I’m starting to learn that Bangkok can be a bit of a love it/hate it destination. Certainly the overwhelmingly busy streets, the bright lights, the haggling, the noise, the pollution and generally being a city that doesn’t sleep can make it off-putting to some.
However, we arrived in Bangkok, Thailand from spending a month in Hanoi, Vietnam which is all of the above things x10, so Bangkok felt positively calm in comparison ha!
In all seriousness though, I loved Bangkok, the food and the culture, the stunning temples and fascinating neighbourhoods were all so intriguing to me. And with Thailand being a country that is so focused on tourism, I found Bangkok (and Thailand generally) to be much easier to navigate and travel around as people are more used to visitors.
We visited Bangkok twice during our time in Southeast Asia, once as a city break and again as part of a longer trip which also included Phuket and Krabi. So while we’ve spent more than 4 days in Bangkok in total, I do think that a 4 day Bangkok itinerary is a great amount of time to explore the city and take a day trip or two!
Read on for my guide to the best places to visit in Bangkok in 4 days.
Chinatown Bangkok
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When is the best time to visit Bangkok?
The dry season in Bangkok is November to February when temperatures are usually cooler (lower 20s Celcius) and there’s little-to-no rain. This is also the high season for tourism though so expect more crowds and some higher prices.
Monsoon season in Bangkok is July-October. While I would generally avoid travelling in monsoon season, it can be a great option to save money. We actually visited Bangkok for the first time in July and only had 1 rainy day while we were there although it was very hot and humid throughout that time.
Which airport is best to fly into for Bangkok?
There are two international airports that serve Bangkok:
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Most long-haul international flights to Bangkok arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport and I would suggest BKK is the cheapest airport to fly into Bangkok if you are coming from Europe, the US or a similar distance.
However we flew into DMK from Vietnam and also on a domestic flight from Phuket so if you’re travelling within Southeast Asia, definitely check prices for both airports.
Is a 4-day Bangkok itinerary enough time?
Bangkok in 4 days is plenty of time to see the main sights in the city and also take a day trip.
If you’ve been to Bangkok before, I highly recommend checking out some of the lesser-visited temples as well as other day trip options.
Wat Ratchabophit Temple Bangkok
How to get around Bangkok?
We got around Bangkok through a combination of walking, tuk tuks and Grab (like Uber). However many hotels had transfer and taxi options too. You can also use the water taxi to get around Bangkok, especially if your hotel is on the water or if you’re visiting the Grand Palace or Wat Arun which can easily be reached by taking a water taxi across the river between the two.
Where to stay in Bangkok?
There are honestly so many hotels in Bangkok and amazing places to stay, you can also get a luxury hotel for a much more affordable price than you can in Europe or North America.
We stayed at ASAI Bangkok Chinatown which we loved, it was right by Chinatown, it was modern and clean, great value for money, a really cool industrial aesthetic and right above a shopping centre where we could easily grab food from the 7-Eleven downstairs.
If you are looking to splurge a bit, I’ve only ever heard amazing things about:
Bangkok 4 day itinerary: what to do in Bangkok for 4 days
Bangkok itinerary: day 1
Grand Palace
Cost to visit: 500 baht / £11
Arguably the most, or one of the most famous attractions in Bangkok. The Grand Palace is home to the King of Thailand and has been since it was built in 1782.
We had a hard time finding the main entrance as the complex is so huge, to save you the hassle, it’s located on the Na Phra Lan Road side of the Palace complex.
The grounds of the Grand Palace are huge and I suggest arriving at a good time in the morning to start your day as it can get very hot!
Within the Grand Palace there are several buildings, Royal halls, Museums, Galleries and temples. One of the most famous is The Temple of the Emerald Buddha which is absolutely worth a stop to visit.
Note: The Grand Palace is the most strict place in Bangkok for dress code. While most temples require women to cover their knees, shoulders and chest, the Grand Temple requires men to do so too. My partner was wearing shorts but had a sarong with him which he wrapped around his legs but was told it wasn’t acceptable and he must be wearing trousers. Fortunately there are several cheap clothing shops outside the entrance for you to purchase suitable clothing from.
Bangkok Grand Palace
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Bangkok Grand Palace
Wat Phra / Wat Pho
Cost to visit: 300 baht / £6.60
This temple is right next to the Grand Palace but on the other side from the Palace entrance so you can easily do them both in the same day.
I think this was actually my favourite of the famous temples in Bangkok because there was so much to see for a great price, the grounds were beautiful and quiet and the colours everywhere were just spectacular, there was something new and different to see around every corner and we spent longer here than at the Grand Palace I think!
Wat Pho is also home to the famous reclining buddha statue, a huge golden buddha lying on its side in the main hall - don’t skip it!
Again for women, make sure you have your knees, shoulders and chest respectfully covered.
Wat Phra Wat Pho
Bangkok Wat Phra Pgo
Wat Pho Bangkok
Boat across the river to Wat Arun
Cost for a one way boat ticket: 5 baht / 10p
Cost for a Wat Arun ticket: 100 baht / £2.20
This is by far the easiest and cheapest way to get from Wat Phra to Wat Arun which is almost directly opposite on the other side of the river.
Come out of Wat Phra and on the other side of the road, backing onto the river is Tien Market. You’ll need to walk through the market to get to Tah Tien water taxi terminal which takes you across the river directly to Wat Arun.
If you can, I really recommend having small change for the boat fee; they couldn’t change some people’s larger baht notes at the ticket office.
Meaning “Temple of Dawn”, Wat Arun is one of the most famous temples in Bangkok, due to its unique pearly white temple tower which is visible across Bangkok’s skyline.
While this temple is definitely unique and beautiful and I loved the pictures I got there, it was incredibly busy and very hot in the middle of the day with almost no shade - take water, sunscreen and a cover up.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun
Wat Ratchabophit
Cost to visit: Free
Take the boat back across the river and it’s around a 13 minute walk to Wat Ratchabophit which was overall my FAVOURITE temple in Bangkok.
It’s a couple of streets behind Wat Pho and yet barely anyone seems to know about it. It’s free to visit and there was literally no one else there, not even a guard or anyone at the entrance.
We walked it and had the most stunning gold, red and blue temple all to ourselves. It was so beautiful and peaceful and honestly what I had kind of hoped to find at least at some temples in Thailand - thankfully this one seems to be more of a hidden gem in Bangkok.
Wat Ratchabophi
Wat Ratchabophi grounds
Wat Ratchabophi temple
Optional: Amulet Market
This is totally optional and also depends on how much time you have left or how much energy you still have!
I absolutely love collecting small talismans, charms, coins or other similar souvenirs when I travel and I was so thrilled to discover an Amulet Market in Bangkok where you can literally find an entire bazaar of amulets, charms, totems, rings, figurines and more.
This is a great place to find a more unique souvenir from Thailand and it’s on the river, just a bit beyond the Grand Palace.
Sunset boat cruise and dinner
Don’t go to Bangkok without booking a sunset boat cruise!
There are loads of different options, some are just a sightseeing cruise at sunset, others are a full cruise with dinner included and some even have a party or live music performances.
Whatever you choose, the sunset over the city is amazing and seeing the temples and city skyline turn golden as the lights come on is incredible - an absolutely must on your 4 day itinerary in Bangkok.
Note: if you are visiting in the rainy season, some reviews mention some of the table seating is outside - if you visit during this time, make sure to request an inside table. Also river levels can impact which bridges the boats are able to pass under.
Bangkok River
Bangkok itinerary: day 2
Walk up Wat Saket aka Golden Mount Temple
Cost: 50 baht / £1.10
It’s up to you whether you visit Wat Saket at the start or end of the day. I went later in the day in an attempt to see sunset but the cloud and haze meant there wasn’t one.
Whether you visit earlier or later in the day, the temple is interesting but the views are beautiful!
You follow a winding path up the mount with waterfalls, greenery, temple displays and even a huge gong which you can ring. Once at the top, take the stairs to the roof to see the famous Golden Mount Temple.
There are 360 degree views of Bangkok, you can write your wishes on paper and leave them on the shrine and there’s another gong to ring too.
Golden MountainTemple View
Golden Mountain Temple
Golden Temple View
Explore the Phra Nakhon area around Maha Chai Road
After visiting Golden Mount Temple, spend some time on the main road area just adjacent to it. We found loads of cool cafes, restaurants, bars and some antique stores.
We particularly enjoyed Tai Soon Bar where we had lunch and a pint of local craft beer.
Walking around these less touristy areas was one of my favourite parts of our 4 days itinerary in Bangkok because it felt more like a window into daily life in Bangkok and there are so many cool corners which are off the main tourist trail!
Maha Chai Road
Maha Chai Road Food
Talat Noi
This is a super fun area of the city with loads of street art, boutiques and fun cafes and art galleries.
On Google Maps, look up “Talat Noi Street Art” and “Antique Turtle Car” ; these mark out the rough rectangular area to explore with loads of unique artwork and street art.
Don’t miss Mother Roaster if you fancy a coffee, it’s a really unique and cosy specialty coffee shop on the main road in Talat Noi.
We also loved Baan Rim Naam which is a cafe on the waterside with mismatched furniture, cosy boho style and seating and great food. The view right beside the water is lovely too.
Note: Baan Rim Naam is currently showing as temporarily closed on Google Maps so may not be open at present (2024).
Talat Noi
Talat Noi Street Art
Optional: Khao San Road
Honestly I’m putting this here as optional because it’s one of the most famous areas of Bangkok but I think the allure is lost unless you’re a young backpacker.
We visited because I’ve always heard great things about the area and I’m sure it is fun if you’re looking for a big night out at bars and clubbing because there was loads of that and definitely a party atmosphere.
We had a beer at Buddy Beer Wine Bar & Grill then got some great pad thai from a street food spot on Khaosan road, but the music everywhere was so loud, it was the only place in Bangkok we got really hassled by street vendors trying to sell us tacky cheap clothing and plastic “souvenirs” like drinks cups and shot glasses.
Honestly if you’re not looking to party, I don’t think you’re missing much if you skip Khaosan road on your 4 days itinerary in Bangkok.
Khaosan Road
Evening in Chinatown Yaowarat Road
This is the evening I really enjoyed and it was definitely an upgrade from Khaosan road in terms of food, drink and the vibrant (but not loud and clubby) atmosphere.
We were staying in Chinatown at ASAI Bangkok Chinatown (which we loved) and walking down here to take in the sights, sounds, smells and atmosphere was so much fun!
We tried so many different types of street food. I can't even count or tell you them all, but it was all amazing. We stopped at a restaurant with seating on the pavement and had huge beers and freshly prepared seafood dishes.
It was busy but so fun and bustling, brightly lit and exactly the kind of vibe I was looking for for a chilled night out in Bangkok.
China Town at Night
Street food
Yaowarat road street food
Bangkok itinerary: day 3
Wat Sam Phran
Cost: Free
Probably one of the most well-known and iconic temples in the Bangkok area is Wat Sam Phram. This pink 17-story tower has a dragon wrapped around it and you can climb to the top for free!
Wat Sam Phran is around 45 minutes drive from the centre of Bangkok and the easiest way to get there is by taking a Grab taxi, or ask your hotel to arrange a taxi for you to make sure it’s a reputable driver.
Although visiting is technically free, there are donation points around the temple and to use the lift, these are only 10-50 baht.
There are more paths, statues and things to see in the grounds around the temple too. All in all you can probably spend 1-2 hours here.
Wat Sam Phram
Visit some of the boating cafes
Close to Wat Sam Phran (about 15 minutes by Grab taxi) is the Don Wai Floating Market which you can also visit. But on the surrounding waterways there are also several cafes with great coffee and food for your lunch stop but they also offer a totally unique experience to ride a boat while you’re at the cafe, feed fish or just enjoy some of the unique decor at these waterside cafes.
Here are a view options to check out:
After the Rain Coffee Cafe - use your receipt to get a free ride in the coconut groves (minimum spend 100 baht). There’s also a big swing
In Garden Hut Cafe - you can row a boat into the coconut groves
Chill@Don Wai - there are no boats here but the location on the water is stunning
Rooftop bar evening
Head back to Bangkok this evening and don’t miss the chance to check out at least one of the many rooftop bars in the city.
The vibes are amazing, the views match and there’s quite a few options to choose from so you can find the nearest rooftop bar to your accommodation:
Tichuca Rooftop Bar (massive LED tree in the middle - unique design and city views)
Sky Bar (close to the river, amazing views, most expensive)
Vertigo & Moon Bar Rooftop
RedSquare Rooftop Bar (on the roof of Novotel)
Yào Rooftop Bar (Marriott Hotel rooftop, chilled and lovely sunset views)
Leelabar (chilled, cheaper, rustic, close to Golden Mount temple)
Mahanakhon Bangkok Skybar
There are honestly dozens and dozens of rooftop bars, I definitely recommend searching in Google Maps for “rooftop bars” when you’re in Bangkok to find the one closest to you.
Chinatown at Night
Bangkok itinerary: day 4
Day trip to Floating Market and Railway or Ayutthaya temples
I’m adding this on here because this was our intention on our final day of our 4 days in Bangkok but unfortunately I was unwell and not able to do the day trip we had planned.
However I still highly recommend taking a day trip from Bangkok as there is so so much to see just a short distance from the city.
If you want to see the famous Floating Market and Railway Market where the train passes through the tightly packed street of market vendors, I recommend doing either this Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and railway market tour or this floating market and railway market tour.
This is a full day tour and you get to take a boat ride through the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and see the incredible hustle and bustle of the Thai markets in this area southwest of Bangkok.
If exploring the markets isn’t your thing, I recommend diving into the World Heritage site of Ayutthaya which was once the ancient capital of Siam. Visit several of the historic temples at Ayutthaya on This full day trip from Bangkok which includes lunch.
Bangkok Floating Market
Summary: Bangkok itinerary 4 days
I hope this 4 days itinerary in Bangkok helps you plan the ultimate trip to experience what the city has to offer. Whether you’re visiting Bangkok and northern Thailand or just spending a few days in Bangkok before flying onto Phuket or Krabi, don’t skip spending time here!
We loved our 4 day itinerary, Bangkok had so much to see and do that we came back again and we still feel like we need to go back and see more!
Pin for later to plan your trip!
