4 Days In Bangkok Itinerary: A Perfect Guide
Spending 4 AMAZING Days In Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, can be overwhelming with its endless array of temples, markets, and cultural experiences. If you’re looking for a 4 days in Bangkok itinerary, you’re in the right place.
After visiting Bangkok multiple times over the years as a digital nomad, I’ve learned exactly which attractions are worth your time and which ones you can skip.
From the stunning sights of Bangkok, like Wat Arun, to the magnificent Grand Palace, and the peaceful reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, I’ll show you the best way to experience Bangkok’s essential sights while avoiding tourist traps.
This carefully planned itinerary will help you get around the city efficiently, making sure you don’t waste a single moment of your 4-day visit.
During one of my trips, I stumbled into a local karaoke bar where I ended up singing with the house guitarist until late into the night. The experience was so memorable that months later, I made sure to return just to sing with him again.
These unexpected moments are what make Bangkok so special.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more of what the city offers, this guide will help you make the most of your limited time.
Let’s get started with your perfect 4 days in Bangkok!
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Bangkok Travel Vlog
Day 1 in Bangkok
Visit Jim Thompson House
Jim Thompson House is a stunning traditional wooden house made of teak wood.
Why should we be interested?
Jim Thompson was an American businessman who helped to develop the Thai textile industry in the mid-twentieth century.
As a former military officer, architect and spy, he served the American public and then moved to Bangkok to set up his business.
Sadly, Thomson went missing while travelling in Malaysia, and his disappearance remains a huge mystery as he was never found.
His museum and house are located at Jim Thompson House, 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok. The house became his masterpiece, which he filled with items he collected from his diverse past.
Included in the entrance ticket is a tour which is very insightful and tells Thompson’s story so eloquently and brings it to life.
You can enjoy the linen exhibition upstairs and see the colours and fabrics with which Thompson made his name.
When we visited, it was amazing to walk around and see how the interior looked. It felt sheltered away from the chaos of Bangkok.
I loved the tables, chairs and design of the house in general.
Including the tour, you can expect to spend about 2.5-3 hours here to make it worthwhile.
- Opening Times: 10.00 AM – 18.00 PM
- Cost: 200 Baht Per Person (Free for Children under ten years when accompanied by an adult).
- Suggested Tour: Get the tour once inside; included in the entry ticket. The last tour starts at 05.00 PM, and the tours are in English, French, Japanese, Chinese and Thai.
Shop At MBK Centre
Exploring the MBK Centre in Bangkok can be a pleasant experience.
When we visited, I felt like the shopping mall would keep going up and up and up. It’s so big! People are scurrying around looking for the best deal they can find. There is an endless number of outlets found inside.
Additionally, it was great to see locals chilling out and relaxing, while friends met up and shoppers browsed the stores.
Amazingly, this shopping centre has seven floors, including restaurants, electronics, coworking spaces and other merchandise for sale.
Should you need any clothes or gadgets, or you are simply hungry in Bangkok, check the MBK Centre as they will likely be able to sort you out.
I had an issue with my iPhone, so we went to the mobile and IT zone. One repair person fixed it in a matter of moments for 200 Baht. Another wanted to charge me almost 3,000 Baht.
My biggest tip: always shop around.
The closest BTS stop is Siam Station, about one kilometre away, so depending on where you’re coming from, it’s useful to know this is your stop.
Opening Times: 10.00 AM – 10.00 PM
Cost: Free
Visit Lumphini Park
One of my favourite things to do in Bangkok was strolling around Lumphini Park.
When I first visited, I was amazed by the stunning skyscrapers surrounding the park. Every direction offered a view of impressive architecture reaching into the sky.
The park itself spans 142 acres and provides a remarkable green oasis within one of Southeast Asia’s largest cities.
During my visit, we encountered several large monitor lizards roaming around and catching fish near the central lake. They would emerge from the water and move slowly across the grounds, completely unfazed by the people around them.
It was fascinating!
I saw hundreds of people running through the park at sunset. There were yoga sessions happening in large groups at the entrance to the park.
It was full of atmosphere and activity.
If you can, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon, like when we went. It looks totally different during the day than at night.
Get your flight to Thailand so you can start planning your trip right away.
Day 2
Discover Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan
Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan, or simply Wat Suthat for short, is totally worth a visit when in Bangkok.
Once inside, you can expect to learn why Wat Suthat was built and the meaning behind it.
The temple is a symbolic representation of the sacred Buddhist Mountain, Semeru.
Before you enter, make sure to inspect the Giant swing outside, which is one of the recognisable parts of Bangkok.
I loved gazing at this from outside purely because of its size!
As far back as 1935, there was a swinging ceremony called Triyampavai-Tripavai, which was organised in many different cities bearing similar swings but ceased to run due to health and safety reasons, which must have been an interesting experience.
This particular temple is one of the six royal temples in Bangkok.
Construction began in 1807 CE by Rama I, but the temple wasn’t completed for another forty years under the guidance of Rama III.
The structure of the temple is beautiful with a green, red, orange and gold roof.
Inside the temple, you will find a large golden Buddha where you can relax and meditate with other visitors. When I visited, we could walk around in almost silence as monks passed in and out.
The perimeter wall is lined with mostly golden Buddhas and a few black Buddhas, adding more enchantment to the temple.
Morning is the ideal time to visit, as there are typically few tourists inside. This allows you to stroll at a leisurely pace and fully appreciate the temple’s beauty.
You can spend anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours here.
It was a beautiful experience and should be part of your Bangkok 4 day itinerary.
Opening Times: 08.00 AM – 18.00 PM
Cost: 100 Baht Per Person
Witness The Grand Palace
A trip to Bangkok is not complete without visiting the Grand Palace.
Don’t forget to wear trousers and cover your shoulders; otherwise, you will not be able to enter.
If you forget, you can rent them outside for 50 Baht or buy a pair for 100 Baht.
I will be honest, the Grand Palace is astonishing.
The architecture is wonderful to see. Interestingly, it was designed by a British architect, Mr John Clunish, at the request of King Rama V in 1877.
The Palace is an amazing complex of buildings located in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. Additionally, the palace has been the official residence of the Kings since 1782. The king and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925, when they moved out to various other locations.
During my visit, I discovered that the real attraction was the Wat Phra Kaew (the Emerald Buddha). Interestingly, only the King is permitted to touch it, and this sacred statue draws visitors from all corners of the world.
In the past, the Buddha was carved from a single piece of Jasper, and the story goes that it was found in Chiang Rai and then moved to Chiang Mai, to Luang Prabang, and Vantiene before eventually ending up in Bangkok.
Another brilliant experience was the theatre performance included in the entry ticket. You can watch some of it in my Grand Palace Video.
Thankfully, a shuttle bus right outside the Grand Palace exit can bring you to Bangkok’s Royal Theatre, where a performance of the historic dance of Thailand will be on show.
Opening Times: 08.30 AM – 03.30 PM
Cost: 500 Baht Per Person
Explore Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho)
Another great place to visit in Bangkok is Wat Pho. Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
It is located on Rattanakosin Island, directly south of and opposite to the Grand Palace.
Did you know the name of this temple refers to the monastery of the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, where it is believed Buddha attained enlightenment?
It is one of the oldest Wats in the city and it covers 80,000 square metres, hosting no less than 1,000 Buddha images.
The reclining Buddha was built by Rama III in 1832, and the picture of the reclining Buddha represents the entry of Buddha into Nirvana and the end of all reincarnations.
The exterior of the temples and the familiar spires in the sky are terrific and synonymous with Bangkok.
If you are lucky, you can experience the roof reflecting the sunlight beautifully on the orange exterior.
Be aware that you may need to queue to get the best picture of the reclining Buddha, and it can be competitive!
I had to wait at every angle of the Buddha as people were asking strangers to take photos of them for the memory bank.
Best to wait patiently and enjoy the aura of the environment that you are in. Take your time to explore the full complex and soak it all in.
Wat Pho is a must-see destination during your 4-day Bangkok itinerary. I promise you’ll regret missing it.
Opening Times: 08.00 AM – 18.30AM
Cost: 200 Baht Per Person
Visit Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique is a beautiful part of Bangkok, and the hop-on hop-off boat has made it easily accessible since 2003.
The open-air mall can be a nice place to add to your 4-day itinerary for Bangkok, especially if you want to splash out and get something really nice.
A one-way ticket on the hop-on on hop-off ferry costs 30 baht, and a full-day ticket costs 200 baht.
What better way to take in the panoramic view the city has to offer than by floating down the Chao Phraya River, getting a good seat upstairs, and simply watching the skyscrapers pass you by until you arrive at Asiatique?
You can enjoy the sunset on the way back, too.
It can be nice to have dinner along the riverbank. You can develop an appetite by shopping until your legs are tired in the many outlets located at Asiatique.
Other fun things to do include the Asiatique Sky Ferris wheel, which was very popular or attending a Muay Thai event. You could easily spend 2-3 hours entertaining yourself in Asiatique.
Day 3
Experience Wat Arun
Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most iconic temples.
While I have visited both in the morning and evening, evening is best, as you can see the sunset reflected off the spire. It was a magical experience to witness this, but be prepared for crowds at this time.
For the purposes of the 4-day Bangkok itinerary and to maximise all the sites, I suggest you visit in the morning.
Located on the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya River, it is located directly opposite the Grand Palace.
What makes travelling here very handy is that it is easily accessible by ferry from the east bank for a cost of 5 Baht per person.
The ferry only takes a few minutes to cross and is a lot of fun itself!
Interestingly, the temple was standing before Bangkok existed as a city, even before 1782. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruṇa, often personified as the radiations of the rising sun.
You can climb up only about one-third of the 82-metre tower, as there must be health and safety regulations to allow people up too high. Still, you can get decent views across the river and back into the city.
When I visited, there were scores of women dressed in traditional Thai clothing full of colours, and there were many professional photographers shooting them for Instagram.
You can get some brilliant photos here, so make sure you try to as well.
Opening Times: 08.00 AM – 18.00 PM
Cost: 100 Baht Per Person
Explore Wat Saket (Golden Mount)
One of the best views from a temple in Bangkok is from Wat Saket.
Be prepared for a bit of climbing. The Golden Buddha is 80 meters tall.
The Golden Mount is an important pilgrimage site for Thai Buddhists, particularly during the annual Loy Krathong festival when devotees gather to make merit.
Luckily, when I visited, the festival was taking place and the streets were packed with laughter and an atmosphere I had never witnessed in the city before.
I loved roaming around on the street level, where numerous markets filled the streets. Endless options for food were available, and we tasted some of the best food in Bangkok.
When we got to the top, we were treated to stunning views of Bangkok. The skyline was visible in a complete 360-degree panorama. Visitors could also ring a bell at the top of the tower.
We bought tickets at the bottom of the stairs. A small line had formed, but since it was peak season and coincided with the festival, it was extremely busy.
Opening Times: 08.00 AM – 07.00 PM
Cost: 100 Baht
Visit Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen
When you get to Bangkok, you will almost certainly be asked by a tuk-tuk driver if you want to go to the Big Buddha.
Ignore them! This is a scam because they will claim it’s closed when it’s not and try to take you elsewhere.
Instead, tell a tuk-tuk driver you want to go to the Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen.
To get to the temple, you have to walk along some beautiful small canals and over narrow bridges. The streets here are full of character and colour.
It felt like tourism didn’t extend this far out of Bangkok, except for the temple we wanted to visit. There were few tourists around the streets.
Once inside, you can walk around the temple.
When we visited, we witnessed a ceremony in one of the prayer areas where dozens of monks assembled in front of us. They hummed together, and it was truly relaxing. I have never seen this type of thing before.
Of course, the iconic thing to see here is the big golden Buddha visible from most of the city.
Once you have experienced the Big Buddha, make sure you walk the narrow streets to Paknam Temple to get the best photo spot for the Big Buddha. It was also here where we got a motorboat to take us around the canal while it was getting dark.
The boat cost us 400 baht and we went along the canal for about 30 minutes which was worth every penny.
This was so much fun! We got amazing views and were able to see Bangkok from another perspective.
Day 4
Shop Till You Drop At ICONSIAM
If you want to feel like a million dollars, then go shopping at ICONSIAM.
This place stands out like a sore thumb along Bangkok’s skyline, and that’s saying something.
Lights, music, and crowds fill this shopping mall with the energy that only Bangkok can produce. I loved exploring this place.
There’s an amazing viewpoint in the outdoor area upstairs where you can see the Chao Phraya River and deep into Bangkok.
Stunning views that are worth visiting for alone.
There is a main pier where ferries and hop-on, hop-off boats drop off passengers.
From here, you can either take another ferry or exit onto the street on the west side of the river. I recommend grabbing a coffee at C.P.S Coffee and walking around to see what’s on offer.
Inside, there is a cinema with 14 screens, and luxury residences for the people who live in the city.
Stores inside include H&M, Uniqlo, Zara, JD Sports and Apple.
Stroll Through Talat Noi
Artistically and strategically located, Talat Noi is a great place to explore on foot for people who love unusual places, bright colours in the streets, and great coffee.
Walking through these streets was a shock in the best sense.
It is a historic neighbourhood with very cool street art and interesting coffee shops and restaurants.
People had settled here before Bangkok was created. Lots of Chinese settlers called this place home before Bangkosk’s foundation, as it is so close to Chinatown.
Interestingly, the first people who actually settled here were the Portuguese who came from Ayutthaya.
Every corner I turned showed me another beautiful design on the walls. Some even say it’s a hipster’s paradise!
There are a couple of places I recommend trying when in Talat Noi.
Naam 1608 is situated right on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. It’s a beautiful place to have a drink and watch the boats passing by.
The food here is sublime. I recommend trying the chicken massaman, my favourite Thai dish. The food here is truly authentic!
The best place to grab a coffee is Hong Sieng Kong.
Make sure you walk through the premises and go upstairs to see some interesting old furniture.
Sitting out back along the river makes for a great sunset spot, too!
Explore Chinatown
Chinatown is a fun and active part of Bangkok.
Here you can eat the tastiest street food and walk through the streets at night with the bright lights illuminating your surroundings.
The difficult part is deciding where to eat, as the aromas will pull you in different directions, so be prepared!
It can be a wonderful eating experience!
This part of Bangkok is fascinating because it dates back to 1782 when the first Chinese people settled here. It is one of the oldest parts of the city and yet one of the most exciting.
There are some amazing late-night seafood options.
If you like to eat Chinese food and spice in random streets where locals sit around drinking beers, then Chinatown is a must on your 4-day Bangkok itinerary.
You could spend a couple of hours in Chinatown and not get bored.
Where To Stay In Bangkok
Bangkok is the biggest city in Thailand and the second largest in Southeast Asia after Jakarta.
So there are plenty of locations to consider staying in.
I recommend staying in Riverside, Chinatown, Phra Nakhon or Sukhumvit.
These locations are all central and within walking distance of many main attractions, or just a short tuk-tuk ride away.
Riverside will have quick and easy access along the river, which is a fun thing to do. You can stop off and visit places as you go.
If you want to stay on the river, check out Chillax Heritage Hotel Khaosan, New Siam Riverside or The Grand Sathorn for some good options that don’t break the bank.
Chinatown has so many good places to stay.
The food is great, and you can travel easily from the Wat Mangkon MRT Station. Check out Pipp Residence, Pho Place and W22 by Burasari, all of which have great reviews.
Phra Nakhon is central as it’s close to Wat Suthat.
When we stayed in Bangkok, we chose Phra Nakhon. The New Siam Palace Ville Hotel is a great 3-star option with a pool and a fantastic breakfast. Great for couples and solo travellers. Another place we stayed was U & D Guesthouse. While it wasn’t the best, it’s a great budget option. Perfect for people on a budget.
Sukhumvit has a green metro line which runs along the main street, making travel easy and is popular among young tourists and digital nomads.
Some places to consider are The Promenade Bangkok, Solitaire Bangkok Sukhumvit 11, and Hope Land Hotel Sukhumvit 8.
There are plenty of options for budget and luxury travellers, so anybody will find a nice place to stay.
Bangkok City 5 Hotel Options*
If you want to go for the jugular and go all out, then make sure you consider these hotels in Bangkok.
The hotels below are some of the best-rated places to stay in the city.
Public House Hotel – Sukhumvit 31
Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
While I did not stay at these hotels, you know you’re going to get quality, and the reviews prove it.
Thailand Travel Insurance
I use and trust Safety Wing, and I have direct experience with them.
When Lupe needed to have her appendix removed in Kazakhstan, they were superb. They followed up with us more than we did with them, which was a great sign.
Additionally, they reimbursed us promptly. To be honest, we expected to have problems given the nature of the business, but they were on our side from the start.
This was such a relief!
I recommend never travelling without insurance because o this very incident.
Thankfully, they will cover you too for a trip to Thailand!
Final Thoughts
I hope you can take something away from this 4-day itinerary for Bangkok.
The city has so much to offer and I would certainly recommend you visit at some point.
Thai people have been the friendliest I have come across in my travels, and their capital is full of sites to keep you busy. It has colour, atmosphere and excitement.
Thankfully, it’s very affordable too.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure to check out my Southeast Asia Packing List to make sure you bring what is needed!
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
Is 4 Days Enough For Bangkok?
It can be. You can spend as many days as you want in Bangkok and see more things which can capture your attention each day. While many attractions can be checked off your list in 4 days, other notable things to do include visiting Chatuchak Weekend Market, Floating Market, King Power MahaNakhon, Bakoye Tower, Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket), Lumpini Park, National Museum Bangkok (Phranakorn) and SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World.
Is Bangkok Worth Seeing?
Certainly. Spending 4 days in Bangkok will allow you to experience Thai culture and amazing food like Pad Thai, Green curry or Seitan Satay and many of the major sites, which make Bangkok worth a visit for 4 days. If you have more days in Bangkok, wonderful, you should be able to tick more of the best sites off your bucket list. There are some crazy things to do in Thailand, too, and Bangkok has many!
Is Bangkok A Walkable City?
The beauty of Bangkok is that it is a very walkable city. Many of the major sites are located within 10-45 minutes of each other. Footpaths are very common, meaning it can be a pleasurable experience to walk the streets of Bangkok and visit the local attractions. It is important, however, to note the time of day and temperature to ensure you have a comfortable time when planning your day.
When To Visit Bangkok?
The best time to visit Bangkok is from December to February. It’s not too hot – 23 degrees to 29 degrees. March until June is much hotter, ranging from 32 to 40 degrees, so be prepared for humid heat. Between July and October, you’d better bring your rain jacket as it is the monsoon season, and there can be big downpours. Should you have the choice, Winter is the best time to visit Bangkok with a 4-day itinerary.
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I have to start by saying that the cover photo is absolutely extraordinary. I don’t know if it’s yours, but if it is, congratulations!
The guide is extremely well structured and detailed, and just by reading it you can get a sense of the cultural shock that one must feel in Bangkok.
A massage to end such intense days would unquestionably be the icing on the cake.
Thanks Angela. It is my photo. That’s a nice comment to get 😊
What a great post! We visited Bangkok some years ago but we only had a day or so there before touring other parts of Thailand and we missed out on some of these places. The temples of Ayutthaya looked absolutely amazing and we would love to have explored these. Your itinerary is nicely designed and has great practical advice on costs and appropriate dress.
Thanks Mitch 😊
I spent 5 days in Bangkok, many, many years ago and loved the city and the surrounding attraction.
There are some beautiful photos here and that Main pic is wonderfully evocative of the city.
The info here is great and reading it brought back some delightful memories. The city has grown so much as Asiatique wasn’t there many years ago and looks like a development out of Singapore – such has the city moved on over the years.
This is a great post for anyone wanting to capture the essence and main sites of the city, with informative historical references too.
Thanks Barry 😊
So many things to do! Thanks for compiling it all into an itinerary – definitely makes it much easier whenever I get to visit! Thailand seems like such a cool place with a lot of extremes. Do you find it overwhelming at all?
I spent a couple of weeks in Bangkok on my first visit and I still didn’t run out of things to do. I’ve been back a couple of times since then and always something different to see. I do like getting out of Bangkok too as it is a little chaotic, so Ayutthaya would be a place I will add to my list for next time. Always happy to find some good street food, cheap drinks and enjoy a temple or 7.
A compact and comprehensive 4 day itinerary for Bangkok, thanks for pulling together all the research. I gather that Bangkok is a heaven for temples and I would like to explore these. Your itinerary has a nice mixture of popular tourist sites, street food and where the cool kids hang out. The balance of activities is just right and also allows for own exploring time or to chill out, which I feel you need some downtime to process chaotic Bangkok.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
I really need to visit this part of the world! I’ve never been in a temple and it’s high on my bucketlist. I would love to meet a Buddist Monk. A night in Chinatown sounds fun. But I’d be tasting a bit of all the food. I love that foot massages are available. Perfect after a long day of walking. Great post!
You’ll find me in Chinatown, eating, eating and eating!
Great itinerary, James, and lots of tips to take away. Particularly loving the food and Wat Pho, man that place looks incredible.
What’s been your favourite thing to eat so far?
Keep up the good work.
Luke & Russ | Two Guys Tripping
Hey!
Favourite thing to eat probably a massaman curry! Love Thai food!!