The Best 3 Day Bangkok Itinerary

Bangkok.  The City of Angels.  I have trouble finding the words to describe how special Bangkok is.  It’s chaotic, unruly at times, alive with the Thai spirit, Thai culture, and Thai traditions.  Bangkok is eating Michelin-star food off the street for $2 and then turning around and walking into a top 50 cocktail bar in the world.  Bangkok is one of the most fascinating and beautiful places I’ve ever visited.  And whenever I hear someone say, “Ahh, Thailand is great!  Just skip over Bangkok and you’ll love it!”.  I cringe.  Perhaps these people just didn’t have the time or energy to peel back the layers of Bangkok?  Because if they had put in the effort, surely they too would realize why Bangkok is such a special place.

So without further ado, this is the best 3 day Bangkok itinerary.  In this post you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting Bangkok so that you come prepared and ready to make the most out of your three days.  And at the end of your trip I hope that you look at the city with the utmost respect and the urge to tell everyone you meet just how great Bangkok can be.

 

Before traveling to Thailand, don’t miss:

• The Ultimate Thailand Bucket List
• The Most Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Thailand

 

IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO SIGHTSEE IN BANGKOK, SAVE MONEY BY PURCHASING A BANGKOK DAY PASS!

 

How to Get to Bangkok

Bangkok is a massive city that welcomes about 22 million tourists each year.  There are two international airports in the city – Don Mueang airport (DMK) and Suvarnabhumi airport (BKK).  BKK is the newer airport in Bangkok and has the ability to handle 60 million passengers per year and 76 flights every hour.  Needless to say, you should have no trouble finding a flight to Bangkok.  (By the way, when searching for flights, I like to compare my options on Expedia and Skyscanner).

Depending on where you’re staying in Bangkok, the ride from both BKK and DMK to the city is about an hour depending on traffic.  BKK is located east of Bangkok, and DMK is located north of Bangkok.  You can easily get a taxi to the city once you arrive at the airport.

If you want a private, English speaking taxi driver waiting for you on arrival, you can book one here.

 

Pro tip:  Make sure you get a taxi that has the meter turned ON or negotiate a price before riding!  Prices are always negotiable and the first price quoted to you will be higher than what you should be paying.

 

BOOK A FLIGHT TO BANGKOK HERE!

 

How to Get Around Bangkok

Bangkok is a huge, sprawling city.  It can be walkable depending on where you’re staying, but chances are that you’ll need to get transportation at least once during your stay.  The good news is, Bangkok is really set up for finding quick and affordable transportation whether you choose a taxi, motorbike, or take the train.  (By the way, getting a tuk-tuk in Bangkok is one of the more expensive transportation options).

When you visit Bangkok, you’ll definitely want to have the Grab app downloaded.  This will be the most efficient and affordable way to get transportation in the city.  Also, you’ll notice that there is an option to get a Grab motorbike.  This is relatively unique to Bangkok and the fastest way to get around because motorbikes can weave through traffic much easier than a car can.  Even if you’re traveling with another person, you might want to consider both downloading the Grab app and requesting separate motorbikes.

Lastly, Bangkok also has great public transportation – BTS Skytrain.  Because Grab was so easy and affordable, I never took the skytrain, but it goes all over Bangkok and is an especially good choice if you’re traveling during rush hour.

 

What to Pack for Bangkok

Bangkok is hot and humid so I recommend bringing light, airy clothes.  You’ll also want to keep in mind that many of the temples you visit will require you to cover your knees and shoulders so you’ll want to bring one or two outfits where you can easily cover up.  Lastly, I highly recommend that you bring no-tie tennis shoes.  You’ll want comfortable shoes to walk around in but will need to frequently take them off if you’re visiting temples.  Without ties, its much easier to slide your tennis shoes on and off.

Here’s a list of my top recommendations for things to bring to Bangkok…

• Bug spray
• Sunscreen (face, body)
• Outfit that covers your shoulders/knees
• No-tie tennis shoes
• Breezy dresses
• Sunglasses

 

 

For a more in-depth guide to packing, don’t miss:

• The Best Packing List for Thailand

 

Where to Stay in Bangkok

As far as location, I don’t think that you can go wrong when choosing where to stay.  Every neighborhood in Bangkok has incredible street food, tons of bars and coffee shops, and tons of shopping.  I’d recommend staying out of the touristy area near the Grand Palace, but anything east of that, should be fine!

I stayed at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok in the Langsuan neighborhood and absolutely loved it!  It’s got voted as Thailands #1 city hotel in 2023 per Travel + Leisure and it’s easy to see why!  For a full breakdown on Kimpton Maa-Lai, read about my stay here.

For more hotel recommendations, I’d suggest…

• DE Phanakron Boutique Hotel
• The Sukhothai Bangkok
• Villa Deva Resort and Hotel
• Volve Hotel Bangkok
• Ten Six Hundred

 

Don’t miss:

• 10+ of the Best Hotels in Bangkok

 

IF YOU PREFER A RENTAL PROPERTY OVER A HOTEL, BOOK A RENTAL IN BANGKOK HERE!

 

The Best Time to Visit Bangkok

March-June is considered summer in Bangkok where temperatures can reach as high as 100+ degrees F.  July-October is monsoon season with temperatures from 80-90 F.  and November-February is considered winter in Bangkok with temperatures ranging from 70-100 F.  I’ve visited Bangkok twice, both times in the “winter” months.  Even in the cooler months, Bangkok is incredibly hot so if you have the choice, I would avoid it during the summer months and would also avoid Bangkok during monsoon season.

 

3 Day Bangkok Itinerary

Below you’ll find the best things to see and do in Bangkok, plus where to eat if you only have three days to spend.  This 3 day itinerary is broken down day by day, into morning, afternoon, and night.  And don’t forget to purchase your Bangkok day pass to save money on selected attractions!

 

Day 1 in Bangkok

Highlights:  Jim Thompson House Museum + Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan + Talat Noi + Warehouse 30

 

SPENDING THE MORNING IN BANGKOK

Start your first day in Bangkok learning about Thai culture and tradition at the Jim Thompson House Museum where you can tour a traditional Thai style home.  The cost to enter is 200 Baht and the museum opens at 10 am.  You have to join a tour to be able to go inside so make sure you arrive right at 10 so that you can join the first tour.  There is an option to pay 100 Baht to view the grounds (without going in the home), but I don’t think this would be worth it as there isn’t much to see outside.

 

SPENDING THE AFTERNOON IN BANGKOK

For lunch, walk to Lek Yai Traditional Tom Yum Noodles to eat at an affordable and delicious Thai restaurant.  When you leave Jim Thompson House, you have the option to walk behind the house along the river.  I would highly suggest this because it’s pretty quiet and beautiful.  Plus you might get lucky and see the boats go by!

After lunch, walk to Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan (also known as the Golden Buddha Temple).  One of the coolest things about this temple is that you can pay to view a museum about the history of Chinatown, which I would highly recommend.  If you only plan to see the Buddha, the cost is 100 Baht, but to add the museum the cost is 200 Baht.  You will need to cover your knees and shoulders to visit this temple and you can rent scarves for 20 Baht a piece.

After visiting the temple, walk to Talat Noi, an artistic neighborhood in neighborhood, on the fringes of Chinatown.  What I like about this area is the street art, and if you keep an eye out you’ll notice tons of street art here.  Walk through the neighborhood and make your way to Warehouse 30 – another artsy exhibit where you can also grab coffee and pastries and do some shopping.

 

SPENDING THE EVENING IN BANGKOK

On your first night in Bangkok, head to cocktails at Vesper and dinner at Plu.  Vesper was previously a top 50 bar in the world and their mango sticky rice (a cocktail, not the dish) is fabulous.  Plu is more of an upscale restaurant that serves incredible Thai food; you will need a reservation to eat here.  Also, these two places are walking distance from each other so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes to walk!

 

Day 2 in Bangkok

Highlights:  The Grand Palace + Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Temple + Chinatown + Srinagarindra Train Night Market

 

SPENDING THE MORNING IN BANGKOK

In my opinion, The Grand Palace is one of the top highlights of Bangkok, despite how crowded it can get.  The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings (including the impressive temple that holds the Emerald Buddha) built in 1782 as an official residence for the Kings of Siam.  The palace opens at 8:30 am, and I would highly suggest arriving at opening so that you can enjoy with as few tourists as possible.  I would also highly consider hiring one of the guides that will be waiting outside so that you can learn about the palace.  The cost of a trained guide is 1000 Baht (although you can negotiate this price).  The palace does offer an audioguide, but it isn’t great and I wouldn’t recommend it.

The cost to enter the palace is 500 Baht and you can expect to spend about two hours here.

From The Grand Palace, walk to Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Temple (known as the reclining Buddha temple), another impressive temple in Bangkok.  The cost to visit this temple is 200 Baht and you can expect to spend about an hour here.

 

Pro tip:  At both The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Temple you will need to cover your shoulders and knees.  At The Grand Palace, they are even strict about guys wearing shorts and you won’t be let in in shorts.  I suggest dressing appropriately to enter, but if you don’t have the clothes you can also buy “elephant pants” outside the palace for 150 Baht (we were able to negotiate this down to 100 Baht).

 

SPENDING THE AFTERNOON IN BANGKOK

After visiting The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Temple, make your way towards Chinatown.  Here you can eat lunch at one of the many delicious street food carts and walk around for a while exploring one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world founded in 1782!  I would absolutely recommend getting lost in the alleyways, but you’ll also want to make sure you walk along Yaowarat Road which is one of the main roads in Bangkok’s Chinatown.

 

SPENDING THE EVENING IN BANGKOK

For dinner, take a motorbike out of the city to Srinagarindra Train Night Market.  It is a bit far away, but I promise it’s worth it!  Not only are there tons of delicious street food stalls, but there is also some quirky antique stores and other fun bars and restaurants you can pop in.  The market is open from 5 pm-1 am, but is closed Monday-Wednesday.

 

Day 3 in Bangkok

Highlights:  Bangkok Art & Cultural Centre + Siam Paragon

 

SPENDING THE MORNING IN BANGKOK

Start your morning at Bangkok Art & Cultural Centre.  This is a free building where you can grab coffee, do some shopping, and view rotating exhibits.  If you aren’t big on art and photography, this probably won’t be for you.  But I quite enjoyed it and appreciated the free exhibits!

 

SPENDING THE AFTERNOON IN BANGKOK

In the afternoon, walk to Siam Paragon – one of Bangkok’s premiere shopping malls.  You might be wondering why I’m recommending you “go shopping” in Bangkok, but hear me out!  The malls in Bangkok are on another level.  They are so much fun and there’s so much to see.  Plus, at Siam Paragon there’s an incredible food court for you to eat at, which is where I recommend you get lunch.

 

SPENDING THE EVENING IN BANGKOK

When evening falls, make your way to two of the most famous street food restaurants in Bangkok (located next door to each other) Thipsamai and Raan Jay Fai.  Both of these restaurants are incredibly popular with Jay Fai having earned a well-deserved Michelin star and Thipsamai having gotten awarded a Bib Gourmand.

Thipsamai strictly serves pad thai and Jay Fai is popular for crab omelettes and drunken noodles.  At both of these restaurants you can expect a very long wait.  I recommend showing up early (the wait can sometimes take up to 4 hours) and choosing whatever restaurant has the shortest wait time.  Also, while you’re waiting you can order beer from Jay Fai and drink outside in line.  Thipsamai does not sell alcohol but you’re permitted to get beer from Jay Fai while waiting in line at Thipsamai.

 

The Best Tours to Join in Bangkok

Because Bangkok can seem quite overwhelming with the amount of things to see and do, I believe that joining a tour is a great idea!  I’ve joined tours in Bangkok and each time I’ve not only loved the tour, but have also learned so much about the city and Thai culture.  Below you’ll find some tours that I would highly recommend participating in!

• Bangkok by Night:  Temples, Markets, and Food by Tuk-Tuk
• Longtail Boat – Bangkok Canal Tour
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Tour
• UNESCO’s Ayutthaya Historical Park Full Day:  Small Group Tour
• River Kwai Full Day Tour
• Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour
• Old Siam Bangkok Food Tour
• Pink Chili – Thai Cooking Class & Market Tour

 

FAQ

Q:  “Is 3 nights in Bangkok enough?”

• A:  Three nights in Bangkok is enough to get a great feel for the city and see most of the highlights along with off the beaten path spots.  If its your first time in Bangkok, I would recommend 3-4 nights in the city.

Q:  “Where should I eat in Bangkok?”

• A:  I listed some great restaurants in the itinerary above, but for brief recap, some of my favorite restaurants in Bangkok are… Plu, Polo Fried Chicken, Thipsamai, Thong Heng Lee, and Lek Yai Traditional Tom Yum Noodles Sam Yan.

Q:  “What places should I visit in Bangkok if I only have 3 days?”

• A:  I listed my top recommendations of things to see and do in Bangkok if you only have three days, but for a brief recap, here are some of my favorite things to do in Bangkok… Chinatown, Grand Palace, Jim Thompsons House, Talat Noi, Warehouse 30, and Srinagarindra Train Night Market.

 

Thailand Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Thailand

 

I hope that this 3 day Bangkok itinerary makes you feel prepared to visit this crazy, fun, beautiful city.  If you have any questions about Bangkok, please let me know in a comment below!

 

If you’re visiting Thailand, check out some other places to visit in the country:

• Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Koh Lanta, Thailand
• What You Need to Know About Visiting Khao Lak, Thailand
• The Ultimate Guide to Phuket, Thailand
• 3 Ways to Have the Ultimate Chiang Mai Experience

 

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For more information on things to see and do in Bangkok, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinthailand” or under my highlights for “Thailand”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Thailand” highlight

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