Bangkok, Thailand Itinerary + Travel Budget Guide for first-timers

Traveling to Bangkok is a rite of passage for many aspiring jet-setters eager to start a journey around Southeast Asia & beyond.

My first experience in Bangkok was nerve-racking but very memorable. In fact, it was the first time I went on a solo trip abroad, and the first foreign city I stepped foot on after going on “training” trips to easier destinations like Hong Kong and Singapore. I’ve visited Bangkok many times since then.

Why I keep coming back to Bangkok? It’s a dynamic city full of interesting sights and flavors. For me, its most alluring charm was the exotic appeal. Having grown up in a westernized Catholic country, getting to visit royal palaces, majestic Buddhist temples & indulging in authentic Thai food was too exciting to resist. To add the cherry on top, traveling in Bangkok & the rest of Thailand can be very affordable.

Traveling to Bangkok for the first time? Read this detailed travel guide to make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money, and maximize your time.

Bangkok Travel Guide Blog

Bangkok Itinerary

What’s the best Bangkok itinerary? If it’s your first time visiting, you’ll want to explore the Old City, experience the modern side of Bangkok, and, of course, get a good taste of its legendary street food.

How many days to spend in Bangkok? Three days is enough to cover the highlights, but staying longer gives you time for day trips to nearby destinations or to enjoy the city at a more relaxed pace.

Scroll down for a sample 6-day itinerary, including day trips to Pattaya and Ayutthaya. This is just a sample itinerary and it’s jam-packed with activities, so feel free to adjust it based on your schedule and what you want to do. Tap the links below to save the pin locations on Google Maps for easy trip planning.

DAY 0:

✨ Flight to Bangkok
✨ Airport to hotel transfer
✨ Bangkok hotel check-in — BOOK HERE. Recommended hotel areas are Siam, Silom, Riverside and Pratunam. Book a hotel near a BTS Skytrain or MRT subway station.

pro-tip: Add promo codes BEFORE BOOKING to avail instant discounts on hotels & activities. Tap below to redeem:

✅ AVAIL HERE / 8% OFF Agoda Hotels: DETOURISTA
$100 / ₱5,900 max discount

✅ AVAIL HERE / 3% OFF Agoda Activities: DETOURAGODA
$10 / ₱590 max discount

✅ AVAIL HERE / 5% OFF Klook: DETOURISTAKLOOK
₱800 max discount

see more: travel promo codes & how to book.

DAY 1: Old Bangkok & Chao Phraya Riverside

08:00AM Wat Arun — THB 200. Save location.
09:30AM Grand Palace — THB 500. BOOK HERE. Save location.
12:30AM Lunch — Save location.
02:00PM Wat Pho — THB 300. Save location.
03:30PM Museum Siam — THB 100. Save location.
05:00PM Sunset with Wat Arun view
07:00PM ICONSIAM Fountain Show — FREE.
07:30PM Dinner at Sooksiam

This is a do-it-yoursef (DIY) itinerary, so having a mobile data eSIM will make your trip infinitely better. Tap below to compare plans & prices:

Get eSIM hereCompare here

DAY 2: Siam, Silom & River Cruise

09:00AM Shopping in Pratunam — choose 1 or 2:
Pratunam Market — Save location.
Platinum Mall — Save location.
December’s — FREE. Save location.
11:00AM LV The Place Bangkok — FREE. Save location.
12:00PM Lunch at Siam Paragon foodcourt  Save location.
01:00PM Bangkok Art & Culture Center — FREE. Save location.

3:30PM Silom — choose 1:
Mahanakhon Skywalk — THB 1,000. BOOK HERE. Save location.
% Arabica at Empire Tower — THB 120 to 185. Save Location.
07:30PM Chao Phraya River Cruise — THB 1,200. BOOK HERE.

DAY 3: Ancient City & Chinatown

09:00AM Ancient City — THB 380 combo ticket. BOOK HERE. Save location.
02:00PM Erawan Museum BOOK HERE. Save location.
05:30PM Chinatown  — FREE. Save location.
07:00PM Dinner at Yaowarat Night Market — Save location.
08:30PM Khao San Road at night

DAY 4: Pattaya

Option 1: DIY Pattaya day tour via private transport — BOOK HERE

07:00AM Bangkok departure
09:30AM Sanctuary of Truth — THB 450. BOOK HERE. Save location.
12:00PM Lunch at Jomtien Beach — Save location.
02:00PM Khao Chi Chan Buddha — FREE. Save location.
02:30PM Nongnooch Garden — THB 380. BOOK HERE. Save location.
08:00PM Bangkok arrival

Option 2: Pattaya joiner tour from Bangkok — BOOK HERE.

DAY 5: Ayutthaya

Option 1: DIY Ayuttahaya day tour via private transport — BOOK HERE

0:008AM Bang Pa-In Palace — THB 100. Save location.
09:30AM Wat Mahathat — THB 80. Save location.
10:30AM Wat Chaiwatthanaram — THB 80. Save location.
12:00PM Lunch
01:30PM Explore Ayutthaya — choose 1 to 3:
Kum Khun Phaan — FREE. Save location.
Wat Lokaya Sutha — FREE. Save location.
Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit — Save location.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet — THB 50. Save location.
Wat Ratchaburana — THB 80. Save location.
Wat Yai Chai Mongkol Worawihan — THB 40. Save location.
04:00PM Bangkok arrival

Option 2: Ayutthaya joiner tour from Bangkok — THB 1,065. BOOK HERE.

DAY 6: Floating Market & Train Market

Joiner tour from Bangkok — THB 798. BOOK HERE.

07:30AM Bangkok departure
09:00AM Damnoen Saduak Floating Market — FREE. Save location.
12:00PM Lunch
02:00PM Maeklong Railway Market — FREE. Save location.
05:00PM Bangkok arrival

Scroll down for the detailed step-by-step itinerary & must-know Bangkok travel tips.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

Best Hotel Neightborhoods

To maximize this itinerary, I recommend booking a hotel within these areas/neighborhoods:

✅ Siam & Pratunam — home to Bangkok’s mega malls & best bargains. Perfect for first-timers wanting BTS Skytrain access and a central base for Grab/taxi rides to major attractions in the city.
✅ Silom / Bangrak — central base for hassle-free rides to the best of Bangkok with access to both BTS and MRT train lines, a vibrant street food scene & lively nightlife.
✅ Old Bangkok Riverside — cinematic views of the Chao Phraya River and Wat Arun. Easy access to Old City temples, Chinatown street food, the MRT line and ferry piers.

How to find the best hotels within your budget?

✨ Step 1: Tap below to search & compare hotels in Bangkok:

Trip.comAgodaKlookTravelokaAirAsia MOVE

✨ Step 2: Tap “Filters” and select neighborhoods to narrow down the search results. Choose Siam, Pratunam, Silom, & Riverside to start.
✨ Step 3: Set your max budget.
✨ Step 4: Sort by Top Guest Reviews

Recommended Bangkok Hotels

Note: rates posted may include promo code discounts & fluctuate based on real-time prices.

How to Add Promo Codes for Extra Discount

The easiest way is to simply tap all of the links below BEFORE BOOKING:

✅ AVAIL HERE / 8% OFF Agoda Hotels: DETOURISTA
$100 / ₱6000 max discount

✅ AVAIL HERE / 5% OFF Agoda Activities: DETOURAGODA
$10 / ₱600 max discount

✅ AVAIL HERE / 5% OFF Klook: DETOURISTAKLOOK
₱800 max discount

pro-tip: upon checkout, make sure the promo codes above are selected before proceeding to payment.

You can also add the codes manually, here’s how to do in on Agoda:

✨ Step 1: open the Agoda app.
✨ Step 2: tap “Deals” (bottom menu). Then scroll to “Coupons”.
✨ Step 3: enter promo code “DETOURISTA” in ALL CAPS to get 10% OFF hotels. $100 / ₱5,900 max discount.
✨ Step 4: tap check to redeem.
✨ Step 5: enter promo code: “DETOURAGODA” to get 7% OFF activities. $10 / ₱600 max discount.
✨ Step 6: tap check to redeem. That’s it!

How to add promo codes on Klook:

✨ Step 1: open the Klook app.
✨ Step 2: tap “Accounts” (bottom right).
✨ Step 3: tap “Promo Codes” (top left).
✨ Step 4: enter promo code: “DETOURISTAKLOOK”.
✨ Step 5: tap “Redeem”.

pro-tip: promo codes may be automatically removed from the app after some time. You might need to re-enter the code to get the discounts.

see more travel promo codes & how to book.

Useful Bangkok Travel Tips

No Visa Needed for Filipinos — Thailand is VISA-FREE for Philippine passport holders visiting the country for up to 60 days.

Know your airport first — Bangkok actually has two airports on the opposite sites of the city, so definitely double-check your flight booking. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the “The Big One”. Don Mueang Airport (DMK) is smaller and mainly caters to budget carriers.

Avoid money exchanges at the arrival gate — exchange rates at the booths right after you exit baggage claim are terrible. You’ll lose a lot of money! If you’re arriving at Suvarnabhumi-BKK, go instead to SuperRich (basement floor near the Airport Rail Link). At Don Meuang, head to HappyRich at the SRT train station outside the main terminal building.

Use ride-hailing apps — install Grab, Bolt & MuvMi apps for convenient rides around Bangkok. I mainly use Grab. It’s the most reliable. Bolt is often cheaper, but drivers frequently cancel, which can be a total time-waster. For short trips like getting from a BTS station to your hotel, try MuvMi e-tuktuks.

Ride the train during peak hours — avoid car/taxi rides during the morning rush hours from 7-9AM or evening traffic crawl from 5-7PM. Take the BTS Skytrain or MRT subway instead for faster commutes.

Hop on Chao Phraya River ferries — it’s way more scenic, budget friendly, skips traffic, and stops at major attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Chinatown & ICONSIAM.

Places to Visit + Things To Do in Bangkok

Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok

What eSIM should I get for Thailand?

Choosing the right eSIM for Thailand depends on your length of stay, data needs, and preferred setup. For my own trips, I use Klook because it is consistently affordable and reliable. To help you compare, tap below to compare prices on Agoda and other specialized eSIM apps.

Klook eSIM:

Agoda eSIM:

Reco eSIM apps for Thailand:

AiraloSailyHolafly

How many days to spend in Bangkok?

3 days is enough to visit many of the major tourist spots in Bangkok. If you want to include nearby areas like Pattaya or Ayutthaya, set at least 4 to 5 full days. A shorter visit of 2 full days is possible by skimming through the highlights & planning your itinerary well.

What are the requirements for Filipino tourists visiting Thailand?

Thailand is VISA-FREE for Philippine passport holders visiting the country for up to 60 days. Here’s what you need to prepare for a smooth experience at Thai immigration:

✅ Valid Passport — should not expire within the next 6 months.
✅ Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
✅ Return Flight — confirmed flight tickets only.
✅ Proof of Funds — THB 20,000 per person or THB 40,000 per family or any equivalent currency.
✅ Hotel Booking

If you are staying for more than 30 days, remember to double-check the expiry date on the arrival stamp because they might shorten the max stay to 30 days only.

In addition to requirements listed above, you will also need the following for the PH immigration:

✅  eTravel PH QR — for Filipino travelers only

Other Thailand travel essentials. These are not required by immigration but good to have ready:

✅ eSIM
✅ Tours + Activities Booking
✅ Travel Insurance

How to get a TDAC?

Before your flight, remember to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). It’s FREE! so avoid third-party sites that charge a fee. Submit your arrival card information at the Thailand Immigration official website within 72 hours (3 days) before arriving.

Do I need to bring the THB 20K ‘Show Money’?

Short answer is YES. Thai immigration can legally ask to see THB 20,000 per person or THB 40,000 per family in cash. Any currency will do, so Philippine Peso (around PHP 36.5K) or US Dollar (around USD 605) is accepted.

In reality, checking is rare. In my many trips to Thailand, neither I nor any of my friends/family/people I personally know have ever been asked to produce this “show money.” It’s important to know they have this law, but it’s not something to stress over either. Thai immigration just wants to know that you can afford this trip and you’re not planning to overstay illegally. Approach them politely, confidently and be honestly. They will only ask you more questions if you give them a reason to be suspicious.

What I highly recommend, is to bring enough cash to prove that you can afford the trip. Even if it’s not the full amount, at least you have something to show. Philippine Peso, US Dollar or any currency is accepted (not just Thai Baht).

What you can do as backup:

✅ Bank certificate (last 3 months)
✅ Banking app with sufficient funds
✅ Pre-booked hotels, tours & activities to prove your major expenses are already paid for.

Random spot checks do happen, so it’s always best to be prepared with the cash on hand or a solid backup plan, just in case.

Can I show Thai immigration my bank statement or banking app?

Yes, you can try, but physical money or printed documents is better. Thai immigration officers may, at their discretion, refuse to accept digital copies or check your phone.

What airport should I choose BKK or DMK?

Bangkok has two airports located on the opposite sites of the city. It’s okay to to fly into either. Your choice will mostly depend on your airline preference and budget.

✨Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) — the main international hub used generally by full service carriers like Thai Airways and Philippine Airlines (PAL). Travel time by direct train to the city via the Airport Express Rail (ARL) only takes 30 minutes.

✨ Don Meuang Airport (DMK) — the older hub used by low-cost carriers like AirAsia, Nok Air and Cebu Pacific. Travel time by car to the city is 30 to 40 minutes during off peak hours.

After booking your flight, always double-check the airport code & terminal indicated in your itinerary to avoid mixing them up. Because these airports are roughly 45-50 KM apart, arriving at the wrong one can lead to wasted time & money.

Where to exchange money?

Don’t swap your currency at the first kiosk you see after baggage claim. Those counters usually offer the least favorable rates, which means you’ll get fewer Baht for your Pesos or Dollars.

Best Rates at the Airports:

✅ SuperRich (Suvarnabhumi-BKK; Use the elevator to bo to Basement B Floor near Airport Rail Link)
✅ HappyRich (Don Mueang-DMK; SRT train station; 5-10 minute walk from the terminal)
✅ Cloud Currency ExchangeClick (Don Mueang-DMK; Use the elevator to go to the 4th Floor, near the Food Court)

Pro-trip: Change just enough cash at the airport to cover your transport and first day expenses. You’ll get the best exchange rates at money changers in the city, especially at Pratunam area near CentralWorld and Platinum Mall.

How can I avoid high ATM fees in Thailand

Every withdrawal using a foreign card has a flat fee of THB 220 (~PHP 400). To save money, withdraw the maximum amount allowed (usually THB 20,000 to 30,000) in a single transaction rather than making multiple small withdrawals.

How to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport-BKK to the city?

A convenient airport rail link connects downtown Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi Airport. If you are traveling light, this is the best option. It’s fast, cheap, and most importantly, avoids Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams.

How to get from Don Meuang Airport-DMK to the city?

Don Meuang is connected to Bangkok via the local SRT line and getting to the city requires multiple transfers. For hassle-free rides, book an airport transfer or use ride-hailing apps like Grab. Travel time by car is 30 to 40 minutes during off peak hours (early morning). Expect the trip to take around 1 hour to 1H30M or more during peak traffic hours.

Can I use card or cashless payments in Bangkok?

You still need to pay cash at most street food stall and small shops (for example in Platinum Mall, Pratunam, Chatuchak & other local markets). Cash is still king. Card payments are also widely accepted at convenience store like 7 Eleven, malls, etc. It’s kind of 50/50.

Can I use my GCash app in Bangok?

Cashless payments are popular in Bangkok. You can use your GCash app to buy BTS Skytrain tickets (at the vending machine) and pay at shops with an Alipay+ logo. Just open Gcash, select QR, & tap “Pay abroad with Alipay+” to generate a QR code to present for payment. You cannot just scan any Thai QR “PromptPay” with your GCash QR scanner. Instead, the merchant must scan your QR code.

How to get around Bangkok?

There’s plenty of transport options to choose from. Depending on your destination, you can commute by local transport (train, bus, ferry, tuktuk), book on ride-hailing apps, or get a taxi.

Stay off the roads during rush hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM). During these times, use the BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway, or the river ferries to skip the heavy traffic.

What apps to download before traveling to Bangkok?

Best Transport + Ride-Hailing Apps

✨ Google Maps — non-negotiable for DIY trips. Always use it when exploring Bangkok or anywhere in Thailand. The directions feature is especially helpful for navigating local transport like the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, public buses, and Chao Phraya ferry lines. Download offline maps before your trip to save data. Just search “Bangkok” or “Thailand,” open the menu, and tap “Download” (or the three dots > “Download”).
✨ Grab — the most reliable app for booking car or motorcycle rides in Bangkok and major cities.
✨ Bolt — usually cheaper than Grab. Best if you’re not in a rush, since drivers sometimes cancel mid-pickup.
✨ 12go — best for booking buses, trains, and ferries across Thailand like booing the train/bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
✨ Bookaway — useful for comparing fares alongside 12Go.
✨ MuvMi — affordable electric tuk-tuk rides within select neighborhoods. Great for short distances, like from a BTS station to your hotel or around the Grand Palace area. It’s a good way to avoid long walks in Bangkok’s intense midday heat.
✨ ViaBus — for checking local bus routes and real-time tracking.
✨ BKK Rail — helps you view train routes and stations.
✨ Klook — booking airport transfers & private car (charter).

eSIM Apps

✨ Airalo  — one of the easiest and most affordable options for mobile data. Plans include a Thai number for call/text.
✨ Klook  — offers cheap Thailand eSIMs and multi-country East Asia plans.

Hotels + Activities

✨ Agoda  — often has some of the lowest prices for hotels and activities.
✨ Klook  — great for tours & attraction tickets.
✨ Trip.com — great rewards program and sometimes matches or beats Agoda/Klook price
✨ GetYourGuide — solid option for tours and activities.

Travel Essentials

✨ Google Translate — useful for Thai translations. Download the Thai language offline before your trip (Menu > Languages > download Thai).
✨ XE — quick and easy currency conversion.
✨ Calculator (iOS) — use the built-in convert currency feature.
✨ Line + Whatsapp — useful to contact locals & businesses.

Flights

✨ Flightradar — what i use to  flight tracking flights in real time.
✨ AirAsia MOVE — comparing airfares on multiple airlines
✨ Skyscanner — another reliable flight comparison tool.

Chao Phraya River Ferry

Is the river boat a good way to see the city? Yes! Ride the Blue Flag Tourist Boat (unlimited rides for only ฿150) or the Orange Flag Boats for cheaper commutes. It’s way more scenic, budget friendly, and stops at major attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Chinatown & ICONSIAM.

Where to eat in Bangkok?

The best food in Thailand are the affordable street stalls. If there’s a line, food is fresh and authentic. don’t miss out on mall foodcourts too:

✅ Siam Paragon (Gourmet Eats) — wide variety of Michelin-rated stalls
✅ ICONSIAM (SookSiam) — aesthetic floating market village
✅ Terminal 21 (Pier 21) — cheapest in Bangkok

What to know when visiting temples & the Grand Palace?

✨ Visit major temples during opening hour to avoid the mid-day heat. There are less crowds & the lighting is better too.
✨ For short rides, try the MuvMi app for cheap e- tuktuk rides. Walking from the Grand Palace to Wat Pho, for example, is a doable 1 KM, but super exhausting if its too hot.
✨ Make sure to cover up to avoid spending money on rentals at the gate. Temples have strict “no shoulders, no knees” rules, especially at the Grand Palace.
✨ Walk away when someone tells you the Grand Palace or a temple is closed. This is likely a scam. Go directly to the entrance to check for yourself.

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

For me, the time to visit Bangkok is from November to February. The weather is cooler, drier, and more comfortable. This is also the peak tourist season, so prices tend to be higher. Rainy season starts May/June to October. Prices are lower but expect higher chance of showers. Dry season is March to May. April is usually the hottest.

If you want to go during festival season, Songkran (Thai New Year) is held every April 13 to 15. Loi Krathrong and Yi Peng Lantern Festival is celebrated around November (full moon of the 12th lunar month; date varies yearly). Chinese New Year takes place in January or February (varies yearly depending on the lunar calendar).

Detailed Bangkok Itinerary

DAY 1: OLD BANGKOK + CHAO PHRAYA RIVER

8AM Wat Arun — entrance: THB 200/adult. Ferries to Wat Arun depart from Tha Tien Pier. To get here, book a Grab, ride the subway to Sanam Chai MRT station or walk if your hotel is nearby. Arrive at 8am opening time for less crowds & to avoid the midday heat. Costume rentals start at THB 150 for men / THB 200 for women. Look for the shop “Unique Costumes” near the roadside entrance. Save location.

9:30AM Grand Palace — entrance: THB 500/adult. BOOK HERE. Compare rates on Klook, Trip.com. Arrive before midday to beat the heat & crowds. If Wat Arun is not your priority, you can visit Grand Palace first. Tha Tien to Grand Palace entrance is a doable 1km walk but if it’s too hot, do yourself a favor and book a Grab instead. Save location.

12:30AM Lunch — Lots of local food and affordable options at Tha Tien Market area. Save location.

2PM Wat Pho Reclining Buddha — entrance: THB 300/adult. This is the birthplace of traditional Thai Massage. It’s the perfect place to get a foot massage. Save location.

3:30PM Museum Siam — entrance: THB 100/adult. Enjoy the interesting (and airconditioned!) galleries while waiting for sunset. Save location.

5PM Sunset with Wat Arun view — this is my absolute fave experience in Bangkok! sunset time is usually 6PM in Bangkok. Google “Bangkok Sunset Time” to plan ahead & arrive 1 hour early. Reco rooftop bars/restaurants with a view overlooking Wat Arun & Chao Phraya River.

📍 Wat Pho Pier — FREE. Save location.
📍 Tyme Rooftop — Bar seating: one order per person minimum. Table with view: THB 1,400 per table (fully consumable). INN A DAY 5th Floor. Save location.
📍 The Deck by Arun Residence — Save location.
📍 Sala Rattanakosin — Save location.
📍 Eagle Nest — Save location.
📍 Soi Tha Suphan — FREE. Save location.

7PM ICONSIAM — FREE entrance. Connected to Old Bangkok piers by public river ferry. Don’t miss the nightly fountain show at 7PM, 8PM & 9PM. For dinner, go to Sooksiam Floating Market foodcourt. Don’t miss the scenic view from the 7th floor terrace, passing the 15-meter indoor waterfall. Save location.

DAY 2: SIAM SHOPPING + MODERN BANGKOK

9AM Pratunam area — home to the best bargains on fashion, souvenirs (pasalubong) & Thai must-haves. A few hours is not enough to fully explore the area, focus on your top picks for now. Think of this as a ‘scouting trip’ to see what’s available. Then, come back later during your free time.

✨ Pratunam Market — FREE entrance. Where to go for the cheapest bargains in Bangkok. Opens as early as 4AM for wholesale buyers. Main indoor shops open at 9-10AM. Save location.
✨ Platinum Fashion Mall — FREE entrance. Ultimate go-to for affordable wholesale fashion & Thai essentials. Save location.
✨ December’s — FREE entrance. Located next door to Platinum. You can find better options for trendy ladies clothes here. Save location.

11AM Siam area — home to Bangkok’s iconic mega malls. Again, prioritize the highlights because there’s a lot to see and do here.

✨ LV The Place Bangkok — FREE. No entrance fee for the Visionary Journeys exhibit but you’ll need to reserve your time slot in advance. Reserve Here. Save location.
✨ Siam Paragon foodcourt  — FREE entrance. Eat lunch at the Gourmet Eats foodcourt. Here, you’ll find stalls from many of Bangkok’s famous Michelin rated restaurants. Save location.
✨ Bangkok Art & Culture Center — FREE. Don’t miss the colorful BANGKOK sign in front of BACC. Save location.

3:30PM Mahanakhon Skywalk — entrance: THB 1000/adult. BOOK HERE. Compare rates on Agoda, Klook, Trip.com. Save location

✨ % Arabica at Empire Tower — if you just want to chill & enjoy a view facing the iconic Mahanakhon “Pixel” Building. This aesthetic cafe is located on the 55th floor of the Empire Building. Use the elevator to “EA Gallery” to access the 55th floor. No entrance fee. Drinks from THB 120 to 185.

7:30PM Chao Phraya River Cruise — dinner cruise: THB 1,200. BOOK HERE. Compare rates on Klook, Agoda. Choose either departure pier: ICONSIAM or Asiatique. If you want to skip Mahanakhon Skywalk, the sunset cruise departs 5:30PM and is actually cheaper at THB 850.

DAY 3: ANCIENT CITY + STREET FOOD

Travel time to The Ancient City is 40 minutes to 1 hour by Grab, so aim to depart Bangkok around 8AM.

9AM Ancient City — entrance fee: THB 380; combo ticket (Ancient City + Erawan Museum): THB 600. BOOK HERE. Compare rates on Agoda, Klook, Trip.com. Go at opening hour to avoid the midday heat. It’s a massive open area and although walkable, I suggest rent a golf cart or bike to get around. Save location

2PM Erawan Museum — around 20 minutes away from Ancient City by Grab. Save location

5:30PM Chinatown — FREE entrance. Go to Yaowarat Rd for street food, old city vibes & neon lights at night. Talat Noi + Soi Nana for artsy vibes. Photo stop at The Giant Swing and Wat Mangkon temple. Save location

OPTIONAL: Khao San Road at night

DAY 4: PATTAYA DAY TOUR

Travel time to Pattaya is around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours from Bangkok, so leave by around 7am or earlier.

9:30AM Sanctuary of Truth — entrance: THB 450. Make your first stop here to avoid the bigger crowds later in the day. Opens at 8AM. BOOK HERE. Compare rates on Agoda, Klook, Trip.com.  Save location

12NN Lunch.

📍 Pupen Seafood — found right along Jomtien Beach. Save location.

2PM Khao Chi Chan Buddha — FREE. Save location

2:30PM Nongnooch Pattaya Garden — entrance: THB 380. BOOK HERE. Compare rates on Agoda, Trip.com, Klook. Save location

To achieve this itinerary we hired private transport to take us to and around Pattaya from Bangkok.

Pattaya Private Car with Driver — 12 hours from Bangkok: THB 3,860 per car (3 pax). BOOK HERE. Compare rates on Trip.com, Klook. To stay within the 12 hours limit, aim to depart from Pattaya around 4:30PM to arrive in Bangkok around 7PM. Since Nong Nooch is massive, we opted to stay past 5 PM and pay the additional hourly rate to maximize our visit.

You can also book a hassle-free package tour with guide:

Pattaya Day Joiner Tour from Bangkok — THB 3,857/pax minimum of 2 pax. BOOK HERE.

DAY 5: AYUTTHAYA DAY TOUR

Travel time to Ayutthaya is around 1 hour from Bangkok. Aim to depart at around 7am.

8AM Bang Pa-In Palace — entrance: THB 100. Save location.

9:30AM Wat Mahathat — entrance: THB 80. Go straight to the iconic Buddha head wrapped in tree roots. Save location.

10:30AM Wat Chaiwatthanaram — entrance: THB 80. Probably the most impressive temple ruins in Ayutthaya. It’s a 15 minute drive away from the main temple area. Save location.

12NN Lunch

✨ Boran — Located near Wat Wat Ratchaburana. Traiditional Thai wooden vibe. Great taste & food presentation. Save location.

1:30PM explore Ayutthaya — pick among these options depending on how much time/energy you have left:

✨ Kum Khun Phaan / Bueng Phra Ram Park — FREE. Nice photo area at the wooden pavilions with a view of the pond filled with lotuses. Save location
✨ Wat Lokaya Sutha — FREE. Home to the iconic reclining Buddha of Ayutthata. Save location
✨ Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit — FREE. Houses a massive golden sitting Buddha. Save location
✨ Wat Phra Si Sanphet — THB 50. Located right beside Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit. Save location
✨ Wat Ratchaburana — THB 80. Save location
✨ Wat Yai Chai Mongkol Worawihan — THB 40. Save location

To achieve this itinerary we hired private transport to take us to and around Ayutthata from Bangkok. If you’re taking the 8 hours charter, aim to depart Ayutthata around 3PM.

Ayutthaya Private Car with Driver — 8 hours from Bangkok: THB 2,838 per car (3 pax). BOOK HERE. Compare rates on Klook (TTD Global)

Ayutthaya Day Joiner Tour from Bangkok — THB 1,065/pax & up. BOOK HERE. Compare rates on Agoda, Klook, Trip.com.

4PM onwards — Free time for souvenir shopping and pasalubong

DAY 6: FLOATING + TRAIN MARKET DAY TOUR

In case you are staying longer in Bangkok.

7:30AM Bangkok departure
9:00AM Damnoen Saduak Floating Market — (FREE). Save location
12NN Lunch
2PM Maeklong Railway Market — (FREE). Save location
5PM Bangkok arrival

Floating Market + Train Market Joiner Tour from Bangkok — THB 798 BOOK HERE.

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