3 days in Bangkok
Golden temples, river ferries and the greatest street food city in the world. A 3-day plan.
Bangkok is loud, hot and irresistible. Glittering temples sit along the Chao Phraya river, and every street corner seems to have a cook who has perfected one dish over decades.
Day by day
Day 1: Temples of the old city
See the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, get a massage at Wat Pho and cross the river to Wat Arun at sunset.
Day 2: Canals and Chinatown
Explore the Thonburi canals by long-tail boat, visit Jim Thompson House and eat your way along Yaowarat at night.
Day 3: Markets or Ayutthaya
Shop Chatuchak on a weekend, or take a day trip to Ayutthaya, then finish at a rooftop bar.
Make it work
- Best months: Nov–Feb. See the season calendar.
- Book ahead: the most popular sights and restaurants, especially in peak season.
- Where to eat along the way: Jay Fai, Thipsamai, Sorn.
- Getting around: The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway beat traffic.
Short on time, or staying longer?
With less time, keep the first days and skip the day trip. With more, add a slower day for a neighbourhood from our best areas to stay, or choose more from the full list of things to do.
Opening days and times change, and some sights close one day a week. Check before you go. Last reviewed October 2026.