4 Day Bangkok Itinerary for First Time Visitors
After a long journey from Chicago with an 8-hour Paris layover, we finally touched down in the vibrant capital of Thailand. Here's how we spent our unforgettable days in Bangkok (& recommendations based off of our experience!)
This blog post contains affiliate links. For more informations, see my disclosures here.
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
Arriving Monday morning, we were immediately enveloped by Bangkok's humid warmth and pulsating energy. After checking into our hotel and freshening up, we set out for a gentle introduction to the city. Our Hotel was in Thong Lor and it turned out to be a great homebase!
Our first stop was a familiar comfort – Starbucks – to fuel up before exploring the Commons, an open-air complex with food courts and boutique shops. Here, we had the pleasure of petting an adorably chubby bulldog, one of many friendly encounters we'd have in this hospitable city, and have amazing handmade Gyoza that were cooked in front of us at their food stand.
The afternoon called for our first true Bangkok experience: a canal tour on the west side - specifically Thonburi. Climbing aboard one of those iconic long-tail boats, we glided through the city's historic waterways, stopping at an artist village where local creativity was on full display. The tour took us to an impressive Buddha statue (although it was undergoing maintenance so it was more of a large covered Buddha) and a striking white pagoda with a rooftop offering panoramic views.
As the day wound down, we wandered through the famous flower market – a sensory delight of colors and fragrances – before heading back to our hotel for some well-deserved room service and rest.
We booked the canal tour linked below and would highly recommend!
Bangkok Canals by Longtail Boat
Day 2: Temples, Palaces, and Cultural Performances
We met our knowledgeable guide, Ur, after breakfast and embarked on a day of cultural immersion. Taking the train to Siam and transferring to Sathon, we boarded a river ferry that served as our gateway to Bangkok's most revered sites.
The Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) captivated us with its intricate porcelain-adorned spires, before we crossed the river to Wat Pho, home to the awe-inspiring Reclining Buddha. The scale and craftsmanship of this golden statue left us speechless.
The Grand Palace complex was next, its gleaming structures and meticulous details a testament to Thai artistry. The Queens Silk Museum within the grounds provided fascinating insights into Thailand's textile traditions - and a welcome break from the growing crowds and heat!
For lunch, we ventured to Bamrung Mueng market, dining in a lively food court where locals outnumbered tourists – always a good sign! The afternoon brought a traditional performance at the Grand Theatre, where episodes from the epic tale of Hanuman and Rama unfolded in a spectacle of music, costume, and movement.
Getting a private tour guide was one of our best decisions!
We booked Bangkok by Private Guide.
Day 3: Wildlife Sanctuary and Michelin-Starred Dining
Venturing outside the city center, we spent our third day at an animal sanctuary, observing Asian elephants, macaques, hornbills, and dozens of other species in near natural habitats. It was a welcome respite from urban intensity and a chance to connect with wildlife and the beautiful mission of this sanctuary. We highly recommend visiting Wildlife Friends Foundation for the full day tour or even staying at their lodge for even more time with the animals. Check out my full breakdown of the sanctuary at the blog here.
The evening delivered two highlights: first, cocktails at Rabbit Hole, a sophisticated speakeasy where we sampled creative concoctions named Beijing and Lisbon (while my partner enjoyed Delhi and a margarita). Then, we indulged in a memorable dinner at the Michelin-starred Supanniga Eating Room. We tried their noodles with crab meat (apparently called "Grandpa's Pad Pu") and it proved why this place earned its star!
Day 4: Relaxation and Chinatown Food Tour
Our final full day in Bangkok began at a leisurely pace with hotel breakfast followed by gym time for me while my partner caught up on some work. After resting, we visited a local mall for some souvenirs (Naraiphand located on the top floor of the Eight Thonglor Building was perfect for this with many hand made items!) and sinus medication (Bangkok's air can be challenging), grabbing a quick bite at Thong Smith – the beef ball skewers and chili-sauce dumplings made for a perfect light lunch. We had to make sure to save room for the dinner to come!
The evening was dedicated to what became my favorite Bangkok experience: a 15-course food tour through Chinatown. Starting on Texas Street, we progressed through a culinary marathon including:
Surprising dark soy ice cream
Tangy green mango
Perfectly stir-fried morning glory
Complex boh dag soup with kaffir lime
Savory stir-fried clams
Impressive river prawns
Sweet mangosteen
Crispy Chinese donuts
The classic mango sticky rice finale
Rich pork stew
Crispy fish cakes
Warming sukiyaki soup
Fragrant pork satay
Refreshing pennywort drink
Delicate shrimp dumplings at Jok (apparently on the Michelin list)
Aromatic green curry with chicken
Exotic jackfruit
Crispy pork belly soup
Somehow still able to move, we closed the night at another speakeasy, this one hidden within the MUU Hotel Bangkok - 008
We HIGHLY recommend the food tour! They were highly rated and lived up to the glowing reviews
Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour
Check out my Curated List of activities for Bangkok here!
Tips for Bangkok Travelers:
Transportation: The combination of sky train, subway, and Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) makes getting around surprisingly easy. River ferries add both practical transportation and sightseeing opportunities.
Temples: Wear respectful clothing (covered shoulders and knees) and comfortable shoes that are easy to remove, as you'll be taking them off frequently.
Food: Don't be afraid of street food and market stalls, but a guided food tour is worth every penny for finding the best spots and understanding what you're eating.
Speakeasies: Bangkok has a thriving craft cocktail scene hidden behind unmarked doors – ask your hotel concierge for recommendations.
Pace yourself: The city is hot, humid, and high-energy. Build in rest time and don't try to see everything – Bangkok rewards slow exploration.
