Bangkok—Krung Thep to locals—was founded in 1782 as the capital of the Chakri Dynasty. Today it’s a city of gilded temples and glass towers, longtail boats on sleepy canals, and some of the most exciting street food on earth. From the Grand Palace to back-alley shophouses, it rewards curious travelers who wander slowly and eat often.

Food is a way of life here: fragrant curries, wok-fired noodles, charcoal-grilled pork, and Michelin-recognized street stalls are never far. Coffee culture is thriving too, with indie roasters tucked into creative neighborhoods from Ari to Charoenkrung. Bring modest clothing for temples (covered shoulders and knees), comfortable shoes, and a sense of adventure.

Practicalities: the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway make getting around easy; river ferries keep you cool and connected to Old Bangkok. The cool season (Nov–Feb) is best, but year-round travel is very doable with midday breaks. Always carry small bills for markets, and heed temple etiquette—no shoes inside sanctuaries, and be respectful when photographing monks.

Bangkok

Bangkok’s core sights cluster along the Chao Phraya River—Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace, Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun’s porcelain spires. Across the river in Thonburi, wooden stilt houses line quiet khlongs (canals) where city life slows to a village pace.

Modern Bangkok dazzles in Siam Square, Silom, and Thonglor with design-forward malls, rooftop bars, and chef-driven Thai restaurants. Chinatown’s Yaowarat is a nightly carnival of neon and noodles; by day, explore the creative warehouse scene on Charoenkrung and the photogenic backstreets of Talat Noi.

• Top sights: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Jim Thompson House, Mahanakhon SkyWalk, Erawan Shrine, Chao Phraya River ferries.
• Local experiences: Longtail boat khlong tour in Thonburi, neighborhood coffee crawls (Ari, Charoenkrung), Muay Thai at Rajadamnern, dawn visit to Pak Khlong Talat (flower market).
• Shopping: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Siam Paragon/MBK/Siam Center, ICONSIAM, Sampeng Lane in Chinatown, Jodd Fairs night market.
• Food hotspots: Yaowarat (seafood, dim sum), Nang Loeng Market (old-school Thai snacks), Ratchawat & Sriyan neighborhoods, Rattanakosin riverside eats.

Where to stay (mid-range friendly with a few splurges):

• Search stays: VRBO Bangkok | Hotels.com Bangkok
• Riverside resort feel: Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (great pools and boat shuttle).
• Design heritage splurge: The Siam Hotel (private boat, serene gardens).
• Historic legend: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (iconic service and river views).
• Budget-smart, central: Lub d Bangkok Siam or Lub d Bangkok Silom.
• Old-town charm on a budget: Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel.

Getting to/around Bangkok:

• Compare global flights to Bangkok (BKK/DMK) on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Typical nonstops from Singapore/KL: 2–3 hours (~$80–$180). From the US West Coast: 17–20 hours with a stop (~$800–$1,200).
• Flying from Europe? Also check Omio (flights to/from Europe) for options.
• Onward trains in Thailand (e.g., Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai): browse Trip.com Trains. In-city, use BTS/MRT (single rides ~$0.60–$1.60) and the Chao Phraya Orange Flag boat (~$0.30).

Day 1: Arrival, River Orientation, and Chinatown Flavors

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Ride the Chao Phraya Orange Flag ferry to get your bearings—hop off at Tha Tien for a river breeze and golden-hour views of Wat Arun sparkling across the water. Grab a coffee at Blue Whale Café (near Wat Pho) for a Thai tea latte and their beautiful butterfly pea drinks.

Evening: Head to Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road. Snack crawl your way through guay jub (peppery rolled rice noodles) at Nai Ek, oyster omelet at Nai Mong Hoi Thod, and end with mango sticky rice on a side lane. Nightcap at Tep Bar (Thai herb cocktails and live traditional music), or stroll Sampeng Lane’s alleys while the neon hums.

Day 2: Royal Bangkok—Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Night Tuk-Tuk Tour

Morning: Beat the heat at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (modest dress required). Walk to Wat Pho to admire the 46-meter Reclining Buddha, then book a traditional massage at Wat Pho’s famed school. Coffee break at The Deck’s kiosk or an iced Thai coffee from a riverside stall.

Afternoon: Cross the ferry to Wat Arun—climb partway up its porcelain prang for river panoramas. Lunch at Krua Apsorn (royal-style Thai; try the crab omelet and stir-fried lotus stems). Browse amulet markets along Maharat Road and peek into the Museum Siam gardens.

Evening: Dive into a foodie-and-sightseeing romp by tuk-tuk—temples lit up after dark, markets, and multiple tastings. This award-winning small-group tour is a superb intro to Bangkok’s night magic.

Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour

Day 3: Thonburi Canals and Creative Charoenkrung

Morning: Explore Bangkok’s “klong side” by longtail boat—a relaxed 2-hour glide past stilt houses, orchid pots, and canal temples. It’s the most evocative way to see everyday life.

Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride

Afternoon: Disembark near Baan Silapin (Artist’s House) for a quiet stroll and noodles by the water. Ferry back to Charoenkrung; coffee at Sarnies Bangkok (try the coconut cold brew) and explore Warehouse 30 and the street art in Talat Noi. Snack on roasted duck over rice at Prachak Roasted Duck (since 1909).

Evening: Dinner at Supanniga Eating Room Tha Tien (Issan pork “moo chae nam,” pomelo salad) or Baan Phadthai (old-school pad thai with river prawns). For views, head to a modestly-priced rooftop like Eagle’s Nest near Wat Arun for sunset over the spires.

Day 4: Floating Market + Railway Market Adventure, Massage, and Night Market

Morning: Join a small-group excursion to the Maeklong Railway Market (watch vendors roll back their awnings as the train inches through) and continue to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market for a photogenic paddle through canals.

Half-Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour in Thailand

Afternoon: Return to Bangkok for a Thai massage at a reputable chain like Health Land (value-focused) or a boutique spa in Silom. Coffee at Factory Coffee (near Victory Monument) for award-winning espresso drinks.

Evening: Graze at Jodd Fairs night market (Rama 9): try grilled squid, khao soi burgers, and Thai-style crepes. If you prefer live tunes, wander over to Rod Fai vibes at venues around Ratchada for retro antiques and bars.

Day 5: Day Trip to Ayutthaya—UNESCO Temples and River Life

Morning: Travel 1.5 hours north to Ayutthaya, the 14th–18th century Siamese capital. Explore photogenic ruins like Wat Mahathat (Buddha head in tree roots) and Wat Chaiwatthanaram on a small-group tour.

UNESCO's Ayutthaya Historical Park: Full-Day Tour from Bangkok

Afternoon: Lunch on boat noodles or river prawns, then a final temple stop before returning to the city. Back in Bangkok, rest by the pool or roam a neighborhood café—Nana Coffee Roasters (Ari or Sathorn) is a standout for single-origin pours.

Evening: Dinner at Rongros (riverside; rich curries and a view of Wat Arun) or Err’s sister-style rustic Thai options in town if open near you. For culture, sip Thai rice spirits at Tep Bar or catch a low-key jazz set at Smalls (Sala Daeng area).

Day 6: Modern Bangkok—Museums, Malls, and Sky Views

Morning: Start at the Jim Thompson House (Thai teak architecture and silk history) and the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre. Coffee at Gallery Drip Coffee inside BACC—hand-drip specialists with rotating beans.

Afternoon: Shop Siam Square/Paragon/Siam Center for Thai designers and artisan gifts; MBK for budget electronics and souvenirs. Lunch at Som Tam Nua (papaya salad, fried chicken) or Phed Mark (fiery pad kra pao by a local YouTuber-chef team).

Evening: Sunset at Mahanakhon SkyWalk for the glass-floor thrill and city lights. Dinner at Baan (family-recipes Thai—hang lay curry, nam prik relishes) or Bo.Lan’s alumni spinoffs if operating nearby; otherwise head to ICONSIAM’s riverside decks for a casual meal and fountain show.

Day 7: Bangkok’s “Green Lung,” Bikes, and Charoenkrung Eats

Morning: Ferry to Bang Krachao (Phra Pradaeng). Rent bikes and coast wooden walkways through palms to Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park. Brunch at Bangkok Tree House café or nibble through Bang Nam Phueng Market (weekends are livelier).

Afternoon: Return to town for a cool-down swim or a coffee pause at Phil Coffee Company (Ari) or Hands and Heart (Thonglor) for minimalist vibes and excellent flat whites. If you love crafts, explore Thai textiles and ceramics at small boutiques around Sukhumvit 31–49.

Evening: Back to Charoenkrung for dinner: Prachak Roasted Duck, or Le Normandie alumni-inspired Thai at a mid-range bistro nearby. For riverside romance without a splurge, book Supanniga’s Tha Tien branch and time dessert for Wat Arun’s night glow.

Day 8: Markets & Muay Thai—Local Living Day

Morning: Coffee at Roast at The Commons (Thonglor), then head to Chatuchak Weekend Market (if Sat/Sun): ceramics, indigo textiles, pet plants, vintage Thai tees. Weekdays alternative: Or Tor Kor Market (spotless produce and hawker stalls) + a stroll through the shophouses of Ari.

Afternoon: Refuel with boat noodles around Victory Monument or tom yum goong at Pe Aor in Phaya Thai. Treat yourself to a Thai dessert like bua loy (sweet rice dumplings) or coconut ice cream from a street cart.

Evening: Catch a Muay Thai match at Rajadamnern Stadium for a charged local atmosphere; arrive early to watch the wai kru rituals. Late eats near the stadium: jok (congee) at Jok Prince or grilled moo ping skewers from vendors along the canal.

Day 9: Slow Morning, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Offer incense at Erawan Shrine for a final blessing, then hunt last-minute gifts at Terminal 21 (fun themed floors) or ICONSIAM’s SookSiam zone for regional snacks. Coffee at Sarnies Sourdough (Charoenkrung) with thick-cut toast and house roasts.

Afternoon: Lunch at Thipsamai (classic pad thai with orange-hued sauce) or Jay Fai if you’re up for the line and splurge on wok-fired crab omelet. Transfer to the airport via Airport Rail Link (35–45 minutes) or taxi (~45–70 minutes depending on traffic).

Practical Notes for a Mid-Range Budget (54/100)

• Daily costs: Meals $15–35 per person; coffee $2–5; BTS/MRT $1–3 per ride; taxis/Grab $3–10 for most hops; massage $10–25/hour.
• Temple etiquette: Shoulders/knees covered; slip-on shoes help; keep voices low and avoid pointing feet at Buddha images.
• Transit tips: Grab a Rabbit stored-value card for BTS; use the Orange Flag boat for cheap river hops; carry small bills for ferries/markets.

Optional Add-Ons (if you have extra time or want to swap a day)

• Dinner on the river: For a classic lights-and-buffet evening, consider a Chao Phraya dinner cruise (there are several nightly departures).
• Private city day: If you prefer a guided overview, hire a private guide for Bangkok’s highlights and hidden lanes.

Included Viator experiences in this itinerary (handpicked for your interests):

• Night foodie tuk-tuk tour (Day 2): immersive street food + illuminated temples.
• Thonburi canal longtail ride (Day 3): local life on Bangkok’s backwaters.
• Railway and floating markets (Day 4): iconic, photogenic, and unforgettable.
• Ayutthaya UNESCO day trip (Day 5): grand ruins and historical context.

Book your experiences:

• Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour
• Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride
• Half-Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour in Thailand
• UNESCO's Ayutthaya Historical Park: Full-Day Tour from Bangkok

For flights, trains, and stays, use the affiliate links above to compare options and lock in value. You’ll be set with a balanced mix of classic sights, neighborhood wandering, and great coffee in between.

Estimated Activity Costs (per person): Tuk-tuk night food tour ~$70–$95; Canal longtail ~$25–$40; Railway + floating markets ~$35–$60; Ayutthaya small-group tour ~$50–$80.

Bangkok rewards repeat visits, but you’ll cover remarkable ground in nine days: royal glories, sleepy canals, market theater, and plate after plate of bold, balanced Thai flavors. With this plan you’ll eat like a local, shop smart, and still find time to linger over excellent coffee as the city hums around you.