5 Days in Bangkok: A Detailed Itinerary
The Best of Bangkok: Your Ultimate 5 Day Itinerary
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Ready to explore one of the most iconic and lively cities in the world? This detailed itinerary will guide you through the best that Bangkok has to offer, and with five days to explore this incredible city, you’ll have ample time to delve into its culture, indulge in its world-famous cuisine and experience its iconic nightlife.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks & Hidden Canals
Grand Palace, Bangkok
Morning
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Begin your journey with a visit to the Grand Palace, a symbol of Bangkok’s rich history and culture. The palace complex itself is a marvel, with intricate designs and golden spires. Within the grounds, you’ll find Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, one of Thailand’s most sacred statues carved from a single block of jade.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
A short walk from the Grand Palace is Wat Pho, known for its giant reclining Buddha statue, which measures 46m in length. Covered in gold and with mother-of-pearl inlays, it’s one of the largest in Thailand. The temple complex itself is one of the oldest in Bangkok, dating back to the 16th century, and is filled with beautiful murals, detailed sculptures and ornate pavilions.
Lunch
The Sixth, Bangkok
Local Thai Food
For lunch, head to one of the nearby street food stalls that line the road, or if you want to sit down after walking around temples all morning, we love local restaurant The Sixth. Don’t be fooled by the photo menus outside. This cosy place has delicious and authentic Thai food, including the classics such as coconut curries and a heaping portion of prawn pad thai.
Afternoon
Bangkok Canals
Explore Bangkok’s Canals (Khlongs)
A 10 minute walk from The Sixth restaurant is Tha Chang Pier. Here you can pick up a long-tail boat for a tour of Bangkok’s khlongs, or canals. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’, these tours are a window into a traditional way of life along the waterways and are a glimpse into a side of Bangkok many tourists miss. Expect to see traditional stilt houses with laundry hanging out to dry, vendors paddling through the canals, boats laden with goods to sell and hidden temples along the water. You can book the tours directly at the pier, and can be either part of a group or a private charter.
Wat Arun, Bangkok
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
After your tour of the canals, ask your boat captain if he can drop you off at Wat Arun, one of Bangkok’s most stunning temples. Known for its unique Khmer-style spires decorated with colourful porcelain, Wat Arun has breathtaking views, especially at sunset. Hopefully by now the sun is getting lower in the sky and you can experience the stunning approach to this temple from the water during golden hour. Climb the central prang for panoramic views of the river and city before heading back to your hotel to change and recharge for the evening.
Evening
Asiatique Riverfront, Bangkok
Dinner at Asiatique The Riverfront
End your day at Asiatique The Riverfront, an open-air mall with a heady mix of shops, restaurants and entertainment options. Built in the style of colonial-era warehouses, this area was once a busy international trading port. Browse for souvenirs at one of the market stalls before heading for dinner at Rosewood Restaurant. Share a whole or half grilled chicken, succulent, juicy and fresh off the grill. Other options include wagyu steak, fried squid in chilli & garlic or their signature papaya salad. Before you leave, take a ride on Asiatique Sky, the giant ferris wheel with uninterrupted views of the twinkling lights of Bangkok.
Day 2: Live like a Local
Morning
Jim Thompson House, Bangkok
Lumphini Park
Begin your day with a peaceful stroll in Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s largest green space. The park is a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle and is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Hire a bike to take you along the many walkways, or hire a paddle boat on the lake and enjoy the cityscape surrounding you from the water. Before you leave, grab a coffee from Brewlab on the outskirts of the park, who serve specialty coffee by talented and in-the-know baristas.
Jim Thompson House
Order a grab and drive 10 minutes to the Jim Thompson House, a film-set-worthy museum dedicated to the American businessman who helped revive the Thai silk industry. The traditional Thai-style house, set amidst lush gardens, is filled with art and antiques. Explore the beautifully preserved rooms and learn about Jim Thompson’s exuberant life, and his mysterious, unresolved disappearance.
Lunch
Metro Square, Bangkok
Siam Square & Siam Paragon
Walk 15 minutes to Siam Square, a bustling shopping and entertainment area. The area is known for its world-famous malls, which come complete with excellent cafes and restaurants. Siam Paragon’s food court is a feast for the senses and you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to lunch options here. Metro Square is a neon-clad restaurant with spacious seating and impeccable food and service. Serving up traditional Thai food, this spot is loved by locals. Try their signature fish ball with minced pork noodle soup, or the mouth-watering spicy grilled beef salad with eggplant.
Afternoon
Experience Bangkok’s Malls
Spend the afternoon exploring the shopping malls around Siam Square and see what Bangkok’s international shopping scene is all about. Siam Paragon houses luxury brands and high-end stores, while MBK Center is known for its affordable fashion, electronics and souvenirs. CentralWorld, one of the largest malls in Southeast Asia, is a blend of both worlds. Make sure to check out the huge department stores Zen and Isetan, which anchor the mall.
Evening
Vertigo & Moon Bar, Bangkok
Sky High at Bangkok’s Rooftop Bars
As evening falls, head to some of Bangkok’s famous rooftop bars for a drink with a view. Begin the night with a cocktail from Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower, famous for featuring in the Hangover movies. Lebua is known for its luxe vibe and impeccable views over the river and cityscape. Hop in a Grab and drive 10 minutes to the intimate Vertigo & Moon Bar at Banyan Tree for your evening dinner and cocktails. Watch the city lights come alive from the 61st floor as you indulge in butter poached lobster, lemongrass chicken and cocktails from visiting, world-class mixologists.
Day 3: Discover the Real Bangkok
Morning
Ban Bat Community | Source: Once Again Hostel
Visit the Ban Bat Community
Begin your day discovering the unique Ban Bat community, an area known for its traditional craftsmanship in creating monk’s alms bowls. Monks across Thailand will only use bowls from this community in Bangkok. This historic neighbourhood is characterised by its narrow, bustling streets lined with small workshops where artisans skillfully shape and polish brass bowls. This age-old craft has been passed down through generations, and a visit here provides a deeper understanding of Thai cultural and religious practices.
Lunch
Source: Jay Fai
Discover Michelin Star Street Food
Around the corner from the Ban Bat Community lies one of Bangkok’s most legendary street food stalls. Jay Fai’s crab omelette is now iconic, known for its giant, golden-brown exterior that encases generous chunks of fresh crab meat. In 2018 it received its first Michelin star and has maintained it ever since. But don’t let that fool you into thinking this is fine dining at a rooftop restaurant. The dish is served at her humble, open-air street food stall, where you can watch Jay Fai herself, wearing her signature ski goggles, expertly prepare each dish.
Afternoon
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market/ Or Tor Kor Market
After enjoying the best crab omelette of your life, hop in a Grab for a 10 minute drive to Chatuchak. If your visit coincides with a weekend, spend the afternoon at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest markets in the world. With over 15,000 stalls, this market has everything from clothing and accessories to antiques and street food. It’s an iconic feature of Bangkok’s street market scene and a glimpse into the beating heart of the city. If it’s not quite the weekend, head over to the impressive Or Tor Kor Market. A famous indoor gourmet market that’s been voted one of the best in the world, this isn’t a chaotic frenzy like many of Bangkok’s markets. Instead you’ll find high-quality produce, fresh vegetables on heaving tables, mangos of every colour, seafood buried in ice and steaming pots of Thai curries. If you can, visit both.
Evening
Chinatown
Dinner in Chinatown (Yaowarat)
As night falls, explore Bangkok’s Chinatown, one of the city’s most vibrant and intoxicating neighbourhoods. Stroll along Yaowarat Road, famous for its street food scene. By day, the area is characterised by traditional Chinese shophouses, temples and markets, where you can find everything from gold jewellery to herbal medicines. But at night, the streets come alive with food vendors serving an array of delicious street food, from dim sum to roast duck. We highly recommend the succulent Guay Jub from Guay Jub Ouan Pochana. This cart has been selling rolled rice noodles for 50 years. Soft noodles soaked in a rich, peppery broth, topped with crispy, succulent pork belly.
Day 4: Day Trip to Ancient Siam
Ayutthaya, Thailand
Morning
Day Trip to Ayutthaya
A day trip to Ayutthaya begins with an early morning departure from Bangkok, as the sun rises over the city’s skyline. The drive to Ayutthaya, just over an hour away, is beautiful and serene, passing through lush countryside and small villages. Upon arrival, the morning light casts a golden glow over the ancient ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin by exploring the iconic temples of Wat Mahathat with its famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, where the towering prangs reflect the grandeur of Ayutthaya’s past. Read our Guide to Visiting Ayutthaya to make the most out of your day.
Lunch
Source: Pa Lek Boat Noodle
Boat Noodles in Ayutthaya
Head to local restaurant Pa Lek Boat Noodle for lunch. Located just outside the ancient park, this is a local’s favourite, the central kitchen full of huge pots billowing steam and simmering with broth, soups and noodles. People queue to sample their boat noodles, a flavourful and aromatic noodle soup that originated from the floating markets of Thailand. Traditionally served from boats, this dish is known for its rich, deeply seasoned broth and small portion size, allowing diners to sample multiple bowls in one sitting.
Afternoon
Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Thailand
Ayutthaya Historical Park
Continue your exploration by visiting some of the lesser-known but equally fascinating temples and ruins. Start with Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the former royal temple known for its three large, bell-shaped chedis, which once housed the ashes of kings. Hire a tuk-tuk or rent a bike to see more of this grand ancient site. As the afternoon sun begins to set, make your way to Wat Chaiwatthanaram on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The late afternoon light casts a beautiful glow on the temple’s towering prangs.
Evening
Return to Bangkok
Return to Bangkok in the evening. You might opt for dinner at your hotel after such a big day exploring Ayutthaya. But if you still have the energy, head to Above Riva for dinner. Its unbeatable location on the Chao Phraya river provides uninterrupted views of Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, glowing golden in the dark of the night. The food here is exceptional and the service unparalleled. Try the miso glazed snow fish or the tamarind lamb to end your day on a high. Alternatively, if you really feel like treating yourself, head to one of the 8 Best Restaurants in Bangkok.
Day 5: Relax & Soak in the Beauty of Bangkok
Wat Saket Ratcha, Thailand
Morning
Wat Saket (Golden Mount)
Begin your final day in Bangkok with a visit to Wat Saket, also known as the Golden Mount. Climb the 318 steps to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. The temple is known for its golden chedi and is a peaceful retreat from the busy city. After spending the past 4 days exploring Bangkok, you’ll begin to recognise this iconic cityscape that surrounds you. The surrounding area is a glimpse into local life, with small markets and food stalls where you can enjoy a light breakfast or refreshing drink before continuing your day.
Visit the Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit
Next, visit Wat Traimit, home to the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue. The statue weighs 5.5 tons and is believed to be over 700 years old. It has an incredible story. To protect the Golden Buddha from being stolen or damaged during threat from Burmese invaders, it was covered in a thick layer of stucco and painted to look like an ordinary stone statue. This clever disguise was so effective that the statue’s true golden nature was forgotten over time, and it was treated as just another religious artefact. It remained in obscurity until 1955. During a routine move to a newly constructed building within the temple, the statue was accidentally dropped, causing a piece of the stucco to chip off. To the amazement of those present, the gleaming gold underneath was revealed.
Source: Nai Mong Hoy Thod
Lunch
Lunch in Chinatown
Walk less than 10 minutes and pull up a plastic chair at Nai Mong Hoi Thod. This popular eatery in Chinatown is renowned for serving some of the best oyster and mussel omelettes in the city. The crispy oyster omelette is cooked to perfection with plump, fresh oysters, a crispy batter, and a side of tangy chilli sauce.
Afternoon
Banyan Tree Spa, Thailand
Relaxation and Spa
After days of exploring, you’ll be feeling ready to relax and rest your feet. Indulge in an afternoon spa session at Banyan Tree Spa, with beautiful views of the city, private treatment rooms and expert therapists. Try the heavenly Rainmist treatment, before stretching out aches and pains with a classic Thai massage. Head back to your hotel and get ready for your final night in Bangkok.
Evening
Manohra Cruises, Thailand
Dinner on the Chao Phraya River
Say goodbye to Bangkok while floating down the Chao Phraya river. Manohra Cruises are renowned for their exceptional service on board an artfully restored rice barge. The evening unfolds with a gourmet Thai dinner as you glide along the river, cruising past illuminated landmarks such as Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, their reflections shimmering on the water. For a true James Bond experience, sip champagne on your own hackercraft as you cruise along the water.
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