Bangkok, the City of Angels, is a whirlwind of saffron-robed monks, shimmering temples, sizzling woks, and river breezes. Founded in 1782 as the capital of Siam, it grew along a lattice of khlongs (canals) that once earned it the nickname “Venice of the East.” Today, it’s a modern powerhouse where century-old shophouses share alleys with design hotels and award-winning bars.

In one week you can trace the city’s history from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho to wooden canal homes you’ll glimpse by longtail boat, then jump to the future with sky trains, art hubs, and rooftop views. Between sights, Bangkok’s food scene—pad thai legends, charcoal-grilled satay, spicy som tam, crab omelets, and mango sticky rice—steals the show.

Practical notes: Dress modestly for temples (shoulders and knees covered), carry small bills for markets, and use the BTS/MRT or river boats to dodge traffic. Hydrate, pace yourself in the tropical heat, and be wary of “it’s closed today” tuk-tuk scams around major temples.

Bangkok

Bangkok rewards curiosity: wander Old Town’s alleys, hop across the Chao Phraya to Wat Arun, then drift through leafy canals where life still moves at river speed. Chinatown (Yaowarat) is a neon-lit feast after dark, while Sukhumvit and Thonglor serve up cafés, speakeasies, and late-night bites.

• Top sights: Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Jim Thompson House, Bangkok National Museum, Erawan Shrine, Talat Noi street art.
• Iconic experiences: Longtail boat on the khlongs, tuk-tuk night eats, Muay Thai at Rajadamnern, weekend shopping at Chatuchak, a river sunset.
• What to eat: Pad thai at Thipsamai, oyster omelet at Nai Mong Hoi Thod, southern Thai at Baan Ice, congee at Jok Prince, crab curry at Somboon Seafood.

Where to stay (neighborhood vibes): Riverside for serene views and iconic landmarks; Old City for temple-hopping; Siam for shopping and easy BTS links; Sukhumvit for cafés, nightlife, and modern stays. Browse stays on VRBO or compare hotels on Hotels.com. Riverside headliners include Four Seasons Bangkok, The Peninsula, and Capella; Sukhumvit is ideal for stylish boutique hotels and serviced apartments.

Getting to Bangkok: Search multi-airline deals to BKK/DMK on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. From major Asian hubs expect 1–4 hours; from Europe 11–13 hours (often nonstop to BKK); from the U.S. 17–24 hours with a connection in Tokyo, Seoul, Doha, or Dubai.

Day 1: Arrival, River Breeze, and Old Town Flavors

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. If you’re Riverside/Old City based, ride the Chao Phraya Express Boat to get your bearings and cool off. Stop by the Erawan Shrine or take it easy with a coffee at Sarnies (Charoen Krung) or % Arabica at ICONSIAM.

Evening: Dine with temple views. Try The Deck by Arun Residence (river prawns, pomelo salad) or Sala Rattanakosin Eatery (pla kapong—grilled seabass—with lime and herbs). Post-dinner, stroll Pak Khlong Talat (flower market) where jasmine garlands and marigolds perfume the night.

Day 2: The Royal Mile—Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun + Khlong Life

Morning: Classic Old Town breakfast at On Lok Yun (since 1933): Thai-American eggs, kaya toast, condensed-milk coffee. Visit the Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha (go early; long pants/covered shoulders), then walk to Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha and perhaps book a traditional Thai massage at the famed school.

Afternoon: Hop the ferry to Wat Arun for riverside photos, then explore the canals by longtail boat to glimpse stilt houses, local markets, and the Big Buddha on the Thonburi side. Book the 2-hour tour here: Hidden Bangkok Longtail Boat Tour to Big Buddha&Canal Life 2hrs.

Evening: Feast in Chinatown (Yaowarat). For seafood chaos, T&K Seafood; for peppery rolled noodles, Nai Ek Roll Noodles; for oyster omelet, Nai Mong Hoi Thod. Cap the night at gin-forward Teens of Thailand or Thai-heritage cocktails at TEP BAR with live traditional music.

Day 3: Food, Temples, Tuk-Tuks + Rooftop Sundowners

Morning: Fuel up at Factory Coffee (near Phaya Thai; award-winning espresso) or Luka (Sathorn; great eggs and cold brew). Then join an engaging small-group immersion—temples, markets, and tasting bites by tuk-tuk: Bangkok Day Tour: Food, Temple & Tuk-Tuk.

Afternoon: Recover with a spa session (classic Thai massage or herbal compress). If you’re nearby, pop into the Jim Thompson House for a Thai silk and architecture fix. Late snack: mango sticky rice from Mae Varee (Thonglor) or tom yum noodles at Pe Aor.

Evening: Dinner at Krua Apsorn (royally beloved crab dishes, stir-fried lotus stems) or at Thipsamai for wok-fired pad thai with charcoal aroma. Toast the skyline at Moon Bar (Banyan Tree) or Mahanakhon SkyBar; arrive for golden hour.

Day 4: Modern Bangkok—Art, Shopping, and Thonglor Night

Morning: Brunch at Toby’s (Sukhumvit 38) or Roast at The Commons Thonglor (ricotta pancakes, excellent filter coffee). Then browse the Jim Thompson Art Center or BACC for contemporary Thai art. If it’s a weekend, dedicate a couple of hours to Chatuchak Weekend Market—aim for sections 2–4 for young Thai designers and section 26 for ceramics.

Afternoon: Loop the Siam shopping district: Siam Paragon’s gourmet floor, CentralWorld for Thai brands, and Erawan Shrine for a cultural pause. Late lunch options: Prachak Pet Yang (since 1909; roasted duck on rice) on Charoen Krung, or Somboon Seafood (famous curry crab) near Siam/CentralWorld branches.

Evening: Thonglor/Ekkamai dinner crawl: Supanniga Eating Room (Isan and family recipes—moo chamuang, nam prik khamin) or Baan Ice for southern Thai classics (gaeng som sea bass). Cocktails at Tropic City (tropical classics, Asia’s 50 Best) or Asia Today (Thai botanicals, seasonal specials).

Day 5: Green Escape to Bang Krachao + Muay Thai Night

Morning: Take a short taxi/boat to Bang Krachao, Bangkok’s “Green Lung.” Rent a bicycle at the pier, ride shaded boardwalks through orchards, and circle Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park’s lotus ponds. Weekend mornings bring a floating market vibe at Bang Nam Phueng.

Afternoon: Return for lunch near Sathorn: Polo Fried Chicken (Soi Polo) for crispy bird with toasted garlic and som tam, or Jok Prince for smoky rice porridge if you want something light. Rest up—big night ahead.

Evening: Experience Thailand’s national sport in a historic arena. Book seats at Rajadamnern Stadium: The Real Muay Thai Boxing Experience (bouts most nights; arrive early to soak up the atmosphere).

Pre- or post-fight dinner: Methavalai Sorndaeng near Democracy Monument for classic recipes and live Thai music, or head back to Chinatown for late-night noodles at Guay Jub Ouan Pochana.

Day 6: Full-Day Private Ayutthaya Adventure

Step back into Siam’s former capital—towering prangs, river-island ruins, and temple courtyards open to the sky. This comfortable private excursion includes landmark temples (like Wat Mahathat with the Buddha in tree roots) and often a gentle boat ride around the island. Door-to-door time is about 8–10 hours; the drive is roughly 1.5 hours each way. Book: Private Tour to Ayutthaya, World Heritage Site with Boat Tour.

Back in Bangkok, keep it easy: graze the Jodd Fairs night market (Rama 9 or DanNeramit) for grilled pork, moo ping, and mango smoothies—or opt for a Chao Phraya dinner cruise for a final river glow.

Day 7: Last Bites, Last Views, Departure

Morning: Coffee and a pastry at Sarnies or Holey Artisan Bakery, then pick up souvenirs: hand-dyed indigo, Thai ceramics, local chili pastes. If you missed it earlier, the Bangkok National Museum offers a compact journey through Thai art and royal regalia.

Afternoon: A relaxed lunch—Baan Phadthai for wok-kissed noodles or Som Tam Jay So (spicy papaya salad) if you’re near Silom—then transfer to the airport. For smoother formalities, consider a fast-track service.

Optional Add-Ons and Tips

• Prefer a private, customizable city day? Consider hiring a licensed guide to tailor temples, markets, and neighborhoods to your interests: Bangkok by Private Guide: Full Day Tour In and Around.

• Transit logistics: Use BTS/MRT and river ferries to beat traffic; taxis and ride-hailing are abundant late at night.
• Dress code: Temples require covered shoulders and knees; rent or carry a light scarf and trousers.
• Heat hacks: Start early, aim for shade and AC museums midday, and keep electrolyte drinks handy.
• Flights and trains for onward travel in Thailand: check Trip.com flights and Trip.com trains.

Viator activities included in this itinerary (4): Hidden Bangkok Longtail Boat Tour; Bangkok Day Tour: Food, Temple & Tuk-Tuk; Rajadamnern Muay Thai; Private Ayutthaya Day Trip.

In seven days, you’ll feel Bangkok’s full spectrum: serene temple mornings, canal breezes, market feasts, and neon nights. The city’s rhythm—polished yet delightfully unfiltered—stays with you long after the last rooftop toast.