Bangkok is a city of sparks—saffron-robed monks at dawn, dazzling temple spires by day, and neon-lit food alleys by night. Founded in 1782 as the capital of Siam, it grew from riverine canals and teak houses into a metropolis where longtail boats skim past glittering malls and royal palaces.

Expect a heady blend of history and hedonism: the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, sizzling wok aromas in Yaowarat (Chinatown), and a web of khlongs (canals) crisscrossing Thonburi. Fun fact: Bangkok’s ceremonial name in Thai is one of the longest place names on Earth—a poetic ode to the city’s divine origins.

Practical notes: temples require modest dress (shoulders and knees covered); carry small bills for street food and ferries; ride the BTS/MRT to dodge traffic; and hydrate—Bangkok is hot and humid year-round. Spicy food levels are real; “pet noi” (a little spicy) is a friendly phrase to remember.

Bangkok

Bangkok rewards curiosity. Cross the river by orange-flag boat to discover artisan communities, then pivot to modern art, design-forward cafés, and rooftop bars with sweeping views. Mornings glow in temple courtyards; evenings are for sizzling satay, boat-lit riverbanks, and clinking glasses high above Sukhumvit.

• Top sights: Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Jim Thompson House, Bangkok National Museum, Mahanakhon SkyWalk.
• Great neighborhoods: Old City (Rattanakosin), Thonburi canals, Chinatown/Yaowarat, Talat Noi, Silom, Thonglor/Ekkamai, Ari.
• Food highlights: pad thai at Thipsamai, crab omelette at Jay Fai, roasted duck at Prachak, Isan salads at Som Tam Jay So, tom yum at Pe Aor.

Where to stay (handpicked):

• Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok – Legendary riverside grande dame with service to match; perfect for celebratory stays.
• The Siam Hotel – Art Deco elegance on the Dusit riverbend; serene, design-forward suites and villas.
• Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort – Resort feel within the city; lush grounds and a private shuttle boat.
• Lub d Bangkok Siam – Stylish budget base steps from National Stadium BTS; social, clean, and convenient.
• Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel – Boutique heritage hostel in the Old City; great for temple days.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com – Bangkok | VRBO – Bangkok apartments

How to get there: Fly into BKK (Suvarnabhumi) or DMK (Don Mueang). Search routes and deals on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. From many US/Europe gateways, expect 14–22 hours with one stop, often $650–$1,200 round-trip depending on season.

On arrival: Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai (~30 min) or a taxi/Grab to central Bangkok (45–60 min, traffic-dependent). For domestic rail connections in Thailand, see Trip.com Trains.

Day 1: Arrival, Old City Orientation, and Night Tuk-Tuk Tastes

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Stretch your legs with a gentle loop around Rattanakosin: climb the Golden Mount (Wat Saket) for a breeze and 360° city views. Coffee stop at Blue Whale Café near Wat Pho for its photogenic butterfly pea latte and Thai-style desserts.

Evening: Dive straight into Bangkok’s after-dark magic on the Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour (about 4 hours; typically $60–$80). Expect neon-lit alleys, a quiet temple courtyard, and tastings from beloved vendors—think charcoal-fried noodles and coconut custards.

Dinner & drinks: If you’re peckish afterward, wander to Tha Tien for riverfront Thai plates at Supanniga Eating Room (Tha Tien branch) and end with a Wat Arun–view nightcap at Sala Rattanakosin Rooftop. Prefer casual? Grab late-night congee at Joke Prince (Bang Rak), famed for smoky, clay-pot rice porridge.

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

Morning: Beat the heat and crowd with a guided half-day of the big three: Bangkok Royal Road – Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun (about 4–5 hours; usually $45–$70, tickets included). Dress modestly; bring a light scarf.

Afternoon: Lunch at Krua Apsorn (Dinso Road) for royal-approved Thai recipes—order the crab omelette, stir-fried lotus stems, and green curry. Follow with a traditional Thai massage at the Wat Pho massage school; book on-site and expect firm, therapeutic pressure.

Evening: Chinatown (Yaowarat) feast: try Nai Mong Hoi Thod for crisp oyster omelette, then graze on peppery guay jub (rolled rice noodles) and pandan waffles along Yaowarat Road. Cocktails with Thai botanicals at Tep Bar or a gin-forward sip at Teens of Thailand in nearby Soi Nana.

Day 3: Thonburi Canals, Talat Noi, and Chinatown by Night

Morning: See life along the waterways on the Hidden Bangkok Longtail Boat Tour to Big Buddha & Canal Life (2 hrs) (about $20–$35). Glide past stilt houses, orchid-draped porches, and quiet temples—an intimate counterpoint to Bangkok’s big avenues.

Afternoon: Explore Talat Noi’s shophouse lanes and street art. Espresso at Mother Roaster (warehouse vibes) and lunch at Prachak Roasted Duck (Charoen Krung, operating since 1909) for crisp-skinned duck over rice or egg noodles.

Evening: Return to Chinatown for a progressive street-food dinner: T&K Seafood for grilled prawns and morning glory, then mango sticky rice from a street cart. Nightcap at Asia Today (Thai foraged ingredients) or Ba Hao for Chinese-Thai bites and oolong highballs.

Day 4: Ayutthaya Day Trip—UNESCO Ruins and River Temples

Trade city hum for ancient Siam on the UNESCO’s Ayutthaya Historical Park: Full-Day Tour (about 9–10 hours; typically $50–$75 with lunch). Wander among headless Buddhas, prang-topped temples, and the famed Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat.

Evening: Back in Bangkok, keep it easy: Supanniga Eating Room (Thonglor) for northeastern Thai comfort dishes like moo cha muang (pork with sour leaves) and crab relish. If you saved energy, a gentle stroll in Benjakitti Forest Park’s skywalk offers city views and lotus ponds.

Day 5: Parks, Design Cafés, and Sky-High Sunsets

Morning: Walk or jog Benjakitti Forest Park’s elevated loop for skyline photos. Brunch at Roast (EmQuartier) for ricotta pancakes and cold brew, or Toby’s on Sukhumvit 38 for eggs and avocado with Thai twists.

Afternoon: Jim Thompson House for silk lore and teak architecture; then browse Siam Collective: MBK for bargains, Siam Discovery for Thai designers, and Siam Paragon for gourmet groceries and tea salons. Lunch option: Som Tam Jay So (Silom) for fiery papaya salad, grilled pork neck, and sticky rice—tell them “pet noi” if you prefer mild.

Evening: Sunset at Mahanakhon SkyWalk or Octave Rooftop Bar atop Marriott Sukhumvit. Dinner at Paste (Gaysorn Village) for heirloom recipes through a modern lens, or Le Du for seasonal Thai tasting menus. Late sweet tooth? After You’s Shibuya honey toast is a Bangkok institution.

Day 6: Markets and the River

Morning: If it’s a weekend, conquer Chatuchak Weekend Market (arrive by 10 a.m.). Hunt for ceramics, indigo textiles, and vintage posters, then cool off with Thai iced tea. Weekday alternative: Or Tor Kor Market (clean, gourmet produce) for durian, dried fruits, and made-to-order curries.

Afternoon: Ride the Chao Phraya boat to ICONSIAM for river views, modern Thai crafts, and the SookSiam indoor “floating market” zone. Coffee at % Arabica or a coconut ice cream break along the river terrace. Consider a restorative Thai massage at Health Land Asoke later (reliable and professional).

Evening: Dinner at Thipsamai (Pratu Phi) for classic pad thai cooked over charcoal with tangy tamarind sauce; queues move quickly. Prefer seafood? Somboon (Surawong) is famous for curry crab. For cocktails, swing by Rabbit Hole (Thonglor) or Vesper (Silom) for polished classics.

Day 7: Last Sips, Last Temples, Departure

Morning: Pay respects at the Erawan Shrine, then wander Lumphini Park to watch monitor lizards sunbathe by the lake. Coffee crawl options: Kaizen (Ekkamai) for precision brews or Nana Coffee Roasters (Ari or Langsuan) for Thai single-origin beans.

Afternoon: Simple, satisfying lunch at Pe Aor for rich tom yum goong noodles or at Polo Fried Chicken (Soi Polo) for garlic-studded crispy chicken with papaya salad. Pack up and head to the airport; allow 2.5–3 hours before an international flight. Taxis to BKK typically take 45–60 minutes; Airport Rail Link is more predictable during rush hour.

Evening: If you fly late, squeeze in a final foot massage near your hotel and a coconut—Thailand’s gentlest farewell.

Practical Eating & Moving Tips

• Street-food 101: Choose busy stalls, glance at prep hygiene, and order small to taste more. Many vendors close on Mondays.
• Transit: BTS Skytrain and MRT beat traffic; boats are best for the river; Grab is convenient late at night. Keep small cash for fares.
• Etiquette: Remove shoes in temple buildings; never point feet at Buddha images; a wai (hands together) is a polite greeting and thank you.

Optional Add-Ons (If You Want More)

• Floating markets and train market combo (Maeklong + Damnoen Saduak) on a guided half-day for dramatic photos and tasty boat noodles.
• Chao Phraya dinner cruise for illuminated temples and skyline views—best on your free evening.

Book your core experiences here (handpicked):

• Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour
• Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Wat Arun guided tour
• Hidden Bangkok Longtail Boat Tour (canals)
• Ayutthaya Historical Park day trip

With a week in Bangkok, you’ll trace royal history, taste neighborhood legends, glide through canals, and toast the skyline from rooftops. This itinerary balances culture, cuisine, calm canals, and lively markets so you leave with both big hits and local gems under your belt.