Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis that can overwhelm first-time visitors with its sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. After multiple visits to Thailand’s capital, I’ve crafted this 3-day itinerary that balances must-see attractions with off-the-beaten-path experiences, helping you experience the real Bangkok beyond the tourist trail.
This guide is designed for travelers who want to experience authentic Bangkok while avoiding both backpacker party zones and overly sanitized luxury bubbles. I’ve included practical transport tips and extension suggestions for those with more time.
Before You Arrive: Essential Bangkok Tips
- Getting from the Airport: Skip the taxi queue and use the Airport Rail Link (45 THB) to connect to the BTS/MRT system. For late arrivals, use the Bolt or Grab app for a reliable taxi experience without the need to barter!
- Getting Around: The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are fast, air-conditioned salvation from Bangkok’s notorious traffic. Get a Rabbit Card (BTS) or stored value MRT card if staying more than 2 days.
- Best Areas to Stay:
- Riverside: Our stay at Alley and Pier provided convenient access to major attractions via river transport. The location offers a more peaceful atmosphere than central areas while maintaining good connections.
- Ari: Local neighborhood with excellent food scene, good transport links, and fewer tourists.
- Thonglor/Ekkamai: Hip area with boutique hotels, creative restaurants, and strong café scene.
- Silom/Sathorn: Business district with a mix of street food and high-end options, excellent transport.
Weather Consideration: Bangkok is hot year-round. Get up early to explore and make the most of the day, and then duck into an indoor activity, or a restaurant / cafe during midday (11 AM-3 PM) to escape the heat.
Day 1: Classic Bangkok with Local Insights
Morning: The Grand Palace and Surroundings (with a twist)
Instead of joining the 9 AM crowds, arrive at opening (8:30 AM) or after 3 PM when tour groups have departed.
8:30 AM: Start at Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) before the Grand Palace. This gets you ahead of tour groups that do the reverse route. The morning monk chanting (8-8:30 AM) is a special experience most tourists miss.
Practical Tip: Wear slip-on shoes as you’ll be removing them frequently. Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) to avoid renting overpriced cover-ups.
11:00 AM: Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). The ornate buildings showcase Thailand’s craftsmanship and royal heritage.
1:00 PM: Lunch at Krua Apsorn on Dinso Road, a beloved local institution serving royal Thai cuisine at reasonable prices. Their crab omelets and stir-fried chicken with basil are legendary.
Alternative: Blue Whale offers excellent Thai cuisine in a stylish setting near the Grand Palace. Their pomelo salad and massaman curry are standouts if you’re craving these classics.
Afternoon: River Life and Local Markets
2:30 PM: Take a public ferry from Tha Chang pier instead of expensive tourist boats. A one-way fare costs just 15 THB and gives you the same river views.
3:30 PM: Explore Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market) where locals purchase flowers for temple offerings and special occasions. The colors and fragrances are spectacular, especially in the late afternoon when fresh deliveries arrive.
5:00 PM: Walk to Yaowarat (Chinatown) as food stalls begin setting up for the evening. The narrow alleys of Soi Nana (not to be confused with the Sukhumvit area of the same name) house creative cocktail bars in refurbished shophouses like Teens of Thailand and Asia Today, where bartenders craft innovative drinks using local ingredients.
7:00 PM: Head to Chinatown for dinner. It is busy and bustling with smells and sounds but in the best way. Take it all in before pulling up a stool next to the locals – don’t miss Nai Ek Roll Noodle for their signature rolled rice noodles and outstanding roast duck. Join locals at metal tables for seafood, noodles, and Chinese-Thai fusion dishes that showcase Bangkok’s culinary diversity.
Riverside Dinner Alternative: If you’re staying near the river, Naam 1608 offers excellent Thai cuisine with river views. For a more casual option, Jack’s Bar serves good food and drinks in a relaxed setting right on the water.
Western Splurge Option: Sheepshank Redemption occupies a converted riverside warehouse serving creative American cuisine with excellent cocktails. While pricier than local options, the quality and atmosphere justify the splurge for a special meal.
Day 2: Exploring Bangkok’s Creative Side
Morning: Green Oasis and Cultural Immersion
8:00 AM: Begin at Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s green lung. Join locals for morning tai chi, or rent a swan paddle boat on the lake. Monitor lizards often bask along the shores – they look incredibly intimidating but are harmless if left undisturbed.
10:30 AM: Visit Talat Noi, one of Bangkok’s oldest Chinese communities tucked between Chinatown and the river. This atmospheric neighborhood features street art beside crumbling shophouses, hidden shrines, and fascinating mechanical workshops specializing in auto parts. The area remains largely untouched by mass tourism despite its photogenic character.
Key Spots in Talat Noi:
- So Heng Tai – a 200-year-old Chinese courtyard mansion
- Siang Kong Shrine – a local shrine where residents make offerings
- Street art murals – vibrant works by local and international artists adorning old walls throughout the district
- Quirky cafés – discover hidden gems like Mother Roaster (specialty coffee in a vintage setting), Patina Bangkok (housed in a beautifully decayed building), and Sol Heng Tai (courtyard café in a heritage house)
Wander the narrow lanes without a specific itinerary – the neighborhood’s charm lies in stumbling upon unexpected workshops, art installations, and glimpses of everyday life in this historic district that perfectly balances preservation and creative renewal.
12:30 PM: Lunch at Khao So-i, a restaurant specializing in exceptional northern Thai curry noodle soup (khao soi). Their signature dish features perfectly crispy noodles atop a rich, aromatic curry broth with your choice of protein.
Alternative: Som Tam Nua on Siam Square for excellent Isaan (northeastern Thai) cuisine. Their som tam (papaya salad) has various spice levels for different palates.
Afternoon: Local Markets and Contemporary Art
2:00 PM: Take the BTS to Chatuchak Weekend Market (Friday-Sunday only) or Or Tor Kor Food Market (any day). Or Tor Kor offers premium Thai produce and prepared foods in a cleaner, more organized environment than most markets.
Alternative: If markets aren’t your thing, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre houses rotating exhibitions of contemporary Thai art across its spiral floors.
5:00 PM: Make your way to Mahanakhon Tower for sunset. This distinctive pixelated skyscraper features Thailand’s highest observation deck with 360-degree views and a heart-stopping glass floor section. While the entrance fee is steep (around 880 THB), the sunset views over the sprawling metropolis are unforgettable.
7:00 PM: Head to the Ari neighborhood for an evening food crawl. This residential area has transformed into a culinary hotspot where young Thai chefs open creative restaurants alongside traditional vendors.
Day 3: Thonburi Side and Hidden Gems
Morning: Bangkok’s Quieter Side
8:00 AM: Take a ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Thonburi, Bangkok’s more traditional west bank.
8:30 AM: Visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) when morning light illuminates the intricate porcelain mosaics. Climb the steep steps of the central prang for river views.
10:00 AM: Explore the Khlong Bang Luang Artist House, a wooden structure on stilts over a canal where traditional puppet shows are performed (usually at 2 PM). The surrounding neighborhood remains largely untouched by tourism.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a canal-side restaurant like Baan Silapin near the Artist House, specializing in traditional Thai dishes.
Afternoon: Urban Exploration
2:00 PM: Return to the east bank and visit the Bangkok National Museum for historical context about Thailand’s heritage, or take a food tour through Bang Rak district, known as the “Village of Love” and home to diverse culinary traditions.
Alternative: Explore the Nang Loeng Market, one of Bangkok’s oldest food markets where you’ll find rare traditional sweets and dishes that are disappearing from mainstream menus.
5:00 PM: Sunset drinks at a rooftop bar. While sky bars like Lebua (from The Hangover 2) are famous, try the more reasonably priced Above Eleven or Octave Rooftop Bar for equally impressive views without the tourist markup.
7:00 PM: Dinner at Err Urban Rustic Thai, which serves creative takes on Thai street food in a relaxed environment, or splurge at Supanniga Eating Room for home-style recipes from Eastern Thailand rarely found in restaurants.
9:00 PM: Experience Bangkok’s creative cocktail scene at Teens of Thailand in Chinatown’s Soi Nana or Rabbit Hole in Thonglor, where mixologists craft drinks using local ingredients and spirits.
Extending Your Stay: Days 4-5
If you have more time in Bangkok, consider these additions:
Day 4: Day Trip Options
- Ayutthaya: The former capital is just 1.5 hours by train and perfect for history buffs.
- Amphawa Floating Market: More authentic than the tourist-oriented Damnoen Saduak market, though still best visited with a guided tour for context.
- Bang Krachao: Bangkok’s “Green Lung” is a car-free oasis of parks, cycling paths, and traditional houses just across the river from central Bangkok.
Day 5: Specialized Interests
- Cooking Class: Learn to recreate Thai flavors at home with a market tour and cooking session.
- Muay Thai: Watch an authentic match at Rajadamnern Stadium or take an introductory lesson.
- Specialized Shopping: Explore Chatuchak (weekends), Talad Rot Fai (vintage items), or Siam Discovery (Thai designers) depending on your interests.
Final Thoughts
Bangkok rewards those who venture beyond the obvious tourist trail. The city operates at multiple speeds and price points simultaneously – you can have a $1 noodle lunch followed by cocktails in a skyscraper, all within an hour.
Don’t try to see everything. Bangkok’s charm lies in the unexpected moments between attractions – the street food vendor who remembers your order, the tuk-tuk driver who shows you his favorite temple, or the impromptu market that appears at sunset.
What was your favorite hidden gem in Bangkok? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Wander with Orla 
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