bangkok in 4 days, 3 nights

Malls and boat noodles on arrival, a day of temples by the river ending in Chinatown, Chatuchak and a night market at the weekend, and a slow last morning before the flight home.

  1. Day 1

    Arrive and Siam

    Morning
    Fly from KL, about 2 hours, into Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang. Take the train or a Grab to a hotel near a BTS or MRT station.
    Lunch
    Boat noodles near the hotel. The bowls are small, so order a few each.
    Afternoon
    Take the BTS to Siam and spend the hot afternoon in the malls there, such as Siam Paragon and MBK, linked by covered walkways.
    Evening
    Dinner in a mall food hall, finishing with mango sticky rice.
  2. Day 2

    Temples by the river

    Morning
    Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin and the Chao Phraya Express boat up the river to Tha Chang pier for the Grand Palace. Go early, with shoulders and knees covered.
    Lunch
    Pad kra pao, holy basil stir-fry with rice and a fried egg, at a small shop near the palace.
    Afternoon
    Walk to Wat Pho next door for the reclining Buddha. Later, take the short ferry from Tha Tien pier to Wat Arun, then cross back to watch it at sunset from the riverside.
    Evening
    Dinner in Yaowarat, a short Grab or MRT ride away. Chinatown's street food is at its best after dark.
  3. Day 3

    Chatuchak

    Morning
    Chatuchak Weekend Market, by BTS to Mo Chit or MRT to Chatuchak Park. Get there early, before the heat builds under the roofs.
    Lunch
    Eat as you shop: grilled skewers, coconut ice cream and more mango sticky rice.
    Afternoon
    Back to the hotel to drop the shopping and rest, or book a Thai massage.
    Evening
    Dinner at a night market. There's one on somewhere every evening, so ask your hotel which is closest.
  4. Day 4

    Last makan and home

    Morning
    A slow morning: a walk in Lumpini Park, then breakfast from a street stall near the hotel.
    Lunch
    One last round of boat noodles or pad kra pao.
    Afternoon
    Head to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Take the train if you can, as the roads jam easily.

Good to know

  • Chatuchak only runs on Saturdays and Sundays, so arrange the trip so Day 3 falls on a weekend.
  • Use the BTS, MRT and river boats to get around. Road traffic is slow, especially in the evening rush.
  • Cover your shoulders and knees for the Grand Palace and temples, and do the outdoor sights before midday.
The Bangkok guide