Planning a first adventure to Thailand’s capital means balancing centuries‑old temples, futuristic malls, legendary street food, and buzzing nightlife without feeling rushed. The five‑day Bangkok itinerary below is designed for newcomers who want a complete yet flexible taste of the city while leaving space for spontaneous detours. Practical details—such as opening hours, dress codes, transit tips, and estimated costs—are current as of May 2025, so you can step off the plane with confidence.
Before You Arrive – Explore Bangkok Itinerary
Best season
Bangkok is warm year‑round, but November–February offers lower humidity and cooler evenings. Songkran (Thai New Year, mid‑April) is exhilarating yet crowded and wet.
Visa and money
Most nationalities receive a 30‑day visa‑exempt stamp on arrival at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airports. ATMs are everywhere; withdraw baht rather than relying on exchange kiosks.
Getting around
- BTS Skytrain One‑Day Pass: 150 THB for unlimited rides until midnight —ideal for Days 2–4 when you criss‑cross the modern districts.
- MRT Underground links Chinatown, the Old City, and Chatuchak.
- Chao Phraya Express Boat serves riverside temples and malls; a one‑day tourist pass costs 150 THB.
- Grab (ride‑hailing) is reliable; set pickup points at malls or BTS exits to avoid traffic‑blocked curbs.
Dress modestly for temples: shoulders covered, no shorts above the knee, and closed shoes or sandals with a back strap. Lightweight linen or cotton keeps you cool.
Day 1 Old City Highlights
Morning — Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Arrive at the Na Phra Lan entrance gate by 8:30 a.m. to beat tour buses. The complex closes its ticket booth at 3:30 p.m.; the 500 THB ticket includes Wat Phra Kaew.
Allocate two hours to admire the Emerald Buddha, golden chedis, and intricate murals.
Midday — Wat Pho
Walk ten minutes south to see the 46‑metre Reclining Buddha. Gates open 8:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; entry 100 THB (a bottled water is included).
Sneak into the adjacent massage school for a 30‑minute traditional Thai massage (260 THB) to revive aching feet.
Late afternoon — Wat Arun across the river
Hop the THA TIEN ferry (5 THB) to the Temple of Dawn. The 200 THB ticket grants access to the central prang that glitters when the sun dips. Opening hours: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Climb the steep stairs for a panorama of Rattanakosin’s rooftops.
Evening — Dinner cruise or riverside market
Option 1: Board a two‑hour buffet cruise from ICONSIAM pier (prices from 1,200 THB).
Option 2: Sample grilled river prawns and mango sticky rice at Wang Lang Market, then toast your first night with a sunset drink at the Deck by Arun Residence.
Day 2 Modern Marvels and Rooftop Vistas
Morning — Jim Thompson House and Siam Discovery
Ride the BTS to National Stadium. Explore traditional teak architecture, then wander Siam Paragon’s food hall for khao soi or som tam.
Lunch — MBK food court
Cheap and legendary: queue for Hainanese chicken rice and coconut ice cream served in a young coconut shell.
Afternoon — Mahanakhon Skywalk
Take the Silom Line to Chong Nonsi. Thailand’s tallest observation deck opens 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; the all‑access ticket (indoor + outdoor glass tray) is 1,050 THB when booked online, or 1,000–1,200 THB at the door. Arrive by 4 p.m. to watch the skyline shift from gold to neon.
Evening — Rooftop bar hop
- King Power Mahanakhon Sky Bar (79th floor) for a signature “Bangkok Sunset” cocktail.
- Octave at Marriott Sukhumvit (BTS Thong Lo) for a 360‑degree breeze without a dress‑code headache.
Cap the night with late‑night pad thai at Thip Samai or boat noodles on Victory Monument’s alleys.
Day 3 Markets, Canals, and Creative Districts
Morning — Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa floating market (optional early tour)
If the weekend aligns, book a 6 a.m. minivan (90 minutes each way) to float among long‑tail boats selling coconut pancakes.
Alternative — Talad Noi street art stroll
Start at Hua Lamphong MRT and wander Soi Wanit 2’s murals, antique garages, and riverside cafés.
Lunch — Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)
Slurp tom yum noodles at a shophouse, sip Thai iced coffee at a 70‑year old café, and pick up gold‑leafed lotus buns for later.
Afternoon — Bangkok Art & Culture Centre and Pathumwan Skywalk
Free contemporary exhibits rotate monthly; link bridges lead straight into CentralWorld’s digital screens for photo ops.
Evening — Asiatique the Riverfront
Ride the free shuttle boat from BTS Saphan Taksin pier. The Ferris wheel, craft stalls, and Muay Thai live shows offer a relaxed riverside vibe. Grab grilled squid on a stick and craft beer from Happy Fish before the 9 p.m. cabaret parade.
Day 4 Weekend Shopping and Green Lungs
Morning — Chatuchak Weekend Market
Open Saturday–Sunday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday wholesale night 6 p.m.–midnight. Arrive by 9 a.m. to avoid the baking midday heat. Sections 2–4 sell local designer clothes; section 22 collects vintage vinyl. Haggle gently: start at 30 % below asking.
Midday — Lunch at Or Tor Kor Market
Across Kamphaeng Phet Road, this upscale produce hall serves durian smoothies, blue‑crab som tam, and stir‑fried morning glory.
Afternoon — Bang Krachao cycling loop
From Khlong Toei Pier, a 4 THB boat puts you on an island of mangroves dubbed Bangkok’s “green lung.” Rent a bike (80 THB) and pedal elevated walkways to Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park. Cafés hidden among banana trees offer pandan waffles and iced butterfly‑pea tea.
Evening — Art box night market (Ratchada)
Converted shipping containers buzz with craft cocktails and live acoustic sets till midnight. Try grilled salt‑crusted sea bass and torched sushi.
Day 5 Culture Class and Day‑Trip Options
Option A — Cooking school and spa wind‑down
- Morning: Join a half‑day Thai cooking class near Silom; visit a wet market, then master green‑curry paste from scratch.
- Afternoon: Unwind at Health Land Spa with a 2‑hour aromatherapy treatment (950 THB).
- Evening: Finish with dinner at Krua Apsorn (sampler of crab omelette, lotus‑stem salad) followed by jazz at Smalls Bar.
Option B — Ayutthaya UNESCO ruins
A 7:06 a.m. State Railways train from Hua Lamphong (45 THB, 90 min) brings you to Thailand’s second‑oldest capital. Rent a bicycle for 50 THB to circle Wat Mahathat’s Buddha‑head‑in‑tree‑roots and crimson brick prangs before a sunset cruise back to Bangkok.
Where to stay by neighborhood
| District | Vibe | BTS/MRT stop | Mid‑range pick | Ultra‑budget |
| Riverside (Phra Nakhon) | Historical, scenic | None (boat) | Riva Arun | Mata Boutique Hostel |
| Siam & Silom | Shopping hub, central | Siam / Sala Daeng | Novotel on Siam Square | Lub d Siam |
| Sukhumvit | Nightlife, cafés | Asok / Thong Lo | Ad Lib Bangkok | Barn & Bed |
Reserve at least two months ahead for December and Chinese New Year when prices surge 25–40 %.
Explore: Best Hotels in Bangkok
Budget snapshot (per person, mid‑range)
| Item | Cost (THB) |
| Accommodation (4‑nights 3★) | 8,000 |
| Food & drinks | 4,000 |
| Transport & passes | 1,400 |
| Sight tickets & tours | 3,300 |
| Massage & shopping buffer | 2,000 |
| Total | ≈18,700 THB (~510 USD) |
Final tips for a smooth Bangkok itinerary
- Beat temple heat by visiting outdoor sites before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m.; keep a packable umbrella for sudden showers.
- Observe temple etiquette—remove shoes, keep voices low, and never point your feet at Buddha images.
- Mind the scams near Grand Palace: ignore anyone telling you the palace is “closed today”; proceed to the main gate instead.
- Download the Paotung QR app for street‑stall payments; many vendors now prefer cashless.
- Plan rest windows—Bangkok’s sensory overload is real. A mid‑afternoon café break will keep energy high for night markets.
Also read: Top 5 Romantic Destinations for Couples in Asia
Follow this five‑day Bangkok itinerary and you’ll glide from royal splendor to sky‑high cocktails, from spice‑laden street bowls to serene riverside sunsets—leaving just enough unseen to justify a return trip. Sawasdee kha and safe travels!
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