Three Days in Bangkok Itinerary - The Highlights
The more time you spend in Bangkok, the better; there is a lot to see and do. But if you’re on a tight schedule, this three days in Bangkok itinerary will familiarize you with some of the most iconic landmarks in the ‘City of Angels.’
Whether you’re a return visitor or a first-time traveler, you will quickly become enamored with this teeming metropolis of friendly locals and amazing sites. This guide is a mix of some of the typical tourist hot spots and some which you may not find on any itinerary but are no less fascinating.
Once you’ve decided to visit Thailand, you should do a bit of research to find out the best time to fly into Bangkok. If you want a good rate, book at least a month in advance. Keep in mind that April to June is considered to be the high season, while the cheapest month to fly into Bangkok is February.
Flights to Bangkok will either land at Suvarnabhumi international airport or Don Mueang International Airport, but it is better to fly into the first one as there are more connections. Almosafer allows you to save money by comparing your tickets on different airlines to find cheap flights.
Be sure to do your research in order to save big on your flight to Thailand, so you have more to spare for your three days in Bangkok, which start here!
Related reading:
Heading North or South after Bangkok? Then check our 7 day Northern Thailand itinerary or our 7 day Southern Thailand itinerary.
DAY ONE: Morning – Palace and Temples
Grand Palace
On every day of your three days in Bangkok, remember one thing; you have to make an early start, as it can get sweltering as the day progresses. Begin with the main temples of Bangkok and historic sites, most of them situated on Rattanakosin Island on the Chao Phraya River.
The Grand Palace, the erstwhile residence of the King of Siam, has nearly a hundred lovely buildings, all decorated in traditional Bangkok style. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha occupies center stage here. Regarded as the most revered Buddhist temple in the country, devotees flock here from all over the world to pay their respects.
Situated nearby is Wat Po, the temple of the reclining Buddha, a mere ten-minute walk from the palace grounds. The grounds of this oldest Thai temple also serve as a massage training center.
The third must-see temple is Wat Arun – or the temple of Dawn – accessible by ferry from 8 Tha Tien to Wat Arun pier.
DAY ONE: Afternoon – Bangkok History & Canal Life
It will now be around midday and scorching hot, so head for a place with some shade, like the Bangkok National Museum, to see local rare artifacts and statues. Founded by King Rama V, the museum is located in the 18th century Wang Na Palace. The top exhibit here is the funeral chariot pavilion, which showcases carriages which have been utilized for Royal cremations. The Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so make sure to take note of that for your three days in Bangkok itinerary.
Then head to the Saphan Taksin pier to take a Bangkok Canal Tour. This two-hour trip will be the perfect activity as evening approaches. Bangkok has hundreds and hundreds of kilometers of canals, so one can hop on and off the boat to explore the local markets. The tour offers glimpses of the daily life of the locals, as well as iconic landmarks like the Royal Thai Barge Museum, Orchid Farm, or the Taling Chan Floating Market, where one can sample fresh seafood cooked directly on the boats.
DAY ONE: Evening – Street Party!
There’s no better way to wind up your first of three days in Bangkok than by visiting the famous Khao San Road, which is a fun place to hang out in the evening. This backpacker’s paradise can keep you entertained until well into the night. This kilometer-long crazy strip is packed with people who just want to party, and lots of street stalls selling souvenirs and clothing. Packed into this strip are a range of midrange hotels, massage parlors, tattoo shops, and much more in its infectious atmosphere.
DAY TWO: Morning – Retail Therapy
Terminal 21
No 72 hours in Bangkok is complete without doing some shopping, and exploring these modern markets is an unmissable event. Your first stop should be Terminal 21, where each floor showcases a different city, like London, Paris, and San Francisco. In case you get hungry, head to the food court on the fifth floor. It’s the cheapest we found in Bangkok!
Once you’re done here, walk along Soi 33 till you reach Emquarter. The water garden and designer shops here are the best.
DAY TWO: Afternoon – Bangkok Malls Galore
Next, take the Silom line of the sky train to reach Siam, where there are many different shopping malls to explore. Shops sell nearly all the western brands, with an excellent outlet on the 4th floor, called Exotic Thai, offering the best gifts.
If the morning had you doing more than enough shopping for your three days in Bangkok, this popular area has plenty of action, like a mega Cineplex, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, and a selection of fine dining outlets.
DAY TWO: Evening – A Bar with a View
It’s now nearing the end of the day, so try some sundowners in any of the rooftop bars of Bangkok. The Sky Bar at The Lebua is a good suggestion – after all, enjoying a cocktail with the wind blowing through your hair has its own charm. Nothing beats the magnificent views to be had of the skyline of Bangkok while you sip on any of the fancy drinks available.
DAY THREE: Morning – Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
After two days of intense sightseeing, it’s time to slow things down and spend the last of your three days in Bangkok relaxing. Morning action should begin with a visit to the popular Damnoen Saduak Floating Market for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
This one-hundred-year-old market has become crowded of late with tourists. Visitors can enjoy the boats selling everything from fruits and snacks to handicrafts. The market is closed by noon and takes almost two hours to reach, so get there early.
DAY THREE: Afternoon – A Temple Highlight
Once done exploring the market, hire a cab for a rewarding trip to the Golden Mount, a scenic temple from where you can admire the setting sun over the Bangkok skyline – after undertaking a climb of over 300 steps. It takes about half an hour to reach the top, but once there, you will agree that it was well worth the effort.
DAY THREE: Evening – The Best Thai Food
Wind up the evening by sampling some of the best Pad Thai in the city at Thip Samai, which is just a five-minute walk from the Golden Mount. This is easily the most sought after and recognized Thai dish in the world. The restaurant is open from 5 PM till midnight and is reached by taking a tuk-tuk for 313 Th Maha Chai, Banglamphu.
Book your transportation to Bangkok here.
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