BANGKOK ITINERARY: 4 DAYS IN THE BIG MANGO

If you’re heading to South East Asia, you are likely to be stopping in Bangkok during your trip. This Bangkok Itinerary 4 days plan includes some of the best things to do in the big mango whilst taking time to try the local food and experience Bangkok nightlife.

Before we jump in, let me quickly introduce us. My husband and I are fortunate to call Bangkok our home and enjoy exploring, living and eating our way around the city. We have created a free resource to help you plan your trip to Thailand, so don’t miss out and download here. 

Right, let’s get stuck in.

Day 1

Morning

Get up early and head down to Wat Arun (100 baht) for 8.30am. A taxi or Grab (Thailand’s version of Uber) is a quick and stress-free route but you can also get the BTS to Saphan Taksin and catch the Chao Phraya Express Boat at Sathorn Pier to No.8 Tha Tien Pier. This is arguably the most recognized temple in Thailand; predominantly because you will find it on their coins. Climb up the main prang for amazing views of the Chao Phraya River and nearby Grand Palace and Wat Pho.

If you’re in Bangkok for less than 4 days, you may opt to get the boat back over to the Grand Palace, but prepare for a very trip. Personally, I would suggest you walk or catch a 10-minute taxi up to Wang Lang Market. This collection of stalls, shop vendors and cafes is a great place to explore and grab some lunch. Opt for one of the cafes with an inside to escape the heat.

Whilst here, make sure you try the fried meat balls, spicy papaya salad and tasty smoothies. We loved the stuffed bread at the Wang Lang Bakery and the curries were delicious!

Afternoon

Enjoy your first afternoon in Bangkok doing a bit of shopping! If you are a shopping mall lover, then head to one of the many malls along Sukhumvit – Central World is massive and offers a great selection of stores whilst Terminal 21 is a themed mall but equally as good. MBK is made up of little vendor type stalls and is definitely worth a visit; my husband loves the technology and gadget stores. 

If you are more of a market place, then head to Chatuchak Market. This weekend market is gigantic and you can easily spend a whole day here. The market is split up into sections and the food here is perhaps some of the best market street food you will find. You can browse Thai silk scarves and shop for soaps, creams and oils. I head to the candles and stock up – the scents are amazing and unique. You can even get a massage within the market itself = heaven! But, you can’t leave the market without heading to Viva 8 in section 8 and see the Paella Man – a performing, friendly chef who you will instantly love.

Evening

After a quick shower back at your hotel, it’s time to experience Bangkok’s nightlife. To ease you into Bangkok, I suggest heading to a Sky Bar. For a romantic atmosphere, head to Vertigo at the top of the Banyan Tree hotel, for 360–degree views visit the Octave Rooftop Bar at the Marriott Hotel or for a more hang-out, chilled vibe, head to Three Sixty at the Millennium Hilton Hotel. Personally, we opt for the Cielo Rooftop Skybar near Phra Khanong BTS station – it is relaxed, affordable and has plenty of comfortable seating options with great views. 

Day 2

Morning

Another early start takes you to a floating market. For a busy, popular and touristy market, head to Damnoen Saduak, for a cute, authentic experience head to Amphawa and for an easier (nearer to Bangkok) option, head to Taling Chan Floating Market. For a local experience, you could also head to Khlong Lat Mayon Floating Market; it isn’t as big as others but there are very few tourists here. 

Afternoon

You can pick up breakfast or lunch from these markets, depending on how long you are wanting to stay at them for. Either way, head back to Bangkok city center around midday and get to Wat Pho. This is the home to the popular leaning Buddha but you will also find quite a bit of shade around the complex and we always find it quieter in the afternoon than the morning. If you haven’t had a chance to have lunch, you can also pick up some food and/or drinks from the nearby Tha Tian Market.

Evening

As the evening rolls around, Khao San Road is a well-known place to start you evening. This street has become much less tacky over the years and you can actually eat the street food without getting sick nowadays! Either way, I wouldn’t recommend the food down the street but it’s a good place to take a stroll and have a beer as the sun sets. 

For good food, head towards Chinatown. You can walk from Khao San Road but there are always plenty of tuk-tuks and taxis around. Chinatown is growing in popularity and arguably has some of the best street food in Bangkok. 

Day 3

Morning

Get yourself up bright and early to arrive at the Grand Palace by 8.30am. This is opening time so be prepared to queue for entrance but the earlier you get into the Palace, the cooler and quieter you will find it.   

What to wear to the Grand Palace?

It is important to dress respectfully – the Grand Palace is perhaps the strictest temple we have visited in Thailand and reinforce the rules consistently. Men must wear long trousers whilst both men and woman must have shoulders covered. Also, bring socks if you are wearing sandals or flip-flips, bare feet are not allowed and you are expected to take off shoes when entering the temple rooms.

Not far from the Palace is the Bangkok National Museum. This museum is in the palace of the former Wang Na Palace of the 18^thCentury and celebrates the largest collection of Thai art and artifacts in the country. 

Lunch

Along the riverside are various restaurants to try; Royal India is a great Indian restaurant or Eat Sight Story Deck is a casual Asian restaurant that we love. Not far from the Palace is Tha Tian Market which predominantly offers seafood street food but you can find some good street vendors in this area too. 

Afternoon

From the Grand Palace, jump on a river boat to Oriental Pier (or grab a 20-minute taxi). From here, you can hire a private long tail boat (you can haggle prices down to 700 – 1000 baht for the boat). The boat takes you along the river, through the Klong canals and along some of Bangkok’s most beautiful temples. What we love about these tours is the insight into local river life. You cruise by ‘floating homes’; homes balancing on stilts along the river way.  

Evening

After a day along the river, it seems to make sense to spend the evening on the river too! Head to Asiatique; a relaxing, open-aired pier with cute boutique stalls, restaurants, bars and some of the best independent cafes in Bangkok.

If you’re traveling with fussy eaters, they also have some chain restaurants here like Pizza Company and KFC. Asiatique is also home to the infamous Calypso Cabaret for those looking for a more exotic night. 

The riverfront pier is open from 5pm to midnight and can be accessed via boat from the Saphan Taksin Pier. 

Day 3

Morning

Your final day is a little calmer than previous. 

Morning

Start the day heading to Wat Saket; also known as the Golden Mount. It is said to have originated during the Ayutthaya period (1350 – 1767 AD) and is a popular but often less crowded Wat to visit. Visit during Loy Krathong to experience a colourful temple fair to remember! 

The temple opens at 9 am and is a 12-minute drive or 30 minute walk from Ratchathewi BTS stop. After a morning at the temple, you may wish to get brunch or lunch at one of the many nearby cafes and restaurants. Eden’s is a popular café that offers western breakfast but personally, we loved Steve Café and Cuisine.

This is a hidden gem restaurant on the riverside with gorgeous views and cheap but tasty food. The restaurant opens at 11.30am so it is the perfect spot for some lunch. 

Afternoon

After lunch, you may wish to try out a spa. Thailand is known for it’s cheap but amazing spa treatments and you can find local spas all over the city. The Oasis Spa in Thonglor is one of our favourites but look around the local neighbourhoods and you will find different options for different budgets. 

Evening

For the evening, I would recommend a night market. Khlong Toei Market is arguably one of the best markets in Bangkok because it is an authentic experience and many locals come here to get their dinner and ingredients. This is a great opportunity to try some of those dishes you haven’t yet had a change to try. We love the shrimp paste rice and the many meat skewers available. Try the different fruits available or, if you aren’t feeling as brave, get some different fruits in a smoothie. 

If you’re looking for a quieter market, head to Ratchawat Market, tucked away in Dusit. Here you can find Kobe beef noodles and more stir-fried, Chinese inspired dishes. 

So that is our Bangkok 4 day itinerary – Let us know in the comments below what your favourite thing to do in Bangkok is! 

Before you go, here are a few more extra tips to help you plan your trip to Bangkok: 

Best times to visit Bangkok

November – February = I always advise people to visit Thailand during this season because it is the dry, cooler season. Avoid Chinese new year if you can but this is the ideal to come to Bangkok. 

August – October = The weather is still cool but it is rainy season and the rain can be unpredictable. It isn’t too bad if you are planning of visiting a lot of malls and indoor restaurants but it can be frustrating when you want to explore the temples and markets. 

March – June = This is a hot season, particularly in the months of April and May. It is the hottest time of year in Bangkok and can be the most challenging when you are trying to explore outside, un-air-conditioned attractions. 

Where to stay for 4 days in Bangkok?

This depends on what you are looking for and who you are travelling with.

Personally, I would advise always trying to stay near the BTS or Metro lines; this will make it easier for you to get around.

More residential and cheaper areas like On Nut, Ekkamai and Thonglor are good areas to stay if you are travelling with family.

There are some gorgeous luxury hotels along the riverside for those looking to splash out on a romantic hotel in Bangkok. Cheap hostels and hotels can be found all over Bangkok but avoid the Nana area – this is the red light district and not the nicest place to spend your time in. 

If you intend to see as many temples and sights as possible, staying in or around Khao San Road is a great idea. D&D Inn, Ibis Styles and Villa De Khaosan are all great, affordable hotels in fantastic locations.   

Any questions about Bangkok? Leave them in the comments below or contact us!