Bangkok itinerary for first-timers
The classic neighborhoods in an order that works, with a 4K street walk for every stop. Watch your trip before you take it.
Day 1: Temples of the old city
The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha, the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and Wat Arun across the river.
- 1
Morning
The Grand Palace
The former royal palace, a dazzling complex of golden spires, painted galleries and Wat Phra Kaew, the temple of the revered Emerald Buddha.
- Wat Phra Kaew
- Emerald Buddha
- Palace halls
Shoulders and knees must be covered. Go at opening time to beat the heat and the tour groups.
Walk south along the palace walls, about 10 min.
- 2
Late morning
Wat Pho
One of the oldest temples in the city, home to a 46-metre gilded Reclining Buddha and a famous traditional massage school among its courtyards and stupas.
- Reclining Buddha
- Tiled stupas
- Temple courtyards
Wat Pho Walking Tour
Video by HP Walking Tours on YouTube
Walk to Tha Tien pier and take the cross-river ferry, about 5 min.
- 3
Afternoon
Wat Arun
The Temple of Dawn on the far bank of the river, its tall central tower covered in porcelain flowers, most beautiful in the late afternoon light.
- Central prang
- Porcelain decoration
- River views
Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn
Video by Wattokun Walks on YouTube
Day 2: Chinatown & the river
The flower market in the morning, the riverside at dusk, and street food in Chinatown at night.
- 1
Morning
Pak Khlong Talat flower market
Bangkok's wholesale flower market, piled high with orchids, marigold garlands and lotus buds for temple offerings.
- Flower stalls
- Garland makers
Bangkok 4K Walking Tour: Night Market Food Tour
Video by World Wanderings: 4K Walking Tours on YouTube
Jump toChao Phraya Express boat downriver, about 20 min.
- 2
Evening
The Chao Phraya riverside
The river that made the city, lined with temples, old warehouses and new towers, and at its best in the evening when the boats and buildings light up.
- River boats
- Riverside promenade
- City lights
Bangkok Looks Unreal at Night | Amazing Riverside Walk 4K HDR
Video by Capybara Walk on YouTube
Taxi or MRT to Wat Mangkon, about 15 min.
- 3
Night
Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Neon signs in Chinese and Thai over Yaowarat Road, gold shops, temples and, after dark, one of the best street-food streets in the world.
- Yaowarat Road
- Street food stalls
- Gold shops
Day 3: Siam, Lumphini & Silom
The malls and skywalks of Siam, a late-afternoon walk in Lumphini Park, and Silom by night.
- 1
Midday
Siam
The modern heart of Bangkok, where giant malls are joined by elevated walkways above the traffic, a cool escape in the hottest hours.
- Siam Paragon
- centralwOrld
- Skywalks
BTS Skytrain from Siam to Ratchadamri, then walk, about 15 min.
- 2
Late afternoon
Lumphini Park
The city's big green park, with a lake, joggers and outdoor gyms, and large monitor lizards wandering the lawns, framed by the skyline.
- Park lake
- Skyline views
- Monitor lizards
Lumphini Park Morning Walk
Video by Walking Mission in Asia on YouTube
Walk across Rama IV Road into Silom, about 10 min.
- 3
Night
Silom
A business district by day that turns lively at night, with street stalls, bars and rooftop views over the city.
- Silom Road
- Night stalls
- Rooftop views
Bangkok, Thailand – 4K Walking Tour | Evening Walk in the Silom Area
Video by traveler_HIRO on YouTube
Travelling with someone?
Send them this 3-day Bangkok plan, videos included.
Planning your first trip to Bangkok
How many days?
Three days covers the temples of the old city, Chinatown and the river, and modern Bangkok around Siam and Silom. Add Chatuchak and Sukhumvit, and the night markets and Khao San Road, for five.
Where to stay
The riverside and Silom are good for the temples and the boats; Siam and Sukhumvit are best for the Skytrain, malls and nightlife. Compare areas →
Getting around
Use the Chao Phraya Express boats for the old city, and the BTS Skytrain and MRT metro for the modern centre. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are cheap; agree on the meter.
Bangkok is hot, loud and enormous, but a first visit falls into clear pieces. The temples of the old royal city sit together by the Chao Phraya River; Chinatown and the riverside come alive in the evening; and the modern centre around Siam and Silom has malls, a big green park and rooftop views. Boats, the Skytrain and the metro do the long hops, and the rest is on foot.
Every stop comes with a walking video filmed on those streets, so you can see the temples, the markets and the night-time crowds before you arrive. Use the buttons under each video to jump to the landmark, or press Preview to watch a whole day in a row.
Bangkok itinerary: common questions
Is 3 days enough for Bangkok?
For a first visit, yes. Three days covers the temples of the old city, Chinatown and the river, and modern Bangkok around Siam and Silom. With five days you can add the Chatuchak Weekend Market and Sukhumvit, and an evening of night markets and Khao San Road.
What should I wear to the temples in Bangkok?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and be ready to take off your shoes inside temple halls. The Grand Palace is the strictest; light trousers or a long skirt and a T-shirt work well.
When is the best time to visit Bangkok?
November to February is the coolest and driest time. March to May is very hot, and the rainy season from June to October brings short, heavy afternoon storms.
How do I get around Bangkok?
Use the river boats for the temples and Chinatown, and the BTS Skytrain and MRT for the modern centre. Walking is easy within each area, but plan for the heat and take breaks in the shade.
Travel times are approximate. Check opening days and any booking requirements before you go.
Where to stay in Bangkok
6 areas compared, each with a street walk so you can see the neighborhood before you book.
Read the guide →Keep exploring Bangkok
More 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Bangkok city guide →