Day 1 – The Unusual Bangkok
Your first day in Bangkok is different from what all the guidebooks tell you. We will explore the unseen and lesser-known corners of this city. Follow this 3-day guide step by step and have a great time in Bangkok.
1. Co van Kessel, Biking around Bangkok
One of the best things to do in Bangkok is to explore the city by bicycle. Discover the small back alleys, outskirts, markets, Chinatown, temples, and canals on a 5-hour tour. You won’t be on the bike all the time; halfway, you will take your bike on a boat tour through the famous canals of Bangkok and have a mouth-watering lunch at a local restaurant.
Book this online or read more about the Co van Kessel Bike Tour
2. Explore the Canals by Long-Tail Boat
The “Venice of the East” is a big network of canals. Along with those rivers, you see many Thai people live in their wooden houses. The canals connected Bangkok throughout the whole city.
Thonburi is super picturesque, less touristy, and highly recommended to get a long-tail boat tour through its canals.
3. Visit the Hipster Markets
Bangkok is the king of markets. While walking or driving around the city, keep an eye on all the small streets where you suddenly find a full market. The markets in Bangkok are there in all flavors and sizes.
Small local vegetable markets to huge, 2000+ stalls, trendy clothing, souvenir, and food stalls markets. Locals absolutely love to hang around here so when you visit a good market, the majority are Bangkok locals.
Tip: Bargaining is common in Thailand. Aim to pay 40% of the original price.
Train Night Market Srinagarindra
If you ask us, this is the best market in Bangkok! As it’s located a little further away from the center, the majority of people shopping here are locals, and the atmosphere is buzzing. Everything you can think of is being sold here, from vintage clothing to incredible street food, cocktail bars, and antiques.
Note: It’s no secret that Hannah loves vintage shopping and this was one of her favorite places to shop in Thailand for vintage gems! Everything is very well categorized, so you’ll find all the vintage vendors at the back of the market, next to the old warehouses.
You can even get your hair cut here, admire vintage cars on display, or listen to live music. It’s such a fun place to hang out for the evening!
Most Authentic: Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market
Another beautiful market to visit is Pak Khlong Talat, Bangkok’s famous flower market! As expected, this market is blooming with color, showcasing rows and rows of fragrant floral displays. If you continue exploring, you’ll also find a great food market selling fresh fruit and vegetables. It really is an explosion of color and smells!
The flower market is particularly special as it holds significant spiritual and cultural value for locals. In fact, this is where residents purchase their flowers to take to the temple for prayer. Because of this, always be mindful not to walk in front of people while they’re shopping, and don’t touch or smell the flowers until after you’ve purchased them.
Tip: The Flower Market is located near Chinatown, one of our favorite districts to stay in the city.
4. Get Yourself a Smoothie!
Everywhere you go in Thailand, fresh fruit smoothies are a big deal. They are delicious, come in all kinds of fruit flavors, and oh so affordable. Every market offers fresh fruit smoothies, but be warned, most of the stalls add sugar water to make them taste even better. Healthy tip: Ask for ‘no sugar’. :)
Get from Bangkok to your next destination: Find transport tickets
5. Eat like a Local
Find the best Thai food in the markets and at small food shops on the side of the road. Delicious curries, Pad Thais, spicy green mango salad, chicken cashew, and so many more choices. Be prepared for a fantastic food experience.
Good to know: Buying fruits that are already cut is not recommended.
Depending on the popularity of the area, the prices of meals change very quick. Expect to pay anywhere between 40 – 120 THB ($2) for a meal and 250 THB for a whole barbeque grilled fish.
Get that meal and smoothie at this best market of Bangkok.
Day 2 – Temples of Bangkok
The usual things to do in Bangkok are to visit the floating market and Chatuchak Market. These are great, but we are focused on avoiding mass tourism and experiencing the city’s beauty.
Also read: Best things to do in Phuket
6. Wat Benchamabophit
Wake up early for an absolute magical sunrise at Wat Benchamabophit. Italian Marble gives a unique look to the temple and is our favorite temple of Bangkok. It is just outside of Bangkok old town, and because it isn’t well known (yet), it is likely that you will be one of the few there.
Also read: Best Places to Visit in Thailand
The temple opens at 6 AM and there is a 50 THB (1.5 USD) donation. After 8:30 AM, you can expect the first small groups of tourists.
Tip: ‘Wat’ means temple in the Thai language
7. Tuk-Tuk through the City
Another thing to do in Bangkok is experience at least one Tuk Tuk ride. They take you from A to B within minutes, dodging through traffic.
Get from Bangkok to your next destination: Find transport tickets
Jump in the Tuk Tuk from Wat Benchamabophit and ask him to drop you at the ferry point to Wat Arun. It takes about 20 minutes and you should aim for a price between 100 and 200 THB. Agree on a price on forehand!
8. Wat Arun
With a height of over 75 meters, Wat Arun is easy to spot from the opposite side of the river. One of the most impressive temples in Bangkok opened after renovation in late 2017. The climb to the top gives a panoramic view of the river and city.
From the ferry point, take the ferry, which costs 4 THB, to the other side of the river. It is a 3-minute walk from the 50 THB entrance.
Good to know: At all temples is it required to cover up over shoulders and knees.
Dinner Overlooking Wat Arun
For one of the most magical sunset experiences, take the ferry back over to the other side of the river and reserve a table at one of the waterside restaurants. There are plenty to choose from, all with direct views of the beautiful Wat Arun, which looks even more spectacular in the soft pink and orange colors of the sunset.
After dark, it becomes even more magical when the temple is illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. Some great options to watch the evening spectacle are:
- Above Riva
- Supanniga Eating Room
- Horsamut
- Chom Arun
- View Arun Restaurant
9. Khao San Road and Soi Rambuttri
Khao San Road is the street that is a haven for every budget backpacker. One street has many small bars, food stalls, souvenirs, cheap buckets with alcohol, and fried scorpions sellers. Walk through this street and be amazed by what is going on here. It’s an absolute must-see and a top thing to do in Bangkok.
Soi Rambuttri is Khao San’s neighboring street. The street has more food stalls and relaxing restaurants. Order a Grab from these popular streets, a Taxi or Tuk-Tuk will likely charge you triple the price.
10. Wat Pho
Start the day at 08:00 AM at Bangkok’s most popular temple: Wat Pho. It thanks its popularity to its beauty and 46-meter-long reclining Buddha. When visiting early, it is relaxing to wander around the complex. There is a 100 THB (3 USD) fee to enter Wat Pho.
Also read: Khao Sok National Park, Thailand’s hidden gem
Our two favorite malls are Terminal 21 for shopping clothing and CentralWorld also for clothing and electronics.
Loads of well-known stores are located here, such as H&M, Zara, Brandy Melville, creative Japanese, and big electronic shops. The top floors of the malls have a large cinema and food area.
12. Coffee and Food!
Besides local Thai dishes, Bangkok offers a lot of Western-style restaurants. Obviously, prices are higher, but some places are worth the experience. Prefer local food? Read number 5 of our Things to do in Bangkok list.
iO Italian Osteria
Inside the CentralWorld mall is an Italian restaurant, which is, without a doubt, the best one in the entire city. Most products are imported from Italy, and even some of the staff are Italian.
(Not Just) Another Cup or Brekkie
For a good Western breakfast or lunch, head over two either Brekkie Organic Cafe or (Not Just) Another Cup. Two eye-pleasing cafes with delicious food and coffee.
13. Sunset at Skybar Rooftop Bar – Must do in Bangkok!
A great way to close off your time in Bangkok is by watching the sunset from a rooftop. Have a 360 degrees view over the whole city at 48 stories up in the sky. Some have a dress code, be sure to check this in advance.
Octave is a bar outside of the tourist area with a great view and near the Thong Lo BTS stop. Happy Hour runs from 5-7 PM; expect to pay around 300 THB on average. The dress code is smart casual, which usually means: wear actual shoes, trainers are ok!
Good to know: Take your ID or a photo of it with you.
How to Get Around Bangkok
Bangkok offers loads of options to get around the city. Grab, Gojek motorbikes, Metro, BTS (Skytrain), Taxis, Tuk-Tuks, and local buses.
Get from Bangkok to your next destination: Find transport tickets
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Suvarnabhumi is connected to a BTS, getting to Bangkok city from here is an easy 30-minute ride and only costs between 15 – 45 THB (1 USD). Once you get off the BTS, you can order a Grab that takes you to your hotel.
By Taxi
We recommend using a Grab taxi from the airport. First, you need to download the app and choose your departing location and destination. Usually, your taxi will arrive fairly quickly. You’ll be given the option to take the highway (which is a good idea because it saves a lot of time). However, be aware that this will add a 75 THB toll on top, which the driver will ask you to pay. This is completely normal.
Alternatively, you can take a standard city Taxi, which is also very convenient from this airport. These taxis have regulated number systems, which means fair prices. Expect to pay ~400 THB (plus highway toll).
By Car
Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive through Thailand. If you’re only visiting Bangkok, this might not be necessary. However, it’s becoming a more popular option for people following a Thailand itinerary.
We recommend to rent a car in Thailand through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Don Mueang
You can travel from Don Mueang Airport into the city using the MRT Red Line train. It takes you into the main travel hub of Bangkok, Krungthep Apiwat Station (also known as Bang Sue Grand Station), in just over 15 minutes. Although ticket prices vary, you can pay with cash or card at the automated machines.
You can also take a Grab or Taxi from the arrival terminal. Expect to pay 300 – 400 THB to the city (plus the toll fee).
Note: From both airports, it’s not the fastest connection into the city, especially if you’re traveling by taxi or car. You’ll likely have to wait in line for an hour to get a cab or your transport.
Getting Around in the City
The best and most affordable ways to see Bangkok are by BTS / Metro, Gojek motorbike, and Grab Taxi. Use Google Maps to decide which is best for your situation.
Taxis and Tuk-Tuks are honestly better to avoid if you don’t want to get stuck in a bargaining game.
Important note: Bangkok is an incredibly busy city, especially at rush hour. During these hours, you should add at least 30-90 minutes to your travel time. Unfortunately, the roads are often at a complete standstill, so taking the metro is a better option.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Bangkok offers accommodation for every kind of budget, whether you’re looking for a fun hostel, a budget guesthouse, or a five-star hotel.
Chinatown
In our opinion, Chinatown is the best area to stay in Bangkok. Situated within the older part of the city, it has some interesting architecture, fantastic street food, and has enough hustle and bustle to be interesting, but without the tourist crowds of other areas. (See all hotels in Chinatown)
Khao San
One of the most famous and popular areas in Bangkok is the area around Khao San Road. Here you’ll find all the discos, bars, street food, and bright lights of the city. It’s definitely the place to go if you’re a backpacker or up for a good party! However, be aware that this isn’t the most ‘authentic’ part of Bangkok. (See all hotels in Khao San)
Sukhumvit
Otherwise, it is best to find a hotel in Sukhumvit. The area is massive and has lots of different neighborhoods to explore. Most are pleasant, although we wouldn’t recommend staying in the streets around Nana, as this is one of Bangkok’s ‘red light districts’.
Note: The BTS is connected throughout Sukhumvit, making it easy to get around. (See all hotels in Sukhumvit)
How Much Does Bangkok Cost?
Bangkok is a relatively affordable city in comparison to most capital cities worldwide. Particularly if you stay further out of the center, you can find budget accommodation for next to nothing. Add to that the delicious and cheap street food, and you’re onto a winner!
Simcard in Bangkok
At the airport are loads of sim card shops. Getting a sim at the airport is recommended so you can easily use Grab and/or find your way in the city. We recommend AIS, which offers a 5-day unlimited data bundle for 140 THB (4 USD).
Best Time to Visit Bangkok
Bangkok is a hot and humid city because of its tropical location. Therefore, the best sightseeing months are November to March, which is the ‘cooler’ season. Although you can still have highs of 30 degrees°C (86°F), in general the humidity drops slightly making it easier to explore.
Note: December is the peak of high season in Bangkok, when the holiday crowds arrive. Make sure to book your hotel and activities well in advance if you’re visiting at this time.
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What canal tour did you book for the first day in Bangkok? Was it also through the bike tour company?
Hi Cassidy, yes the canal trip was part of the bike tour :)