Perfect 3-Day Bangkok Itinerary: A Local’s Ultimate Guide

Spending three days in Bangkok and figuring out the perfect Bangkok itinerary? Well, we have got you covered. 3 days in Bangkok is just the right amount of time to explore Thailand’s capital before moving on to see the rest of the country.

Bangkok is the most exciting city in Southeast Asia and makes for an excellent first stop on any Thailand itinerary. We have gone back to Thailand many times during our 20 years of travel and are always drawn to Bangkok. Thailand has a strong tourism infrastructure, and while Bangkok can be overwhelming at first, once you have spent some time in the city, you will fall in love with it as we have.

Ultimate Bangkok Itinerary in 3 Days

To help you plan your trip to Bangkok, we’ve partnered with local Bangkok resident, Stella Saintis to create this Bangkok itinerary. Between our experience as tourists and her local expertise, this Bangkok travel guide will help you make the most out of your 3 days in Bangkok.

• Day 1 in Bangkok – Chao Phraya River – Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Khaosan Road
• Day 2 in Bangkok – Chatuchak Weekend Market, Jim Thompson House, Bangkok Art & Cultural Center, Erawan Shrine, Neon Night Market, Soi 11
• Day 3 in Bangkok – Sampeng Lane Market, Golden Buddha Temple, Lumphini Park, Thai Cooking Class, Rooftop Bar
• Day 4 – Optional Bonus Day Trip

Hi everyone, I’m Stella. As a resident of Bangkok, I feel that three days in Bangkok gives you enough time to see and do a lot of the top attractions that the city has to offer. If you follow this Bangkok travel guide, your trip to the city will check off all the top attractions. So sit back and relax because we are going to help you make the most of your time in Bangkok and plan an itinerary to the land of smiles. Bangkok is a huge city, but it is not impossible to see and do a lot during your brief stay.

Three Day Bangkok Itinerary

Bangkok is a huge sprawling metropolis. There are so many things to do in Bangkok, that it is important to make sure you make the most of your time there. When putting this day-by-day Bangkok itinerary together, I wanted to give you a good balance of seeing the top attractions as well as experiencing the culture and food that Bangkok has to offer. This Bangkok itinerary shares the best things to do in Bangkok for first-time visitors.

• Fun fact: in Thai, Bangkok is known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon which is actually a shortened version of its longer name that is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest place name.

Here is an interactive map that will help you see what kind of distances you will be covering as well as where everything is in relation to each other.

Day 1 in Bangkok

There are many places to base yourself in Bangkok. We recommend Banglamphu (which is famous for the backpackers street known as Khao San Road). It is also a great base for day 1 in Bangkok as it is close to the Chao Phraya River, and most of the top things to see on your Bangkok itinerary are located here. From the Emerald Buddha to the Reclining Buddha, day 1 has it all.

Make your way to the Chao Phraya river either to The Taskin Bridge or in Banglamphu near Khao San Road and board either a tourist boat or the local boat. Both stop at the attractions along the Chao Phraya.

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Begin your Bangkok itinerary at the Grand Palace first thing in the morning. We recommend going early as it gets busy fast. This is one of the top Bangkok attractions, so it makes the perfect place to start your Bangkok adventure.

Inside the grounds sits the famous Wat Phra Kaew aka Temple of the Emerald Buddha. You are allowed to go in and see it but no pictures are allowed. Wat Phra Kaew is still a working temple and The Emerald Buddha (which is actually made of jade) is Thailand’s most sacred Buddha.

My favorite things about the Grand Palace are all the golden statues and jeweled mosaics that are simply breathtaking. The buildings are gorgeous, and the grounds are meticulously landscaped.

Tips for Visiting the Grand Palace

Dress Code: Make sure to dress properly when visiting – covered shoulders and legs – since there are sacred temples located inside the palace complex there is a strict dress code. You will not be allowed in if you are not dressed properly. If you are not prepared, the Grand Palace does offer clothing to borrow.

• Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
• Cost: 500 baht; includes ticket to Vimanmek Mansion and Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall (valid within 7 days of purchase)

How to get to the Grand Palace

• The Grand Palace is easily accessible by taxi, tuktuk, Chao Phraya River Express or Grab Taxi app. It is easy to get around from the Grand Palace along the Chao Phraya River to see the rest of your sites on this 1-day itinerary.
• Or take the skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station. This stop is at the Chao Phraya River. You can then hop on the Chao Phraya Express which stops at the Grand Palace Complex.
• There are local water taxis that can take you to the Grand Palace as well.
• See our video on how to navigate the Chao Phraya River.

Wat Pho and Reclining Buddha

The Thai word for temple is ‘wat,’ and your next stop is Wat Pho. From the Grand Palace, walk just behind to find one of the most famous Thai temples in Bangkok. Wat Pho houses the famous Reclining Buddha. It is a massive golden statue that takes up the entire temple.

Located just behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, you’ll be able to see two of the most famous Buddhas in Bangkok at one time. At 46 meters (150 feet) long and 15 meters (49 feet) tall, the reclining Buddha is one of the largest in the world.

At the back of the grounds is a famous Thai massage school. If you feel tired from all of the walking, why not stop by for a foot massage? They are rumored to be the best and are quite affordable.

Tips for Visiting Wat Pho

Dress Code: Again, I should note that proper dress is required when visiting this temple. All temples in Thailand have a strict dress code that everyone follows. Visitors should have their shoulders and legs covered. I recommend having a light shirt to throw on and a long skirt or pants is best. They do provide a cover-up at this temple for visitors who are not dressed appropriately.

• Opening Hours: 8:00 am – 6:30 pm
• Cost: 100 baht (with a free bottle of water!)
• Accessible via taxi, tuktuk, or Grab Taxi

Lunch

After visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, you will probably be hungry. Grab lunch at one of the restaurants along the banks of the river that offers a view of Wat Arun, your next destination.

I recommend The Deck, which has great drinks and food.

Wat Arun – Temple of the Dawn

After lunch, we continue the rest of day 1 of our three-day Bangkok itinerary across the river at Wat Arun. It takes no time to ride a ferry across the river from Wat Pho and the Grand Palace to Wat Arun Temple. Wat Arun is better known as the Temple of the Dawn. Moreover, the ferry ride is just 3 baht! (about 10 cents)

You may recognize this temple’s central spire as it is famous in the skyline of Bangkok along the river. I loved visiting simply because I got to see another stunningly beautiful Thai temple. Be sure to keep an eye out for the row of golden buddhas.

• Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Cost: 100 baht
• Accessible via taxi, tuktuk, or ferry

Hire a Longtail Boat

At the end of this Bangkok guide, we give information for an extra day to take a day trip out of the city to explore the floating market. However, if you don’t have time, hiring a long tail boat to explore the back canals of the Chao Phraya is a really special experience. Known as Klongs, these Bangkok canals are what gives the city its name, “The Venice of the East.”

Here, you can see smaller markets without having to go a long way out of the city. It takes you off the main river through the locks and into the residential neighborhoods of Bangkok that are located on the water.

Plus, there is a small floating market where you can feed the fish, buy a beer, and experience what they are like without having to go out of the city. You can hire a private longtail boat anywhere along the Chao Phraya. The cost for the entire boat is 1000 baht. You can book in advance as well.

Khaosan Road (Khao San Road)

From Wat Arun, take the ferry back across the river and grab a taxi (or walk) over to Khao San road. No trip to Bangkok would be complete without spending at least some time in this famous backpacker hangout.

There are plenty of souvenir shops and a lot of street food and Thai food stalls. Khao San Road is my favorite place to eat Pad Thai and people watch. Therefore, make sure to have a Thai massage here. There are many to choose from and they are cheap. After all of the walking, you may also opt for a foot massage or even a fish massage.

Khao San Road is a popular street for backpackers to hang out and stay in Bangkok. It is also a great place for bar hopping and partying. You’ll want to spend the evening here to get a vibe for this quirky spot.

Dinner

After your massage, you can grab a bite to eat for dinner at one of the many restaurants on Khao San Road, you can’t go wrong. Or try some of the street food options available. They are cheap and delicious eats. Keep an eye out for the vendors selling fresh bugs! Be brave and give it a try – I once had an entire meal of just bugs!

Sunset

If you want to take a break before experiencing Bangkok’s nightlife, make your way to Wat Saket (Golden Mount) to watch the sunset. It is just a 20-minute walk from Khao San Road and offers a beautiful view of Bangkok as the sun goes down.

Bangkok Nightlife

Those looking to party in Bangkok should stay in Khao San road for the evening. There is also a lot of accommodation around Khao San Road. This road draws lots of tourists every night and is a great introduction to the party vibe of Bangkok. Moreover, you’ll probably meet a lot of fellow travelers to get recommendations for your travels around Thailand.

It is most popular with backpackers and budget travelers due to the large number of cheap hostels in the area and affordable drinks at the numerous bars. The most famous drinks on Khao San Road are known as ‘buckets’ and essentially are a pail filled with your choice of alcohol and mixer. Bottoms up!

• Opening Hours: 24 hours, though most bars are open in the evenings
• Cost: Free to walk around; one of the cheaper places to drink and shop in Bangkok
• Accessible via taxi/tuk tuk/Grab Taxi app

You have now finished day one in Bangkok. It is time to head back to your hotel and rest up.

Day 2 in Bangkok

On the second day in Bangkok, check out more famous cultural sights and markets of Bangkok.

Note: 2 days in Bangkok is a good amount of time for most people, so if you decide to move on after today, you will have seen most of the city highlights.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

If your visit happens to span a weekend, I highly recommend checking out this famous Chatuchak weekend market. This is a great place to start day 2 of your Bangkok itinerary.

The sheer size of this market is part of what makes it such a popular destination in Bangkok. Shoppers can find just about anything here, at crazy cheap prices. The best time to visit is earlier in the day on the weekends, before the crowds and infamous Bangkok heat hit.

If you get hungry while shopping, there are small food stalls located in one section of the market where you can grab some Pad Thai or Green Curry. They also have places to get a Thai massage if you need to relax (and enjoy some AC!)

• Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
• Cost: Free to walk around! Only spend on what you want to buy (and everything is super cheap)!
• Accessible via BTS Mo Chit, MRT Mo Chit, or taxi/tuk tuk/Grab Taxi app

Jim Thompson House

After shopping, take the BTS Skytrain down to another famous landmark. The Jim Thompson House is a great place to visit, especially for those interested in Thai architecture and art.

This museum is a tribute to the man, Jim Thompson, an American who came to Thailand and started a textile business to promote Thai silk. His business is still thriving to this day. Many people come to visit his house as it is an excellent example of different Thai architectural styles.

During the tour, the guide tells visitors all about the life of Jim Thompson and his mysterious death in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia (they never found his body!).

While the house is lovely, my favorite part was the jungle-like garden outside. It made me completely forget the noise and chaos of the city.

• Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Cost: 200 baht
• Accessible via BTS National Stadium or taxi/tuk-tuk/Grab Taxi app to Jim Thompson house

Bangkok Art and Culture Center

Just down the road from the Jim Thompson House is the Bangkok Arts and Thailand Cultural Centre. This is a great location for those interested in seeing contemporary art exhibits or cultural events. If you are wanting to add some cultural experiences to your Bangkok trip planner, this is a good place to start. There are also cafes, bookshops, craft shops, and art galleries.

The exhibition and events regularly change, so be sure to check their website in advance for an up-to-date look at what is being offered.

• Opening Hours: Closed Monday, Tuesday-Sunday open from 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Cost: Free!
• Accessible via BTS National Stadium

Bangkok Malls – Siam Paragon and MBK Center

You are now in the heart of downtown and a trip to Southeast Asia wouldn’t be complete without exploring some of its megamalls. Bangkok has some of the largest malls in the world.

One of my favorite places to escape the heat is Siam Paragon. This massive mall has an entertainment complex, movie theater, luxury brand names, and it even has luxury indoor car dealerships. Grab an iced coffee and follow the maze of indoor walkways to the different shopping centers.

Located between the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center and your next destination, are some of the biggest malls in Southeast Asia. You can spend as long as you like in the malls. Once you have taken advantage of that air conditioning and finding deals at the MBK Center, continue walking to Erawan Shrine.

Erawan Shrine

This Hindu shrine is a major landmark in the middle of Bangkok. One of the many shrines and temples you’ll find in the city. Erawan Shrine is dedicated to the god of creation, originally built in 1956 to ward off bad luck for a hotel that was built nearby, but now draws hundreds of people every day.

It is interesting to see how the shrine is incorporated into the life of locals, who stop by during breaks, or on their way to and from work. Additionally, you can sometimes catch a traditional dance performance by the dancers hired by worshippers to give thanks for their prayers.

• Opening Hours: 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Accessible via BTS Skytrain to Chit Lom

Neon Night Market

The Neon Night Market is one of the best places to visit in Bangkok at night. No trip to Bangkok would be complete without exploring it at night and the Neon Night Market is the perfect place to do so.

You might be feeling hungry for dinner by now. While there are a multitude of restaurants in the malls downtown, I recommend walking up the Neon night market. This is also a great place to grab authentic Thai street food and many other Thai dishes like Pad Thai. But you’ll also find seafood, grilled cheese, octopus, ribs, and MUCH more!

There are also a few bars and places to buy beers and drinks, including a ‘galaxy cocktail,’ which is a glittery concoction that looks too fancy to even drink.

• Opening Hours: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
• Cost: All food and drinks are very affordable (a few hundred baht).
• Accessible via BTS Chit Lom

Sukhumvit Soi 11

If you want to continue your night out, head down to Soi 11, where the rooftop bar Above Eleven offers fantastic views of the city. While it may not be the tallest rooftop in other hotels, its open-air design is the perfect place to end the night.

Just around the corner, you can also find the Havana bar down a small alley off Soi 11. It’s a secret speakeasy with a Cuban theme that you can only access by plugging in a code inside a phone booth.

Ask the guy selling Cubano sandwiches in front of the phone booth for the password.

There are plenty of other bars and nightclubs in the area, so stay out late and go bar hopping. This area makes for a fun night out in Bangkok!

• Opening Hours: Most bars stay open until about 2:30 am
• Cost: Drinks cost from 90-180 baht depending on the bar.
• Accessible via BTS Nana, or taxi/tuktuk/Grab Taxi app

Soi Cowboy

Going out late at night is one of the best things to do in Bangkok. There’s a reason the Hangover chose Bangkok for its sequel. It’s party central. If you would like to explore another popular late-night area, check out Soi Cowboy.

Located just off the BTS, this street is one of a few red-light districts in Bangkok. You may have heard of its ‘ping pong’ shows, but we recommend skipping these as there is a very real problem in Bangkok with human trafficking.

Instead, walk through the street to see the red neon lights and make your way to Soi 11, which is a popular late-night hangout full of bars and clubs (see above).

• Hours: Most bars stay open until about 2:30 am
• Cost: Drinks are from 90-180 baht depending on the bar.
• Accessible via BTS Asoke, MRT Sukhumvit, or taxi/tuk tuk/Grab Taxi app

It’s been a long day, but you have now spent 2 days in Bangkok. Are you ready for your final day in the city?

Day 3 in Bangkok

Now that you have spent 2 days in Bangkok, you are probably feeling very comfortable. It is now time to delve into a few more local experiences.

The final day of this Bangkok itinerary takes you to Chinatown, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Bangkok. You will then walk to Lumpini Park (for a bit of green) and the Sala Daeng area for a cooking class and a famous rooftop bar.

Bangkok is an exciting city and three days is enough to get a taste of its energy. So, let’s get started with your final day in the City of Angels.

Sampeng Lane Market

On your last day in Bangkok, we will start in Chinatown! Take the MRT to Hua Lamphong station and walk down the popular Yaowat Road to the Sampeng Lang Market (also referred to as Soi Wanit 1 by some). This tiny walking street in Chinatown offers a unique shopping experience.

What makes this market appealing is the fact that shoppers can find just about anything here, including fabrics, electronics, toys, beauty supplies, and much more.

The maze of streets that make up this market means you may get lost at some point, but that’s part of the fun! Furthermore, the street is really narrow and it can get congested. But if you want a shopping experience that is completely different from what you are used to, I recommend checking it out.

Try and give yourself time to really immerse yourself in this Chinatown staple. The best part is that everything is sold at wholesale prices.

• Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Cost: Free! Just depending on what you want to spend while shopping.
• Accessible via MRT Hua Lamphong or taxi/tuk tuk/Grab Taxi app

Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha Temple)

After walking, and maybe shopping, on Sampeng Lane, visit the famous Wat Traimit, or the Golden Buddha Temple. Inside this temple sits the largest solid gold Buddha statue in the world!

This temple is made up of four floors. The Golden Buddha is located on the 4th floor of the temple. Underneath on the 2nd and 3rd floors is the Chinese Cultural Center. The museum sheds light on the history of the Chinese in Bangkok, as well as information on the discovery of the Golden Buddha. I found it very interesting and suggest you get the ticket that includes all the levels.

• Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Cost: 100 baht for just the Chinese Cultural Center. 40 baht just to see the Golden Buddha. 140 baht for both (which I recommend!)
• Accessible via MRT Hua Lamphong or taxi/tuk tuk/Grab Taxi app

Lumphini Park

After visiting the temple, take the MRT a few stops to Lumphini Park. This is the biggest park in the city and offers a welcome respite from the chaos of the city. The park has many paths and walkways that are great for some peace and quiet after a busy day in Chinatown. The small lake in the center offers visitors the option to rent paddle boats for a small fee.

You can also buy fish food to feed the fish who inhabit the lake. Make sure to keep an eye out for the giant monitor lizards that roam freely – they don’t attack, but it is wise to keep your distance.

If you are staying in Bangkok for a few more days and are in the mood for an exercise class, you can join Thais of all ages and dance along to music in one of the popular aerobics classes in the evenings.

• Hours: 4:30 am – 9:00 pm
• Cost: Free! Boat rides are 40 baht (with a 40 baht deposit that you get back once you return within the time frame of 30 minutes). For 20 baht more, you can get a bag of bread to feed the fish.
• Accessible via BTS Sala Daeng, MRT Lumphini or MRT Silom, or taxi/tuk tuk/Grab Taxi app

Thai Cooking Class

{After wandering the lovely Lumphini Park, it is time to eat! Walk over or take the BTS to the Silom Thai Cooking School for their afternoon class.

Haven’t you always wanted to learn how to make your own Pad Thai? We’ve taken a few cooking classes in Thailand and when back home in Canada, it helps us relive our Thailand memories.

Thai food is some of the best in the world, and this cooking school offers classes on how to cook all of the most popular dishes.

Popular Thai Dishes

• Pad Thai – Stir-fried noodles with peanut sauce
• Pad Kra Prao
• Pad Woon Sen – stir-fried glass noodles
• Kway Toew – noodle soup
• Pla Kapung Neung Manao – Steam Lime Fish
• Tom Yum Goong – Spicy Shrimp Soup
• Som Tam – Spicy Green Papaya Salad
• Panang Curry
• Green Curry
• Kai Med Ma Muang – Chicken with Cashew Nuts

Silom Thai Cooking School offers classes every day of the week. What I liked most about them was that they include a market tour to show guests the actual ingredients used in the dishes.

At the end of the class, you get a cookbook with all of the recipes and many more to take home with you! I took the cooking class here THREE times while I was living in Bangkok – it was that good!

• Hours: Morning class 9:00 am – 12:20 pm (includes market tour), Afternoon class 1:40 pm – 5:00 pm (includes market tour), Evening class 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Cost: 1000 baht per person; night class offered for 900 baht
• Accessible via BTS Chong Nonsi or taxi/tuk tuk

Visit a Rooftop Bar

After your cooking class, you have a choice to end the day at many of the nearby rooftop bars. Bangkok has many to choose from and you can usually find them at the top of a luxury hotel. There is nothing better than watching the sun set over Bangkok. Here are a couple of my favorite places for rooftop bars in Bangkok.

Sky Bar

The Sky Bar at the top of the Lebua Hotel is one of the most popular rooftop bars in Bangkok. Part of its fame comes from the scenes filmed there in the movie The Hangover 2. Fans of the movie will immediately recognize the large golden dome. The view at this bar, which claims to be one of the highest in the world, is spectacular, particularly at sunset.

• Hours: 4:00 pm – 1:00 am
• Cost: Drinks cost between 300 and 850 baht, with most cocktails costing 650/690 baht.
• Accessible via BTS Saphan Taksin or taxi/tuk tuk/Grab Taxi

Banyan Hotel

If you prefer walking (which you might after the meal from the cooking school), head to the Banyan Hotel for an equally magnificent view of Bangkok.

Moon Bar

At the top of this hotel, the Moon Bar offers equally stunning views of the city. It was voted one of the top rooftop bars in the world, and makes a great place to watch the sunset and the lights of Bangkok come on.

• Hours: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am
• Cost: Drinks cost between 300 – 900 baht.
• Accessible via MRT Lumphini, or taxi/tuktuk/Grab Taxi app

Bonus Day 4 – Day Trip Floating Markets

If you are planning on 4 days in Bangkok, I’ve added a bonus trip that should not be missed. Plus, if you continue reading, there are more Thailand travel tips below to extend your Bangkok itinerary with tours and recommendations.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Bangkok is famous for its floating markets, but they are farther out of the city. If you have your heart set on a Bangkok itinerary that includes one, the Damnoen Saduak floating market located 90 minutes outside of the city. You can book a half-day tour to full-day tours with Get Your Guide, they have plenty to choose from.

Amphawa Floating Market

This is my favorite of the two as it is less touristy and more authentic.

To get to Amphawa, take a van from the southern bus terminal in Bangkok. It will drop you near the entrance. Be sure to enjoy some fresh seafood while strolling the many stalls. I also encourage you to take a boat tour to see more of the surrounding area.

If you want to avoid the hassle of taking a bus or haggling over prices, consider booking one of these reputable tours:

• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 6 Hour tour
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Train Market Tour
• Bangkok’s Must-See Weekend Floating Markets Private Day Trip
• Damnoen Saduak Tour and Authentic Thai Cookery Class

Resources to Help You Plan Your Trip to Bangkok

Suggested Bangkok Tours

A great way to get acquainted with any city when you first arrive is to take a city tour. It is also a good way to see many sites in a short amount of time.

We use Get Your Guide for our city tours around the world and like them because they are easy to book, can be canceled within 24 hours for a full refund, and you can often book last minute.

Some suggested Bangkok tours we recommend are

Bangkok Flexi Walking Temple Tour – See the top Bangkok temples in one tour including the Grand Palace once home to the Kings of Siam and home to the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, home to the reclining Buddha, and Temple of the Dawn aka Wat Arun. Check out this page for more details.

Private Airport Transfer – Even though it is easy to get from the Airport to downtown Bangkok, we often love being picked up at the airport by a private transfer after a long flight. A driver will be waiting for you at arrivals with your name and will take you directly to your hotel. Find out all the details here.

Bangkok by Night Tuk Tuk Tour – You must take a tuk tuk at least once when you travel to Thailand. A night tour is a good option to see the night markets, try the street food, and feel safe exploring Bangkok at night, especially if you are a first-time visitor to Bangkok with the comfort and safety of a guided tour to check out the Bangkok skyline, Wat Pho, and the Flower Market at night.

Getting Around Bangkok

To get to Bangkok from the Airport, you can take the Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi Airport, via Makkasan Station, to Phaya Thai station in central Bangkok.

If you take a taxi, be sure to hire from the official taxi stand and don’t be talked into anyone approaching you at the exit.

Visitors have a range of options to choose from for getting around Bangkok.

BTS Sky Train

The BTS sky train has frequent stops with access to many of the most popular tourist destinations. It is relatively cheap, and train cards can be topped up in stations very easily. The BTS train has two lines, the Sukhumvit line and the Silom line. Pay close attention to the direction and line you are getting on when changing at connecting stations.

If you plan your route well and take public transportation, either the BTS or MRT where needed, you can see a lot of what Bangkok has to offer in a short amount of time.

MRT

The MRT is the underground system in Bangkok. It uses a different card from the BTS, but it is possible to purchase single rides without one.

For a more traditional feel, try a tuktuk. These three-wheel taxis are a fun way to take in the sights and sounds as you cruise to your destination. You’ll find tuk-tuks all around Thailand.

Taxis are another option for getting around. In Bangkok, you can take a car or a motorcycle taxi. The latter is much cheaper, but not for the faint of heart, as weaving through Bangkok traffic can be hair-raising.

Tips for Hiring Tuk Tuks and Taxis

Always make sure to agree to a price BEFORE getting in a taxi or tuktuk. Negotiating is encouraged, as drivers will often inflate the price for visitors. Have a set price in mind and don’t fall for the ‘tourist price.’ I was often shocked by what tourists would pay for a taxi.

Sometimes taxi drivers will refuse to take passengers; they may hear your destination and decide they don’t want to drive there. It is not personal, although it can get frustrating. Other drivers may refuse to turn on the meter. Keep trying until you get a taxi for a price that works for you.

Thailand also has a ride-sharing app, much like Uber or Lyft, called Grab taxi. Just download the app and call a ride on demand, with a price displayed. You can call a car or even a motorcycle taxi using the app (the latter usually being much cheaper and good for single riders).

Suggested Bangkok Hotels

If you are looking for places to stay in Bangkok, be sure to check out the guide below. Stella wrote an in-depth guide about where to stay in Bangkok.

• Banglamphu – Home to the Grand Palace and Khao San Road.
• Bangrak – For those on the hunt for amazing food.
• Chinatown – One of the oldest areas of Bangkok.
• Sukhumvit – A modern and cosmopolitan area in central Bangkok.
• Siam – For those looking to shop ’til they drop.

Suggested Hotel Near Banglamphu (Khao San Road)

Riva Surya Bangkok – One of the higher-end hotels in this backpacker dominated area. Features elegant rooms, a pool, and a view of the river.

Sukhumvit

Okura Prestige – This Japanese brand hotel is near the Ploen Chit BTS stop. The 35th-floor infinity pool has stunning views.

Chao Phraya River

We also once stayed at the Sheraton Centre Royal Orchard on the Chao Phraya River and loved the location. It had free shuttles to the MTS Skytrain and we could easily explore all the Bangkok things to do along the river. Getting to downtown Bangkok from Khao San Road, Sukhumvit, or the Chao Phraya River is easy by using public transportation. Once you get into Bangkok, it is cheap and easy to get around the city via taxi, tuk tuk, Skytrain, or subway.

When to Visit Bangkok

There is really no bad time to visit Bangkok. It is hot all year round and being a major city, there is something to do any time of the year.

• There are three main ‘seasons’ in Bangkok: The hottest season, which runs from March to June, with April typically being the hottest month.
• If you are looking to cool off, visit during ‘Songkran Festival, celebrated all around Thailand to ring in the Thai New Year. This holiday is celebrated with a three-day-long water fight – the perfect way to beat the heat! This usually takes place in April.
• The rainy season runs from July through October. Expect rain on most days. Thunderstorms can appear suddenly and unleash huge amounts of water that leave the streets completely flooded.
• The most comfortable season in the city is between November and February. The city is still very hot, but there are some days when the temperature dips into the 70s.

You now know what to do in Bangkok for 3 days, but that shouldn’t stop you from returning.

To really take in the culture and vibe of the city, you will need far more than 3 days in Bangkok, but to see its highlights and its most famous sites, you can do it. We’ve returned to Bangkok again and again and always found something new. Bangkok tourism is growing each year and the city is becoming more modern with each skyscraper built.

And that is the end of your Bangkok itinerary proving that the main attractions and sites of Bangkok can be seen in 3 short days. You did it!