3 Days in Bangkok – An Exciting Itinerary for 2024

Are you wondering how to spend 3 days in Bangkok and see the highlights of the city? Well, this 3 day Bangkok itinerary outlines the best places to go, how to get around, and where to stay to make the most of a short stay in this exciting city.  This itinerary is packed with activities so that you’ll have plenty of choices.

Bangkok is best known for its stunning Grand Palace, beautiful Buddhist temples, friendly people, and buzzing nightlife but it’s also a shopper’s paradise with night markets, floating markets, and bargain shopping malls. Eating outdoors is a way of life in Thailand and the delicious street food is very budget-friendly.

3 days in Bangkok is the perfect amount of time to explore Thailand’s cosmopolitan capital. Whether it’s your first trip to Bangkok or, like me, you’ve visited many times, you’ll enjoy riding in a 3-wheeled tuk-tuk or catching the ferry on the Chao Phraya River and discovering the modern city and its ancient culture.

Read on to find the best things to do and how to get around when you’re in Bangkok for 3 days.

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Getting Around Bangkok

Getting around Bangkok is relatively easy and safe and I found the Google Maps app an incredibly helpful and accurate guide for navigating the Bangkok public transport for catching trains, buses, and ferries on the Chao Phraya River. The satellite tracking shows you exactly where you are and the maps suggest a selection of travel routes.

Bangkok’s MRT underground train network and the above-ground SkyTrain are fast, efficient and easy to navigate when you’re in Bangkok for 3 days. Tuk-tuks, taxis and Grab cars are plentiful and getting around is uncomplicated.

If you’re arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the SkyTrain is a comfortable and reliable way to travel to the city centre or you can queue for a taxi. It takes about an hour or more by car to reach the city centre, depending on the traffic.

From Don Mueang Airport I caught the A1 bus to Chatuchak Park where I was able to access the MRT and Skytrain.

English is widely spoken in Bangkok and the tourist areas of Thailand. It’s easy to ask for directions but with the Google Maps Ap, I hardly needed to.

TIP: To reduce the stress of your arrival in Bangkok and skip the taxi queue, book a transfer from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to your hotel (or from Don Mueang International Airport)

3 Days in Bangkok Itinerary

Day 1

Grand Palace & the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The spectacular Grand Palace is a highlight of visiting Thailand and is at the top of this 3 day Bangkok itinerary because it should not be missed. The sumptuous Grand Palace is used mainly for state occasions rather than as a royal residence but the opulence of this palace is truly breathtaking!

 Within the Palace Grounds, you can also find, the most sacred temple in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew and the Emerald Buddha, a revered statue that has lived in the royal chapel since the 18^th century. The Emerald Buddha watches over Thailand and is a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

The Grand Palace is popular with visitors and gets very crowded so get there early. It’s open daily from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Dress & etiquette for the Grand Palace & visiting Temples

* Make sure you dress respectfully with shoulders and knees covered as the dress code is strictly enforced at the Grand Palace and in the temples of Thailand.

* Many Bangkok Temples charge a 200 Baht entry fee for foreigners

* Remove your shoes before entering a temple in Thailand and never point your feet towards the Buddha as this is considered very disrespectful. Sit with your feet behind you. If you’re unsure, copy what the local people are doing.

Wat Pho

Visiting Wat Pho on Maharat Road is another highlight of this 3 day Bangkok itinerary and it’s just a short walk from the Grand Palace Also known as The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is an important Buddhist shrine and one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. It houses a stunning gold and bronze Buddha that is the largest reclining Buddha in Thailand.

The feet of the Buddha are extraordinary, inlaid with a mother of pearl and intricately carved with sacred Buddhist symbols. In the small temple that houses the Reclining Buddha, you’ll see 108 bronze bowls lining the walls of the small temple. To earn some extra good luck, you can drop a coin into each of the bowls. Special coins are available for purchase at the temple.

Within the huge temple complex, there’s a Thai massage school, a university, and a monastery.

Tips: You’ll need to remove your shoes before entering the temple and you may have to queue to see the stunning reclining Buddha. You must dress respectfully when you visit with your knees and shoulders covered or you may not be allowed inside the temple.

Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha is open daily from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm and traditional Thai massages are available until 6 pm.

Wat Arun

The next stop on this 3 day Bangkok itinerary is the majestic Wat Arun, an 18th-century Buddhist Temple also known as the Temple of the Dawn. Wat Arun rises from the banks of the Chao Phraya River and towers over the surrounding landscape. It’s an important landmark in Bangkok.

Climb the stairs to the lower levels of the Wat for sweeping views of the river and the city. The mosaics that cover Wat Arun glow in the early morning sunlight and this makes it most photogenic at sunrise. Sunset is also a great time to visit.

How to Get there: Wat Arun is just across the river from Wat Pho and you can catch a ferry from Tha Tien Pier. Walk or take a tuk-tuk from the Grand Palace to the Pier.

Wat Arun is open daily from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM and is a highlight of visiting Bangkok

The Golden Mount – Wat Saket

If you’re in Bangkok for 3 days you’ll have time to visit Wat Saket, also known as The Golden Mount, a lovely Buddhist temple built on a raised mound in central Bangkok. 320 stairs wind around the small hill to the top of the temple and the sweeping views over Bangkok from the rooftop make the climb worthwhile.

The Golden Mount is an ancient Royal temple from the Ayutthaya period and it’s a delightful addition to a 3 day Bangkok itinerary.

The best time to visit the Golden Mount is sunrise or sunset. I was there at sunset and enjoyed the lovely city views and changing sky colours from the rooftop.  

Open from 5:00 am – 7:00 pm / Entry fee 100 Baht

How to get there: Wat Saket is a short distance from the Grand Palace. Walk or take a tuk-tuk or a Grab car

Wat Suthat Thepwararam

If you’re in Bangkok for 3 days, you’ll have time to visit Wat Suthat, another ancient and beautiful Buddhist temple in the heart of the city. One of the Royal temples of Bangkok, Wat Suthat is located near the Grand Palace, and the Golden Mount in Bangkok’s Old Town.

Wat Suthat was built by King Rama 1 to house a bronze Buddha statue from Sukhothai and the courtyard that surrounds the main temple is lined with beautiful life-size Buddha statues.

There was a service in progress inside the main prayer hall when I was there and the chanting of the monk could be heard around the temple grounds. The monk, wearing saffron robes was seated in front of a magnificent golden Buddha statue, chanting the Buddhist scriptures. He was reading from a prayer book and was leading the chant. There were many people seated on the floor behind him.

I was able to join the ceremony and the chanting washed over me in this holy place. The atmosphere was beautiful!

Wat Suthat is open daily from 08:30 am – 9:00 pm / Entry fee: 200 Baht

How to get there: Wat Suthat is a short distance from the Grand Palace. Walk or take a tuk-tuk or a Grab car

Asiatique

On a 3 day Bangkok itinerary head to Asiatique for a relaxed meal by the river and beautiful views at sunset. There’s a selection of restaurants right on the riverfront in this upmarket shopping centre and it’s very popular with tourists in Bangkok.

Shopping at Asiatique is rather like shopping at the airport. You’ll find a good selection of quality local crafts & clothing but you probably won’t get a bargain.

How to get there – Take the express boat on the Chao Phraya River or at night take the Sky train to Saphan Taksin and catch a free shuttle ferry to Asiatique from 5 pm – 11 pm.

Note: The regular riverboats stop running at sunset.

Khaosan Road

The famous Khaosan Road is the backpacker hub of Bangkok and it’s a great place to visit with 3 days in Bangkok. There are lots of bars, restaurants, and street stalls to choose from so sit back and watch the chaos or join the party. Khaosan Road never sleeps and the area has a large selection of cheaper accommodations often catering to a younger crowd backpacking in Thailand.

How to get there: Catch a Chao Phraya River Ferry to Phra Arthit, take a tuk-tuk or a Grab car or bus.

Thai Massage

To relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing, add a traditional Thai Massage to your 3 day Bangkok itinerary. In the laneways around Khaosan Road, there are many massage parlours and they are often very inexpensive.

You can also enjoy a traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho or book a treatment at one of Bangkok’s many spas.

Day 2

Jim Thompson’s House

With 3 days in Bangkok, you’ll have time to visit Jim Thompson’s house, one of my favourite museums in Bangkok.

Jim Thompson’s House is a gracious, traditional Thai residence made from Teak wood with a beautiful, lush, green garden. It’s now a museum that displays the extraordinary art and antique collection of Jim Thompson who was an American businessman, architect, and antique collector.  He has a fascinating life story with a sad and mysterious end.  

Jim Thompson established the Thai Silk Company in 1948 and one day he simply disappeared. No one knows for sure what became of him and he was declared dead by a Thai court in 1974.

The Jim Thompson brand is still alive and the onsite shop sells quality silk clothing and accessories. It’s a pleasure to visit and to shop here.  I bought a lovely cushion cover that looks great on my lounge at home and a beautiful padded silk case for my glasses.

Jim Thompson’s House is open daily from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and a guided tour is mandatory. Entry costs 200 Baht for foreigners.

How to get there: I caught a bus from Khaosan Road but you could also catch the BTS Sky train to National Stadium station (Exit no.1) and walk to Kaseman 2.

Alternatively, take a tuk-tuk, a Grab car or a taxi.

TIP: Get out and about early and escape the heat of the day. When the sun gets too intense, visit an air-conditioned shopping mall or head back to your hotel to cool down by the pool and go out again later in the day for dinner and sunset.

The MBK Centre

The MBK Centre is located near Jim Thompson’s house and is the place to go if you enjoy shopping and you’re looking for a bargain. This multi-level shopping mall is a bit like an indoor market with stalls and shops selling all kinds of things.

Look out for fake designer labels, clothing, Jewellery, homewares, and electrical goods and enjoy the restaurants and cafes. I wandered around for a couple of hours and I spent more money here than I expected

Mobile phones, tablets, and computers are good value at the MBK centre and I replaced the battery in my iPhone and bought a fake designer Louis Vuitton phone cover. I recommend stopping by the MBK Centre on this 3 day Bangkok itinerary if you enjoy shopping and you’re looking for cheap souvenirs.

Cash is accepted everywhere here but only some stores accept credit cards. Money exchange booths and ATMs are easy to find at the MBK Centre.

How to get there: I caught a bus from Khaosan Road but you could also catch the BTS Sky train to National Stadium station (Exit no.1) and walk to Kaseman 2.

Alternatively, take a tuk-tuk, a Grab car or a taxi.

Bangkok Art & Culture Centre

Located a short walk from the MBK Centre and Jim Thompson’s house, The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre has some interesting things on offer. The art centre promotes the work of contemporary Thai and international artists and showcases cultural activities, exhibitions, cinema, and performances. Call in for a dose of contemporary culture when you’re nearby and see what’s on when you’re in Bangkok for 3 days.

How to get there: I caught a bus from Khaosan Road but you could also catch the BTS Sky train to National Stadium station (Exit no.1) and walk to Kaseman 2.

Alternatively, take a tuk-tuk, a Grab car or a taxi.

Chinatown

Head to the night market in Chinatown for an authentic Thai food experience. Yaowarat Road after dark has an energetic vibe and is full of street food stalls selling delicious local dishes. This is a really fun addition to a 3 day Bangkok itinerary.

The pavement is often crowded with people and the road is full of traffic so you may have to eat standing up or wait to sit down. Enjoy browsing the many food stalls and try a delicious Thai-Chinese seafood dish and an Asian dessert. Believe it or not, some of these street stalls are famous and are booked out months in advance.

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Rooftop Bar

In the evening, head upwards to a rooftop bar and watch Bangkok light up with a cocktail in your hand. It’s an unforgettable experience when you’re in Bangkok for 3 days. Get there early and take advantage of “happy hour” specials or better still, book a room at the hotel beneath the bar to make getting home easy at the end of the night.

There are many rooftop bars to choose from and these are just a few:

The Octave Rooftop Bar is one of Bangkok’s most popular night spots with a restaurant. Located on the 45th floor of the Marriot Hotel Sukhumvit (Thong Lor Skytrain Station)

Red Square Rooftop Bar and Restaurant is located on top of the new Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 4

The Legend Rooftop Bar is situated in the north part of Bangkok in the Lad Phrao area, on top of Pisawit Tower. 

The Sky View 360° Restaurant & Bar is located on the top floor of the Grand China Hotel Chinatown

TIP: If you enjoy an energetic nightlife head to Phuket or Phi Phi Island for famous beach parties and nightclubs.

Skywalk

The Bangkok Skywalk is for those who enjoy panoramic views. Bangkok’s highest outdoor observation deck towers 314 metres above the city. Adrenalin junkies can walk over a glass floor and enjoy the view from the 74^th floor.

To get there: Catch a train to Sathorn Station or take the metro Silom line to Chong Nonsi Station

Lumpini Park

Lumpini Park is a lovely green space to explore in central Bangkok. Escape from the heat and enjoy peaceful, leafy surroundings with outdoor activities and a large lake. Lumpini Park is located in the Sathorn area and is FREE to visit.

To get there: Catch the MRT to Silom Station, or the Skytrain to Sala Daen Station and walk to Lumpini Park. Alternatively take a tuk-tuk, taxi or a Grab car.

Day 3

Bangkok National Museum

Located in the heart of Bangkok, the National Museum is a collection of impressive buildings that were once used as a royal residence. The halls now house a collection of treasures, ancient artifacts and antiques.

In the exhibition halls, you’ll see many beautiful Buddha Sculptures from the Ayutthaya and Sukhothai periods, and a glittering collection of royal jewels, crowns and thrones. There are traditional musical instruments, ceramics, clothing and textiles. There’s even a miniature doll house and a pair of royal shoes.

Open 09:00 – 4:00 pm Wednesday to Sunday (closed Monday & Tuesday) / Entry: 200 Baht

How to get there: The Bangkok National Museum is located in Central Bangkok near the Grand Palace and is an easy walk from Khaosan Road. Buses stop directly outside the museum or you can take a riverboat to Maharaj Pier, a tuk-tuk, a taxi or a Grab car.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

One of the busiest and most famous markets in Bangkok, the Chatuchak weekend market is the place to shop in Bangkok. If you have to choose where to shop for cheap souvenirs when you’re in Bangkok for 3 days, this is the place.

The market has more than 15,000 stalls selling almost anything you can think of from clothing, jewellery, souvenirs, pets, exotic snakes, lizards, tropical fish, homewares, flowers and birdcages.

In the centre of the market, there’s a large air-conditioned building with bargain clothing, toiletries and accessories for sale. There’s also a wide selection of street food stalls selling all kinds of food from satay skewers, fried rice, spring rolls and fruit smoothies (The coconut smoothies are my favourite)

TIP: Expect to get lost in the maze of stalls and if you see something you like buy it! I didn’t buy a shirt that I liked and regretted it. Although I searched high and low, I couldn’t find the stall again.

The Chatuchak Weekend Market is huge and covers a large area bordered by Chatuchak Park and Kamphaeng Phet and it’s easy to reach by train MRT, BTS bus, tuk-tuk or taxi.

Open 9:00 – 6:00 PM Saturday & Sunday

MOCA – Museum of Contemporary Art

Near the Chatuchak market, the Bangkok Museum of Contemporary Art will delight modern art lovers with its fine collection of Thai art and sculpture. Spending an hour or two browsing this fascinating collection of artworks is a worthwhile addition to a 3 day itinerary in Bangkok.

The Bangkok Museum of Contemporary Art is located in Chatuchak on Kamphaeng Phet Road

To get there: Catch the Skytrain or MRT to Mochit station or Chatuchak Park and a tuk-tuk or Grab car from there.

Thai Cooking Class

Add a Thai cooking class and market tour to your 3 days in Bangkok itinerary. This is lots of fun because you go to the market to buy your fresh ingredients. Then you’ll learn to cook some delicious Thai food and eat what you’ve just made.

Shopping & Markets in Bangkok

Bangkok has some amazing shopping malls for bargain hunters. Try the MBK Centre, The Emporium, or Central World for bargain shopping. And In the heart of Bangkok, the Terminal 21 shopping Mall offers quirky, stores, fashion, and great food in an innovative themed environment.

But my favourite place to shop in Bangkok is at the markets and I found it hard to resist bargaining for souvenirs and gifts to bring home. There are markets all over Bangkok but the best markets only operate on weekends.

Bangkok Markets

The Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest and most interesting market in Bangkok. There are over 15,000 stalls and it’s a great place to buy souvenirs.

Located just 12 kilometres from central Bangkok is the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market. A highlight of this weekend market is the street food stalls and the fresh produce sold from boats on the Khlong (canal).

After you’ve tried some delicious Thai seafood you can relax with a cocktail or hire a longtail boat to take you along the canal to Tailing Chan Floating Market, visit a temple or two or try some “fish spa therapy” and let the fish nibble your toes. At this authentic Thai market, you’ll find delicious local food, clothes, handicrafts, and antiques.

TIP: If you love the colourful markets in Bangkok, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong train market day trip is a fun addition to this 3 day Bangkok itinerary. I booked this day tour because it takes around 2.5 hours to get to the Maeklong Market by train and it was a good way to see both these popular markets in one day. These markets are quite touristy but are worth seeing and I enjoyed the day.

At the Maeklong Market, you’ll shop at the stalls beside the train track and watch the market stalls pack up to let the train through.

At the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, you’ll see the market in a longtail boat and shop from the floating shops and stalls beside the canal. Bargain hard if you shop here as this market is very popular with tourists and prices are often inflated.

TIP: April in Thailand is uncomfortably hot and the rainy season falls from May to October. If you want to travel at this time, why not consider visiting Bali instead? May to October is the best time of year for Bali. Learn more about Bali vs Thailand and how these popular Southeast Asian destinations compare.

Where to Stay for 3 days in Bangkok

Bangkok is a huge sprawling city and deciding where to stay for 3 days in Bangkok really depends on your budget. Here are some of my suggestions:

Riverside

I always enjoy staying by the river when I visit Bangkok and love travelling on the river ferries Here are some hotels that I can recommend:

Upper Mid-Range: The Royal River Hotel is a huge older hotel with a riverside location and fabulous water views. My room was comfortable and very spacious with a large balcony overlooking the river. The hotel is a little worn and the pool is small, but the location is excellent with a ferry stop nearby and easy access to the city centre and the main sights. 

Mid-Range: I chose to stay at the Tongtara Riverview Hotel because of its location near Asiatique for riverside dining and shopping. My room had a fabulous view of the city and was a 10-minute walk from the river and the express boat to the main sights so I could avoid the city traffic. This hotel is around half an hour by ferry to the city centre, it has a nice pool but it’s not close to the airport or to the BTS Skytrain.

Asiatique was a bit overpriced and touristy for me and I will probably explore other options next time I visit.

Luxury: The Chatrium Hotel Riverside is another luxury hotel near the city centre that gets outstanding reviews for its stunning riverside location & views.

Khaosan Road

If you’re looking for cheap accommodation in a central location then staying near Khaosan Road is a good choice. There’s younger energy and plenty of action here but it’s possibly a bit noisy. If you’re a backpacker on a budget and you want to party, head to Khaosan Road.

Budget: Samsen Sam Place gets excellent reviews. It’s a quaint wooden Thai home in a quiet street 10 minutes from Khaosan Road and a half-hour walk from the main sights.

Budget: The New Siam ll Guesthouse has everything you need but I was disappointed with the room which was small, basic and rundown. But there’s a nice pool and the location is excellent near Khaosan Road, within walking distance of the Royal Palace and close to buses and river ferries. If you’re on a budget it’s a good choice.

But next time I’ll consider staying next door at the more expensive Chillax Heritage Hotel.

Chinatown

If you enjoy street food & an energetic vibe then Chinatown is a great central location for your stay in Bangkok.

 Mid-Range: The Hotel Royal is located in the heart of bustling Chinatown & has a rooftop pool with breathtaking views. You can walk to the river ferry or take a tuk-tuk to the Grand Palace or a free shuttle boat to icon Siam the newest shopping mall

The Grand China Hotel Chinatown has a 360° bar & restaurant and gets fabulous reviews for its excellent location just a short walk from the Chao Phraya River.

Chatuchak

Mid-Range: The Boutique Poo Yai Lee Hotel is a good choice in Chatuchak near the weekend market. This comfortable hotel has easy access to Don Mueang airport via the A1 bus and is also just a few kilometres from the train to Ayutthaya & the new Krung Thepp Aphiwat station. I enjoyed staying here and loved the spacious room.

City Centre

Luxury: A popular five-star option located in Siam in the city centre is the Hansar Bangkok Hotel. It gets great reviews for its location and service.

Solo Travel in Bangkok

As a solo female traveller, I’ve visited Thailand many times and, in my experience, Bangkok is a safe city to visit. But having said that, nowhere is entirely safe and Bangkok has a seedy side so it’s always best for women travelling alone. to follow the usual safety precautions and to be especially careful at night.

I’ve always enjoyed travelling solo in Bangkok. But if you feel a bit nervous these 30 tips for women travelling alone will help you to have a fun and successful solo trip to Bangkok.

Download your FREE Bangkok Pocket Guide

More things to do in Bangkok

Here are some more fun activities you can include if you’re in Bangkok for 3 days:

Muay Thai Kick Boxing is a traditional Martial art in Thailand. Spend an evening watching a fight but be warned, it can be bloody.

Take a Day Trip to Ayutthaya and visit the beautiful ruins of the ancient Siamese capital. Ayutthaya flourished from the 14th to the 18th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

To get to Ayutthaya you can catch a train from Bangkok’s Krung Thepp Aphiwat station and it takes at least an hour to get there once you leave Bangkok. Consider booking a day tour to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, because you’ll be pushed for time or learn more about travelling independently to Ayutthaya from Bangkok.

Dusit Palace & Vimanmek Mansion  (closed for restoration)

In the past, I’ve enjoyed visiting the Dusit Palace and the Vimanmek Mansion but on my last visit to Bangkok I was disappointed to find the palace was closed.

Dusit Palace is the current home of the Thai Royal family and the political centre of Thailand. It’s a complex of impressive buildings set amidst acres of leafy green gardens. Many of the buildings were open to visitors including the stunning Vimanmek Royal Teak mansion with its Grand staircases and intricate lattice walls. Also within the Palace grounds are two stately throne halls and many museums.

Stopover in Bangkok

Bangkok is ideal for a stopover on the way to other places in Asia and Europe and it’s a fabulous travel destination. A 30-day visa on arrival is available without charge to visitors from 19 countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many European countries. This makes Bangkok a great option for a short trip but there’s plenty to keep you interested if you can stay longer.

Find the Best things to do on a 3-week Thailand Itinerary.

Travel Essentials

• Flights, buses, trains and ferries in Thailand can be booked online with 12Go Asia

• A Travel Guide for Thailand is always great to help you plan your trip and it always comes in handy when you’re away. I rarely travel without a trusted Lonely Planet Guide.

• Travel Insurance is essential for any overseas trip. I use Travel Insurance that covers me for overseas medical, lost baggage, and other expenses and I can concentrate on enjoying my trip without worrying about something going wrong.

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