Bumper 3 Days in Bangkok Itinerary: Updated for 2024!

Are you looking for the best three days in Bangkok itinerary? Read on to learn all about how to spend a few days in this vibrant city!

The sound of horns fills the humid air and motorbikes weave in and out of stationary cars. Hordes of people rush around day and night.

The aroma of pad thai or green curry wafts over from restaurants lining the road. Tall buildings pierce the sky, housing luxury hotels and apartments.

Down the road, there’s a beautiful temple made out of ornate gold, where zen music plays and you forget about the hustle and bustle of the city around you. 

This is Bangkok.

There’s not really anywhere on this earth quite like the city.

Unmistakably Thai, but it’s somewhere where everybody is welcome, Bangkok is a city with a distinct heritage that goes back centuries. But along with old buildings, there’s a ridiculously modern eating, drinking and shopping scene.

It’s somewhere where you can enjoy $1 pad thai and then sip on cocktails in the swankiest of rooftop bars.

Bangkok’s got it all, and it’s a must-stop on any Thailand itinerary.

That being said, three days in Bangkok is enough to see the city and get an essence of its many sides.

You could stay longer, of course – you could stay longer anywhere – but as many travellers to Thailand are limited to just a few weeks, this Bangkok itinerary will focus on the best of the city in just 72 hours.

It’s a packed one, but I’m guessing you probably didn’t come to Bangkok for some R&R, right?

So read on, and I’ll show you this crazy, wonderful, effervescent city and the very best things to do in Bangkok in three days. This is an itinerary and complete travel guide! 

This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links, I get a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. 

Arriving in Bangkok

Just as there are countless sides to Bangkok, there are countless ways of arriving in Bangkok. You could:

Taxis in Bangkok

I’d recommend downloading the Grab app before you arrive in Thailand.

It’s like Uber, but better (plus there’s no Uber here).

You can use it to get a taxi for a fair price; but obviously, you’ll need data or WiFi.

Transport from Suvarnabhumi Airport

The airports have WiFi and I’ve taken Grabs from there, but it’s sometimes a bit difficult to arrange the pickup point.

If you don’t want to or can’t use Grab, your other taxi option is airport taxis. These are regulated so are normally the right price.

Airport taxis generally cost between 250 – 450 baht, depending on where in the city you’re going.

Or you can take the Bangkok Airport Link which connects to the MRT (to the Makkasan City Interchange Station then transfer to MRT Petchaburi Station) and BTS (at Phayathai Station).

It costs 45 baht per person, plus however much your BTS/ MRT is at the other end (between 10-40 baht).

There is also a 24-hour public bus. Click here for routes and rates.

Transport from Don Mueang Airport

If you’re arriving at Don Mueang Airport, you can either take a Grab or taxi or use public transport. Taxis cost around 300-400 baht.

Trains and buses leave from across the road from DMK airport, costing just 5-25 baht and arriving at Hua Lamphong Station.

The disadvantage of this transport is that the buses are often very busy and the trains only run once an hour.

Another option is to take a taxi to Mo Chit, which is the nearest BTS station and connects with Chatuchak Park MRT station.

This will cost 100 baht plus 50 baht airport surcharge. From Mo Chit you can take a BTS to your accommodation.

There is also a bus – route A1 – that takes travellers to the city, taking 30 minutes and leaving every 12 minutes from 7:30 until midnight.

This travels from the airport to Mo Chit and costs 30 baht – making it the cheapest way of reaching the BTS station and the rest of the city.

Where to stay in Bangkok

During my many trips to the city, I stayed in most main areas in Bangkok, and have personally recommended a range of neighborhoods and hotels below!

Khaosan Road

Close to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and many other temples, the river, Siam Museum, and lots more – Khao San Road is the best place to stay in Bangkok for attractions, and the worst place to stay if you want somewhere with fewer tourists!

This area is not connected to the BTS or MRT.

Here Hostel is just 5 minutes from the road and offers a classy atmosphere while still being in close proximity to all of Bangkok’s highlights.

Plus, there’s a slide that goes down to the lobby from the rooms.

Click here for rates and to book.

Mad Monkey Bangkok if you’re looking to party in Bangkok, there’s nowhere better than Mad Monkey with its huge bar and restaurant, themed nights and proximity to Koh San Road.

It’s also really well facilitated, with comfy beds, clean dorms and a pool.

Read my review of the Mad Monkey in Siem Reap, Cambodia here.

Click here to book Mad Monkey Bangkok

Nouvo City Hotel – sitting in the affordable luxury category, this hotel offers large rooms with twin or double beds, a pool area, a gym and a spa.

The staff are exceptionally lovely here!

I would, however, recommend booking an executive room (or asking for an upgrade on arrival – mine cost me 500 baht) because the cheaper rooms only have a small window. 

Book Nouvo City Hotel here.

Chinatown

This area is fantastic if you want to experience a different, less touristy area of the city and still be close to Bangkok’s main attractions.

It isn’t connected to the BTS or MRT.

Royal Hotel @ Chinatown is a perfect option for those on a budget but still wanting a fairly luxurious stay.

The hotel rooms are good, with comfy beds, spacious bathrooms and all the other mod-cons you’ll need.

There’s also a rooftop pool and bar – the Agolio e Olio pasta they serve here is divine.

Some of the cheaper rooms are without windows – a big deal for me (natural light is my jam) – although I did opt for one of these when I had to wake up at 3 am for a flight.

Cos y’know, the sun wasn’t going to be waking me…

Book Royal Hotel @ Chinatown by clicking here

Sukhumvit

This area is for restaurants, bars, and shops and is connected to the BTS.

It’s one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly areas in Bangkok, with plenty of gay clubs and bars.

It’s a little far from many of Bangkok’s main tourist attractions – although still very accessible by Grab or taxi.

Thonglor Travellers Hostel and Cafe is a charismatic place to stay for backpackers in the area.

The dorms are well equipped with privacy curtains, individual lights and plugs and the cafe provides great coffee. Click here for more information.

Galleria 10 is located in the centre of busy Sukhumvit, near Asok train station.

It has a rooftop pool and spa with a lovely pool bar and sitting area, as well as comfy rooms with deluxe facilities.

Click here to book Galleria 10 today.

Makkasan

Eastin Hotel Makkasan is my favourite hotel in Bangkok (and I’ve been to tons).

The place just feels luxurious, with plenty of space in the rooms and the lobby, a great pool, affordable spa services and nice restaurants. I just love it here.

The only downside is it’s not super near anything – although is only a 15-minute walk to its closest BTS.

Click here to book Eastin Hotel Makkasan and enjoy!

Lumphini

This area is close to Wat Hua Lamphong, Lumphini Park, Hua Lamphong Station and various bars, shops and restaurants.

It’s connected to the MRT and many hotels in the area are within walking distance to a BTS station. Is a little far from the big tourist attractions.

Marriot Executive Apartments Sathorn Vista is a very good price for a 5* hotel and offers self-contained apartments with a kitchenette, luxury bathrooms and super comfy beds.

There’s a pool and gym on-site. It’s a great neighbourhood for those who want to experience a quieter side of the city.

Click here to book Marriot Executive Apartments

How to Get Around Bangkok

Guess what… there are a million ways to get around Bangkok as well. You’ll definitely use some (or maybe even all) of these during your three days in Bangkok…

  • BTS – The BTS (Skytrain) is fantastic at connecting the modern parts of Bangkok.
  • MRT – Bangkok doesn’t just have a skytrain, it also has a Metro, which connects to some places that are not serviced by the BTS. The BTS and MRT interchange at Sukhumvit/ Asok, Si Lom/ Sala Daeng and Chatuchak Park/ Mo Chit.
  • Motorcycle Taxis – you can’t travel for long distances on these – not like in Hanoi where Grab bikes are really popular – but you can take a ride with one to the nearest BTS station or other spots in the local area. Look for the guys riding around wearing orange vests. It should cost 20 baht to travel within the neighbourhood.
  • Grab – Grab is the best way to get a fairly-priced taxi in Bangkok. Download the app and use it just like Uber. The rates are nearly always better than hailing a cab.
  • Taxis – Traditional taxis are all over Bangkok, and sometimes you won’t be able to get a Grab so will need to use one. Try to get the driver to use the meter – sometimes, however, they will insist on a base rate. Try to find out what this should be to ensure that you don’t get ripped off.
  • Tuk Tuks – ahh, the tuk tuk. You’ve got to have a ride in one of these at least once – although this Bangkok itinerary includes a tuk tuk tour where you’ll definitely get your fair share of them! They’re not actually as cheap as people think (often costing more than metered taxis) but are sometimes a good option. They’re literally all over town – you won’t have trouble flagging one down.

WiFi in Bangkok

WiFi in Bangkok is generally very good. Most hotels have high-speed connections, and generally, cafes, restaurants and malls provide complimentary WiFi.

If you want to be connected all the time or are extending your travels in Thailand, you might consider buying a local SIM.

These are very cheap and you’ll get a lot of data.

You can even reserve one in advance and pick it up from either Bangkok airport by clicking here.

Bangkok Itinerary Day 1

Grand Palace

After checking out one of the best spots for breakfast in Bangkok, head to the Grand Palace, because why not; it’s the city’s most famous and popular attraction.

And it’s a good idea to get there as early as possible – doors open at 8:30 am and it’s insanely busy by 10 am.

Plus, if you’re visiting Bangkok in the rainy season, you’ll be more likely to be caught in a deluge in the afternoon (I’m speaking from first-hand experience of having to shelter underneath the palace’s turrets, and I can attest that actually exploring the place is much more fun).

The Grand Palace was built in 1782 by King Rama I, the first monarch of the Chakri Dynasty.

He believed that the new dynasty needed a new royal palace – so subsequently the Grand Palace was made.

The complex is really beautiful; even though it’s incredibly busy, I guarantee that you won’t see architecture quite like it in Thailand – or any other country, for that matter!

Enclosed within the Grand Palace complex is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is one of the most religious buildings in Thailand.

It’ll cost you 500 baht to visit the Grand Palace – it is one of the more expensive Bangkok attractions, but it’s well worth it.

Audio guides cost 100 baht and using a guide’s services has a varying cost (there are guides that wait outside).

You could also opt for a guided tour around a few Bangkok temples – more on that in a moment!

There is a strict dress code for the Grand Palace.

You’ll need to wear long trousers and cover your shoulders – shorts won’t cut it. If you don’t have anything suitable, you can purchase trousers and shawls at the gate – or just outside, where they are a bit cheaper.

Wat Pho

Another famous Bangkok temple, Wat Pho is home to the giant reclining Buddha. Sitting at 46 metres long, the Buddha is a very popular tourist attraction in the city (so much so that it is very difficult to get a good photo!).

Nonetheless, the golden buddha is one of the most unique things to do in Bangkok.

But that’s not all that Wat Pho’s got.

The rest of the temple is very peaceful and can be wondered around at leisure – without the hoards of tourists that you’ll find in the Grand Palace and at the reclining Buddha!

It costs 100 baht to enter Wat Pho.

Thai Massage at Wat Pho

If you fancy putting your feet up after the temple hopping, Wat Pho is a fantastic place to get a traditional Thai massage.

The temple has historical links to Thai massage and medicine and is still the centre of the preservation of Thai massage, so you’ll be really getting treated by the best.

In fact, many Thai masseurs were trained right here at Wat Pho.

Massages at Wat Pho take place in a communal room; for Thai massages you keep all of your clothes on (you’re normally given a loose shirt and pants to wear).

The following photo wasn’t taken at Wat Pho, but it’ll give you an idea of what you’ll be wearing during your Thai massage:

It costs 420 baht for one hour traditional Thai massage and 260 baht for 30 minutes. You can also get a foot massage! 

It is worth mentioning that Thai massages are very different to other types of massages – be prepared to be yanked around a bit, but you’ll feel great after! 

If you are visiting in the high season, you might want to pre-book your slot so you don’t have to wait – hotels and guesthouses can normally do this for you.

Once you’ve finished at Wat Pho, head towards the river.

It’ll be around lunch time and there are lots of restaurants and street food stalls where you can grab something to eat on the way.

Wat Arun

You can to take a boat over the river to reach Wat Arun. There’s sometimes a bit of a queue, but it moves fairly quickly. The boat costs just 4 baht and has some really nice views of both temples and skyscrapers.

You might be feeling a little temple-jaded by now, but Wat Arun is well worth it and has fewer crowds than the first two; and it’s definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Bangkok.

It’s essentially a huge pagoda which you can climb part-way up and enjoy views over the river.

The architecture is really distinct, I loved walking around admiring all the engravings.

It costs 50 baht to enter the Wat Arun complex.

It is very feasible to walk around the temples alone, and many people do.

However, if you’d like a little bit extra information, I’d recommend booking a tour.

There are a few around including different stops – so you’ll definitely find one to suit you.

  • This tour from Get Your Guide covers the temples that I’ve included in day 1 of this 3 day Bangkok itinerary. Click here for more details and to book it.
  • Alternatively, this Klook tour visits Wat Pho, Wat Traimit and Wat Benchamabopit. Check out more details here. You could see the Grand Palace and Wat Arun independently and use this tour to see some lesser explored temples and discover more history.

Once you’ve finished in the area, take a water taxi back over.

You’ve got a bit of time before the next stop on your Bangkok itinerary (which includes food!). I’d recommend heading back to your hotel or hostel, maybe taking a dip in the pool and enjoying the atmosphere.

Bangkok accommodation is typically very high-standard and even though you obviously didn’t come to Bangkok to sit around your hotel room, factoring in a couple of hours to enjoy the place is a good idea to avoid total travel burnout.

River Cruise

Taking a night time cruise along Bangkok’s river will give you the chance to see the city’s best attractions from

Taking a night time cruise along Bangkok’s river will give you the chance to see the city’s best attractions from another perspective.

Cruises are very good value and include dinner, entertainment, and transfers from your hotel. 

Click here to see prices and book.

Bangkok Itinerary Day 2

Morning Trip to a Floating Market

Day two in Bangkok begins with a trip out of the city to one of its famous floating markets.

These popular tourist attractions are largely considered to be one of the best places to visit in Bangkok in 3 days.

There are a number of them; I’d recommend either Taling Chan floating market or Damnoen Saduak market.

Which one you decide to go for depends on the day of the week, how early you want to wake up and how many other tourists you like spending your morning with.

Taling Chan is a weekend market, so is only open on Saturdays and Sundays.

It’s only 20 minutes by taxi from the city, so is very easy and cheap to reach. This also means that you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn to see it – in fact, heading there at 9am is absolutely fine

It’s a lot smaller than Damnoen Saduak and other markets and has a more local feel – although there are still plenty of market stalls selling touristy bits.

You’ll be able to take a tour around the khlongs as well as grab some food and buy souvenirs, and once you get tired foot massages are on offer!

Damnoen Saduak is the big brother of all the floating markets and lots of people consider it to be one of the best things to do in Bangkok.

It’s large, busy with tourists, open every day…. And 90 minutes away from Bangkok.

It can be reached by a pricey taxi or bus.

It’s recommended to get up at 5am to see this market before it gets too busy – or you could go with a tour who’ll have it all sussed out for you!

While Damnoen Saduk is a lot more tourist trodden, it is also probably more impressive than Taling Chan.

But Damnoen Sadauk is LONG to get to – I was on a budget and got the bus there and back and it was about 5 hours total time travelling.

If you can book a tour, it cuts out time waiting for buses and travel time to the terminal. Plus, the tour van goes quicker than the bus! Book the Damnoen Saduak tour by clicking here.

I’ll leave the decision up to you!

If you fancy seeing the railway market as well, you could do this day tour with Klook which covers Damnoen Saduak and the Maeklong Railway Market, as well as some other nearby attractions. Check it out here.

Eat A Dosa

Once you’ve returned from your floating market morning, you may or may not be hungry (the food at the floating markets is predominantly fish, so veggies or non-seafood eaters might not get their fill there).

Although I am sadly yet to make it to India, I tend to eat at a lot of Indian restaurants when I’m travelling in Asia – mainly because there is always tasty veggie food there!

There’s an area of Sukhumvit that has some great Indian restuarants, including Dosa King.

This is the place for all of your dosa needs in Bangkok (that you probably didn’t even know you had until you read this!).

In all seriousness, it’s an incredible dosa, and is well worthy of a lunch stop.

Lumphini Park

Once you’ve had potentially your second lunch, walk it off at Lumphini Park – you can take the MRT from Sukhumvit to Lumphini to reach it.

This is Bangkok’s largest city park and is a real breath of fresh air after the chaotic and sometimes oppressive CBD.

There’s an open-air gym, a lake that you can go boating on and plenty of green space. It’s surrounded by skyscrapers, which makes for some awesome photos.

SkyBar

Enjoy sunset at a rooftop bar before the next stop on your Bangkok itinerary.

This is a way to really enjoy the glitz and glamour that some parts of Bangkok are now synonymous with – and although it’s an expensive activity by Thai standards, it’ll be a fraction of the price of a roof top bar in London or New York.

The best rooftop bar to visit that fits in with this Bangkok itinerary is SkyBar which is located at The Dome at Lebua, near Saphan Taksin BTS. 

Make sure that you’re taken all the way up to the 64th floor – guests are quite frequently shown to a bar only halfway up the building which isn’t the SkyBar.

Drinks are very expensive here – but the view is phenomenal. 

Tuk Tuk Tour

Taking a tuk tuk tour of the city streets is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Bangkok.

The tuk tuks weave through the city streets, taking you to night markets, temples (which are a whole different experience in the dark!), viewpoints and to the best pad thai restaurant in the city – which is internationally famous.

There’s always a ridiculous queue for this restaurant and the tour includes fast track seats.

And the pad thai can easily be veganised!

The tuk tuk tour is one of the best things to do in Bangkok in 2 days  – book tickets here.

The tuk tuk tour starts from Krung Thon Buri BTS station, which is one stop from the SkyBar at Saphan Taksin.

Bangkok Itinerary Day 3

Jim Thompson House

The Jim Thompson House isn’t on everyone’s Bangkok itinerary – but in fact, my mum reckons it’s her favourite Bangkok attraction.

It tells the tale of an American man called Jim Thompson who revived Thailand’s silk industry.

The museum is a traditional Thai home and there are lots of remnants that give an insight into this expat’s colourful life.

It’s set in a tropical jungle atmosphere which is really pleasant; a welcome break from the madness that is Bangkok city.

Poor Jim Thompson actually ended up disappearing on holiday in the Cameron Highlands, and nobody’s really too sure what happened to him…

Guided tours cost 200 baht and take around 40 minutes – sometimes you’ll have to wait a while after purchasing your tickets for your tour as they fill up quite quickly.

There is a café, restaurant and shop on site.

Siam Shopping Centre

Not too far from Jim’s house is the Siam Shopping Centre.

Brace yourself – it’s intense. A world away from the city’s quaint temples, Siam Centre represents all that is modern about the South East Asian country.

You can also visit nearby Siam Paragon, home to many more upmarket stores, and Central World which is a great place to get some clothes and a massage while you’re at it!

I buy a new item of clothing approximately once every two years, but I’d still recommend checking out Bangkok’s shopping malls even if you’re like me – it’s another side of this amazing city! 

You can easily grab something for lunch around the Siam Centre as well.

Siam Museum

Bangkok has really put together a gem with the Siam Museum.

The antithesis of an old and stuffy gallery, Siam Museum has plenty of interactive displays, games and hands on exhibits.

It focuses on Thai culture throughout the last century, with the overarching question ‘what is Thainess?’.

Whether you discover Thailand through the interactive food exhibit (put a plate on the table and it will tell you how a dish is made and where it comes from), sitting in on a traditional Thai class from various points in the last century or browsing a gallery of whacky things that were only made in Thailand, there’s something in this display that everyone will love.

It costs 200 baht to enter, which includes an audio guide.

Definitely use the audio guide, as it compliments the displays perfectly.

Golden Mountain Temple

I’ve got one last temple for you (although there’s 300 in Bangkok so you’ll certainly be able to find some more if you want!).

Golden Mountain Temple is a great place to watch the sunset – it costs 50 baht to enter and ascend.

From the top, you’ll get an amazing view of Bangkok’s city skyline.

I watched the sun set here on my last day on my big Southeast Asia trip, and it was the ideal way to end my time in the region.

Koh San Road/ Soi Rambuttri

Where better to end your 3 days in Bangkok than Khao San Road?

Many people may think ‘anywhere else!’. But Khao San has to be seen to be believed.

Start by grabbing some street food or heading to Ethos, a fabulous vegan restaurant, and then either purchase some of those staple #ivebeentothailand elephant pants or find somewhere to grab a drink.

If you want to party until the sun comes up, stick to Khao San Road where you can buy cheap cocktail buckets and god knows what else.

But if you want to enjoy a Chang beer somewhere more relaxed, head to Soi Rambuttri – Khao San’s chilled out cousin, which has a much more laidback vibe.

I will just add that Bangkok does have a rather seedy side, and it tends to be concentrated around Khao San Road after dark.

I’m literally writing this half an hour from walking down the road. A man approached me and was asking me questions about my ridiculously sentimental necklace that I always wear (I won’t go into what it actually is, but trust me when I say that it’s as sentimental as you get).

He asked me if I could take it off so he could see it (maybe hoping I was a few cocktail buckets down already), which obviously I didn’t do and promptly turned around and walked off. Nothing happened – the road was heaving with people – but the incident gave me a really nasty feeling.

So, head to Koh San Road, but be careful with your valuables (consider leaving them at home if you’re drinking) and stay within the crowds. And erm… don’t take your jewellery off and give it to a stranger.

Another option, if you don’t fancy Koh San, is to check out one of the many Bangkok night markets!

Got 4 days in Bangkok (or more)? Choose one of these Day Trips from Bangkok

If you don’t fancy a day that I’ve suggested above or have more than 3 days in Bangkok, feel free to substitute it with one of these ideas for day trips from Bangkok.

If you want to add a day trip to your Bangkok itinerary, 4 days or even 5 is an optimum amount of time in the city.

Ayutthaya

The ancient city of Ayutthaya and UNESCO World Heritage Site is well worth the 2 hour train ride from Bangkok centre.

It was the capital of Siam until 1767 and has ruins of old palaces, stone Buddhas and stupas.

It’s possible to rent a bicycle and tour the area, or hire a tuk tuk to take you around.

Alternatively, check out this day tour that covers the whole area.

Kanchanaburi

History fans have to add visiting Kanchanaburi onto their Bangkok itinerary.

While it is a really lovely town and area to explore, it has a very dark past; it was the main site of the ‘Death Railway’.

This railway was built by Thai and Burmese soldiers in the Second World War, while the area was occupied by Japanese soldiers.

Prisoners of War and labourers worked as slaves here, with many losing their lives in the process.

The novel The Bridge Over the River Kwai drew attention to the harrowing story of Kanchanaburi and nowadays, it has museums, memorials and even a working section of the Death Railway.

If you have a couple of days, Kanchanaburi province (up to the Myanmar border) is a naturally rich area that’s well worth some exploration – it’s home to the Sai Yok National Park with waterfalls and wonderful wildlife.

Kanchanaburi is accessible from Bangkok by train, bus or tour. Check here for more details about the tour.

Khao Yai National Park

Are you craving a break from the city? Khao Yai National Park sits three hours from Bangkok and is a popular getaway.

There isn’t any public transport from the city to the park, but various tours visit the park in a day or longer.

These generally include vineyard tasting, hiking and wildlife watching. 

Click here for more details about the Khao Yai National Park tour.

Other Things to do in Bangkok

Of course, there are more things to do in Bangkok than mentioned on this 3 days in Bangkok itinerary.

If you don’t fancy anything I’ve suggested above, or are wondering what to do in Bangkok for 4 days or more, check out the following and include them into your Bangkok trip!

Thai Cooking Class

Everyone loves Thai food. So how about learning to cook some delicious dishes while you’re in Bangkok?

From Pad Thai to curries to papaya salads, you’ll learn to cook all sorts during this half-day class. You’ll leave with a very full stomach and lots of new recipes to wow people back home with!

Dietary requirements are catered to and vegetarian and vegan options are provided. Click here for more information and to book.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Only open on the weekend (you’d never guess, from the name) but without a doubt one of the best markets in Bangkok, Chatuchak Weekend Market is huge. In fact, it’s the largest market in Thailand 

It’s full of stalls selling nearly everything under the sun – from technology to clothes, you name it, you’ll find it.

There are about 15,000 vendors – which can make it overwhelming to say the least! Still, it’s quite the experience, even if you don’t buy anything.

I will just say though, there is a really not nice exotic animals section in Chatuchak Weekend Market. It made me very sad to see animals being kept captive and sold in this way.

Muay Thai Fight

I’ve never been to a Muay Thai Fight, but many people love them.

I’m guessing the atmosphere is probably electric and it’s interesting for any fans of the sport!

Watching a Muay Thai fight is one of the best things to do in Bangkok at night. Buy your ticket in advance here. 

Things to Pack for Bangkok

Most people visit Bangkok as part of a longer travel stint or holiday, so your packing list might include beachwear and hiking gear. But there are some things that are great to remember particularly for exploring Bangkok city. These include:

  • Long trousers/ pants and shirts with sleeves OR long dresses and shawls – you need to cover up in temples. If you don’t have these items and don’t want to purchase them in your home country, you can get them very cheaply in Bangkok.
  • Comfy shoes – you’re going to be doing rather a lot of walking on this Bangkok itinerary!
  • Water to Go Bottle – you can’t drink the tap water in Bangkok, or anywhere in Thailand, and using a filter bottle saves sooo much plastic (the overuse of plastic is a huge problem in South East Asia). Click here to purchase a Water to Go Bottle.
  • Metal Straws – likewise, these are MUCH better for the environment. Click through to purchase some metal straws.
  • Camera – You’re going to want a good bit of kit to photograph all of the temples! I use and recommend the Fuji X-A3 –
Fuji X-A3 – click here for more information

  • Smartphone – a smartphone is essential for planning your Bangkok trip – make sure it’s loaded with helpful apps like a currency conversion and Maps.me for offline maps. If you want to use a local SIM, make sure it’s unlocked. I use the unlocked BLU Vivo phone with dual SIM function.
  • Click here to learn more about it

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  • International adapter – Thailand uses both EU and US style plugs. If you’re coming from the UK, Australia or anywhere else that uses different plugs, you’ll need an adapter.
  • Click here to purchase

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  • Suncream – Suncream is expensive in Thailand and often contains whitening lotion.
  • Click here to purchase some from Amazon before you go to Bangkok!
  • Day Pack – a day pack is pretty essential for your day’s exploring. Click here to purchase one.
  • Bumbag – I always like to travel with a bumbag (fanny pack to my US friends) so I always know where my valuables are.
  • Click through to purchase

  • Lonely Planet Thailand Guidebook – click here to purchase

    Health and Safety in Bangkok

    Bangkok is a relatively safe city.

    As mentioned, Khao San Road can be a bit dodgy – but you should be fine if you keep your head screwed on and don’t hand a complete stranger the most valuable/ sentimental possession you own (I’m still baffled at how he thought that would happen…). 

    There are also some Bangkok scams to look out for. You’ll more than likely fall victim to a few while you’re here. Happens to us all.

    But as Thailand is generally a very cheap place to travel in, try not to get too upset about being scammed!

    I’ve detailed the ones that I know about in the itinerary above – if you know of any others do leave it in the comments.

    While Thailand is a lot more developed than other countries in the region, it’s still recommended that you have various vaccinations before coming here.

    These include:

    • Hepatitis A
    • Hepatitis B
    • Tetanus, Typhoid, Diptheria
    • Covid (if available in your country)

    Other vaccinations may be recommended for you depending on where exactly you’re going, what kind of travelling you’re doing, and your age and medical history.

    There is no malaria in Bangkok, but there are cases in other areas of Thailand.

    There is a rare incidence of dengue fever – so do make sure that you use mosquito repellant liberally.

    Disclaimer: this is not medical advice, it’s just meant to give you a rough idea of precautions to take. Please make sure that you see a travel doctor or GP before commencing this Bangkok itinerary. Promise me, ok? 

    Make sure that you have travel insurance before you travel to Thailand (or anywhere). I use and recommend Safety Wing. They provide excellent monthly travel insurance for digital nomads or long-term travellers, with excellent Covid policies. 

    Bangkok is probably the best place in the region to fall ill – because healthcare here is excellent.

    Bummungrad hospital is probably the most famous one that is up to international standards, but there are a few throughout the city.

    Doctors generally have very good English. I’ve actually opted to have a couple of procedures in Bangkok just because of the price and the guaranteed great service.

    Also – side note, but Thai dentistry is really great. Just in case you need any tooth work done while you’re spending 3 days in Bangkok.

    Visas for Thailand

    Most nationalities don’t need a visa for Thailand (including UK, US and Australia) and get a 30 day visa exemption.

    You might be asked for proof of onward travel before boarding your flight (this happened to me).

    Are you vegan? Being vegan in Bangkok

    Covid restrictions in Thailand

    Covid restrictions in Thailand are changing all the time. Currently, fully vaccinated tourists can enter, but they may have to quarantine. Check with your embassy before travelling. 

    Are you vegan? Being vegan in Bangkok

    Eating vegan in Bangkok is an absolute dream.

    There are so many vegan restaurants serving plant-based versions of all the most popular Thai dishes, as well as Western food.

    Supermarkets sell plant milks and dairy free chocolate and you can get vegan meats, cheeses etc at speciality stores.

    Most big restaurants will have vegan options or will be able to veganise anything (the level of English in Bangkok is generally quite good, so most wait staff will be able to accommodate vegan requests).

    Also, not that I’m one to love the huge chains, but STARBUCKS AND THE COFFEE CLUB HAVE SOY MILK FOR CAPPUCCINOS. 

    If you know me and my soy cap obsession, you’ll know that this means only great things.

    The only time you might struggle is with street food.

    If you order any noodle or rice dishes, ask for no egg and no fish sauce, as they commonly use these ingredients.

    Curries will likely already have fish sauce in, so get these at a restaurant where they make the sauce fresh or at a vegan restaurant/ stall.

    There are also plenty of street food stalls serving delicious fresh fruit! 

    But yes, being vegan in Bangkok is not just possible, but very enjoyable – you don’t have to sacrifice anything!

    Some vegan/ vegetarian restaurants I recommend are:

    • May Veggie Home – A Sukhumvit restaurant serving really delicious vegan Thai food and a few western items.
    • Broccoli Revolution – A restaurant with two locations, serving Asian and western vegan food.
    • Ethos – A Koh San Road establishment with a great vegan menu and a nice atmosphere.
    • Mango – Also near Koh San Road, Mango offers HUGE portions of curry and veggie bowls. 

    Where to go from Bangkok

    You can go literally anywhere from Bangkok. Well, the Ivory Coast might be a bit tough, but anywhere in South East Asia is super easy to access.

    Popular routes include heading north to Chiang Mai – check out my Chiang Mai itinerary here – and northern Thailand, south to the Thai islands and Malaysia or east to Siem Reap in Cambodia, then on to Laos or Vietnam.

    Buses or trains ply these routes frequently. Here’s my delirious review of the Bangkok to Chiang Mai train (written after a night of no sleep in a seat).

    Book your overland travel in South East Asia with Bookaway by clicking here.

    3 Days in Bangkok itinerary

    If you’re still reading, thank you!

    I hope this Bangkok itinerary and complete guide proves useful when planning a trip there.

    As always, if you liked it, please share it amongst other Bangkok travellers, follow me on Facebook and Instagram, and leave me a comment to let me know about your next travel plans!