Bangkok Itinerary: 3, 5 & 7 Days Perfect For First Timers

The perfect Bangkok itinerary for 3, 5 or 7 days: temples, markets, rooftops, food crawls + day trips. Includes map, timings and transit tips.

Quick Overview

Bangkok can be chaos and magic in equal measure. This itinerary groups sights by river and BTS lines so you dodge traffic, hit the temple triangle early, and spend evenings eating your way through Yaowarat or watching the sunset over the Chao Phraya.

Whether you’re here for three days or a full week, the plan below keeps things balanced, a mix of culture, food, markets, and downtime, with optional day trips when you have more time.

👉Base yourself in Sukhumvit or Riverside for easy access to both the river ferries and BTS network.

3-Day Bangkok Itinerary: The Essentials

Day 1 – Temples & the River Triangle

Morning: Start early at The Grand Palace (arrive for opening to beat crowds), then walk to Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha.
Lunch: Try a riverside restaurant nearby (The Deck by Arun Residence is a favourite).
Afternoon: Cross the ferry to Wat Arun and climb its steep steps for skyline views.
Evening: Sunset boat ride along the Chao Phraya, then dinner in Chinatown (Yaowarat) Bangkok’s best street food crawl.

👉 Follow the full food crawl in What to Eat in Bangkok.

Day 2 – Markets, Malls & Rooftops

Morning: Head to Chatuchak Weekend Market (Sat/Sun) for souvenirs and snacks, or Or Tor Kor Market next door for authentic Thai dishes.
Afternoon: Take the BTS to Siam for air-con mall-hopping, MBK, Siam Center and ICONSIAM if you’re riverside.
Evening: Dress up for a rooftop bar, Octave (Sukhumvit), Sky Bar (Lebua), or Tichuca (Thonglor).

💡 Tip: Book a sunset slot; most rooftops open around 5pm.

Day 3 – Local Life & Night Markets

Morning: Visit Lumpini Park or take a khlong (canal) tour through Thonburi’s wooden houses.
Afternoon: Visit Jim Thompson House or BACC if you’re into art.
Evening: Explore a night market, Jodd Fairs (Central Rama 9) or Train Market Srinakarin for vintage vibes and live music.

5-Day Add-Ons: Go Deeper

If you have five days, mix in Bangkok’s slower, creative side.

Day 4 – Thonburi & Talad Noi

Hop on a long-tail boat from Saphan Taksin to explore Thonburi’s canals, stop at the Artist’s House (Baan Silapin), and see life beyond the skyline.
In the evening, wander Talad Noi, Bangkok’s street-art neighbourhood, then loop back to Chinatown for dessert or drinks by the river.

Day 5 – Cafés, Museums & Chill

Spend the day café-hopping in Ari or Thonglor, both packed with cool work spots and brunch cafés.
Optional: Check out MOCA or The Bangkok Art & Culture Centre for a hit of creativity.
Wind down with a massage or a Thai cooking class before catching the sunset at ICONSIAM or Asiatique.

👉 Find the top cafés and food spots in What to Eat in Bangkok.

7-Day Add-Ons: Epic Day Trips

When you’ve ticked off the city’s highlights, head out on two of the most rewarding day trips in Thailand.

Day 6 – Ayutthaya

How long: 1.5 hours each way by train or van.
Plan: Rent a bike or tuk-tuk to explore the ancient temples of Wat Mahathat, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
Timing: Leave Bangkok around 8 am; back by sunset.
Vibe: Peaceful, historical, and photogenic.

👉 Full guide in Best Day Trips from Bangkok.

Day 7 – Kanchanaburi or Floating Markets

Option 1: Kanchanaburi & Erawan Falls

2.5 hours from Bangkok; swim in turquoise waterfalls and visit the Bridge on the River Kwai.

Option 2: Floating Markets & Mae Klong Railway

Combine Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa with the famous railway market where trains brush past the stalls.

Practicalities: Getting Around & Travel Tips

Transport:

BTS Skytrain covers most of Sukhumvit and Siam.
MRT connects Chinatown and the train stations.
Boats are ideal for riverside sights (Chao Phraya Express).
Grab or Bolt apps beat negotiating with tuk-tuks.

Temple Etiquette:

Shoulders and knees covered; no sleeveless tops or short shorts.
Remove shoes before entering; keep voices low.
Avoid visiting the Grand Palace on national holidays, check opening times.

Tickets & Queues:

Grand Palace tickets online can save 20–30 minutes.
Some attractions close earlier than you’d expect (Palace 3:30 pm).
Arrive early for Chatuchak; it gets hot and packed by 11 am.

👉 See detailed “ticket and queue notes” in Best Things to Do in Bangkok.

Where This Fits in Thailand

This 3/5/7-day itinerary fits neatly into longer routes:

10-day Thailand route: Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Krabi/Ao Nang.
14-day Thailand route: Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Pai → Krabi → Koh Phi Phi.
21-day Thailand route: Bangkok → North loop → Islands (Koh Tao/Koh Phangan).

👉 Full breakdown in Thailand 10/14/21-Day Itineraries.