Ultimate 3-Day Bangkok Itinerary
Seasoned travelers recommend spending at least three days in Bangkok. It’s a big city, and you won’t see everything, but a 3 day trip to Bangkok is more than enough time to load up on culture, history, food, and entertainment.
A properly planned itinerary is also key, so if you’re embarking on a Bangkok three-day tour, this is the guide for you.
Why You Should Visit Bangkok
Bangkok is a city like no other. It’s massive, spanning over 600 square miles (965 km), and it’s incredibly diverse. This megacity is home to over 40,000 beautiful temples, including some of the oldest and biggest in Thailand; tens of thousands of restaurants, over 30 of which have Michelin stars; and some of the biggest shopping malls, amusement parks, and water parks in Southeast Asia.
Diversity is what draws millions of tourists to this city every year. You could spend your entire three days in Bangkok relaxing at Thai massage parlors, taking boat rides, and enjoying fine dining. Alternatively, your 3 days in Bangkok could be spent on more adventurous attractions, such as theme park rides, safari parks, train markets, and day trips to surrounding towns and islands.
There is no end to the number of amazing places to see in Bangkok—that’s why you should visit. And as this guide will show, you don’t need to stay for a long stretch—a Bangkok three-day tour is all the time you need.
Day 1 – Royal Hearts & Hidden Gems along the Chao Phraya
Morning: Timeless Bangkok Core
Temples are a must-see during your Bangkok three-day tour. They are religiously, spiritually, and historically significant. They’re also breathtaking, and exploring these amazing sights will fill you with serenity and joy that carries into the rest of the day.
You don’t have to be religious or spiritual. You don’t even need to like history. But you can’t plan a Bangkok three-day tour and not include these destinations:
Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew – Court Regalia & Emerald Buddha (08:30 – 10:30)
The Grand Palace is a must-see destination near the top of many bucket lists. Situated in the heart of the city, it’s also a great starting point for your 3 day trip to Bangkok.
It has been an official royal palace since 1782, and is still used for state functions and royal ceremonies, but it has also become a popular tourist destination. This temple complex spans over 2.3m sq ft (7.5m sq ft), and sits along the Chao Phraya River.
You could easily spend the full day here, but we recommend setting aside a couple of hours and making a beeline for Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Admission to the complex costs 500 baht ($15), and includes admission to a textile museum within the complex.
Keep these simple travel tips in mind when visiting Thailand temples:
- Cover knees and shoulders, and don’t wear tight, form-fitting clothing. Loose pants/skirts and long-sleeve tops are best.
- Take bottled water to stay hydrated.
- Arrive around the opening time (8:30am). It fills up quickly, with many tour groups landing after 9am.
- Remove your shoes before entering the temples.
Wat Pho – Reclining Buddha & Traditional Massage School (10:45 – 11:45)
Continue your Bangkok three-day tour with a short trek to Wat Pho—about 15 minutes on foot or a couple of minutes in a tuk tuk. Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, it houses a reclining Buddha statue that spans an impressive 46 meters (150 feet) in length, as well as the biggest collection of Buddha images in the country.
Take some coins with you if you want to make an offering. Simply drop them into one of the 108 bowls dotted around this Buddhist temple.
Head to the Wat Pho Traditional Massage School if you need a break from walking. It teaches massage courses to locals and foreigners, and also houses a massage pavilion, charging anywhere from a few hundred to 1,000+ baht for massages lasting between 30 and 120 minutes.
Cross‑River Ferry to Wat Arun – Climb the Steep Prang for City Views (11:45 – 12:45)
Finish the first morning of your Bangkok three-day tour with a ferry to Wat Arun, AKA the Temple of Dawn. For a few baht, you can take the ferry from the Sapphan Taksin boat pier to cross the river, before taking a taxi or tuk tuk to Wat Arun.
The morning heat may have sapped your energy by now, but if not, climb the central prang of the temple to enjoy some of the best views of the city. It’s a steep climb up narrow steps, so make sure you have suitable shoes.
Be sure to grip the railings on the way down—the ascent is tough, but the descent is even more challenging.
Lunch (12:45 – 13:45)
Many of the best things to do in Bangkok revolve around food, and that’s exactly what you’re going to need after spending the morning exploring the city’s temples.
If you have ventured off course during this Bangkok three-day tour, check out our list of the best places to eat in Bangkok and see what’s nearby. If not, here are a couple of excellent local options:
Riverside Thai Set Menu at The Deck by Arun Residence
Once you head back across the river to the Tah Tian ferry terminal, The Deck is just a short hike south. Open daily at 11am, this moderately-priced eatery serves fresh Asian fare by the river, with appetizers, soups, Thai dishes, and a huge cocktail menu—all costing around 150 to 300 baht per meal ($4.60-$9.20).
There are seafood soups, grilled pork dishes, fried rice with prawns or crab, and more. The menu contains listings in English, and the staff are very helpful.
Street Food Staples at Wat Arun Fried Pork Rice
For more of a street food flavor without crossing the river, head to Arun Amarin Road and try some cheap and delicious fried rice dishes. Most meals come in at under 100 baht ($3), and you can take your pick from stir-fried chicken, pork, and seafood dishes, as well as stir-fried vegetables for non-meat eaters.
Enjoy a Thai Staple at PadThai Wangdoem
Pad Thai is the national dish of Thailand, and you’ll find it in most Thai restaurants. At this budget-friendly eatery, the dish comes in various flavors—pork, prawn, and chicken—along with salads and soups.
There’s plenty of space for this dish on your Bangkok 3 day itinerary, and we’ll discuss a few more options later, so don’t worry if you miss out.
Afternoon: Interactive History & Emerging Icons
Fully satiated and raring to go, let’s add some interactive history and edutainment to your Bangkok three day itinerary.
Museum of Siam – (14:00 – 15:30)
Just a few minutes’ walk from The Deck by Arun Residence—a short ferry and walk for the other lunch-time options—the Museum of Siam on Sanam Chai road lives by a motto that roughly translates as “Play + Learn \= Joy”.
It showcases the history of Thailand in a playful and modern way. You can explore the museum at your own pace or book a travel guide for a guided tour. To get the most from your Bangkok three-day tour, we recommend staying for just 90 minutes, though, so a tour guide is not the most cost-effective approach.
The building is air-conditioned and spacious, so even if it’s crowded, you’ll be free to explore in comfort. Exhibits showcase the history of the country, and there are interactive puzzles featuring AR technology, as well as a living kitchen that takes you through the history of Thai food.
Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen – (16:00 – 17:30)
Hop in a taxi or take the BTS Skytrain to Bang Wa before transferring to the MRT Blue Line and stopping at Bang Phai station. You’ll then be within walking distance of the Wat Paknam temple complex. You’ll see the towering 69-meter golden Buddha statue peeking above the skyline long before you arrive.
The dress code is the same as other Buddhist temples (cover up; stay respectful), and admission is free. Be sure to visit the 80-meter, five-story stupa, which includes various Buddhist relics and images of respected monks.
Evening: Backpacker Buzz
The first day of your Bangkok three-day tour is drawing to a close, but this is when the city really wakes up. The nightlife in Bangkok is second to none, so let’s end the day in style.
Khao San Road / Rambuttri (18:30 – late)
Khao San Road and the nearby Rambuttri are bustling nighttime thoroughfares lined with boutique hotels, hostels, restaurants, coffee shops, massage parlors, bars, and street food stalls.
Neon signs will light your way as you follow your nose to find sweet treats and hearty rice/noodle dishes. Khao San Road, considered a haven for backpackers because of its low-cost accommodation and food, is usually the busier of the two, but they can both fill up as the sun goes down.
Public transport is tricky, as there is no direct Skytrain or subway access, but there are plenty of tuk tuks that will take you to and from the street. Be prepared to negotiate—there are a lot of travelers at this time of night, and the prices climb quickly. Keep your wits about you on these streets and be aware of scams.
Soi Cowboy is another great option that’s famous for its lively atmosphere.
Day 2 – Floating‑Market Dawn, Chinatown Flavors & Contemporary Riverfront
You checked off a few bucket list items on the first morning of your Bangkok three-day tour. On day two of this sightseeing adventure, we’ll explore some popular destinations you may have seen on viral social media clips.
Pre‑Dawn Side‑Trip (05:30 – 10:30)
One of the best things to do in Bangkok in 3 days is to leave the city. It’s counterintuitive, but the outskirts of this great metropolis are where you’ll find some of its star attractions.
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, for instance, is one of the region’s biggest and most popular markets. Vendors sell their wares from colorful boats, and you can pick up everything from cheap clothing to authentic souvenirs and fresh fruit.
The journey from Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market takes about 60-90 minutes by car, with shared minivans or private cars being the best way to visit. The floating market usually opens around 7am—arrive early to beat the crowds.
Private cars and taxis can also take you from Bangkok to Maeklong Railway Market, a famous market where wares are sold along the train tracks. It sounds more dangerous than it is, as the vendors know what they’re doing and haul in their awnings and stores in time for the train to pass.
It’s a big market with countless stalls selling food and trinkets, but let’s be honest, if you’re including this on your Bangkok three-day tour, it’s because of the smartly choreographed dance that occurs every time a train approaches.
Late‑Morning (11:30 – 13:30)
Yaowarat Road is the main road through Bangkok’s Chinatown. Known for its traditional Chinese food, gold shops, and authentic vibe, it’s also where you’ll find Wat Traimit, or the Temple of the Golden Buddha. The impressive statue weighs 5.5 tons!
Cheap eats are plentiful here, and we recommend a plate of duck noodles from one of the noodle houses or some traditional Chinese desserts.
Afternoon on the Khlongs (14:00 – 16:30)
Bangkok’s intricate canal system weaves through the city, carrying tourists and goods to locations across its length and breadth.
Book your place on a Thonburi long-tail boat tour and spend a couple of hours with your feet up and your camera primed. These boat tours take you past some key attractions and landmarks, including a gallery known as the Artist’s House (Baan Silapin) that stages a traditional puppet show. It’s not available all of the time, though, so we recommend calling ahead to check the schedule.
Golden‑Hour Culture Shot (17:00 – 18:00)
As the heat of the day dies down and golden hour approaches, it’s the perfect time to visit Wat Benchamabophit, known as the “Marble Temple”. Located in the Dusit District, its Italian marble pillars and cloisters emit an otherworldly glow at sunset.
Prepare for crowds, dress appropriately, and be mindful of the monks and their ceremonies. You’re free to take pictures outside the temple, but photography is not permitted inside.
Night on the Chao Phraya (18:30 – 22:00)
The Chao Phraya is constantly teeming with activity, as ferries, river cruises, and trade ships move through this major waterway. At night, it calms down a little and the city’s landmarks and skyscrapers light up, making it the perfect evening destination for the second day of your Bangkok three day itinerary.
ICONSIAM River Park
The ICONSIAM River Park is a modern riverside complex with entertainment throughout the night.
There’s a multimedia fountain show that shoots colorful jets of water, the SOOKSIAM food court, which takes you on a food tour of Thailand’s 77 provinces, and a green space filled with local art and sculptures.
Download the ONESIAM app before visiting, as it showcases events and offers at ICONSIAM, as well as Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon.
Sky Bar @ Lebua State Tower
Made famous around the world because of its inclusion in The Hangover 2, the Sky Bar is a bucket list destination that sits atop the 64-story State Tower.
Sip cocktails in the open air as you admire the color-changing LED bar and enjoy panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline.
The prices are on the high side, and there is also a formal dress code, so make sure you’re suited, booted, and on budget for your visit.
Other rooftop bars are available as well, including the Spire Rooftop Bar on the Dusit Thani hotel and the Spectrum Lounge & Bar in Sukhumvit.
Day 3 – UNESCO Ruins, Spa Recharge & Creative‑Park Nightlife
Looking for a full day trip from Bangkok? You’re spoilt for choice. The city is very well-connected, and if you hire a vehicle or hop on a train or boat, it can serve as a base for half-day and full-day trips.
Full Day Excursion (07:00 – 16:00)
A Bangkok trip for 3 days simply must include the Ayutthaya Historical Park. The UNESCO World Heritage Site covers nearly 290 hectares of beautiful reliquary towers and monastery ruins.
The journey from Bangkok to Ayutthaya Historical Park takes about 90 minutes by car/van. A day trip is best, as there is a lot to see:
- Wat Mahathat: Located in the center of the park and known as the “Monastery of the Great Relic”, it features headless Buddha statues and a Buddha head entwined in banyan roots.
- Wat Chaiwatthanaram: Dating back to the early 17th century, the “Temple of Long Reign and Glorious Era” was designed in the Khmer architectural style and sits on the bank of the Chao Phraya.
- Boat Loop: If you don’t fancy walking around the island, take a boat tour instead. The river naturally loops around the island, showcasing all of the ruins and providing plenty of photo opportunities.
- Lunch by the River: Eateries like Kaffa Bistro, Sukunya Bistro, and Coffee Old City serve up fresh sandwiches, soups, and snacks on the island.
Dress in loose clothing and bring lots of water and sunscreen. Join a guided tour if you’re interested in the history, and arrive early to beat the crowds.
Other excursions include Bang Krachao, which works as both a half-day and full-day trip. Alternatively, book tours to nearby cities like Phuket and Chiang Mai. These longer excursions are ideal if you’re a returning visitor spending 4 days and 3 nights in Bangkok and you want to see a different side of Thailand.
Late‑Afternoon Wind‑Down (17:30 – 19:00)
We’re deep into our Bangkok three-day tour at this point, and after trekking around historic and religious sites, you deserve a rest!
The spa and massage facilities at Health Land Asoke will soothe those aching muscles.
Bangkok is not short on massage clinics, but this one has more of a private and secluded feel. It’s tucked away from the city streets and provides the perfect escape to soothe those post-ruin legs.
The facility is staffed by professional massage therapists and offers a range of services. Call ahead and book an appointment before your visit.
Creative‑Night Finale (19:30 – late)
At this point, you’ve already explored some of the best places to visit in Bangkok in 3 days, but the fun isn’t over just yet, so let’s go out with a bang.
Chang Chui Creative Park
You’ve seen the train market, now it’s time for the plane market.
This market is centered around a decommissioned plane and has become a hub for local artists to showcase their creations. Colorful statues line the way, restaurants and vendors sell their wares out of stalls and repurposed shipping containers, and there are beer gardens and street food stalls throughout.
Although it’s not a traditional bucket list attraction, it’s venues like this that often stick with you the most, making it perfect for your Bangkok three-day tour.
Ratchada Rot Fai Train Night Market
Another market, another train—this time with a more traditional Thai flavor. This famous night market serves grilled meats, fried seafood, and various sweets, trinkets, accessories, and décor items out of colorful tents.
It opens at 5pm and stays open until 1am. Listed in many a travel guide as one of the best places to shop in the city, it’s very popular, so expect crowds throughout the night.
Conclusion: Visit Bangkok in 3 Days
Every minute you spend in Bangkok is a chance to see, taste, or experience something for the first time. So, the more you can eke out of your Bangkok three-day tour, the better!
If you’re planning a Bangkok 4-day 3-night itinerary, for instance, spend the extra morning/afternoon buying mementoes at Chatuchak weekend market or at grand shopping malls like Central World, MBK Bangkok, and Siam Paragon. Take a river cruise to see the city one last time, see the art collection at the Jim Thompson house or the Golden Mount at Wat Saket, or drop by Asiatique for a bit of everything.
Got an extra night? Watch a Muay Thai event at Rajadamnern Stadium or simply chill on a rooftop bar.
A 3 day Bangkok itinerary can be complete, but there’s so much to see and do here that more time is always better. Of course, if you miss a few things from your Bangkok itinerary this time, you can always return and explore Bangkok further in the future.