – Holiday Inn Express Sathorn is shut sufficient to the BTS station. Its location simply off Sathorn Road is good if you’re in Bangkok over the weekend and want to keep away from the visitors jams. Another good midrange choice in Sathorn is the T2 Residence Sathorn which is positioned in a quiet facet avenue. If you like to remain close to the Siam/Sukhumvit space, a comparatively new choice to think about is the Sindhorn Midtown Hotel positioned a brief stroll from Chit Lom Station. Rooms are trendy and well-appointed. This resort can be in style for its rooftop pool.
the sukhothai bangkok
Luxury – My private decide is The Sukhothai Bangkok for a peek at superb Thai residing. The rooms are decked with Thai handicrafts and antiques whereas the breakfast buffet right here is among the many greatest I’ve had within the metropolis. Highly beneficial if you’re trying to splurge a bit. Alternatively, you can even try the brand new The Standard Mahanakhon positioned in the identical constructing because the Kingpower Mahanakhon Skywalk. Rooms are trendy with the utilization of “cute” furnishings and are extremely instagram-worthy.
Rates are at all times aggressive whatever the season and reserving web sites are a wonderful approach to evaluate costs. You can try among the greatest offers for lodges in Bangkok HERE.
Transport Options in Bangkok
With a myriad of transport choices, it’s generally not very straightforward to decide on the easiest way to get round Bangkok. Here are some out there choices:
Tuktuk – It could also be worthwhile to strive it a couple of times only for the heck of it. It is by far essentially the most iconic technique of transport in Bangkok however remember that the beginning fare might simply set you again by 100 Baht. This is nearly 3x the flag down fare for a cab.
Taxi – A preferred and economical technique of transport in Bangkok, taxis in Bangkok are typically clear. The flag-down fare is 35 Baht. Some drivers might be picky and you might end up in conditions the place you’ll must undergo two or three drivers simply to get your self one who’s keen to show the meter on.
BTS/MRT – Routes are restricted however you’re lined for many locations throughout the Sukhumvit space and Chatuchak Night Market. The BTS/MRT is a good way to beat the notorious visitors jams of Bangkok. If you’re heading to the older a part of city, this is probably not essentially the most splendid choice.
Buses – The most cheap approach of getting round Bangkok however your important problem is figuring out the routes that are largely written solely in Thai.
Grab – This is personally my most well-liked technique of transport. Fares are aggressive and are virtually equally priced to cabs. You received’t have to fret about cab drivers turning you down.
Have you been to Bangkok earlier than? What was your itinerary like whenever you had been within the Thai capital?
