3 Days in Bangkok: Temples, Markets and River Life

Mohammed Ali
@mohammedalitravel
πŸ“ Bangkok, ThailandπŸ—“ 3 daysπŸ‘₯ Foodies, budget travellers and first-timers

Photo by Dale Mohagan on Pexels

3Days
12Stops
9Meal tips
About Β£40-80 a day, mid-range, flights excludedBudget

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Three days in Bangkok: the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, the river and canals, and the markets and rooftop views. Bangkok is hot and humid, so plan indoor breaks in the afternoon. Dress modestly at temples. Best from November to February.

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Where Mohammed Ali stayed and what to book

Hotels near BTS Skytrain stations HotelSkytrain access avoids traffic jams.

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Day by day

Scenic view of Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok, captured at dusk showcasing its iconic architecture.
1

Royal Bangkok

08:30

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

The former royal residence and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Strict dress code: shoulders and knees covered.

πŸ“ Rattanakosin⏱ 2.5 hoursπŸ’· ~ΰΈΏ500
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Ignore strangers saying the palace is closed; walk to the official entrance.
11:30

Wat Pho

Home of the giant reclining Buddha and the birthplace of Thai massage.

πŸ“ Rattanakosin⏱ 1.5 hoursπŸ’· ~ΰΈΏ300
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ A traditional massage here is a good break.
14:00

Ferry to Wat Arun

Cross the Chao Phraya by shuttle ferry to the Temple of Dawn with its tall decorated spire.

πŸ“ Thonburi⏱ 1.5 hoursπŸ’· ~ΰΈΏ100
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ You can climb part of the steps.
18:00

Sunset on the river

Eat dinner by the river, or take an evening river boat as lights come on.

πŸ“ Chao Phraya⏱ 2 hoursπŸ’· ~ΰΈΏ300-800
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Choose a public ferry for a budget option.

🍽 Where to eat

breakfastRice porridge (jok)Thai Β· $
lunchPad thai or noodlesThai Β· $
dinnerRiverside seafood dinnerThai Β· $$
Low angle view of Wat Arun's ornate towers against a clear blue sky in Bangkok, Thailand.
2

Markets, canals and the city

09:00

Jim Thompson House

The home of an American silk entrepreneur, a collection of Thai houses in a garden.

πŸ“ Pathum Wan⏱ 1 hourπŸ’· ~ΰΈΏ200
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Visits are by guided tour.
11:30

MBK and Siam shopping area

Large shopping centres from budget stalls to luxury. Air-conditioned and a good refuge from the heat.

πŸ“ Siam⏱ 2 hoursπŸ’· Free
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πŸ’‘ Bargain at MBK.
14:30

Chinatown (Yaowarat)

A busy district of gold shops, temples and legendary street food, best from late afternoon.

πŸ“ Chinatown⏱ 3 hoursπŸ’· ~ΰΈΏ200-500
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Go hungry and try a few stalls.
20:30

Rooftop bar view

Several high-rise bars offer city views. Check dress codes and prices.

πŸ“ Silom⏱ 1.5 hoursπŸ’· ~ΰΈΏ500-900 per drink
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Go at sunset for the best light.

🍽 Where to eat

breakfastHotel breakfastThai Β· $
lunchMall food courtThai Β· $
dinnerChinatown street foodThai Β· $
🎟 Book ahead for day 2Tickets and tours: Jim Thompson House
A magnificent golden Buddhist temple in Bangkok against a clear sky, showcasing intricate architecture.
3

Floating market and Chatuchak

07:30

Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa floating market

Boats loaded with fruit and snacks. It is touristy but fun. Amphawa is better in the evening and at weekends.

πŸ“ Ratchaburi⏱ 4 hoursπŸ’· ~ΰΈΏ500-1,000 with transport
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πŸ’‘ Set off early.
13:30

Return to Bangkok

Rest in the afternoon and escape the midday heat.

πŸ“ Bangkok⏱ 1.5 hoursπŸ’· Free
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Plan a hotel break.
16:30

Chatuchak Weekend Market

One of the world's largest markets, with thousands of stalls. Open on weekends only; the nearby Or Tor Kor market is open daily.

πŸ“ Chatuchak⏱ 2.5 hoursπŸ’· Free
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Bring cash and water.
20:00

Farewell Thai massage and dinner

A one-hour traditional massage followed by a relaxed dinner.

πŸ“ Sukhumvit⏱ 2.5 hoursπŸ’· ~ΰΈΏ400-700 massage
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Choose a licensed shop with posted prices.

🍽 Where to eat

breakfastFloating market breakfastThai Β· $
lunchBoat noodlesThai Β· $
dinnerFinal Thai dinnerThai Β· $$

Good to know

✈️ Getting thereSuvarnabhumi Airport connects by the Airport Rail Link to the city in about 30 minutes; taxis use the meter.
πŸš† Getting aroundThe BTS Skytrain and MRT metro are fast. Use Grab or metered taxis. River boats are useful for old town sights.
πŸ’· CurrencyThai baht (THB). Cards in malls; cash for street food.
πŸ—£ LanguageThai. English is common in tourist areas.

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Photos: Dale Mohagan, peerasit Sangsirirak, phiraphon srithakae, Kirandeep Singh Walia on Pexels.

Mohammed Ali

Mohammed Ali is the Founder and CEO of Tripsora, an AI-powered travel companion transforming how people discover and plan their journeys worldwide. Driven by a passion for authentic exploration, tech innovation, and seam

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