3-day Bangkok itinerary
3 days in Bangkok — first-timer essentials
Temples and the river, central culture and a rooftop, then markets and a dinner cruise. Balanced, transit-realistic.
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Your route on the map
Tap a day to toggle it© OpenStreetMap contributors, © CARTO. Numbers show each day's order; the dashed line is that day's path.
Day 1 — Old Town & the River · Old Town
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08:3090 min
The Reclining Buddha — arrive early, before the heat and crowds.
300 THB foreigner entry; 480-540 THB add-on for traditional Thai massage at the on-site school
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10:3090 min
The Emerald Buddha and royal halls. Dress code enforced (cover shoulders & knees).
500 THB foreigner combo ticket (Grand Palace + Wat Phra Kaew + Vimanmek)
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12:3060 min
An Old Town Bib Gourmand lunch — Michelin value, not Michelin prices.
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14:3060 min
3-baht ferry across the Chao Phraya; climb the lower terrace for the view.
200 THB foreigner
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19:00120 min
Chinatown after dark — Bangkok's best street-eating ritual.
Day 2 — Central Bangkok & a rooftop · Pratunam
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09:3090 min
Thai silk and traditional teak architecture, a green oasis off Pratunam.
200 THB foreigner adult, 100 THB student/under-22
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12:30180 min
A hands-on Thai cooking class — market walk, then cook 4-5 dishes.
1,500-2,500 THB per person ($45-75) for a 3-5 hour class
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16:0045 min
The wish-granting Brahma shrine at the Ratchaprasong crossing.
free entry; 50-200 THB if buying flower garland / incense offerings
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18:00120 min
Sunset cocktails with the skyline — Bangkok's signature after-dark draw.
$5 cocktails (neighborhood) → $30+ cocktails (luxury splurge)
Day 3 — Markets & the riverside · Chatuchak
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09:30150 min
8,000+ stalls — vintage, crafts, street food. Weekends only.
free entry; 100-500 THB typical food/drink, 200-2,000 THB typical purchase
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12:3060 min
Bangkok's premier fresh-food market, right across from Chatuchak.
free entry; 100-400 THB typical food-court meal, premium fruit by weight
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15:30120 min
Riverside mega-mall with the SookSiam indoor floating market.
free entry; 50-300 THB SookSiam food stalls, varied retail
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19:00150 min
Close the trip with a Chao Phraya dinner cruise past the lit-up temples.
1,500-3,500 THB per person (budget operator → luxury yacht)
Where to stay
All Bangkok hotels →
While you're in Bangkok
All events →Good to know
- How many days is this Bangkok itinerary?
- 3 days. You can lengthen or shorten any plan with our trip planner.
- When is the best time to do it?
- Best months: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. It works year-round, but these are ideal.
- Can I book the activities and hotels?
- Yes — every stop links to a booking option (Klook for activities, Agoda for hotels) at no extra cost to you.