🇹🇭 Bangkok · Itinerary
3 Days in Bangkok: The Perfect Itinerary
Three days covers Bangkok’s temples, markets and food, using the river and the BTS Skytrain to skip the infamous traffic. The plan front-loads the temples (go early, before the heat) and saves rooftops for the evenings.
Best for: First-timers and backpackers before heading to the islands or the north.
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Day 1: Temples & the river
Based around Rattanakosin (Old City)
Morning
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew first thing (dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered), then Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha.
Afternoon
Cross the river by ferry to Wat Arun, then relax with a riverside coffee.
Evening
Dinner along the Chao Phraya, or a dinner cruise.
Day 2: Markets & malls
Based around Chatuchak / Siam
Morning
Chatuchak Weekend Market (if it’s the weekend) — or Jim Thompson House and the canal-side on weekdays.
Afternoon
The Siam malls (MBK, Siam Paragon) for AC, food courts and shopping.
Evening
Sundowners at a rooftop bar over the skyline.
Day 3: Old town & food
Based around Chinatown & canals
Morning
A longtail boat through the khlongs (canals) for old-Bangkok life.
Afternoon
Rest through the midday heat, then explore Chinatown (Yaowarat) as it wakes up.
Evening
A Chinatown street-food crawl — Bangkok’s best eating.
Bangkok itinerary tips
- Use the BTS Skytrain, MRT metro and river ferries to dodge the traffic; use the Grab app at night.
- Cover shoulders and knees for the temples — the Grand Palace strictly enforces it.
- Ignore anyone who says a temple is "closed today" — it’s the classic gem/tuk-tuk scam.
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