A 3-day Bangkok itinerary can feel overwhelming when you’re visiting one of the world’s most popular destinations, especially if you are a first-timer. But we have scoured every corner of this vibrant city and found all its local secrets, and we are here to tell you all you need to know about Bangkok.
November through March is certainly the best time to visit, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C. During these three days, we’ll explore iconic landmarks like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho with its impressive 46-meter reclining Buddha, and the stunning Wat Arun. Additionally, we’ll experience the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market with over 15,000 stalls and sample the city’s incredible street food scene where delicious meals cost as little as 100 THB ($3 USD).
This Thrillark travel guide covers the best places for first-timers to visit Bangkok while also revealing hidden gems that most tourists miss. We have specifically designed this itinerary to balance must-see attractions with authentic local experiences. From temple-hopping and market adventures to rooftop bars and chef-led food tours, you’ll discover that what to do in Bangkok creates the perfect balance between sightseeing and cultural immersion
Day 1: Classic Bangkok for First
“I love the chaos, the smells, and the little ladies cooking and selling you various treats as they
paddle by you. (You never leave hungry.)” — Matt Kepnes, Founder of Nomadic Matt travel blog
and bestselling travel author.
Your first day in Bangkok should focus on the city’s most iconic landmarks. Starting early is the key to
avoiding both crowds and the midday heat at these
Morning at the Grand Palace and Wat Pho
Begin your Bangkok adventure at the Grand Palace walking tour, the former royal residence since 1782. This sprawling 54-acre. The complex opens daily at 8:30 AM, and I recommend arriving right when it opens. The entrance fee is 500 baht for foreigners, which includes access to both the palace grounds and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Before heading out, note the strict dress code:
- No sleeveless shirts or vests
- No short pants, hot pants or mini skirts
- No see-through tops or torn pants
- No tight pants or bike pants
- If you’re not dressed appropriately, don’t worry, you can rent suitable clothing at the entrance.*
Next, walk about 10 minutes south to Wat Pho, home to the magnificent Reclining Buddha. This golden statue stretches an impressive 46 meters long and is one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha images. The entrance fee is 200 baht, and the temple stays open until 6:30 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore.
Cross the river to Wat Arun
From Wat Pho, head to Tha Tien pier and take a quick ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) for just 4 baht. With its stunning mosaic pagoda and beautiful gardens, Wat Arun offers a different architectural style from the other temples. The entrance fee is 100 baht, and the temple is open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Chao Phraya river is a mesmerising scene to look upon during the night too, perhaps you can even come back here for a Dinner Cruise on the river(with unlimited beer too!)
Lunch at a riverside café
After a morning of temple-hopping, you’ll need to refuel. Fortunately, the area around Tha Tien pier offers several excellent riverside cafés. Two standout options include RONGROS and THA ARUN, both serving authentic Thai dishes with river views. These restaurants open at 11:00 AM, perfect timing for a late lunch after your temple visits. Explore the Flower Market and Amulet Market. In the afternoon, visit Pak Khlong Talat (Bangkok Flower Market), Thailand’s largest wholesale flower market. Operating 24/7, this fragrant paradise showcases everything from jasmine and orchids to roses and marigolds. And you can do all that with Thrillark’s heritage tour tickets!
Watch skilled artisans create intricate Phuang Malai garlands, a traditional Thai art form.
Nearby, the Amulet Market offers a fascinating glimpse into Thai spiritual beliefs. Located close to the Grand Palace, this market displays countless Buddha amulets and charms believed to ward off evil. It’s a popular stop on most sightseeing tours of the area.
Sunset drinks at a rooftop bar
End your first day with breathtaking city views from one of Bangkok’s famous rooftop bars. For the ultimate panorama, head to Sky Bar at Lebua on the 63rd floor, where you can try their famous “Hangovertini” cocktail. Alternatively, Octave Rooftop Lounge offers a more relaxed multi-level setting with excellent sunset views. Most rooftop bars have a dress code prohibiting sports shorts, sandals, and sleeveless shirts for men, so dress accordingly for this sophisticated evening experience.
Day 2: Local Life, Food, and Culture
After exploring Bangkok’s famous sites, your second day is all about experiencing the city like a local. Get ready to discover hidden corners and authentic flavours that most tourists miss.
Start with a local breakfast in Sukhumvit
Begin your morning in the vibrant Sukhumvit area, where locals fuel their day with delicious breakfast options. For an authentic experience, head to Rung Reung Pork Noodle for their flavorful pork soup. Alternatively, On Lok Yun offers classic American breakfasts starting at just 55 baht, plus their signature French toast for 40 baht. Coffee lovers will appreciate Cosmos Cafe, known for their hot cosmo blend espresso using beans from Chiang Rai farm communities.
Take a backstreet bike tour through Thonburi
Next, explore Thonburi’s hidden side on a bicycle tour. These guided excursions take you through narrow alleyways and enchanting backstreets that most tourists never see. The tours cover approximately 12-15 kilometres at a leisurely pace, visiting peaceful temples like Wat Kun Chan and stopping at local communities where you’ll be the only tourists around. Most tours provide bicycles, helmets, and water bottles, making this an easy yet authentic adventure.
Visit Lumpini Park for a midday break
Escape the urban chaos at Lumpini Park, Bangkok’s first and most central green space. Besides the beautiful artificial lake where you can rent paddleboats for 40 baht per 30 minutes, the park offers free aerobics classes in the evenings. Keep an eye out for the massive monitor lizards that call this park home. At 6 PM daily, notice how everyone freezes in place when the King’s anthem plays over the speakers.
Join a chef-led Bangkok food tour
For dinner, experience our favourite recommendation!- Bangkok’s legendary food scene with a chef-designed food tour. These small-group experiences (limited to 8 people) take you to hidden eateries in places like Chinatown’s backstreets. You’ll enjoy over 15 tastings, including satay with coconut-milk marinated chicken, peppery soup with crispy pork belly, and the city’s creamiest curry
Evening in Chinatown or Soi Nana
Finish your day in either bustling Chinatown or the hip Soi Nana area (not to be confused with Nana in Sukhumvit). Soi Nana-Chinatown has transformed from traditional Chinese medicine shops into a vibrant hub of artistic bars, galleries, and cafes. Visit Teens of Thailand, Thailand’s first gin bar, or explore the edgy art galleries that give this neighbourhood its distinctive character.
Day 3: Offbeat Adventures and Final Views
For your final day, we’ll venture beyond typical tourist spots to discover Bangkok’s hidden treasures and
cultural gems.
Morning visit to the Ancient City Museum
Just 40 minutes from downtown Bangkok, the Ancient City (Muang Boran) is Thailand’s largest outdoor museum spanning over 200 acres. This Thailand-shaped park features miniature replicas of the country’s most significant landmarks. The museum opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, offering a “Thailand-round journey within a day”. Rather than walking, rent a golf cart (350 THB for the first hour) or use the complimentary bicycle included with your ticket.
Explore Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Head back to the city and visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, located minutes from the National Stadium BTS station. This contemporary hub showcases rotating exhibitions from Thai and international artists. With its spiral walkways reminiscent of New York’s Guggenheim, the centre houses over 4,000 square meters of exhibition space plus shops, an art library, and cafés.
Shop for souvenirs at Or Tor Kor Market
Named the 4th Best Fresh Market globally by CNN Travel in 2017, Or Tor Kor Market offers high-quality produce and perfect souvenir options. Look for packaged Thai nam phrik pastes and sauces that travel well. Though prices run higher than typical Bangkok markets, the cleanliness and organisation make it worth visiting.
Relax with a Thai massage
Treat yourself to an authentic Thai massage, combining stretching and acupressure techniques. Prices typically range from 200-500 baht per hour, with Let’s Relax Spa offering locations near major tourist spots. The massage follows the body’s energy lines known as ‘Sen’, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated.
Farewell dinner with a view at Mahanakhon SkyBar
End your Bangkok adventure at Mahanakhon SkyBar, Thailand’s highest restaurant on the 76th floor. Enjoy spectacular views of Bangkok’s skyline and the BTS Skytrain snaking through the city. Remember the smart casual dress code, no flip-flops or men’s sleeveless tops. With prices ranging from 1,067-1,721 THB, it’s the perfect splurge for your final night.
Plan your Adventure with Thrillark
Remember, Bangkok rewards flexible travellers. While this itinerary provides structure, we suggest you allow yourself to wander occasionally, follow your curiosity down unknown alleys, or linger at a street food stall that catches your attention. After all, the most memorable Bangkok experiences happen when you stray from planned itineraries and embrace spontaneous discoveries. And we at Thrillark aim to give you complete control over your adventure, go where the wind takes you! Wherever you are, book your experience online with us whenever you catch that whim.
And if you are still waiting for that inner calling, check out our Bangkok Things To Do page and get yourself into the adventure mood!
