3 Days In Bangkok: What To See And Do For First Timers

Going to Bangkok for the first time? That’s great! Bangkok is one of my favorite cities. It has some beautiful highlights, but also plenty of opportunities to explore lesser known areas. It’s one of those cities that reward you for getting lost, as there is always something going on around every corner. Get your first fix of Thai street food, take a boat or tuk tuk to one of the many temples, get lost in the tiny alleys of Chinatown and watch a real fight of Muay Thai boxing in the Rajadamnern Stadium. Here is my list of what to see and do in Bangkok for 3 days during your first time stay.

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Day 1: Bangkok’s absolute highlights

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

One of the most famous highlights of Bangkok is the Grand Palace.  It’s a huge walled complex of beautiful buildings and used to be the place where the king lived. Among other things, it includes royal and throne halls, government buildings and the well-known Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Although you are not allowed to go inside most of the buildings, the amazing architecture and decorated buildings are definitely worth a visit.

Probably the only downside is that the Grand Palace draws in hordes of tourists, so it’s extremely busy. Hence you want to go as early as possible to avoid some of the crowds. Also, dress appropriately otherwise you will not be allowed to go in (for both females and males). Appropriate means clothing that covers your entire legs and shoulders, as revealing clothing is considered disrespectful. If you want you can buy pants or shirts at the palace, but expect some lines here. For more practical information about the opening times or the dress code, please visit the Grand Palace’s website.

Opening hours: 08:30 AM – 03:30 PM; admission fee: 500 baht (≈ €15); location: Na Phra Lan Road.

Wat Pho

Continue your trip by visiting the famous Wat Pho temple complex just down the street. Wat Pho is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. Here you find the well-known reclining Buddha temple with a Buddha statue of 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height. Besides the reclining Buddha, the maze-like temple grounds are massive and contain more than a thousand Buddha statues. One of the best massage schools in Thailand (open until 05:00 PM) is also located on the premises, so don’t leave without getting a traditional Thai or a foot massage. For the most recent prices, check the Wat Pho website.

Most of the tourists in Bangkok make their way to Wat Pho and in particular the temple of the reclining Buddha. So don’t expect to have a quiet sightseeing trip here. According to the dress code, you should again cover your shoulders and knees. Free to use sarongs are available at the temple grounds.

Opening hours: 08:00 AM – 06:30 PM; admission fee: 100 baht (≈ €3); location: main entrance on Chetuphon road, north entrance on Thaiwang Alley.

Wat Arun

Once you’ve seen Wat Pho, it’s time to get on a boat to Wat Arun, the temple of Dawn.  Leave Wat Pho via the northern exit (at Thaiwang alley) and walk about 200 meters to the left to reach the Tha Tien pier. From here, you can get a ferry to Wat Arun just across the river. Climb the colorful temple spires to marvel at the views of the city. Don’t forget that Wat Arun has the same strict dress code as Wat Pho and the Grand Palace.

Opening hours: 08:00 AM – 05:30 PM; admission fee: 50 baht (≈ €1,50); location: 158 Thanon Wang Doem.

Chao Phraya River

Even though you took a boat across the river to Wat Arun, that doesn’t mean you’ve actually seen the riverside properly. And it’s about time that you do, as it’s the major and most important river in Thailand. Don’t take one of the overpriced tourist tours though, that’s completely unnecessary. Just take one of the public ferries all the way up the river, and back again if you like. You recognize the public ferry by its orange flag, while the more expensive tourist ferry has a blue flag.

Wat Saket

At the end of the day make your way to lesser known Wat Saket, the temple of the Golden Mount. Climb its 344 steps to reach the top of the hill on which the temple is located. From there, you can enjoy spectacular sunset views of Bangkok and the temple itself is worth a visit too. Even though there is no strict dress code, you should still cover up your knees and shoulders as it’s a religious site.

Opening hours: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM; admission fee: 50 baht (≈ €1,50); location: Between Boriphat Road and Lan Luang Road, off Ratchadamnoen Klang Road.

Khao San Road

That’s enough temples for one day, I reckon. From Wat Saket, it’s only a 15-minute walk to Bangkok’s infamous backpacker mecca Khao San Road. A bustling and chaotic street filled with cheap hostels (hence the backpackers), restaurants, street food stalls, shops, markets and what not. There are plenty of places to enjoy your dinner and get a drink, buy some insanely cheap clothes and just take in the vibrant atmosphere. There’s never a dull moment here.

Day 2: Bike tour, Jim Thompson house and Muay Thai boxing

Co van Kessel bike tour

After you’ve seen the absolute highlights of Bangkok, it’s time to go off the beaten path. A great way to do this is with the Co van Kessel bike tour. The promise of Co van Kessel is to see the real Bangkok and local Thai communities, instead of visiting the touristic highlights. I’m not sure if this is a particular Dutch thing to do, as everyone from the Netherlands who visits Bangkok does this tour. My grandma even did it when she went to Bangkok more than twenty years ago. I haven’t seen that many other nationalities doing it yet, which is a shame. The tours are really great and accessible for everyone who speaks English.

I did the 3 hour classical bike tour through the narrow alleys of Chinatown and the Thonburi area across the river. It was fantastic, but in hindsight I would’ve preferred the 5 hour combo bike tour . Three hours actually proved really short, and the 5 hour bike tour also includes a boat trip and visiting plantations (by bike, of course). Therefore it has a bit more variety.

Opening hours: 06:00 AM – 07:00 PM; admission fee: 950 baht (≈ €28) for the 3 hour tour, and 1850 baht (≈ €55) for the 5 hour tour; location: Charoen Krung Road, Soi 24.

Jim Thompson house and garden

Jim Thompson was an American spy who was sent to Bangkok after the second World War. He became fascinated with Thailand and introduced Thai silk on the international market. Being a former architect, he decorated his beautiful house in traditional Thai style, with lots of antiques, teak wood and a lovely garden. In 1969 Jim mysteriously disappeared while he was in Malaysia, and no one has heard of him ever since. His house became a museum and includes lots of information about Jim Thompson himself, the design of Thai homes and the silk industry. It’s truly a wonderful place to visit.

Opening hours: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM; admission fee: 200 baht (≈ €6); location: 1 Khwaeng Wang Mai.

Muay Thai Boxing at Rajadamnern stadium

Get some diner and afterwards head to the Rajadamnern boxing stadium, the oldest boxing stadium in Thailand. The fighters here practice Muay Thai, an important part of Thai culture and a very popular sport in Thailand. Spirituality and rituals are important for Muay Thai fighters and values such as respect, honor and humility are held in high regard. A fight night in the Rajdamnern boxing stadium offers you authentic matches with world-class fighters. You can easily buy tickets in advance on their website. The ring side tickets are the most expensive, 2000 baht per person, but definitely an unique experience.

Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings from 06:30 PM; admission fee: 1000 – 2000 baht (≈ €30 – €60); location: 1 Ratchadamnoen Nok Road.

Day 3: Markets, malls and rooftop bars

Visit a market

Bangkok has a lot of markets and you can’t really leave without visiting at least one. Here are some of the best options depending on what kind of market you would like to visit:

• Chatuchak Weekend Market: Also known as “the mother of all markets” because it’s one of the biggest markets in the world. You can buy almost anything here at the more than 15.000 stalls for local prices. As the name suggest it’s open during the weekend from 9 AM – 6 PM. For more practical information, such as how to get there, see the Chatuchak website.
• Floating market: Enjoy a half-day visit to one of the floating markets around the city. Don’t go to the Damnoen Saduak floating market though, as there is nothing authentic about it anymore and it’s extremely crowded with tourists. Alternatives are Taling Chan or Khlong Mat Layom. These two are smaller than Damnoen Saduak and have fewer boats, but also have a more enjoyable and local vibe. Taling Chan is bigger, has more boats and is more touristy than Khlong Mat Layom. So if you want to go it’s best to go early in the morning to avoid a lot of the crowds. Both markets are accessible by public transport.
• Chinatown’s Sampeng Lane: During the Co van Kessel bike tour you most likely made your way through the chaotic alleys of Chinatown filled with shops and stalls. This is Sampeng Lane and if you like you can head there by foot this time to explore the area some more. There are great shopping opportunities here, the cheapest in Bangkok. And you shouldn’t leave without eating some of the amazing food from the street vendors at Yaowarat road. It’s also great to visit this part of the city in the evening during dinner time. Good food guaranteed. And remember: the busier the street food stall, the better the food.
• Pratunam market: In desperate need of some cheap clothes? Pratunam, one of Bangkok’s biggest markets, is the place to be. The alleys and streets are packed with shops and stalls that sell all kinds of clothes. There are also some air-conditioned areas to escape the afternoon heat. This is as local as markets get, and you will most likely be the only foreigner here. Don’t go too early in the morning, as many of the shops and stalls will still be closed. It’s best to visit after 11 AM.

Malls

The contrast between the local markets and the high end malls couldn’t be bigger. Malls in Bangkok aren’t just malls. A huge part of social life takes place here, as there are plenty of facilities and air conditioning. There are many malls to choose from, so here are my favorites:

• Terminal 21: If you like to travel, this mall is a must see in Bangkok. Every floor represents a different region of the world. Wander through the zouk in Istanbul, explore London’s highlights, stroll along the Champs-Elysees in Paris or navigate the small streets of Tokyo. And as a bonus, Pier21 at the 5th floor is one of the best mall food courts in the city. Location: 88 Sukhumvit Soi 19.
• MBK: This mall is well-known to be affordable and houses more than 2000 shops. Although it’s not as fancy as most of the other malls, it’s also considerably less expensive. One floor is completely dedicated to gadgets and electronics, but you can also find lots of clothes and other items. The diversity of products is one of the major selling points. Location: 444 Phayathai Road.    
• Siam Paragon: Do you like luxurious brands? This is the place you want to be. And I’m not only talking about designer clothing, there are car showrooms of Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ducati and Porsche. At the bottom floor there’s even the largest aquarium of South East Asia. It’s the most up-market mall in Bangkok for sure. Location: 991/1 Rama I Road
• CentralWorld: Big. That defines this mall best, as it’s the largest mall in the city and the eleventh largest shopping complex in the world. You’ll find anything here, just try not to get lost. Location: 999/9 Rama I Road.
• Emporium and EmQuartier: These two malls are opposite of each other in the popular Sukhumvit area. Both feature luxurious products and brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Dior. The décor has many plants, trees and a beautiful roof garden with views of the city. Location: 622 Sukhumvit Road

Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Lumphini park

Go for a leisurely stroll around Lumphini park, Bangkok’s biggest park and green lung. Even though there are always many people working out or relaxing here, it’s still a quiet oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. And if you’re lucky you even spot some wildlife, reptiles and squirrels are lurking in the shade.

Opening hours: 04:30 AM – 09:00 PM; location: Thanon Rama IV

Vertigo & Moon rooftop bar

After all that shopping you could use a drink, right? And if not for the drink, go for the view! Bangkok has lots of incredible rooftop bars. I particularly liked the Vertigo & Moon bar. All the rooftop bars are fancy and expensive, but the vibe here is still relaxed. You have to dress for the occasion, as shorts, sleeveless shirts, sandals or flip flops are not allowed. I have to say, however, that I wore a dress and sandals and was allowed in. So maybe it depends on the sandals.

Opening hours: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM; location: 21/100 South Sathorn Road at the 61^st (!) floor, close to Lumphini park.

Bangkok scams

Lastly, I don’t want to discourage you but just a quick word of advice on some infamous scams in Bangkok. Locals might tell you that where you want to go is closed, let’s say the Grand Palace, but they’re happy to show you around town in the meantime. Obviously the Grand Palace is not closed, they just want your money.

Also, tuk tuk drivers are often very kind and know a lot about navigating the city. Before you know it, they want to bring you to all the nice temples and some great shops with amazing deals along the way (where they get commission). Don’t go to a shop because a tuk tuk driver says so.

If you use your common sense you should be fine, but people can be really convincing and persistent about it. Just ignore these people and go to the places YOU want to see. I truly hope you enjoy Bangkok as much as I did.

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Please let me know in the comments what you enjoyed most in Bangkok. Still planning? Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about your upcoming trip or your itinerary. And you might want to check out my guide on how to find cheap flights before you go.