Have you ever wondered how many days are enough for a Bangkok trip? This vibrant Asian city is known for its rich cultural heritage, culinary scene, and street life, making one willing to spend days, if not months, here. What if we tell you it’s enough to spend five days in Thailand‘s capital? You can cover the majority of the city highlights without getting tired and at a relaxed pace. Are you intrigued yet? If so, check out this 5-day Bangkok Itinerary with insider tips.
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Budgeting For Bangkok Trip
Before planning any trip, you must clearly understand how much you want to spend. Budgeting is essential to avoid spending extravagantly or draining your bank balance. Similarly, Bangkok, as one of the top travel destinations worldwide, has much more to offer, which might lead visitors to spend more than they planned. So, here we will give a rough estimation of how much you will likely spend in the city. You can create a budget plan based on it.
Food
Bangkok is known for its vibrant street food scene, offering delicious fare at affordable rates. Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Som Tam, and khao pad are street delicacies available for 30 to 60 Baht ($1-$2). Expect to find meals for under $5 per day in street food stalls and local restaurants. If you have dietary requirements or are health-conscious, you can dine in a mid-range restaurant for about $31 or get a luxury dining experience for $78 and more.
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Transportation
The best way to save money in Bangkok is by using public transportation. The city features many cost-efficient and reliable options, such as the BTS Skytrain, River Taxis, and MRT Subway. Buy a one-day pass for 150 Baht, which can cover several trips. Or best purchase a Standard Rabbit Card for 200 Baht, which you can top up with cash and pay-as-you-go. If you want to travel alone, choose motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, or rideshares.
Accommodation
Like food and transportation, accommodation expenses vary depending on their types and location. Dorm-style hostels, inns, and small guesthouses in the Khao San Road area charge around $10 to $20 per night. You can elevate your living condition by booking a stay at a mid-range hotel for $30 to $70 per night or a luxury hotel for $100+ per night.
Travel Essentials For Bangkok Itinerary
One of the reasons behind Bangkok’s reputation as a top travel destination is that it doesn’t impose strict rules or regulations on visitors. Whether you are a solo traveler or vacationing with your family, you won’t face much difficulty navigating through the city. Still, there are specific things you must abide by and avoid while traveling here. We have listed the top travel tips and essentials for a Bangkok trip below:
- Eat Your Way Through Bangkok: This city boasts a rich culinary scene, inviting worldwide foodies to indulge. Don’t hesitate to try new things here.
- Best Time To Visit Bangkok: November to February
- Clothing: Pack breathable and comfortable clothes and walkable shoes.
- Essential Documents: Valid Passport, Travel Tickets, Hotel Booking Confirmation, Travel Insurance, Proof of funds, Thailand Digital Arrival Card, Visa (if required)
- Travel Essentials: Tissues, Sunscreen, hats, travel adapter, hygiene products
- Transportation: Save money by commuting through cost-efficient BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway, and River Taxis.
- Accommodations: Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
- Things Not To Do In Bangkok: Wearing shorts or skirts to the temple, PDAs, touching Thai people’s heads, touching the monks, talking badly about Thai Kings, visiting during summer months (May-July), and being disrespectful.
Bangkok Itinerary: Day 1: Grand Palace And Temples
Visit The Grand Palace And Wat Phra Kaew
- Address: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Ticket Price: ฿500
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
Begin your Bangkok Itinerary by visiting one of Thailand’s must-see attractions. The Grand Palace is the first royal residence built during the reign of King Rama I in 2325 B.E. It showcases the 18th-century Thai art and architecture and is among the top tourist destinations. The palace houses Wat Phra Kaew or Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, a royal temple enshrining the Emerald Buddha. Devotees can sit in the ordination hall and listen to sermons.
Enjoy A Traditional Thai Massage At Wat Pho
- Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 7:30 PM
- Entrance Fee: ฿300
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
After the morning exploration, head to Wat Pho, aka the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It is one of the highest-grade first-class Thai royal temples. King Rama I was behind in rebuilding the temple complex, which Rama III further expanded and renovated later. It is known for its school of Thai medicine, which teaches and practices traditional Thai massage. In addition to exploring the reclining Buddha statue and other temples within Wat Pho, you should get a Thai massage here, which only costs 420 Baht for an hour-long session.
Take A Dinner Cruise On The Chao Phraya River
- Address: Khlong San, Bangkok 10600, Thailand; Google Map
- Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise Duration: 120 minutes
- Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise Price: $25.97 onwards
Enjoy an unforgettable night experience in Bangkok with a Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise. These cruises are usually 2 hours long and include a luxury ship with many amenities. Some offer live entertainment with complimentary beverages. All cruises generally offer a sumptuous buffet dinner with international or local flavors. You can also book a romantic dinner experience on the Chao Phraya River if you are traveling with your other half.
Day 2: Markets And Street Food
Hunt For Street Food In Local Markets
- Must-Visit Bangkok Markets: Bangkok Chinatown, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Sampeng Market, Amphawa Floating Market
- Things To Do: Dining, Shopping, Exploring Markets
Bangkok is known for its iconic street markets. Begin your second day in the city by visiting some of its top markets to try its street specialties. Bangkok Chinatown, or Yaowarat, is ideal for trying authentic Thai-Chinese dishes. Must-try street foods include Pad Thai, Fish Maw Soup, Kway Chap, Jek Pui Curry, and bouncing fishballs. If you spend weekends in Bangkok, visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market, which features over 15,000 stalls. You can find everything here, from food to fashion, antiques, and art. Other renowned Bangkok markets are the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Sampeng Market, Amphawa Floating Market, and the Taling Chan Floating Market.
Shop Till You Drop At Khao San Road
- Address: 161, 163 Khaosan Rd, Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 3 PM – 2 AM
- Things To Do: Shopping, Dining, Nightlife, Experience local culture
Continue your Bangkok market expedition to Khao San Road. It is a significant hub for backpackers and budget travelers with its cheap accommodation, shops, bars, and street food. Shoppers will get excellent deals on souvenirs, clothing, handicrafts, and accessories. They can also buy jewelry, artworks, traditional Thai cushions, and vintage clothing. The best part about shopping on this road is bargaining. You can bargain and negotiate about prices with the sellers.
Dance The Night Away In Khao San Road Clubs
- Top Bars In Khao San Road: The ONE Khaosan, Adhere The 13th Blues Bar, Brick Bar
- Top Clubs In Khao San Road: The Club, Mustache Bangkok
Did you know Khao San Road is a nightlife hub? While it is not a red light district like Patpong and Soi Cowboy, this road is home to iconic bars and clubs. The ONE Khaosan is a must-visit bar known for its lively ambiance and great music. If you vibe to jazz and blues, Adhere The 13th Blues Bar is your destination. Likewise, the Club is the ultimate destination for party animals, featuring a 1,500-person seating capacity, DJ acts, and party nights. You can also visit a more intimate techno club, Mustache Bangkok.
Day 3: Ayutthaya Day Trip
- Address: Thailand; Google Map
- Duration of Travel from Bangkok: 1.5 to 2 hours
Since you are spending five days in Bangkok, how about going on a day trip? Ayutthaya is among the top destinations for enjoying a day out from Bangkok. It is known for its historic sites, museums, and many outdoor attractions. Since you can’t visit all of them, include any three or four sites from the following:
- Wat Mahathat: A Buddhist temple with a famed Buddha head, ruins, and colorful shrines; 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Opening Hours)
- Ayothaya Floating Market: An artificial floating market with traditional Thai wooden houses lined along waterways; 9 AM – 6 PM
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet: Ruins of a majestic royal palace temple with three restored towers; 8 AM – 6:30 PM
- Ayutthaya Historical Park: Ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya, and consists of 300 historical sites; 6:30 AM – 9 PM
- Wat Ratchaburana: An ancient Buddhist temple remains with elaborate carvings and a restored tomb and tower; 8 AM – 6:30 PM
- Wat Chaiwatthanaram: A striking restored ruins of a 17th-century royal Buddhist temple; 8 AM – 6:30 PM
Day 4: Cultural Experience And Parks
Learn About Thai Silk At The Jim Thompson House Museum
- Address: 6 Kasem San 2 Alley, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Entrance Fee: ฿200 (Adult), ฿100 (Visitors aged 10 to 21 years old)
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
After spending a day in Ayutthaya, return to Bangkok for the remaining two days of your itinerary. On Day 4, your first destination will be the city’s hidden gem, the Jim Thompson House Museum. It houses the Asian art collection of Thailand’s “Silk King” Jim Thompson. This significant collection includes Buddhist statues and traditional Thai paintings made of cloth, wood, and paper depicting Buddha’s life and the Vessantara Jataka legend. The museum also provides guided tours in five languages: Thai, English, Chinese, French, and Japanese.
Take A Boat Ride At Lumpini Park
- Address: Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 4:30 AM – 10 PM
- Entrance Fee: Free Entry
Next, head to Bangkok’s first public park, Lumpini Park, for a relaxing afternoon. This 360 rai park features manicured lawns, trees, and playgrounds. People enjoy walking, jogging, cycling, and having a picnic. Yoga sessions are also gaining popularity among visitors. Moreover, the park has an artificial lake where you can rent a boat. Pedalos only cost 40 Baht for 30 minutes and 80 Baht for an hour.
Visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at Night
- Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Dress Code: Wear clothes that don’t reveal shoulders and ankles
Enjoy a spectacular view of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) at night. This Buddhist temple is on the grounds of the Grand Palace and can be accessed after buying the ticket to the palace. It is a must-visit night destination since it is illuminated from dusk until late. Visitors can marvel at the temple’s intricate architecture and details under the lights. You can buy Wat Phra Kaew’s night tours from reliable tour operators.
Day 5: Modern Bangkok And Shopping
Check Out Exhibits Of The Bangkok Art And Culture Center (BACC)
- Address: 939 Rama I Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Admission Fee: Free Entry
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
On your last day in Bangkok, cover all the attractions you might have missed in earlier days. The Bangkok Art & Culture Center is a must-visit destination for art lovers. Since its opening in 2009, this art gallery has worked with many artists and organized many contemporary art exhibitions. Visitors can check out exhibitions, educational activities, the People’s Gallery, special projects, Multi-Dictionary Arts, Activities by BACC’s Arts Network, and the Art and Neighboring Project. The best part about this place is that it offers free entry.
Do A Last-Minute Shopping At Siam Paragon
- Address: 991/1 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
We have saved the best for last. Siam Paragon is a shopper’s paradise featuring high-end and mainstream boutiques. You can buy anything from antiques to luxury branded goods and Thai beauty products. In addition to its magnificent retail collection, this expansive mall features an aquarium, a multiplex, a bowling alley, an opera concert hall, a karaoke center, and world-class dining destinations. It is also the most photographed mall in the world. You can also visit the MBK Center for souvenirs and other stuff.
Departure Or Spend An Additional Night In Bangkok
- Top Rooftop Bars In Bangkok: Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar, Top Knot Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Leelabar, Vertigo & Moon Bar Rooftop, Sky Bar
Finally, you have two choices left on this fifth day. One is to end your trip with a visit to a rooftop bar where you can catch stunning views of the city skyline. After that, head to the airport to get a flight back home. The second choice is to spend an additional night in Bangkok before catching an early flight the next day. Choose what resonates with you.
Also Read:
- Best 20 Activities in Bangkok, Thailand
- Best Authentic Thai Restaurants in Bangkok, Thailand
- Cool and Unique Things to Do in Bangkok, Thailand
This Bangkok Itinerary only offers a glimpse into a fraction of everything the city offers. If you want to explore more in-depth, you can extend your trip to seven or ten days. If you don’t have enough time, you can also shorten your itinerary to three or four days. Most of all, explore beautiful Bangkok at your own pace and according to your interests. Sà-Wàt-Dii!
