3-day itinerary
Bangkok in 3 days: the perfect weekend itinerary
Bangkok rewards 3-day trips structured around BTS Skytrain access and avoiding traffic. This route covers the iconic temples, the street-food culture, the rooftop scene, and one day-trip option.
Day 1: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun
Morning
Grand Palace + Emerald Buddha (500 baht, pre-9am for shorter queues). Wat Pho (300 baht) for the 46-metre Reclining Buddha – both are 10-min walk apart.
Afternoon
Thai massage at Wat Pho’s original school (the cheapest serious Thai massage in Bangkok, 260 baht for 30 min). Cross the river by ferry (3 baht) to Wat Arun for the climb up the central prang.
Evening
Dinner in Yaowarat (Chinatown) for the street food scene – bird’s nest soup, oyster omelets, dim sum. Stay for the night market.
If you have an extra hour
Sunset rooftop bar at Sirocco (the Lebua Sky Bar from The Hangover 2) – drinks 700-900 baht.
Day 2: Markets, Massage, and Modern Bangkok
Morning
Chatuchak Weekend Market (Sat-Sun only; 15,000 stalls). Or alternative – Or Tor Kor market (food-focused, all week) plus the JJ Green market.
Afternoon
Spa or hammam afternoon – Bangkok has some of the best massage parlors at unbeatable prices. ThaiSpa Wellness or Health Land are the iconic Sukhumvit options.
Evening
Dinner at Sorn (Michelin-starred southern Thai, book 2 months ahead) or Le Du (modern Thai). Followed by rooftop drinks at Vertigo (Banyan Tree) or Mahanakhon Sky Bar.
If you have an extra hour
BTS to EmQuartier or Terminal 21 for evening shopping if dinner runs early.
Day 3: Day trip to Ayutthaya or Floating Market
Morning
Train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong or Krung Thep Aphiwat station to Ayutthaya (80 min, ~20 baht 3rd class). Rent a bicycle at Ayutthaya station for the temple loop.
Afternoon
Cover Wat Mahathat (Buddha head in tree roots), Wat Chaiwatthanaram (riverside), Wat Phra Si Sanphet (royal temple). Lunch at a riverside terrace.
Evening
Return to Bangkok by 7pm. Final dinner at a Sukhumvit street food alley (Soi 38 is iconic) or the rooftop at Octave (Marriott Sukhumvit).
If you have an extra hour
Alternative day trip: Damnoen Saduak floating market + Maeklong Railway Market (the train-through-market spectacle), via organized tour.