Bangkok—Krung Thep, “City of Angels”—grew from a canalside trading post into Thailand’s capital in 1782 under the Chakri dynasty. Today, golden spires and spirit houses share the skyline with glass towers, while longtail boats still buzz through the khlongs that once knit the city together.

Expect contrasts: saffron-robed monks at dawn, sizzling woks by night; royal palaces and street food shophouses; incense-thick temples and sleek malls. Bangkok rewards the early riser and the night owl in equal measure.

Practical notes: Dress modestly for temples (shoulders and knees covered). Bring small bills for markets, and use the BTS Skytrain, MRT, and river boats to dodge traffic. Taxis should run the meter; Grab works well. Hydrate—Bangkok runs hot year-round.

Bangkok

Bangkok’s historic core glimmers with the Grand Palace and Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha, while across the river, Wat Arun catches sunset like a lantern. In Thonburi, canal homes perch on stilts, and life unfolds at water level—still the city’s most atmospheric face.

Food is half the journey: from Jay Fai’s award-winning wok fire to Chinatown’s oyster omelets at Nai Mong Hoi Thod, boat noodles at Victory Monument, and papaya salad mixed to order at street stalls. Rooftops—Mahanakhon SkyWalk, Sky Bar at Lebua—serve views with the city’s neon pulse.

Fun fact: Wat Traimit’s 5.5-ton Golden Buddha was once hidden beneath plaster for centuries—rediscovered when it was accidentally dropped in the 1950s.

Where to stay:

• Riverside icon with legendary service: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (jazz at Bamboo Bar, riverside pool).
• Serene, design-forward hideaway: The Siam Hotel (Dusit district, art-filled suites, private piers).
• Resort-in-the-city for families: Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (gardens, boat shuttle, kids’ activities).
• Stylish budget hub by the malls: Lub d Bangkok Siam (steps from BTS National Stadium).
• Characterful Old Town base: Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel (near Giant Swing and temples).
• Backpacker social scene near Silom: Lub d Bangkok Silom.
• Browse more options on Hotels.com or apartment stays on VRBO.

How to get here:

• Flights to Bangkok (BKK) from Asia/Oceania: search fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical times: Singapore ~2h30m ($80–$220), Tokyo ~6–7h ($180–$450), Sydney ~9h ($350–$750).
• From Europe: compare nonstops and one-stops on Omio (London ~11–12h nonstop; Paris/Frankfurt ~11–12h; $550–$950 off-peak).
• Arrival tips: Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai (~30 min) or taxi/Grab (45–70 min, traffic-dependent). Have your hotel’s Thai address handy.

Day 1: Riverside Arrival, First Flavors, and a Sky-High Sunset

Afternoon: Land in Bangkok and check into your hotel. Shake off jet lag with a gentle stroll along the Chao Phraya River—watch longtails, ferries, and teak barges ply the water. If you’re staying riverside, ride the free hotel shuttle boats to get your bearings.

Evening: Pad Thai initiation at Thipsamai (classic since 1939; the “Superb Pad Thai” uses shrimp oil and charcoal fire). For dessert, try mango sticky rice at Kor Panit near Banglamphu, a century-old sweet shop known for coconut-scented glutinous rice.

Night: Catch Bangkok’s glow from above at Mahanakhon SkyWalk or Sky Bar at Lebua (smart-casual attire). Sip something citrusy and watch the river bend like a ribbon of light.

Day 2: Golden Buddhas and Royal Bangkok

Morning: Explore the city’s marquee temples with a guided experience: Top 3 Must-see Temples in Bangkok Private Tour. You’ll see Wat Traimit’s 5.5-ton Golden Buddha, Wat Pho’s 46-meter Reclining Buddha and massage school, and the ornate halls of Rattanakosin.

Afternoon: Walk to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha (dress codes enforced; shoulders/knees covered). Break for lunch at Krua Apsorn (royal-approved home cooking—stir-fried crab with yellow chilies is the move) or Roti Mataba for flaky roti and massaman curry.

Evening: Cross the river by ferry to Wat Arun for golden-hour photos, then dine riverside at The Deck by Arun Residence (Thai seafood with temple views) or Supanniga Eating Room Tha Tien (Isan flavors and river breezes). Cap the night with a lantern-lit walk along Pak Khlong Talat flower market.

Day 3: Life on the Khlongs, Silk, and Art

Morning: Drift through Thonburi’s canals on a classic longtail: Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride. Pass stilt houses, monk-capped temples, and fish-feeding piers for a glimpse of pre-highway Bangkok.

Afternoon: Coffee at Nana Coffee Roasters (Ari or Chinatown) or Gallery Drip Coffee inside BACC. Then visit the Jim Thompson House for a crash course in Thai silk and traditional teak architecture.

Night: Sunset cocktails at Vertigo (Banyan Tree) or Mahanakhon SkyBar, then dinner at Baan (Chef Thitid’s refined family recipes—green curry beef and tom yum goong are standouts) or Supanniga Eating Room (Thonglor) for northeastern dishes. If you’ve got energy, drop by Smalls (Sathorn) for jazz and a nightcap.

Day 4: Ayutthaya—UNESCO Kingdom of Ruins (Day Trip)

Trade skyscrapers for chedis and head north to Siam’s former capital: UNESCO's Ayutthaya Historical Park: Full-Day Tour from Bangkok. Wander iconic sites like Wat Mahathat (Buddha head in tree roots), Wat Chaiwatthanaram’s Khmer-style prangs, and riverside monasteries that tell of trade with the world. Many tours include a local lunch and comfortable transport; expect an 8–10 hour day door-to-door.

Back in Bangkok, keep dinner casual: boat noodles at Victory Monument (tiny bowls, big flavor at Pa Yak or Toy Kuay Teow Reua) or the ultra-fragrant tom yum goong at P’Aor in Ratchathewi. Early night encouraged.

Day 5: Markets, Massage, and Neon Chinatown

Morning: If it’s the weekend, dive into Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ)—a labyrinth of 15,000 stalls. Prioritize sections for ceramics, textiles, vintage, and young Thai designers; refuel with coconut ice cream. Weekday alternative: Or Tor Kor Market (immaculate produce, curry pastes, tropical fruit) and the nearby Railway Park for shade.

Afternoon: Reset with a massage at Perception Blind Massage (skilled therapists; book ahead) or Health Land Asoke. Then explore Talat Noi’s shophouse alleys—Chinese shrines, street art, and coffee at Hong Sieng Kong on the river.

Night: Let a local expert lead the feast: Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour. Expect sizzling Chinatown snacks, flower market stops, and twinkling temples with minimal daytime heat—an award-winning way to taste the city after dark.

Post-tour, linger in Yaowarat: try Nai Mong Hoi Thod (oyster omelet), Guay Jub Mr. Joe (peppery rolled rice noodles), then cocktails at Teens of Thailand (gin-forward) or Tep Bar (heritage Thai spirits with live music).

Day 6: Parks, Shrines, and Shopping

Morning: Sunrise stroll around Lumpini Park with monitor lizards and tai chi groups, then a classic breakfast at On Lok Yun (old-town egg toast, Thai coffee). Pay respects at Erawan Shrine—devotees bring flowers and dancers perform thanks to answered prayers.

Afternoon: Browse Siam Discovery, Siam Center, and Siam Paragon for Thai designers and gourmet food halls. Coffee at %Arabica in ICONSIAM or Roast (EmQuartier) for an air-conditioned break and excellent pastries.

Night: Consider a Muay Thai bout at Rajadamnern Stadium (historic arena; evening cards most days). Pre- or post-fight, eat near Bang Rak: Prachak Pet Yang for roast duck over rice, or Somboon Seafood for curry crab. Nightcap at Bamboo Bar (Mandarin Oriental) for live jazz and a refined Thai-ingredient cocktail list.

Day 7: Bangkok’s “Green Lung” and Farewell Flavors

Morning: Cycle Bang Krachao, the city’s leafy island across the river. Rent bikes near Bang Nam Phueng Pier and ride elevated paths through mangroves and fruit orchards. Weekend market here makes an easy brunch stop with herbal drinks, grilled river prawns, and rice flour sweets.

Afternoon: Return to your hotel to freshen up and pack. Last-minute shopping at ICONSIAM’s Thai craft floors or Siam Square’s indie boutiques. Pick up edible souvenirs: durian chips, tamarind candy, Thai teas.

Evening (departure day): Early dinner near your hotel—try Supanniga Eating Room (bold Isan plates), Baan Ice (southern Thai comfort), or Go-Ang Pratunam for Hainanese chicken rice—before your transfer to the airport. Allow generous time for Bangkok traffic.

Optional tour swap ideas (if you want more): Food obsessives can add a chef-led tasting walk like a Bangkok backstreets tour; wildlife lovers may opt for an ethical elephant sanctuary day outside the city; market-collectors can visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Maeklong Railway Market on a dawn run. Reserve extra time or swap into Days 3 or 5 as needed.

Local logistics and tips:

• Transport: Use BTS/MRT for speed; Chao Phraya Express Boat for Old City/Riverside; Grab for late nights. Avoid tuk-tuk “gem shop” detours—politely decline.
• Temple etiquette: Shoulders and knees covered; remove hats and shoes when required. Speak softly; don’t point feet toward shrines.
• When to go: Coolest months Nov–Feb; April is the hottest (Songkran water festival). Carry water and sunscreen year-round.

Pre-book these standout experiences:

• Top 3 Must-see Temples in Bangkok Private Tour
• Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride
• UNESCO's Ayutthaya Historical Park: Full-Day Tour from Bangkok
• Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour

For flights into Bangkok, compare fares and routes on Trip.com and Kiwi.com; travelers from Europe can also check Omio for flight options.

In a week you’ve seen Bangkok’s sacred heart, traced its canals, eaten your way through Chinatown, and stepped back in time at Ayutthaya. Whether you linger on the river or chase new tastes in Thonglor, Bangkok rewards return visits—the city always has another layer to reveal.