3 days in Bangkok

3 Days in Bangkok : The Ultimate Itinerary

Posted on by fannyferio

Are you planning 3 days in Bangkok for your next trip ? If you’re anything like me then you’re probably researching everything about Bangkok and how to possibly fit what you want to see in the time you have!

3 days in Bangkok

As a travel lover myself, I know it’s hard to create a sensible itinerary. That’s why I created this day by day itinerary into the bustling capital of Thailand. From its glittering temples and vibrant street markets to the chaotic charm of its street, you’re going to visit the most of Bangkok in 3 days.

In addition, I added personal recommendations for food, restaurants, shopping and accommodations. After reading this post you won’t need to plan or stress about your travel anymore. You’ll be able to enjoy your stay and create great memories!

This post is made for first-timer and seasonal traveller that wants to spend 3 days in Bangkok and try new experiences.

Disclaimer : This post contains affiliate links. If you book through my links you don’t pay any extra and I get a little commission to keep this blog alive.

Table of Contents

Useful informations

  • Currency : Thai Baht (THB) is the local currency – 34THB is equal to 1$USD/ 1€ and 38THB is equal to 1CHF for my Swiss friends.
  • Best time to visit: November to February as the weather is cooler but honestly you can go all year round if you’re not afraid of the heat.
  • Language : Thai but lots of people speaks English in the capital, especially in touristy areas.
  • Transportation : there are a lot of options but the BTS Skytrain and the MRT subway are easy, cheap and fast. Grab is THE app I use when in Bangkok as it’s cheap and very convenient to hop in a taxi/ private driver.
  • Dress code: Modest clothing is required in holy sites. Please cover your knees and shoulders to show respect to the people and the culture.

How to get to Bangkok

By Plane:

There are two airports in Bangkok : Suvarnabhumi for international flights and Don Mueang for budget airlines and domestic flights.

From one of these airports, the easiest way to get to the city center is the app Grab. It takes about 45ming to 1h and costs around 10$-15$. I won’t recommend you to take the metro because it will take you a LOT of time to get to your hotel.

By Train:

If you’re arriving from neighbouring countries, you can take an international train to Bangkok.

Personal experience: we chose to take the train from Bangkok, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to the border of Laos at Nong Thai. It took 10h with the night train ( including beds that were very comfy) and we paid 1350THB (32$USD/ 31€/ 29CHF) per person on 12GO with Thai Railways. The train was on time, comfy and the landscapes were beautiful. Keep in mind to buy your own food at the train station before leaving.

By Bus :

Long distance buses from cities like Chiang Mai or Pattaya arrive at various terminals in Bangkok. Bangkok is well connected with all the other big cities of Thailand. This option is cheap but takes a lot of time.

3 days in Bangkok : What to do (a day by day itinerary)

Bangkok, or Krung Thep Maha Nakhon for the locals is known for the city of contrasts. Ancient temples sit alongside skyscrapers and serene candles intersect with busy streets. Each day will take you in one of the many atmosphere of Bangkok.

Day 1: Exploring the Historical Heart

Morning : Wake up early to start exploring the historical and cultural sites of Bangkok.

  • The Grand Palace: The former royal residence, known for its intricate architecture and its temple Wat Phra Kaew, the temples of the Emerald Buddha. It is Thailand’s most sacred temple. Entrance fee 500THB ( 15$USD/ 14€/ 13CHF.)
  • Wat Pho : This temple is known for holding the massive 46meter-long reclining Buddha. The complex is also very beautiful with a lot of stupas. Entrance fee 200THB (6$USD/ 6€/ 5CHF.)
  • Midday: Lunch at the Blue Whale Cafe

Afternoon:

  • Wat Arun : Take a short ferry across the Chao Phraya River to visit Wat Arun. Its stunning spires are decorated with colorful porcelain and the view from the top is breathtaking. Entrance fee 100THB (3$USD/ 3€/ 2.5CHF.)
Wat Arun, Bangkok
Wat Arun details

Evening : Dinner in Chinatown

Chinatown is a food lover’s paradise. Walk down Yaowarat Road and sample street food like dim sum and mango sticky rice. I recommend you trying the restaurant on the left of Por-Sam-Pao Restaurant. I cannot find it on Google maps but you can easily find it as it’s right next to the Por-Sam-Pao and it has a similar aesthetic.

Or Choose to book a Dinner cruise on the Mekong. Here are some options:

Day 2 : Markets and Modern Bangkok

Morning

  • If it happens to be on a Saturday or Sunday I recommend you to visit the Chatuchak Market. It’s one of the largest markets in the world! You’ll definitely find souvenirs and cute clothes. Stop in the food court for snack as they have some delicious sweets.
  • If is happens to be on a weekday, you can choose to get on a boat tour and visit the floating market. It offers a glimpse of the Thailand’s traditional way of life. Have lunch inside the market for the most authentic experience.

Choose to take a tour for the full experience. Here are some great day tour options :

Afternoon :

  • Visit the Shopping centre MBK or Siam Paragon to get a taste of modern Thailand.
  • Or head to the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre for a dose of contemporary art.

Evening:

Have a drink on one of the many rooftop and appreciate the sunset. Here are some rooftop recommendations:

  • Skybar at the Top of Lebua State Tower
  • Sala Rattanakosin : view over What Arun
  • Three Sixty Lounge: On top of the Millenium Hilton

Day 3 : Discover the local culture

Morning :

  • A bit of culture : if you haven’t visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Center I’d recommend doing it. There is also the house of Jim Thompson that might interest you.

Afternoon :

  • Or explore the local life in Bangkok Kachao, a huge green park located on an artificial island.

Evening :

  • Madame Musur: located near the trendy Ari neighbourhood, this restaurant offers northern Thai dishes in a cosy settting.

After dinner, take a walk on the Khaosan Road. This street is full with bars and street shops.

Day trip options

If you have time and energy, consider trading one of these days for a day trip out of the bustling Bangkok:

Ayutthaya: Explore the ancient capital of the Siam’s Kingdom. Visit many temples and ruins in this UNESCO World Heritage city. Find my full blog post about a day trip in Ayutthaya or choose one of these guided tour.

You can easily spend weeks in Bangkok and always find new things to do but 3 days in Bangkok is a good amount of time to visit the most important sights of the city. If you’re fast you can even make it in 2 days and keep one day for a day trip outside of the city.

Where to eat

3 days in Bangkok gives you enough time to try some great local and authentic food from Bangkok. This city is a food paradise from the Michelin star street food to the fine dinning experience, everybody will find something he loves.

  • Jay Fai : For a Michelin-star street food experience, try the Jay Fai’s crab omelet.
  • Try Rongros restaurant for traditional Thai food.
  • Madame Musur: I personally really liked this restaurant of traditional food from the north of Thailand. It is well located as well.
  • the Blue Whale Cafe : If you’re looking for a brunch place in the historical centre.

You can also try a food tour to taste some authentic and local food.

Where to stay

  • On a budget : the hostel Pillow and Bread. We really enjoyed it! We paid 10USD/10€ for 2 people per night with shared bathroom and breakfast included. Everything was clean and cute.
  • On a budget: Try Hostel Urby in the middle of Chinatown. Very modern and cheap but the beds weren’t too comfy.
  • Average but with a pool: Nouvo City Hotel is a great hotel with two pools and a very centered location.
  • Chic: The Banyan Tree Bangkok is definitely a dreamy stay.

Books and Movies about Bangkok

  • Bangkok 8, John Burdett: a crime novel that dives into Bangkok’s city.
  • The Windup Girl, Paolo Bacigalupi: for the sci-fi fans, this novel set in a future Bangkok.
  • One Night in Bangkok , a crime drama set against the city’s backdrop.
Wat Sam Phra
Ayutthaya

3 days in Bangkok : Extra tips

  • Plan traffic in your schedule: Bangkok is a vibrant city but it also means that there’s always traffic.
  • Always carry cash : while most restaurants and shops allow card’s payment, you need cash for street food, street shops and some transportation.
  • Insta scam : Wat Sam Phra or the dragon temple is really famous on social media. However it is not worth the hype at all. Trust me, I’ve done the 40min drive to get there and I didn’t get a great feeling. They also ask a lot of money on every floor and you need to give to go up the dragon. The area is not pretty and has an aggressive dog.

Conclusion of 3 days in Bangkok

3 days in Bangkok offers the perfect mix of cultural sightseeing and modern attractions. It also gives you enough time to try different culinary delights and authentic food. With this itinerary in hand, you’re ready to experience the best of both worlds!