Bangkok in 3 days

Start at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) early to avoid crowds; allow 1.5–2 hours to tour the complex. Walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride to Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha and enjoy a traditional Thai massage at the temple’s massage school.

Take a river taxi from Tha Tien Pier across the Chao Phraya to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and climb the riverside spires for city views. Afterward, stroll to Wang Lang Market or Chak Phet Road for lunch and sample riverfront street food.

Head to Asiatique The Riverfront for dinner, riverside shopping, and the open-air market atmosphere; catch the Ferris wheel for nighttime views. Return to your hotel by river taxi or BTS Saphan Taksin, depending on location.

Take a long-tail boat canal (khlong) tour from Thonburi to see traditional wooden houses and the artist village of Khlong Bang Luang. Stop at Wat Kalayanamit or the nearby Wang Lang Pier area for photos and a light snack.

Explore Yaowarat (Bangkok’s Chinatown) for lunch at street stalls on Yaowarat Road—try dim sum or roasted duck—and visit Sampeng Lane Market for textiles and bargains. Walk to the nearby Pak Khlong Talat (flower market) for colorful displays and fresh flowers.

Return to central Bangkok and enjoy sunset cocktails and dinner at a rooftop bar such as Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower or Octave Rooftop Bar at Marriott Sukhumvit for panoramic city views. If you want nightlife, head to Sukhumvit Soi 11 or Thonglor for bars and live music.

Visit Jim Thompson House to learn about Thai silk history and see a traditional teak house museum in central Bangkok. Then head to Siam Square and explore nearby shopping centers like Siam Paragon and MBK Center for souvenirs and local brands.

Have lunch in the Siam area, then take BTS to Chatuchak Weekend Market (if it’s a weekend) for an expansive market experience; on weekdays, visit the Pratunam market or EmQuartier for shopping. Alternatively, relax with a spa treatment at a reputable spa such as Let’s Relax Spa or Health Land.

For a final dinner, choose a river cruise dinner on the Chao Phraya (e.g., Loy Nava or Chao Phraya Princess) or dine at a well-regarded Thai restaurant such as Bo.Lan or Nahm (reservation recommended). End the night with a relaxed walk around Lumpini Park or cocktails in the Sathorn neighborhood.