How to spend 5 days in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, the most beautiful capital of Southeast Asia, enchants its visitors with its unique character, its grand variety of sightseeing, delicious food and lovely people. Let's see how you can capture the essence of this vibrant city in a 5-day visit.
- Buddhist Temples and Grand Palace
Thailand is full of marvelous Buddhist temples which form part of its remarkable culture. One of the most iconic temples and Bangkok’s landmark is Wat Arun, next to Chao Praya River. Even the way you reach the temple from Tha Tien Pier or Saphan Taksin by boat is special as you approach the temple you may admire its endless beauty combined with the river’s scenery. You need to have your shoulders and knees covered before entering the temple and start exploring it. If you find a Buddhist monk who blesses string bracelets with a short prayer before offering them, make sure to take one. It is considered to bring protection and good luck.
On the opposite side of the river stands another complex of stunning temples, Wat Pho. The largest Reclining Buddha in Thailand is the most popular spot of the temple. At its side you will see 108 bronze bowls; enter a coin and make a wish at each one of them. Wander around the whole temple’s area and admire the different types of statues along with the golden architectural details of the temples, offer lotus flowers to Buddha and golden leaves (at the area with the little reclining buddha statues, you may put three golden leaves on the Buddha statues making a wish: each one at different spot depending on your wish type (ex. If you wish for love you need to put the leaf at Buddhas heart’s side etc).
At the North Part of Wat Pho and at short walking distance stands the impressive Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace, former residence of the Royal Family whose architecture is a remarkable mix of Asian and European details due to the King’s love for Europe, with its amazing buildings and gardens is a must see during your stay in the capital and one of the most visited places in the city. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of its most popular attractions. The Buddha’s statue is crafted from green jade and adorned with seasonal gold decorations that are changed before a special ritual each season.
Not far from the Grand Palace, another temple that worths your visit is Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha. The main reason of visiting this temple is to view the largest Buddha statue made of about 80% of pure gold and weighs five and a half tons. Impressive!
- Chinatown
Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the largest and best Chinatowns in the world and is located at short walking distance from the Temple of the Golden Buddha at the capital’s city center. Full of traditional stores for endless shopping, yummy street food and narrow alleys, Chinatown is an ideal option during your stay in the city and it is preferable to visit it during the night as the street food variety is larger, and the atmosphere is getting more and more vibrant as the time passes.
- Lumpini Park is a tranquil oasis in the busy center of Bangkok. This lovely public park with its calm lake is a perfect break from the city’s hustle and bustle. Many different outdoor activities like Tai Chi are performed by locals that give an extra special character to the whole park experience. You may walk around, relax or take a paddle boat to have a short ride on the lake for free. Don’t be surprised if you see monitor lizards (which you may observe by far) as they are a very common attraction of the park!
- King Power Mahanakhon. Even if I am not a fan of heights, King Power Mahanakhon is one of my best experiences in Bangkok. It is better to visit it during nighttime as it combines a very impressive 360 degree leveled observation deck with a stunning view of the city, the highest and most breathtaking skywalk glass tray where you can take incredible photos and the highest rooftop bar of the city. One thing is for sure; it will amaze you!
- Thai Massage; Your visit to King Power Mahanakhon could be combined (before or after) with an incredible massage (one of the best massages I had in my life) at Riraku Onsen & Spa, 5 minutes walking distance from this incredible building. Of course, you may find good massage at endless spots around the city, but I must admit this is a hidden gem that you need to discover.
- Floating Markets
If you seek a less touristic and more local floating market experience, I recommend the Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market. You need to arrive first at Wat Khlong Toei Nok Pier, then take a short ride with a wooden little boat to cross the river and finally rent a bike from the opposite side to arrive at the Market. From the bike rental, you will be provided with a map to explore the whole area that apart from the colorful and full of yummy food floating market and traditional things to buy, you may also visit a lovely botanical garden and many little Buddhist temples. Riding a bike through nature and enjoying the whole landscape is magic and totally unforgettable.
Another floating market option is the popular Amphawa Floating Market outside of Bangkok. You can enjoy delicious food and fresh fruits that you can buy from the little wooden boats along with a boat ride on the river. There are many organized excursions that combine it with the narrow train street market Mae Klong Railway Market which is also an impressive and typical Thai experience.
- Markets and Night Markets
You will never get bored of shopping in Bangkok. There are endless options for cheap (always with a little bargain of course!) souvenirs, clothes, shoes and whatever you can possibly imagine at the best prices (I have even bought an air fryer from Bangkok). Try to be in the city during the weekend to visit the famous market Chatuchak Weekend Market. You will probably need a day to go around all the market and explore its innumerous stores but it totally worths it.
Another very local and not that touristic market option is the Liap Duan Market, a very nice night market outside of the city center. You will find a great variety of shoes and clothes at prices and the best qualities that will blow your mind. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to try delicious thai food surrounded by lovely locals.
- Shopping Malls
If you are more a shopping mall type rather than a traditional market type, don’t worry, Bangkok is also full of shopping malls that will never disappoint you.
My personal favorite is ICONSIAM, a luxury fairy tale looking mall with even its own floating market inside it. Full of colors, dragon statues, incredible street food markets, restaurants with little ponds and artificial waterfalls makes it the most impressive mall I have ever seen. There is a little boat from the Bangkok Sathorn Pier with a little fee (around 0,10 EUR) that takes you to the mall by crossing the river. Even if you don’t have the budget to shop from its luxurious brand stores, it totally worths your visit to enjoy its decoration, view and yummy street food on its ground floor.
Another popular mall where you can buy boundlessly affordable brands, souvenirs and very good counterfeit products is the immense MBK Center close to the National Stadium BTS Skytrain Station. Next to MBK stands a complex of three impressive malls: Siam Discovery, Siam Center and Siam Paragon. The latter is the more luxurious one from the three and at its ground hall you may find an excellent food court with every type of mouthwatering Asian cuisine that you can’t miss.
- Ancient City
If you have extra time in the fabulous capital, you can spend it at Ancient City, an incredible open-air museum and theme park full of impressive temples, castles, palaces (originals or models). You will probably need a day to go around the whole place (on foot or you can rent a bike or car inside), but if you do, one thing is certain; you will feel like having visited the whole Thailand in one day.
Useful little tips:
- Try to use mostly or exclusively the BTS Skytrain or/and the metro and avoid getting a taxi since the traffic can be immense. If you decide to take a taxi though, book it through GRAB application. In case that grab is not available, ensure that the taxi driver switches on the taximeter or make a deal with him before entering to avoid paying a lot of money at the end. Same applies to Tuk Tuks (always make a deal before entering).
- One of the best places to exchange money with the best rate is SuperRich International Exchange (you can find one at the Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) from the left side of the Airport Rail Link)
- Have some cash with you to shop at the markets and always bargain to get the best possible prices.
- You need to have your shoulders and knees covered before entering the temples and at some of them you need to get off your shoes.
- You can visit Bangkok at any time of the year even during the rainy season and it will be wonderful. Even if it rains it is usually for 10 minutes and it is quite pleasant
- Try Mango sticky rice at Panich Sticky Rice https://maps.app.goo.gl/F3MMTyxFfxmaM2AVA
- Eat noodles at Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai https://maps.app.goo.gl/VTKBmxav1XaXw2ZS9 and ส้มตำแม่มณี https://maps.app.goo.gl/N1Wk6F3dPADGa3uj7
- Try the delicious, melted toast at 7/11 and the yummy Thai Tea at 7/11 and ChatraMue
- Have endless very good and affordable massages, the best gift to your mind and body. My personal favorite Riraku Onsen & Spa https://maps.app.goo.gl/MpEvG7mS4kzFyRTU9
For more information or to help you plan your ideal trip within your budget, please contact us.