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 nearly 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 railroad 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 propose you to start with the monuments, temples and best palaces of Bangkok. There will be 7 stops covering 3 kilometers and you can see the route on this map.
As these are places of worship, I recommend that this day you pay special attention to the dress code. Your shoulders and legs should be covered, it is best to wear pants and a loose shirt. Now that you are ready, let's go!
Bangkok National Museum
Before moving on to the "wats," the Thai word for temples, the Bangkok National Museum is a must-see for any traveler interested in the history and culture of Thailand.
The Bangkok National Museum opened in 1874 with an exceptional collection of paintings, statues, frescoes, photos, artifacts from the ancient city of Ayutthaya, royal jewelry 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 its opening hours are from Wednesday to Sunday between 09:00 and 16:00 hours.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
After passing through the Shrine of the Pillars of the City in Bangkok and greet the Guardian God, I invite you to admire the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew, a real pass. This temple is the most sacred temple in Thailand, Buddhists from all over Asia come to pay tribute to the Emerald Buddha in one of the best temples in Bangkok.
The statue is carved from a single jade stone and the Emerald Buddha is in 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.
The entrance fee is about 500 baht, approximately 13.3 €, and allows you to visit the Temple of Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace for the same price. The opening hours are between 08:30 and 15:30 hours.
The Royal Palace of Bangkok
The Royal Palace or Grand Palace is the former residence of the monarch and is located on 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 Bangkok Royal Palace is an impressive palace complex that was the official residence of the kings of Thailand for 150 years. Although the kings no longer live here, it is still used for important ceremonies such as changing 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 traveler visiting Bangkok. The opening hours are from 08:30 to 15:30 hours from Monday to Sunday.
Remember that with your tickets to the Grand Palace in Bangkok you also visit the Emerald Buddha, in addition, the Queen Sirikit Museum is included.
Saranrom Palace
This is a stop for contrasts. Saranrom Palace is an impressive historic building located within the Bangkok Grand Palace complex. It was originally designed in the 19th century by German architect Egon Muller, but later the complex was redesigned by Italian Carlo Allegri.
Here you will find a statue of King Rama IV because it was formerly used as a royal residence, before becoming the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is worth exploring its beautiful gardens and admiring its unique architecture, which combines Thai and European styles. It is a quiet and picturesque place within the bustling center 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, like the Saranrom Palace. Its distinctive features are the Khmer-style corridors or rather, Cambodian architecture, and the marble-clad lobby and chedi.
The gray and white marble tiles give the lobby and chedi a style reminiscent of a chessboard. In addition, this temple is known for its meditation school and for being a place of spiritual retreat in the heart of the city. Admission is free and its opening hours are from Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 16:00.
Wat Pho or Wat Phra Chetuphon
Wat Pho is a temple that houses one of the emblems of Bangkok: a statue of reclining Buddha 15 meters high and 45 meters long, it is one of the largest in the world. It is a huge golden statue that occupies the entire temple. You can walk around it and look at the soles of its feet decorated with symbols and mother-of-pearl inlays.
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 tour of the Golden Buddha and the passage through 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, the 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 leading 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 large 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 pamper your stomach by recharging your energy.
Siam Museum
The Siam Museum is an interactive museum located in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok that exposes the history of the country, but in a very playful way, with games and videos.
If you are visiting Bangkok in 3 days with your family, write down this visit among your things to do in Bangkok with kids, as you will learn about Thailand through touch screens, animations and interactive exhibits, which makes it an educational and fun experience for all audiences.
The entrance fee is about 300 baht, approximately 8 €, and the opening hours are from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 and 18:00 hours.
For dinner
You can continue exploring the terraces, bars and restaurants in front of the Chao Phraya River if your accommodation is in this area, but if you need to return to the point of origin, by 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 neighborhood in Bangkok ideal for cheap street food, delicious drinks and affordable shopping. Here you can get everything. 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 visit 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 most impressive temples and monuments in the country. However, it is located 1 hour drive from the center, so I recommend you to 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 knowing all the temples of this complex, but I suggest you to visit the 2 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 that in ancient times it was the home of the Kings of Thailand. Among them, you can visit the monastery of the Golden Mountain, 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 the ancient capital of Siam 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 panoramic views, don't miss Wat Chaiwatthanaram, with its impressive stone chedis resting atop an army of elephants. And if you are interested in landmark Thai art, visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a pair of iconic temples, including the model of Bangkok's Emerald Buddha Temple.
At the end of the tour I invite you to have lunch in the park where you will find buffet-style restaurants with a variety of national and international food, often included in the tours.
Monkey Temple Lopburi
After lunch you move on to Lopburi province, one of the oldest cities in Thailand where you will find the monkey sanctuary.
The Monkey Temple, whose original name is Phra Prang Sam Yod has a large number of wild monkeys making a life in the surrounding area. Once you get to the temple, you will see the monkeys running around and climbing over the Buddha itself.
Although they are wild animals, don't worry, they are used to the presence of tourists. Be careful with your belongings, though. Sunglasses, bracelets, watches or any shiny belongings usually attract their attention and they will make them theirs. It is 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 close the day with a flourish and recharge your energy tasting the best of Thai cuisine in an elegant and relaxing atmosphere aboard a boat.
Day 3: Visit the markets: on the river and train tracks
Thailand is famous for its colorful and original markets and on the edges of its capital are concentrated the most famous: the Damnoen Saduak floating market and the Mae Klong market, which are authentic postcards of the city of angels that you can not miss.
To make the ride you can take a cab and walk the 95 kilometers to the markets. However, the tours are usually more practical, in your language and for very cheap prices. For about 25 € you will be picked up at your hotel and a guide will take you to the markets. What will you see in these markets?
Mae Klong Market
The 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 train 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 reassemble them in a matter of seconds. And it is not just a souvenir sale, here they sell a wide range of products ranging from fruits and vegetables to clothing and accessories, and finally meat, fish and flowers.
The market is oriented to the local culture and, although it is open between 7:00 and 17:00 hours, it is ideal to visit it in the morning when it is not yet crowded with people. But if you want to see the dynamics of the passing train, try to be there at 8:30, 9:00, 11:15, 11:30, 14:30 or 15:30.
Damnoen Saduak floating market
The next stop on the tour takes you to one of the most popular floating markets, the Damnoen Saduak floating market. Located about two hours west of Bangkok, this market is a spectacle of color 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 the most touristy floating markets in Thailand because of the special attention of the locals and its proximity to the ruins of Ayutthaya. Upon arriving at the market, you can board one of these boats and enjoy a canal tour while enjoying the boat shopping experience.
In addition to 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 foods such as the famous rice noodles, Thai tea and local sweets.
Say goodbye to Bangkok in Tuk Tuk
Back to the center of Bangkok and to say goodbye to the city, a gastronomic ride in a tuk tuk. For a couple of hours a local expert takes you through the capital's markets and the best things to see, do and taste in Chinatown Bangkok
Best of all you will sample the delicious street food, accompanied by an expert guide who will teach you about the history and culture of the city. 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!