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Bangkok, Thailand
Written by Tanmayee on June 5, 2020 Share on

Explore the local places and top attractions in this 5 day Bangkok itinerary

Bangkok is one of the best cities and most popular destinations in the world. When you visit Bangkok, you might feel that there aren’t many attractions to visit. When you compare Bangkok to cities like Paris or London or New York, it has fewer attractions. However, that doesn’t mean Bangkok isn’t worth visiting. The city has so much more to offer than just tourist attractions. Although people think of Bangkok as a place for magnificent temples, exciting wildlife, ancient palaces and shopping centres, it is a place for you to wander, eat and party away. 

Bangkok city
Photo by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash

Bangkok is all about exploring the streets and getting to experience the local life. And the streets offer a lot of things to see in experience – unique things, cheap things and also expensive things. You can find it all in Bangkok. It will definitely make you fall in love with the place, you just have to spend more time there. 

When one plans a trip to Bangkok, they probably spend only about 2 nights thinking there’s not much to do. You can easily spend 3-5 nights in Bangkok without getting bored in there. You must be wondering what there is to do in Bangkok or what places can you visit when you’re there? Well, to make things easier for you while you’re planning your Bangkok packages, we at Pickyourtrail have curated a sample itinerary for you. 

This itinerary should help you figure out how you’d like to spend your time in Bangkok. 

Bangkok itinerary: 

Day 1: Kick off your trip with a visit to some of the most historical landmarks such as  Grand Palace, Khao San Road, Wat Arun and many more 

Day 2: Go shopping at the famous floating market, eat out at the Chinatown, and watch the Muay Thai fight. 

Day 3: Visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market, Jim Thompson’s House, and the Lumpini Park on your third day 

Day 4: Bangkok is all about art and culture. Visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Center, and National Museum. And of course, do not miss out on the food in Bangkok. 

Read further to get more insights into the places

Bangkok Itinerary: Day 1

The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun:

The Grand Palace at Bangkok
Photo by Euan Cameron on Unsplash

On your first day at Bangkok, the place you should visit is the Grand Palace also known as the Royal Palace, and nearby Wat Pho, which is home to the famous reclining Buddha. Although the Royal family doesn’t live in the palace, you can not go inside any of the buildings, but you can still wander the area and the open temples. You must visit this magnificent work of architecture and visit it early in the morning. 

Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho temple
Image by sumet_k from Pixabay

Afterwards, walk down the street to visit the Wat Pho, the majestic reclining Buddha. After witnessing the statue, you should also take some time to spend at the temple grounds. Later you must visit the temple of the dawn, the Wat Arun. You’ll not only fall in love with the architecture but also for the stunning views of the city from here.

Visit Khao San Road: 

Khao San Road is a must-visit when you’re in Bangkok. Explore the countless bars, shops, street food, world-class restaurants, street vendors, locals, and activities all day long. The Khao San is an awesome place to chill around with tourists as well as locals. And don’t forget to visit the Brick bar, if you’re looking to party with the locals. 

Bangkok Itinerary: Day Two

Check out the floating market

Floating market in Bangkok
Photo by Frida Aguilar Estrada on Unsplash

Every time you read about Bangkok, one of the most common things you come across is the floating market. Khlong Lat Mayom and Thaling Chan are the two most popular floating markets in Bangkok. The floating markets are often crowded and it would be best for you to visit them in the morning to avoid the crowd. You can also have a meal once you’re done shopping.

Explore Chinatown

Chinatown in Bangkok
Photo by Frame Harirak on Unsplash

You should definitely pay a visit to Bangkok’s Chinatown, which is home to many stores and eateries. Even if you don’t end up shopping here, you must definitely eat here.  You’ll find tons of street vendors selling mouth-watering food that you can’t resist. Although it is one of the busiest and crowded streets, it’ll definitely be worth visiting. 

Visit Bangkok malls

Terminal 21 Bangkok mall
Photo by Tan Kaninthanond on Unsplash

The malls in Bangkok are more than just a group of shops. You could go to the food court to eat delicious Thai food, or watch movies at the theatre, or drink at the bar, or just sit at the coffee shop. Some of the most popular malls are Terminal 21, MBK centre, Emporium, Siam Paragon and Centralworld. 

Watch a Muay Thai fight

Muay Thai fight
Image source: Wikimedia

The Muay Thai fight is a sport that involves clenching and striking and it is a favourite sport for the Thais. The Muay Thai fight is taken very seriously by the fighters as they train for years. Do not watch the fight anywhere else other than the Rajadamnern Stadium for authentic match experience. 

Bangkok Itinerary: Day Three

Shop and eat at the Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market
Photo by Clarene Lalata on Unsplash

Chatuchak is a weekend market and it is one of the best markets in Bangkok that would give you a local experience. It’s as huge as a football stadium and it’s pretty crowded. Whatever you’re looking for, you can be sure to find it here – from authentic designer clothes or their fake equivalent. Phones, movies, pets, backpacks and kitchenware. If you get hungry with all the shopping, then you must go to the huge dining area serving cheap food. 

Tour Jim Thompson’s House

 Jim Thompson’s House
Image source: Wikimedia

An American spy and silk merchant, Jim Thompson settled in Thailand during the 50s and 60s. He built a traditional Thai style home made of beautifully carved teak wood and surrounded by a garden. You can take a tour at the Jim Thompson’s house and understand the history of Jim Thompson, the silk industry and Thai styled houses. 

Visit Lumpini Park

Lumpini Park
Photo by Ivan Nedelchev on Unsplash

The central park in Bangkok is Lumpini Park. It’s a hangout spot for both tourists and locals. You can see people playing, riding a bike, walking or just lazing around under the sun.  

Bangkok Itinerary: Day Four

Bangkok Art and Culture Center

Bangkok Art and Culture Center
Image source: Wikimedia

The Bangkok Art and Culture Center hosts events related to art, music, theatre, film, design, and cultural. The events take place in the exhibition and performance spaces at the centre.

Visit the National Museum

Bangkok National museum
Image source: Wikimedia

If you want a glimpse into the Thai culture then you must visit the National Museum. The museum centres on Thai culture, which includes a vast collection of musical instruments, ornate royal funeral chariots, recorded music and impressive wooden carvings. It is definitely a must-visit if you’re in Bangkok.

Take a food tour

Food, food and food. You can find food in every nook and corner of Bangkok. However, if you want to appreciate the Thai food, then you must take a food tour. You should opt for the Bangkok tour if your planning to take one. 

This is just one sample itinerary. However, if you need more itinerary suggestions, then you should visit Pickyourtrail. You can either choose from pre-packaged Thailand travel packages or Thailand couple tour packages or create your own itinerary on the D-I-Y platform. 

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