

Bangkok 3 Day Itinerary For a Local Expedition in 2025
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 theypaddle by you. (You never leave hungry.)” — Matt Kepnes, Founder of Nomadic Matt travel blogand bestselling travel author. Your first day in Bangkok should focus on the city’s most iconic landmarks. Starting early is the key toavoiding 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: 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