3-Day Itinerary for Bangkok First-Timers

As soon as I landed in Bangkok, I knew I was in for an adventure. The city, a bustling fusion of the ancient and the modern, has so much to offer. Whether you’re here for the vibrant street markets, historical temples, or the vibrant nightlife, I’ve crafted the perfect 3-day itinerary to help first-time visitors make the most of their time in this incredible city. Let me take you through my journey, step by step, to show you how I experienced the best of Bangkok.

Day 1: Exploring the Iconic Temples and Royal History

On my first day, I dove straight into the rich culture and history of Bangkok. The temples, royal palaces, and ancient relics are the city’s heartbeat, so I knew I had to experience them firsthand.

Morning: The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

I started my day with a visit to the Grand Palace. As soon as I walked through the gates, I was blown away by the grandeur. The intricate details, the golden spires, and the majestic architecture of the palace grounds truly made me feel like I was stepping into another time. Inside, I visited Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is one of Thailand’s most sacred sites. It was a peaceful and spiritual experience, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence.

Tip: Remember to dress modestly for the Grand Palace, covering your shoulders and knees. I found a place nearby to rent clothes, but it’s always better to be prepared.

Late Morning: Wat Pho and Reclining Buddha

After the Grand Palace, I headed over to Wat Pho, known for the massive Reclining Buddha. This was one of my favorite moments of the day. The golden Buddha statue is 46 meters long and so beautifully detailed. I also learned that Wat Pho is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, so after visiting the temple, I couldn’t resist booking a session. It was the perfect way to relax after exploring.

Lunch: Riverside Dining

By noon, I was getting hungry, so I made my way to one of the many riverside restaurants near the Chao Phraya River. I decided on a spot with a view of the river, where I could enjoy a delicious pad Thai while watching the boats glide by. There’s something magical about dining by the water in Bangkok—everything tastes better with a view like that.

Afternoon: Wat Arun

After lunch, I took a boat ride across the river to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. The temple’s central spire is covered with colorful porcelain, and it stands tall against the Bangkok skyline. The architecture was striking, and I loved walking around the temple grounds, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. It's a spot that’s perfect for taking photos, and the views of the river from here are unforgettable.

Evening: Asiatique The Riverfront

To wrap up my first day, I decided to visit Asiatique The Riverfront, a popular shopping and entertainment complex. It’s a lovely place to stroll around, with shops, restaurants, and even a giant Ferris wheel. I hopped on the Ferris wheel, and the views of the river at sunset were simply magical. It was the perfect spot to relax and end my first day in Bangkok.

Day 2: Street Food, Markets, and Shopping

Bangkok is famous for its street food, and day two was all about immersing myself in the city’s vibrant food scene and markets.

Morning: Chatuchak Weekend Market

I woke up early and headed to Chatuchak Weekend Market. This is a place where you could easily spend an entire day—there are over 15,000 stalls, offering everything from clothes, antiques, and home decor to local crafts. The market was a sensory overload, in the best possible way. I tried mango sticky rice, sipped on Thai iced tea, and wandered through the aisles, taking in all the sights and sounds. I found some really unique souvenirs here, so it’s a must-visit for any shopper.

Lunch: Street Food in Sukhumvit

By lunchtime, I was craving more of the famous Thai street food, so I went to the Sukhumvit Road area. I ended up in Sukhumvit Soi 38, where the street food is legendary. I tried grilled satay skewers, spicy som tam (papaya salad), and of course, more pad Thai. The flavors were incredibly fresh, and it was so fun eating with the locals on the sidewalk.

Afternoon: Shopping Malls

In the afternoon, I decided to explore some of Bangkok’s high-end shopping malls. I went to Siam Paragon and CentralWorld, both of which have everything from designer brands to unique Thai boutiques. I spent hours just browsing, window shopping, and taking in the luxury atmosphere.

Evening: Chinatown (Yaowarat)

For dinner, I made my way to Yaowarat, Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown. The streets were alive with neon signs, and I dove straight into the street food scene. I had some of the best dim sum and crispy duck here, along with a fresh coconut drink. Chinatown was bustling, and it felt like the heartbeat of the city—definitely one of my favorite areas in Bangkok.

Day 3: Parks, Modern Bangkok, and Relaxation

On my last day, I decided to explore a more modern side of Bangkok while also making time to relax in the city’s beautiful parks.

Morning: Jim Thompson House

I started the day with a visit to the Jim Thompson House. Jim Thompson was an American who revitalized the Thai silk industry, and his house is a beautiful example of traditional Thai architecture. The museum offers insight into his life and work, and the surrounding gardens are a peaceful retreat in the middle of the city. It was a fascinating experience.

Lunch: Cafes and Fusion Dining

For lunch, I headed to one of Bangkok’s many modern cafes. I chose The Commons in Thonglor, a trendy spot known for its great food and laid-back atmosphere. The food was a mix of international and Thai fusion, and it was the perfect place to recharge.

Afternoon: Lumphini Park

After lunch, I visited Lumphini Park. It’s a huge green space in the heart of the city, and I loved how it offered a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. I rented a bike and took a leisurely ride around the park, watching locals do yoga and tai chi. It was a lovely way to unwind before my final evening in Bangkok.

Evening: Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River

For my last night, I decided to book a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River. I had the chance to enjoy a buffet dinner while watching the stunning skyline of Bangkok light up as night fell. The atmosphere was magical, and I couldn’t think of a better way to cap off my trip.

Bangkok is a city that offers so much, and I made the most of my three days there by exploring its vibrant culture, incredible food, and beautiful sights. If you want to have the freedom to explore this city at your own pace, I highly recommend renting a car in Bangkok. It’s super convenient and allows you to go wherever you want without the hassle of public transport. You can book your car here.