Perfect 5 Days in Bangkok Itinerary, The Best Attractions for your Holiday!
Wat Arun is an iconic temple that sits along the Chao Phraya River
Bangkok is a huge city full of wondrous temples and unique local experiences, it’s understandable that you might struggle with planning your Bangkok Itinerary.
Never fear, because I made this comprehensive 5 Days in Bangkok Itinerary just for you, so that you can enjoy the best that Bangkok has to offer. I’ve picked out the best attractions, activities, temples, tours, and things to do so that you can get the full experience.
Before you travel to Bangkok, you might want to check out these 50 Important Things you must know before visiting Thailand.
So with that in mind, let’s take a look at your perfect 5 Days Bangkok Itinerary!
A PDF download will be available for your convenience at the end of this blog post!
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Day 1: Touring Bangkok's Famous Temples!
A picture of Wat Arun also known as The Temple of Dawn at dawn
Day 1 is all about touring the best and most famous temples in Bangkok, while ending the day eating and exploring through Yaowarat Road, Bangkok’s Chinatown, and the largest in South East Asia.
Before heading into any Thai temple there are a few rules and etiquettes that you’ll need to follow:
Foreigners pricing: Yes I’m sorry but foreigners (tourist or not) will most likely have to pay a higher entrance fee compared to locals, which are often free.
Take off your shoes: Before entering certain temple areas. Socks are fine.
Taking Buddha images out of the country is illegal: Statues, bracelets, necklaces, printed pictures or posters, anything with a Buddha image.
Dress modestly: For both men and women, don’t dress in revealing clothing and ensure your shoulders and knees are covered.
Morning: Bangkok Temple Trifecta: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace covers a large area and includes many museums and temples within its walls
Starting off day 1’s temple tours are 3 of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks which are all situated in the same area making for easy access and travel between the attractions.
Starting off with the Grand Palace Bangkok, I know a palace isn’t exactly a temple but in this case, it’s in the same ballpark. Constructed in 1782, this site used to be the permanent home of the Thai King, nowadays it has become a major tourist attraction in Bangkok.
After the Grand Palace, you can walk to Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, a revered and famous temple in Bangkok which houses a statue of Buddha carved entirely from pure jade.
Lastly, make your way to Wat Pho, a famous temple housing a giant 46 meter bronze statue of a reclining Buddha. You HAVE to see this statue with your own eyes, the scale is immense and it’s also the largest statue of the Buddha in Thailand.
There is just so much to explore in this area, so I would highly recommend booking a tour such as this Grand Palace and Bangkok Temples Half Day Tour which will bring you to all of the above temples and more. The tour also includes an expert English speaking tour guide, hotel pickup, and food and drinks. You book a tour now at a discounted price via the link above.
As a bonus you can make your way across the Chao Phraya river to check out Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Known for its prominent Prang towers towering over the Bangkok city scape.
Afternoon: Climbing the Golden Mount Temple, Wat Saket
Wat Saket is also a popular location for Loy Krathong
After your excursion at Bangkok’s Grand Palace, I recommend you check out one more temple in the afternoon.
This last temple is my favorite temple to explore in Bangkok, Wat Saket, also known as the Golden Mount Temple due to its iconic towering golden Chedi structure.
Aside from the main temple there are also plenty of things to see and explore around the Wat Saket complex, such as the Bamiyan Museum and the Vultures of Wat Saket display. You can check out my blog post about Exploring Wat Saket if you would like more details.
Be sure to bring a lot of water, and a fan or umbrella because you’ll have to take a small hike up to the top of Wat Saket to read the Golden Mount, and afternoon Bangkok heat is unforgiving…
If you are looking for lunch, Thipsamai and Raan Jay Fai is within walking distance. With the former being a legendary Pad Thai restaurant serving the best Pad Thai in Bangkok, and the latter being the world famous One Michelin Star street food stall.
Evening: Eating Through Bangkok’s Chinatown at Yaowarat Road
Always packed full of people, but at the same time, always packed full of delicious food
Right after exploring the best that Bangkok temples has to offer, it’s time to explore the best that Bangkok street food has to offer!
Yaowarat Road is Bangkok’s Chinatown and it’s a district with a lot of rich Thai-Chinese immigrant history. There is so much to eat here, I absolutely just love coming here on the weekends to explore.
You’ll find many of Bangkok’s must eat restaurants along the main road and its many alleyways. Two particular dishes you must try are the Yaowarat Toasted Buns and the Thai style Kway Chap noodles.
To make exploring a bit easier for you, my blog post on the Must Eat Street Foods at Yaowarat Road covers every well known dish and restaurant as well as hidden gems that you must try.
Night: Exploring the Wild Khao San Road
Clothes, food, bars, Khao San is backpacker central
Now Khao San Road is a bit of an iffy one for me to suggest. This party nightlife road is well known amongst the backpacker community for it’s many bars and entertainment venues.
But word of warning, Khao San Road is NOT family friendly, and it’s not the best representation of Bangkok nightlife.
There are plenty of exciting experiences to be had here but only if you can tolerate scams, illegal substance usage, gray market activities, and prostitution.
But aside from that, Khao San Road is one hell of a good time for backpackers and partygoers. Just make sure to be aware of your surroundings and stay safe from any illegal activities.
Day 2: Massage, Muay Thai, and Cruise!
Where else can you find a Ferris Wheel in Bangkok?
In day 2 of the 5 Days in Bangkok Itinerary, I chose activities and attractions that evoke relaxation and excitement.
You can look forward to a morning at the largest weekend market in the world, an afternoon cheering for a match of Thailand’s national sport, rejuvenating with world famous spa and massage treatments, and finally enjoy a night cruising and shopping at Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.
Get ready for a day pampering and ultimate relaxation!
Morning: Morning Excursion to Chatuchak Weekend Market
Embrace getting lost at the Chatuchak Weekend Market
Starting off the morning, we’ll be heading to Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market, which despite being called a “weekend” market, is actually opened 5 days a week, only being closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The opening times vary, you can expect the market to open at around 9:00AM and closes around 6:00PM. On Fridays the market opens at 6:00PM - 12:00AM.
Double check the opening times before you visit.
Alright, I’m not kidding when I say that Chatuchak Weekend Market is the LARGEST weekend market in the world! The market covers and area of over 35 acres, containing well over 15,000 shops and stalls. There is so much to explore, you’ll probably need to visit this market more than once to fully see everything.
The market contains everything from clothing and fashion accessories to hand crafted furniture and live animals. Of course you can’t forget the the plentiful number of street food stalls. Another noteworthy section is the Chatuchak Flower Market, a great place to buy flowers for you significant other :)
Afternoon: Exhilarating Muay Thai Show and Relaxing Thai Massage
Some of you say that WWE is fake wrestling, well Muay Thai is the real deal
Your afternoon will be spent on activities on the opposite ends of the spectrum. First up is watching a thrilling Muay Thai show.
Regarding stadiums there are plenty around the city, but there is only one place synonymous with the most exciting and elaborate matches, that is the Rajadamnern Stadium, the world’s first Muay Thai stadium which opened in 1945.
This is the place where rising Muay Thai stars come to showcase their mettle, with special guests, photo opportunities, DJs, and beautiful ring girls to get you ready for an adrenaline rush. Did I mention that with certain tickets you get free flowing beer as well?
The stadium open everyday with matches taking place everyday. Interested? You can book an official ticket for a great discounted price here, be sure to book early as seats can sell out pretty quick, especially for highly anticipated matches.
If you want to actually participate in some Muay Thai yourself, around the city you can find various Muay Thai Gyms with classes taught by professionals. I’ve attended one of these classes before and they are really fun and a great workout, plus great stress and anger relief.
Just make sure the massage parlor you’re going to is the right one…
Once you are thrilled to the bone, it’s time for some rest and relaxation. Did you really come to Thailand if you didn’t pamper yourself with a Thai Massage Spa treatment?
If you have never heard of a Thai Massage before, where have you been? A Thai massage is different from a regular massage in that the practitioner uses their entire body, like their elbows, feet, knees, and of course hands, to create a concise amount of pressure on your body.
It’s very relaxing and trust me when I say that after your session, your body will feel like you’re young again, and all the pain and aches will disappear.
A traditional Thai massage parlor that I highly recommend that is famous with both the locals and tourists is One More Thai, they offer a herbal massage as well which gives a calming effect to your psyche. Plus a complimentary Thai dessert is also included with your Thai Massage experience.
Just don’t confuse this Thai massage with the other kind of Thai massage…
Evening: Shopping and Eating at Asiatique The Riverfront
You could come here during the day, but why would you when the night is way more beautiful
Asiatique the Riverfront is a night bazaar/mall that sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. This mall is very special in the sense that the atmosphere it provides is so romantic and picture-esque.
Asiatique is full of restaurants, clothing stores and more, it’s more upscale than a traditional Thai market, but also humble and less expensive than say, a luxury shopping mall.
You’ll likely notice the iconic landmark that is the Ferris wheel that offers a beautiful view of Bangkok, make sure to hop on as it’s one of the must do things at Asiatique.
Another fun activities is watching the Calypso Carabet show, a world famous performance featuring a full cast of Thailand’ most talented Ladyboys! It’s a great performance and very enjoyable watch, the show lasts about an hour so it’s not too long.
Night: Chao Phraya River Cruise
Unlimited buffet and live music? Count me in!
the boutique Asiatique shopping malls pairs really well with a relaxing Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise.
The best amongst the river cruises is definitely aboard the Chao Phraya Princess, a classy 2 hour cruise which includes an international buffet that has fresh seafood and sizzling steaks. Not to mention the cruise also includes live music playing classic 80s and 90s music.
This Chao Phraya River cruise will bring you to sightsee many of Bangkok’s iconic landmarks such as Wat Arun, the Icon Siam Pier, The Grand Palace, and The Rama VIII bridge.
Day 3: Bangkok Floating Market + Cooking!
I couldn’t imagine what traffic jams would be like back then…
Day 3 of the 5 Days in Bangkok Itinerary is all about immersing yourself into the Thai food and market culture.
Markets are a daily thing for many Thais, even though big supermarkets like Tescos, Big C, and Makro exists, many of us still prefer to source our ingredients and produce from markets, it’s cheaper, and it’s just more fun to walk around a market full of food and trinkets.
Today we’ll be traveling to 2 of Bangkok’s best traditional markets.
We’ll end the day off with a traditional Thai cooking class, and enjoying the Bangkok city skyline while sipping on a few cocktails.
Morning: Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa Floating Market
Who could resist that smile? Give me 10 of whatever you’re selling!
You haven’t been to Bangkok if you didn’t go to one of it’s many floating markets.
The two most popular are the Amphawa and the Damnoen Saduak floating market, with Domnoen Saduak being arguable the better of the two.
Amphawa is divided into 2 sections, a regular land-based market, and the actual floating market situated on a river. The floating section is quite calm and compared to the land section which has more stalls and a more lively atmosphere.
Damnoen Saduak is a floating market through and through, with a much more active atmosphere, My favorite part is are the boat noodle and grilled seafood vendors paddling along the river yelling lovingly at you to try to sell their wares.
At Amphawa you could even take a leisurely boat cruise along the market and it’s surrounding rivers to view various temples and landmarks, these boat tours costs 50 THB per person or 500 THB for a private boat.
Both of these floating markets are located close to each other so it’s totally possible to visit both, but if your time only allows for one, I recommend Damnoen Saduak.
Afternoon + Evening: Dishing up Authentic Food at Thai Cooking Class
After class, show off to your friends back home that you know how to make a mean Pad Thai
After your sweaty adventures at the Thai markets, it’s time to cook up a satisfyingly authentic Thai meal at one of Bangkok’ many cooking classes.
The two most popular ones are the House of Taste Thai, and the Pink Chili.
Both of these cooking classes start off with sourcing fresh ingredients at a local market, the class is guided so you’ll learn a lot about the characteristics of each of the ingredients.
Next is the hard part, the cooking. You’ll be cooking a variety of dishes from appetizers to entrées to desserts, some dishes you can expect are:
Tom Yum Goong - Sour and spicy shrimp soup
Tom Kha Gai - Spicy coconut soup with chicken
Som Tum - Thai shredded papaya salad
Pad Thai Goong - Stir fried rice noodles with tamarind sauce and shrimp
Green/Red/Panang/Massaman Curry - Chicken curry made from freshly made curry paste
Mango Sticky Rice - Fresh mango and sweet sticky rice served with coconut sauce
The last part is the fun part, eating.
The best things is that after you are finished with the class, you can take this knowledge to cook up delicious Thai food for your friends and family back home. :)
You can book a Thai cooking class for House of Taste here, or for Pink Chili here. The classes last for approximately 4 hours.
Night: Enjoying the City Skyline at Bangkok’s Rooftop Bars
Good food, good drinks, good vibes, and on top of city, what could be better than that?
You’ll want to have a relaxing evening after all that walking, exploring, and cooking. Look no further than the Rooftop Bars of Bangkok!
What could be better than sipping on a fancy cocktail, enjoying a lavish dinner, and being serenaded by live musical performances, all while admiring the gorgeous Bangkok skyline?
Some recommended rooftop bars are:
Vertigo - At Banyan Tree Bangkok
Sky Bar - At State Tower
Octave Rooftop Bar - At the Bangkok Marriot Hotel
Three Sixty - At the Millennium Hilton Bangkok
The prices are quite expensive but it’s good to splurge on yourself every once in a while no?
Day 4: Exploring Bangkok's City Center
Bangkok’s major shopping malls are all connected to the Sky Train making for incredibly easy access
Day 4 of our 5 Days in Bangkok Itinerary is all about exploring, shopping, and learning through Bangkok’s city center.
The main focus of today is the Siam district, a modern and upscale area full of luxury shopping malls, museums, and entertainment exhibits. If you are planing to do some shopping in your Bangkok holiday, todays is the day you.
I’ve put the shopping near the end of the trip so you don’t have to worry about lugging around your loot during the rest of the trip :)
Morning: Shopping at Thailand’s Largest Mall, CentralWOrld
CentralWOrld has everything you need and then some!
First up on or list is Bangkok CentralWOrld, the largest shopping mall in Thailand.
Everything is here, from luxury Rolex and Tag Heuer watches, to Japan’s popular clothing store, Uniqlo.
There are also numerous restaurants located on the upper floors, want to try Japanese conveyer belt sushi? Sushiro has got you covered. How about Taiwanese Soup Dumplings? Din Tai Fung is there for you. Perhaps something more local, like high quality Wagyu Beef Boat Noodles, then Thong Smith is the place to be (just be prepared for the long queues).
Aside from food and shopping, CentralWOrld also boasts a cinema featuring 4D experiences, and a large co-working/library space to for getting your work done. An Ice skating rink is also located at the ground floor.
Afternoon: SEA LIFE Ocean World Aquarium at Siam Paragon
Just hope the glass doesn’t break…
When you’re done with your morning shopping spree, it’s time to head to another luxury shopping mall, Siam Paragon, although we’re not heading there for shopping (though you can certainly do that), but we’re going to SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, an indoor aquarium located on the basement level of Siam Paragon.
You’ll be able to encounter over 400 marine species and 30,000 sea creatures throughout the aquarium, which is divided into 14 different attractions, like the Ocean Tunnel, a clear glass tunnel running through a shark infested tank.
One of my favorite attractions is taking a leisurely guided cruise on a see-through raft along one of SA LIFE Ocean World’s many tanks. Plus the Penguin Ice Adventure exhibit, penguins are just so cute and goofy.
tickets are purchased at the counter at the entrance to SEA LIFE, or you can purchase an online ticket here.
Evening: Jim Thompson House
First person to tell me in the comments below where Jim Thompson went, I’ll give them 10 cans of Chang Beer
Not from from Siam Paragon is the Infamous Jim Thompson House. The home of a former CIA agent turned Thai Silk entrepreneur.
The story of Jim Thompson is a strange one, disappearing sometime in the late 1960s, he left behind a long lasting legacy, known for single handedly re-vitalising Thailand’s struggling silk fabric industry.
At the time Jim Thompson was regarded as the most famous American living in Asia, nowadays all that is left of his legacy is his business and his home, which has turned into a museum and is open to the public.
Jim Thompson House is an old countryside style Thai house built from wood and showcases collections of various traditional Thai artistry. Guided tours are operated daily.
Night: Eating through Jodd Fairs DanNeramit Night Market
There is even a picnic area in the area surrounding the DanNeramit castle
Ending the day, we head to Jodd Fairs DanNeramit. A trendy and modern Thai night market built atop an abandoned theme park. That’s right, you can still see the landmark DanNeramit theme park castle which has become this market’s iconic image.
With over 150 bars, clothing, and street food stalls to explore, you can spend an entire evening and night here and still have new things to discover.
I say clothing, but that only accounts for about 10% of the stalls. Locals know that Jodd Fairs is all about the street food, This market is where new and trending street foods are born, such as Mango Sticky Rice Coconut Griddle Cakes, and the mountainous pile of stewed pork spine submerged in a spicy and sour soup, Leng Saap.
Jodd Fairs DanNeramit opens at 4:00PM but activity and stalls will fully open at around 6:00PM.
Go to Jodd Fairs DanNeramit and eat your heart out, this is my favorite street food night market in all of Bangkok :)
Day 5: Dream World and Ayutthaya City
The Pagodas of the ancient city of Ayutthaya still stands tall
We’ve come to our final day of our 5 Days in Bangkok Itinerary! Today is a little bit different, I’m bringing you to the outskirts of the city to visit some popular attractions.
During the morning and afternoon we’ll be riding roller coasters and experiencing fake snow at Thailand’s most famous theme park, and in the latter half of the day we’ll be exploring the ancient and historically significant capital of Thailand.
These activities could literally eat up your entire day and you might not have enough time to do both, so feel free to pick only one and save the other for another time. If it was up to me, I would choose to go to Ayutthaya Historical Park, the ancient capital, but I prefer learning about ancient history so that is just my preference.
If you have the energy, you could comfortable follow the Itinerary and do both of these activities.
Morning + Afternoon: Adrenaline Rush at Dream World Theme Park
I have no idea what that mascot in the center is suppose to be but he looks very welcoming
While Disney World doesn’t exist in Thailand, we have our own version called Dream World which is not as magical as the Disney but it still gets the job done.
Dream World contains a wide selection of heart pumping roller coasters, photogenic flower gardens, 4D theatres, and water based activities. What Dream World lacks in Disney’s thematic wonder, it more than makes up for it in the amount rides and attractions
Now, I’m a big wuss when it comes to roller coasters so I’ve only been on a couple of rides, but here are some highlights that I would highly recommend you ride and experience:
Black Hole Coaster - Zoom through the pitch black darkness of space and marvel at sights of our universe
Tornado, Hurricane, and Viking - Thrilling rides that get’s your heart pumping
Grand Canyon - A water based ride where you ride a raft through treacherous mountains and valleys
Sky Coaster - An exhilarating roller coaster where you are suspended in the air
My favorite ride is the Viking
Aside from the high octane roller coasters, there is also a Haunted House, the previously mentioned 4D theatres, an animal farm, and a surreal Giant’s House.
But the most popular attraction is definitely the Snow Town! Yes snow in Thailand! Albeit it’s fake snow but it’s very convincing. You’ll be able to build snowmen, take pictures with the Yeti, and sleigh down a snowy hill.
The Snow Town is definitely my favorite part of Dream World, because where else can you experience snow in Thailand?
There are a lot of rides ands things to do, If you want to maximize your enjoyment and value, I recommend a Super Visa Ticket which includes entry to Dream World, access unlimited access to all rides, plus included entry into Snow Town. You can use the link above to purchase a Dream World Super Visa Ticket at a discounted price.
Evening + Night: Exploring the Historical Ayutthaya Temple and City
When there is no one else around, these ruins feel surreal
Ayutthaya was the ancient capital of Thailand from 1350 to 1767, it’s fall came when the Burmese razed, pillaged, and burned the city to the ground.
In the modern era, the ruins of this once prosperous city forms the Ayutthaya Historical Park. An area containing many important historical sights, temples, and landmarks, such as the Ayutthaya Temple (Wat Mahathat) which contains one particular tree whose roots encase the head of a Buddha image.
While the ruins feel surreal, this Buddha statue feels like something out of a fantasy novel
Aside from the Ayutthaya Historical Park the area also contains many other attractions like the the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and the Ayutthaya Night Market/Walking Street.
So if you want to fully explore Ayutthaya, then perhaps take a day trip tour as visiting all these locations can easily take the better part of your day.
The Bangkok Odyssey Travel Guide
Includes a Free 5 Day Itinerary if purchased from my shop!
Bangkok is a huge city with many things to see and do, it could be confusing and overwhelming to plan your trip for first or even second time visitors.
To ease your burdens, I’ve written Bangkok Odyssey with a goal to help travelers around the world to experience Bangkok to its fullest.
Inside this chunky 177 page travel guide ebook, you’ll find details about:
Thai history and culture, religion, art, politics, etc…
Helpful travel tips such as seasonal weather, budget, safety, and major festivals
Full public transportation guide + Hotel and hostel recommendations
50+ of the best attractions and things to do in Bangkok
60+ Food and restaurant recommendations that isn’t Pad Thai or Green Curry
The Bangkok Odyssey Travel Guide was written and produced with a labour of love from me directly to you, Thank you for your support in being a Feastography reader and follower <3
Free Bonus Content: 5 Days in Bangkok Mini e-Booklet
This 12 page itinerary mini booklet contains all the information you need to enjoy the perfect Bangkok holiday
Included with your purchase of the Bangkok Odyssey Travel Guide is a 5 Day Itinerary Booklet with all the necessary information to make planning your trip fast and easy. Usually this would be a separate purchase on my store for $1.99, but I’ve bundled it into Bangkok Odyssey for FREE!
If you want just the itinerary you can purchase it separately at this link.
All of this well researched information, insider knowledge from a true Thai local, and useful free extras for a special 25% discounted price of only $7.99, down from $11.00!
Discounts on Bangkok Tours and Activities
The Bangkok city skyline is always beautiful at any time of day
Pre-booking your activity tickets and tours in advance is often cheaper than if you were to purchase the ticket on the day.
Personally I would recommend you use Klook to purchase your tickets as this platform is the most popular in South East Asia and they offer a wide variety of activities and services from tours, car rentals, travel insurance, and even sim cards.
I use Klook plenty of times especially to book local tours and train tickets while I was traveling in Japan, their platform is easy and reliable to use.
You can browse through Klook’s discounted tours and activities via the link above or by using the widget below.
Furthermore, here are some Useful Resources for Traveling in Thailand in case you need it:
Tourism Information - All the information you need when traveling in Thailand
4G/5G SIM Card - 8 days, 15GB, Important for staying connected while in Thailand
Private Airport Transfers - Transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city without worry
Best Hotels and Hostels in Bangkok
Hostels like the one pictured here doesn’t even feel like a hostel
Bangkok is home to some amazing hotels, from luxury 5 star accommodations to humble and budget friendly hostels.
To make things a bit easier for you here are some of my recommendations for hotels in Bangkok, I made sure to choose places that offer easy access to Bangkok’s attractions as well as being well connected to local transportation options like the BTS skytrain.
My Bangkok Hotel Recommendations
Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park - For the ultimate in comfort and luxury, this 5 star hotel includes Bangkok’s best buffet (Goji Kitchen) as well as Thai massage facilities, and possibly the best staff in the hospitality business.
The Quart Ruamrudee - This 4 star hotel is located right by the BTS skytrain allowing for easy access to all of Bangkok’s best attractions.
Norn Yaowarat Hotel - Located right in Bangkok Chinatown, this hotel offers easy access to many of Bangkok’s famous temples and attractions as well as the Bangkok street food epicenter that is Yaowarat Road.
Plus if you are looking for backpacker hostels or accommodations that won’t break the bank, I have a list of the Top 10 Hostels in Bangkok that I personally recommend. Hostels can be a great place to meet new people and to experience the local culture to the fullest, in some cases I would even recommend you try booking a hostel over a regular hotel when visiting Bangkok.
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