What To Do In Bangkok - A 3 Day Bangkok Itinerary

What To Do In Bangkok – A 3 Day Bangkok Itinerary

Visit Bangkok in 3 day

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Bangkok or Krung Thep, “City of Angels“, is like our home away from home. We simply love this vibrant and urban big city with all its life, delicious street food, green and lush parks, a network of rivers, amazing shopping, some of the biggest markets in the world, and of course, its friendly people.

We have visited Bangkok many times, often staying for months before reluctantly leaving, and each time we come back we fall deeper and deeper in love with this amazing city!

Beneath the dust and chaos, Bangkok is packed with exciting things to do and wondrous places to see. From street-side restaurants with plastic chairs and roadside amulet stalls to top-notch restaurants and the world’s hippest rooftop bars.

From exploring ancient temples to taking a tuk-tuk tour through the Bangkok night to Muay Thai boxing at the gigantic new Lumpini Stadium, or visiting a colorful flower market. Bangkok has it all and there is never a dull moment when you hit the streets of this city.

The Ultimate 3 Day Bangkok Itinerary

Here is our ultimate 3-day itinerary with our highlights of what to do in Bangkok. It is a combination of the typical can’t miss tourist sites of Bangkok, but also some corky and off-the-beaten-track places that you will not find in the tourist guides. If you have less than three days to spend in this big city, feel free to choose parts of this itinerary and mix it up as it suits you best.

If you haven’t yet decided on where to stay in Bangkok, have a look at our article on our favorite Bangkok areas and hotels.


Map above: Blue = Sights on Day 1, Pink = Day 2, Green = Day 3

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DAY 1 – Exploring the Ancient Bangkok

Chao Phraya River, Temples & Historic Sites


Day 1: Grand Palace & The Emerald Buddha Temple, Wat Pho, Wat Arun Temple, Chinatown, and Kao San Road

1. Chao Phraya River

Chao Phraya river stations
Ferry piers along Chao Phraya river   

After breakfast (at your hotel or a street stall) take the sky train to Saphan Taksin BTS Station. Jump on a northbound ferry from the Central Pier, also called Sathorn Pier (just a short walk from Saphan Taksin BTS Station) on the Chao Phraya river.

You can choose between the public ferry with an orange flag (15 Baht = US$ 0,50) or the more expensive tourist ferry with a blue flag (150 Baht = US$ 4,6). To fully experience the “real” Bangkok, we recommend that you take the public ferry (orange flag). The rivers and canals are the heart of Bangkok, and it`s cross-river ferries are still the main transportation for the locals.
The area along the main river of Bangkok (Ko Ratanakosin) used to be the ancient royal district and this is where many of Bangkok`s most famous attractions are located.

Here is also many of Bangkok´s finest hotels with wonderful views of the river. For our recommended hotels in the Riverside area, read our Bangkok hotel and area guide.

Bangkok Itinerary
Stunning sunset over Chao Phraya River in Bangkok

Jump off at ferry pier no. 9 Tha Chang and you are ready to start your walking tour to see some of the most famous landmarks of Bangkok. You ca
n easily walk in between the temples and sites in this area, but it is best to get an early start as most of these sites close around 3:30 pm and there is plenty to see!


2. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

The former home of the monarch, the Grand Palace is located on the ground of the architectural wonder Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The grounds contain more than 100 buildings, all beautifully decorated with gold and diamonds in different colors in old-Bangkok style.

Grand Palace Bangkok
The beautiful Grand Palace, Bangkok´s biggest attraction

The king does not live here anymore, and only uses this palace for important ceremonial occasions.

Emerald Buddha Bangkok
The Emerald Buddha

The Temple of Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Buddhists come here from all over Asia to pay their respects.

Located in a beautiful ordination hall, sits the main attraction – The Emerald Buddha, a 66 cm tall figurine beautifully carved in green Jade, clothed in gold fabric. It depicts the meditation Buddha seated in a yogic posture. It was discovered in the northern part of Thailand in 1434.
If you prefer to have an in-depth guided tour where you learn everything about the palace, you can hire a guide at the ticket kiosk. Or you can rent an audio guide for 200 Baht = US$ 6 for two hours.

Whatever you do, be wary of anyone who approaches you in this area, speaks perfect English, and tells you that the palace is closed today. They are often people who want to steer you to a gem or tailor shop where they will get a commission. Even guards and other official-looking people may sometimes try to convince you to go to one of these shops.

  • Opening hours: Everyday 08:30 – 15:30
  • Ticket price: 500 Baht = US$ 16
  • Estimated time: 2-3 hours
  • What to wear: You must be properly dressed before being allowed entry into the temple. Wear shirts with sleeves, long pants or skirts and shoes. No tank tops or short skirts. If you’re wearing sandals or flip-flops you must wear socks, so no bare feet. If you show up at the front gate improperly dressed, there is a booth near the entry that provides clothes to cover you up properly. You must leave your passport or credit card as security to borrow extra clothes. Shoes should be removed before entering the main chapel. Also, when sitting in front of a Buddha image, remember to tuck your feet behind you to avoid the very offensive pose of pointing your feet towards the Buddha.

3. Wat Pho – Reclining Buddha

From Grand Palace, walk (about 10 minutes) or take the ferry one stop to No. 8 Tha Tien Pier. Grab something quick and delicious to eat and drink at one of the many food stalls along the street on your way to Wat Pho.

Wat Pho – the impressively reclining Buddha is amazingly beautiful, covered in gold leaf and mother-of-pearl ornaments inlaid in his feet. It is remarkable 46 m long and 15 m high (!!) and illustrates Buddha entering nirvana (Buddha`s death).

Wat Pho Reclining Buddha Bangkok
Wat Pho, the golden reclining Buddha

Wat Pho also contains four chapels with no less than 394 (!!) gilded Buddha images, a long line of golden Buddhas from all over Thailand sitting in the lotus position.

Even though your main mission at Wat Pho is of course to see the reclining Buddha, don`t forget to wander around in the courtyard and admire the Chinese statutes that were once used as ballast on ships, as well as the 91 stupas that are beautifully decorated in ceramic pottery flowers and colorful and sparkling tiles.

Wat Pho is also Thailand`s headquarters for the teaching of traditional Thai medicine and Thai massage. After this walk around the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, nothing beats a relaxing head or foot massage. If this is your first time in Thailand, this is a safe and very authentic place to try out a Thai massage. If this is something you want to try out here, you should pop over and book a spot when entering Wat Pho as there can be a waiting list.

  • Opening hours: Every day 08:30 – 18:30 (Thai massage is available till 18:00)
  • Ticket price: 100 Baht = US$ 3
  • Estimated time:  1-2 hour (extra time if you want a Thai massage)

4. Lunch at The Sixth

By now you should feel hungry, and it is time to sit down for some Thai food lunch. One of our absolute favorite restaurants in this area is The Sixth, only a short walk from Wat Pho. It is a small place with only five tables, run by a young Thai couple, and serves mouth-watering authentic Thai food.

5. Wat Arun – Temple Of The Dawn

Now it is time to cross the river, so jump on a cross-river ferry from No. 8 Tha Tien to Wat Arun pier (only 3 Baht = US$ 0,09).

On your way to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, you passed this temple with the ferry, so you already know that it is spectacular and atmospheric with its steep piers reaching up in the sky. It is at its most impressive after dark when it is lit up and looks a bit magical and like a fairytale. Unfortunately, it closes before nightfall.

This is my favorite temple in Bangkok. In the middle of this temple lays its most prominent feature, an 82 m high beautifully decorated Khmer-style tower where you can walk up the steep stairs and admire the view of Bangkok and its rivers. Ah, I love this temple!

  • Opening hours: Every day 08:00 – 18:00
  • Ticket price: 100 Baht= US$ 3 per person
  • Estimated time: 1-2 hour

6. Chinatown

Time to head onto the famous and vibrant Chinatown that is located on the opposite side of the river from Wat Arun Temple. So jump back on the ferry that takes you across the river, and jump off at the no. 5 Ratchawong Pier.

Bangkok´s Chinatown, called Yaowarat after the main road Th Yaowarat Road that runs through this area, is one of the oldest parts of Bangkok. It represents the first resettlement of Chinese and dates back to 1782.

Here you will find action at all hours and surprises at every turn. When the sun sets this is the street food central of Bangkok and where you will find the most delicious and authentic Thai street food, including some Chinese-inspired dishes that are not available anywhere else in Thailand.

Chinatown Bangkok
Lots of delicious street food in Chinatown

Chinatown is a maze of tiny alleyways, centuries-old temples, and hectic markets. Go for a walk through these narrow streets and beautiful buildings, shop for Chinese green tea and other Chinese souvenirs, and just watch the life on the streets.

This is the place to experience the real and authentic Bangkok, so the best thing you can do is to explore and get a little lost. 🙂 Don´t forget to try some delicious street food at one of the many food stalls.

The famous and lovely Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talat) is located in this area of Bangkok and is the biggest wholesale flower market in town. You will also find delicious and fresh fruits and vegetables here.

⇒ Click here to read more about Chinatown and its history

7. Kao San Road

Now it`s finally time to wind down with something cold in your glass or go partying with backpackers, hippies, and hipsters if you still have some energy left.

Take a taxi, tuk-tuk, or use the Grab App and head over to the famous Kao San Road. Another option is to take the river ferry from no. 5 Ratchawong Pier to no. 13 Phra Arthit Pier. It is right before the Rama VIII bridge. It takes about five minutes to walk from the pier to Kao San Road.

Kao San Road is a crazy street packed with partying people, and street stalls selling clothes and souvenirs.

 

Kao San Road Bangkok
The famous Kao San Road

In Kao San Road you can stroll around among the many shopping stalls selling everything from strange Thai snacks like barbecued insects, hand-painted t-shirts, beautiful lanterns, crazy party hats, and fake lonely planet books to leather handbags.

Grab an ice-cold Chang beer and relax in a chair at one of the many street-side restaurants and bars while you watch the street life go by, or party hard late into the night if you still have some energy left……. 🙂


DAY 2 – Discover Modern Bangkok

Markets & Shopping

After all the sightseeing and temples on day 1, it`s time to dig out your credit cards and go shopping bonanza for gifts, souvenirs and everything you did not know you needed!


Day 2: Chatuchak Weekend Market (if the weekend), Siam shopping area, Jim Thompson House, Rot Fai or Asiatique Night Market, or Paragon Cinema

1. Go Shopping Bonanza At Siam or Chatuchak Weekend Market

If you are staying in Bangkok during a weekend, Chatuchak Weekend Market is a real MUST! Chatuchak Weekend Market is the mother of all markets! Take the Skytrain to Mo Chit BTS Station, or the underground to Chatuchak MRT station.

Chatuchak Market Bangkok
Chatuchak Market, the biggest outdoor market in the world

Chatuchak Weekend Market is the biggest open-air market in the world. It consists of about 15 000 stalls covering more than one km, and it has been in Bangkok for decades. Here you will find just about anything you can imagine, both useful and not so useful stuff.

  • When: Saturdays and Sundays 06:00 – 18:00
  • What to get there: Well, basically just about everything you can imagine! 🙂
  • How to get there: Sky train to Mo Chit station, or the underground to Chatuchak station, and follow the stream of people.

If you, however, are in Bangkok on weekdays and not on a weekend, you should instead experience the modern side of Bangkok and visit the excellent Siam area to go shopping. Take the Skytrain to Siam Station or Chit Lom Station.

Shopping Bangkok
Me doing some shopping at Siam Center mall

Siam is a shopping bonanza and we love it! But the malls are more than just great places to shop, they are social hubs where the locals hang out in air-conditioned comfort away from the heat. Families come here to window shop, socialize and enjoy a meal and a snack at one of the many food courts and restaurants.

You can spend hours and hours exploring the four big shopping centers that are located next to each other in the Siam area:

  • Central World – A posh and modern mall, has all the western brand from expensive to less expensive (Zara, H&M), has an ice skating rink on the ground floor, and a great huge supermarket
  • Siam Paragon – A great mall that has western brands, a nice sports shop, South East Asia´s biggest aquarium, Sea Life Ocean World at ground level, and the Exotic Thai store on the 4th floor – perfect for gifts and souvenirs. Excellent huge supermarket and the best cinema complex in Bangkok.
  • Siam Center – A hip and cool mall popular among teenagers, has Sephora
  • Siam Discovery – A cool modern mall with top brands and designer stuff, lots of cool Japanese brands and designs like manga figures and movie related stuff like Marvel, has Bangkok’s Madame Tussauds on the 6th floor
  • MBK shopping mall – The oldest mall in Bangkok, head here for cheaper stuff and electronics, has two brilliant food courts
  • Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00 every day
  • How to get there: Take the Skytrain to Siam station or Chit Lom station

⇒ Read more about the best shopping in Bangkok in our shopping in Bangkok guide!

2. Lunch At A Food Court

Oh boy, do you get tired and hungry from all this shopping! Now it`s time to sit down and have a lunch break.

Almost all of the big and posh shopping centers in Bangkok have food courts, where dozens of food stalls serve delicious Thai food as well as international dishes. The food courts are very popular and serve authentic Thai food in a clean, air-conditioned environment. The food is cheap and tasty and the only challenge is choosing what to try.

Central Embassy Bangkok
The brilliant food court at the Central Embassy mall serving delicious Thai food

The vendors do not accept direct payment so before heading in among the stalls, pick up a voucher at the cash desk. You can redeem any unused value at the cash desk when you leave. Menus are available in both Thai and English.

Take your time and walk around the different stalls and try to sample a few different things rather than fill up on one dish.

Some of our favorite Bangkok food courts are:

  • Food Republic at Siam Center 2nd floor – This modern food court combines style and comfort with excellent food. Slightly more expensive than some food courts but the restaurant-like ambiance and large portions make it a great choice.
  • Siam Paragon – The ground floor of the gigantic Siam Paragon shopping mall is one huge food exploration center. The food court has a bewildering amount of dishes from every corner of the world. It’s loud and noisy but great fun.
  • MBK shopping mall (5th & 6th floor) – The mother of all Bangkok malls has no less than two food courts. Fifth Food Avenue on the fifth floor is a little more upscale and quieter than the cheaper and much busier MBK Food Center on the sixth floor. Have a look at both and marvel at the selection of food, pastries, and desserts available.
  • Central Embassy – The EatThai food court occupying the ground floor of the luxurious Central Embassy mall has a unique concept, serving food from every corner of Thailand. Sample delicious Thai food and desserts from the north to the south and everything in between just by walking among the many stalls. This is a high-end food court with slightly higher prices but a pleasant dining atmosphere.

3. Jim Thompson House

After some more shopping in these fancy and super big shopping malls, take a detour from modern Bangkok to explore a bit of its history. The Jim Thompson House, which is kind of like a museum, is located close to Siam Square and is just a short walk away from the shopping malls.

The story of Jim Thompson is a fascinating one, and quite a mystery too! Jim Thompson, born in America, is the man who made Thai silk famous around the world and one day disappeared. His lovely house and garden is now a museum, and is well worth a visit!

A guided tour of the garden and house, as well as a demonstration of how Thai silk is made and Thai dance, is included in the cheap ticket.

The house also has a silk shop where you can find beautiful gifts and souvenirs, and a very nice restaurant/cafe tucked away in the green and lush garden serving delicious Thai food. You can find Jim Thompson shops, selling beautiful silk products and clothes, all over Thailand.

  • Address: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road (take the Sky Train to the ´National Stadium´ stop, and follow the signs)
  • Webpage: jimthompsonhouse.com
  • Ticket price: 200 Baht = US$ 6 (100 Baht for those under 22 years old)
  • Opening hours: Every day 09:00 to 18:00

4. Night Market Or The Cinema

Night Market

Asiatique Bangkok
Asiatique Night Market

If you are keen on some more shopping, Bangkok has several nice night markets. Our favorite is the Talat Rot Fai Market. There are actually two different markets called Talat Rot Fai at different locations. The original one is far outside the city, so the newer and slightly smaller one is much easier to reach.

This cool market is all about retro. Here you will find stuff like vintage retro clothes, vinyl, and kitschy antiques.

Another highlight of this market is the food as there are several cool food trucks and mobile VW-van-based bars and pubs. It is much more than just a market, but also a hip and cool place to hang out and meet people.

To get there, take the MRT to Thailand Cultural Centre Station, walk through the Esplanade mall, and you will be right at the Talat Rot Fai Market.


  • Opening hours Talat Rot Fai Market: 18:00 – 01:00
  • Address of Talat Rot Fai Market: Th Ratchadaphisek
  • How to get to Talat Rot Fai Market: Take the MRT to Thailand Cultural Centre, and walk through the Esplanade mall

An alternative, if you want a more upscale market with plenty of restaurants, cafes, shops, a Ferris wheel, and different entertainment shows, head for the popular Asiatique Market by the river. To get there, take the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin BTS Station, and jump on the free Asiatique shuttle ferry from the Central Pier/ Sathorn Pier. The ferry runs every 15 minutes or so.

  • Opening hours Asiatique: 16:00 – 23:00
  • How to get to Asiatique: There are frequently free shuttle boats from the Sathorn/ Central Pier which run from 16:00 until 23:30.

Cinema

If you´d rather wind down and enjoy some modern entertainment, head to the cinema. Bangkok has some of the best cinemas in the world, showing Hollywood movies in English with Thai subtitles.

Go to Paragon shopping mall (Siam square) and take the escalator or lift up to the 5th floor where they have 4D cinema and IMAX cinema. Paragon is the best cinema complex in Bangkok, with both 4D, 3D, and IMAX (all together they have 15 large-sized theaters). There are monitors at the entrances of Paragon mall, displaying an overview of which movies are showing and at what time.

Sink down into the comfortable cinema chair and end your busy shopping day relaxing with some popcorn (and/or beer) watching the latest Hollywood movies in 4D or IMAX. Oh, and by the way, don’t forget to stand during the tribute video to his majesty the king that is shown before every movie!


DAY 3 – The Best Of The Rest

Lumphini Park, Golden Mount & Skybar


Day 3: Lumphini Park, Golden Mountain Temple, Pad Thai at Thipsamai, and the Moon Bar

1. Slow Morning By The Pool Or Floating Market

After two intense days packed with sightseeing and shopping, it is time to wind down and spend the morning soaking up some sun by the pool. You deserve it!

Avani Riverside Hotel Bangkok
The amazing rooftop infinity pool at Avani Riverside Hotel

Alternatively, if you want some morning action, you can visit one of the popular floating markets of Bangkok. The most famous of them all is the over 100-year old Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Nowadays, however, it is a bit touristy with boats selling souvenirs between exotic fruits, vegetables, and snacks. But it is still a fun experience.

The residential canals in this area are peaceful and great to explore by boat. The market opens around 07:00 in the morning and closes around noon, and it takes about 1,5 hours to drive there one way, so get up early.

It is a good idea to do the Damnoen Float Market as an organized tour since it is a bit out of the city. We recommend the Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets & Bridge on River Kwai Tour – Click here for more information and prices

  • Opening hours Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: 07:00 – 12:00
  • Address: Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi

2. Lumphini Park

After this laid-back start of the day, head out and hop on the Skytrain to Sala Daeng BTS Station, or take the MRT to Silom MRT Station.

When you get out of the station, walk across the street and you will find yourself in Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s green lung, and biggest park. It is loved by both Bangkok citizens and visitors. We love it too!

Lumphini Park Bangkok
Lumphini Park – the lovely green lung of Bangkok

The park is beautifully maintained and is perfect for a stroll or some relaxation on the grass or on one of its benches. If you visit it in the afternoon, however, around 17-18 o`clock, you can also watch or participate in the aerobics taking place in the park. Great fun!

Oh and by the way, if you are there at 18 o’clock, you will suddenly hear a song being played over the speakers. Don´t freak out when everyone around you stops running and stands still for a few minutes. Just do as they do. It is a song played in tribute to his majesty the king.

3. Golden Mountain Temple (Wat Saket)

After all this walking on the ground among the green, it is time to get up in the air and see the Bangkok skyline. Take a taxi or use the Grab App (a 10 min drive) to Golden Mount, also called Wat Saket.

Bangkok skyline from Golden Mount Bangkok
Amazing view of Bangkok skyline from the top of Golden Mount

The Golden Mount is a beautiful temple located on top of a small hill. The walk up the 344 steps is easy and takes about 25 min, but the reward when you reach the top is well worth it as you get an awesome view of Bangkok.

Sit down on a bench at the top and admire the sunset over the awesome skyline of Bangkok.

Golden Mount Bangkok
The beautiful Golden Mount temple on top of a hill with an amazing view of Bangkok – perfect for sunsets
  • Opening hours: Every day 08:00 – 19:00
  • Ticket price: 50 Baht = US$1,50 per person
  • Estimated time: 1-2 hours

4. Eat Bangkok’s Best Pad Thai

The nearby restaurant Thip Samai has some of the best Pad Thai in Bangkok! Not bad considering that they sell Pad Thai EVERYWHERE in this city. You can easily walk there from the Golden Mount (5 min).

Thip Samai also has the most delicious freshly squeezed orange juice I have ever tasted! It is really fresh and full of flavor!

The first time we ate Pad Thai at Thip Samai was on a Night Tour with Tuk-Tuk, which you can read about here. We have been back several times after that! 🙂

5. Drinks At A Rooftop Bar

Top off your three days Bangkok visit with some fancy drinks at a rooftop bar. We recommend Moon Bar on the 61st floor at Banyan Tree Hotel.

Let the wind blow through your hair while you admire the magnificent view of Bangkok`s skyline! Nothing beats this ending, and it will for sure make you love this city and long to return.

Rooftop bar Bangkok
The awesome rooftop bar “Moon Bar” at Banyan Tree Hotel

There are several rooftop bars in Bangkok. We also like the rooftop bar at the Muse Hotel, Skybar at Sirocco on the 63rd floor of the Dome at State Tower made famous by the movie Hangover 2, and the Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit.

  • Opening hours Moon Bar at Banyan Tree Hotel: 17:00 – 01:00 every day
  • Address Moon Bar: 21/100 South Sathon Road
  • How to get to Moon Bar: Take the sky train to Chong Nonsi, or metro to Lumphini station, and walk from there

Day Trips From Bangkok

There are plenty of interesting places around Bangkok that can be visited on a day trip. The ancient city of Ayutthaya is beautiful and well worth a visit. Many also want to see the famous floating market of Damnoen Saduak. But if you go there be aware that it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Thailand.

You can do these on your own or join an organized tour with an English speaking guide like the ones below:


There you go, our three days itinerary packed with what we consider it the “heart” of Bangkok. Three days is in our opinion not enough time to spend in this magnificent city. A week is more what we would recommend, then you have time to really enjoy yourself and your time in Bangkok and also have some time to relax.

There are so much to do and see in this amazing city. If you like markets, check out some other of the great markets this city has to offer.

Or enjoy a romantic evening dinner cruise on the beautiful Chao Praya river while the sun casts its last golden rays on the ancient temples.

How about joining a “Bangkok by night with tuk-tuk tour” or is a “Chinatown walking tour” more of your thing? If you seek some more action, you should head over to Lumphini Stadium for some Thai Boxing.

The options and variety of things to do in Bangkok are almost endless! Hope you enjoy this city as much as we do!

BONUS: We have made a free printable PDF and ePUB version of this Bangkok Itinerary available to our newsletter subscribers. Perfect to print out or carry on your iPad!


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Where To Stay In Bangkok

Bangkok offers a wide selection of accommodation for all budgets, and you will have plenty of choices when it comes to finding the right place to stay.

Bangkok is pretty affordable when it comes to accommodation, so you can get some really good deals and even find five stars hotels very cheap compared to other places in the world. However, accommodation prices do vary greatly with the season. Below are some of our favorite hotels in Bangkok.  We have stayed at all of the hotels below.

Hotel Muse Bangkok

DSC91281-705x468
Hotel Muse has a beautiful and classic decor

Read our review of Hotel Muse her. It is a cool and unique boutique hotel, perfectly located in the center of Bangkok!
Click here for latest prices
Avani Riverside

The awesome rooftop infinity pool at Avani Riverside Hotel

If you’d like to stay along the river without breaking the bank, the new Avani Riverside hotel is a great alternative to the usual riverside luxury hotels. Rooms are super comfortable with fantastic views overlooking the Chao Phraya River and the fantastic rooftop infinity pool is probably our favorite in Bangkok.
Click here for latest prices

Casa Nithra
If you’re looking for a mid-range option close to Bangkok’s famous Khao San area, then the Casa Nithra comes highly recommended. The rooftop swimming pool is lovely, the rooms comfortable and the breakfast has plenty of options. It’s located in a quiet area, yet Khao San is just an easy walk away.
Click here for latest prices

Hotel Icon
Hotel Icon is a small hotel centrally located on Sukhumvit road. The rooms are fresh and modern, big and comfortable with all the usual comforts such as flat-screen tv, aircon, and free Wi-Fi. The rooftop swimming pool is great!
Click here for latest prices

⇒ For more accommodation options and tips on which areas of Bangkok that suit you best, read our complete guide to where to stay in Bangkok.

What To Bring To Bangkok

Bangkok is hot all year round and gets very humid during the rainy season from June to October.  Below are some of the essentials you need before heading to Bangkok, along with some links to Amazon.com for more information.

  • Travel Insurance - Bangkok has some excellent international hospitals, but they aren't cheap. In fact, Thailand is among the worlds most expensive places to be hospitalized. With travel insurance costing just a few dollars a day and potentially saving you thousands of dollars if something happens, you really can't afford to go without.  We've used World Nomads in the past, and they offer an excellent service for backpackers, vacationers and short-term travelers alike. Read why we never travel without insurance.

Click here to get a quote on travel insurance from World Nomads

  • Map - A good map of Bangkok is a must. Our favorite map is The Groovy Map to Bangkok. The map is accurate, durable, and also contains Skytrain & MRT maps, plus it has a lot of great tips about what to see and do in Bangkok by people that have lived there and know the city. It's really like a mini travel guide in map form.
  • Filtered Water Bottle - The tap water in Bangkok is not safe to drink. To help save the environment and reduce the serious problem of plastic bottle waste, consider bringing a filtered water bottle such as the Lifestraw Filtered Water Bottle.
  • Noice canceling headphones - While not strictly necessary, I'm not getting on a 10+ hour flight again without my noise canceling headphones!
  • Sunscreen - Sunscreen lotion often contain whitening in Thailand, so bring some from home.
  • Walking sandals - A good pair of walking shoes are an absolute must. We have been using our Teva sandals for years.
  • Clothes for temples - For entry into religious temples and the Kings Palace you need to wear long trousers and a top/ t-shirt that covers your shoulders. We recommend getting something light and breathable that packs down small.
  • Power adapter - Make sure you can use your electronic devices in Thailand by bringing a travel power adapter. Our favorite is the FosPower Fuse. It is small, light and sturdy and can also charge USB devices.
  • Sunglasses - Bring a good pair of sunglasses.
  • Walk around day pack - A small walk around day pack is highly recommended. We travel with Osprey travel backpacks; that comes with a useful detachable daypack. For stand-alone daypacks, we like the Pacsafe Venturesafe with its anti-theft design.
  • Camera - Don't forget a camera to document your adventures in Bangkok! Check out our article on what camera gear to bring traveling for our recommendations 🙂

Travel Guides

We used the Lonely Planet`s Thailand travel guide on our trip. You can get that and other great books by clicking on the pictures below which will take you to Amazon.com (affiliate links):




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Heading for Bangkok? Check out this itinerary on what to do and see in Bangkok!     Heading for Bangkok? Check out this guide on what to do and see in Bangkok!

Heading to Bangkok? Check out this guide on what to do and see in Bangkok!    Heading for Bangkok? Check out this Bangkok itinerary on what do do and see in Bangkok!

Have you been to Bangkok? Do you agree with our three days Bangkok itinerary? What would you recommend for a first-time visitor to Bangkok? Please leave a comment below. If you liked this and found it useful, please share it on social media. Thanks! 🙂 

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