3 Days in Bangkok: A Local's Itinerary for First-Timers
The perfect 3-day Bangkok itinerary: temples and the river on day one, Chinatown street food on day two, markets, malls and rooftops on day three — with times, transport and costs.
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Three days is enough to see Bangkok’s highlights without rushing — if you group sights by neighborhood and avoid crossing the city at rush hour. This plan works best if you stay in the Old Town, Riverside or Siam.
Day 1 — Temples and the river
Morning · Old Town
- 8:00 Wat Pho as it opens. See the reclining Buddha before the crowds, then book a massage at the temple’s massage school.
- 10:00 Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew. Cover shoulders and knees.
- 12:30 Lunch on Tha Tien or Maharaj pier.
Afternoon · Across the river
- 14:00 Cross-river ferry from Tha Tien to Wat Arun.
- 15:30 Back at the hotel for a break — the afternoon heat is real.
Evening · Riverside
- 18:00 Sunset drink by the river, or a dinner cruise.
Local tip: Take the orange-flag Chao Phraya Express boat between piers. It’s how locals commute and costs a fraction of the tourist boat.
Day 2 — Chinatown and Talat Noi
Morning
- 9:00 Wander Talat Noi — old Chinese houses, street art and riverside cafés.
- 11:00 Wat Traimit and the Golden Buddha.
Afternoon
- 13:00 Lunch, then a break, or a cooking class if you love food.
- 16:00 Walk Song Wat Road for coffee and design shops.
Evening
- 18:30 Eat your way down Yaowarat Road. Share plates and try as much as you can. Not sure where to start? A guided food walk is a good first-night investment.
Day 3 — Markets, malls and rooftops
Morning
- Weekend: Chatuchak Weekend Market (BTS Mo Chit / MRT Kamphaeng Phet). Go early.
- Weekday: Jim Thompson House, then Or Tor Kor Market for fruit.
Afternoon
- 13:00 Escape the heat in the Siam malls — the food halls are excellent.
- 16:00 Relax in Lumphini Park or Benjakitti Forest Park.
Evening
- 18:00 Rooftop bar in Silom for sunset, then dinner in Thonglor or Silom.
What this trip costs
On a mid-range budget, expect around ฿2,500 per person per day including your share of a 3-star hotel. Get a personalised total with the trip budget calculator.
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