Bangkok itinerary for 3 days
Are you planning to visit Bangkok and wondering what to do in Bangkok for 3 days and how to explore the city in most economical way? In this post I will tell you how you can do the Bangkok sightseeing in the most comfortable, yet cheapest way. In addition to that I will tell you about our Bangkok itinerary for 3 days. (Which I finalized after doing lot of research!!)
Every place I visit, I try to plan it in most economical way. We visited Thailand with my 3 years old daughter, so I had to keep in mind that too. The most economical and comfortable way to explore Bangkok is BTS. BTS is the mass transit system (like metro) and it is connected to most of the sightseeing places in Bangkok.
Read about South East Asia packing list.
There are many places you can visit in BTS. The name of few important places for your Bangkok itinenary for 3 days can be –
1. Temples (Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew)
2. Family Fun (Dusit Zoo, Dinosaur Planet, Safari World)
3. Shopping place (Chatuchak Weekend Market, Wang Lang Market, Emporium)
4. Places of educational interest (Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, The National Museum of Royal Barges, Jim Thompson’s House )
You can visit this page and decide which are the places you would like to visit and how to go these places by BTS. This page helped me a lot in planning my Bangkok trip. The highest fare in BTS is 59 Baht.
All the places we wanted to visit in the first day were near Sapan Taksin (S6) Station, so we booked ticket up to that and then we booked one day River Pass for Chao Phraya River (180 Baht), the River of Kings. With the river pass you can do hop on and out in any pier (station) across the Chao Phraya for that day. So for the whole day, you have to spend 59*2+180= 298 Baht i.e. 9 USD.
Places to visit in Bangkok in 3 days/ What to do in Bangkok in 3 days:
Day 1 of Bangkok itinerary for 3 days :
1. Visit Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew :
Bangkok visit will not be completed if you don’t put Grand Palace in your itinenary. Construction of the Grand Palace started in 1782, when king Rama I decided to move the capital’s center here. From then it is the royal residence and the current Chakri Dynasty are also staying in those marvelous buildings. The important buildings are Mahaprasat hall, Dusit Mahaprasat and Wat Phra Kaew.
Entry Fees: 500 Baht
Timing: Weekdays only from 8.30 am- 3.30 pm
How to reach: You have to get down in Maharaj Pier and walk approx.500 meter in Maharaj Road. Alternatively you can take tuktuk for 50 Baht from the pier to reach the Palace.
Estimated Time: 2-3 Hours.
Please visit Grand Palace first, as this one will close at 3.30pm, whereas all the other temples are open till 5.30 pm.
2. Visit Wat Arun Pier:
Wat Arun is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bangkok and you must include it in your Bangkok itinenary. “Arun” means “morning” and the temple is best views at sunset from the opposite river bank. The central tower is 76 meters high and decorated by thousands of seashells and pieces of Chinese porcelain depicting protective demons and monkeys.
Entry Fees: 50 Baht
Timing: Weekdays only from 8.30 am- 5.30 pm
How to reach: You have to get down in Wat Arun Pier.
Estimated Time: 1 Hours.
3. Visit Wat Pho:
Situated next to Wat Arun, the royal monastery is best known for the 46 meters long reclining Buddha Statue. There are also many small temples inside the same campus.
Entry Fees: 100 Baht
Timing: Weekdays only from 8.30 am- 5.30 pm
How to reach: You have to get down in Wat Arun Pier. Take a ferry crossing from Wat Arun Pier to Tha Tien pier. Walk 50 meters to reach the monastery.
Ferries run from 6am- 8pm. The fee for the ferry is 4 Baht.
Estimated Time: 45 min- 1 Hour.
4. Try Street food at Tha Tien market:
While going towards Wat Pho, you have walk through this market. There are many traditional shops, Thai massage service and the many yummy street food shops. We tried some of them. The price of the food was reasonable. We also bought Durian from this market. Durian is a fruit available in most of the South East Asian countries but not available in India. It tastes something like Jack fruit.
5. Phra Sumen Fort:
King Rama I constructed the fort overlooking the river to protect the city from invasion. The area around the fort is now Suan Santichaiprakam Park, which plays host to regular events.
Entry Fees: Free
How to reach: You have to get down in Phra Arthit Pier. From the pier walk straight to Phra Arthit Road, then turn left and walk for 150 meters.
Estimated Time: 15 min- 20 min
Read : What you could get in Bangkok for $10.
Female Packing List for Thailand
6. Witness the Sunset in Chao Phraya River:
While returning we have witnessed the amazing sun set in the Chao Phraya River from the Express Boat.
Read: Bangkok places to visit for shopping
Also read about the temple tour of Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Day 2 of Bangkok itinenary for 3 days :
Initially our plan was visiting Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya is the ancient capital of Thailand and also a UNESCO heritage site since 1991. However because of high temperature of June, we cancelled our outdoor tour and planned the indoor best alternative. The Sea Life Ocean World.
Sea Life Ocean World:
This is the biggest aquarium in Southeast Asia offering you a new experience of the underwater world with the excitement of cutting edge light and sound technology. If you are travelling with kids, this is the best place to visit. Your kids will definitely enjoy this under water experience. There are verities of fish, penguin, Shark, Turtle, Start fish, Sea horse etc.
Timing: Daily from 10.00 am – 9 pm
Entry Fee: Foreigners : 990 baht / adult and 790 baht / child (3-11 years old)
Estimated Time: 3-4 Hours
How to Reach: Get off at Siam Station (Interchange Station for both lines) and go out through Exit No. 5. Then, enter Siam Paragon mall and go to basement floor.
Day 3 of Bangkok itinenary for 3 days :
Visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
This is not to be missed in your Bangkok itinenary for 3 days if you are shopaholic like me :). We had half day left as our flight for Krabi was in the evening. This was Sunday so we decided to visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market. This is the largest and most popular market for wholesalers and traders. I would recommend this place if you have weekend in your stay.
You will get lot of cheap yet good quality Clothing accessories, Handicrafts, Furniture, books, food & Beverage etc.
You have to show your negotiation skill to get a best deal.
How to Reach: Hop on the sky train (BTS) to Mo Chit station, take exit no. 1 and follow the crowd until you see rows of canvas stalls selling clothes. Turn right while continuing to follow the crowd and you will see a small entrance that leads into the market (clothing section).
Timing: The weekend market is open on Saturdays and Sundays, 9am-6pm
Estimated Time: 3-4 Hours
Read about Best Cheap day trip from Bangkok.
11 Non Touristy Things to do in Bangkok
Have you ever thought of Cycling tour in Thailand? Check Cycling Thailand- Ultimate Guide
Things to know before you visit Bangkok:
1. If you are travelling in the summer (March- September), take light color cotton material full slip shirt/t-shirt. Take Good Sun block cream and Sun glass.
2. While visiting the temples always wear full dress (you will not be allowed in Half Pants/Mini skirt/ shorts etc.)
3. Try to book you stay near BTS station. Airbnb is better option as you will find many host near BTS station, whereas most of the hotels are in Khao Sun Road. For booking accommodation check www.booking.com (to get Rs. 700 cash back) or Airbnb.
Do you have plan to visit other parts of Thailand, here are the 25 amazing places to visit in Thailand,
Did you like my post ” Bangkok itinenary for 3 days”, please comment and share.
We loved exploring Bangkok through the BTS. It is so convenient and a great ride for kids. I like your list of recommendations. I would also suggest a night river cruise through Chao Phraya river when all the temples are beautifully lit up.
Noted your recommendation, we will try that next time. Thanks
I went to Bangkok about four years ago and this brings back a lot of memories. I loved Wat Pho.
Cool places! Bangkok’s a great city and I’m glad you included the Chatuchak Market. It’s quite the experience
I would love to visit all the markets!! This 3 day guide would fit all my needs for a Bangkok Visit! I will save for when I can get there some day!!
Iam glad you liked it.Thanks
I kinda lived in Bangkok for a while so I was curious what you would recommend on doing and such. All I can say is that I couldn’t agree more! I also recommend everything you just said. I always try and to convince people to come to Bangkok in the weekend for the weekend market 🙂