3 Days in Bangkok
Overview
Explore the vibrant heart of Bangkok with a carefully planned day that immerses you in the city’s culture, history, and cuisine.
Day 1
Morning
1. Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
• Description: A must-see landmark featuring intricate Thai architecture and sacred relics.
• Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
• Cost: 500 THB ($14 USD)
• Duration: 2 hours
2. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
• Description: Home to the iconic reclining Buddha statue and traditional Thai massage school.
• Address: 2 Sanam Chai Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
• Cost: 200 THB ($6 USD)
• Duration: 1 hour
Lunch Suggestions (near Wat Pho)
• Moderate Option: Eat Sight Story Deck (Thai cuisine with a riverfront view)
• Address: 45/1-2 Tha Tian Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
• Cost: 350-500 THB per person ($10-15 USD)
• Luxury Option: Riverside Terrace, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
• Address: 48 Oriental Avenue, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
• Cost: 2,000 THB per person ($55 USD)
Afternoon
3. Iconsiam Mall
• Description: A luxury shopping and cultural destination with stunning river views and a floating market-inspired food court.
• Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
• Cost: Free to enter; optional shopping and dining costs.
• Duration: 2 hours
Dinner Suggestions (near Iconsiam)
• Moderate Option: Baan Khanitha at Iconsiam (Traditional Thai dishes)
• Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
• Cost: 800-1,200 THB per person ($23-35 USD)
• Luxury Option: Blue by Alain Ducasse (Michelin-starred French-Thai fusion)
• Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Road, Iconsiam, Bangkok 10600
• Cost: 4,000-6,000 THB per person ($110-165 USD)
Evening
4. Asiatique The Riverfront
• Description: A lively night market featuring boutiques, restaurants, and a Ferris wheel with panoramic views of Bangkok.
• Address: 2194 Charoen Krung Road, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120
• Cost: Free to enter; shopping and dining costs vary.
• Duration: 2-3 hours
Day 2: Cultural Exploration and Markets
Morning
1. Jim Thompson House Museum
• Description: A beautifully preserved traditional Thai house and museum dedicated to Jim Thompson, the “Thai Silk King.”
• Address: 6 Kasem San 2 Alley, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
• Cost: 200 THB ($6 USD)
• Duration: 1.5 hours
2. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)
• Description: A hub for contemporary art, music, and design exhibitions.
• Address: 939 Rama I Road, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
• Cost: Free entry
• Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Lunch Suggestions (near BACC)
• Moderate Option: Yana Restaurant (Halal Thai and international cuisine)
• Address: MBK Center, 444 Phaya Thai Road, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
• Cost: 300-500 THB per person ($9-14 USD)
• Luxury Option: Paste Bangkok (Michelin-starred modern Thai cuisine)
• Address: 3rd Floor, Gaysorn Village, 999 Ploenchit Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
• Cost: 3,000-4,000 THB per person ($85-115 USD)
Afternoon
3. Chatuchak Weekend Market (if visiting on a weekend)
• Description: One of the world’s largest markets, offering everything from fashion to antiques and street food.
• Address: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
• Cost: Free entry; shopping costs vary.
• Duration: 2-3 hours
Alternative: MBK Center (if not a weekend)
• Description: A massive shopping mall with affordable goods, souvenirs, and electronics.
• Address: 444 Phaya Thai Road, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
• Cost: Free entry; shopping costs vary.
• Duration: 2-3 hours
Dinner Suggestions (near Chatuchak or MBK)
• Moderate Option: Krua Apsorn (Traditional Thai dishes)
• Address: 169 Dinso Road, Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
• Cost: 300-500 THB per person ($9-14 USD)
• Luxury Option: Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin (Innovative Thai-inspired cuisine)
• Address: Siam Kempinski Hotel, 991 Rama I Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
• Cost: 4,000 THB per person ($110 USD)
Day 3: Tranquility and Adventure
Morning
1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
• Description: Experience the iconic Thai floating market, where vendors sell goods and food from boats.
• Address: Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi Province (about 1.5 hours from Bangkok)
• Cost: 100 THB ($3 USD) for entry; boat rides 150-200 THB ($4-6 USD)
• Duration: 3 hours, including travel time.
Lunch Suggestions (near floating market)
• Moderate Option: Daeng Seafood
• Address: 58/2 Moo 6, Samut Songkhram 75000
• Cost: 500-800 THB per person ($15-25 USD)
• Luxury Option: Return to Bangkok for a riverside lunch at Sala Rattanakosin Eatery & Bar.
• Address: 39 Maharat Road, Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok 10200
• Cost: 1,000-1,500 THB per person ($30-45 USD)
Afternoon
2. Lumpini Park
• Description: A serene escape in the city with lush greenery, walking paths, and paddle boats.
• Address: Rama IV Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
• Cost: Free entry; boat rentals 40 THB ($1 USD)
• Duration: 1-2 hours
3. Erawan Shrine
• Description: A popular Hindu shrine in Bangkok, known for its intricate design and cultural significance.
• Address: Ratchaprasong Intersection, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
• Cost: Free entry
• Duration: 1 hour
Dinner Suggestions (near Lumpini/Erawan)
• Moderate Option: Somboon Seafood
• Address: 169/7-11 Surawong Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
• Cost: 800-1,200 THB per person ($23-35 USD)
• Luxury Option: Vertigo at Banyan Tree Bangkok (Rooftop dining with skyline views)
• Address: 21/100 South Sathon Road, Sathon, Bangkok 10120
• Cost: 4,000-6,000 THB per person ($110-165 USD)
Hotel Recommendation:
If price is no option… we recommend Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, located at 48 Oriental Ave, พระนคร, กรุงเทพมหานคร 10500.
Why The Mandarin Oriental?
• An iconic hotel known for its timeless elegance and exceptional service, situated along the Chao Phraya River. It offers luxurious rooms, world-class dining, and a renowned spa.
You can also find your own favorite spot here:
Annual Events in Bangkok to Consider:
Here are some of the most popular annual events in Bangkok that draw visitors from around the world. These events offer a glimpse of the vibrant culture, making them a great reason to plan your visit:
January - Bangkok Design Week - Showcases creative and innovative designs across the city.
April - Songkran Festival - Traditional Thai New Year, famous for water fights and cultural celebrations.
May - Royal Ploughing Ceremony - Ancient agricultural ritual to mark the start of the planting season, held at Sanam Luang.
November - Loy Krathong Festival - Beautiful floating lantern festival celebrated across water bodies, especially at Wat Arun.
December - Bangkok Street Food Festival - Culinary event featuring the best street food vendors in the city.