Here’s your ultimate 3 day Bangkok itinerary, filled with the best places to visit in Bangkok, amazing food recommendations and how to get around. Spend your time visiting Bangkok’s temples, trying tasty Thai cuisine and navigating around the city. Here’s how to spend 3 days in Bangkok!
Bangkok is the incredible capital city of Thailand and Southeast Asia’s main hub. It’s one of the best places to start your Southeast Asia trip and a great way to enter the country.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a seasoned traveller returning for more, Bangkok never fails to run out of things to do. We’ve visited three times now and will 100% visit again in the future! We love the food, the malls, and the chaotic streets the city has to offer.
This Bangkok itinerary is based on our personal experiences and we’re excited to help you plan your Bangkok 3 day itinerary! We’ve included which area to stay, what kind of transport to get and which places are worth visiting with only a few days in the city.
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Planning a 3 Day Bangkok Itinerary
- Currency – Thai Baht (Compare the currency here)
- Cuisine – Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Thai Curry, Noodles, Morning Glory & Thai Tea
- Apps – Grab, Google Maps, Food Panda, Lazada, Shopee, LINE
- Sim cards – True Move at 7/11, AIS, & Dtac (or get an E-sim here)
- Convenience stores – 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Big C & Tesco Lotus
- Book transport in advance with 12.Go!
- Where to stay in Bangkok – Sawatdee Guesthouse
- Most Popular Tour in Bangkok – Damnoen Saduak Market & Maeklong Railway Market
3 day Bangkok Itinerary: The Best 2024 Guide
After a few tips, we can now start the Bangkok itinerary! We’ve included tips on how to get around and how to get to Bangkok at the end of this guide. Also, check out our 1 month Thailand itinerary after this guide!
Day 1 – Cultural Bangkok
Once you’ve arrived in the city, head to your accommodation to drop your bags off before starting the first day of your 3 days in Bangkok.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Kickstart your 3 day Bangkok itinerary with the most famous and culturally important landmark, the Grand Palace (also known as The Temple of the Emerald Buddha).
The price is 500 THB per person and the opening hours are 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. Arrive early to avoid the midday heat and the large tourist crowds. You can book a walking tour to learn about the Grand Palace with a guide.
The Grand Palace is the former residence of Thai Kings, previously residing King Rama I through to King Rama V. Built in 1782, this palace is almost 250 years old.
Today, the palace is used for Royal ceremonies and it’s become a must-see location for travellers. Expect to see golden stupas (bell-shaped structures in Buddhist culture), beautiful Thai-style buildings and draw-dropping statues!
On the very same grounds is the home of the Emerald Buddha – Wat Phra Kaew. The statue of the Buddha is made of one solid piece of green jade and is of great importance to the royal family and the country.
Rama I named the capital Rattanakosin (now known as Bangkok) which quite literally means “keeping place of the Emerald Buddha”. This has been the Emerald Buddha’s home since the temple was built in 1784. This is a must-see when visiting Bangkok!
How to dress for entering temples in Bangkok (and Thailand)
When exploring temples in Thailand, it’s essential to follow the dress code by covering your shoulders and legs. This is a mandatory practice to ensure modesty and respect. To meet these requirements, opt for longer clothing and avoid vest tops, shorts, or skirts.
Alternatively, you can use a sarong or shawl for coverage. We’ve heard that the Grand Palace may not accept scarves, shawls, or sarongs on the shoulders due to the risk of them falling off. To avoid any inconvenience, opt for suitable attire!
Additionally, it’s good to know that some temple areas may require you to remove your shoes before entering. Pay attention to posted signs indicating this rule, and promptly remove your footwear when necessary.
For added comfort during your temple visits, consider wearing flip-flops or sandals suitable for covering some walking distance during your 3 days in Bangkok.
Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
It’s time to visit your second temple of the day! Wat Pho also has a 200 THB per person entry fee and the opening hours are from 8:00 am – 6:30 pm. Book your visit with a guide to learn more about Wat Pho!
Wat Pho (built in 1801) is home to the reclining Buddha, at a straggering 46 meters long, it is well worth the visit during your Bangkok 3 day itinerary!
In Buddhism, a Buddha in the sideways lying down position symbolises the Buddha’s final state before they pass into the afterlife. Reclining Buddha statues can be found all over the country because of this reason.
The statue was built in remembrance of his death. Additionally, Wat Pho is known in Thailand as the first public educational centre, to teach religion, science and literature classes.
TIP: If you’re feeling hot from the heat of Bangkok, now is a great time to grab some soothing coconut ice cream served in a coconut from MOLTHIP Coconut Ice Cream.
Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)
The last temple of your Bangkok itinerary is Wat Arun, the entrance fee is 100 THB per person and the opening hours are 8:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Wat Arun stands as one of the crucial Buddhist temples in Bangkok, named in honour of Aruna, the Hindu deity of dawn. Recognized for its unique spires, known as “prang,” Wat Arun has become one of Thailand’s most iconic landmarks.
The Central Prang, towering at approximately 82 meters (270 feet), holds the distinction of being the tallest among the temples in Bangkok!
On the bank opposite Wat Arun across the Chao Phraya River is a great place to watch sunset. Watch the sky dissolve to orange behind the towering spires of Wat Arun in this adventure-packed 3-day Bangkok itinerary.
Book a tour City Highlights Temple and Market Walking Tour to see all the highlights of the city with a guide!
Khao San Road
Khao San Road is Bangkok’s world-famous street for partying, drinking, dancing, exotic snacks (scorpion :o) and meeting like-minded travellers. Although this might not be for everyone, Khao San Road is certainly worth a walk down at least once on your travels!
In the daytime, it becomes a regular road. At night time it becomes a pedestrianised party land! You can also find this kind of vibe in Phuket or Ao Nang in Krabi.
If you happen to brave Khao San road at nighttime while it’s in full swing, be sure to go in with an open mind as it’s about to get crazy! Be prepared for huge nightclubs, invited to ‘adult’ shows and offered exotic snacks, such as scorpion on skewer sticks.
Whether you’re here to grab a quick drink with friends to experience Khao San road or want to make new friends while sharing a famous cocktail bucket, give Khao San a go while you’re on your Bangkok 3 day itinerary.
Note: Tuk Tuk drivers will ask if you need a ride all the time in Bangkok (it can be relentless when passing many drivers in a day). Try to be courteous and politely decline when not needed. You will notice hoards of Tuk Tuk drivers at either end of Khao San Road!
First time in Thailand? Read our top travel tips for visiting Thailand!
Day 2 – Shopping & Dining in Modern Bangkok
After a busy and culture-filled first day on your 3 day Bangkok itinerary, it’s time to hit some markets and shops. We’ll take you to the modern side of Bangkok where you can find $3 t-shirts and delicious food markets!
Mall shopping at Siam Square
Start your day with a trip to Bangkok’s many malls. If you did go to Khao San Road, you’ll probably be waking up on the later side, but that’s okay! Here’s some of the malls you can see whilst exploring Bangkok in 3 days.
MBK Center – Budget-friendly $ – This was our favourite shopping mall in Bangkok! This place is HUGE. Each level of MBK Center has a different style of shopping to offer, so it easily caters for all styles!
One floor is packed full of different tech stands, we found this especially useful for finding a phone case on our travels. There’s a floor dedicated to high-quality knockoffs, Dan bought around 5 t-shirts and they lasted well (Thrasher and Santa Cruz for example!). Not that we promote buying knockoff versions of brands you love, but you can buy some great clothing here at a great price whilst exploring Bangkok in 3 days.
Once you’ve finished shopping here, MBK Center also has a great food court and multiple food vendors dotted around.
CentralwOrld – Mid-range $$ – This is a branded shopping mall, with more upscaled shopping than MBK Center.
There’s also a dedicated street food area outside and it’s connected to other shopping centres via the skywalk (bridges). If you need a break from shopping, CentralwOrld also offers a 15-screen cinema and an ice rink!
Siam Paragon – Luxury $$$ – Luxury branded shopping mall, boasting high-end clothing brands, exotic car showrooms (think Lamborghini, Jaguar) and fine dining. If you fancy catching a new movie, you can kick back and relax in their state-of-the-art cinema.
You can also visit the Mahanakhon SkyWalk during your Bangkok 3 day itinerary and see the city from above – Find tickets here! It’s super popular on Instagram!
Chatuchak Weekend Market
One of Bangkok’s largest markets, the Chatuchak weekend market attracts over 200,000 tourists and locals alike every weekend. Boasting over 8,000 stalls, you’ll be able to shop for clothes, accessories and other garments.
Once you’ve exhausted your shopping energy, you have unlimited options from the mouthwatering selection of world-class food stalls and refreshing drinks. Your time in Bangkok won’t be complete without enjoying a serving of mango sticky rice!
Chatuchak Market is a big place, and luckily it’s split by categories and available as a map online or at the market itself. You can also wing it and wander the relentless market maze, but you might miss something you came for (like a funky pair of socks or your favourite thai food!).
When to visit? Fridays Chatuchak is open 6 pm – 12 am, Saturdays and Sundays it is open 9 am – 6 pm.
How to haggle at Chatuchak Weekend Market
As a general rule for bargaining at any market in Thailand or other markets in Asia, first, scope out what you’re after at a few different stalls to get a good idea of the average base price so you have a starting point.
Always be polite, don’t low-ball vendors for the fun of it and generally only pay a price you are happy with to avoid leaving on a sour note. Try going in for a 30-40% discount and see where you can negotiate from there.
Generally, by buying more from one vendor you will be able to secure a better discount. For example, buying 3-5 T-shirts from the same person in most cases will score you a better deal! If you’re unhappy with a price or something just doesn’t quite feel right, politely thank them for their time and carry on enjoying the rest of the market.
Rooftop bars in Bangkok
Why not bring the day to a perfect close and soak in the metropolis high-rise views of Bangkok from a swanky rooftop bar? Try calling ahead or contacting for a reservation to avoid disappointment. Here are a few rooftop bars we recommend:
- Heaven Rooftop Bar & Lounge – $ – Budget friendly – No dress code. We had a great time with friends visiting this bar, with chill vibes with nice live music playing. Nice photo ops by the neon pink sign or swinging bench. The bar is located on the 8th floor.
- Mojjo Rooftop Lounge Bar – $$ – Mid-range price point – No dress code. The bar is on the 32nd floor and has live music.
- Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar – $$$ – Luxury – The dress code is smart casual, no flip flops/sandals allowed. The bar is located on the 49th floor and has live music.
- Sky Bar – $$$$ – Luxury – Smart dress code, no flip flops/sandals allowed. Most visited rooftop bar in Bangkok due to it being the filming location of ‘The Hangover’. If you’re a fan of the film, maybe this is the bar for you! The bar is located on the 64th floor and has live music.
Alternatively, you can whizz around the city on a night Tuk-tuk tour seeing the lit-up temples around Bangkok. See the tour here!
Day 3 – Parks, Chinatown & Canal Tour
On the last day of your 3 days in Bangkok, head to one of the best urban parks in the city, explore Chinatown and take a boat ride down Bangkok Yai.
Lumpini Park
It’s time to slow down and relax in a calming green space, and what better place to do this in non-other than Lumpini Park? Here, you’ll get great views of surrounding skyscrapers and without a doubt encounter wildlife!
Have you heard of monitor lizards before? You will be gobsmacked the first time you see one. Keep your distance as with any wildlife, they can reach speeds of 20km/h.
Lumpini Park was Bangkok’s first public park and it’s a serene oasis nestled in the middle of Bangkok. Come here to sunbathe, catch some shade under luscious trees or rent a boat to paddle around the lake.
It’s a great place to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of city life, maybe read a book and watch nature harmoniously blend in with the city.
Chinatown (Yaowarat)
After a beautiful visit to Lumpini Park, head to Chinatown. Bangkok’s Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat, was established in 1782 and is known as one of the largest Chinatowns in the world.
As it’s so big, it’s easy to get lost in the streets and you’ll find yourself in Chinese supermarkets, shops or outdoor markets. There’s a hustling atmosphere here but it’s a great way to experience a different neighbourhood during your 3 days in Bangkok!
Here are a few things to do while visiting Bangkok’s Chinatown:
- Take a walking tour. The best way to see any new city is on foot alongside an experienced guide.
- Visit the bustling market. Here you will find textiles, clothing, Chinese herbs and souvenirs. Be sure to bring cash as with any market!
- Eat amazing street food. Here you will find delicious Chinese Thai food, be sure to come on an empty belly!
- Visit a Buddhist temple, such as Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Wat Leng Noei Yi). This is the most important and largest Chinese Buddhist temple in all of Bangkok. They play host to important celebrations such as Chinese New Year and the annual Chinese vegetarian festival. Be sure to visit this beautiful temple on your 3 day Bangkok itinerary.
See Bangkok in a new way: Ancient Bangkok canal boat tour
Cut a few hours out of your day to see Bangkok from a new perspective, take to the waters and cruise along through the ancient part of Bangkok onboard a typical Thai longboat.
Catch a glimpse into the everyday Bangkok lifestyle as you pass by Thai canal homes nestled into luscious green shrubbery. Here are a few points of interest to expect to see on this adventurous boat tour:
- Wat Arun – Start your water adventure opposite the all-famous Wat Arun
- Khlong Bang Luang Artist House – a traditional Thai wooden house that serves as a cultural space combining art, and traditional Thai architecture, all within a tranquil setting. You can observe a cultural performance here, to better understand and appreciate Thai heritage, as well as a coffee shop to grab a refreshing drink!
- Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen (Giant Golden Buddha) – The temple itself was established in 1610 and is home to the Giant Golden Buddha, a staggering 128 meters tall! From the canal, you get a jaw-dropping view!
➤ Book your Longtail Boat Canal Tour here!
An alternative day on your 3 day Bangkok itinerary
There are so many things to do in Bangkok – so we’ve created an alternative day for you in case this one sounds more your style. It’s also perfect if you find yourself with more than 3 days in Bangkok.
We highly recommend spending a day outside of Bangkok on a full-day tour exploring Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market!
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
During your 3 days in Bangkok, see a Thai market in a way you’ve never seen before. Vendors pass you by on canal boats, selling anything from fresh produce, to clothes, to cooked foods. Patrons pass cash by hand from other boats, being steady not to fall into the water, it’s quite spectacular!
There are multiple floating markets around the outside of Bangkok, but this happens to be the most popular! Get here in the morning to see it at its busiest and to avoid the midday sun. The market typically starts around sunrise.
Maeklong Railway Market Tour
This market is completely unlike the floating market mentioned about, Maeklong Railway Market has a hint in the name, it’s a market along an active railway!
Situated in the town of Samut Songkhram, it’s a great place to see something new and snap some excellent photos of a train passing through an open market.
The best way to get to these markets during your 3 day Bangkok itinerary is to find a tuk-tuk driver for the day or book a tour guide. Booking a tour online is a lot less hassle as you won’t have to haggle with tuk-tuk prices!
➤ Book your Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market here!
More things to do in Bangkok in 3 days
- Bang Krachao (The Green Lung) – Artificial island for relaxing, cycling and walking. General exploring!
- Muay Thai Boxing Match – Watch a powerful Muay Thai match at Rajadamnern Stadium – Book your tickets here!
- Bike Tour – Hit the road on two wheels with an experienced guide to see Bangkok by bicycle
- Thai cooking class – Throw on an apron and turn the heat up! Why not take a Thai cooking class and experience Thailand with your own hands and tastebuds? Think of dishes like Pad Thai, Massaman Curry and Pad Kee Mao (drunken noodles). Find tickets here.
- Erawan Shrine and Thai Dance Show – A beautiful shrine nestled in the chaos of Bangkok. Visit here to see a traditional, authentic perforce of Thai dancing.
- Visit a museum – Such as Jim Thompson House Museum, National Museum Bangkok or Museum Siam to mention a few.
- Visit the Mahanakhon SkyWalk and see Bangkok from above – Find tickets for the SkyWalk here!
3 Day Bangkok Itinerary Overview
Day 1 – Cultural Bangkok – The Grand Palace / Wat Phra Kaew / Wat Pho / Wat Arun / Khao San Road
Day 2 – Shopping in Modern Bangkok – Chatuchak Market / Siam Square Malls / Rooftop Bar
Day 3 – Relaxing and exploring – Lumpini Park / Chinatown / Canal boat tour
Also check out our 1 Month Thailand Itinerary, 2 week Thai Islands Itinerary & Top Things to Know Before Visiting Thailand in 2024!
Where to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a huge city and it’s a little overwhelming trying to figure out where to stay. We recommend booking accommodation on Hostelworld or Booking.com when spending 3 days in Bangkok.
For a first visit to Bangkok, we recommend staying in Siam, Khao San Road or Chatuchak.
Siam is a shopping paradise with malls like MBK Center, Siam Paragon, and CentralWorld. It’s a central location with easy access to cultural attractions and public transport.
Khao San Road is a backpacker hub known for its budget accommodation, bars, and nightlife. It’s lively with an energetic atmosphere and close to cultural attractions like the Grand Palace.
Chatuchak is home to the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, a haven for shoppers. It offers a more local and relaxed atmosphere, although there is limited nightlife compared to other areas.
Here are accommodations we recommend checking out to stay during your 3 day Bangkok itinerary:
- Pillow & Bread $ – This is where we stayed for 6 nights on our most recent Bangkok trip. It’s a budget option with spacious private rooms with balconies. If you like dogs, they have many Pugs! There’s also a well-sized communal working space with a HUGE Snorlax plushie – Find here on Booking.com!
- Sawatdee Guesthouse $ – a perfect location with a cosy touch – Find here on Booking.com!
- Once Again Hostel $ – a beautifully modern hostel in Bangkok with a chill rooftop! – Find here on Hostelworld!
- Skyview Hotel Bangkok $$ – stay in this luxury hotel with a rooftop pool and incredible views of Bangkok! Find here on Booking.com!
➤ Browse more guesthouses & hostels in Bangkok.
Where to eat in Bangkok
Whilst spending 3 days in Bangkok, you’ll be able to eat plenty of food! From street food stands to Michelin-star restaurants, Bangkok has you covered! Here’s some of our recombinations:
- Ethos Vegetarian Restaurant
- Mango Vegetarian & Vegan
- May Kaidee Tanao Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant
- Jeng Noodle Thai Food & Vegetarian
- So Vegan
- Jae Lee Vegan
Also check out 7-Eleven – In Thailand, they have some tasty snacks for when you’re on the go! Everyone has to try a 7-Eleven cheese toastie at least once! They’re perfect for escaping the heat and using the A/C to cool off.
You can also join a Bangkok food tour and explore 15+ Thai foods to try in the city.
How to get around Bangkok
There are a lot of things to do in this Bangkok 3 day itinerary, so you’re going to need to know how to get around! Luckily, the transport system in Bangkok is pretty good and well-developed. Here are a few ways to get around the city during your Bangkok itinerary:
BTS Skytrain: This is a fast and efficient way to travel around Bangkok, above the city. It connects key areas like Sukhumvit, Silom, and Siam. You can purchase a ticket at the station.
MRT Subway: Another way of getting around is the subway, which has alternative routes to the Skytrain. It’s useful for reaching destinations like Chatuchak Weekend Market and Hua Lamphong Train Station.
Public Buses: Bangkok has an extensive public bus system with routes covering the entire city. Fares are low, but navigating the routes may be challenging for non-locals. Google Maps can help with bus routes and schedules. Like anywhere, using public transport abroad can be daunting, but it’s all a part of the fun!
Grab: The most popular ride-sharing app in Bangkok (similar to Uber) You can use it to book taxis, cars, tuk tuks and even motorbike taxis. You can pay on your phone with a pre-determined price, so no need to negotiate with taxi drivers.
Taxis: Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive in Bangkok. Ensure the driver uses the meter or agrees on a fare before starting the journey. Be aware of traffic, especially during rush hours. Bangkok does get heavily congested, so more times than not a car will not be your fastest option. There’s also Motorcycle Taxis if you’re comfortable being a passenger.
Tuk-Tuks: Tuk-tuks are three-wheeled vehicles popular among tourists. Negotiate the fare before getting in, and keep in mind that they may not be the most practical option during heavy traffic. Like cars, they cannot cut in-between traffic like motorcycles.
How to get to Bangkok
Flights – Bangkok has two airports. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the main international airport and you can reach the city by The Airport Rail Link. From Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) you can catch a bus or Grab to the city centre.
Buses – If you’re already travelling Southeast Asia on a budget you may be catching a day or night bus to the capital city! You will arrive at the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) or the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai). Book your journey in advance with 12.Go!
Trains – The Hua Lamphong Railway Station offers journeys to various places in Thailand!
Travelling by car? Find rental cars here for Bangkok
Popular Tours for 3 Days in Bangkok
- Visit Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market in Bangkok!
- Take a Hidden Gems Bike Tour through the crazy city.
- See the City Highlights on a Temple and Market Walking Tour
- Explore Bangkok by night on aMarkets, Temples and Food Night Tour by Tuk Tuk
- Take a Day Trip to Ayutthaya & Ayothaya Floating Market
Best time to visit Bangkok
The best time to visit Bangkok is November to February as the temperature isn’t too hot and it’s not rainy season! This is also the best time to travel to Thailand and explore the beautiful Thai islands.
The rainy season is from June to October and brings heavy downpours to Bangkok. Although it doesn’t rain all day, every day. So it’s okay to visit during this time when exploring Bangkok for 3 days, just bring a raincoat or umbrella!
The hottest time of year is between March to May when Bangkok starts to feel stuffy and you’ll find the air much drier. We’ve visited during these months and it just feels really hot!
What to do in Bangkok at night
Bangkok lights up at night! The night markets are just getting started and even though the temples are closed, you can see them light up from a distance! There are so many ways to spend your evenings during your 3 days in Bangkok. Here are a few ideas:
- Rooftop bars – Spend the evening at one of Bangkok’s rooftop bars!
- Check out the night markets – Chatuchak Weekend Market is open until 12am on Fridays!
- Nightclubs – Go partying on Khao San Road until the early hours of the morning
- Watch a Muay Thai boxing match – Catch a heart-pumping Muay Thai boxing match at one of the city’s popular stadiums, Lumpinee Boxing Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium are popular venues to name a few.
- Cabaret Shows – Watch Calypso Cabaret and Mambo Cabaret for an entertaining evening! Book tickets here.
- Unwind with a Thai Massage – Why not treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage? After all, you deserve it!
- Explore Bangkok by night on a Markets, Temples & Food Night Tour by Tuk Tuk
Need travel insurance? Check out SafetyWing – Find out more here!
What to do after 3 days in Bangkok
Bangkok is Southeast Asia’s transport hub, offering flights, trains and buses to multiple places all over the world. Here’s a few ways you can spend your time after Bangkok:
- Visit the South of Thailand and relax on beautiful islands such as Phuket, Koh Lanta and Koh Samui. A trip to the south after Bangkok will be so relaxing or adventurous if you go diving in Koh Tao.
- Head up north to visit Chiang Mai, Pai and the wonderful mountains of Thailand.
- Take a trip to Cambodia to explore the beautiful Angkor Wat complex and white sand beaches. You can book your bus ride on 12.Go or with local hostels or travel agents.
- Take a flight to nearby countries such as the Philippines, or India or even take a trip to South Korea.
Have the best trip to Bangkok! Find us on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below! We also have more Thailand travel guides.
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