Bangkok—Krung Thep Maha Nakhon—is a city of layers: gilded palaces, meditative temples, rambunctious markets, and late-night eats. Founded in 1782 as the capital of Siam, it grew along the Chao Phraya River’s canals (khlongs), where stilted homes and hidden shrines still echo an older rhythm. Today’s Bangkok is both ancient and neon-lit, where incense meets sizzling woks and long-tail boats glide under skytrain tracks.

Beyond the famous Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun, the city rewards curiosity. Wander Chinatown’s alleyways for roast duck and herbal drinks, detour to Talat Noi for street art and machine shops, or spend a slow afternoon in Dusit’s leafy avenues. Weekends swing toward Chatuchak Market, while sunset belongs to rooftops and riverbanks.

Practical notes: Temples require modest dress (shoulders/knees covered; no ripped jeans). The BTS/MRT are fast and air-conditioned; ferries are a scenic bargain. Expect heat and occasional PM2.5 haze—hydrate and plan midday breaks. Cash is handy at markets, though QR payments are common. Street food is generally safe at busy stalls; order what you see locals eating.

Bangkok

Bangkok’s top sights stretch from the Old City (Rattanakosin) to riverside Thonburi and modern Sukhumvit/Silom. Highlights include the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha and massage school, Wat Arun’s Khmer spires, the Jim Thompson House, Erawan Shrine, Chinatown, and the flower market.

• Stay near the river for views and boat access; in the Old City for temples and heritage; in Siam for shopping; or Sukhumvit/Silom for dining, nightlife, and BTS convenience.
• Classic eats: pad thai at Thipsamai, crab curries at Krua Apsorn, tom yum at Pe Aor, northeastern (Isan) salads at Somtum Der, and late-night bowls at Jeh O Chula.
• Fun facts: Bangkok’s ceremonial name—composed in Pali and Sanskrit—is one of the longest place names in the world. Wat Pho is considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

Where to book stays: Compare well-located hotels or serviced apartments on Hotels.com (Bangkok) or spacious rentals on VRBO (Bangkok). Look for properties near BTS stations (Saphan Taksin, Siam, Asok, Thonglor) or along the river for easy ferry rides.

Getting to Bangkok: Search global flight deals to BKK/DMK on Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com. Typical one-stop times from the U.S./Europe run 16–22 hours, often $750–$1,200 roundtrip off-peak. From Suvarnabhumi (BKK), the Airport Rail Link reaches Phaya Thai in ~30 minutes; taxis to central areas are ~45–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Day 1: Arrival, River Breeze, and Rooftop Sundowners

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off jet lag with a gentle Chao Phraya ferry ride from Saphan Taksin to Tha Tien, watching long-tail boats dart between temple spires. Grab a late snack at Nai Mong Hoi Thod (oyster omelet) or a mango sticky rice from Kor Panit.

Evening: For sunset, head to a rooftop: Octave (Thonglor) offers 360-degree views and a relaxed vibe; Sky Bar at Lebua delivers drama above the river. Dinner by the water at Supanniga Eating Room Tha Tien—order the moo cha muang (pork curry with sour leaves) and crab omelet. Nightcap at Tropic City (award-winning tropical cocktails) or Tep Bar (Thai herbs and live music) in Chinatown.

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

Morning: Beat the heat with a guided half-day to the city’s spiritual heart:

Bangkok City Highlights Tour: Grand Palace & Three Iconic Temples — Includes Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha), Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha), and the Grand Palace complex. Expect rich context, efficient routing, and temple etiquette guidance.

Afternoon: Lunch at Krua Apsorn (Dinso Road)—beloved by locals; get crab curry with wild betel leaves and stir-fried lotus stems. Stroll the amulet market near Tha Prachan, then slip into Pak Khlong Talat (flower market) for garlands and photo ops. Coffee at Nana Coffee Roasters (Ari) or Gallery Drip Coffee (BACC) if you’re museum-bound.

Evening: Cross to Wat Arun for riverside golden hour (temple closes around 5:30 p.m.; admire from the pier after hours). Dive into Chinatown night grazing—Guay Jub Ouan Pochana (peppery rolled rice noodles), roast chestnuts, and Thai-Chinese desserts. Cocktails at Teens of Thailand (gin-forward) or Ba Hao for a retro speakeasy feel.

Day 3: Thonburi Canals, Art, and Siam Design

Morning: Explore Bangkok’s “Venice of the East” on a classic long-tail boat:

Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride — Glide past teak houses, hidden wats, and orchid-laden balconies in Thonburi; often includes a stop at an artist’s house or riverside shrine.

Afternoon: Lunch near National Stadium—Pe Aor Tom Yum Goong for jumbo prawn tom yum or Somtum Der (Silom) for Isan papaya salads and grilled chicken. Visit the Jim Thompson House (silk, teak architecture) and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre for contemporary Thai art. Coffee and croissants at Petite Audrey or ROAST at EmQuartier.

Evening: Shop (or window-shop) at Siam Square/MBK/ICONSIAM depending on your style. Dinner at Baan Khanitha (refined classics) or Saneh Jaan (if you can land a reservation). Finish with a Thai massage at Wat Pho’s traditional school or a spa near your hotel.

Day 4: Day Trip to Ayutthaya—UNESCO Ruins and River History

Morning to Afternoon: Step back into Siam’s golden age on a small-group excursion:

Small Group Tour to Ayutthaya Temples from Bangkok with Lunch — Visit Wat Mahathat (Buddha head in tree roots), Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and riverside ruins, with local lunch included. Expect hotel pickup, historical insights, and manageable pacing.

Independent option: Catch a train to Ayutthaya (~1.5 hrs each way) via Trip.com trains, then hire a tuk-tuk to hop between ruins.

Evening: Back in Bangkok, slurp late-night tom yum “Mama” noodles at Jeh O Chula (go early or expect queues). Alternatively, Supanniga’s river branch for something calmer.

Day 5: Markets & Night Eats by Tuk-Tuk

Morning: If it’s a weekend, dive into Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ) for ceramics, vintage tees, and plants; directly across, Or Tor Kor market sells pristine tropical fruit—try longkong and mangosteen in season. On weekdays, swap for Pratunam fabric markets and the Erawan Shrine.

Afternoon: Explore Talat Noi’s alley art and antique engine yards, then stroll to Chinatown for a mid-day pick-me-up: iced coffee from Lhong Tou Café or a classic Thai tea. Late lunch at Nai Ek Roll Noodles (crispy pork with peppery broth) or T&K Seafood (casual, fresh, always busy).

Evening: Join Bangkok’s most beloved nocturnal adventure:

Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour — Award-winning, this zips to lit-up temples, a flower market, and essential street eats without the daytime heat. Ideal for first-timers and food lovers.

Day 6: Design Districts, Green Spaces, and River Views

Morning: Breakfast at On Lok Yun (old-school toast, soft-boiled eggs, Thai coffee) or Kaizen Coffee (Ekkamai) for specialty brews and brioche. Walk Lumphini Park at dawn to watch tai chi and monitor lizards basking by the lake.

Afternoon: Browse Charoenkrung’s creative scene—warehouses turned galleries—and the General Post Office area for Thai design shops. Lunch at Err Urban Rustic Thai (if open during your dates) or Baan (home-style recipes). Coffee and pastry at La Cabra (Thonglor) or Rocket Coffeebar (Sathorn).

Evening: Golden-hour ferry to ICONSIAM’s riverside promenade. Dinner choices: Baan Ice (Southern Thai), Paste (modern, reserve ahead), or Somtum Der for casual heat. Sip a final cocktail at BKK Social Club (Four Seasons) or the easygoing riverside craft beer bars.

Day 7: Souvenirs, Spa, and Departure

Morning: Pick up edible souvenirs at Or Tor Kor (durian crisps, dried mango), herbal balms at pharmacies near Chinatown, and handwoven textiles at Jim Thompson outlets. Treat yourself to a final Thai massage—Wat Pho’s school or a reputable spa near your hotel.

Afternoon: Depart for the airport. If flying internationally, allow generous time for traffic and check-in. Compare rides or last-minute flight changes on Trip.com flights. For future rail adventures in Thailand, bookmark Trip.com trains.

Optional Add-Ons if You Extend or Swap Days

• Floating/railway markets combo (Damnoen Saduak + Maeklong) for iconic photos and canal life.
• Cooking class in Silom or Sukhumvit for curry pastes and wok skills.
• Ethical elephant sanctuary day in Chonburi for time with gentle giants.

Coffee & Meal Cheat Sheet (favorites to plug into any day):

• Breakfast: On Lok Yun (heritage café), Chu Chocolate Bar & Café (brunch), Kaizen Coffee (specialty).
• Street food legends: Thipsamai (pad thai, go early), Jay Fai (reserve/queue), Guay Jub Nai Ek (rolled noodles).
• Classic Thai: Krua Apsorn (crab dishes), Baan, Baan Khanitha.
• Seafood: Soei (bold flavors; check current branch hours), T&K Seafood (Yaowarat).
• Desserts: Mango sticky rice at Mae Varee (Thonglor) or Kor Panit (Old Town).
• Rooftops & bars: Octave, Sky Bar Lebua, Tropic City, Teens of Thailand, Tep Bar.

Another great guided option if you want one big overview day:

Private Tour: Best of Bangkok in A Day — Tailor the city’s must-sees with a dedicated guide, ideal for families or first-time visitors who want convenience and depth.

With a week in Bangkok, you’ll balance royal splendor, quiet canals, markets bursting with color, and unforgettable night eats. The city’s rhythm is addictive—let the river set your pace, then nibble and wander as locals do. You’ll leave already plotting your return.