4-day Itinerary For Bangkok (With Cost)

 

Raise your hand if you are planning to visit Thailand this year! 🙂 

With stunning temples, floating markets, modern districts, street food, nightlife and shopping, this Thailand’s capital attracts visitors from all over the globe.

Many travellers visit South East Asia route to start or end their trip in Bangkok.

I have visited Bangkok thrice, but there’s so much to do in Thailand that it gets overwhelming where to start.

This 4-day itinerary for Bangkok will allow you to explore and cover a little bit of everything the city offers.

USEFUL INFORMATION FOR VISITING BANGKOK 

Covid-19 Rules (Update)

Covid Rules 

Thailand has eased its entry restrictions starting 1 May 2022. Entry will depend upon the traveller’s vaccination status. 

1. RT-PCR is no longer required when entering Thailand.

2. Covid insurance is reduced from 20,000 USD to 10,000 USD

3. Test & Go scheme is removed for the vaccinated travellers. It has been replaced by a quarantine program. 

Mandatory requirements

1. All visitors must have an approved Thailand Pass to enter Thailand. Children under 18 years can be added to a parent or guardians Thailand Pass. 

2. All visitors need a Covid-19 insurance policy for the duration of their stay. 

Please do visit the official Thailand Embassy Website for the latest updates.

How To Reach Bangkok 

By Air

There are two airports in Bangkok. The main airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, services all major airlines, and Don Mueang Airport (DMK) serves Asia’s all budget airlines.

Suvarnabhumi Airport: If you are travelling from overseas, you’ll arrive at Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), the 17th busiest airport globally. 

BKK is located in the southeast corner of the city, and it takes about 30-40 minutes to reach downtown Bangkok.

Don Mueang Airport: This is an older airport that serves low-cost airlines such as Air Asia and serves typically domestic and regional flights.

By Train

If you are in Bangkok already, you can always take a train. Trains in Thailand are comfortable, and prices vary based on the distance/destinations.  

Hua Lamphong is the main train station, and it serves as the central hub for intercity trains.

For an in-depth guide on Bangkok trains, click here.

By Bus

Buses in Bangkok are a cost-effective and affordable mode of travelling.

Bus routes connect Bangkok to all significant Thai cities and southern islands. 

Best Time To Visit

Bangkok has a tropical climate, and it remains hot and humid throughout the year.

Thailand has two seasons – dry and monsoon. The monsoon season starts in late May/June and runs until October. 

Though Bangkok can be lashed with rains daily during these months, it doesn’t rain continuously. Also, during monsoon months, you can fetch some fantastic deals on hotels.

The dry season is from November to March. 

March, April and May are considered the hottest months (30 degrees); and December, January and February are the busiest months with many footfalls. 

So, if you want decent weather and less crowd, plan your 4-day itinerary for Bangkok during the shoulder season of April or November. 

 

 

How To Get Around In Bangkok 

Bangkok has an excellent public transport system. It is one of the metropolises with the most significant number of transport systems in place. 

Some trains fly above the city as well as underground, there are tuk-tuks, bikes and buses for the roads, and then there are boats. Basically, you don’t have to worry about exploring Bangkok to the fullest. 

All this may sound a little overwhelming for first-time visitors, but don’t fret. It’s straightforward.

1.   Tuk-Tuks

These 3-wheeled vehicles (similar to auto-rickshaws in India) are most popular amongst tourists. 

It runs for 24 hours. There is no fixed fare for riding a tuk-tuk. The fare varies based on the distance, time of the day, number of passengers, etc.

Make sure you haggle well and decide on a price before taking a ride. 

Usually, for quick journeys to the end of the road, the fare is 50 Baht (USD 2 /INR 115). If you go slightly further, the fare quickly jumps to 100 Baht.

Tuk-tuks are convenient for short rides. 

2.   Taxis 

Taxis are one of the most accessible modes of transport in Bangkok, and they come in various funky colours. So, don’t get surprised to see a pink or orange taxi. Taxis in Bangkok are available 24 hours.

The fares usually start at 35 Baht (USD 2/ INR 80) for the first 2 km and work their way up to roughly 2 baht per km. 

These are metered taxis, but sometimes you may have to politely ask them to turn their meter on to save negotiating later! 

Grab Taxi App

You can also download the local rideshare app – Grab. This app has caught great attention in Thailand, and many tourists use this app instead of taxis. 

Grab also offers motorbikes, private cars and a dedicated driver service. The payment can be either cashless or cash. 

3. Bangkok Skytrain (BTS)

Skytrain is by far the most efficient mode to zip around the city. This elevated train system consists of two lines- the BTS Sukhumvit line (connecting north districts to south districts) and the BTS Silom line (connecting from central to west). 

The fares vary from 16 Baht (INR 40 ) to 45 Baht (INR 100). 

4. Bangkok MRT (Underground Train)

Where Skytrain is unable to reach, the MRT has got you covered. This metro has two lines (Blue and Purple) connecting the city. Dive in here for more information on the map and details.  

5. Bangkok BRT (Bus)

The BRT (Bangkok Bus Rapid System) differs from the classic bus system. It has its own 16 km bus lane. It is a mix of bus and BTS services. 

The fares usually range from 12 Baht (Less than USD 1/ INR 12 ) to 20 Baht (Less than USD 1/ INR 45) for a trip. 

6. River Boats and Ferries 

Boats and ferries are quite an exciting way to get around Bangkok. It may not look very comforting at first, but it should be fine once you figure out the routes.

The riverboats generally run express or local and travel either side of the city centre or beyond.

Tourists and locals use the Chao Phraya Express Boat to commute. It operates five different lines depending upon where you want to go.

Itinerary For Bangkok

Breakdown of the itinerary for Bangkok: 

Day 1: Temples and Sightseeing Spots

Day 2: River Cruise, Shopping and Chinatown

Day 3: Floating Market, Rooftop Bars

Day 4: Street Food and Markets.

DAY 1- Palace and Temples 

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew 

The Grand Palace is the erstwhile residence of the King of Siam and has about hundreds of buildings, all decorated in a traditional style. 

You’ll find many debates online about whether it’s worth visiting the Grand Palace.

In my opinion, if you love to appreciate architecture and its details, it’s worth braving the crowds and including this sightseeing in your 4-day itinerary for Bangkok.  

Entrance Fee and Opening hours

For foreigners: 500 Baht (USD 15) per person, which includes entrance to Wat Phra Kaew and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile. 

The Grand Palace opens from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm.

 Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)

Barely a ten-minute walk from the palace grounds is the temple of reclining Buddha. This is the oldest and largest temple complex in Bangkok.

The temple boasts the most extensive collection of Buddha images in Thailand, with 150 feet long and 50 feet tall reclining Buddha.

If you would like some Thai body and foot massage, Wat Pho is a perfect place for your feet to get some rest. 

A 30-minute session costs about 320 Baht (USD 10/INR 740) but is totally worth it. Also, this is one of the best massage schools in the country. 

Lunch Break / Coffee

It will now be around midday and scorching hot so take a well-deserved lunch break. 

There are many restaurants near Wat Pho, and I recommend using Trip Advisor to find the best places around Wat Pho (or throughout Bangkok).

If you are a coffee addict, don’t miss visiting Elefin Coffee, about 200 meters walk from Wat Pho.

Alternatively, you can always grab some street food.

Wat Arun (The Temple of the Dawn)

Wat Arun temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period. This temple is considered the most photographed temple in Bangkok, and no wonder why! 

The temple is located opposite side of the Chao Phraya River. Therefore, if you wish to visit this temple, you’ll have to take a boat to cross the river. 

As Wat Arun is almost directly opposite Grand Palace, it takes not more than 10 minutes for a boat to arrive.

Around 270 feet in height, the central prang of Wat Arun Temple is the highest in Bangkok.

Alternatively, you can also take an evening cruise with dinner to enjoy the spectacular sight. 

Evening Street Part – Khao San

Whether you love it or hate it, Khao San road is usually on every itinerary for Bangkok!

There’s no better way to end up your day with some food, music and bars on Khao San road.

This backpacker’s area can keep you entertained and vibrant throughout the night. 

 

 

DAY 2- River cruise, China Town, Retail Therapy

After exploring sites on day 1, you can take some time off today for a more leisurely day.

Chao Praya River 

Chao Praya River is the largest river in Thailand. This river cruise allows you to hop on and off at multiple stops. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective.  

I would suggest stopping off and visiting Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, Pak Khlong Flower market and then visiting the last stop at China Town for lunch. 

China Town in Bangkok is the largest in the world. And a stone’s throw from China Town is Little India. You can relish some good food at any of these places. 

If you are not in favour of taking a boat ride, you can reach China town by taking the MRT subway to the Hua Lamphong stop. It’s a short walk from there.  

Evening – Sunset sights

Head to Thailand’s tallest building – King Power Skywalk, for sunset.

This skywalk is Thailand’s highest observation deck. 

It has a glass walkway for all those adventure seekers who want a bird’s eye view of the city.

You can find more details here.

Day 3 – Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Your morning can start from the one-hundred-year-old market for an unforgettable outdoor experience. 

Damnoen Saduak is the most popular market and is located outside the main city. Some tours will pick you up from the hotel if you don’t have your vehicle. 

The market closes by noon, so you’ll have to get there early morning. 

This most famous market is packed with tourists, and hence, it’s commercialized. Even so, it’s a unique experience, so if you have four days in Bangkok, add this one to your list.  

Golden Mount Temple

If you aren’t tired, hire a cab for a beautiful trip to Golden Mount (officially known as Wat Saket), a scenic temple. 

The shrine is located on the top of 262 feet, and you have to climb 300 steps if you wish to go up there. 

Evening Roof Top Bars

It’s now the end of the day, so try some sundowners in any of the rooftop bars in Bangkok.

There are many rooftop bars in Bangkok to choose from. Some of the popular choices are  Octave Bangkok, Sky Bar Lebua, and Vertigo.

The Sky Bar at Lebua is my personal favourite. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a signature cocktail with the wind blowing through your hair and good music and food?

Visiting rooftop bars in Bangkok isn’t the cheapest experience, but if you don’t mind pampering yourself a bit at the end of the day, add one of these rooftop bars to your itinerary for Bangkok.

Day 4 – Bangkok Malls and Markets 

It’s unusual to say that shopping malls in Bangkok are one of the best places and wander, but they really are.

Take the Silom line of Skytrain to reach Siam, and you’ll find different shopping malls to explore.

The shopping malls in Bangkok serve as a social hub for tourists, and it’s worth visiting at least once if you are in Bangkok! 

Chatuchak Weekend Market / Night Market

Your itinerary for Bangkok is not complete without visiting one of the famous markets. 

You can wander the markets in the afternoon.

The Chatuchak weekend market is the biggest open-air market globally and houses over 15000 stalls.

You’ll find everything from clothes to antiques to home decorations in this market.

If you are in Bangkok on non-weekend days, then visiting any other Thai night markets is also quite popular amongst the tourists.

The market named Rot Fai Market is the original night market, a quite popular one amongst tourists.  

You can also add places such as Bangkok National Museum, Loha Prasat (majestic golden temple), Wat Ratchanatdaram, Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple) if you have time/ interest. These sights are worth visiting.  

 

Best Bangkok Nightlife Experiences

We all know – Bangkok has fantastic nightlife. Bangkok comes alive after the sun sets and music is on.

This article is a guide to the best bars in Bangkok. 

Which Areas To Stay In?

Bangkok is packed with hotels for all budgets. 

Some of the popular areas to stay are: 

Riverside – Best for first-time visitors. Riverside is an escape from crowd and noise. The hotels are slightly highly-priced in this area.

Click here for the best deals on Riverside hotels. 

Khao San – Very popular amongst the backpackers.

Check hotel options here. 

Sukhumvit Road – This location offers Bangkok’s finest nightlife scene and a wide selection of international restaurants, along with numerous lodging options. What makes it even better is its excellent accessibility to the Subway MRT and Skytrain networks.

Check hotels deals here.

Siam – Bangkok’s best shopping area. It has most of the shopping malls, bookstores, ocean world, food courts, etc. It is a modern side of Bangkok and well connected to the Skytrain. 

Check Siam hotels here.

Silom – This is a business district of Bangkok. It houses Lumpini park and is similar to NY’s Central Park with a welcoming escape from traffic and noise. 

Khao San/Bangklamphu – This is the best area for backpackers and budget travellers. There are various options for accommodations and houses significant attractions like the Royal Palace. 

Check Khao San hotels here.

How Many Days Are Needed In Bangkok? 

This 4-day itinerary for Bangkok will allow you to see major attractions of the city comfortably.

If You Have 2 or 3 Days in Bangkok

If you are short on time, fret not. 

In 2 days, you can be picky and choose the most visited sights in Bangkok.

Alternatively, depending on your interest, you can spend more time on food tours, shopping and nightlife. It all depends on what you like to do.

You can quickly adapt this 4-day itinerary of Bangkok to suit your needs. 

 

Final Thoughts 

Spending 4 days in Bangkok is a reasonable amount of time for you to soak into the city and discover the best places. 

I hope you find this 4-day itinerary for Bangkok useful to plan your own trip.

Happy travelling! 

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