3 Days in Bangkok
Explore the cosmopolitan capital of Thailand in the vibrant city of Bangkok. In this 3-day guide to Bangkok, I’ll cover everything you need to know to plan a perfect trip based on my experience.
Let’s get started!
Bangkok Basic Information
Bangkok is the primary international hub in Thailand, so most visitors start their trip to Thailand in the capital city. A few key things to know before visiting are:
Cash is king in Thailand. While some places will accept credit cards, many smaller vendors will only accept cash. The currency is the Thailand Baht (pronounced “bot”).
Most bathrooms don’t cater to Western visitors and will have a hose or a bucket rather than toilet paper. Plan ahead and pack some travel toilet paper wipes.
Be prepared when visiting temples. Shoulders and knees must be covered and shoes must be removed to enter. Some also require a face mask to enter.
Thailand uses type A, B, and C plug types. While some places will use US outlets, come prepared with a universal travel adapter that converts to European plugs.
The Perfect Three Day Itinerary
Day One: Explore to City
If you’re arriving by plane your first day, you’re likely arriving at Suvarnabhumi airport. To get into the city it’s easiest to pre-arrange transport or take a taxi. After dropping off your bags you have some time to explore the city.
A great way to relax after your flight is to get a traditional Thai massage. There are numerous places you can get a massage and most allow walk-ins. We went to Serene Massage which was near the hotel and we had no wait. For an hour-long massage, it only cost about $8 USD. At that price we could do that every day!
You can also walk around the Chao Phraya River, visit a floating market, or explore the shopping malls.
To finish off the day, have an evening of gastronomic discovery and taste all the local Thai cuisine. Explore the local street food and restaurants by taking a guided tour by tuk tuk.
Day Two: Embrace Culture
Today see the top cultural sites of Bangkok including the Grand Place, Emerald Buddha, reclining Buddha, and more! You can take public transport today to see all the top sites, or take a private or group tour.
Grand Palace
Start off the day by visiting the Grand Palace before the crowds get busy. To get to the Grand Palace, you can take the river ferry or the sky train. Spend a few hours exploring the huge palace and see the Emerald Buddha. It costs 500 Baht to visit the palace or roughly $15 USD per person.
Wat Pho Temple
Next, walk or take a tuk tuk to the Wat Pho temple. The entrance fee is 200 Baht or roughly $5 USD and is home to the famous gold-plated reclining Buddha sculpture. The Buddha is 151 feet long, with toes larger than your head, making it the largest reclining Buddha statue in Thailand!
Long Tail Boat Tour
Finish the day by taking a leisurely long tail boat through the canals of Bangkok. We got a whole boat to ourselves and got to explore the residential areas of Bangkok in addition to exploring the Chao Phraya River.
Day Three: Ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya
Today, explore beyond the city limits of Bangkok to the ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya. It will take about an hour to get here, so I’d recommend hiring a driver for the day or organizing a private or group tour. Spend the day exploring these temples which were built in the 12th century.
Walk around the ruins of the temples or take a tuk tuk to explore the area. Make sure to see where a Banyan tree has trapped the face of the Buddha in its roots as well as see the reclining Buddha.
Where to Stay
During our visit in 2022, we stayed at the Shangri-La Bangkok, which is situated right along the Chao Phraya River. We had a room with a balcony overlooking the river with amazing views.
The included breakfast was offered with both indoor and outdoor dining right next to the river so you could take in the sights while waking up with your coffee. The buffet was one of the largest I have seen and had almost anything you could ever want.
The hotel also has a large pool, several restaurants, and a spa. However, if you'‘re looking for a massage, take a short walk to a nearby location for unbeatable prices.
What to Pack
Bring some Thai Baht to pay local vendors since not all places accept credit cards.
Pack a universal power adapter so all your electronics remain charged.
Sunscreen is a must as you’ll spend a lot of time outside.
Pack pants or long skirts as knees must be covered to enter the temples.
Also, back a shawl as shoulders also must be covered to enter the temples.
Always bring a water bottle so you stay hydrated.
Take a camera so you can capture every moment!
