The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Bangkok: Culture, History, Food and Fun

# How to Make the Most of Your Trip to Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world, offering a mix of culture, history, food and entertainment. Whether you are looking for ancient temples, modern malls, street markets or rooftop bars, you will find something to suit your taste and budget in Bangkok. However, with so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan your trip and make the most of your time in the city. That’s why we have created this guide to help you discover the best of Bangkok in 3 days. We will show you some of the must-see attractions, hidden gems and local flavors that will make your trip unforgettable. Follow our itinerary and tips, and you will have a blast in Bangkok!

Day 1: Explore the historic and cultural landmarks of Bangkok

• Start your day with a visit to the Grand Palace, the former residence of the Thai kings and a stunning example of Thai architecture. You can admire the intricate details of the buildings and see the sacred Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew, the temple within the palace complex. The palace is open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm and the entrance fee is 500 baht per person.
• Next, take a short walk to Wat Pho, one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. It is famous for its reclining Buddha statue, which measures 46 meters long and 15 meters high and is covered with gold leaf. You can also enjoy a traditional Thai massage at the temple’s massage school for a relaxing experience. Wat Pho is open from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm and the entrance fee is 200 baht per person.
• For lunch, head to Thip Samai, a popular restaurant that serves some of the best pad thai in Bangkok. Pad thai is a stir-fried noodle dish with eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts and your choice of meat or seafood. Thip Samai is open from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am and the average price for a dish is 100 baht.
• In the afternoon, hop on a boat and cruise along the Chao Phraya River, the main waterway of Bangkok. You can enjoy the scenic views of the city and its landmarks, such as Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, and Rama VIII Bridge. You can also stop at some of the piers along the river and explore the local markets and attractions. A one-day river pass costs 200 baht per person and you can board the boats at any pier.
• For dinner, treat yourself to a buffet at Riverside Terrace, a restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Hotel that offers a variety of cuisines, including Thai, Indian, Chinese and Western. You can also watch a cultural show featuring Thai dances and music while you dine. Riverside Terrace is open from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm and the buffet price is 2,500 baht per person.

Day 2: Experience the modern and vibrant side of Bangkok

• Start your day with a visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest and most famous markets in the world. You can find almost anything here, from clothes and accessories to antiques and souvenirs. You can also sample some of the delicious street food and drinks at the market. Chatuchak Weekend Market is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays and admission is free.
• Next, take the BTS Skytrain to Siam, the shopping and entertainment hub of Bangkok. You can shop till you drop at some of the malls here, such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery. You can also visit some of the attractions here, such as SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, Madame Tussauds Bangkok and Art in Paradise Bangkok. Siam is open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm daily and admission fees vary depending on the attraction.
• For lunch, head to Goji Kitchen + Bar, a restaurant at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park that serves a buffet of international dishes, such as sushi, pizza, pasta, dim sum and more. You can also enjoy live cooking stations and desserts. Goji Kitchen + Bar is open from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm for lunch and the buffet price is 1,088 baht per person.
• In the afternoon, take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Asiatique The Riverfront Destination, a riverside complex that combines shopping, dining and entertainment. You can browse through some of the boutiques and souvenir shops here, or enjoy some of the activities here, such as Ferris wheel ride, muay thai show or puppet show. Asiatique The Riverfront Destination is open from 3:00 pm to midnight daily and admission is free.
• For dinner, head to SEEN Restaurant & Bar Bangkok, a rooftop restaurant and bar at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel that offers a panoramic view of the city and the river. You can savor some of the dishes here, such as grilled seafood, burgers, salads and more. You can also enjoy some of the cocktails and live music here. SEEN Restaurant & Bar Bangkok is open from 6:00 pm to 1:00 am daily and the average price for a dish is 500 baht.

Day 3: Discover the hidden gems and local flavors of Bangkok

• Start your day with a visit to Jim Thompson House, the former home of an American businessman who revived the Thai silk industry in the 1950s. You can see his collection of Asian art and antiques, as well as learn about his mysterious disappearance in 1967. You can also shop for some of the finest silk products at the museum shop. Jim Thompson House is open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm daily and the entrance fee is 200 baht per person.
• Next, take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, one of the most authentic and charming floating markets in Bangkok. You can see how the locals sell and buy goods on boats, such as fruits, vegetables, flowers and snacks. You can also take a boat tour around the nearby canals and villages for a glimpse of the rural life. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays and admission is free.
• For lunch, head to Or Tor Kor Market, a gourmet food market that offers some of the best and freshest produce in Bangkok. You can find a variety of dishes here, such as curry, noodles, rice, seafood and more. You can also try some of the desserts here, such as ice cream, cakes and fruits. Or Tor Kor Market is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily and admission is free.
• In the afternoon, take the MRT subway to Lumphini Park, one of the largest and oldest parks in Bangkok. You can relax and enjoy the greenery and tranquility here, or join some of the activities here, such as jogging, cycling, tai chi or yoga. You can also see some of the wildlife here, such as birds, squirrels and monitor lizards. Lumphini Park is open from 4:30 am to 9:00 pm daily and admission is free.
• For dinner, head to The Local by Oam Thong Thai Cuisine, a restaurant that serves traditional Thai dishes with a twist. You can taste some of the specialties here, such as crispy pork belly with holy basil, grilled river prawns with tamarind sauce, or coconut ice cream with sticky rice. The Local by Oam Thong Thai Cuisine is open from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm daily and the average price for a dish is 300 baht.