Ultimate Bangkok Trip Guide : How To Plan it Worry-Free

Frustrated with millions of Bangkok travel itineraries? Check out our one-stop Bangkok trip guide to plan a worry-free annual leave in Thailand.

Bangkok is one of the top 5 most searched tourist cities in the world. You may not have been there but you definitely heard of it, especially after The Hangover II in 2011. Probably, it would be the destination for your next vacation. Or part of a larger Asia trip, given it is a great transit country for other ASEAN travel destinations like Vietnam, Laos, and Malaysia.

So chances are you may be staying in Bangkok for half / 1 / 2/ 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 days or even longer. If you love to self-guide travel like me, you are not likely to be buying Bangkok tourist guide service (and yes there are millions too). Unlike other Cities in ASEAN Countries like Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos. There are millions of potential Bangkok itineraries, so chances are you will get very confused and even super FOMO.

I had it before, I applied 7 days of annual leave for Bangkok but spent a lot more time for planning than traveling. Thus, I made this Bangkok trip guide a one-stop solution for you to plan your vacation there.

You will find the Bangkok itinerary topping up from half day to 7 days to plan a perfect Bangkok trip.

Is Bangkok worth visiting?

The answer is the year given its popularity, variety of food, attractions, experiences, and price level. However, if you are looking for uncommon experiences, or simply you are taking pride in going to exotic places, then it may not be for you. Bangkok is a very hot city for both its weather and the number of visitors. You may find places like Siem Reap in Cambodia, Munnar in India, Borobudur temple in Indonesia or Luang Prabang in Laos a better fit.

So, the pros are Bangkok probably has the best food, wat and massages in store. Yet, it could be a bit over-commercialized.

What Bangkok is famous for?

Despite thousands of attractions in Bangkok, there are several main categories of traveling in Bangkok.

Temples and Palaces

Bangkok is home to numerous magnificent temples and palaces that showcase the country’s rich culture and history. The most famous temple is Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), known for its iconic spires. The Grand Palace, a complex of stunning buildings, was the official residence of the Thai monarchs for several generations.

Shopping mall

There are multiple shopping malls in Bangkok including CentralWorld, The Big C, MBK Center, Terminal 21, Siam Paragon, etc. Not only tourists but also locals frequent these malls for apparel, food, and a good place to rest in the hot weather. Each mall has different features. You don’t need to go for all, our Bangkok trip guide will show you which are the most optimal.

Night, floating, and train markets

There are countless markets in Bangkok. They are basically in every area, especially the tourist areas. Some popular and convenient choices include the Pratunam night market and Watergate night market near the Platinum Fashion Mall. Or the must-go and largest market – Chatuchak Weekend Market (aka JJ market).

Other than that, floating markets like Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Amphawa Floating Market are uniquely famous in Thailand. Additionally, you will also find markets located near the train rail like Maeklong Railway Market where you can experience the train passing by. The distance between you, the shop and the train is even closer than the one in Hanoi Train Street.

Thai cuisine and street food

Along with the markets, you will find a lot of tasty Bangkok street food and cuisine. The most popular ones include mango sticky rice, meat skewers, coconut, and ice creams. In fact, there is saying that some Thai dishes originate from Laos cuisines or Laos streetfood, so given limited time picking Bangkok could give you a taste of two Countries in food perspective. You will also find Thai or international cuisines in different malls with different price ranges.

Other experiences & attractions

For the experiences or attractions, Thai massage is a must-try during your visit to Bangkok. While shopping malls near Ratchadamri, there are also popular attractions like the Erwan shrine nearby. Besides Bangkok is also famous for its nightlife and bars at places like Nana Plaza.

So how many days should I stay in Bangkok

I would say 3 or 4 days are ideal with a maximum of 7 days. Remember every annual leave has an opportunity cost. Despite, there being various options in Bangkok, they belong to the 5 categories above. You won’t find much difference after going to the fourth temple or the third night market.

Then let’s head to our itinerary for self-travel in Bangkok!

What to do in Bangkok for a half day?

If you are staying in Bangkok for less than a day or several hours (i.e. transit), you will have to look into the attractions near or in the Bangkok airport. There are two airports in Bangkok namely Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Both are 20 km + from the city center, thus you should spend your time inside or at nearby attractions if you have merely several hours.

Luckily, both airports have sufficient restaurants, souvenir shops, and even at least one Thai massage shop. The one in BKK even operates 24/7.  Although they are about 50% more expensive than the ones in the city center with just okay service, this is our only option.

If you are staying for 5 hours or more, you can also check out the flea markets nearby. Both airports have nice local flea markets nearby. For BKK, you can go to Hua Takhe Old Market or Suvarnabhumi Flea Market. For DMK, Bun Aran Market- Kosum Ruam Chai Market, and Simummuang Market are within a 10-minute drive from the airport. Plus there is even a Big C near DMK which is the best for snacks and other souvenirs.

The best transportation for there attractions around the airport is Grab, factoring time and money. You could experience quite a bit of Bangkok shopping here but remember NOT TO MISS YOUR FLIGHT!

Note that Bangkok is a common transit airport for most of airlines in Asia.

What to do in Bangkok for 1 day

The 1 day Bangkok itinerary is not that different from the half day. You are likely to spend a day mainly shopping in Bangkok. For first-time Bangkok visitors like us, I recommend you spend your day in the Ratchadamri area.

It is the area that can offer you modern shopping malls, night markets, and the famous Erawan shrine. The main shopping malls in the area including the CentralWorld, Platinum Fashion Mall and The Big C Supercenter are well connected via the Ratchaprasong Walk Sky Bridge.

Shopping malls in Ratchadamri

CentralWorld is one of the largest shopping malls in Bangkok with most international brands and restaurants. If you are buying anything there that would be used out of Thailand (i.e. apparel), remember to ask for a tax refund slip. For a tax refund, a single purchase in the same shop needs to be over 2,000 THB on the same day. After getting the form, you can redeem it at the airport during the departure.

The opposite of CentralWorld is the Big C Supercenter. The four-layer shopping mall has all you need in Bangkok. It has the largest Big C market with top Bangkok souvenirs such as coconut/durian snacks, Thailand cream, and even durians for sale. On the second floor of the center, there is a Super Rich exchange shop for thb currency exchange. On the fourth floor, there is a large food court with reasonably priced local cuisines available.

On the north side of Centralworld and Big C Supercenter, you will find the Platinum Fashion Mall specializing in local fashions.

Night markets in Ratchadamri

Other than the grand shopping malls, you can also find several good local flea markets nearby. Just outside the Platinum Fashion Mall, you will find a line of food vendors selling different kinds of Thailand street food.

Within 15 15-minute’ walk, you will also find the Palladium Night Market, Watergate Night Market, and the Pratu Nam Market.

Shrine visits

Other than the shopping malls and markets, there are also several shrines for you to visit in the area including the Erwan Shrine. There are 8 main shrines located near the major shopping malls. There is location and Shrine information at the Ratchaprasong Skywalk.

Amongst the Erwan (God of Creation / Four-faced Buddha) Shrine, beside Grand Hyatt and at the opposite of Central World is the most populous one in Thailand. It attracts thousands of worshippers, including both locals and tourists, seeking blessings, good fortune, and success in various aspects of life.

Other than Erwan Shrine, Ganesh (God of Success) Shrine and Trimutri (God of Love) Shrine are also very famous amongst the locales. Especially for the God of Love, there are a lot of youngsters visiting Trimutri Shrine for a love relationship.

The devotees offer prayers, light incense sticks, and offerings such as flowers, fruits, and sweet snacks. Local shops are selling the offerings nearby. It’s okay for tourists like us to pray and make offers. However,  there is a rule saying that if your prayer is answered, you need to come back to the same Shrine to express gratitude within one year.

What else I can do for one day in Bangkok?

Apart from the night markets, there are also a lot of Thai massage shops near the Watergate Market. Feel free to also experience the famous Thai massage for your Bangkok day trip. Based on the variety above, Bangkok is definitely worth visiting even for one day.

What to do in Bangkok for 2 days

Bangkok Trip Guide	Bangkok 2 day itinerary:	Transportation
Day 1	Exploration of the Ratchadamri Area: Ratchaprasong Walk Shopping Mall: Centralworld, Big C Supercenter, The Platinum Fashion Mall   Night Markets: Palladium Night Market, Watergate Night Market, Pratu Nam Market   Shrines: Erawan Shrine,  Ganesha Shrine, and the other Shrines	BTS station: Chit Lom Siam
Day 2	Wat & Grand Palace experience: Chao Phraya River Wat Arun (Zheng Wang Temple) Wat Po(Reclining Buddha Temple) – Thai Massage at Wat Po Massage School (optional depending on time) The Grand Palace “KOHN’, Thai classical masked dance	BTS Station: Saphan Taksin Station   Boat: Pier N8   MRT Station: Sam Yot

Shopping, frequenting local markets, visiting icons, and Thai massage, you already had a very comprehensive Thai experience on the first day.

On the second day of your trip, you will explore the attractions along the Chao Phraya River including three major landmarks in Bangkok: the Zheng Wang Temple (Wat Arun), the Reclining Buddha Temple, and the Grand Palace (the Emerald Buddha). It’s recommended to start early as the Grand Palace closes at 3:30 pm, so you can make the most of your time. Please note that when visiting religious and palace sites, dress appropriately (no bare shoulders, knees, or toes).

Firstly, take the BTS Silom Line to Saphan Taksin Station and exit through Exit 2. From there, you can directly access the Central Pier (Sathorn) where you can board the boat.

Boat in Bangkok

There are two types of boats available for tourists:

Tourist Boat: Look for blue-flagged tourist boats, which specifically cater to tourists. These boats offer English commentary, and the fare is 30 Thai Baht for a single trip or 150 Thai Baht for a full-day pass.

Regular Boat: The orange-flagged regular boats are the choice of most people as they cost only 16 Thai Baht. However, they can be crowded with local commuters and may not be as frequent.

As our time is limited, just buying a ticket for a tourist boat is fine.

Wat Arun (Zheng Wang Temple)

Getting off at Pier N8, you will reach Wat Arun. Don’t worry about missing the stop, there is a broadcast on the boat and it’s the stop where most people alight

The Zheng Wang Temple, a landmark building in Bangkok and often referred to as the “Paris Eiffel Tower of the East,” is currently popular for taking photos in traditional Thai attire. The Thai attire is available for rent at the Wat.

Wat Po(The Reclining Buddha Temple)

The next attraction, Wat Po (the Reclining Buddha Temple), is located across the river from the Zheng Wang Temple. You can take a ferry across the river for just 5 Thai Baht.

The Reclining Buddha statue at Wat Pho is one of the largest in Thailand. It measures approximately 46 meters long and 15 meters high, making it an impressive sight to behold. The statue is covered in gold leaf, and the feet are adorned with mother-of-pearl illustrations.

In addition to the incredibly large reclining Buddha statue, the Wat is also set to be the origin of Thai massage. There is even a Thai massage museum and school there. Additionally, you can also have a THAI MASSAGE there!

Yes, there is a massage shop inside the Wat Phra. Not only is it very good quality, but the price is also extremely reasonable. An hour of Thai massage is only 580 THB (~ 16 USD). There are even Thai massage courses you can take with a certificate (pre-booking required). You can check out their official website here.

Grand Palace (the Emerald Buddha)

Around a 15-minute walk from the Reclining Buddha Temple, you will reach the entrance of the Grand Palace.

The Grand Palace, which includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is a must-visit attraction for first-time visitors to Bangkok. Despite the ever-increasing ticket price (i.e. 500 THB pp) in 2024, it is quite worth it.

First, you can visit the temple of the Emerald Buddha, a small green statue of a meditating Buddha made from a single piece of Jadeite. The gold attire of the Emerald Buddha changes three times each year according to the seasons by the royal or high-ranking officials.

Second, other than taking photos at the exterior of the Grand Palace, you will have free entry to The Temple of The Emerald Buddha Museum and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. Both museums are located in the Grand Palace Compound.

Third, you can also enjoy the “KOHN”, a Thai classical masked dance with a free shuttle at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre. The theatre is very close to the Grand Palace. If your visit day is Monday – Friday, you shall not miss that. The performance is around 30 minutes and the shuttle is usually available 45 minutes before the show starts.

Finally, the Grand Palace ticket also includes entry to The Arts of The Kingdom Museum. However, it is located in the Ayudhaya province instead of Bangkok. I didn’t choose to go due to the schedule.

After visiting, these three important Bangkok landmarks, you probably would feel a bit exhausted. For a rest or some food, there is a very nice food court at the Old Siam Plaza around 5 5-minute walk from the theatre.

After that, you can end your day by taking the MRT back to your hotel/hostel. The closest MRT station is Sam Yot.

What to do in Bangkok for 3 days

For day 3, we will be adding Chatuchak Weekend Market (aka JJ market) to the itinerary. JJ Market covers a vast area of approximately 35 acres (14 hectares) and is divided into 27 sections. It is probably the largest open flea market in the world.

Each section specializes in different types of goods, ranging from clothing, accessories, and handicrafts to antiques, home decor, plants, and more. With over 15,000 stalls, JJ Market offers a wide variety of products to explore. On average, the market receives around 200,000 to 300,000 visitors on weekends, and during peak seasons, such as holidays or festivals, the number can exceed 500,000.

You can find a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, shoes, handicrafts, home decor, vintage items, art, furniture, pets, plants, and much more. It’s a treasure trove for shoppers seeking unique and affordable items.

With such a large size and variety, you can spend the whole day here. If you are tired during the visit, you can take a rest at the shopping malls near the JJ market such as the Mixt Chatuchak and JJ Mall. There are comfortable seats and free toilets in both malls.

Finding Hidden Gems in Chatuchak Weekend Market:

There are a lot of hidden gems in the JJ Market. For example, there is a best Paella restaurant called Viva 8 in the JJ market. Other than that there are other local brands with high quality and good prices such as the Toogtons for underwear, and Nana Village for Hawaii T-shirts.

To get to Chatuchak Weekend Market, you can take either BTS to Mo Chit Station or MRT to Kamphaeng Phet Station. It takes around 5 – 10 minutes to walk from both stations. Remember the JJ market is only open on Friday night after 6 PM, Saturday and Sunday.

What to do in Bangkok for 4 days

In the previous 3 days, we checked out the local markets, shopping malls, shrines, wats, and traditional shows and had several chances for great Thai massage. If you are staying for another extra day, you should go to Chinatown in Bangkok.

Chinatown Bangkok

Chinatown, known as Yaowarat, is a vibrant and bustling district located in Bangkok, Thailand. Being a Hong Konger from the 90s, I assure you that Chinatown in Bangkok feels more Chinese to me.

Chinatown has a rich history dates back to the late 18th century when Chinese immigrants settled in the area. Today, Chinatown is renowned for its energetic and bustling atmosphere. The streets are lined with many shops, markets, street food stalls, and gold shops, creating a vibrant and colorful scene.

There are multiple attractions in Chinatown including the Wat Mangkon, Thian Fah Foundation Hospital (yes it is an attraction), The Chinatown Gate, Talat Noi (gallery), and the night market there.

The various attractions, fancy cafes, and shops can probably occupy your whole day. The night market and the neon lights are another part that you cannot miss there. You can find various Chinese food freshly cooked in the night market. The area is also famous for shark fin and bird nests. Due to personal reasons (I love sharks and do not want them to go extinct), I would not recommend you to have it.

What to do in Bangkok for 5 days

The most optimal stay in Bangkok is 4 days. 4 days give you enough time to experience all the must-tries, must-eats, must-sees, and must-dos. For the 5^th day onward, I recommend you explore the Countryside of Bangkok via a day tour.

For the fifth day, I recommend you go for a day tour of the floating market and railway market. I find the one operated by Klook is the best there for a tour including both floating and railway market. The tour includes transfer and gives you more than sufficient time for both the floating and railway markets.

Damneon Saduak Floating Market

I recommend you to pick the option with the Damnoen Saduak floating market given it is the biggest and most famous one in Bangkok. While it is quite a unique experience visiting a floating market, the goods there are very overpriced compared to the ones in the City center.

Maeklong Railway Market:

For the Maeklong Railway Market, you can take photos of the local train passing by the local shops at a very close distance. Although there would be local officers to remind the locals to stay in the safety zone, you should be aware of keeping an appropriate distance.

Unlike the train street in Hanoi, the train in Bangkok is very slow when it passes by. Also, the Railway market has the best price for coconut and souvenirs (even cheaper than the JJ market).

What to do in Bangkok for 6 days

By day 6, you would be a bit fatigued about temples, markets or even shopping. If you are looking for something new, you may go for the Bangkok Safari World. It is around 29 Km from the Bangkok city center, thus you can make your transportation easier via a day tour.

Bangkok Safari World

The one offered by Klook has the best pricing and also the tour guide has very good time arrangements.

Before you go, you should know that instead of a safari, it is more like a zoo with some animal shows. Animal shows may not be something acceptable to you if you have a strong stand on animal rights.

I felt bad or even a bit guilty after watching the animal shows. But to be fair, I did slightly enjoy the zoo part where I had close encounters with various animals. I will write a more detailed post about my experience for you to decide whether to go or not later on.

What to do in Bangkok for 7 days or beyond

Spending a week in Bangkok for annual leave is not very recommendable. Of course, there are a lot more attractions or places worth going to on top of the 6 day itinerary. For example, you can take a day tour to Ayutthaya.

Ayutthaya (80km from Bangkok) the former capital of the Kingdom is Siam is famous for its ancient ruins, rich history, and various Wats, especially Wat Mahthat (with Buddha’s head in tree root). If you want to explore more thoroughly, you could spend two full days in Ayutthaya.

Also looking for places to stay in Bangkok?

Summary of the 7 day+ Bangkok trip guide

Our Bangkok trip guide intends to offer you the information to structure your travel plan in Bangkok. As earlier mentioned, the main experience categories of Bangkok (i.e. shopping, market visit, temple visit, and Thai massage) can be completed within 3 or 4 days. From day 5, you may start getting bored.

If you do not have specific preference, I would recommend you to follow the sequence of from Day 1 to 4. Then shuffle the order according to your schedule if you stay for 5 day or more.

Also, you should ensure sufficient time for airport transit. For example, you should not be doing a day tour on the last day.

Bangkok shopping guide

If you are looking for local products and cheap souvenirs, JJ Market has the best-valued offer with the greatest variety. The only drawback is it only opens on Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday.  Maeklong Railway market also offers the cheapest souvenirs, but it is far from the city center and not much cheaper than the JJ market.

On the other hand, if you are staying less than 3 days, then the Big C headquarter is the go-to place for you for souvenirs and snacks. There it offers sample tasting for a lot of snacks.

For the grand shopping malls, they look pretty similar in terms of products, except for different decorations. You may refer to the list below for a summary. Just remember to check for the VAT refunds. Some popular shopping malls in Bangkok are below for your reference.

Thanks for your time reading our post about the Bangkok trip guide. I hope you will have a wonderful journey in Bangkok.

If Bangkok is your in-transit city, you may also want to check out other local festivals in South East Asia that you may be interested in.

Please leave me a comment for any inquiry and sharing of your wonderful journey.