Bangkok mixes gilded temples and royal palaces with river boats, busy markets and modern malls, so one day can run from the Grand Palace to a food street in Chinatown. Canals, parks and day trips to the old capital of Ayutthaya and the floating markets give plenty more to explore beyond the famous sights.
Maps and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Three days in Bangkok make a rounded first trip, from the royal temples by the river to markets and the old town. You see Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, spend a day at Chatuchak Weekend Market and Baiyoke Tower, then climb the Golden Mount. It suits first-time visitors who want history, shopping and views at a steady pace.
Long weekend · 3 days · 2 adults ·
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614–18 min walk
10:44 Sampeng Lane · Morning · 45–90 min13–17 min walk
11:42 Museum of Siam · Morning · 90–150 min7–9 min walk
13:19 Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) · Midday · 1–2 h4–5 min walk
14:23 Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew · Afternoon · 2–3 hBoat: Sathorn - Phra Pinklao · about 11–31 min
16:54 Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) · Afternoon · 45–90 minBTS Sukhumvit Line · about 26–31 min
12:31 Siam Paragon · Midday · 90–180 minBTS Silom Line · about 13–19 min
14:20 King Power Mahanakhon SkyWalk · Afternoon · 1–2 h10–13 min walk
09:55 Giant Swing (Sao Chingcha) · Morning · 10–20 min14–18 min walk
10:19 Khao San Road · Morning · 30–90 min10–13 min walk
10:59 Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall (Nitasrattanakosin) · Morning · 2–4 h6–8 min walk
13:05 Golden Mount (Wat Saket) · Midday · 45–90 minBoat: San Sab · about 19–28 min
14:18 Siam Discovery and Siam Center · Afternoon · 60–150 minBTS Sukhumvit Line + MRT Blue Line + SRT Dark Red Line · about 45–65 min
16:23 MOCA Bangkok (Museum of Contemporary Art) · Afternoon · 1–2 hFlights, car rental and airport transfers for your trip: 3 days · 1 adult.
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Rattanakosin is the royal old town on the east bank of the Chao Phraya, where the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the Golden Mount stand within a short distance of each other. Banglamphu, just to the north, is a lively district of guesthouses, canal-side lanes and the Khao San Road area. It is a good base for temples and museums, with river boats as the main way to move around.
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Temples
Temples are usually open to visitors, though inner shrines are often reserved for worshippers. Visitors are usually asked to dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and to take their shoes off where asked, usually before prayer halls. Visitors usually keep their voices down and a respectful distance from altars and offerings, and photographing people praying usually needs their permission first. Rules can vary, so please follow any instructions and ask the staff on arrival.
What to sort before your 3-day trip, plus a few useful words.
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Places to eat near your plan and your stay. Tap the heart to save one.
Chosen from places featured in respected travel and food guides, or on a halal certifier's list, as of October 2026. We don't take payment to include a place.
Please confirm with the restaurant if you have any allergies.
12 min from King Power Mahanakhon SkyWalkTypical Chicken massaman curry with rotiChicken massaman curry with roti · Sukhumvit
Price level$$$
Vegetarian options
Sources
Vegetarian options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Price level: Source: supannigaeatingroom.com, checked Oct 2026
22 min from King Power Mahanakhon SkyWalkTypical Chicken massaman curry with rotiChicken massaman curry with roti · Rattanakosin & Banglamphu
Price level$$$
Vegetarian options
Sources
Vegetarian options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Price level: Source: supannigaeatingroom.com, checked Oct 2026
32 min from Sampeng LaneTypical 18-hour smoked beef rib with soy egg yolk glaze18-hour smoked beef rib with soy egg yolk glaze (add-on course) · Chinatown & Yaowarat
Price level$$$$
Sources
Price level: Source: restaurantpotong.com, checked Oct 2026
42 min from Yaowarat Road (Chinatown)Typical Pineapple fried rice with prawn and chickenPineapple fried rice with prawn and chicken · Chinatown & Yaowarat
Price level$$
Vegan optionsVegetarian options
Sources
Vegan options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Vegetarian options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Price level: Source: huasenghong.com, checked Oct 2026
53 min from Siam Discovery and Siam CenterTypical Prawns in red curry saucePrawns in red curry sauce · Siam & Ratchaprasong
Price level$$
Sources
Price level: Source: bankhunmae.com, checked Oct 2026
64 min from Golden Mount (Wat Saket)Typical Superb pad thaiSuperb pad thai: rice noodles with shrimp oil and fresh deep-sea prawns, wrapped in egg · Rattanakosin & Banglamphu
Price level$
Vegan optionsVegetarian options
Sources
Vegan options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Vegetarian options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Price level: Source: thipsamai.com, checked Oct 2026
No places near your plan with this option
14Typical Blue swimmer crab curry with betel leafBlue swimmer crab curry with betel leaf · Siam & Ratchaprasong
Price level$$$
Sources
Price level: Source: sanehjaan.com, checked Oct 2026
15Typical Stir-fried chicken with cashew nutsStir-fried chicken with cashew nuts · Sukhumvit
Price level$$$
Vegetarian options
Sources
Vegetarian options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Price level: Source: ruenmallika.com, checked Oct 2026
16Typical Mangosteen salad with dried prawn and toasted coconutMangosteen salad with dried prawn and toasted coconut · Silom & Sathon
Price level$$$
Sources
Price level: Source: Bangkok Post, checked Oct 2026
17Typical Peruvian chicken with potato and green saucePeruvian chicken with potato and green sauce · Siam & Ratchaprasong
Price level$$$
Vegetarian options
Sources
Vegetarian options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Price level: Source: Roast Bangkok, checked Oct 2026
18Typical Chocolate brioche bunChocolate brioche bun · Chatuchak & Ari
Price level$
Sources
Price level: Source: Time Out, checked Oct 2026
19Typical Coronation chicken sandwichCoronation chicken sandwich · Sukhumvit
Price level$$
Vegan optionsVegetarian options
Sources
Vegan options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Vegetarian options: Source: the restaurant's own menu
Price level: Source: holeyartisanbakery.com, checked Oct 2026
Green escapes and the sea, a short trip from the centre. Planning information only.
Open public space
Open public space
Open public space
Free entry
Free entry
About THB 20
Open public space
One card for most rides on public transport. Airport routes are in Flights.
A rechargeable card for the BTS Skytrain and Gold Line, the MRT Yellow and Pink lines, the BRT and several Chao Phraya Express Boat lines. Each fare is taken from the stored value by distance.
Per person, paid locally · as of October 2026
Your 3-day plan usesTram and metroFerries
Metered taxis are easy to find, so ask the driver to switch the meter on before you set off. A taxi from the airports adds a THB 50 airport fee to the meter fare, and expressway tolls are extra. A ride from either airport to the centre typically starts at around THB 350 on the meter.
Typical costs, and how to pay.
Excluding your stay.
| Per person, per day | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | THB 94 | THB 360 | THB 420 |
| Lunch | THB 129 | THB 103 | THB 370 |
| Dinner | THB 103 | THB 370 | THB 2,880 |
| Drinks | THB 22 | THB 169 | THB 289 |
| Getting around | THB 150 | THB 150 | THB 198 |
| Sights (entry tickets) | THB 883 | THB 883 | THB 883 |
| Total a day | THB 1,381 | THB 2,035 | THB 5,040 |
Sights are counted at the standard entry ticket. Guided tours cost more.
Typical prices, as of October 2026
Cards are usually accepted at hotels, shopping malls and larger restaurants. Street food stalls, markets and small shops typically prefer cash, so carry some small notes.
ATMs run by banks are usually cheaper than stand-alone machines, though many banks also charge foreign cards a fee. If asked, choose to be charged in Thai Baht. Your own bank may also charge a foreign-use fee. Check with your bank before you go.
Tipping is not expected in Thailand, but a small tip is usually appreciated. Around THB 20 to 50 for good service is typical, as of October 2026.
Rattanakosin & Banglamphu
Seasons, weather, and the events and holidays that change opening hours, crowds and prices.
Quick answers to common questions.
Three days cover the main sights of the old town, a museum or two and a riverside or shopping day, and a day trip adds one more. Allow about 120 to 180 minutes for the Grand Palace, 60 to 120 minutes for Wat Pho and about 120 to 240 minutes for the National Museum, plus time to move between areas. As of 19 Oct 2026.
Bangkok usually has a cool, drier season from November to February, a hot season from March to May and a rainy season from June to October. Visitor numbers are typically highest in the cool season and lightest around September and October. Pick the season that suits how much heat, rain and crowd you prefer, and check each sight's own opening hours. As of 19 Oct 2026.
BTS Skytrain single journeys typically cost THB 16 to 65 depending on distance, and the metro, Red Line and boats have their own fares. A Rabbit Card costs THB 200 and can be used on the Skytrain; it is sold at BTS ticket offices. Cards are not shared between all operators, so keep some cash for single tickets. As of 19 Oct 2026.
Tipping is not expected in Thailand, but small tips are appreciated. For good service people usually leave about THB 20 to 50, and for exceptional service THB 100 or more. Taxis do not require a tip. As of 19 Oct 2026.
Cards are usually accepted at hotels, shopping malls and larger restaurants, while street food stalls and markets generally take cash only. Small notes are useful for stalls, boats and taxis, so carry some cash as well as a card. As of 19 Oct 2026.
Thailand uses about 230 volts at 50 Hz, and sockets usually take plug types A, B, C, F and O. Bring a universal adapter if your plug is a different shape. As of 19 Oct 2026.
English is useful in hotels, malls and tourist areas, but levels are typically low elsewhere. The latest EF English Proficiency Index ranks Thailand 116th of 123 countries and regions. A few Thai phrases, said politely, usually go a long way. As of 19 Oct 2026.
An adult ticket for foreign visitors costs THB 500, and it also covers Wat Phra Kaew. Book tickets at the official counter. Wat Pho, nearby, costs THB 300. As of 19 Oct 2026.
Value added tax is 7 percent in Thailand. Visitors who are not Thai nationals or residents can usually claim it back on goods, not services, bought from shops that display the refund sign, when they leave from an international airport. Ask the shop for the refund form and keep your receipts. As of 19 Oct 2026.
Yes. Grab and Bolt both operate in Bangkok, with car and motorbike options in the apps, and metered taxis are the other choice. Ask for the meter to be switched on when you use a street taxi. As of 19 Oct 2026.
Ayutthaya, the old capital, is a popular day trip by train from Bangkok. The journey takes about 90 to 120 minutes, and a single temple ticket costs THB 80. As of 19 Oct 2026.
Thailand uses the Thai baht, written THB. Cash machines are widely available, and it is usually better to choose to be charged in baht rather than your home currency when asked. As of 19 Oct 2026.
Bangkok is in the Indochina time zone, seven hours ahead of UTC, and the clocks do not change during the year. As of 19 Oct 2026.
Bangkok can be very affordable, and several sights cost little or nothing to see from outside. For an adult foreign visitor, the Grand Palace costs THB 500 and Wat Pho THB 300, and a BTS Skytrain single journey typically costs THB 16 to 65. Street food and local restaurants are cheaper than hotel dining, and malls and upscale places cost more. As of 19 Oct 2026.
The BTS Skytrain and the metro are the quickest ways to cross the central districts, with the Chao Phraya boats useful for the old town and river sights. Taxis use a meter, so ask the driver to switch it on, and Grab and Bolt work in the city. A Rabbit Card costs THB 200 and works on the Skytrain. As of 19 Oct 2026.
Average highAverage lowRainy days
Typical, based on past years. Not a forecast.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32° | 22° | 4 days |
| Usually one of the more comfortable months, with plenty of sunshine in the day and pleasant evenings. An occasional cooler spell can pass through. | |||
| February | 33° | 24° | 3 days |
| Usually still part of the cool, drier season, with plenty of sunshine before the hot season begins in March. | |||
| March | 34° | 26° | 7 days |
| Typically the start of the hot, dry season, when rain is rare and the days are hot. | |||
| April | 35° | 28° | 11 days |
| Usually among the hottest months, with little rain, and air-conditioned malls, hotels and trains are common places to cool off. | |||
| May | 35° | 28° | 22 days |
| Typically still hot, with rain becoming more likely as the monsoon season begins. | |||
| June | 34° | 27° | 23 days |
| Usually the start of the rainy season: a little less hot than the peak, but more humid, with showers mostly in the afternoon or evening. | |||
| July | 33° | 27° | 24 days |
| Typically rainy and humid, with showers most often in the afternoon or evening and dry spells in between. | |||
| August | 33° | 27° | 25 days |
| Usually rainy, with rainfall building through the month and occasional street flooding after heavy showers. | |||
| September | 33° | 26° | 26 days |
| Usually one of the rainiest months of the year, and rain can last all day. | |||
| October | 32° | 26° | 22 days |
| Typically still among the rainiest months, with some streets near the river prone to flooding; the cooler, drier season usually begins in November. | |||
| November | 32° | 24° | 7 days |
| Usually the start of the cool, drier season, with sunny days and some of the city's most comfortable weather. | |||
| December | 32° | 22° | 2 days |
| Typically sunny and dry in the cool season, with mornings and evenings that locals find noticeably cool. | |||
Nov · Dec · Jan · Feb
From about November to February Bangkok usually has its most comfortable weather, with sunny days and cooler evenings. Visitors typically spend more time on temples, markets and riverside walks, and it is also the busiest time of year.
Mar · Apr · May
From about March to May the city is hot and mostly dry. Visitors usually plan temples and walks for the early morning and spend the middle of the day in malls, museums and other air-conditioned places.
Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
From about June to October it is more humid, with showers that usually arrive in the afternoon or evening and the heaviest rain typically in September and October. Visitors usually keep plans flexible, with temples and markets in the morning and museums or malls when it rains.
Coming up in the next 12 months. to see what falls during your trip.
A citywide contemporary art festival from 29 October 2026 to 28 February 2027 with works shown at temples including Wat Pho and Wat Arun, museums and malls. Venues may have special opening hours, so check each place's hours.
A ceremonial procession of royal barges on the Chao Phraya River on 6 November 2026, with viewing areas along both banks between Krung Thon Bridge and Wat Arun. Riverside areas are usually busy that day, so check river boat times.
Public holiday for the birthday of the late King Bhumibol, observed on Monday 7 December because 5 December falls on a Saturday. Many shops and offices usually close, so check each place's hours.