Bangkok 5 Day Itinerary

Bangkok 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

  • Morning: Start your day at the iconic Grand Palace, a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, serving as the royal residence from 1782 to 1925.
  • Afternoon: Visit Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which houses the highly revered emerald statue of Buddha.
  • Evening: Experience a traditional Thai massage at Traditional Massage Green Zone or explore the lively streets of Khao San Road for shopping and dining.
  • Stay: Budget travelers might want to consider Khaosan World Hostel, while luxury seekers should check out The Siam Hotel.

Day 2: Discover Wat Arun & Wat Pho

  • Morning: Travel to the west bank of Chao Phraya River and visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Climb its towering prang for a panoramic view of Bangkok.
  • Afternoon: Head over to Wat Pho, home to the Reclining Buddha statue, as well as traditional Thai massage school.
  • Evening: Explore Bang Rak and Silom neighborhoods, known for their vibrant nightlife and street food markets. Don’t miss Jay Fai for some world-famous crab dishes!

Day 3: Experience Chatuchak Weekend Market & Bangkok’s Street Art

  • Daytime (Weekends only): Visit the colossal Chatuchak Weekend Market, offering a variety of goods, from clothing and antiques to food and art.
  • Afternoon: Uncover Bangkok’s hidden street art scene by taking a tour or self-guided exploration around the YAAN Gallery and Ratchawat Bridge areas.
  • Evening: Dine at Bo.Lan for modern Thai cuisine or try out some local eats in the Talad Neon district, which comes alive after dark.

Day 4: Journey to Ayutthaya & Floating Market

  • Daytime: Take a day trip to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam (Thailand), to explore its historical temples and ruins. Combine this with a visit to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
  • Evening: Head back to Bangkok and enjoy dinner at Lebua at State Tower or Moon Bar, known for their stunning city views.

Day 5: Relax & Shop at Siam Paragon, CentralWorld & Asiatique The Riverfront

  • Daytime: Spend your last day shopping in some of Bangkok’s most popular malls such as Siam Paragon, CentralWorld and Asiatique The Riverfront. Don’t forget to grab a bite at Gourmet Market at CentralWorld.
  • Evening: Take one final stroll along the Chao Phraya River or visit the vibrant Patpong Night Market before preparing for your departure.

Things to Know:

  • Taxis, tuk-tuks, and Grab (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) are popular ways to get around Bangkok, but be sure to negotiate the fare with drivers before hopping in.
  • Respect Thai customs and dress appropriately when visiting temples and religious sites (cover shoulders and knees).
  • Stay hydrated and use ample sunscreen, as temperatures can soar during the day.
  • Always carry small bills for transactions, as vendors may not have change for larger denominations.

Transportation:

  • BTS Skytrain and MRT subway system cover much of central Bangkok, making commuting a breeze.
  • Boats are also an enjoyable way to travel along the Chao Phraya River. The Chao Phraya Express Boat service connects many popular tourist destinations.

Tips & Additional Info:

  • Haggle with street vendors for the best prices on souvenirs and trinkets.
  • Try out local street food, but be cautious about where you eat it (avoid questionable hygiene).
  • Explore lesser-known neighborhoods like Yaowarat (Chinatown), Thong Lor, and Ekkamai for unique dining experiences and nightlife.
  • Consider getting a local SIM card with data to help navigate the city more easily.