Bangkok—Krung Thep Maha Nakhon to locals—has been Thailand’s capital since 1782, when King Rama I established the Rattanakosin Kingdom on the Chao Phraya River. Gilded stupas, Chinese shophouses, and cutting-edge skyscrapers sit side-by-side, creating a cityscape that feels both ancient and electric.

Fun fact: Bangkok’s ceremonial name is one of the longest in the world, celebrating its “city of angels” heritage. From the Grand Palace and Wat Pho to the night markets of Yaowarat (Chinatown), the city rewards curiosity—and a hearty appetite.

Practical notes: Dress modestly for temples (covered shoulders and knees) and remove shoes before entering sacred halls. The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway beat traffic; taxis and Grab are plentiful. Hydrate often, carry small bills for street food, and beware too-good-to-be-true tuk-tuk “gem shop” detours.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a feast: shimmering temples, fragrant canals, neon-lit alleys, and a street food scene that ranges from wok-fired pad thai to Michelin-recognized crab omelets. Neighborhoods each have a mood—Rattanakosin for royal heritage, Bang Rak and Charoen Krung for creative riverside culture, Chinatown for late-night eats, and Thonglor for sleek cafés and bars.

• Top sights: Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Jim Thompson House, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Erawan Shrine, Lumpini Park, contemporary galleries along Charoen Krung.
• Classic experiences: Ride the Chao Phraya Express Boat, tour Thonburi canals by longtail boat, graze through Chinatown’s night markets, and toast the skyline from a rooftop.
• Food highlights: Pad thai at Thipsamai, peppery boat noodles at Victory Monument, Isaan-style som tam and grilled chicken, mango sticky rice at century-old shops, and refined Thai at Nahm or Sorn (book far ahead).

Where to stay (curated picks):

• Riverside icons: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (literary history and legendary service) and Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (resort vibes with city access).
• Boutique luxe: The Siam Hotel (art deco elegance, private river shuttle).
• Style on a budget: Lub d Bangkok Siam (steps from BTS National Stadium) or Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel (Old Town charm).
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Bangkok or VRBO: Bangkok.

How to arrive: Fly into Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK). Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Airport Rail Link from BKK to Phaya Thai takes ~30 minutes (about 45 THB); taxis to central areas run ~300–500 THB and 45–90 minutes depending on traffic.

Day 1: Old Town Orientation and Night Tuk-Tuk Adventure

Morning: In transit. If you land early, drop bags and stretch your legs in Lumpini Park or sip a precise pour-over at Gallery Drip Coffee near the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.

Afternoon: Check in, then get your bearings along the river. Ride the Chao Phraya Express Boat (Orange Flag; ~16–20 THB) to Tha Tien Pier for sunset views of Wat Arun’s porcelain spires. Coffee or a butterfly pea latte at Blue Whale Café near Wat Pho pairs nicely with golden-hour photos. Quick street-food snacks nearby: grilled pork skewers (moo ping) and fresh pomegranate juice from quay-side vendors.

Evening: Dive into the city with an award-winning night tour by tuk-tuk—temples glowing after dark, markets buzzing, and multiple tastings included. Expect 4 hours of culture and grazing with a local guide (approx. $70–90).

Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour

• Post-tour drinks (optional): In Chinatown, try Teens of Thailand (serious gin cocktails), Tep Bar (herbal Thai infusions with live molam music), or Asia Today (Thai-ingredient-forward). Most close around midnight–1 a.m.; taxis or Grab make late-night returns easy.
• If you prefer a sit-down dinner: Thipsamai (old-town pad thai over charcoal), Nai Mong Hoi Thod (crispy oyster omelet), or Krua Apsorn (royal recipes—order the crab omelet and stir-fried lotus stems).

Day 2: Palaces, Reclining Buddhas, Canals, and a River Dinner Cruise

Morning: Beat the heat and crowds with a guided highlights tour that covers the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho’s 46-meter Reclining Buddha, and Wat Traimit’s 5.5-ton solid-gold Buddha. Dress code strictly enforced; bring a light scarf or shawl. Expect ~4–5 hours, tickets included (approx. $45–70).

Bangkok City Highlights Tour: Grand Palace & Three Iconic Temples

Afternoon: Refuel at Old Town staples: Kor Panich for mango sticky rice (a century-old recipe), Methavalai Sorndaeng for vintage Thai with live music at lunch, or Savoey Tha Tien for river-view seafood and tom yum. Then slip into the “Venice of the East” with a 2-hour longtail boat ride through Thonburi’s leafy khlongs: stilt houses, spirit shrines, and life by the water (approx. $25–40).

Hidden Bangkok Longtail Boat Tour to Big Buddha & Canal Life (2 hrs)

Evening: Celebrate riverside with a buffet dinner cruise departing from ICONSIAM. You’ll sail past the Grand Palace and Wat Arun illuminated, with live performances and skyline views. Check-in typically around 18:15–18:30; cruise ~2 hours (approx. $45–75).

Bangkok Sawasdee Chaophraya Dinner Cruise from ICONSIAM

• Pre-cruise bites/coffee: ICONSIAM’s street-food-style SookSiam hall is a fun sampler of regional Thai snacks; % Arabica or Roast serve reliable espresso.
• After-hours: Head to Tropic City (tropical cocktails; award-winning) or Vesper (classic-leaning mixes) in Bang Rak; both are a short taxi ride away.

Day 3: Crafts, Markets, Massage, and Departure

Morning: Start local: On Lok Yun (old-school breakfast café since 1933; try kaya toast and Thai iced tea) or Jok Prince (smoky rice porridge with century-old flair) in Bang Rak. Culture stop options: the Jim Thompson House (Thai teak architecture and silk lore; guided tours run throughout the day) or, if it’s a weekend, Chatuchak Market for crafts, ceramics, and fashion (go by BTS to Mo Chit).

Afternoon: Squeeze in a restorative Thai massage before your flight—Health Land Asoke is reliable and efficient (traditional Thai massage ~600–800 THB for 90 minutes), or try Perception Blind Massage (social enterprise; book ahead). Quick lunch ideas on the way out: Soi Polo Fried Chicken (crispy birds with sticky rice and papaya salad), Somtum Der (Isaan staples; zesty som tam), or Baan Somtum (multiple branches; family-friendly and fast).

Evening (departure day): Most flights leave late afternoon or evening. From riverside/Bang Rak, budget 60–90 minutes to BKK in traffic by taxi; from Siam/Asoke, the Airport Rail Link via Phaya Thai is predictably ~30 minutes. Check fares or last-minute changes on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. For intra-city rides, the BTS/MRT are often faster than taxis during rush hour (fares ~17–62 THB).

Optional Swap: Full-Day Temple Focus

If you’d rather deepen temple time on Day 2 or 3, a private, all-in-one city tour streamlines logistics and adds context.

Private Full Day Bangkok City Tour

Good-to-Know

• Temple etiquette: Covered shoulders/knees; remove hats and shoes; keep voices low.
• Cash vs. card: Cards widely accepted in malls and restaurants; carry 100–1000 THB notes/coins for boats and street stalls.
• Transit: BTS One-day passes come and go; otherwise, fares are tap-in/tap-out by distance. Chao Phraya boats are cheap, scenic, and skip traffic.
• Heat plan: Start early, break midday for A/C or a massage, then resume at dusk.

Summary: In three days, you’ll trace royal Bangkok from the Grand Palace to Wat Pho, drift through timeless Thonburi canals, and taste the city by night from a tuk-tuk and along the Chao Phraya. Expect big flavors, bigger smiles, and a skyline that glitters long after you’ve gone.