Bangkok, Thailand’s electric capital, is a city of layers. Founded in 1782 as the seat of the Chakri dynasty, it grew from a riverine stronghold into a global metropolis where golden spires rise over winding canals and neon streets. Within a few stations on the BTS Skytrain, you can hop from fragrant flower markets to sky-high bars with cinematic views.

Highlights include the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (home of the Emerald Buddha), the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and Wat Arun shining on the Chao Phraya River. Across town, creative warehouses, Michelin-recognized eateries, and buzzing night markets show modern Bangkok’s flair. Don’t miss a longtail-boat glide through Thonburi’s khlongs to see stilt houses and slow river life—Bangkok at its most local.

Practical notes: Dress modestly for temples (shoulders and knees covered), carry small bills for boats and street food, and use Grab or metered taxis. Hydrate—Bangkok is hot—and plan big sights early. Beware “gem shop” detours; if a stranger says the palace is closed, smile and continue to the official gate. ATMs are plentiful; BTS/MRT are efficient and air-conditioned.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a feast for the senses: saffron-robed monks at dawn, the clack of wok ladles in Chinatown, and river breezes after dark. Historic Rattanakosin island holds the royal precincts; Thonburi shelters canal neighborhoods; Silom and Sukhumvit deliver shopping, galleries, and nightlife.

• Top sights: Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Jim Thompson House, Bangkok Art & Culture Center, Mahanakhon SkyWalk, and river ferries along the Chao Phraya.
• Must-eats: Pad thai at Thipsamai, boat noodles near Victory Monument, oyster omelets at Nai Mong Hoi Thod, Isan som tam and gai yang, and late-night tom yum at Jay Oh Chula.
• Fun fact: Bangkok’s ceremonial name—Krung Thep Maha Nakhon—is one of the longest city names in the world.

Where to stay (handpicked):

• River luxury: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (legendary service and a historic Authors’ Lounge).
• Boutique icon: The Siam Hotel (art deco-meets-Thai antiques; serene river setting).
• Resort-in-the-city: Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (lush grounds, boat to the Skytrain).
• Stylish budget: Lub d Bangkok Siam (steps from BTS National Stadium; social vibe).
• Charming heritage: Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel (vintage feel near the Old City).
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Bangkok | VRBO: Bangkok

Getting there and around: Fly into Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK). Search fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com (typical round-trip economy from North America $800–1,400; from East Asia $150–450; from Australia $250–600). From Europe, also check Omio flights (nonstop London–Bangkok ~11–12 hours).

Airport to city: Airport Rail Link to downtown (~30 minutes; inexpensive) or taxi (40–70 minutes depending on traffic). For intercity trains (e.g., DIY Ayutthaya), see Trip.com trains. Within Bangkok, rely on BTS/MRT, river ferries (Orange Flag boat), and Grab.

Day 1: Arrival, Riverfront Stroll, and Dinner Cruise

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off jet lag with a gentle riverside walk at ICONSIAM’s river park and the indoor “SookSiam” zone for regional Thai snacks. If time allows, catch sunset colors on Wat Arun’s prang from the promenade.

Evening: Celebrate night one on a Chao Phraya dinner cruise. Book The Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise (lavish buffet, live music, and dazzling views of the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, 8–10 p.m.).

Pre-cruise tip: Grab an early bite if you’re peckish—try kanom bueang (Thai crepes) or mango sticky rice at SookSiam. Post-cruise nightcap options nearby include craft cocktails at Tropic City or a riverside tea at the Mandarin Oriental Author’s Lounge bar area.

Day 2: Royal Bangkok—Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun

Morning: Start at On Lok Yun (since 1933) for Thai-American diner plates—soft bread with kaya, crispy bacon, and milk tea. Head to the Grand Palace (arrive at opening for cooler temps and lighter crowds). Continue to Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) and on to Wat Pho to admire the 46-meter Reclining Buddha. Consider a traditional massage at Wat Pho’s famed school.

Afternoon: Cross by ferry to Wat Arun; its porcelain-inlaid spires gleam in daylight. Lunch suggestions nearby: The Deck by Arun Residence (classic Thai with river views) or Sala Rattanakosin Eatery & Bar (great soft-shell crab, view of Wat Arun). If energy allows, browse Pak Khlong Talat (flower market) for marigold garlands and lotus blooms.

Evening: Dinner at Krua Apsorn (Dinso Rd; beloved by locals for crab omelet, green curry) or Baan by Chef Thitid (home-style recipes with polish; book ahead). For a digestif, wander to the rooftop at Mahanakhon SkyBar or Octave (Marriott Sukhumvit) for sweeping city views.

Day 3: Thonburi Canals, Creative District, and Riverfront Dining

Morning: See Bangkok’s quiet side on a longtail boat. Join the Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride through Thonburi’s khlongs—stilt houses, wooden footbridges, and hidden temples give a glimpse of old Bangkok.

Post-ride coffee at Blue Whale Cafe (famous butterfly-pea lattes) near Tha Tien, or Sarnies on Charoen Krung for Aussie-style brews and smoky sandwiches.

Afternoon: Explore the Creative District along Charoen Krung: street art in Talat Noi’s alleys, Warehouse 30’s boutiques, and The Jam Factory’s bookstore/design shops. Lunch at Baan Phadthai (wok-fired noodles with river prawns) or a refined late lunch at 80/20 (seasonal Thai tasting menu; book if aiming for dinner).

Evening: Riverfront dinner at Steve Cafe & Cuisine (Dhevet; homestyle Thai, breezy terrace). If you prefer bars, try Teens of Thailand (gin temple) or Asia Today (Thai botanicals) in Chinatown, both with inventive cocktails.

Day 4: Ayutthaya Day Trip—Ancient Capital of Siam

Journey to UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya, once the powerhouse of Siam. Book the Small Group Tour to Ayutthaya Temples from Bangkok with Lunch for a well-paced circuit to Wat Mahathat (Buddha head in tree roots), Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and riverside ruins, plus a local lunch.

Prefer DIY? Trains from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal take ~1–1.5 hours and are inexpensive—check schedules on Trip.com trains—then hire bikes or a tuk-tuk at Ayutthaya station.

Day 5: Art, Design, and Markets—BACC to Chatuchak

Morning: Brunch at Rocket Coffeebar (Silom) for Scandinavian-leaning plates and excellent coffee or Luka (Sathorn) for eggs Benedict with Thai twists. Visit the Jim Thompson House (traditional teak home, silk heritage), then cross to Bangkok Art & Culture Center (BACC) for contemporary Thai exhibits.

Afternoon: Head to Chatuchak Weekend Market (if Sat/Sun): 15,000+ stalls of everything from ceramics to vintage Levis; cool off with coconut ice cream and grab moo ping (grilled pork skewers). Weekday alternative: Or Tor Kor Market (spotless produce hall) for durian tastings and curries, plus upscale shopping at EmQuartier.

Evening: Night market feast at Jodd Fairs (Rama 9): lava omelets, grilled squid, and mango sticky rice. If you want seafood-supper classics, Somboon Seafood (Surawong) is a city institution—order the curry crab and morning glory. Cap the night at Sky Bar (Lebua) for river vistas or Above Eleven (Peruvian-Japanese, Sukhumvit) for skyline breezes.

Day 6: Green Spaces, Spa Time, and Bangkok by Night on a Tuk-Tuk

Morning: Coffee at Nana Coffee Roasters (Ari or Langsuan; single-origin pours) before a stroll in Lumphini Park—monitor lizards sunning by the lake are a Bangkok rite of passage. Late breakfast: boat noodles around Victory Monument (order “sen lek nam tok” with beef and crispy pork rinds).

Afternoon: Massage and reset. Try Health Land (reliable, midrange) or Perception Blind Massage (therapists with visual impairment; excellent technique). Snack at Phed Mark for fiery pad kra pao or grab a sweet at Drop by Dough (miso caramel donuts).

Evening: Dive into the city’s tastiest after-dark circuit with the award-winning Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour—expect sizzling street eats, an illuminated temple stop, and a whip-smart guide (4 hours).

Day 7: Khlong Toei Flavors, Last Views, and Departure

Morning: Early birds can explore Khlong Toei Market (colorful and gritty; go with respect) or opt for a gentle bike around Bang Krachao, the “Green Lung” of Bangkok—elevated paths under palm canopies and local snack stalls. Brunch at ROAST (EmQuartier) for crab omelet and cold brew.

Afternoon: Last-minute souvenirs at ICONSIAM’s craft shops or Terminal 21’s themed floors. If you missed it earlier, ride up to Mahanakhon SkyWalk for daytime panoramas. Quick lunch at Thipsamai (Maha Chai) for smoky pad thai or at Jay Oh Chula for the famed tom yum “mama” noodles (come early to avoid queues).

Evening: Depart in the afternoon or evening. If your flight is late, unwind with a riverfront tea at the Mandarin Oriental or a final Thai foot massage. Allow ample time for traffic; the Airport Rail Link can be faster at rush hour.

Optional Add-Ons and Smart Tips

• Airport help: Consider a VIP fast-track meet-and-assist service if you’re arriving at peak times.
• Temple etiquette: Cover shoulders/knees, remove hats and shoes where required, and keep voices low.
• Ferries: The Orange Flag boat is the affordable workhorse along the river—pay onboard and follow pier boards.
• When to go: November–February is cooler and drier; April is Songkran (Thai New Year) with joyous water fights.

Another river option (if you swap Day 1 plans): The newer Bangkok Sawasdee Chaophraya Dinner Cruise from ICONSIAM departs around golden hour (18:45–20:45) with live performances.

In one week, you’ll meet royal Bangkok, neighborhood Bangkok, and riverine Bangkok. From glittering palaces to canal backstreets and rooftop sunsets, the city reveals new flavors and stories every day—leaving you with reasons to return.