Planning your trip to Bangkok can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of things to see and do. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve created sample itineraries tailored to different lengths of stay and types of travelers. Whether you have a short layover or a week to explore, these itineraries will ensure you experience the best of Bangkok.
1. 3-Day Bangkok Itinerary: Highlights for a Short Stay
This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience the highlights of Bangkok. It includes a mix of cultural sites, shopping, and dining.
Day 1: Explore the Old City and Riverside Attractions
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Spend time exploring the palace complex and learning about Thailand’s royal history.
- Late Morning: Walk to Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) to see the impressive reclining Buddha statue and enjoy a traditional Thai massage at the temple’s massage school.
- Lunch: Have lunch at a nearby restaurant like The Deck by Arun Residence, which offers stunning views of Wat Arun across the river.
- Afternoon: Take a ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Climb the central prang for panoramic views of the river and city.
- Evening: Enjoy a scenic dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Several operators offer dinner cruises with Thai cuisine, live music, and cultural performances.
Day 2: Shopping and Modern Bangkok
- Morning: Start with a visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market (if it’s a weekend) or Or Tor Kor Market for a shopping experience and to sample local street food.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the food stalls in the market, trying dishes like pad thai, papaya salad, or coconut ice cream.
- Afternoon: Head to the Siam area for shopping at Siam Paragon, MBK Center, and Siam Center. Don’t forget to check out the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre for contemporary art exhibits.
- Evening: Have dinner at Siam Square and then head to a rooftop bar like Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar on Sukhumvit Road for panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline.
Day 3: Discover Thonburi and Khao San Road
- Morning: Explore the Thonburi side of Bangkok by taking a long-tail boat tour through the city’s historic klongs (canals). Visit Artist’s House (Baan Silapin), a hidden gem with traditional Thai architecture and puppet shows.
- Lunch: Head to the Wang Lang Market area for lunch, sampling street food such as grilled chicken skewers and Thai desserts.
- Afternoon: Visit Jim Thompson House for a tour of this historic home and its collection of Southeast Asian art and antiques. Then, relax with a stroll through Lumphini Park.
- Evening: Spend your final evening in Bangkok at Khao San Road and Rambuttri Village, experiencing the lively atmosphere, street food, and nightlife.
2. 5-Day Bangkok Itinerary: Extended Stay with Cultural and Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
This 5-day itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to dive deeper into Bangkok’s culture and explore lesser-known attractions.
Day 1: Classic Bangkok
- Morning: Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew.
- Late Morning: Walk to Wat Pho and enjoy a massage.
- Lunch: Lunch at The Deck by Arun Residence.
- Afternoon: Ferry to Wat Arun and explore the temple.
- Evening: Dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River.
Day 2: Shopping and Arts
- Morning: Explore Chatuchak Weekend Market or Or Tor Kor Market.
- Lunch: Lunch at the market.
- Afternoon: Visit Siam Paragon, MBK Center, and Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.
- Evening: Dinner at Siam Square and drinks at a rooftop bar.
Day 3: Historical and Cultural Exploration
- Morning: Visit the Bangkok National Museum for an overview of Thai history and culture.
- Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch at Krua Apsorn near the museum.
- Afternoon: Explore Dusit Palace and Vimanmek Mansion, the world’s largest golden teakwood mansion.
- Evening: Have dinner at Err Urban Rustic Thai and explore Asiatique The Riverfront for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Day 4: Hidden Gems and Local Experiences
- Morning: Take a cooking class at Baipai Thai Cooking School or Amita Thai Cooking Class to learn how to prepare traditional Thai dishes.
- Lunch: Enjoy the food you prepared in the cooking class.
- Afternoon: Visit Erawan Museum to see its unique architecture and the giant three-headed elephant statue, then explore the Ancient City (Muang Boran) for a glimpse into Thailand’s history and culture.
- Evening: Head back to central Bangkok for dinner at Baan Khanitha, known for its authentic Thai cuisine.
Day 5: Off-the-Beaten-Path and Local Flavors
- Morning: Visit Bang Krachao, also known as the “Green Lung of Bangkok,” for a bike ride or walk through this lush, preserved area filled with parks, gardens, and local markets.
- Lunch: Have lunch at a local eatery in Bang Krachao or Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring Pak Khlong Talat (the Flower Market) and Phahurat Market (Little India) for unique cultural experiences.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Le Du or Nahm, two of Bangkok’s best fine dining establishments.
3. Family-Friendly Bangkok Itinerary: Attractions and Activities Suitable for Kids
This itinerary is designed for families visiting Bangkok with children, focusing on fun and educational activities that will entertain visitors of all ages.
Day 1: Temples and Learning
- Morning: Start with a visit to Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha and enjoy a traditional Thai massage.
- Late Morning: Walk to the Grand Palace and explore the ornate buildings and Wat Phra Kaew.
- Lunch: Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at River Vibe Restaurant & Bar for panoramic river views.
- Afternoon: Visit the Bangkok National Museum for interactive exhibits and cultural displays.
- Evening: Dinner at Cabbages & Condoms restaurant, known for its humorous decor and family-friendly atmosphere.
Day 2: Interactive Fun and Discovery
- Morning: Visit Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World in Siam Paragon for an up-close look at marine life, including sharks and stingrays.
- Lunch: Eat at Siam Paragon’s food court, which offers a variety of family-friendly dining options.
- Afternoon: Head to KidZania Bangkok, an interactive, educational theme park where kids can role-play different professions in a miniature city.
- Evening: Have dinner at The Hungry Bear in Siam Square, known for its fun decor and kid-friendly menu.
Day 3: Animal Adventures and Nature
- Morning: Take a trip to Safari World for a day of animal encounters, shows, and a safari drive through various animal habitats.
- Lunch: Lunch at one of Safari World’s restaurants or picnic spots.
- Afternoon: Continue exploring Safari World or head to Lumphini Park for some outdoor playtime and paddle boating on the lake.
- Evening: Enjoy a riverside dinner at Steve Café & Cuisine, a family-friendly restaurant with Thai cuisine.
Day 4: Cultural and Creative Experiences
- Morning: Visit The Children’s Discovery Museum in Chatuchak for interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
- Lunch: Lunch at Chatuchak Park with snacks from nearby vendors.
- Afternoon: Explore the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium in Rot Fai Park to see beautiful butterflies and learn about insects.
- Evening: Have dinner at Chocolate Ville, a themed restaurant complex designed like a European village, offering a fun dining experience for kids.
Day 5: Local Culture and Relaxation
- Morning: Spend the morning at The Artist’s House (Baan Silapin) for a puppet show and traditional Thai performances.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at The Artist’s House Café.
- Afternoon: Visit Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market to experience local culture and sample Thai snacks. Alternatively, head to Benjakitti Park for a relaxed stroll or bike ride around the lake.
- Evening: Have a farewell dinner at Eat Me Restaurant, which offers a range of dishes suitable for both adults and children in a casual setting.