More about: Bangkok in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world and with almost 400 temples, palaces and monuments everywhere, a weekend getaway can seem like a short time to enjoy it. This 3-day itinerary simplifies things for you by taking you on a tour of the best things to do and see in Bangkok.
From the palace complex of the Royal Palace, to the famous floating and railway track markets, food tours, as well as an excursion to Ayutthaya and a visit to the monkeys of Lopburi, you'll have the opportunity to experience authentic Thai culture. Route maps are available to help you navigate the city, so get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Bangkok!
Day 1: Temples, palaces and museums in central Bangkok
For the first day I suggest you start with Bangkok's monuments, temples and best palaces. There will be 7 stops covering 3 kilometres and you can see the route on this map.
As these are the places of worship, I recommend that you pay special attention to the dress code on this day. Your shoulders and legs should be covered and it is best to wear trousers and a loose-fitting shirt. Now that you're all set, let's get going!
Bangkok National Museum
Before moving on to the 'wats', the Thai word for temples, the Bangkok National Museum is a must-see for any traveller interested in Thai history and culture.
The Bangkok National Museum opened its doors in 1874 with an exceptional collection of paintings, statues, frescoes, photos, artefacts from the ancient city of Ayutthaya, royal jewellery and assorted objects presented in a traditional approach. This is one of the largest museums of its kind in Southeast Asia. The entrance fee is about 200 baht, about €5.5, and opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday between 09:00 and 16:00.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
After passing by the City Pillars Shrine in Bangkok and greeting the Guardian God, I invite you to admire the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew, a real highlight. This temple is the most sacred temple in Thailand, Buddhists from all over Asia flock to pay tribute to the Emerald Buddha in one of Bangkok's finest temples.
The statue is carved from a single jade stone and the Emerald Buddha is in a meditation posture. Except for the King of Thailand and the crown prince, no one is allowed to touch the statue. In addition, the temple has elaborate gilded decorations and beautiful architectural details that make it a true work of art.
Admission costs about 500 baht, approximately €13.3, and allows you to visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace for the same price. Opening hours are between 08:30 and 15:30.
The Royal Palace in Bangkok
The Royal Palace or Grand Palace is the former residence of the monarch and is located in the grounds of Wat Phra Kaew. A visit here will allow you to admire the impressive Thai architecture, elaborate gilded details and majestic buildings, including the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The Royal Palace in Bangkok is an impressive palace complex that was the official residence of the Thai kings for 150 years. Although the kings no longer live here, it is still used for important ceremonies such as the changing of the robe surrounding the Emerald Buddha statue three times a year, a ritual performed to bring good fortune to the country. This is a must-see for any traveller visiting Bangkok. Opening hours are 08:30 to 15:30 hours from Monday to Sunday.
Remember that your tickets to the Grand Palace in Bangkok also include a visit to the Emerald Buddha, as well as the Queen Sirikit Museum.
Saranrom Palace
This is a stop for contrasts. Saranrom Palace is an impressive historic building located within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok. It was originally designed in the 19th century by the German architect Egon Muller, but the complex was later redesigned by the Italian Carlo Allegri.
Here you'll find a statue of King Rama IV because it was once used as a royal residence, before becoming the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is worth exploring the beautiful gardens and admiring the unique architecture, which combines Thai and European styles. It is a peaceful and picturesque place in the bustling centre of Bangkok and admission is free.
Wat Rajapradit Sathitmahasimarama Temple
Wat Rajapradit Sathitmahasimarama Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok. Built in the 19th century, it is one of the works that the City of Angels inherited from King Rama IV, as well as the Saranrom Palace. Its distinctive features are the Khmer-style corridors, or rather, Cambodian architecture, and the marble-clad lobby and chedi.
The grey and white marble tiles give the hall and chedi a style reminiscent of a chessboard. The temple is also known for its meditation school and as a place of spiritual retreat in the heart of the city. Admission is free and opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 16:00.
Wat Pho or Wat Phra Chetuphon
Wat Pho is a temple that houses one of **Bangkok'**s iconic landmarks: a 15-metre high, 45-metre long statue of the reclining Buddha, one of the largest in the world. It is a huge golden statue that occupies the entire temple. You can walk around it and see the soles of its feet decorated with symbols and inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
There are also several bowls to fill with coins. You can buy 108 coins for about 20 baht, approximately €0.5, and put them in each bowl for good luck. The entrance fee to Wat Pho costs 200 baht and also allows you to discover the 394 golden Buddhas located in the Buddha Gallery, the 4 royal chedis, the Golden Buddha tour and the Phra Ubosot where the ashes of King Rama I rest from 8:00 to 18:30 from Monday to Sunday.
On the other hand, a visit to Wat Pho would not be complete without experiencing a real Thai massage. This is the place to be, as it is Thailand' s premier massage academy and prices range from 420 baht (about €11.20) for the classic massage and about 520 baht (€13.80) for an aromatic massage.
Stop for lunch
Since Wat Pho is located right in front of the most fashionable place in Bangkok where a number of restaurants offer excellent views of the city on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this is where you will stop for lunch. My recommendation is that after the massage, you should treat your stomach and recharge your batteries.
Siam Museum
The Siam Museum is an interactive museum located in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok that exhibits the history of the country, but in a very playful way, with games and videos.
If you're visiting Bangkok in 3 days as a family, make this one of your things to do in Bangkok with kids, as you'll learn about Thailand through touch screens, animations and interactive exhibits, making it a fun and educational experience for everyone.
The entrance fee is around 300 baht, approximately €8, and the opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday between 10am and 6pm.
For dinner
You can continue exploring the terraces, bars and restaurants along the Chao Phraya River if your accommodation is in this area, but if you need to return to your point of origin, via the Royal Palace, then I recommend walking along Khao San Road for dinner in one of the liveliest places in the city. With this modification your route would be as shown in this map
Why do I recommend Khao San Road? Because it is a backpacker neighbourhood in Bangkok ideal for cheap street food, delicious drinks and affordable shopping. You can get everything here. Also, did you know that this street was part of the film sets of the movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio? I invite you to get to know it and spend the night like the locals.
Day 2: Excursion to Ayutthaya and visit to the monkeys of Lopburi
If you are passionate about history and culture, Ayutthaya is a place not to be missed. This city is the ancient capital of Thailand and is home to some of the country's most impressive temples and monuments. However, it is located an hour's drive from the centre, so I recommend you sign up for the best tours in Bangkok to make the most of the day and combine your visit.
This day you can focus on seeing all the temples in this complex, but I suggest you visit the two classics around Bangkok: Ayutthaya and the monkeys of Lopburi. You can see the route on this map. What will you see at each stop? I'll tell you.
Ayutthaya Historical Park
Ayutthaya Historical Park is home to 14 temples and monuments seen as the ancient home of the Kings of Thailand. Among them, you can visit the Golden Mountain Monastery, Wat Phu Khao Thong; the country's largest bronze Buddha at Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit, as well as Wat Suwan Dararam Ratcha Worawihan which, built by the father of King Rama I, became popular for its sphinxes of angels preceding a statue of the God Vishnu.
Another must-see temple in the ruins of Siam's ancient capital is Wat Mahathat, famous for its stone Buddha head entwined in the roots of a Bodhi, banyan or bengal tree. This temple is one of the most photographed sites in Ayutthaya for its pristine display of Thai art and architecture.
And if you're looking for a panoramic view, don't miss Wat Chaiwatthanaram, with its impressive stone chedis resting atop an army of elephants. And if you're interested in landmark Thai art, visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a pair of iconic temples, including a model of Bangkok's Emerald Buddha Temple.
At the end of the tour I invite you to have lunch in the park where you'll find buffet-style restaurants with a variety of local and international food, often included in the tours.
Monkey Temple Lopburi
After lunch you move on to the province of Lopburi, one of Thailand' s oldest cities where the monkey sanctuary is located.
The Monkey Temple, originally named Phra Prang Sam Yod has a large number of wild monkeys living in the surrounding area. Once you arrive at the temple, you will see the monkeys scurrying around and climbing over the Buddha itself.
Although they are wild animals, don't worry, they are used to the presence of tourists. However, you should be careful with your belongings. Sunglasses, bracelets, watches or any shiny belongings usually attract their attention and they will make them theirs. It's best to leave everything in the car or tour bus. However, if you follow the instructions of the local guides, the visit to the Monkey Temple will be a fun and memorable experience.
And in the evening
How about enjoying a dinner cruise on the Phraya River? This is one of thebest cruises in Bangkok that will allow you to admire the main monuments of the city such as the Temple of the Bells (Wat Rakang Kositaram) and the Grand Royal Palace among others while enjoying a traditional show.
With this cruise you will end the day on a high note and recharge your batteries by tasting the best of Thai gastronomy in an elegant and relaxing atmosphere on board a boat.
Day 3: Visit the markets: on the river and railway tracks
Thailand is famous for its colourful and original markets and the most famous are concentrated on the edges of the capital: the Damnoen Saduak floating market and the Mae Klong market, which are true postcards of the city of angels that you can't miss.
To make the trip you can take a taxi and drive the 95 kilometres to the markets. However, tours are often more convenient, in your own language and very cheap. For around €25 you can be picked up from your hotel and a guide will take you to the markets. What will you see at these markets?
Mae Klong Market
Mae Klong Market is unique in the world, as it is located right on railway tracks that have been in operation since 1905. In fact, it is known as the railway track market for this reason.
Vendors have to dismantle their stalls from the Talad Rom Hub - the market's original name - and quickly remove them whenever a train approaches, only to set them up again in a matter of seconds. And it's not just a souvenir sale, it sells a diverse range of products from fruit and vegetables to clothes and accessories to meat, fish and flowers.
The market is oriented towards local culture and, although it is open between 7am and 5pm, it is best to visit in the morning when it is not yet crowded. But if you want to see the dynamics of the passing train, try to be there at 8.30am, 9am, 11.15am, 11.30am, 2.30pm or 3.30pm.
Damnoen Saduak floating market
The next stop on the tour takes you to one of the most popular and famous floating markets, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Located about two hours west of Bangkok, this market is a spectacle of colour in motion. It is known for its lively and vibrant atmosphere, where local vendors sell fruits, vegetables, food and traditional handicrafts from traditional boats.
Damnoen Saduak is one of Thailand' s most popular floating markets due to the special attention of the locals and its proximity to the ruins of Ayutthaya. When you arrive at the market, you can board one of these boats and enjoy a tour of the canal while enjoying the boat shopping experience.
Besides shopping and eating, the Damnoen Saduak floating market is a perfect place to enjoy the local culture and learn about the Thai way of life from its roots. You can watch vendors preparing and cooking fresh food such as the famous rice noodles, Thai tea and local sweets.
Say goodbye to Bangkok by Tuk Tuk
On your way back to the centre of Bangkok and to say goodbye to the city, a gastronomic tuk tuk tuk ride. For a couple of hours a local expert takes you around the capital's markets and the best things to see, do and taste in Chinatown Bangkok.
Best of all, you'll sample the delicious street food, accompanied by an expert guide who will teach you about the city's history and culture. Marvel at the sights and smells of the 24-hour flower market, Pak Khlong Talat, and enjoy views of the city's best skyscrapers reflected in the river. Don't miss this unique experience for your senses!