A Perfect 4 Day Bangkok Itinerary: Where to Stay, What to Do + More

Sharing is caring!

Plan a perfect 4 day Bangkok itinerary with this helpful guide that shares what to do, where to stay, and other helpful travel tips for Thailand.

As Thailand’s largest city with over 8 million residents, Bangkok has no shortage of amazing things to see and do. You can feel the rich and ancient history in every corner of the city – from the thousands of temples, the opulent Grand Palace, and the local street markets that thrive today – making it incredibly easy to create a perfect 4 day Bangkok itinerary!

Honestly, at first, I wasn’t all that excited about sightseeing in Bangkok. I was too pumped for my Thai island adventure in the south during my first week.

But as I arrived and learned more about the best of the city, I quickly realized that Bangkok doesn’t get the love or recognition it deserves as a killer Thailand travel destination! You just have to know where to go.

So here’s a perfect four-day Bangkok itinerary for first-time backpackers and tourists looking to get well acquainted with everything this bustling city has to offer!

And whether you only have a few hours in Bangkok or have plans for an exciting two week trip to Thailand, don’t forget to check out my best Thailand travel tips for smooth travels as you make your way through this ultimate Bangkok itinerary!

↠ Read More: Most Instagrammable Places in Bangkok

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!

What You’ll Find in This Four Day Bangkok Itinerary Guide:

Bangkok Travel Need to Knows
The Best Things to Do in Bangkok
Itinerary Overview
Thai Temple Attire and Etiquette
Day 1 in Bangkok
Day 2 in Bangkok
Day 3 in Bangkok
Day 4 in Bangkok
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Best Hostels in Bangkok
Bangkok Trip Budget
Money-Saving Bangkok Travel Tips
Solo Travel in Bangkok

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

Bangkok has a tropical climate, which means the city can be hot, humid, and rainy. Knowing when the best time to visit Bangkok is can ensure you enjoy the best weather possible. One of the first things to note, is that the country has three seasons.

The “cool” season, and best time to visit, is considered November to February. Bangkok’s hot season is in the spring and early summer from March to June, where temps get up to 90°F and 85% humidity. Between July to October is Thailand’s rainy season from July to October.

How many days in Bangkok are needed?

In my opinion, you need at least 2-4 days in Bangkok, with more being better than less. That’s because not only are there many things to do in Bangkok, but there are many incredible day trips from Bangkok too! Plus, Bangkok is a pretty big, sprawling city, which means it takes time to hop between its incredible attractions.

The beautiful Marble Temple

10 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Are you wondering what to do in Bangkok? There are so many beautiful attractions to see, but below is a quick round-up of the best ten things to do in Bangkok for 4 days! This is the classic go-to list for first-timers short on time.

↠ Read More: 23 Things to Know Before Going to Thailand

Temple Attire in Bangkok + Tips

Before we jump into the first day of this Bangkok 4 day itinerary, I wanted to cover some essential information tourists should know before visiting temples in Thailand! 

• You must dress conservatively and cover your shoulders, knees, and chest for both men and women. 
• A simple trick is to bring a scarf or two to cover up before entering the temples if your outfit isn’t conservative enough.
• Remove your shoes when entering the temple.
• Greet monks with the Thai wai and bow and do not touch them or take their picture unless you ask. 
• Don’t touch Buddha or any holy temple items. 
• Try to visit the main temples the same day, so you don’t have to worry about your outfit the other days. 

Ok! Now that we’ve covered the important cultural considerations let’s get into this temple packed schedule! 

The Perfect 4 Day Bangkok Itinerary Overview

Day 1: The Main Temples, Grand Palace + Maha Chai Road 

Day 2: Floating Market, Loha Prasat, Pak Khlong Market Flower Market + Chinatown 

Day 3: Wat Benchamabophit, Lumpini Park, Bangkok Creative District + Rooftop cocktails

Day 4: Brunch OR Wat Samphran, Jim Thompson House + Khao San Road Night Market

OR Day 4: Ayutthaya Day Trip

Thai Chedi, or stupas, at Wat Pho

How to Spend 4 Days in Bangkok, Thailand

Now that we’ve covered the logistics, let’s dive into our Bangkok itinerary!

Day 1 in Bangkok: The Main Temples, The Grand Palace, + Maha Chai Road 

For your first day in Bangkok, I recommend checking out the main attractions and temples. And when you’re finished, a visit to the Maha Chai Road for dinner so you can feast properly on local Thai food.

I’ve laid everything out in this itinerary in an efficient way, so your next stop is relatively close to your current stop. 

When visiting the main attractions in Old Bangkok, everything is fairly walkable. 

And remember to wear your temple attire, lather in the sunscreen and to grab a bottle or two of water – we have some walking to do. 

Stop 1: Wat Arun 

Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most beautiful temples on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Also known as the Temple of Dawn, one of the best times to visit is during sunset, to see the temple bathed in a golden glow. In the evening, the temple lights up in an eye-catching display that will surely create a lasting impression.

However, if you want to beat the crowds at one of Bangkok’s most instagrammable spots, I recommend visiting as soon as it opens at 8:00 am. 

You must take a ferry across the river to get to the entrance, but the ferry should only cost you a few baht. You can find the boat right next to Wat Pho. Admission to the temple is 50 baht (~$1.50), and it’s open every day from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Quickly fell in love with the details of Wat Arun

Stop 2: Wat Pho

Once you’ve had your fill of Wat Arun, it’s time to head back over the river to see one of Bangkok’s other impressive temples, Wat Pho! The entrance is conveniently just a short walk from the ferry exit.

Wat Pho’s claim to fame is best known for the giant reclining Buddha statue inside the temple complex. Another unique attribute is the countless intricately detailed chedi, or stupas, that hold the ash remains of royal family members.

Wat Pho is open daily from 8:30 am – 6:30 pm and costs 200 baht ($6.15) to enter. 

Stop 3: The Grand Palace + The Emerald Buddha

The Grand Palace in Bangkok is one of the most opulent and glittering cultural monuments I’ve ever seen – it’s gorgeous! Built in the late 1700s, this palace complex was the office living quarters for the royal family up until 1925. Today it’s home to the famous Emerald Buddha, made from the semi-precious stone jade or jasper.

Entrance to The Grand Palace is 500 baht ($16) and it’s open daily from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. It’s located right next to Wat Pho making it easy to walk between these first three attractions.

Miraculously captured this shot without any of the crowds at The Grand Palace

Stop 4: Wat Saket Temple / Temple of the Golden Mount

This is a pretty jam-packed day already, but if you have the time, a sunset trip to the top of the Golden Mount is a great way to wrap up your Bangkok sightseeing! Otherwise, add this to another day.

Wat Saket is a glimmering shrine that sits on the top of an 800-meter tall human-made hill. Its other name, the Golden Mount, comes from the giant golden chedi in the center of the shrine. To visit, you first must pay the 50 baht ($1.50)entrance fee and then climb the numerous flights of stairs. 

The Bangkok city views are fantastic at the top! This is a must-see Bangkok attraction that’s open daily from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. 

Stop 5: Maha Chai Road for dinner

Maha Chai Road has some of the best street food in Bangkok! It’s here you’ll find the famous Michelin rated chef, Jai Fai, who was featured on Netflix’s documentary ‘Street Food’ as well as Leung Pha Pad Thai – serving one of the most notable plates of Pad Thai in the city! 

Make sure you come hungry and ready to feast!

Wat Ratchanatdaram

Day 2 in Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Loha Prasat, Pak Khlong Flower Market + Chinatown 

For your second day in Bangkok, I recommend taking the morning to see some of the more off-the-beaten-track sights in the city. Wake up early and see the Damnoen Floating Market, pop over to Loha Prasat if you have energy, wander the Park Khlong Flower Market, and enjoy the night scene in Chinatown.

Stop 1: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak is probably the most famous floating market in Bangkok. It’s a bit of a drive outside of the city (2-hour bus, 1 one drive), but you can easily plan a visit there yourself if you don’t want to pay for a floating market tour. 

I decided to skip the tour and took the bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal to the drop off point for the market. Be warned – the drop off point is a 15-minute walk away from the market, but there will be people there trying to scam you. They will tell you the only way to get to the market is by paying $25 for a boat trip through local canals to get there. This is not the case. 

You can simply walk down the street, following your map GPS, and you’ll stumble upon the market. They will probably yell and chase after you, but just keep going! Unless you want to pay $25 for a ten-minute boat ride, of course, that is also totally cool!

For more information about how to get to the floating market, check out this helpful travel guide that details exactly how!

This isn’t Bangkok’s only floating market, so if you don’t have much interest in traveling so far out of their way, you can get a similar experience closer to the city center!

Spent the morning eating at the Floating Markets

Stop 2: Wat Ratchanatdaram/Loha Prasat

In Thai, Loha Prasat translates to “iron monastery,” aptly named after the towering iron spires that jut from the center towers of the complex. There are also 37 golden spires that signify the 37 virtues required to reach enlightenment in Buddhism. 

You don’t need too much time to admire this beautiful gilded Buddhist structure, opens daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and is free to enter (donations are much appreciated). n

But if you’re not up for another temple or more travel, I say jump on to the Flower Market next!

Stop 3: Pak Khlong Flower Market

The Pak Khlong Flower Market is a massive wholesale market in Bangkok where local vendors sell a wide variety of beautiful flowers and create flower offerings for weddings and funerals. 

While it’s not a typical tourist attraction, I still recommend visiting as it’s a beautiful place to glimpse local life and see a seriously massive amount of flowers all in one place. 

Stop 4: Bangkok’s Chinatown

Bangkok’s Chinatown is a vibrant area of the city that offers visitors cultural landmarks like the China Gate, some pretty cool shopping on Sampeng Lane, and delicious Chinese and Thai street food on Yaowarat Road. 

In the evening, Yaowarat Road – Chinatowns Main Street – lights up with hundreds of glowing neon signs, making for a great photo op. 

Bustling nights in Bangkok’s Chinatown

Day 3 in Bangkok: Wat Benchamabophit, Lumpini Park, Bangkok Creative District + Rooftop cocktails

Today we’re going to see cross more of the popular Bangkok things to do from our list! Don’t forget temple attire or to pack a scarf for your visit to Wat Benchamabophit.

Stop 1: Wat Benchamabophit

Wat Benchamabophit is another famous Bangkok temple and is regarded as the city’s marble temple. It attracts large crowds coming to admire the high gables, the ornate golden roof, and impressive marble structures. 

It’s a bit out of the way compared to the other main Bangkok sites, but is definitely worth a visit and doesn’t require too much time to come and admire such a beautiful structure.

The temple is open daily from 6:00 am – 6:00 pm and is only 50 baht ($1.50) to enter. Come early to avoid the large tour buses of crowds.

The Marble Temple is a stunner

Stop 2: Lumpini Park

Lumpini Park is the Central Park of Bangkok and offers city dwellers a green escape from the concrete of the city streets. It’s a great place to take a walk, enjoy a rest outside, and even capture pretty photos of Bangkok’s skyline across from the lake inside the park.

Stop 3: Bangkok Creative District

Bangkok’s Creative District is an artsy neighborhood in the city where locals come together to celebrate culture through art, food, and unique experiences. You’ll find unique street murals, Instagrammable and delicious cafes and restaurants, fabulous shopping. Start at Warehouse 30 and spend a couple of hours wandering the streets of this part of Bangkok!

Stop 4: Rooftop Cocktails: Sky Bar or Vanilla Sky

After you’ve had your fill of Bangkok’s Creative District, just a short walk away is the famous Sky Bar Bangkok, where you can grab an expensive (~$10+ per drink), but tasty cocktail high above the city. Try to arrive in time to see the setting sun and capture both the day and night views overlooking Bangkok. 

Vanilla Sky is another popular rooftop bar that turns into a bumping club as the night goes on. It’s not as close to the creative district and will require a taxi ride, but is one of the only rooftop nightclubs in the city.

A cocktail and Bangkok’s glittering skyline – what could be better?

Day 3 Tip

If you have any interest in visiting the famous Bangkok Siam Discovery Mall while visiting Bangkok, it’s a great middle point between Wat Benchamabophit and Lumpini Park. Stop by to enjoy a break in the air con, do a little shopping, and maybe even grab some lunch before you head to the park!

View of Bangkok from the top of the Golden Mount

Day 4 in Bangkok: Chill Morning or Wat Samphan, Jim Thompson House + Khao San Road Night Market

It’s day 4 already which means it’s your last day in Bangkok. There’s still plenty to see! Check out my two options for what to do – either more tourist attractions or a day trip to Ayutthaya.

Stop 1: Wat Sampran Dragon Temple

I don’t know about you, but when there’s a massive temple that has a giant and beautiful dragon sculpture climbing it, I’m instantly intrigued! Located about an hour’s drive outside of the city, Wat Samphran is one of the most unique temples in Thailand. Admission is free, and a visit only requires about an hour or so, making it a great morning trip to kick off your fourth day in Bangkok. 

Learn more about how to get to Wat Samphran!

Picture perfect Wat Samphan

OR: Have a Chill Morning

If you’re not up for another half day of travel, I totally get it. I recommend instead sleeping in and spending the morning enjoying some of the best brunch in Bangkok or cafe hop for some excellent coffee. Although Thailand is a country rich with ancient culture and tradition, the modern side of Bangkok is also worthwhile, and the brunch scene here is pretty cool.

Some brunch faves include the Bangkok Trading Post & Deli, Veganerie, and ROAST Coffee & Eatery.

Stop 2: Jim Thompson House

The Jim Thompson House is a famous art museum in central Bangkok that showcases the art collection of Jim Thompson, a businessman and architect who revived the silk industry in Thailand. Today the museum has become a perfect stop on any Bangkok trip.

The museum is open every day from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm and entrance is 200 baht ($6.15) for adults, 100 baht ($3.10( for visitors under 22, and free for children under 10.

Stop 3: Khao San Road Night Market

Khao San Road is a prominent part of Bangkok, where backpackers flock to enjoy cool hostels, a vibrant night scene, and a cool night market. Visit in the evening to savor some Thai street food and take in the night’s activities. The market closes at 2 am. 

There’s another popular night market nearby called Soi Rambuttri. People often say Soi Rambuttri offers better street food and stays open all night long! You could make it a point to visit both if you were up for it.

Street food on Khao San Road

Alternative Day 4 – Day Trip to Ayutthaya 

One of the things I regret during my Bangkok trip was not making it to Ayutthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital city that today is home to some of the country’s most impressive ruins. I’d planned it for my last day in Bangkok, but the day had crappy weather, and I was too tired to deal.

BUT if you have the energy and time, I highly recommend visiting Ayutthaya. You can pay for an organized tour, which can be pretty expensive but super convenient, or you can take the local train and visit Ayutthaya by yourself.  

To get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, you can take a local bus from the Mo Chit Bus Station, OR you can take the train to Ayutthaya from Hualamphong Station. Once you arrive, there are a few stands with bike rentals you can grab for the day to see the ruins efficiently. You can also hire a tuk tuk for the day, but a bike will be much more affordable.

Some Ayutthaya Day Trip Tips:

• Bring your passport for public transportation; you may need it to buy tickets
• Bring lots of sunscreen, water, and snacks – it’ll be a long and hot day!
• Carry small bills, entrance is paid by site and is often just 50 baht ($1.50) per temple
• Don’t forget to wear appropriate temple attire; these are holy places
• Rent a bike for a cheaper and more fun experience, or rent a tuk tuk
• Consider buying a tour ticket for convenience

Ayutthaya at sunset

 Where to Stay in Bangkok

Bangkok is a massive city with many different neighborhoods, so choosing what area to find accommodation in Bangkok can be tough. Of all the various options you have for hotels or hostels, I recommend staying near Khao San Road, Silom, or the Sukhumvit area.

Khao San Road / Banglamphu Area

Many tourists opt to stay on or near Khao San Road because it’s decently close to the main Bangkok attractions like the Grand Palace, the temples, and more. You could easily walk there or grab a relatively affordable taxi.

The only con with staying near Khao San Road is that it’s not that well connected to the rest of the city because the Skytrain and Subway MRT do not run anywhere near this neighborhood. It’s also a pretty popular and crowded part of the city, so if you’re not into busy crowds, you may want to choose another area.

Sukhumvit Area

Sukhumvit is a neighborhood that runs along Sukhumvit road. It’s a great area to stay in Bangkok because it’s modern, cute and offers a bit of peace and quiet from the many party tourist scenes around Khao San Road.

This part of the city is also well connected with the trains of Bangkok for ease of getting around the city so you can see more than just the basic tourist attractions.

Silom Area

The Silom Area of Bangkok is home to Lumpini Park, some of the city’s best sky bars, Patpong Night Market, and just a chill vibe. There are a lot of cool hostels found here, and while the location is a bit far from the main tourist attractions, you’ll be close to the city’s public transportation, so you have better access to the rest of Bangkok.

↠ Read More: Hostel Etiquette: 15 Unspoken Hostel Rules Everyone Should Know

Monks during the morning alms

Best Hotels and Hostels in Bangkok

I’m not joking when I say there is no shortage of beautiful hotels and hostels in Bangkok! When I was planning my trip, I was frozen with indecision because there are some very good quality options for a pretty reasonable price. 

Here are a few of my favorite recommendations for the best hostels in Bangkok!

Mad Monkey Bangkok: Social Party Hostel minutes from Khao San Road 

The Yard Hostel Bangkok: Bangkok fave with chill vibes

Hide and Seek Boutique Hometel: Boutique guesthouse with affordable rates in Khlong Toei District

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Sukhuiewmvit 2 | Budget-friendly hotel with rooftop pool and killer

Avani Plus Riverside Bangkok Hotel | Luxury Bangkok hotel with a rooftop pool

Bangkok’s picture perfect canals

Bangkok Trip Budget
$45 – $75 / Day For Budget Backpackers

For your 4 days in Bangkok, your travel expenses are going to obviously depend on what monetary level of travel your budget allows for, or you want to enjoy. 

Personally, I’m a budget backpacker and spent only about $45/day in Bangkok, and that included meals, accommodation, and attractions, and limited shopping. Paying for the local attractions ended up being my biggest expense in Bangkok. 

I paid less than $6 per night (190 baht) for Bangkok hostels – probably the cheapest rate you can find for a clean bed – about $5 – $10 per meal (150 – 300 baht) and limited my expensive transportation costs by walking or taking public transportation most places.

I think I’m on the extreme end of cheap travel here, so for those looking to indulge a bit more and enjoy Thai massages, fun shopping, and attractions, you’ll want to budget more.

Accommodation can end up being the biggest factor in how expensive your trip is going to be. For backpackers without a strict budget, you can score a really nice and fun hostel bed for $10 – $15 per night (320 – 475 baht) and flashpackers looking for a mid-range hotel, you can probably expect to pay $40 – $60 per night (1270 – 1900 baht).

So accommodation costs aside, I’d say a budget of $50 – $75/day in Bangkok is more than enough to enjoy the local attractions, the best street food + local restaurants, a cocktail or two at the famous sky bars, and local market shopping.

5 Budget Tips: How to Save Money in Bangkok

I’m a budget backpacker through and through, so I thought I’d share some of my money-saving hacks for visiting Bangkok. This is exactly how I was able to spend only $45/day traveling Bangkok.

1. Stay in Hostels

As I mentioned above, accommodation after your flight can be the most expensive part of any travel budget. Hotels can cost hundreds of dollars for just one night!!! I personally think that’s insane for a trip where you’re planning to spend more time outside of your hotel room than in it. 

Stay in hostels and save that money. I found a nice hostel in Bangkok for less than $6 per night, but there are nicer hostels that only cost about $10 – 15 per night – which is still a crazy good deal. 

2. Eat Street or Local Food

Eating local meals is always a big money saver. I spent, on average, about $5 or less on local meals vs. the one time I ate at a western tourist restaurant where I spent about $10+. 

Eating local food can cut your meal budget in half! And Thai food is freaking delicious anyways!

3. Walk or Take the Local Bus

Bangkok is a big city, so you can’t always walk to where you’re going. But the city is pretty well connected by local buses, subway trains and shared minivans that will save you money. 

It’s not always clearly spelled out online, so ask a local, and they will help you! The first time can be scary, but people in Thailand are always willing to help, just ask.

4. Or Take a Grab

If you want to save money but value the convenience of a private car, download the Grab App before you arrive for the cheapest taxi fares. 

Grab is a great option because the price is set before you go (meaning no scams), and they are much more affordable than local tuk tuks. 

5. Take the Bangkok Airport bus 

Avoid taking an expensive taxi from the airport and instead, take the cheap airport bus. The Bangkok Airport Bus is only 60 baht ($1.60), and the public city bus is 35 baht ($1.10) vs. the 250 – 380 baht ($8 – $12) you’d spend for a taxi. 

That’s almost a third of your budget if you’re aiming for about $45 / day.

Nothing but smiles on my solo trip in Bangkok – Wat Arun

Solo Female Travel in Bangkok – Is Bangkok Safe?

Yes, most definitely! The time I spent in Bangkok was completely solo, and I loved every second of it. This 4 day Bangkok itinerary is great for anyone’s first visit to Thailand’s capital city and also works well for solo travelers in Asia! 

I recommend just following a few simple solo female travel safety tips, such as don’t go out alone at night, let people know your whereabouts, etc. etc. and you’ll be fine! Bangkok has a lot of backpack travelers, and if you stay in a hostel, you’re guaranteed to meet other people too!

↠ Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel in Asia

Where to after Bangkok?

Now that you’ve seen the best in Bangkok, where to next? Depending on how much time you have left on your trip, some of the most common destinations people visit after Bangkok include:

• Bangkok to Pattaya for some resort beach fun and see one of the best honeymoon spots in Thailand.
• A weekend trip to Koh Samet for some island fun in the sun in the Gulf of Thailand.
• Take the sleeper train to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai to enjoy the natural beauty and temples in the north.
• Phuket, Krabi, or the southern Thai islands for some party fun and sunshine.
• Khao Sok National Park for some peace and quiet amongst breathtaking nature.

↠ Read More: Amazing Side Effects of Solo Travel

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!

There you have it! My ultimate 4 day Bangkok itinerary! Did I miss anything important? Share below!