Thailand 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Thailand

Day 1: Bangkok - The Heart of Thailand

Places to Go

  1. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: Start your day with a visit to the Grand Palace, an iconic landmark in Bangkok. Inside you’ll find Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the Emerald Buddha.

  2. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): Next, head over to Wat Arun, one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand, thanks to its distinctive spire and riverside location.

  3. Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha Temple): End your religious sightseeing with a visit to Wat Pho, home to the massive Reclining Buddha. Don’t forget to get a traditional Thai massage here!

  4. Chinatown: Explore Bangkok’s Chinatown in the afternoon. Enjoy street food, shop for souvenirs, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.

Activities

  1. Boat Tour in Canals (Klongs): Experience the “Venice of the East” by taking a boat tour through Bangkok’s canals.

  2. Visit Floating Markets: If you can’t make it to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market early in the morning, you can still visit the smaller and less touristy Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market instead.

Things to Know

  • Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country. Dress modestly when visiting temples, with shoulders covered and no shorts or short skirts.
  • Bargain in markets but be reasonable.
  • Always ask for permission before taking photos of people.

Transportation

  • Bangkok’s public transportation system is efficient and affordable. Use the BTS Skytrain or MRT subway to navigate the city.
  • Tuk-tuks and taxis are also available but can be more expensive.

Visa Requirements

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Thailand. However, for short stays of up to 30 days, a Visa on Arrival or an eVisa can be obtained online or upon arrival at the airport. Check your specific requirements before traveling.

Day 2: Ayutthaya - Ancient City

Places to Go

  1. Historical Park: Explore the ruins of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam from the 14th to 18th centuries.

  2. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon and Wat Maha That: These two temples are among the most important in Ayutthaya and offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history.

Activities

  1. Bike Tour: The best way to explore Ayutthaya is by bike, as many of the sites are spread out over a large area.

  2. Elephant Sanctuary: Spend your afternoon at an elephant sanctuary, where you can learn about these magnificent creatures and help with their care.

Things to Know

  • Ayutthaya is hot during the day, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
  • Watch out for monkeys in the temples. They can be aggressive if they sense fear.

Transportation

  • Take a train or bus from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. The trip takes about 1.5 hours by either mode of transport.

Day 3: Chiang Mai - Cultural Hub

Places to Go

  1. Doi Suthep: Start your day with a visit to Doi Suthep, a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai. At the top, you’ll find Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, an important Buddhist temple.

  2. Old City: Spend the rest of the day exploring Chiang Mai’s Old City. Visit temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, and explore the city’s vibrant night market.

Activities

  1. Thai Cooking Class: Learn to cook authentic Thai dishes in a cooking class.

  2. Elephant Nature Park: Visit the Elephant Nature Park to learn about and interact with rescued elephants.

Things to Know

  • Chiang Mai is located in the north of Thailand, so it can get quite cool in the evenings. Pack layers!
  • The Old City is walkable but also easily explored by tuk-tuk or songthaew (red truck taxis).

Transportation

  • Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The flight takes about 1 hour.

Visa Requirements

Refer back to Day 1 for visa requirements.