Three days is enough to see Bangkok's headline sights without rushing, provided you group them by area. Cross-city trips eat time, so this plan keeps each day in one part of town and uses the river and rail wherever they help. Adapt it with the Bangkok hub, and read where to stay first if you have not booked a hotel.
Before you start
- Dress code: The Grand Palace and most active temples require covered shoulders and knees. Bring a light scarf or sarong and wear shoes that slip off easily. See Thailand temple etiquette.
- Start early: Aim to be at the palace before it gets hot and crowded. Check opening times on the official palace site, because the complex can close for ceremonies.
- Cash and cards: Carry some Thai baht in small notes for boats, street food and tuk-tuks.
- Water and sun: Bring a refillable bottle, sun protection and a small umbrella that works for both sun and rain.
- Payment tools: Ride-hailing apps are useful for cross-town trips; see car rental and eSIM for data options.
Itinerary at a glance
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew | Wat Pho, then ferry to Wat Arun | River cruise or sunset by the river |
| 2 | Jim Thompson House | Siam shopping, cafes, optional cooking class | Yaowarat (Chinatown) food walk |
| 3 | Chatuchak Market (weekend) or Lumphini Park | Choose a day trip or museum, spa or canal tour | Rooftop bar or night market |
Day 1: Royal Bangkok and the river
Morning: Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The palace complex is the most visited sight in the city. Arrive when it opens (check the official site; hours have commonly been about 8:30 to 15:30 but confirm), buy your ticket only at the official entrance, and allow two to three hours. Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is inside the same compound.
Midday: Wat Pho. It is a short walk south and holds the long Reclining Buddha. It is calmer than the palace and has a traditional massage school on site if you want a short massage. Eat lunch at one of the small restaurants in the alleys nearby.
Afternoon: Wat Arun. Cross the river by the small cross-river ferry from Tha Tien pier (a few baht, check the current fare), then climb the central tower if open. Light is best in the late afternoon.
Evening: along the river. Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat or a dinner cruise. The temple and cruise comparison shows how the options differ in price, comfort and timing.
Take the public river boat to Saphan Taksin to connect with the BTS for the way home. The public boats run during the day and into the early evening; confirm the last departure on the operator's page.
Day 2: Houses, malls and Chinatown
Morning: Jim Thompson House. This museum is near National Stadium BTS station and is reached by an easy walk. Entry is by guided tour; check the official site for hours and price, as they are updated periodically.
Midday: Siam area. Siam Paragon, MBK and other malls cluster here and are good air-conditioned breaks. Food courts offer inexpensive meals. If you like cooking, book a half-day class; many studios offer market visits.
Late afternoon: transit to Chinatown. Take the MRT to Wat Mangkon, or the BTS then a boat. Arrive before dusk to see Wat Mangkon Kamalawat and the shop-lined lanes.
Evening: Yaowarat food walk. Yaowarat Road is crowded and loud. Eat from busy stalls with a quick turnover, share dishes, and carry small notes. Seafood, noodles, roasted duck and desserts are all common.
If the day is rainy, swap the Day 2 order: do the cooking class or museums in Siam, then visit Chinatown after the rain eases. See the best time guide.
Day 3: Pick your style
Choose one of these routes.
Option A: Local Bangkok.
- Morning at Chatuchak Weekend Market (mainly Saturday and Sunday; check current hours) or Lumphini Park on a weekday.
- Afternoon at a museum, spa or canal-side neighbourhood in Thonburi.
- Evening at a rooftop bar or a night market such as Talat Rot Fai (Train Market), with hours that vary, so check first.
Option B: Day trip. Take a long day to Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi or a floating market. See day trips from Bangkok, the Ayutthaya day trip and Kanchanaburi guide. Leave at 7:00 or 8:00 and expect to return in the evening.
Option C: Slow day. Visit Bangkok's art galleries, Bang Krachao (the "green lung" across the river, reachable by short boat ride) and an early dinner.
Getting around
| Mode | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BTS Skytrain | Siam, Sukhumvit, Silom | Fast, air-conditioned, avoids traffic |
| MRT subway | Chinatown, Chatuchak, Sukhumvit | Cross-city links; connects with BTS at several stations |
| Chao Phraya boats | Old City, Wat Arun, Saphan Taksin | Scenic; avoid roads; check route colours and hours |
| Taxi / ride-hailing | Late night, bags, shorter distances | Insist on the meter or use an app with a fixed fare |
| Tuk-tuk | Short, fun rides | Agree the price before you start; they are not always cheaper |
Use the MRTA and BTS official sites for fares and maps. Rabbit Card, MRT cards and contactless bank cards may be accepted in some places; check the current payment methods on the operator's page.
Costs per day
| Item | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry fees (varies by day) | THB 300-800 | THB 600-1,500 |
| Food and drink | THB 400-700 | THB 900-2,000 |
| Transport | THB 100-300 | THB 300-800 |
| Extras (cruise, class, massage) | THB 0-500 | THB 600-2,000 |
All approximate, as of 2026. Check the current price on each operator's own page. For ticket packages, see attraction tickets.
Most of the temple fees are modest compared with museums, classes and cruises. If your budget is tight, prioritise the palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, eat at local stalls and use public boats and trains instead of taxis.
Adjusting the plan
- Short on time (2 days): Combine Day 1 with the Chinatown evening of Day 2, and add a single Siam morning.
- Four or five days: Add a day trip and a slow day in Thonburi or Bang Krachao.
- Travelling with children: Break up temple time with riverside snacks, parks and malls with play areas. Midday is the hottest time, so plan indoor stops.
- Heat or rain: Move outdoor sights to early morning, have your indoor options ready, and carry a compact poncho in the rainy season.
Safety and health
Bangkok is busy, so keep an eye on bags, avoid unlicensed touts, and use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps. Do not follow anyone who says a temple is closed and offers an alternative tour. Know the numbers: 191 for police, 1669 for medical emergencies and 1155 for the Tourist Police. Keep travel insurance and drink bottled or filtered water. Read Thailand safety, scams and health for general guidance.
FAQ
Is three days enough for Bangkok?
Yes for the main highlights. You will not see everything, but you will cover the palace area, the river, Chinatown, a museum and a market.
What should I do first in Bangkok?
Start with the Grand Palace in the early morning, since it is the most crowded and the hottest by midday. Then continue to Wat Pho and Wat Arun nearby.
Can I do this plan in the rainy season?
Yes. Start early, carry a compact umbrella and keep indoor options in reserve. Short downpours often pass within an hour.
Should I buy tickets in advance?
Most temples sell tickets at the entrance. Some tours, shows and experiences can be reserved online. See the tickets guide.
How do I move between sights?
Use the BTS and MRT where they run, the river boat for the old city, and a metered taxi or app for the rest. Avoid peak traffic if you can.
Can I add Ayutthaya?
Yes, on Day 3 as a full day trip. See the Ayutthaya day trip guide.
Official sources and further reading
Prices, schedules and entry rules change. Figures here are approximate as of 2026; always confirm on the official or operator page before you book. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
