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Do you have 3 days in Bangkok? While you could easily spend much more time in this vibrant, international city, 3 days in Bangkok is the perfect amount of time to start exploring. Bangkok is a chaotic, bustling place, blending the modern and the traditional, with a fantastic food and beverage scene. Any food-obsessed traveler needs to add Bangkok to their bucket list. This curated guide to spending 3 days in Bangkok will ensure that you don’t miss anything this city offers!
Where to Stay in Bangkok
There are many options for where to stay in Bangkok and several different areas of town where you might want to stay. We tried out two different hotels in Bangkok during our time there and liked both.
Khao San Road
Khao San Road is a great place to stay for nightlife, specifically cheap drinks, loud music, and meeting other travelers. It is a more rugged area of town where you can find a smattering of food stands selling everything from scorpions to hamburgers (and my favorite: roti pancake, which you can order with Nutella and banana, similar to a crepe!).
Casa Vimaya Riverside is off the Bang Lamphu Canal and a five-minute walk to Khao San Road. This location is great; it is close enough to Khao San Road to enjoy it but far enough that you can’t hear the bass thumping at night.
The hotel is modern and clean with a rooftop pool and bar, perfect for cooling off after a day of sightseeing. There is also a riverside restaurant featuring Thai dishes.
The rooms have air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Some of them have balconies, which is nice, although ours only had a view of the neighboring building. The only weird thing about the room was a window in the bathroom, but as long as the shades were kept closed it wasn’t a big deal!
Book Casa Vimaya Riverside here!
Sukhumvit
We stayed at The Quarter Phromphong in Sukhumvit on our second trip to Bangkok. We enjoyed our stay here as well, although there were some key differences. Since we were staying a bit longer, we wanted to have a kitchen and living area, which was available at The Quarter Phromphong. It was small, but it was helpful to have a little separation for Luke to take meetings.
The hotel itself is very clean. There is a gym and rooftop pool available, amenities that I thoroughly enjoyed. There is a restaurant on site.
Sukhumvit is a trendy area, popular with expats. There are many international restaurants, bars, and Western comforts available in this area. For this reason, we found it more expensive.
The Skytrain also runs through Sukhumvit, making getting around easy. We enjoyed our stays in both areas, but we slightly preferred staying near Khao San Road because we were traveling on a budget.
Book The Quarter Phromphong here!
3 Days in Bangkok Itinerary
Finally, you have arrived in Bangkok! Don’t miss anything in Thailand’s vibrant capital with this 3-day itinerary for Bangkok.
Day 1: Exploring Bangkok’s Temples
Breakfast at Blue Whale Local Eatery
Start your day with breakfast at Blue Whale Local Eatery and enjoy their beautiful butterfly pea latte. They also offer an array of breakfast and lunch dishes, Thai and Western-influenced.
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) are some of the most popular places to visit in Bangkok. The Grand Palace is an ornate complex that housed the King of Siam when he moved the capital city to Bangkok in 1782. It includes Halls of Residence, Throne Halls, administrative buildings, and a temple. The Kings of Siam, later Thailand, resided here until 1925.
Wat Phra Kaew or The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is known as the most sacred temple in Thailand. The statue of the Emerald Buddha is considered the country’s palladium, believed to provide protection or safety. Each King of Thailand has added, restored, or embellished the temple during their reign. The temple is also where state and royal ceremonies are performed with the King and government officials in attendance.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day, so make sure you visit early in the day. Tickets are 500 Baht (about $14 USD). Women must cover their legs.
Prefer to take a guided tour of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew? Book your tour here!
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
Another temple that you should visit during your 3 days in Bangkok is Wat Pho, or the Reclining Buddha. This is a famous temple that houses a 46-meter-long gilded statue of Buddha lying on his side. It is the main temple of King Rama I, who built it, and some of his ashes are preserved in the temple.
It is part of a larger complex, Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan. In the complex, you will find various statues, beautiful gardens, and a small museum. You can also get a traditional Thai massage at the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School.
Entry to the complex is 300 baht per person. Women must cover their legs and shoulders. Men must cover their shoulders. To enter the Temple of the Reclining Buddha you must remove your shoes and hats.
Manee Thai Food
If you want to try some authentic Thai food in Bangkok, check out Manee Thai Food near Wat Pho. Manee Thai Food is a small, no-frills restaurant where you can tell the food is made fresh. It was empty when we went and we had to wait a while for them to cook our food, but it was worth the wait.
We tried the fried pork with chilies and salt, which was spicy and crispy, fried in a light batter, and the stir-fried chicken with ginger, which had a lot of ginger. It was spicy, flavorful, and delicious but don’t order it if you don’t like ginger!
Water Taxi Across Chao Phraya River
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, the next temple I recommend you visit, is across the Chao Phraya River. The easiest and most interesting way to get there is by water taxi.
You can get the Water Taxi at the Tah Tian terminal near Wat Pho. It will drop you at the Wat Arun Terminal, right across the river. The ferry was 5 Thai Baht (about $0.14 USD) per person (10 THB if you have a stroller or bike).
The ride is very short, albeit a little rocky (or at least it was for us!), but it provides interesting views of the temples on both sides of the river.
Wat Arun
Next head to Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, or Wat Arun for short, another must-visit Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It is called the “Temple of Dawn.” The white structure covered in beautifully decorated tiles is known for its large prang (or spire).
Again, women must cover their legs and shoulders. Men must cover their legs. Entry is 100 Thai Baht or about $2.77 USD.
Explore Bangkok’s Chinatown
One thing that you absolutely must do while in Bangkok is visit Chinatown. I recommend going at night when most street vendors are open and you can see the sparkling lights of the neon signs.
Chinatown gets incredibly busy at night on the main thoroughfare, Yaowarat Road, and the most popular food vendors will have long wait times. This is why I also recommend taking a food tour of this area if you have time! There is plenty of good food to try, so it is likely worth the wait if something looks delicious and there are a lot of people eating there.
One of our favorites in this area was the green curry with chicken, sausage, and winter melon at Khao Gaeng Jek Pui (Je Chie). It is featured in an episode of Netflix Street Food and it is worth the hype!
Also, make sure you try some mango sticky rice, there are lots of stands selling it, and it is an iconic Thai dish.
Dinner or Drinks at Opium Bar
Next, take a walk down a dark side street in Chinatown and find Opium Bar inside Potong. The building used to be a Chinese medicine shop with living quarters above it for the family. Today, the building is still owned by that same family. Potong is a Michelin-star restaurant worth trying if you would rather have an upscale meal on your first night in Bangkok.
If you are just interested in their excellent cocktails, you will be escorted to an elevator that will take you to the top two floors of the building to the Opium Bar. The top floor has both indoor and outdoor garden area seating.
You can see the well-worn buildings of Chinatown in every direction from here, something that isn’t visible from the street level. I loved the juxtaposition between the ornate cocktail bar and the view of the battered old buildings. The bar area on the floor below is intimate and classy.
The cocktails were incredible. Luke tried the Opium Cocktail Journey, where you tell them what you like and don’t like and the bartender makes you 4 or 5 cocktails, accounting for your preferences. The four cocktail option is 1890 Thai Baht, or about $52 USD, which is not a bad price.
Opium Bar changes their menu yearly. When we visited, the theme was Liquid Surreality, but the new edition of the menu is called Expression Cocktails. The idea behind this one was to have their team travel to several places and create cocktails that embody the expression of the place in “the air, the ground, the sky, and everything in between,” in their words. Don’t miss it!
Make reservations in advance for Potong or Opium Bar.
Read More: Should you visit Koh Samui on your trip to Thailand?
Day 2: Eat Your Way Through Bangkok
Lumphini Park
Start your last day in Bangkok at Lumphini Park. I don’t recommend eating a big breakfast today because you have a lot of food coming your way! If you are hungry, grab a small snack and then stroll around Lumphini Park, one of the few green spaces in the city. The park has an artificial lake, playground, and paths through grass-covered lawns, perfect for working up an appetite.
Bangkok Food Tour (Lunchtime)
Bangkok is the ideal place to take a food tour since, at least for me, there’s a lot of unfamiliar food to try, including street food, and language barriers for most visitors! Food tours are the best way to try new and delicious foods recommended by locals. Street food, an integral part of the food culture in Thailand, can be especially intimidating, so this is a great way to try some confidently!
We loved A Chef’s Tour food tours. Their goal is to offer food tours worthy of a chef’s taste. They offer food tours in several countries, primarily in Asia, but they are expanding to other continents too. We first experienced one of their tours in Kuala Lumpur; it was so much fun. When we saw they had two food tours in Bangkok, we decided to try both!
For this itinerary, I recommend the Old Siam Food Tour, a lunchtime tour highlighting the amazing Thai food you can find in Bangkok. If you only have three days in Bangkok, I think this tour is better, however, both tours are great. If it’s easier for you to take a food tour in the evening, the other food tour is from about 4 PM to 8 PM and focuses on Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Still need help deciding? I compare the Bangkok food tours by A Chef’s Tour here!
Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)
If you don’t need a nap after enjoying 15 courses on this food tour like I did, head to the Pak Khlong Talat, or the Flower Market near the Chao Phraya River. Here you can wander aisle upon aisle of fresh flowers and see the creation of the temple offerings made up of flowers.
Enjoy the Sunset at a Rooftop Bar
The perfect way to end your second day in Bangkok is at a rooftop bar. The city has plenty of them to choose from with different views. I recommend Octave, which has an open-air view of the city skyline peppered with skyscrapers, or The Roof, which is on the Chao Phraya River and offers views of the nearby temples. As they are rooftop bars, they will be more expensive. Make sure you make reservations ahead of time if possible.
Day 3: Bangkok Highlights
Breakfast
Grab a quick snack, like a deliciously flakey pastry from Konnichipan Bakery, because there will be more opportunities to eat today! If you are staying in Sukhumvit, try Holey Artisan Bakery.
Chatuchak Weekend Market (if visiting on a weekend) or Jim Thompson House
If you are visiting on a weekend, and I recommend you do, check out the Chatuchak Weekend Market. This outdoor, covered market is best explored in the morning before it gets too hot. With over 15,000 stalls, there is plenty to discover from clothing and souvenirs to craft supplies. They also have a separate food and drink area, where you can find plenty of Thai street food options such as pad thai or octopus. The full market is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM. Entry is free. Just make sure you don’t get lost in the maze!
If you aren’t in Bangkok over the weekend, check out the Jim Thompson House. Jim Thompson was an art collector, American businessman, and architect. He was known for establishing Thai Silk Company Ltd. He designed and built the house, now a museum, as a complex of six traditional Thai-style houses in 1959.
At the Jim Thompson House, you can see art by local and international artists on display, shop for silk products at the silk shop, grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, and learn more about Jim Thompson, including his mysterious disappearance.
The Jim Thompson House is open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM. Adult entry is 200 Thai baht and anyone ages 10 to 21 is 100 Thai baht with identification. Bags over 20 cm must be left in the locker area. Guided tours in English are offered.
Fried Banana Rama 5 at Or Tor Kor Market
Are you interested in trying fried bananas from a Michelin guide restaurant? I hope you are at least intrigued enough to try! Fried Banana Rama 5 is a low-key stand at Or Tor Kor Market. They serve fried, crispy bananas and sweet potatoes.
The fried banana, their namesake, is not sweet but savory and covered in sesame seeds. I have to be honest, I didn’t think this quite measured up to the hype, but it was still fun to try a Michelin guide fried banana!
There is a location at Or Tor Kor Market, which is only a few minutes away from the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Here’s the Google Maps location for Fried Banana Rama 5.
Even if you aren’t interested in Michelin-rated fried bananas the market is fun to look around. Or Tor Kor Market has been rated one of the best fresh markets in Bangkok due to its cleanliness and the produce quality. They also have a food court where you can try prepared Thai dishes.
Wat Saket (The Golden Mount Temple)
Next, head to Wat Saket (full name: Wat Saket Ratchawora Mahawihan), another Buddhist temple that you should see during your 3 days in Bangkok. There has been a temple at this site since the Ayutthaya period (1351-1767). King Rama I renovated the temple and renamed it to its current name.
Wat Saket contains Phu Khao Thong, or Golden Mountain, an artificial hill topped with a chedi (or dome-shaped monument) that contains Buddhist relics. Walk up the 320 stairs, lined with bells, to the top of the mount where you can see great views of Bangkok and the large golden mount up close.
The bells and gongs that decorate the temple are meant to be rung as you make a wish. If using the gong, make a wish and then ring the gong three times.
It is 50 Thai Baht for an adult foreigner and 25 Baht for a child to climb the Golden Mount. The rest of the complex is free, however I recommend you climb to the top.
Aunt Lek’s Street Food
For dinner, I recommend Aunt Lek’s if you want to try some local Thai street food. This place was so good! It is a small stand tucked down a quiet side street. Sit at the food stand and watch Aunt Lek stir fry your dinner or sit at the small plastic table across the street. You can grab a drink at the convenience store across the street.
We spent 110 Thai Baht, or about $3, on two dishes, the Pad See Ew with chicken and the Pad Kee Mao (or drunken noodles) with shrimp. We also picked up two large beers from the convenience store for 65 Thai Baht. The food was delicious and cheap. We loved the experience.
Khao San Road
Finally, end your night on Khao San Road. If you are into partying, this is the place to be. There are many bars in this area, some that are extremely loud, but we managed to find a chill reggae bar called, Kalanbatu, where we sat outside and listened to a street musician play “Country Roads.” The cocktails are nothing special but they have beachy vibes.
There’s also plenty of street food in this area. You might see some stands selling scorpions and other bugs (although I didn’t see anyone eating them) and roti pancakes, my favorite!
Do you have more than 3 days in Bangkok?
And that’s it! The perfect 3 days in Bangkok. However, you could easily spend more time exploring this colorful city. If you have another day in Bangkok, take a tour of the Maeklong Railway Market, a market on train tracks where the shops are quickly removed from the rails when the train is approaching, and see a traditional floating market.
How to Get Around in Bangkok
There are plenty of options for transportation in Bangkok! There are trains, buses, tuk-tuks, boats, and ride-share services. This makes up for the fact that it isn’t a very walkable city. In certain parts of Bangkok, sidewalks are available for walking, but it is not a guarantee and they aren’t always well maintained. It is typically so hot that you’ll be drenched in sweat by the time you arrive anyway. Plus it is a huge city, which makes walking a time commitment. The best transportation in Bangkok will depend on exactly where you are in the city and where you are going.
Trains
Bangkok has two commuter railways, the Skytrain (also known as BTS) and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT).
A one-way fare ranges from about 16 Thai Baht to 62 Thai Baht for both the Skytrain and MRT.
For MRT, you can purchase a single journey ticket or use a contactless tap to pay with your credit card directly at the station gate without going to the kiosk. When exiting, tap your credit card again and the fare is automatically calculated based on how many stops you rode.
I recommend this method because it is easier, but you can also purchase a single journey fare at the kiosks in the station using bills or coins. You must select the destination. The printed ticket must be tapped on the card reader to enter the station gate and inserted upon exiting.
The Skytrain, or BTS, is more complicated to navigate. There is no contactless credit card option; you must purchase a single journey ticket, a one-day pass (good for unlimited rides on a single day), or a refillable Rabbit card.
Single-journey tickets can only be purchased at the kiosks, which primarily take coins and occasionally bills but no credit cards. To purchase a Rabbit card, a one-day pass, or make change for the kiosk, you must go to one of the staffed ticket booths. Credit cards are not accepted. For only 3 days in Bangkok, I don’t think getting a Rabbit card is worth it.
Tuk-Tuks
A unique way to get around in Bangkok is to take a tuk-tuk. Every visitor to Thailand should do this at least once!
A tuk-tuk is a small, open-air motorized vehicle, or rickshaw, with three wheels. Typically there is a front seat for the driver, a bench in the back for two or three people, and no seat belts. Don’t worry though, they don’t go very fast.
While tuk-tuks didn’t originate in Thailand (they first emerged in Japan and Italy), they are often associated with Bangkok and other Asian cities.
You will see tuk-tuks in some of the more touristy parts of town and they will often ask you if you want a ride or you can wave them down. You tell them the destination and agree on a price and they will take you there.
The downside of tuk-tuks is there is no set price and since they have an allure with tourists, they can often cost more than using a ride-share app or taxi. The cost can vary based on time of day, distance, traffic, and the driver’s mood. You may negotiate the price, but be sure to do so before accepting the ride. Most tuk-tuk drivers start at 100 baht (about $2.77 USD).
There are also a few scams associated with tuk-tuks, so be wary of anyone who says they need to make a stop, charges a suspiciously low price, or says that common tourist attractions are “closed today.” I never felt unsafe riding in a tuk-tuk, but we only did so during the day and only used that method of transportation a few times.
Water Taxis and Ferries
There are several places around Bangkok where you can take a water taxi. The first, as previously mentioned, is the Chao Phraya River. You can easily take a ferry from the pier near Wat Pho, Tah Tian, to Wat Arun, but there are several other ferry stops along the river. Fares vary from 10 to 40 baht, collected in cash before boarding. The ferries typically run from about 6 AM to 7:30 PM.
I didn’t know before visiting Bangkok that the city has a series of canals, similar to Venice. You can take a water taxi along the Saen Saeb Canal (or Khlong), which begins near Wat Saket, the Golden Mount Temple, and heads east. The Jim Thompson House is just off the Hua Chang (Siam Square) Pier if you want to try taking the water taxi, or if you take this food tour, you will do it with a guide.
Be prepared to board and exit quickly, because the boats stop only briefly at the pier.
Fares vary from 8 to 20 Baht depending on the distance traveled and are collected on-board in cash. The ferry runs from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM during the week and 6 AM to 7 PM on the weekends.
Ride-Share Apps
In Bangkok, you can use the ride-share apps Grab, Bolt, or inDrive to get around. This is one of my preferred methods of getting around because it is not very expensive and tends to be faster than public transportation, although it depends on where you’re going. Most of the rides we took were less than $10 USD. Traffic can get bad in Bangkok so if you are traveling at rush hour, it might be better to take the train.
Taxis
Taxis are supposedly slightly cheaper than ride-share apps but come with their own risks. We did not take any taxis, however, and can’t comment on the experience. Make sure the Taxi driver starts the meter. Fares start at 35 baht and increase with time and distance.
How to get to Bangkok
Bangkok is a well-connected city with two airports, Suvarnabhumi Airport, the primary airport for international flights, and Don Mueang Airport, primarily for flights in Southeast Asia. If you are flying from the United States to Bangkok, you likely have a layover. When flying from other parts of Asia, Bangkok is well-connected and the flights shouldn’t be too long or expensive.
Are you visiting other areas of Thailand or nearby countries? You can also take a train or a bus to Bangkok. Although it may take a little longer, there is the added benefit of seeing more of the country and potentially being cheaper. Many of the buses and trains are very comfortable with AC, Wi-Fi, and bathrooms on-board.
A popular route is between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Sleeper trains, day trains, and buses are available to book here.
How to get to Bangkok from the Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport has the Airport Rail Link, a train that runs from 5:30 AM to midnight and departs about every 15 minutes. It is on the basement level of the airport. The Airport Rail Link connects to the MRT and the BTS Skytrain.
Tokens must be purchased for the Airport Rail Link with cash only. Fares are between 15 and 45 baht depending on the length of the journey.
Tap your token on the sensor at the turnstile to enter. The token must be returned when you exit.
You can also take a taxi or a ride-share from the airport. They have a designated pick-up area.
Don Mueang Airport
The easiest way to get from Don Mueang Airport is to take a bus. The bus stops are right outside the airport doors and are clearly marked.
Bueses A1 and A2 have stops near Chatuchak Park and run from 7:30 AM to midnight. This is a good place to transfer to the MRT line or the BTS Skytrain. A3 stops at Pratunaam and Lumphini Park. A4 stops at Sanam Luang and Khao San Road and operates from 7 AM to 10 PM.
The shuttle buses have air conditioning. Tickets can be purchased on-board with cash or credit card. The fare will be between 30 and 50 baht.
There is also an Airport Limo Bus available that will take you directly to Khao San Road for 150 baht. Go to the ground level of the domestic or international terminals and find the “Limo Bus” desk to purchase a ticket. This bus offers air conditioning and Wi-Fi and has fewer stops.
An MRT train line departs from Don Mueang Airport and ends at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station, but it is not well-connected to the city.
You can also take a taxi or a ride-share from the Don Mueang Airport. They have a designated pick-up area after arrivals.
Read More: The Perfect 2-Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to wear in Bangkok?
In Bangkok, you can dress as you please unless you are entering a temple. It is very hot and humid, so wearing light clothes is recommended. Many people wear loose linen pants (you can buy them in Thailand for a low price) or long skirts with T-shirts so they can enter temples easily. Alternatively, you can carry a sarong with you to put over shorts when needed like I did. I preferred to wear sneakers because the sidewalks are uneven and often dirty.
Is Bangkok expensive?
Being a big city, Bangkok is more expensive than other cities in Thailand. There are upscale restaurants, hotels, and experiences that can be expensive. However, with the exchange rate, they likely aren’t as expensive as they would be in the US or Europe. There are also many affordable options in Bangkok and you can easily travel there on a budget. For example, we spent $3 USD on dinner for two from a street food vendor one night.
What language is spoken in Thailand?
Thai is the primary language spoken in Thailand. Thai uses a different alphabet, which makes it difficult to translate.
Do people speak English in Bangkok?
Yes, many people in Bangkok speak English, especially people in the tourism industry.
What currency is used in Thailand?
The Thai Baht (symbolized THB or ฿) is the currency used in Thailand. Currently, $1 USD is equal to about 36.15 THB.
Are credit cards accepted in Bangkok?
Yes, but not everywhere. Fancier restaurants and hotels will likely accept credit cards but I recommend always keeping some cash on you in Bangkok. Street food vendors, local restaurants, market and shop vendors, and transportation are a few examples of things that will likely require cash.
Reflection on 3 days in Bangkok
I love Bangkok. It has become one of my favorite cities since visiting because it is so unique. There is so much to do and the food scene is unparalleled. It is a place that I could easily return to many times throughout my life and I fully intend to! I hope that you love it as much as I did and enjoy your 3 days in Bangkok.
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