5 Days in Bangkok: Sights, Food, Markets and a Day Trip
A relaxed 5-day Bangkok itinerary: the temples, Chinatown, a hidden-gems day across the river, Chatuchak and modern Bangkok, plus a day trip to Ayutthaya or the floating markets.
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Five days lets you see the big sights, get under the city’s skin and escape for a day, all without rushing. Each day stays in one part of town to keep travel time low. Try to put Day 4 on a Saturday or Sunday for Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Where to stay: Riverside or Siam work well for this plan — both are close to the river boats and the Skytrain.
Day 1 · The classic Old Town
- Morning: Wat Pho at opening, then the Grand Palace.
- Afternoon: Cross to Wat Arun, then back for a massage at Wat Pho.
- Evening: Sunset at the Golden Mount, then dinner and drinks around Phra Arthit and Khao San.
Day 2 · Chinatown and the river
- Morning: Talat Noi’s lanes and street art, then Wat Traimit’s Golden Buddha.
- Afternoon: Song Wat Road’s cafés and shops, or a cooking class.
- Evening: Eat your way down Yaowarat Road, then a drink on Soi Nana in Chinatown.
Day 3 · Hidden Bangkok across the river
- Morning: Wat Paknam’s giant Buddha and glass-ceilinged chedi.
- Afternoon: Khlong Bang Luang’s Artist’s House and canal cafés, then Kudi Chin’s Portuguese bakeries.
- Evening: Lhong 1919 at sunset, then Icon Siam’s food hall.
More ideas in Bangkok’s hidden gems.
Day 4 · Markets and modern Bangkok
- Morning: Chatuchak Weekend Market (go by 9am), then fruit at Or Tor Kor Market.
- Afternoon: Jim Thompson House, then cool off in the Siam malls.
- Evening: Lumphini Park at 6pm, then a Silom rooftop bar for sunset.
Day 5 · Day trip
Pick one:
- Ayutthaya for temple ruins — easy by train, or with a tour that adds Bang Pa-In palace.
- Floating market + Maeklong railway market — far easier with a tour.
Back in Bangkok, finish with a farewell dinner in Thonglor. See all the options in day trips from Bangkok.
What five days cost
On a mid-range budget, expect about ฿2,800 per person per day including your share of a 3-star hotel, plus the day trip. Get a personal total with the trip budget calculator.
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