If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, you might be wondering how to make the most of your time in this vibrant city. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan an itinerary that fits your interests and schedule. That’s why we’ve put together a guide for spending 5 days in Bangkok, complete with suggestions for top attractions, delicious food, and unique experiences.
Over the course of 5 days, you can explore Bangkok’s fascinating history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. From visiting ancient temples to shopping at bustling markets, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Bangkok. So grab your passport and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Day 1: Exploring Bangkok’s Temples
When we think of Bangkok, one of the first things that come to mind is the city’s beautiful temples. So, we recommend starting your Bangkok itinerary with a visit to some of the most famous temples in the city. Here are some of the temples you should visit on Day 1:
Visit the Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is a must-visit when in Bangkok. It is the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782 and is a complex of buildings that served as the royal court and administrative seat of government. The palace is a masterpiece of Thai architecture and craftsmanship, with intricate details and decorations that will leave you in awe.
Wat Phra Kaew
Located inside the Grand Palace complex, Wat Phra Kaew is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. It houses the famous Emerald Buddha, a small statue of Buddha made of green jade, which is considered the protector of Thailand. The temple is adorned with gold and precious stones, making it a stunning sight to behold.
Wat Pho
Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok. It is home to the famous 46-meter-long reclining Buddha statue covered in gold leaf. The temple complex also features beautiful pagodas, statues, and murals.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a stunning temple located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is famous for its towering spires covered in colorful glass and Chinese porcelain. Climbing up the temple’s steep steps will reward you with a breathtaking view of the river and the city skyline.
Overall, Day 1 in Bangkok will be a day filled with awe-inspiring sights and cultural experiences. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you will be spending a lot of time walking and exploring.
Day 2: Shopping and Street Food
On our second day in Bangkok, we recommend indulging in some retail therapy and street food. Here are some places we suggest visiting:
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest markets in the world, with over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing to antiques. We suggest arriving early to avoid the crowds and heat, and wearing comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to be done. Some of our favorite sections include the vintage clothing and accessories, handmade crafts, and the pet section where you can find everything from puppies to exotic birds.
MBK Center
MBK Center is a massive shopping mall with over 2,000 stores spread across eight floors. It’s a great place to find bargains on electronics, clothing, and souvenirs. We suggest checking out the fourth floor for affordable Thai and Asian street food options, and the fifth floor for a wide variety of trendy fashion boutiques.
Chinatown
Bangkok’s Chinatown is a bustling neighborhood filled with street vendors, gold shops, and traditional Chinese medicine stores. We suggest starting at the iconic Wat Mangkon Kamalawat temple and then wandering through the maze of streets. Don’t miss the food stalls selling everything from dim sum to roasted duck.
Street Food Tour
No trip to Bangkok is complete without indulging in the city’s famous street food. We suggest booking a street food tour to try a variety of dishes and learn about the history and culture behind them. Some of our favorite dishes include pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and tom yum soup.
Overall, day 2 is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine of Bangkok while also getting some shopping done.
Day 3: River Cruise and Museums
On our third day in Bangkok, we decided to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and explore some of the museums and cultural attractions. We started our day with a relaxing Chao Phraya River Cruise, followed by visits to some of the city’s most interesting museums.
Chao Phraya River Cruise
We began our day with a leisurely Chao Phraya River Cruise, which took us along the river and gave us a chance to see the city from a different perspective. The river is an important part of Bangkok’s history and culture, and we were able to see many of the city’s iconic landmarks from the water, including the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
Jim Thompson House Museum
After our river cruise, we headed to the Jim Thompson House Museum, which is a beautiful traditional Thai house that was owned by an American businessman named Jim Thompson. The house is now a museum, and we were able to take a guided tour and learn about Thompson’s life and his contribution to the Thai silk industry. The house is surrounded by lush gardens, which made for a peaceful and relaxing visit.
Also Read: 5 Reasons Why Phuket Should be your next Island Getaway
Bangkok National Museum
Next, we visited the Bangkok National Museum, which is the largest museum in Southeast Asia. The museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase Thailand’s history, culture, and art. We spent several hours exploring the museum’s many galleries, which included displays on Thai art, religion, and the monarchy.
Siriraj Medical Museum
Our final stop of the day was the Siriraj Medical Museum, which is not for the faint of heart. The museum is located on the campus of Siriraj Hospital and is dedicated to the history of medicine in Thailand. The exhibits include preserved human specimens and medical equipment, which can be quite graphic. However, we found the museum to be fascinating and informative, and it gave us a unique perspective on the history of medicine in Thailand.
Overall, our third day in Bangkok was a great chance to slow down and explore some of the city’s cultural attractions. The Chao Phraya River Cruise and the various museums we visited were all well worth the visit and gave us a deeper appreciation for Thai history and culture.
Day 4: Parks and Recreation
On our fourth day in Bangkok, we decided to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and explore some of the beautiful parks and recreational areas. Here are some of the places we visited:
Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Bangkok. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy some greenery. The park is home to a large lake where you can rent a paddle boat and explore the water. There are also plenty of walking paths, gardens, and open spaces to enjoy. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some monitor lizards sunbathing on the rocks!
Benjakitti Park
Benjakitti Park is another great option for those looking to escape the city. The park is located near the central business district and features a large lake with a walking path around it. There are also plenty of benches and picnic areas to enjoy. We loved the peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful views of the city skyline.
Siam Park City
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, Siam Park City is the place to go. This water park features a variety of water slides, wave pools, and other attractions. There’s also a theme park section with rides and games. We had a blast here and would definitely recommend it for families or anyone looking for some fun in the sun.
Muay Thai Live Show
For those interested in Thai culture, the Muay Thai Live Show is a must-see. This show tells the story of Muay Thai through a combination of live action, music, and dance. It’s an exciting and entertaining way to learn more about this traditional martial art. We were impressed by the performances and the high production value of the show.
Overall, our day spent exploring Bangkok’s parks and recreational areas was a refreshing change of pace from the busy city streets. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, there’s something for everyone in Bangkok’s parks.
Day 5: Day Trip to Ayutthaya
On our fifth day in Bangkok, we decided to take a day trip to Ayutthaya to explore the ancient city and its temples. Ayutthaya is located about 80 km north of Bangkok and it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach there by car or van. We booked a day tour from Bangkok which included transportation, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide.
Wat Mahathat
Our first stop was Wat Mahathat, one of the most important temples in Ayutthaya. It is famous for its iconic Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree. We were amazed by the intricate carvings on the temple walls and the serene atmosphere of the place. Our guide gave us a brief history of the temple and its significance in Thai culture.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Next, we visited Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the largest temple in Ayutthaya. It was once the royal temple of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and housed three impressive chedis (stupas) that contained the ashes of the kings. We were fascinated by the intricate details of the chedis and the beautiful architecture of the temple.
Bang Pa-In Palace
After visiting the temples, we headed to Bang Pa-In Palace, the summer palace of the kings of Thailand. The palace complex is a mix of Thai, Chinese, and European architectural styles and features beautiful gardens, pavilions, and statues. We enjoyed strolling around the palace grounds and admiring the stunning views of the Chao Phraya River.
Ayutthaya Historical Park
Our final stop was the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the ruins of the ancient city. We rented bicycles and rode around the park, exploring the various temples and ruins. We were amazed by the sheer size of the park and the impressive structures that still stand after centuries of wars and natural disasters.
Overall, our day trip to Ayutthaya was a fascinating experience that gave us a glimpse into Thailand’s rich history and culture. We highly recommend visiting Ayutthaya to anyone who wants to explore the ancient temples and ruins of Thailand.
Recommended Hotels
When it comes to finding a place to stay in Bangkok, there are plenty of options available to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of our top picks for hotels in the city:
Luxury Hotels
For those looking for a bit of luxury, Bangkok has no shortage of high-end hotels to choose from. Some of our favorites include:
- The Siam: A stunning riverside hotel with a beautiful spa and luxurious rooms. View on Booking.com
- The Peninsula Bangkok: Another riverside hotel with breathtaking views and top-notch amenities. View on Booking.com
- Mandarin Oriental Bangkok: A classic and elegant hotel with a rich history and impeccable service. View on Booking.com
Mid-Range Hotels
If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable but still comfortable, Bangkok has plenty of mid-range options to choose from. Here are a few of our recommendations:
- Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok: A riverside hotel with spacious rooms and stunning views. View on Booking.com
- Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok: A trendy and stylish hotel with a rooftop pool and bar. View on Booking.com
- Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20: A modern hotel located in the heart of the city with easy access to shopping and dining. View on Booking.com
Budget Hotels
For those on a tight budget, Bangkok has plenty of affordable hotels and hostels to choose from. Here are a few of our top picks:
- Saphaipae Hostel: A clean and comfortable hostel located near the BTS Skytrain. View on Booking.com
- NapPark Hostel: Another great hostel option with a rooftop terrace and social events. View on Booking.com
- The Printing House Poshtel: A stylish and affordable hotel/hostel hybrid with a great location in the city center. View on Booking.com
No matter what your budget or preferences, there’s a hotel in Bangkok that’s perfect for you.
