Hello travelers! Bangkok has a special place in my heart as it was the first international city I stayed in alone, for a month. I have been back several times and created a 4-day Bangkok itinerary for you with my favorite sites.
Why Spend 4 Days in Bangkok?
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand. The city serves as Thailand’s economic, cultural, and educational center and a major commercial and transportation hub for Southeast Asia.
Thai people refer to Bangkok as ‘Kung The,’ which means City of Angels. Europeans once called it the “Venice of the East” because it has numerous canals.
Bangkok has an easy-to-use public transit system, along with ride-shares available to get around.
The weather is a tropical monsoon climate. That means that it has 3 main seasons:
- Hot season from March to June
- Rainy season from July to October
- Cool season between November and February
- In one of the hottest cities in the world, expect daytime temperatures to be over 86°F (30°C) for most of the year.
Let’s dive into your 4 day Bangkok itinerary and if you need more precise food and drink recommendations in the neighborhood you are staying in, feel free to message me!
4 Days in Bangkok Itinerary
- Day 1: Temples, Khao San Road, Muay Thai
- Day 2: Take a Tour or Two!
- Day 3: Museum, Malls, and Market
- Day 4: Day Trip to Ancient City
Map for Day One
Day 1: Visit 3 Temples and Khao San Road
Today is the day to get the crowded temples out of the way. It doesn’t matter what order you see the temples in. But I always suggest seeing the temples in one day, due to the high heat most of the year, and needing to wear pants at some of them.
The easiest way to get around is on foot and using Grab Taxi in this area. The bus is very complicated to understand and the metro/ train does not run in this area, so I suggest using ride share.
Tickets: You can purchase some tickets online in advance (links below) or you need to pay Thai Baht upon arrival. Temples are anywhere from Free – $15 USD per person.
Pro Tip:
ALL genders need to cover their knees when visiting the Grand Palace and some of the other temples. You will see vendors outside the Palace selling pants and it’s not a scam, you really do need them. On my last visit, I had to make a stop for my partner as I thought it was only women who had to cover up, my mistake!
Temple # 1: The Grand Palace is a dazzling display of Thai architecture and history. You can spend 1-2 hours looking at the intricate details of the Emerald Buddha Temple and strolling through the sprawling grounds adorned with ornate pavilions and statues. There is a restroom and a small cafe on site.
Temple # 2: Wat Pho is home to the reclining Buddha, a colossal statue that stretches an impressive 46 meters in length. You will see rows of golden Buddha statues standing sentinel amidst lush gardens and towering pagodas. There is a restroom inside.
Temple #3: Wat Arun is situated on Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruṇa, often personified as the radiations of the rising sun. There is a restroom in the far corner of the complex.
For drinks with a view at sunset, check out the Eagles Nest. They do not take reservations, but if you time it just right, the sunset over Wat Pho and Wat Arun is stunning.
End the day at Khao San Road. It is an area full of street vendors, cheap food and loud music, especially at night. However, you can get your first Thai massage, buy a Chang shirt, and hang out with other travelers.
I wrote an entire post about where to avoid the crowds in the Khao San Road area. It includes bars and restaurants off the main road.
Check the schedule for Muay Thai Boxing shows at Rajadamern Muay Thai Stadium also, as it is close to this area.
Pro Tip:
There is a fee to use public restrooms in some areas of Bangkok. It is around 3-5 Thai Baht per person and they take coins only.
Day 2: Take a Tour
As a tour guide, I always take multiple tours of every city that I visit. I do this for two reasons. The first is to see something I wouldn’t have necessarily stumbled upon on my own. And the second is to meet the local guide who will tell you the good local places not to miss.
During the day, take one of the many tours offered by Siam Rise Travel. I have been on two of their urban tours. They also offer a half-day trip to an organic fruit farm that takes you away from the city center and shows you how locals live. It’s not to miss on your 4-day Bangkok itinerary.
Their urban tour took me on a river boat to see a local market and we also walked along canal houses where you can see the juxtaposition from poverty and wealth in Bangkok. They also took us to a local market to explain what each food item is.
After you morning tour is over, look for a night tour. There are plenty of options on Get Your Guide, such as a Food Tour on a Tuk Tuk or a Night Bike Ride with Dinner Included.
The one Bangkok river boat tour I suggest NOT to take is the Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise unless you like crowds of tourists, cold buffet food, and cheesy entertainment. If you are visiting Bangkok for an authentic experience, avoid these types of boat cruises.
Other Fun Tour Options:
Day Three Map
Day 3: Museum, Malls, and a Night Market
In the morning, start with visiting the Jim Thompson House.
This museum is a hidden oasis nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. You will explore a teakwood mansion and learn about the fascinating life of its enigmatic owner (an American Spy), whose legacy continues to captivate visitors.
They are open every day 10 am – 5 pm, and the cost is around 200 Thai Baht per person ($5.40 USD)
After your tour, walk two blocks to the National Stadium metro stop and ride the train to one of the malls listed below.
Most of the malls are located along the metro line (called the BTS for the above-ground and the MRT for the underground). You can easily purchase tickets at the stop for cash or credit card. One-way rides start at 16 Thai Baht (50 cents USD).
There are a LOT of malls in Bangkok. I realize you may not be into shopping, however, they are the perfect place to hide from the heat. The food courts are also a great place to try local foods that you may be more hesitant to try in a night market.
Some of them have movie theaters with lay-down flat beds or even a full buffet! Check out the SF World Cinema at centralwOrld (yes that’s how they spell it) for the beds in the theater!
Malls in Bangkok:
If you are in Bangkok on a Saturday or Sunday, end the night at the largest night market in Bangkok, which has 15,000 stalls. The Chatuchak Market can be a bit overwhelming with so many options of food to try and wares to buy but trust me, it’s worth it.
This is where you can try some crickets or scorpions to eat! The website above lists the various ways to get to the market.
If you are not in Bangkok on the weekend, and looking to splurge on a Michelin-rated chef’s restaurant, then try Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh. This restaurant was created by a chef who won the best restaurant in the world, Gaggan. I ate at his original Bangkok restaurant called Gaggan, in 2018 before he re-invented it.
Day 4: Day Trip to Ancient Replicas
Muang Boran (Ancient City) is located just outside Bangkok. It is an outdoor museum in Samut Prakan covering 240 acres with scaled models and replicas of ancient city ruins and historical monuments from various parts of Thailand.
As a point of reference, it is located 40 minutes from the Khao San Road area by car. I took the BTS to the Sau Luat stop and there were taxis waiting to take me the 6 minutes to the ancient city. It’s seriously one of the best day trips from Bangkok. You can rent bikes for a small fee or explore the grounds on foot.
Taxis know to return to the attraction throughout the day as they know tourists are waiting. Regardless, you can also call a Grab Taxi if needed, just be prepared to wait as it is far from the city center.
Or if you prefer, you can book a private driver that will provide you with transportation plus a tour of the area.
If you are staying in Bangkok for longer, here are some additional things to do for your 5 days in Bangkok itinerary:
Cooking class
Learn the secrets of Thai cooking as you whip up traditional dishes like green curry, pad see ew, and spicy papaya salad, using fresh ingredients sourced from the market. Book your cooking class and market tour here. Just don’t eat so much that you gain weight from eating so much Thai food!
Lumphini Park/ Famous Fried Chicken
Spend the day relaxing in the park. You will see many families hanging out, along with swan boats that you can rent. Additionally, there is also a Michelin-rated fried chicken restaurant called Polo Fried Chicken you must check out. For $3.50 USD you can get half of a fried chicken, it is amazing!
Only in Bangkok for one day? Check out a few more ideas on my post here for things to do in Bangkok in one day.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a massive city so you have many options for accommodations. You can stay closer to the modern financial district featuring malls and Western restaurants. Or you can stay in the suburbs at an apartment in the local neighborhood. Or stay closer to Khao San Road and the Grand Temple with other backpackers.
I have stayed in all three areas, sometimes moving mid-way through a stay to save money or to splurge after staying in hostels all week. My recommendations are below. It all depends on your budget for your 4 day Bangkok itinerary!
Bangkok Accommodation Options:
- Khao San Road Area (Hostel): Jam Hostel
- Khao San Road Area (Bed & Breakfast): Baan Kachitpan
- Financial District (Hotel with Spa): Conrad Hilton
- Apartment Walking Distance to Metro: Residence 187
Final Thoughts
Hopefully my 4-day Bangkok itinerary will help you to plan your next trip to Thailand. If you are staying in Thailand for longer then 4 days, then check out my guides for Chaing Mai, Krabi Town and Koh Phi Phi.
I promise that after your trip, Bangkok will hold a special place in your heart, beckoning you back with its irresistible charm and endless possibilities like it has for me!
FAQ for Bangkok
See my ideas above! Temples, food tours, tuk-tuk tours, the possibilities are endless
Yes, 4 days give you a taste of Bangkok’s culture, cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere.
Dive into pad thai, mango sticky rice, tom yum soup, and delicious street food delights.
Yes, Bangkok has efficient public transportation, like the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, and river boats.
Dress modestly at temples, remove shoes before entering homes or sacred places, and show respect.
Everywhere! There are Western-like grocery stores all over the city that sell local and international items. Use this guide to read a nutrition label in Thailand.
Light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes for walking (you know I love my onclouds), sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
While it’s generally safe, stay in well-lit areas, avoid dark alleys, and be mindful of your belongings.
No, bring your reusable water bottle to keep the water cold, and stop at 7-11 to get bottled water. Bottled water is very cheap.
I wouldn’t, I doubt anyone will rent one to you also. Save the bikes for Northern Thailand and the islands.
That all depends on how much you want to spend. You can easily spend less then $50 a day with accommodations and food if you stay in hostels and eat at food stalls. Or you can splurge on a fancy hotel, go to the spa and dine at fancy restaurants.
Visiting Thailand? Here are my Guides:
- 21 Things to Do in Krabi Town
- Where to go on Khao San Road to Avoid the Crowds
- Where to Workout in Chiang Mai
- 8 Reasons to Live in Chiang Mai
- How to Read a Nutrition Label in Thailand
- What to Do in Koh Phi Phi to Avoid the Crowds
- The Best and Worst of Chiang Mai
- How to Lose Weight Eating Thai Food Everyday
- 10 Things to Do in Bangkok in 24 Hours
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