3-day Bangkok Itinerary

Bangkok is Thailand’s showcase and there’s more to see than you might imagine. You can see the best bits in one long day, but to appreciate it properly three days is far more sensible.  From the grandeur of the Grand Palace to the heady heights of Sukhumvit Road, there is something for everyone. Embark with us on an unforgettable adventure with our 3-day Bangkok itinerary. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Thailand’s bustling capital as we guide you through the city’s top attractions, cultural gems, and hidden treasures. From majestic temples to bustling markets, the itinerary below offers a perfect blend of tradition, modernity, and culinary delights. Get ready to experience the heart and soul of the city with this 3-day Bangkok Itinerary.

Day One

• Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)
• Wat Pho
• The Grand Palace
• Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
• Wat Suthat
• Khao San Road

Before jetlag sets in, get up early on your first day in Bangkok and head to the Chao Phraya River – early meaning before dawn – for a day of visits to the major temple complexes that grace the river’s banks.

Start with a visit to Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, by taking a long-tail boat across the river at sunrise – the best time to see this striking monument.

Next, cross back to the East Bank to Wat Pho, home of the enormous Reclining Buddha image and also the most well-known traditional massage school in the country. This is a great place to treat yourself to a Thai massage at a price you can’t beat.

All three of these major sites are within proximity to each other.

The Grand Palace, once the official residence of the monarch, is a splendid example of classic royal Thai architecture and is situated adjacent to Wat Phra Kaew; the temple housing the famous Emerald Buddha image and Thailand’s number one tourist attraction. The palace’s ceremonial halls are furnished with exquisite Thai and European pieces, and the area surrounding the palace and the temple is ornately decorated in traditional Thai style. Most visitors get to marvel at the ornately decorated Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).

From the Grand Palace, it’s a short tuk-tuk ride to Wat Suthat, with its curious Giant Swing, and temple buildings. Adjacent is the Golden Mount, an elevated pagoda built on the ruined rubble of a previous one, making it the highest point in the historic district – the views from the top are marvelous.

Finishing up, you’re not far away from the famous Khao San Road; long a magnet for backpackers and now drawing tourists of all ages and budgets, including young Thais. Your first evening can be well spent at one of the many popular pubs or restaurants here.

Day Two

• Floating Market
• Ancient City/Pattaya Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
• Chinatown/Khao San
• Bangkok National Museum

On your second day, you might consider taking a tour of a few highlights just outside the city. One such tour will take you to a floating market on the outskirts of Bangkok, where vendors on boats ply their produce and merchandise along canals. Not that long ago, the city had few roads and was known as the ’Venice of the East’ and canals were the main thoroughfares. Your tour will depart early because the markets open before dawn and close by mid-morning.

⛵ BEST FLOATING MARKET TOURS

It should be noted, however, that the floating market is a very popular and touristy option and you might want to opt for a more unique day trip.

Day trip tour ideas for families to get out of Bangkok include visits to Pattaya Ethical Elephant Sanctuary (located 2.5 hours drive from Bangkok), or the Ancient City (45 minutes drive), where you can see replicas of all the country’s major temples and monuments in one location. The latter is one of the city’s best-kept secrets and a great way to see all of Thailand’s best sites in a single day. It’s a 45-minute drive from the city (avoiding rush hour) and you can occupy hours here.

For lunch, you can savor a meal at a local street food market like Yaowarat (Chinatown) or Khao San Road, indulging in authentic Thai street delicacies.

In the afternoon, explore the Bangkok National Museum to delve into Thailand’s rich history and art, displaying an extensive collection of artifacts.

If you have any energy left, you’ll want to sample some of Bangkok’s famous nightlife. Ekkamai is the most touristy and famous, but the punters head for Sukhumvit Road.

Day Three

• Shopping in Sukhumvit, Siam Square, Siam Paragon
• Jim Thompson House
• Chinatown

Your last day of the 3-day Bangkok itinerary is the perfect time to take in more of the city’s sights, most of which can be reached by the Skytrain (the overhead monorail system). A ride on the Skytrain will give you a better perspective of the city than you’ll get from street level, although being on the street is the only way to truly appreciate the unique atmosphere of Bangkok.

Shopping is a highlight of Bangkok and a good first stop is the Sukhumvit Road area, with Sukhumvit station a convenient stop for having a look around Terminal 21, a shopping mall that has all kinds of shops and an amazing food court. At Nayara Phand, a government emporium, you’ll find high-quality Thai handicrafts, and at Central World, a giant shopping center, cinemas, and an ice-skating rink. Alternatively, you can head to Siam Square, where you can browse through a maze of small, trendy shops or shop for designer goods or even a new Ferrari at Siam Paragon, Bangkok’s latest in over-the-top shopping. Siam Paragon also boasts an aquarium and a huge selection of eateries.

Jim Thompson House, a beautiful and interesting museum featuring Thai furnishings, arts, and textiles, is accessible from the last station on the westbound Skytrain route, and only one stop from Siam Square. From Siam Square, you can also head in a southerly direction and take in great views of the Bangkok Turf Club and Lumpini Park along the way. A stop at Silom Station isn’t far from Lumpini Park, and also one of Bangkok’s infamous red-light districts, known as Patpong.

Continuing on the same line, the last stop is Saphan Taksin, where you’ll be close to two of the city’s finest hotels, the Shangri-La and the world-famous Oriental Hotel – and by the piers where you can catch a river taxi to do even more exploring.

Although it’s not directly accessible by train, Chinatown is well worth visiting if you have some time left over. This colorful, high-energy area is loaded with authentic markets and great food. You can get here by river taxi or tuk-tuk – three-wheeled taxis that are popular among tourists in Bangkok. Alternatively, spend the afternoon of this 3-day Bangkok Itinerary by browsing the exemplary National Museum, which will satisfy culture buffs.