Day 1 – The Unusual Bangkok
Your first day in Bangkok will be different from what the guidebooks tell you. Come along with us as we explore the unseen and lesser-known corners of this city! Follow this three-day guide for the ultimate trip to Bangkok.
1. Co van Kessel, Biking around Bangkok
One of our favorite things to do in Bangkok is to explore the city by bicycle. For such a big city, we were shocked that this was an option, but it’s the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere!
Discover the small back alleys, outskirts, markets, Chinatown, temples, and canals on a 3-hour bike tour. You won’t be on the bike all the time; halfway, you will take your bike on a boat tour through the famous canals of Bangkok and have a mouth-watering lunch at a local restaurant.
Book this online or read more about the Co van Kessel Bike Tour
2. Explore the Canals by Long-Tail Boat
Bangkok has a huge network of canals, known as the ‘Venice of the East’, that connect through the city. Along these water channels, you’ll see many Thai people still living in traditional wooden houses.
One of the main areas to see this more traditional side of city life is Thonburi. This neighborhood is super picturesque and less touristy, and we found it one of the best spots to get a long-tail boat tour through its canals.
3. Visit the Hipster Markets
In our opinion, Bangkok is the king of markets! While walking or driving around the city, look for small side streets where you’ll suddenly find a full market bustling with people. The markets in Bangkok come in all flavors and sizes.
Whether you choose a small local vegetable market or a huge, 2000+ stall market with trendy clothing, souvenirs, and food, these are some of the best spots to soak up the vibe of Bangkok. Best of all, when you visit a good market, you’ll find most shoppers are local people, giving you a great insight into daily life here.
Tip: Bargaining is common in Thailand. Always be respectful and fair, but aim to pay 40% of the original price.
Train Night Market Srinagarindra
If you ask us, this is the best market in Bangkok! Located a little further away from the center, the majority of people shopping here are locals, and the atmosphere is buzzing. Everything you can think of is being sold here, from vintage clothing to incredible street food, cocktail bars, and antiques.
Note: It’s no secret that Hannah loves vintage shopping and this was one of her favorite places to shop in Thailand for vintage gems! Everything is very well categorized, so you’ll find all the vintage vendors at the back of the market, next to the old warehouses.
You can even get your hair cut here, admire antique cars on display, or listen to live music. It’s such a fun place to hang out for the evening!
Most Authentic: Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market
Another beautiful market to visit is Pak Khlong Talat, Bangkok’s famous flower market! As expected, this market is blooming with color, showcasing rows and rows of fragrant floral displays. If you continue exploring, you’ll also find a great food market selling fresh fruit and vegetables. It really is an explosion of color and smells!
The flower market is particularly special as it holds significant spiritual and cultural value for locals. In fact, this is where residents purchase their flowers to take to the temple for prayer. Because of this, always be mindful not to walk in front of people while they’re shopping, and don’t touch or smell the flowers until after you’ve purchased them.
Tip: The Flower Market is located near Chinatown, one of our favorite districts to stay in the city.
4. Get Yourself a Smoothie!
Fresh fruit smoothies are a big deal everywhere in Thailand. They are delicious, come in all kinds of fruit flavors, and are so affordable! Every market offers fresh fruit smoothies, but be warned: Most of the stalls add sugar water to make them taste even better.
Top Tip: I always ask for ‘no sugar’ to make the smoothie a healthier option! :)
Get from Bangkok to your next destination: Find transport tickets
5. Eat like a Local
Thai food has got to be some of the best in the world! You’ll find plenty of choice in Bangkok to sample all your favorite dishes, from delicious curries and Pad Thais (one of our weaknesses) to spicy green mango salad and chicken cashew. We found the absolute best food in the local markets and at small food shops on the side of the road. Even the most unassuming-looking cafes often have the most bold and delicious dishes.
Good to know: Buying fruits that are already cut is not recommended.
Depending on the area’s popularity, meal prices change quickly. Expect to pay 40 – 120 THB ($2) for a meal and 250 THB for a whole barbeque grilled fish.
Get your next delicious meal and smoothie at the best market in Bangkok.
Day 2 – Temples of Bangkok
The usual things to do in Bangkok are to visit the floating market and Chatuchak Market. These are great, but we are focused on avoiding mass tourism and experiencing the city’s beauty.
Also read: Best things to do in Phuket
6. The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is definitely the highlight of Bangkok and has been the residence of the Kings and Queens of Thailand for hundreds of years! This huge complex (spanning 218,000 square meters) is home to stunning buildings in different colors, vibrant tilework, luxurious mirrors, and gold leafing. Around every corner, you’ll see a new design style; it’s absolutely breathtaking!
Tip: As it’s so close to Wat Pho and Chinatown you can combine visits to all within a day.
Tickets and Opening Times
The palace opens at 8:30 AM, and we recommend being there 10 minutes before buying your tickets (you can buy tickets in advance online, but it doesn’t speed up your queue time).
We personally really enjoyed doing a tour, which we booked beforehand, so we could get the best explanations about the buildings and the incredible history. It also means you skip the line!
Important note: If you’re traveling to the Grand Palace by taxi or tuk-tuk, cab drivers may intentionally take you to a closed gate. They will try to tell you the palace is closed for a ‘royal event’. They’ll then offer you a ride to other temples but, instead, take you to a jewel shop to pressure you into buying items.
7. Wat Benchamabophit
Wake up early for an absolutely magical sunrise at Wat Benchamabophit. Italian Marble gives the temple a unique look, and it is our favorite temple in Bangkok! It is just outside of Bangkok’s old town, and because it isn’t well known (yet), you will likely be one of the few there.
Also read: Best Places to Visit in Thailand
The temple opens at 6 AM, and a 50 THB (1.5 USD) donation is required to enter. After 8:30 AM, the first small groups of tourists can be expected.
Tip: ‘Wat’ means temple in the Thai language
8. Tuk-Tuk through the City
There’s nothing more exhilarating than a tuk-tuk ride through the city — it’s one of the top things to do in Bangkok. They take you from A to B within minutes, dodging through traffic. The first time we witnessed these driving skills, we were speechless (!).
Get from Bangkok to your next destination: Find transport tickets
Jump in the tuk tuk from Wat Benchamabophit and ask him to drop you at the ferry point to Wat Arun. It takes about 20 minutes, and you should aim for a price between 100 and 200 THB. To avoid any disappointment, always agree on a price beforehand!
9. Wat Arun
With a height of over 75 meters, Wat Arun is easy to spot from the opposite side of the river. After being renovated in late 2017, it became an icon of the city and one of the most impressive temples in Bangkok.
One of the most beautiful moments of our trip to Bangkok was climbing to the top of Wat Arun for a stunning panoramic view of the river and the city.
To visit Wat Arun, take the boat from the ferry point, which costs 4 THB, to the other side of the river. It is a 3-minute walk from there to the entrance, where you’ll pay a 200 THB entrance fee.
Good to know: At all temples, it is required to cover up over shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
You can also visit Wat Arun on a private tour of Bangkok (you’ll learn so much about the local people and Thai culture!). See tickets and availability here.
Dinner Overlooking Wat Arun
For one of the most magical sunset experiences, take the ferry back to the other side of the river and reserve a table at one of the waterside restaurants. There are plenty to choose from, all with direct views of the beautiful Wat Arun, which looks even more spectacular in the soft pink and orange colors of the sunset.
After dark, it becomes even more magical when the temple is illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. Some great options to watch the evening spectacle are:
Find all locations in our Google MapsFind in our Google Maps
10. Khao San Road and Soi Rambuttri
You’ve probably already heard of Khao San Road, one of the most famous streets in Asia for backpackers! It’s also one of the most popular areas to stay in Bangkok, so you’ll find many accommodation options catering to all different budgets and needs. (See all hotels here)
The long street is an absolute haven for those traveling on a budget, as it has many small bars, food stalls, souvenirs, and cheap buckets of alcohol. You’ll even find local vendors selling fried scorpions!
Walk through this street and be amazed by what is going on here. It’s an absolute must-see and a top thing to do in Bangkok.
Day 3 – The top of Bangkok
Bangkok is all about ‘the bigger, the better’, and the city is always developing! Every new month, a skyscraper opens, including a pool, gym, supermarket, parking garage, and sometimes a rooftop. Your last day is a taste of Bangkok’s high-end life.
11. Wat Pho
Start the day at 08:00 AM at Bangkok’s most popular temple, Wat Pho. Not only is it the oldest temple in Bangkok, but it’s famous for its jaw-dropping 46-meter-long reclining Buddha. This incredible golden statue is so big that it’s hard to understand how it was constructed and, even more, how locals fit it in the temple!
It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot in the busy city to reflect; we recommend visiting early to enjoy the temple without crowds.
To enter Wat Pho, you pay 300 THB (8.50 USD). Alternatively, you can book a guided tour that will give you some local insight into the temple and the city.
Book your private tour to Wat Pho here (includes stops at other top things to do in Bangkok!)
12. Best Shopping Malls in Bangkok
Bangkok is a tropical city with high temperatures and levels of humidity. We found the best way to escape the heat of the city was to go shopping in some of the supermalls (much to Hannah’s delight!). There are at least ten malls, all located next to the BTS, which makes it super easy to get there.
Our two favorite malls are Terminal 21 for shopping clothing and CentralWorld also for clothing and electronics.
Loads of well-known stores are located here, such as H&M, Zara, Brandy Melville, creative Japanese, and big electronic shops. The top floors of the malls also have a large cinema and food area if you’re looking for a break from sightseeing for the afternoon.
13. Coffee and Food!
If you’ve been traveling in Asia for a while, you may want to try some different food than the traditional Thai dishes. Or you may just want to get your coffee fix! The good news is that Bangkok offers many Western-style restaurants in addition to your Thai favorites. Obviously, prices are higher, but some places are worth the experience.
Tip: Prefer local food? Read number 5 of our ‘things to do in Bangkok’ list.
Patom
In the creative district of Thong Lo, there is a wood and glass zen hideaway in the middle of the big city called Patom Organic Living. The owners sell organic products, cakes, and fantastic coffee and want to raise ecological awareness. You can find out more about their sustainable efforts here.
iO Italian Osteria
Inside the CentralWorld mall is an Italian restaurant, which is, without a doubt, the best one in the entire city. Most products are imported from Italy, and even some of the staff are Italian. After a long time on the road, we definitely got our pizza fix here! Reserve your table here.
(Not Just) Another Cup or Brekkie
For a good Western breakfast or lunch, head over to Brekkie Organic Cafe or (Not Just) Another Cup. These are two eye-pleasing cafes with delicious food and coffee.
14. Sunset at Skybar Rooftop Bar – Must do in Bangkok!
There is no better way to end your time in Bangkok than by watching the sunset from a rooftop. At 48 stories up in the sky, you can have a 360-degree view over the whole city.
Tip: As these sky bars are a bit more luxurious, some of them have a dress code, so be sure to check this in advance.
Octave is a bar outside the tourist area with a great view and near the Thong Lo BTS stop. Happy Hour runs from 5-7 PM; expect to pay around 400 THB on average for a drink. Although this is on the pricier side for Bangkok, you’re paying for the spectacular views, ambiance, and DJ —well worth it, in our opinion!
The dress code is smart casual, which usually means wearing actual shoes (smart trainers are okay). Reserve your entry in advance here.
Good to know: Take your ID or a photo of it with you.
How to Get Around Bangkok
Bangkok offers loads of options for traveling around the city: Grab, Gojek motorbikes, Metro, BTS (Skytrain), Taxis, Tuk-Tuks, and local buses. All the neighborhoods are really well connected, making it super easy to visit all the best things to do in Bangkok!
Get from Bangkok to your next destination: Find transport tickets
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Suvarnabhumi is connected to a BTS. Getting to Bangkok city from here is an easy 30-minute ride and only costs 15 – 45 THB (1 USD).
By Taxi
We recommend using a Grab taxi from the airport. First, download the app and choose your departing location and destination. Your taxi will usually arrive fairly quickly.
You’ll be given the option to take the highway (which is a good idea because it saves a lot of time). However, be aware that this will add a 75 THB toll, which the driver will ask you to pay. This is completely normal.
Alternatively, you can take a standard city Taxi, which is also very convenient from this airport. These taxis have regulated number systems, which means fair prices. Expect to pay ~400 THB (plus highway toll).
By Car
Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive through Thailand. If you’re only visiting Bangkok, this might not be necessary. However, it’s becoming a more popular option for people following a Thailand itinerary.
We recommend to rent a car in Thailand through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Don Mueang
You can travel from Don Mueang Airport into the city using the MRT Red Line train. It takes you into the main travel hub of Bangkok, Krungthep Apiwat Station (also known as Bang Sue Grand Station), in just over 15 minutes. Although ticket prices vary, you can pay with cash or card at the automated machines.
You can also take a Grab or Taxi from the arrival terminal. Expect to pay 300 – 400 THB to the city (plus the toll fee).
Note: From both airports, it’s not the fastest connection into the city, especially if you’re traveling by taxi or car. You’ll likely have to wait in line for an hour to get a cab or your transport.
Getting Around in the City
The best and most affordable ways to see Bangkok are by BTS / Metro, Gojek motorbike, and Grab Taxi. Use Google Maps to decide which is best for your situation.
Taxis and Tuk-Tuks are honestly better to avoid if you don’t want to get stuck in a bargaining game.
Important note: Bangkok is an incredibly busy city, especially at rush hour. During these hours, you should add at least 30-90 minutes to your travel time. Unfortunately, the roads are often at a complete standstill, so taking the metro is a better option.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Bangkok offers accommodation for every kind of budget, whether you’re looking for a fun hostel, a budget guesthouse, or a five-star hotel.
Chinatown
In our opinion, Chinatown is the best area to stay in Bangkok. Situated within the older part of the city, it has some interesting architecture, fantastic street food, and enough hustle and bustle to be interesting, but without the tourist crowds of other areas. (See all hotels in Chinatown)
Khao San
One of the most famous and popular areas in Bangkok is the area around Khao San Road. Here, you’ll find all the discos, bars, street food, and bright lights of the city. It’s definitely the place to go if you’re a backpacker or up for a good party! However, be aware that this isn’t the most ‘authentic’ part of Bangkok. (See all hotels in Khao San)
Sukhumvit
Otherwise, it is best to find a hotel in Sukhumvit. The area is massive and has lots of different neighborhoods to explore. Most are pleasant, although we wouldn’t recommend staying in the streets around Nana, as this is one of Bangkok’s ‘red light districts’.
Note: The BTS is connected throughout Sukhumvit, making it easy to get around. (See all hotels in Sukhumvit)
How Much Does Bangkok Cost?
Bangkok is relatively affordable compared to most capital cities worldwide. Particularly if you stay further out of the center, you can find budget accommodation for next to nothing. Add to that the delicious and cheap street food, and you’re onto a winner!
Simcard in Bangkok
There are many SIM card shops at the airport. We recommend getting a SIM at the airport so you can easily use Grab and/or find your way in the city. We recommend AIS, which offers a 5-day unlimited data bundle for 140 THB (4 USD).
Best Time to Visit Bangkok
Bangkok is a hot and humid city because of its tropical location. Therefore, the best sightseeing months are November to March, which is the ‘cooler’ season. Although you can still have highs of 30°C (86°F), the humidity drops slightly, making it easier to explore.
Note: December is the peak of the high season in Bangkok, and it is when the holiday crowds arrive. If you’re visiting at this time, make sure to book your hotel and activities well in advance.
By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost.
Thank you for your support. ♥️
- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
- Find Flights to Thailand via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.
What canal tour did you book for the first day in Bangkok? Was it also through the bike tour company?
Hi Cassidy, yes the canal trip was part of the bike tour :)