3 perfect days in Bangkok

The bustling city of Bangkok welcomed 21 million people in 2016 making it the most visited city in the world. Along with being a major regional hub, Bangkok is home to some of Thailand’s most iconic monuments and is the political and economic capital of the country. Three days is about the right amount of time for most travelers to spend here, but you could easily stay a few weeks and still not see absolutely everything. Here is how to properly experience Bangkok in just three days.

Come see the beautiful architecture of the Grand Palace | Photo by GettingStamped.com

Day 1:  Classic Bangkok sights 

If you’re awake early on your first day in Bangkok and not suffering from jet lag, jump in a cab and head across the river to the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) to watch the sunrise over the city. Located across the river from modern Bangkok, this is a great place to spend an early morning. Watch the city come to life as the monks make their way about the temple. If you’re not that early of a riser, an afternoon visit to the temple is still worth it.

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Back on the east side of the Chao Phraya River is your second stop and one of the most impressive in Bangkok—the Grand Palace. This massive, 2.3 million square-foot complex is filled with beautiful ornate buildings in traditional Thai architecture. The Grand Palace once housed all governmental business and was formerly the home of the king. It’s now home to a number of museums and temples, and is a top tourist attraction.

There are hundreds of restaurants in Bangkok, but to truly get a taste of the city you should try a snack or lunch from one of the many street vendors. Try some fresh pad Thai or a street side bowl of steaming pork noodle soup.

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Wat Pho, the famous Reclining Buddha, in the Phra Nakhon District of Bangkok | Photo by GettingStamped.com

Another short walk or three-wheeled tuk-tuk ride will bring you to Wat Pho, or the temple of the Reclining Buddha. A favorite temple among many, its peaceful gardens and amazing statues are a peaceful retreat from the city streets.

After your Wat Pho visit, make your way to the river to watch the sunset. Pop in nearby riverside restaurant The Deck by Arun Residence for a sundowner. Situated right across the river from Wat Arun, it affords beautiful views of sunset behind the temple.

After the sun goes down, it’s time to make your way to Khao San Road. Hop in a tuk-tuk and make the short trip to the lively nightlife area. Khao San Road is a one-of-a-kind area full of travelers from around the world, plus lots of restaurants and affordable drinks. Over the years it has gotten a bad rap for being overcrowded with drunken tourists, but it’s still a great place to socialize and people watch.

Go shopping Thai style—floating in a boat! | Photo by GettingStamped.com

Day 2: Shop your way around Bangkok

The city of Bangkok knows how to shop. People from around Asia and the world come here just for the shopping—from traditional markets to ultra modern malls, there is something here for everyone.

Start your day of shopping with a uniquely Thai shopping experience at the Dameon Saduak floating market. Located just outside of the city, you can hire a boat driver and float along the canals and shop from small “stores” set up inside traditional boats and small stands. It’s easy to arrange tours of the floating market in advance or while in Bangkok. The floating markets were originally started to help local farmers more easily bring their crops to market by using small boats on an intricate series of canals. In modern times this particular market caters more to tourists looking for a glimpse back in time. However, there are other markets in Bangkok that operate much as they have for many years.

For another unique experience head to the Maeklong Train Market where the main attraction isn’t only the goods for sale. This market is setup around a railroad—or more specifically, on top of the tracks. Many vendors set up their stalls within inches of the rails. It’s a must to stay until a train comes through to see the vendors narrowly avoid having their stands plowed over by the train. It’s a sight to see.

Both markets will have plenty of freshly prepared Thai foods to try, so come hungry and try many things. If you are hesitant to try market foods for safety reasons, just look for the busy stalls. A busy place is a sign of good and typically safe food.

ALSO: Get more Bangkok bang for your buck by signing up for Orbitz Rewards!

If you’re in Bangkok over the weekend you’re in luck and can be witness to one of the largest markets in the country. The weekend market, or Chatuchak market, is open on Saturdays and Sundays and is overwhelmingly huge, filled with everything from T-shirts to Thai antiques.

If you fancy a more modern shopping experience, head to the Siam area of the city. The best way to reach it is via the BTS metro trains that stop at the conveniently named “Siam” stop, or by taxi/Uber. Once you’re here, you’ll be surrounded by more shopping than you’ll know what to do with. Several city blocks in any direction are filled shopping options from the budget MBK shopping mall to the high-end Siam Paragon complete with a Rolls Royce dealership.

Sky Bar at Sirocco in Bangkok, Thailand | Flickr CC: chee.hong

Finish your shopping day with a much needed sunset drink high above the city. Skybars are all the rage in Bangkok since the popular “Hangover 2” movie showed the world how cool the views are from atop the city.

Thai street food is not to be missed | Photo by GettingStamped.com

Day 3: Eat your way around the city

Plan your last day in the city around one of the city’s best assets—the food! Around every corner, there is something amazing and exotic to try.

Start your day with a Thai iced coffee; you shouldn’t have to venture too far from your hotel to find a street vendor mixing up this sweet and tasty drink. A morning favorite of many, Thai iced coffee is fresh coffee or Nescafé served over ice with a generous swirl of sweetened condensed milk.

With coffee in hand, make your way toward Bangkok’s famous Pak Khlong Flower Market. Thousands of floral Buddhist offerings are made every morning here. (See Map)

Many visitors’ favorite meal when they come to Thailand is the classic pad Thai. To truly experience this famed dish, you have to visit Thip Samai, Bangkok’s most renowned pad Thai restaurant (See Map). During standard meal times, this place can get very busy and there is usually a wait at dinner time, but the food is worth it.

On your way to your next food destination stop by the Giant Swing, a religious structure originally built in 1784 that remains one of Bangkok’s most recognizable monuments. Carefully make your way across traffic to get your picture under the nearly 70-foot tall swing.

Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown is full of delicious street food | Photo by GettingStamped.com

A great place to finish your time in Bangkok is the city’s Chinatown. Bangkok’s Yaowarat Road is home to one of the biggest Chinatowns in the world and it’s absolutely full of great food. The best time to come is at night when the neon signs are lit up and the streets are lined with vendors selling all kinds of tasty treats.

If you have more time, there’s plenty more to see in Bangkok, but the same goes for the rest of Thailand. While you won’t see it all, three days is usually a good amount of time for first-time visitors to get to know the city.

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