The Perfect 5 Days in Bangkok Itinerary for First Time Travelers

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Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by sydabroad

Looking for the perfect 5 days in Bangkok itinerary for your next trip to Thailand? Then keep reading! 

Bangkok is a bustling city with the most amazing culinary scene, vibrant nightlife, and numerous cultural sites to visit. It’s a city that should not be skipped over during a visit to Thailand. 

In this guide, we’re diving into a curated 5 days in Bangkok itinerary. But honestly, whether you are spending a day or one week in Bangkok, this article will help plan your trip. 

Bangkok is a massive city with lots to see and do. I’ve structured this itinerary to help you make the most out of your 5 days in Bangkok. I’ve also included a map with all of the locations mentioned in this guide, as well as some basic tips that you should know before visiting the city. 

This is one of my favorite cities in the world. I lived in Salaya, a town outside Bangkok, during a semester abroad in college and it was the most amazing experience. Since then, I’ve gone back to Bangkok and a few other places in Southeast Asia. I’ve spent quite a lot of time in Bangkok, so I’m sharing the best of the best in this itinerary!

Looking for more Bangkok travel guides?

• The Best Affordable Rooftop Bars in Bangkok
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting The Dragon Temple in Bangkok 
• The Best Thai Foods to Try in Thailand
• Ultimate Guide to The Best Elephant Tours from Bangkok

Keep reading for the best 5 days in Bangkok itinerary. 

Bangkok Itinerary | The Basics 

Currency = Thai Baht

The currency in Thailand is the Thai baht. (THB)

1 USD = 36.5 Thai Baht

Many restaurants will accept card payments in Bangkok, but you will need cash for street vendors. You can find ATMs in many places around the city. 

Language = Thai 

The official language in Thailand is Thai. However, you will find that it’s pretty simple to get around with English because Bangkok is a common tourist destination. I do suggest having Google Translate downloaded on your phone. 

Phone & Internet 

From my experience, I never had an issue with phone and internet service in Bangkok. The infrastructure in this city is great for digital nomads and workers. You’ll find wifi just about anywhere in the city. There are numerous coffee shops, hotels, and coworking spaces with wifi available. 

While traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data. Airalo makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Purchase data with Airalo here.

Daily Budget 

Thailand is a very affordable country to visit. An average mid-range daily budget is about $70 to $100 per day. However, many budget travelers will spend as little as $30 per day. (USD)

Tipping in Thailand 

Tipping is not customary in Thailand. If you’d like, you can leave a few baht if you have a great meal and good service but it’s not expected. 

Is the Tap Water Drinkable? 

No, do not drink the tap water in Thailand. I’ve brushed my teeth with the water and never had an issue but if you are only in Thailand for a short time, I wouldn’t risk it. Use bottled water. 

5 Days in Bangkok Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Temple Hopping | Day 2: Explore Modern Bangkok | Day 3: A Culinary Adventure | Day 4: Discover Bangkok’s Arts and Culture  | Day 5: Take a Day Trip

The Ultimate 5 Days in Bangkok Itinerary

Now that we’ve covered all the basics, let’s get into exactly how to spend 5 days in Bangkok! Feel free to move these activities around depending on your preference and your schedule.  

Day 1 | Temple Hopping 

Wat Arun

Begin your first day in Bangkok off bright and early with a visit to Bangkok’s most iconic temples. The temples are a must while in the city but because this is one of the best things to do in Bangkok, they do get crowded. Very quickly.

The heat is also no joke in Bangkok so I suggest visiting as early as possible. You will thank yourself later. 

Wat Arun opens at 8:00 AM, so I suggest visiting first. I’ve been twice, once bright and early in the morning and once in the afternoon, and it does make a difference. When I visited at around 8 to 9 AM there was relatively no one here. It was as if you had the temple to yourself to enjoy. 

If you visit in the afternoon, not only will there be a large crowd, but it’s hot. Seriously, go as early as you can. It’s so peaceful in the morning too. 

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bangkok. It’s also home to the most sacred temple in Thailand, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). 

The Grand Palace is a sprawling temple complex that served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam from the 18th century to the middle of the 20th century.  Because this is one of the most popular temples in Bangkok, it gets extremely busy. 

After visiting Wat Arun, head to the Grand Palace. At Wat Arun, you’ll only need about an hour to take in the beauty of the temple. On the other hand, you could spend hours exploring the Grand Palace – It’s massive.

Book a guided tour of the Grand Palace and Wat Pho here!

Make sure you have your shoulder and knees covered. They are very strict about this, particularly at the Grand Palace. It’s hot in Thailand so I typically wear tank tops and carry around a lightweight wrap to cover up with when visiting temples. 

I had never had a problem with this until I visited the Grand Palace in Bangkok. They require you to wear a full top that covers your shoulders. It can’t be a scarf or a wrap. 

There are plenty of clothes you can buy out front of the entrance but save your money and come to the Grand Palace prepared. Also, men – you have to have your legs covered. AKA no shorts. It was honestly funny how many families I saw near the Grand Palace getting turned away from the entrance and then coming back with the typical Thai elephant pants. 

Wat Pho 

Next, on your temple hopping itinerary head to Wat Pho. Wat Pho is home to the iconic Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This massive reclining Buddha statue is about 46 meters long and 15 meters high. 

Here you’ll see beautiful gardens, courtyards, architecture, and sculptures. The entrance fee to visit Wat Pho is 200 baht per person. You can also book a guided temple tour to see all of Bangkok’s amazing temples. 

Optional: Wat Sam Phran | The Dragon Temple  

If you want to do more temple hopping today, consider visiting Wat Sam Phran or the Dragon Temple. This is an iconic pink dragon temple that you may have seen once or twice online before. 

This temple is a bit outside of Bangkok’s city center but it’s super easy to get to with a Grab. I have a full blog post here on everything you need to know about visiting the Dragon Temple in Bangkok. 

I also enjoy how this temple is rarely crowded. You can go in the middle of the day and will likely have it all to yourself. I’ve visited twice and my friends and I were basically the only tourists here. This is certainly not the case with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. 

Khao San Road

A visit to Bangkok isn’t complete without experiencing Khao San Road. This is the main backpackers’ street with tons of bars, clubs, and amazing street food. It’s lively and a bit chaotic but a must if you are in Bangkok. 

Bangkok’s nightlife is something you’ll have to experience and a visit to Khao San Road will do the trick. Khao San Road offers a taste of the city’s vibrant street culture. 

Day 2 | Explore Modern Bangkok

Start Your Day at a Cafe

Bangkok has so many amazing coffee shops and cafes so we’re starting day two in Bangkok at a nice cafe in the city. Bangkok does have some incredible coffee. Here are some of my favorites in the city: 

Coffee Shops and Cafes in Bangkok: 

• Factory Coffee 
• Arabica Bangkok 
• The Coffee Club
• Old Town Cafe 

Lumpini Park

For a bit of a city break, head to Lumpini Park. This is a nice way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. You can enjoy the lush greenery and serene lakes. 

Bangkok’s Malls

Okay, I know it sounds silly to include malls in this 5 days in Bangkok itinerary. But Bangkok’s malls are seriously something else. Yes, you’ll find all the shopping in the world but also food stalls, massive markets, restaurants, and even some activities such as bowling. It’s crazy how massive these malls are. 

Malls to visit in Bangkok: 

• MBK Center  
• IconSiam 
• CentralWorld
• Siam Paragon 

If you visit IconSiam and are looking for the best view of the river, head to the Apple Store. Yeah, the Apple Store has a patio with an incredible view. 

King Power Mahanakhon

For more amazing views of the sprawling city of Bangkok, visit King Power Mahanakhon. This is a skyscraper and an observation deck. You can visit the Mahanakhon SkyWalk, one of Bangkok’s best attractions and Thailand’s highest observation deck. 

Book your SkyWalk entry tickets here!

Bangkok River Cruise 

End your day in Bangkok on a river cruise along the Chao Phraya. There are plenty of options when it comes to river cruises so I will leave a few choices below. 

Day 3 | Bangkok’s Culinary Scene

Thai Cooking Class 

Today, we are diving into Bangkok’s renowned culinary scene. If you are a foodie, you’ll love this city. Bangkok seriously has some of the best food in the world in my opinion. 

I think that taking a local cooking class is a great way to get to know a culture. There are all sorts of amazing cooking classes in Bangkok. You can learn to cook Thai favorites, like curries, pad thai, spring rolls, and more. 

Book a Thai cooking class here.

Chatuchak Market 

One of the best things to do in Bangkok is to visit Chatuchak weekend market. This is a massive, and I mean massive, market with just about anything you can imagine. 

If you are looking for Thai souvenirs or gifts to bring home, this is the place to get them. You’ll find it all –  purses, clothing, shoes, jewelry, home decor, and more. There are also amazing food stalls at Chatuchak Weekend Market with delicious bites. 

Chatuchak Market is open Wednesday through Sunday. 

Optional: Street Food Tour 

If you still have some room to eat, I suggest taking a street food tour. This was one of my favorite things I’ve done in Bangkok. Many of these tours will include a few spots around the city and you’ll get from place to place in a tuk-tuk. It’s a blast! 

You can book this Michelin Guide street food tour by tuk tuk here!

Sky Bar

End your night in Bangkok at one of the city’s many sky bars. Bangkok has the best rooftop bar scene! I love Vanilla Sky and Tichuca Rooftop Bar. 

Although Bangkok is a very affordable place to visit, the sky bars can be quite pricey. I have a curated list here with all the best affordable rooftop bars in Bangkok if you don’t want to break the bank. 

Day 4 | Bangkok’s Arts and Culture Scene

Brunch!

Next on this 5 days in Bangkok itinerary were exploring the city’s arts and culture scene. First, begin your day with a delicious brunch at one of the many spots in the city. I suggest checking out Luka Cafe, Breakfast Story, or Snooze Coffee House. 

Bangkok Arts and Culture Center 

Here at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center you’ll find a huge collection of art from Thailand and around the world. You’ll see paintings, modern art, and sculptures. 

The museum also hosts various events throughout the month. Check for the latest details when you visit but there are typically movie screenings and musical performances held here at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center.

Going to Phuket? Make sure to check out my Phuket travel guide here!

Jim Thompson House Museum 

This was the former home of Jim Thompson, an American silk entrepreneur. The house showcases a vast collection of stunning Southeast Asian art and antiques. The house itself is also a beautiful masterpiece of traditional Thai architecture and design. 

Bangkok National Museum 

The Bangkok National Museum is the largest in Thailand, offering a collection of art and artifacts representing Thai history, art, and culture. 

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Bangkok 

You’ll find The Museum of Contemporary Art on the outskirts of Bangkok and it’s dedicated to contemporary Thai art. This modern building holds a vast collection of exceptional works of art. Tickets are 180 baht. 

Chinatown

Chinatown in Bangkok (officially known as Yaowarat Road) is one of the best places to visit in Bangkok. It is vibrant and lively, and you’ll find the best food here in Chinatown.

Chinatown is great during the day but even better at night. When the sun sets, the neon lights turn on and give the street an entirely different vibe. 

You really can’t go wrong with wherever you eat in Chinatown but if you are looking for some excellent dim sum head to Laoteng. The food here was incredible and the restaurant was so cute. And even better, we found out that they have a hidden speakeasy upstairs! It’s such a fun atmosphere, you have to go! 

Muay Thai Fight  

Next, get tickets to a traditional Muay Thai fight. Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is a traditional martial art sport that originated in Thailand. A trip to Thailand isn’t complete without the enjoyment of watching a Muay Thai fight! 

Get your tickets here to a Muay Thai fight in Bangkok!

Day 5 | Day Trip from Bangkok

On your fifth and final day in Bangkok I suggest doing some sort of day trip. There are so many amazing things to do outside of Bangkok and there are plenty of guided tours that include transportation. I’ve listed a few Bangkok day trip options below. 

Elephant Day trip | If you can, I highly recommend experiencing an ethical elephant sanctuary during tour time in Thailand. I suggest visiting Elephants World, an ethical elephant sanctuary in Kanchanaburi. You can book full-day or half-day tours here. 

I did the day tour at Elephants World and it was a great experience. You can tell that they take great care of the elephants. They have a massive amount of land to roam. 

Check out my guide here all about the best ethical elephant tours from Bangkok. This guide will help you choose the right tour to book!

Erawan Falls | Erawan Falls is about an hour outside of Bangkok and makes the perfect day trip. Especially on a hot day! I have a full blog post here about all you need to know before visiting Erawan Falls in Thailand.  

Ayutthaya | If you are looking for more culture, consider a day trip to Ayutthaya. This is a historic city located about an hour away from Bangkok. Book tickets here.

Floating market | The floating markets outside of Bangkok are a popular day trip for tourists. There are various floating markets and different guided tours you can book. 

I had always wanted to visit and I finally went to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market during my last trip. To be honest, it wasn’t great. I don’t know if this was because I visited on a Monday morning, but we were literally the only people in a boat on the water and vendors are just trying to sell you the same touristy stuff. 

I think if you visit during the weekend, the atmosphere will be different.

Maeklong Railway Market | This is a unique market located in the town of Samut Songkhram. The market is situated on active train tracks which makes for a unique experience.

Best Restaurants in Bangkok 

There are SO many incredible restaurants in Bangkok. Here are a few that I’ve visited and loved. 

• Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai: A delicious Michelin Star noodle shop
• Sit and Wonder: Great Thai food 
• Laoteng: For dim sum in Chinatown. They also have a fun speakeasy upstairs! 

One of my favorite places to eat in Thailand is 7-Eleven! They have the best quick bites to eat. Try the ham and cheese toastie. They are incredible. 7-Eleven coffee is also great.  

Bangkok Itinerary Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Stay in Bangkok?

The Pattern Bangkok Hotel | If you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Bangkok, the Pattern Hotel is excellent. It’s in a great location and their rooms are extremely affordable. They even have a nice cafe on the main floor. Book the Pattern Bangkok Hotel here. 

Hotel Muse | This is one of Bangkok’s finest boutique hotels. It’s near the BTS Chidlom station and close to many malls, restaurants, and cafes. Book Hotel Muse here. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Bangkok? 

The best time to visit Bangkok is November through March when the weather is dry and somewhat cooler. The city’s pleasant weather makes it ideal for exploring the Bangkok’s outdoor activities. 

The rainy season falls between June to October, you’ll likely notice that there are short bursts of showers and thunderstorms during this time. Accommodation and activity prices will also likely be lower. 

All and all, it’s up to you but I suggest visiting from November through March. I lived in Bangkok during this time and it didn’t rain once. The weather was great. I also visited in June and wow was it hot. Like really hot. It didn’t end up raining though!  

How to Get Around Bangkok?

Grab is Thailand’s most popular ride-share app. This is a great way to get around Bangkok. It’s efficient and affordable. Alternatively, you can use the Skytrain (BTS) or the Metro (MRT). And of course, you can get around via tuk tuk if you are looking for a more adventurous experience.  

Make sure to check out my hostel packing list here!

Is 5 Days Enough for Bangkok? 

Five days in Bangkok gives you a good amount of time to see all of the city’s main highlights. Bangkok is a massive city that you could spend weeks exploring. But 5 days in Bangkok is the perfect start. 

5 Days in Bangkok Itinerary Map 

And that wraps up this 5 days in Bangkok itinerary! I hope you found this guide helpful, and if you have any questions about visiting Thailand comment below or DM me on Instagram.

Recommended Tours in Bangkok

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