Exploring the Best of Bangkok in this Ultimate 4-Day Itinerary
Bangkok, Thailand’s lively and vibrant capital! A city that offers a unique blend of culture, jaw dropping temples, bustling street and night life, and EXCELLENT SHOPPING from budget to luxury. This 4 day Bangkok itinerary, will guide you through the best sights and experiences, ensuring you make the most out of your stay.
🗺️ Click to Open and SAVE our Bangkok Itinerary Google Map
Table of contents
Getting to Downtown Bangkok from the Airport
- Getting to the City: Upon arrival, the most efficient way to get to central Bangkok is via a Taxi, Grab, or Bangkok’s Rail Network.
- FROM Suvarnabhumi Airport: You can use the Airport Rail Link (ARL). The ARL connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai Station in about 30 minutes, costing approximately 45 THB ($1.30 USD). Taxis or Grabs are another option for around 500 -800 THB
- FROM DON MUEANG Airport: You can use the SRT, The SRT connects Don Mueang to Bang Sue in about 20 minutes, costing approximately 20 THB (under $1 USD). Alternatively, you can get a Grab or Taxi for around 300-500 THB.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
My personal preference, is Siam. Siam area is IDEAL for tourists visiting Bangkok due to its central location, excellent shopping options, and easy access to the Bangkok’s main attractions. Siam is commonly referred to as the heart of Bangkok’s shopping and entertainment district. It’s home to a wide range of luxury malls like Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, as well as the MBK Center.
Siam is also well-connected through the BTS Skytrain system, making it easy for travelers to reach many popular spots.
The neighborhood is filled with many dining options, from street food stalls to trendy cafes, bars and restaurants.
- Luxury: Pathumwan Princess Hotel – The location is AMAZING, and it is connected to the MBK mall, and steps from the MRT Station and Siam District.
- Mid-range: Siam @ Siam – a trendy hotel, steps from the MRT Station and Siam
- Budget: Ibis Siam Bangkok – a budget friendly hotel, directly across from the MRT station, MBK Centre and a short walk to Siam. You will also have access to the pool and restaurant / bar at the adjoining Mercure Siam Hotel for 300 baht a day, which includes a F & B Voucher.
4 Day Bangkok Itinerary
This 4-day Bangkok itinerary balances Bangkok’s historic, cultural, and modern sides along with some shopping and relaxation.
Day 1: Start your Bangkok Itinerary exploring the nearby attractions
Day 1 of your Bangkok Itinerary starts with your arrival and checking into your Hotel in Bangkok
Your Options:
- Explore the lively area around your Hotel, including Siam Square and its Malls, Siam Paragon, CentralWorld and MBK Center.
- For a unique experience, check out Siam Discovery’s innovative displays.
- If you like markets and bargain shopping, head to the Pratunam Markets, and visit the nearby Platinum Mall & Decembers.
- Need of a coffee fix? Why not visit a TRENDY and unique cafe like B-Story, The Cassette Coffee Bar OR the Luxury Luis Vuitton Cafe (Make a reservation).
- For something a little stiffer, you may wish to check out Tribe Sky Beach Club while also checking out the NEW Emsphere Mall.
Chatuchak Weekend Market (open on weekends) If your flight arrives on a weekend, then the Chatuchak Weekend Markets are a great place to stop between the Airport and the City (using one of the storage lockers). The Chatuchak Weekend Markets are the World’s largest markets with over 15,000 stalls and 200,000 visitor every weekend. You can find everything from clothing and handicrafts to exotic food and animals.
Sunset & Evening:
- Akara Sky Hanuman is a NEW Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, that centers around a Dragon bar, that has a mesmerizing light display after dark. The perfect time to visit is on sunset, through to the evening so you enjoy the view during the day, the lightshow on dark, and the cultural show at 9.30pm.
- Opens at 5.30pm
- Light show at Dark
- Cultural Show at 9.30pm
- Cocktails start form 400-500 THB
Day 2: Day Tour – Floating Markets, Railway Markets & Ancient City
I LOVED this Full Day Tour from Bangkok, it includes 3 x Iconic and historical sites that in my opinion are MUST SEE sites.
CLICK HERE: Floating Market & Ancient City Day Tour from Bangkok
Bangkok Day Tour Itinerary
- Railway Markets: Experience the bustling markets where a train passes by centimeters from the market stalls.
- Floating Markets: Go to the ORIGINAL and BEST floating markets in Bangkok, shop, try local delights and experience this historical tradition.
- Ancient City: Spread over 200 acres, visit replica, and original temples, statues and monuments found throughout Thailand. Ancient City is the world’s largest outdoor Museum.
- CLICK HERE: Floating Market & Ancient City Day Tour from Bangkok
Evening:
- China Town Night Markets: Enjoy Dinner at the China Town Night Markets.
- Visit a Speakeasy Bar in China Town, hidden behind a bookshelf: Widdershins
Other Day Tour Options
Klook.comDay 3: Hop on Hop off River Cruise & Temples
Early Morning:
Order a Grab to take to you to:
- Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen (8am – 6pm) Famous for it’s Giant Buddha statue and temple with beautiful interior artwork
- Wat Kunchan – (6.30am – 9pm) a temple dedicated to Animals.
(Both are located in walking distance of each other, you can also opt to do a river cruise to view the temples from the water.
Order a Grag to take you to Icon Siam and purchase a Hop on Hop off Ferry Pass for 150 THB ($6 AUD)
Hop on Hop off Boat Stops to Explore:
- Icon Siam: Explore this luxury and iconic shopping center.
- Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn): Head to the iconic Wat Arun. This riverside temple features stunning Khmer-style towers adorned with intricate porcelain. (200 baht Entry fee)
- Bangkok Flower Market: Bangkok’s fresh flower markets.
- Chinatown Exploration: Wander through Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown. Visit the Yaowarat Road for delicious street food and traditional shops.
- Take a short Grab / Taxi or TukTuk from Chinatown to Talat noi Street Art. Explore this trendy area, filled with street art, quirky cafes, and a very ‘old Bangkok’ vibe.
Evening:
- Visit Eagle Nest Bar for a cocktail with the view of Wat Arun.
- Checkout the hidden photo spot: at the end of Pratu Nokyung Alley, where you will find an amazing view of Wat Arun in amongst the city scrapers.
- Board a Chao Phraya River Cruise: Enjoy a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Take in the historic Bangkok landmarks, such as Wat Arun and The Grand Palace. This cruise includes a 2 hour buffet dinner and a live band. To book click: Chao Phraya Princess Cruise in Bangkok and use our discount code, TRAVELLIVNKLOOK for up to 10% off.
- OR Visit AsiqTique. Bangkok’s riverside landmark where you will find, dining, Shows, Thailand’s largest Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round and a Haunted House of Mystery Mansion.
Day 4: Bangkok Downtown Shopping & Relaxation
Your final Day of your 4 Day Bangkok itinerary, and it’s time for some last-minute shopping OR a Thai Massage or Beauty Treatment.
TIP: DOWNLOAD the GoWabi App, to find a local Massage, Beauty Treatment or Day Spa.
Flyout to your NEXT DESTINATION
Bangkok Transportation Tips
- BTS Skytrain and MRT are a reliable, fast and CHEAP way to get around central Bangkok. You’ll skip the traffic jams with this mode of transport.
- Grab App is convenient for booking rides without needing cash and it always gives you the best and a very reasonable rate.
- Tuk-tuks are an iconic and fun way to navigate shorter distances, but always negotiate the price first, they tend to be the MOST EXPENSIVE and they usually start at a very inflated price. Additionally, they may try and make you stop at shops to get fuel vouchers. I always ask for the ‘NO STOP’ price.
- Taxi’s like Tuk Tuk’s often require some negotiation, alot will not let foreigners use the meter to get a fair rate, and will often give you a price that is double the price you can get on Grab.
Bangkok Itinerary Travel Tips
- Dress Code: When visiting temples, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). Wear shoes that are easy to take on and off as you will need to remove them each time you go in a temple.
- Currency Exchange: Get yourself a WISE card for the best exchange rates.
- Weather: Bangkok is typically hot and humid, so carry water and stay hydrated.
Your Complete KOH SAMUI Guide!
All the very BEST things to do AND where to stay in Koh Samui.