Bangkok Itinerary for 3 Days: A Local Travel Guide for Foreign Travelers
Explore temples, street food, canals, and quiet corners—this Bangkok itinerary for 3 days is built for immersion, not rushing. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Bangkok’s charm lies in its contrasts: calm mornings, lively nights, and flavorful surprises tucked in between.
Day 1: Temples, Boats, and Street Food
Start your morning early at Wat Saket (Golden Mount). Climb the gentle stairs for city views and a peaceful start. Afterward, walk through nearby alleys to find small family-run food stalls—try mango sticky rice or a Thai iced coffee.
By mid-morning, hop on a longtail boat from Tha Tien Pier. A canal ride through Bangkok’s quiet backwaters reveals stilt houses, neighborhood life, and serene temples. Have lunch at Baan Kudichin, a small riverside eatery serving Thai-Portuguese dishes.
In the afternoon, visit Wat Arun before the crowds return. Then cross the river back to the city and settle in at your accommodation—choose between a boutique guesthouse in the old town or a design hotel near Sathorn. Finish your day at Wang Lang Market. Eat as you explore: grilled pork skewers, fish cakes, and coconut pancakes.
Day 2: Markets, Culture, and Rooftops
Start day two at Or Tor Kor Market. It’s clean, organized, and full of local produce and snacks. Grab a fresh juice and wander the nearby Chatuchak Park for some greenery.
In the afternoon, visit the Jim Thompson House—a wooden teak home filled with art and stories. Afterward, walk around the nearby small sois (lanes), where cafés and local art studios give you a slower look at modern Thai life.
Lunch suggestion: Charmgang, a tiny curry-focused eatery run by young local chefs. After a rest, head to the riverside again for sunset. This time, choose a rooftop like Sala Rattanakosin for dinner with a view of Wat Arun glowing across the water. If you’re still up for more, explore jazz bars in the old town or laid-back venues in Ari.
Day 3: Nature, History, and Peace
Begin with a slow breakfast at The Commons Saladaeng, where locals gather for good coffee and conversation. Then, explore Bang Kachao, often called Bangkok’s “green lung.” Rent a bike and ride through tree-lined paths, wooden bridges, and community gardens. It feels far from the city—yet it’s right there.
Stop for lunch at a floating café inside the park. Fresh papaya salad and grilled fish make the perfect midday meal. Later, visit Museum Siam to reflect on Thai identity and modern culture in a fun, interactive way.
Wrap your trip with dinner at a small family-owned restaurant in Dusit. Local Secrets will point you to a place where you’ll feel like part of the family.
Best Itinerary for Bangkok Travel in 2025
This local travel guide to Bangkok helps foreign travelers go deeper than the usual stops. It’s about slowing down, savoring the small details, and letting each day unfold naturally.
