Day 1: Grand Palace and the Riverside
Morning: Start your adventure at The Grand Palace, a breathtaking complex that was once home to Thai royalty. Inside, marvel at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), Thailand’s most sacred temple. Strict dress codes are enforced—both men and women must wear long pants or skirts and cover their shoulders. Sleeveless tops, ripped jeans, and tight-fitting clothes are not allowed. If you’re not properly dressed, you can rent or buy appropriate clothing at the entrance. From there, take a short walk to Wat Pho, home to the massive Reclining Buddha. This temple is also known for its beautiful courtyards and intricate murals.
Afternoon: Hop on a river ferry to visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) on the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River. The towering spires of this temple provide a stunning view, and climbing to the top offers a great cityscape panorama.
After the temple visits, explore the Tha Maharaj Riverside Mall, where you can enjoy local street food and shop for souvenirs. The area offers a mix of modern and traditional vibes, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Evening: End the day with a relaxing Chao Phraya River dinner cruise. Enjoy a buffet of Thai cuisine while sailing past illuminated landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
Save Tip: After a long day of sightseeing, unwind with a budget-friendly Thai massage at one of the many reputable massage parlors in the Old Town area. A traditional one-hour Thai massage costs just a few hundred baht.
Splurge Tip: Indulge in a luxurious spa experience at one of Bangkok’s high-end wellness centers, where you can enjoy an aromatic oil massage and a herbal body wrap in a serene setting.
Day 2: Local Markets and Culture
Morning: Start early at the world-famous Chatuchak Weekend Market (if visiting on a weekend). This massive market features thousands of stalls selling clothing, handicrafts, home decor, and delicious street food. If visiting on a weekday, explore the stylish boutiques at Siam Paragon and CentralWorld.
Afternoon: Head to Jim Thompson House, a beautifully preserved traditional Thai house showcasing the fascinating story of the American businessman who revitalized the Thai silk industry. The guided tour offers a glimpse into traditional Thai architecture and art. Afterward, take a short ride to Erawan Shrine, a famous Hindu shrine in the heart of Bangkok where locals and tourists come to make offerings and watch traditional Thai dance performances.
Evening: Explore Asiatique The Riverfront, an open-air night market with a mix of boutique shops, local eateries, and entertainment. The riverside setting makes it a great place to relax.
Save Tip: Use the BTS Skytrain and river ferries to get around efficiently and affordably, avoiding Bangkok’s infamous traffic. For short distances, try a TukTuk ride, a fun and iconic way to experience Bangkok’s bustling streets. Be sure to negotiate the fare before hopping in, as TukTuks don’t have meters like taxis.
Splurge Tip: Book an authentic Muay Thai training session, where professional fighters guide you through techniques in a private or small-group class. It’s an unforgettable way to engage with Thai culture and get an intense workout.
Day 3: Heritage and Scenic Parks
Morning: Start the day with a visit to Taling Chan Floating Market, one of Bangkok’s smaller yet more authentic floating markets. Unlike the more touristy markets, Taling Chan offers a mix of local fresh produce, boat noodles, and delicious grilled seafood. Vendors sell everything from tropical fruits to Thai desserts straight from their boats. Take a short long-tail boat ride to see the local riverside way of life.
After exploring the floating market, head to Lumphini Park, a peaceful escape from the city’s chaos. Stroll through the park, spot the famous monitor lizards, and relax under the shade of the trees.
Afternoon: Visit Vimanmek Mansion, a grand teakwood palace that offers a fascinating glimpse into Thai royal history. Wander through its beautifully decorated rooms filled with artifacts from the past. Next, explore Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), one of Bangkok’s most elegant temples, known for its Italian marble construction and intricate carvings.
Evening: Wrap up your trip with a visit to Ratchada Night Market, one of the most colorful and lively night markets in Bangkok. Here, you can browse stalls selling everything from trendy clothes to handmade jewelry and vintage collectibles. Savor a variety of local street foods, from grilled seafood skewers to mango sticky rice, as you soak in the bustling night market atmosphere.
Save Tip: Instead of dining at a restaurant, buy fresh fruits, Thai snacks, or takeaway meals from the morning floating market and enjoy a picnic at Lumphini Park.
Splurge Tip: Experience an exclusive rooftop dinner at a luxury hotel such as Banyan Tree, Lebua or Riva Arun, savoring gourmet Thai cuisine with a breathtaking view of the Bangkok skyline.
Thai food can’t get any more authentic than Bangkok itself so most restaurants actually serve pretty good food. Save your dollars by having a casual dinner or even trying local fare at night markets and then splurge on drinks in one of the many cool speakeasy bars in the city.