Bangkok in 3 days: a day-by-day itinerary

Three days show you both sides of Bangkok: one day for the temples and palaces by the river, one for the markets and modern Bangkok, and a third for the canals and the Khao San area. It's hot: start early and spend the middle of the day somewhere air-conditioned.

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Day 1. Temples by the river

  1. Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

    The former royal palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It opens in the morning and closes mid-afternoon. Shoulders and legs must be covered.

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  2. Wat Pho

    The huge 46-metre reclining Buddha. It's also home to Thailand's best-known Thai massage school.

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  3. Wat Arun

    Cross the river on the ferry from Tha Tien. Its porcelain-covered tower is beautiful at sunset.

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  4. Chinatown (Yaowarat)

    At night, Yaowarat Road fills with street food stalls. Perfect for dinner.

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💡 If someone in the street says the Grand Palace is closed and offers you a tuk-tuk, it's a well-known scam: walk straight to the entrance.

Day 2. Markets and modern Bangkok

  1. Chatuchak & Or Tor Kor Market

    The world's largest weekend market, Saturdays and Sundays only. On weekdays, Or Tor Kor market next door opens daily and is great for fruit.

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  2. Jim Thompson House

    Traditional teak houses and the story of the American who revived Thai silk. Visits are guided.

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  3. Lumphini Park

    The green heart of downtown, with lakes and big monitor lizards sunning themselves.

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  4. Silom

    Finish at one of Silom's rooftop bars to see the city lit up.

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Day 3. Canals and Khao San

  1. Thonburi canals

    Take a long-tail boat through the canals (khlongs) of Thonburi, with stilt houses and hidden temples.

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  2. Wat Saket (Golden Mount)

    Climb the 300 steps of the Golden Mount for 360-degree views over the old city.

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  3. Khao San Road

    Asia's most famous backpacker street, with a night market, massages and a lively late-night scene.

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Practical tips

  • Get around with the BTS Skytrain, the MRT metro and the Chao Phraya river boats. For taxis, use the Grab app.
  • Temples require covered shoulders and knees, and you take your shoes off to enter the halls.
  • Don't drink tap water and always carry bottled water: heat and humidity are intense all year.
  • Be wary of tuk-tuks offering very cheap tours: they usually end at jewellery or tailor shops.

Frequently asked questions

Are 3 days enough for Bangkok?

Yes for the essentials: the great temples, Chinatown, the markets and the canals. With more days, visit Ayutthaya or a floating market such as Damnoen Saduak.

What should I wear to visit the temples?

Covered shoulders and knees: no tank tops or shorts. The Grand Palace is especially strict.

How do I get around Bangkok?

The BTS and MRT avoid traffic jams; river boats are the fastest way to the temples. For taxis, Grab gives a fixed price.

Make it yours

Plannit builds an itinerary around your interests and dates, with a map, photos and transport between stops.

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Opening hours and rules can change: check the official websites before you go.