Bangkok—Krung Thep Maha Nakhon—has been Thailand’s capital since 1782, when the Chakri kings anchored their new city on the Chao Phraya River. The Rattanakosin old town still glitters with palace spires and temple chedis, while modern Bangkok surges skyward in glass and neon.

Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho by day, then sample peppery tom yum noodles and wok-blasted pad kra pao in markets that hum past midnight. Bangkok’s nickname “Venice of the East” lives on in its khlongs (canals): longtail boats still ferry locals past stilt houses, shrines, and fruit orchards.

Practical notes: Dress modestly for temples (shoulders/knees covered). The BTS Skytrain and MRT are clean and easy; river express boats beat traffic. Hydrate, use SPF, and be wary of “cheap gem” or “temple closed” scams. The best food is often at plastic-stool shophouses—follow the queues.

Bangkok

Bangkok rewards curiosity. Peek behind a shrine and you’ll find a flower market; cross the river and you’ll discover canals alive with morning life. By night, rooftop bars glitter while Chinatown’s grills hiss and flare.

• Top sights: Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Jim Thompson House, Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC), Mahanakhon SkyWalk, Erawan Shrine, Lumpini Park, Chatuchak Weekend Market.
• Can’t-miss experiences: Longtail boat through Thonburi canals, tuk-tuk night food tour, traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho, Chao Phraya dinner cruise, day trip to Ayutthaya’s UNESCO ruins.
• Where to base: Riverside (views and boat access), Old City (temples at your doorstep), Silom/Sathorn (business core, great dining), Sukhumvit (BTS convenience, nightlife).

Where to stay (curated picks):

• Iconic luxury on the river: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (heritage suites, legendary service, classic verandas).
• Design-forward serenity: The Siam Hotel (private pool villas, river shuttle, art deco-meets-Thai antique style).
• Resort in the city: Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (palm-fringed pools, breezy riverfront dining).
• Stylish budget in Siam: Lub d Bangkok Siam (steps from BTS National Stadium; ideal for shoppers and museum-goers).
• Atmospheric budget: Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel (Old City heritage house with Thai character).

Or browse more stays: VRBO Bangkok | Hotels.com Bangkok

How to get to Bangkok: Search flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop regional hops: Singapore–BKK ~2h30 (~$90–$180), Hanoi–BKK ~1h50 (~$70–$150), Tokyo–BKK ~6–7h (~$230–$500). From North America or Australia, expect 1 stop, ~12–22h total, commonly ~$700–$1,200 depending on season. For trains within Thailand (e.g., regional trips), see Trip.com Trains.

Day 1: Arrival, Riverside Orientation & Night Tuk-Tuk Eats

Afternoon: Land in Bangkok and check in. Shake off jet lag with a slow wander along the Chao Phraya River—ICONSIAM’s River Park is a scenic intro with fountains and street-food kiosks. Grab an iced Thai tea and watch longtail boats dart between piers.

Evening: Kick off with an award-winning night food adventure by tuk-tuk. Book Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour (4–4.5 hours). Expect a glowing Wat Arun photo stop, bustling markets, and tastings like charcoal-grilled pork skewers, aromatic pad thai, and piping-hot roti. It’s a fantastic, jet-lag-friendly survey of Bangkok after dark.

Day 2: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun & Riverfront Sundowners

Morning: Breakfast at On Lok Yun (since 1933) for Thai-style eggs, kaya toast, and strong coffee in a vintage diner. Then visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (home of the Emerald Buddha). Arrive for opening to dodge the heat; dress modestly.

Afternoon: Walk to Wat Pho to admire the 46-meter Reclining Buddha. Treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage at the temple’s famed school—therapeutic, gentle-but-firm stretches that revive tired legs. Ferry across to Thonburi for riverside views.

Evening: Time your Wat Arun visit for late-afternoon light; its porcelain spires glow at sunset. Dine nearby: Supanniga Eating Room (Tha Tien) serves refined family recipes—try moo cha muang and crab curry. For a nightcap, head to Sala Rattanakosin’s rooftop or low-key Jack’s Bar by the pier for breezy river vibes.

Day 3: Thonburi Canals, Chinatown Grazing & Craft Cocktails

Morning: Start with a café hop at Gallery Drip Coffee (near BACC) or Brave Roasters. Then slip into old Bangkok by water with a longtail ride: book the Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride. Glide past teak houses, canal-side temples, and morning markets—an intimate look at daily life far from highways.

Afternoon: Lunch at Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle (famous for jumbo tom yum with river prawns) or Baan Pad Thai (smoky wok hei, chewy rice noodles). Then roam Yaowarat (Chinatown): slurp oyster omelets at Nai Mong Hoi Tod, nibble peppery fish-ball skewers, and finish with black sesame dumplings in ginger syrup at a classic dessert shop.

Evening: Explore Soi Nana (Chinatown) for Bangkok’s craft-cocktail wave. Sip Thai herb liqueurs at Tep Bar (live music some nights) or a gin-forward drink at Teens of Thailand. Prefer a seafood feast? T&K Seafood grills river prawns and clams curbside amid neon and chatter.

Day 4: Jim Thompson, BACC, SkyWalk & Dinner Cruise on the River

Morning: Tour the Jim Thompson House—elegant teak pavilions showcasing Thai art and silk lore. Coffee at Gallery Drip Coffee inside BACC, then browse contemporary Thai exhibitions just upstairs.

Afternoon: Refuel with a papaya salad spread at Som Tam Nua (Siam area)—order som tam pla ra (funky-fermented) or a milder version, plus fried chicken and sticky rice. Ride the BTS to Chong Nonsi and ascend the Mahanakhon SkyWalk for citywide panoramas.

Evening: Dress for the river and board the Bangkok Sawasdee Chaophraya Dinner Cruise from ICONSIAM (approx. 18:45–20:45). Feast on a Thai buffet as you pass shimmering temples and the Grand Palace in gold relief—live performances add a festive note.

After docking, toast the skyline at Sky Bar, Lebua State Tower (smart-casual dress). Their lemony Hangovertini nods to Hollywood lore and pairs with moonlit river views.

Day 5: Ayutthaya Day Trip (UNESCO Temples & River Heritage)

Spend a full day amid the former Siamese capital’s ruins with the Small Group Tour to Ayutthaya Temples from Bangkok with Lunch. You’ll explore iconic sites like Wat Mahathat’s Buddha-in-tree-roots and Wat Chaiwatthanaram’s riverfront prangs, with historical context from a local guide and a Thai lunch included. It’s the perfect contrast to modern Bangkok—graceful, contemplative, and steeped in 14th–18th-century grandeur.

Back in the city, go late: Jeh O Chula draws queues for “mama” tom yum hotpot, crispy pork belly, and spicy salads. Take a number, sip a Thai milk tea, and people-watch—worth the wait.

Day 6: Weekend Markets, Green Escapes & Night Bites

Morning: If it’s a Saturday/Sunday, hit Chatuchak Weekend Market early (10,000+ stalls). Coffee at Nana Coffee Roasters (Ari) before diving in; shop ceramics, indie Thai fashion, and vintage denim. Not a weekend? Browse Or Tor Kor Market across the road for pristine fruit, curries, and grilled seafood.

Afternoon: Spa time: book a Thai massage and herbal compress at a reputable parlor (Health Land or Asia Herb Association are reliable). Or pedal Bangkok’s “green lung,” Bang Krachao—rent a bike and cruise boardwalks shaded by coconut palms.

Evening: Dinner at Soi Polo Fried Chicken (garlic-studded bird, som tam, sticky rice) or Baan Ice (southern Thai heat; order crab curry and stink bean stir-fry). Then wander Jodd Fairs (Rama 9): try grilled squid, Thai tacos, pandan custard buns, and mango sticky rice amid live music stalls.

Day 7: Last Tastes, Parks & Departure

Morning: Greet the day in Lumpini Park with monitor lizards basking by the lake. Offer a garland at Erawan Shrine for good luck, then head to Roots at The Commons (Thonglor) for a flat white and palm sugar-sweetened cold brew. Brunch at Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice (Michelin Bib Gourmand)—succulent Hainanese-style chicken and tangy sauces.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping at ICONSIAM or CentralWorld, then depart. For Suvarnabhumi (BKK), the Airport Rail Link from Phaya Thai takes ~30 minutes; taxis usually run 45–75 minutes depending on traffic. For Don Mueang (DMK), allow extra time—traffic can surge midday.

Optional add-ons if you have extra energy: Mahanakhon cube glass walk, Bangkok National Museum, Pak Khlong Talat (24-hour flower market), or the Newest Luxury 5-Star Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise for an alternative river evening.

Getting around: Use the BTS/MRT for speed; river express boats for Old City sightseeing; Grab for door-to-door rides. Keep small bills for street food and ferries. When visiting temples, carry a light scarf/sarong to cover shoulders or knees as needed.

Seven days in Bangkok lets you savor gilded temples, canal life, and a dizzying spectrum of flavors—from Chinatown grills to riverside buffets. With an Ayutthaya day trip and evenings on the water, you’ll leave with Bangkok’s glow in your eyes and chili-lime on your palate.