5 Days in Bangkok

 

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)

 

Day 4: Hidden Gems and Local Life

Morning

1. Bangkok Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talad)

Description: A vibrant wholesale flower market showcasing exotic blooms and intricate floral arrangements.

Address: Chak Phet Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Cost: Free entry; optional purchases vary.

Duration: 1-1.5 hours

 

2. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Description: A riverside temple known for its stunning Khmer-style architecture and panoramic views of the city.

Address: 34 Arun Amarin Road, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600

Cost: 100 THB ($3 USD)

Duration: 1 hour

 

Lunch Suggestions (near Wat Arun)

Moderate Option: The Never Ending Summer (Contemporary Thai cuisine in a historic warehouse)

Address: 41/5 Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600

Cost: 800 THB per person ($23 USD)

Luxury Option: Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok

Address: 39 Maharat Road, Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok 10200

Cost: 1,200-1,500 THB per person ($35-45 USD)

 

Afternoon

3. Bangkok Canal Tour (Thonburi Canals)

Description: A boat tour through the “Venice of the East,” offering a glimpse of traditional riverside life.

Cost: 1,000-1,500 THB per person ($30-45 USD)

Duration: 2 hours

 

Dinner Suggestions (near Thonburi)

Moderate Option: Jae Fai (Michelin-starred street food, known for crab omelets)

Address: 327 Maha Chai Road, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Cost: 1,000-1,500 THB per person ($30-45 USD)

Luxury Option: Le Du (Modern Thai fine dining, ranked among Asia’s best restaurants)

Address: 399/3 Silom Soi 7, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500

Cost: 4,000 THB per person ($110 USD)

 

Day 5: Modern Bangkok and Relaxation

Morning

1. Terminal 21 Mall

Description: A unique shopping mall themed around global cities, offering affordable shopping and a diverse food court.

Address: 88 Sukhumvit Soi 19, Wattana, Bangkok 10110

Cost: Free entry; shopping and dining costs vary.

Duration: 2-3 hours

 

Lunch Suggestions (near Terminal 21)

Moderate Option: Pier 21 Food Court (Affordable and authentic Thai food)

Address: Inside Terminal 21 Mall

Cost: 100-300 THB per person ($3-9 USD)

Luxury Option: Rossini’s (Italian fine dining at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit)

Address: 250 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110

Cost: 2,000-3,000 THB per person ($55-85 USD)

 

Afternoon

2. King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk

Description: Bangkok’s tallest observation deck with breathtaking city views.

Address: 114 Narathiwas Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500

Cost: 880-1,050 THB ($25-30 USD)

Duration: 1-1.5 hours

 

3. Relax at a Traditional Thai Spa

Recommended Spa: Divana Nurture Spa

Address: 7 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Wattana, Bangkok 10110

Cost: 2,000-5,000 THB ($55-140 USD)

Duration: 2 hours

 

Dinner Suggestions (near Sukhumvit)

Moderate Option: Soul Food Mahanakorn (Casual Thai eatery with great cocktails)

Address: 56/10 Sukhumvit Soi 55, Bangkok 10110

Cost: 800-1,200 THB per person ($23-35 USD)

Luxury Option: Cielo Sky Bar & Restaurant (Rooftop dining with panoramic views)

Address: 46/F Skywalk Condominium, 1595 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110

Cost: 3,000-4,000 THB per person ($85-110 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.

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