Four Day Bangkok Itinerary

Bangkok is Thailand's most populous city. It’s an eclectic, 21st-century location with incredible culture, food, fashion, and fun. Even if you only have four days in Bangkok, the following itinerary will give you a comprehensive way to see and experience the area.

Getting around Bangkok is very easy with public transport or the BTS, taxis, tuk tuks or splash out with a driver and car.

Four Days in Bangkok

Day 1 - Bangkok

10:00 a.m. – Pathum Wan District

Start your day shopping at one of the most popular shopping areas in the world. Bangkok’s Pathum Wan district includes many shopping opportunities.

Start with Siam Center. Built in 1973 and re-launched in 2013, Siam Center, at 979 Rama 1 Road, in Pathum Wan, is one of the area’s first shopping centers. You’ll find over 200 brands, including local brands. If you want to stop for a bite before you move on, you’ll find most of the eateries on the top floor.

Move on to Siam Paragon at 991 Rama 1 Road. This is one of the largest shopping malls in not only Thailand but the world with over 250 shops. You’ll be amazed at the large number of stores available, and there’s something for everyone.

On the main floor, there’s luxury shopping for the super-rich and those who have saved up to spend their money. You’ll find brands like Jimmy Choo, Chanel, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Rolex, and more. For those not-so-rich or watching their budget, there’s lots of shopping as well. In addition to the shopping, you’ll find restaurants, an art gallery, an aquarium, a bowling alley, and more.

4:00 p.m. - Lumpini Park

You’ll be exhausted after all that shopping. So it’s a perfect time to take a relaxing stroll through Lumpini Park at Lumpini, Pathum Wan, opened by King Rama VI in 1920. There’s no entrance fee, and the park stays open until 9:00 p.m. It’s 142 acres that include a lake, where you can hire a Swan paddle boat, and there’s plenty of wildlife to explore, such as the lizards that can grow as much as five feet long. Of course, there are lots of trees and lots of flowers. Take plenty of photos, including a picture of King Rama VI’s statue.

6:00 p.m. - Dinner at restaurants near Lumpini Park

End your day with dinner at one of the nearby restaurants such as Red Oven, Osha, Gaggan, and more.

Day 2 - Bangkok

9:00 a.m. - The Temple of Golden Buddha

Begin your day with a visit to China Town, beginning with a visit to Wat Traimit, which is the Temple of Golden Buddha. Inside you’ll find a gigantic solid gold figure of Buddha. You’ll need to adhere to a dress code for all temples in Bangkok. Your shoulders and your knees, for example, should be covered. There is an entry fee.

11:00 a.m. - Yaowarat Road

After visiting the temple, you’ll be ready to walk around and grab a bite to eat. Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, known as a primary center for trading, is also known for its fabulous Chinese and Thai food choices and street food choices such as Pad Thai, wanton noodles, grilled squid, and more.

Nearby is Sampeng Lane Market. It’s narrow lanes and congested feel is all part of the experience. This is where you can buy a large variety of items at low prices.

4:00 p.m. - Grab an early dinner at one of the Yaowarat Road eateries such as Lek-Rut Seafood, located at the intersection of Bangkok Chinatown, Kuay Jab Nai Huan for Kuay Jab which is a dish of noodles and pork, Himali Cha Cha, and more.

6:00 p.m. - Lumpinee Boxing Stadium

At Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is where you’ll witness modern Muay Thai, otherwise known as Thai boxing. Boxing that is conducted through the philosophy of “art of eight limbs,” it uses not only fists but also elbows, knees, etc.

If you start day one on a Thursday, Fridays is one of the days to see a fight. Other days are Saturday and Tuesday. Tickets are required for admission. The Stadium is located at #6 Ramintra Rd. Anusawaree,Bang Khen.

Day 3 - Bangkok

9:00 a.m. – Grand Palace

Today is temple day. Again, remember that appropriate dress is required for temples. At the Grand Palace, located at Na Phra Lan Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, at Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, there are no bare feet, bare legs, bare shoulders or anything see-through allowed. If you do not have the appropriate dress, clothes are provided for you to cover up adequately.

The Grand Palace is an attraction that cannot be missed. Is is the official residence of the Kings of Thailand and construction began on the palace in 1782. Although some royal business still remains, it’s grandeur, made up of numerous buildings, gardens, and courtyards, is partially open to the public. There is an admission price.

One of the main buildings is Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is the most sacred temple in Thailand.

11:00 a.m. - The Wat Pho Temple of Buddha

Wat Pho is in walking distance from the Grand Palace. This is where you will find the famous giant reclining Buddha. There is an admission fee.

12:00 p.m. - Thai Massage

Another thing about Wat Pho is that it is the place to get a traditional Thai massage. A Thai massage is unique in that you change into loose-fitting attire that they provide. Then during the massage, you are stretched, pulled, and rocked with the Thai massage therapists using not only their hands but their elbows and their knees.

It’s a unique experience and one you should get after you’ve seen a couple of temples. You can get a Thai massage at the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School at 2 Sanamchai Road in Wat Po, Tatian, Bangkok. Be sure to book your massage beforehand, because this place is popular.

2:00 p.m. - Late lunch

Grab a late lunch at a place such as Ama for affordable Asian and Thai cuisine.

4:00 p.m. - Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn

You can take a boat ride, from Sapphan Taksin boat pier, along the Chao Phraya River from Wat Pho to Wat Arun, otherwise known as the Buddhist temple - the Temple of Dawn. You’ll need to climb stairs to reach the top, but if you’re able, it’s worth it for the views, especially during sunset. Admission fees are required for boat rides and for the temple. Appropriate dress is required for the temple.

Day 4 - Bangkok

8 a.m. - Today, you’ll spend a full day at some of the most popular weekend markets in the world. First, you’ll visit the famous Damnoen Saduak, which is the Floating Market. You’ll want to be there between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. because that’s when you’ll see lots of boats with tourists and vendors. Eat your lunch while there and taste some of the exciting food choices.

After the Floating Market, head to Chatuchak Weekend Market. The widely diverse collection is part of over 8,000 market stalls that including everything from furniture, to clothing, to jewellery, and, of course, food.

Bangkok is filled with things to do and to experience. You can’t see it all in four days, but the above itinerary will give you a good overall exposure to the magical place known as Bangkok.

**This itinerary starts on a Thursday for Thai Boxing and the Weekend Markets