Bangkok: the capital city of Thailand famous for its ornate temples, bustling streets and fun nightlife. And no matter how many times you visit, there’s always new things to see and do.
Why? Well, it’s a typical large city in the sense that there’s always something going on and people coming and going. Because of this, you can quite easily blink and miss your time there.
Planning a short trip to see what all the fuss is about? Here are 7 things to do in Bangkok in 3 days.
How to Get to Bangkok from the UK
First things first, getting to Bangkok from the UK is relatively straightforward. Thai Airlines, EVA Air and British Airways carry direct flights daily from London.
That said, if you fly from Manchester, you’ll need to connect via Dubai with Emirates. Therefore, you’re looking at a journey that’s anywhere between 12 and 15 hours, depending on your layover time.
How to Get Around Bangkok
Once you arrive in Bangkok, getting around can be troublesome because the city is extremely spread out. It’s kind of difficult to walk far, which is why the following public transportation options are incredibly handy.
- Taxi
- Rides start at 35B (£.90) and are always metered
- Most places within central Bangkok will cost you between 60B (£1.54) and 100B (£2.56)
- Skytrain (BTS)
- Super convenient way to get around the inner city
- A single journey starts at 16B (£.41)
- A one-day pass costs 140B (£3.58)
- Tuk Tuk
- You must ride in one of these three-wheel taxis at least once
- There is no metre, prices are negotiated beforehand
Oh, and try to stay calm when you’re on the roads. Sure, it’s chaotic, but your driver will know what they’re doing!
Where to Stay in Bangkok
In terms of where to stay in Bangkok, there are a number of options, including the following.
- Khao San/Banglamphu
- Khao San is most famous street in Bangkok
- It’s the most popular place to party and also has cheap Thai street food
- This area is very affordable and you won’t find many “luxuries” here
- Bangkok Riverside
- This is a beautiful and scenic area
- It is also enriched with history and features temples, shrines and the Royal Palace
- Sukhumvit
- This is one of most modern areas and it’s very central, meaning there’s some great shopping, bars and restaurants
- It is also home to the biggest party street – Soi 11
- Siam
- This is the shopping centre of Bangkok with the highest concentration of malls in the city.
- It also has Sea Life Bangkok and Madame Tussauds Bangkok
In other words, the location of your accommodation all depends on what you plan to see and do.
Top Things to Do in Bangkok in 3 days
Even though three days isn’t a huge amount of time, I’d recommend trying to tick all the below off your to-do list.
1. Visit the Grand Palace
Things to do in Bangkok in 3 days 101: visit the opulent Grand Palace and the sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple.
The latter is commonly referred to as “The Temple of the Emerald Buddha” and astounds both natives and non-natives alike with its sheer beauty.
For the equivalent of less than £10 per ticket, this royal district is well worth a look. Just make sure that you cover your arms, shoulders and legs as a sign of respect.
2. Walk Up and Down Khao San Road
Another of my top recommendations of things to do in Bangkok in 3 days is spend an evening on Khao San Road.
Known for its many shopping stalls, cheap bars and delicious eateries, Khao San Road is a top tourist hotspot.
Bonus points if you manage to take a Tuk Tuk to get there! (#WhenInThailand)
3. Eat Street Food
Sure, the local restaurants are great in Bangkok. But do you know what’s even greater? The street food stalls around Bangkok.
Everyone says that you should experience the street food in Thailand at least once – and for good reason.
My travel companions and I found this awesome little stall right outside the main McDonald’s on Khao San Road (interesting location, I know). And it honestly had the best Pad Thai I’ve ever tasted in my life!
4. Get a Thai Massage
If this is your first time in Thailand, one of your top things to do in Bangkok in 3 days is to go and get a traditional Thai massage.
There are plenty of beauty salons and massage parlours around the city, but the cheaper ones tend to be on and off Khao San Road.
It feels kind of bizarre at first, but it’s a one-of-a-kind experience. Just make sure that you ask for the lightest amount of pressure. Thank me later.
5. Shop at MBK Center
Shopaholics, rejoice! MBK Center is an eight-storey shopping mall in Bangkok’s CBD with over 2,000 shops. (Yes, I said 2,000!)
In addition to the four-storey Tokyu department store and luxury boutiques, you’ll also find an indoor market where you can pick up unique trinkets and souvenirs.
It’s easy to go crazy, but learn from my mistakes and always keep your suitcase space in mind if you go there.
6. Check Out Asiatique: The Riverfront
Speaking of shopping malls, Asiatique on The Riverfront is a big open-air mall in Bangkok that’s fun to explore.
As well as having many shops, it has an abundance of restaurants. And it faces the Chao Phraya River, so it’s kind of pretty!
Asiatique is also home to the Calypso Cabaret Show, featuring Thai transgender performers. This is a great show that couples, families and groups are all bound to enjoy.
7. Visit Khao Yai National Park
Finally, one of my favourite things to do in Bangkok in 3 days is go on a road trip to Khao Yai National Park.
With many rainforests, waterfalls and walking trails, it’s a hiker’s paradise! The park also has a lot of diverse wildlife, such as bears, elephants and gibbons.
Sometimes, it’s just nice to head out of the city and get back to nature – even if it’s just for a day. Am I right?
Embracing Things to Do in Bangkok in 3 Days
All in all, there’s so much to do in Bangkok that you might struggle to fit it into 3 days. However, if you’re willing to get up early and go to bed late, it’s definitely possible!
If you do have more time though, check out the CBD’s cool cocktail lounges and rooftop bars. After all, there’s a reason why The Hangover was filmed in the city!
Whatever you decide to do in Bangkok, you’re going to enjoy yourself. And if you do it right, being there once is enough.
What do you think to my recommendations of things to do in Bangkok in 3 days? Do you have any other suggestions?
Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.
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