Bangkok Itinerary 5 Days: How to Experience the Best of Thailand’s Capital

Bangkok is one of the places in the world that has a chokehold on me, in the best possible way. Out of my seven months in Asia, I spent an entire month living here, and I’ve now been three times because I just can’t get enough.

The mix of tradition and modern energy is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been.

I put together my version of a Bangkok itinerary for 5 days, based on all of my trips to this incredible city. 

I will guide you through the highlights without being overwhelmed, eating all of the delicious food and shopping to your heart’s content, so you can simply enjoy every moment in Bangkok!

This Bangkok itinerary will cover temples, markets, food, green space and even a little nightlife, giving you the perfect first taste of Thailand’s capital.

Some links in this Bangkok itinerary 5 days are affiliate. If clicked, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

5 Days Itinerary in Bangkok Map & Itinerary Snapshot

Click the arrow on the top left of the map to view the Bangkok itinerary snapshot.

How to Get to Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the easiest and most accessible entry points into Southeast Asia.

Major international airlines (like Thai Airways, Emirates, Qatar, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Turkish Air, etc.) all fly into Bangkok, making it the perfect stop if you’re starting your Asia travels.

The city has two airports:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): The main international airport, modern and connected by the Airport Rail Link to downtown. Where we flew in from Toronto -> Turkiye -> Bangkok
• Don Mueang Airport (DMK): Mostly budget airlines (like AirAsia, Nok Air, Scoot). If you’re hopping around Southeast Asia on cheap flights, chances are you will pass through here. I took many flights to & from this airport from around Asia.

Because flights are so frequent and affordable, Bangkok works as both a great entry point into Thailand and an easy hub to fly in and out of for other destinations across Asia.

With booking flights, I always recommend you monitor at least 6 months out to watch for flight fluctuations and to get an idea of average flight prices. I set Google alerts and Skyscanner alerts.

Click here to check for flights now.

Best Time to Visit Bangkok

I’ve been to Bangkok in November, March and May. By far, November was my favourite.

The weather was hot (of course, this is a Bangkok standard haha), but more comfortable than the heat of May (I was constantly drenched).

Here is the typical Bangkok temperature and weather breakdown:

• Cooler / Drier Season (November – February): Peak tourist season, best weather. Expect crowds, especially around Christmas and New Year.
• Hot Season (March – April): Very hot and HUMID, trust me on this. Bring light clothing and take all of the AC breaks I give you in this itinerary and more haha.
• Rainy Season (June – October): Don’t let this scare you! It usually rains in short bursts, not all day and crowds are lighter. I do not have personal experience at this time of year but have heard it is still manageable!

If you are flexible and have time on your side, November to February is the perfect time for weather and atmosphere.

How Many Days in Bangkok

This question is a hard one for me. As a city girl from Toronto, I could happily spend weeks in Bangkok just eating, exploring and soaking up the chaos.

In fact, out of my 7 months in Asia, I spent an entire month in Bangkok (and I still was NOT done with it).

That said, I know most people don’t have that kind of time. If you’re trying to balance Bangkok with other destinations in Thailand or Southeast Asia, 5 days in Bangkok is the sweet spot.

It is long enough to:

• See the temples and historic sites
• Explore markets and modern malls
• Try Bangkok’s legendary food scene
• Experience the nightlife and riverfront

If you can stretch it to a week, even better (and I have enough stuff in the itinerary below to make that work), but 5 days gives you a solid mix of culture, history, food and modern Bangkok vibes.

Pro Tip: Do NOT forget to factor in the jet lag if Bangkok is your entry point into Asia. I swear I slept for 20 hours straight when I first landed from Toronto. Give yourself a buffer day so you don’t feel guilty about crashing early on night one or two!

Where to Stay in Bangkok

This is honestly one of the most debated topics on the internet in my opinion. People are going to give you 1000+ answers for the “best” place to stay in Bangkok and no one will agree with the other.

The truth is: it really depends on what you’re planning to do.

My advice? I recommend you read through this itinerary first and figure out what you want your days to look like, and then pick an area that is close to your activities or on a convenient BTS/MRT subway line.

Bangkok traffic is no joke, so location does matter.

The prices also do vary, however, you can typically find gorgeous mid-range to luxury places to stay for very affordable prices.

Here is where I’ve stayed in Bangkok (and what I recommend): 

Banglamphu / Phra Nakhon District (Old City)

Best for: First time visitors, temple hopping, riverside exploring

When I visited Bangkok for the first time, I stayed in this area and loved it. You are close to all the big tourist attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Icon Siam.

Everything along the Chao Phraya River is easy to reach since the river pier is only a 5 minute walk away.

Tip: Stay a few streets away from Khao San Rd. It is fun to visit for a drink and some chaos exposure but that is IT. Do NOT sleep there. We stayed at Let’s ZZZ Bangkok which was tucked into a small side street. It was a quiet, peaceful and walkable distance to the things we wanted to do.

When my friend visited me in Bangkok, we went back to stay in this area again. It made sense because she wanted to see all of the main tourist attractions and I found it was the easiest location, being her first time in Bangkok. 

Phra Nakhon Hotel Options

Budget Friendly Hotel: Hello My Friend

Mid-Range Hotel: Bangkok Saran Poshtel (I stayed here with my friend in May, was great and had free breakfast included)

Luxury Hotel: Riva Surya Bangkok

Pratunam / Siam (Central Bangkok)

Best for: Shopping, food, and modern city life

The second time I visited Bangkok, I stayed around the Pratunam / Siam area and it was perfect for what I needed that month. I was in a less touristy mood, more “living in Bangkok” vibes, shopping, going to the movies, medical appointments and just hanging out.

This area is super well-connected with the BTS Skytrain and easy Grab access (I was constantly on the back of a motorbike).

You will be right by the malls like Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, and MBK, plus tons of food options. 

If you want a modern city vibe with easy transport, this is the area for you!

Siam / Pratunam Hotel Options

Budget Friendly Hotel: P18 Hotel Bangkok

Mid-Range Hotel: Casa Luna

Luxury Hotel: The St. Regis Bangkok (droooool 🤤)

Areas I do NOT Recommend

• Khao San Road itself: Fun to party, not fun to sleep. Stay at least a few blocks away.
• Nana Plaza / Soi Cowboy: These are Bangkok’s red-light nightlife zones. Great for people-watching, not the most comfortable for a hotel base (unless that is the vibe you are after).

My final advice on where to stay in Bangkok:

Let your itinerary guide you. If it is your first time, go with the Old City near the river. If you’re more into shopping, food and modern Bangkok, choose the Siam / Pratunam area.

Chinatown is also a great place to stay (that will be our next choice when we go back).

Honestly, Bangkok is so diverse that as long as you’re not on Khao San Rd. itself you will probably love wherever you end up. 

Take it from me, do not read hours on Reddit about where to stay, people’s differing opinions will make you so confused. Just base it off of your itinerary!

Click here for more Bangkok hotels.

Getting Around Bangkok

One of the biggest questions travelers have is: how on earth do I get around Bangkok? The city is massive, traffic is overwhelming and options can feel endless. Once you know the basics, it is actually pretty easy.

Here are the main ways to get around Bangkok: 

BTS Skytrain & MRT Subway

The fastest and easiest way to avoid Bangkok traffic.

• BTS Skytrain: Runs above ground and connects major areas like Siam, Sukhumvit and Silom
• MRT Subway: Runs below ground and connects spots like Chatuchak Market, Chinatown and Old Town.

If your hotel is beside or near a BTS or MRT station, you will thank yourself!

Grab App (and Taxis)

Grab is Southeast Asia’s Uber, safe, cheap and no haggling.

I used it religiously all over Asia. 

It is perfect for when the Skytrain does not reach your destination. It also eliminates the need to haggle with taxi drivers. 

However, another way to use the Grab app is to find a price to where you want to go and negotiate with taxi drivers to get a similar or cheaper price.

If you are going to use a taxi, negotiate a price first and/or ALWAYS ask them to turn on the meter.

Tuk Tuks

Not a practical way to travel around, however, for a fun and short ride, tuk tuks can be a treat! Always agree on a price first. See scams below.

Chao Phraya River Cruise

The river boats are one of my favourite ways to get around this area of Bangkok. It is a cheap, scenic and efficient way to travel. 

You can buy tickets for the boats at any of the piers.

For just 150 THB per person, you can grab the all day pass for the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, stopping from Phra Arthit (near Khao San Rd.) all the way down to Asiatique, with unlimited hop-on, hop-off access.

Along the way, it stops at all the major attractions, including the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, IconSiam and more.

Tip: The day you purchase your all day boat pass, hop on the last boat to have your own makeshift sunset river cruise. We did this before hopping off at Chinatown for dinner.

To check out the schedule and ticket info for Chao Phraya Tourist boat click here!

Motorbike Taxis

This is definitely not a transportation option if you hate motorbikes. BUT it is a super common Bangkok mode of transportation. If you see people with orange vests on street corners, they are motorbike taxis.

They are fast for short distances but do not bring your big luggage for a ride. They have signs on the corner with the costs per distance and they will follow them. Make sure to discuss first.

Walking

You will definitely do some walking in Bangkok, sidewalks can be chaotic with street food stalls, motorbikes and potholes galore. Wear comfy shoes and do not expect to walk everywhere. Bangkok is huge, spread out and the weather will make it unbearable. 

My advice: use a mix of Skytrain/MRT to skip traffic, Grab for convenience and the river boat for the tourist attractions along the Chao Phraya River.

Important Information for your 5 Days in Bangkok

These are the things EVERYONE should know before landing in Bangkok.

Get a SIM Card as soon as you land or the first few days

You can buy a Thai SIM card right at the airport (AIS, DTAC and TrueMove are the big providers). If it’s your first time I would just purchase a SIM in the airport to make your life easier with data and being able to catch a Grab.

If budget is a priority, wait until you get into the city and stop in at a 7-Eleven. The first time we visited we purchased it at a 7-Eleven because I had read it was cheaper, but honestly it did not make that big of a difference when comparing.

They are super affordable either way in comparison to Canadian phone plans (haha, not hard to do). 

About $10-$15 USD for 10-15 days of data. 

Download the Grab and Bolt Transportation Apps BEFORE Landing in Thailand

Grab and Bolt are Uber for Southeast Asia. They are reliable, cheap and you do not have to haggle with taxi drivers. 

Download it before you arrive so you can input your credit card info and validate it so you are ready to order when leaving the airport.

I used these apps for almost all of my Asia transportation, and late night Grab eats snacks.

Download 12Go Asia: Trains and Busses

If you are heading onward to Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, or even crossing the border into Laos or Cambodia, 12Go Asia is the app and website you want to have.

You can book trains, busses, ferries and private transfers here.

The app and website are in English, you can easily pay online with Apple Pay or your credit card and all you have to do is show your e-ticket when you pull up to the station (or get picked up)!

Watch out for Common Scams

• “The Grand Palace is closed”: Tuk tuk drivers and other scammers outside of the Grand Palace or other temples will tell you that it is closed (IT IS NOT). They will try to take you shopping instead. 
• Tailoring Scams: if someone insists you need to buy a custom suit or come into their tailor shop, get out of there!! They will keep you in there until you buy something.
• Overpriced Taxis / Tuktuks: ALWAYS ask for the meter in a taxi and/or ALWAYS negotiate a price for a taxi and tuktuk BEFORE getting in.

Dress Code for Temples

Bangkok temples & The Grand Palace are strict:

• Shoulders and knees must be covered (for men & women)
• No ripped jeans, crop tops or mini skirts
• If you forget, you can usually buy something around the corner to cover up, however just pack a scarf or linen top in your bag for that day

The Grand Palace is extra strict, you CANNOT use a scarf to cover up your shoulders, you absolutely need to have a shirt that covers your shoulders.

Cash is KING

This is the saying around Asia and Bangkok is no exception. Even though Bangkok is modern, a lot of places, especially food stalls, tuktuks and small shops only take cash. 

ATMs are everywhere, but they will charge 220THB per withdrawal. Take out the maximum amount each time, trust me you will use it.

Cards are only accepted sometimes, mostly in malls, and fancy restaurants. They typically charge a minimum 3% fee per transaction.

Bangkok Itinerary 5 Days in Thailand’s Capital

Let’s get into the BEST 5 days itinerary in Bangkok!

Day 1: Bangkok Temples, River & Nightlife

(Chao Phraya Tourist Boat pass recommended today, see above in transportation)

Morning: Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha

No Bangkok itinerary is complete without a visit to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. I would go again and again.

The detail and luxury of the palace buildings is unlike anything I had ever seen before.

Tickets: 500THB, purchase at the entrance, credit cards are accepted.

Hours: 8:30AM – 4:30PM (last tickets at 3:30PM)

Key tips for visiting: 

• Scam alert: One of the most popular BKK scams is someone telling you “The Grand Palace is closed”. It is basically never closed. Don’t fall for it!! Just walk to the entrance.
• Dress code: Shoulders and knees MUST be covered. A scarf or shawl DOES NOT COUNT. We learned this the hard way, my friend had to run across the street to buy a shirt. Save yourself the hassle: wear a T-shirt or long sleeves with pants or a long skirt.
• Photos: You cannot take pictures of the Emerald Buddha itself, so enjoy the view in real time but spend time taking photos while walking around the temple, these were some of my favourite photos.

Try and head out as early as possible, it gets hot and crowded fast, we easily spent 2 hours here.

Do NOT forget a water bottle!!

Late Morning: Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) & Lunch

Just a 10-minute walk from the Grand Palace, this massive reclining Buddha will blow your mind. Photos do not do it justice. 

Tickets: 300THB, purchase at the entrance with cash

Hours: 8:00AM – 7:30PM

We spent a while admiring the Buddha and then spent time walking the grounds of Wat Pho. The stupas are beautiful and there are so many cats roaming around!

Lunch

You will be in a super touristy area, so food is a little pricier here. But for convenience, I recommend grabbing something nearby before crossing the river to Wat Arun. 

We went to Pad Thai Kratong Thong by ama, which is right across the street from Wat Pho and honestly delicious and decently affordable for the location.

Afternoon: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

My absolute favourite temple in Bangkok. The temple of dawn is a sight to behold!! 

The detail is breathtaking, and I loved it just as much on my second visit as my first. The temple is covered in colourful porcelain tiles and seashells, which shimmer in the sunlight. It is really magical.

Tickets: 200THB, purchase at entrance 

Hours: 8:00AM – 6:00PM

The steep central staircase can be a bit intimidating, but if you’re able to climb it, you will get fantastic views over the Chao Phraya River.

The dress code is not as strict as at the Grand Palace, you can wear a shawl or scarf, but still make sure to be respectful and cover up.

I really recommend slowing down here, you will be hot in the afternoon! Sit for a while, soak in the details and just take it all in. It is such a peaceful spot compared to the Grand Palace crowds.

Pro tip: The best time to visit is late afternoon before sunset, the crowds thin out and the lighting for photos is the best. The temple itself lights up and you can see it shine as the sun goes down.

Evening: Wat Arun at Sunset & Khao San Rd. & Rambuttri Alley

Cross the river again and head to a riverside viewpoint to watch Wat Arun light up after dark. This was one of my first “wow, I’m really in Asia” moments. Writing this has me tearing up..

Honestly, one of my favourite photos from the trip comes from the streets of Bangkok looking out onto Wat Arun and I am not a good photographer, LOL (the first photo of this post).

Now, you are probably templed out for the day, what better way to break up the day than with some chaotic party energy, haha. Skip the next part if this is not for you.

Khao San Road & Rambuttri Alley

This is one of those “love it or hate it” Bangkok stops. It’s chaotic, busy, and very touristy.. But you kind of have to see it at least once.

I personally would not eat on Khao San Rd. Rambuttri Alley (right next door) is a bit more relaxed and better for grabbing a bite to eat.

Tip: Watch your belongings here. It’s packed and easy for pickpockets to take advantage.

I also do NOT recommend staying near Khao San Rd. if you want a good night’s sleep, but for one evening it is worth the experience!

Thai Massage / Foot Massage

Wrap up your first Bangkok day with a massage! One of the best ways to end a full day of walking through temples.

You can find a massage parlour EVERYWHERE in Bangkok. Put it in your google maps, check the reviews or just visit a shop you see outside!

Good night!

Day 2: Markets, Modern Bangkok & Chinatown

Morning: Talat Noi & River City Bangkok

Talat Noi is one of the coolest little neighbourhoods in Bangkok, and it feels different from the polished downtown. It’s full of colourful street art, mechanic shops and quirky cafés tucked into narrow alleys. 

Bring your camera and get ready to pose with all the street art!

Café tip: Drop into one of the trendy cafes for breakfast.

I went to try a Michelin guide fried oyster omelette place, Nai Mong Fry Oyster, a few blocks away from breakfast and it was not my fave, but if that’s your cup of tea it is in walking distance from Talat Noi.

River City Bangkok

After wandering Talat Noi, pop into River City Bangkok, it’s right nearby.

This riverside complex is known for its art galleries, antique shops and rotating exhibits.

Hours: 10:00AM – 8:00PM

Entry into the galleries is free and honestly it’s a nice excuse to enjoy some air conditioning while checking out Thai and international art.

If you’re into antiques, the shops here are fun to browse (though prices are high).

Afternoon: Lunch & Shopping at IconSiam & Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)

Head across the river for lunch and shopping at one of the biggest and flashiest malls in Bangkok. Even if you’re not a shopper, this place is an experience.

Start out with some food. On the ground floor, you’ll find the floating market themed food court, which is a recreation of Bangkok’s traditional floating markets.

Grab cheap eats here, everything from grilled skewers to mango sticky rice. If you’re after a sit-down meal, head upstairs where there are tons of restaurants (Thai and internatinoal). 

After eating, walk through the luxury shops, check out the huge Apple Store and its patio (which can be accessed through it), for gorgeous views of Bangkok.

For higher views, head up to the Starbucks balcony, the views of the Chao Phraya are gorgeous. Think of this as a free rooftop bar view haha (without the beverage).

Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)

If you’re not too carried away at IconSiam, head back across the river to Bangkok’s famous flower market. It’s open 24/7 but the best time to visit is early AM for some wholesale action (I did not visit at those hours haha).

The market is overflowing with fresh marigolds, roses, orchids and so much MORE.

You will also see flower garlands being strung together for temple offerings. Even if you don’t buy anything, it is worth a visit to see some local Bangkok life.

Evening: Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)

End the day in Bangkok’s legendary Chinatown, one of my favourite foodie places in the WORLD. This place is pure chaos in the best way, neon lights, sizzling woks and street vendors on all corners.

You are here to eat, but spend some time admiring the people work. I loved watching the vendors roll spring rolls, fry all sorts of dishes and prepare desserts. 

The atmosphere is unbeatable in Chinatown. I know some travel bloggers say that there is better out there, and I do have another favourite (to come later), but this place is still a MUST visit spot in Bangkok.

Make your own food crawl as you go along, I think I ate dumplings from 4 different vendors… whoops.

Tip: Do not buy everything from one vendor. Get small bites from a few different people and share as you go so you can try as much as possible!

Good night!

Day 3: Weekend Market Day

Morning – Afternoon: Shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market & Bangsue Junction

SHOPPING DAY!! 🎉

If you’re in Bangkok over a weekend, Chatuchak Market is the spot!! I am not kidding, when I say it is my favourite market EVER.

When I spent a month in Bangkok, I visited Chatuchak for 3 out of 4 Saturdays – it’s just that good.

Expect everything under the sun: hats, bags, souvenirs, kitchenware, vintage jerseys, jewelry, you name it, they sell it.

Honestly, it’s a negotiating paradise. If you’re not into crowds or heat, it might feel overwhelming, but if you love browsing and bargaining you will be in heaven, like me.

Honestly, Chatuchak Market is the reason they tell you to show up to Bangkok with empty luggage (and I curse myself everyday that I did not do that). I wanted to buy everything & more.

Bangsue Junction (Thrifting Break)

When you’re ready for a break and some blessed AC, haha, head across the street to Bangsue Junction. It’s basically a vintage/thrift shopping mall with tons of hidden gems.

I scored one of my fave pieces here, a vintage Eminem shirt, and stocked up on tons of gold hoop earrings. I still regret not buying this Spice Girls tee!

Honestly, between Chatuchak and Bangsue, these two are the places I think of first when I dream about coming to Bangkok.

Evening: Dinner at Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu & Muay Thai Show at Rajadamnern Stadium

If you’re not stuffed from the food at Chatuchak, head over to Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu in Bangkok for some delicious Michelin Guide Pad Thai.

Look, the portions were a bit small but the pad thai was incredible. Definitely worth the visit.

After dinner, slow down and head out for a Muay Thai fight night.

The Rajadamnern Stadium is one of the most famous venues and often called the birthplace of Muay Thai. The energy here is unreal, the chants, the music and the skill of the fighters is SO cool.

Book your tickets in advance online to secure a spot (they accept credit card). There are other stadiums to see Muay Thai, but I recommend Rajadamnern for a classic Bangkok atmosphere.

Click here for ringside seats to Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium.

Day 4: Arts, Culture, Green Space & Foodie Heaven

Morning: Jim Thompson House

Start your morning at the Jim Thompson House, the former home of Jim Thompson, an American entrepreneur who fell in love with Thailand and basically revived the Thai silk industry.

Jim Thompson mysteriously disappeared in the 1960s (seriously, no one ever found him). His beautiful teak house was preserved and turned into a museum, showcasing his life and incredible Thai silk.

Tickets: 250THB (adult), 150THB (10-21yrs), FREE (10 years and under)

Hours: 10:00AM – 5:00PM (last guided tour at 5:00PM)

You can only visit via a guided tour, which is included in the ticket price. We purchased tickets once we arrived. You do not need a reservation.

The house itself is stunning and the surrounding gardens make for a peaceful escape from Bangkok’s chaos.

Midday: Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC)

Just a short ride away, head to the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre for some free galleries and some much needed air conditioning (do you see my AC pattern).

The exhibits rotate, so you never know exactly what you’ll see but it’s always a mix of contemporary Thai and international art.

Tickets: FREE

Hours: 10:00AM – 8:00PM, closed on Mondays

I loved wandering through the rooms here, and I bought one of my favourite souvenirs: a one of a kind tote bag with mango sticky rice on it, designed by the local art students.

It is such a fun and creative stop that doesn’t take too much out of your day!

Afternoon: Lumphini Park

After soaking up art and history, slow things down with an afternoon at Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s green oasis.

Grab a snack, find some shade, and maybe bring a book for a little downtime.

Things to do in Lumphini:

• Rent a swan paddle boat and cruise around the lake
• Spot giant monitor lizards that wander around the park (don’t worry they keep to themselves)
• Enjoy a breather from the busy streets, it’s one of the few places you can really stretch out and relax in the city

Evening: Dinner on Banthat Thong Road

Now for my favourite foodie experience in Bangkok (tied with Chinatown), Banthat Thong Road. 😍🍤

This street is a foodie PARADISE.

I spent many evenings here, including my 31st birthday, eating my way through the small restaurants and shops.

The mix is perfect with casual street food, trendy cafes and restaurants that have made it onto the Michelin Guide, all for affordable prices.

If you visit on a weekend, the small streets next to Banthat Thong are shut down to cars and have street food vendors and markets lining the street.

Some people will tell you to skip Chinatown in favour of Banthat Thong, but honestly? Do both. Each has its own vibe and must-try eats.

Go hungry and pace yourself. You will want to try at least 4-5 different spots and ALWAYS share dishes and order smaller sizes so you can do more.

I am actually tearing up thinking about this food right now, I am ready to go back.

Go to bed, I’m sure you’re in a food coma.

Day 5: Shopping, Night Markets & Shows

Morning – Afternoon: Bangkok’s Malls

I’ll be honest, Bangkok malls are on another level. Even if you’re not planning on buying anything, I think they’re well worth visiting just for the experience.

During my month in Bangkok, I loved hopping between them, sometimes for shopping, sometimes just to see what was happening. 

I even went to that famous plus-sized mall (Krungthong Plaza), that has shop names called “Moo Moo” and “Fat Girls”.

The malls also have some COOL experiences, like reclining movie theatres or movie theatres with BEDS. We went to the Paragon Cineplex and booked their double bed cinema, which includes dinner, alcoholic and non alcoholic drink and popcorn!

It was so cool.

Food courts in the malls are also on another level. Find everything from cheap eats to Michelin guide stalls. I even tried the famous Thipsamai Pad Thai in Siam Paragon (it’s on the sweeter side, just FYI).

Check the mall’s websites for any events. There is always something random happening. I saw Lilo and Stitch pop up at IconSiam and an incredible Christmas display at CentralWorld. 

Alternative Option: If malls aren’t your vibe, you can easily swap this for another activity in this itinerary (see below for additional activities ie. Wat Samphran-Dragon Temple, Flower Market, Benchakitti Park, etc).

Evening: Night Market for Dinner

Head to a night market for some dinner or snacks. Night markets around this area include Pratunam Night Market, Jodd Fairs, Palladium Night Market and Patpong Night Market.

These markets open anywhere from 4:00 – 6:00PM. Shop for some clothing (elephant pants), jewelry, Thai food and fun snacks.

These markets are less overwhelming than Chatuchak and have tons of stuff to make for some great souvenirs.

Night: Calypso Ladyboy Show at Asiatique

For your final night in Bangkok, head over to the riverside Asiatique complex. It’s part night market, part open-air mall.

Asiatique is super aesthetic, with its big Ferris wheel, shops and river views. Souvenirs here are a bit pricier than the markets I listed above, but it is still fun to browse and pick up any last minute items.

Cap off the night with the Calypso Ladyboy Show, one of Bangkok’s famous cabaret experiences.

We purchased our tickets, the night before and just checked in about an hour before the show.

The show is glitzy, funny and an iconic way to wrap up your Bangkok trip. 

Click here to grab Calypso Cabaret tickets!

Extra Time in Bangkok or Alternatives

If you have extra days in Bangkok or want to swap out any activities in the itinerary above, here are some great options for day trips.

Wat Sam Phran (Dragon Temple)

Visit this unique temple, Wat Sam Phran, shaped like a giant pink dragon, perfect for photos and a quick adventure outside the city.

Ayutthaya Day Trip

Explore the ancient capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This incredible place is full of stunning ruins and historical temples.

Ayutthaya is a very easy day trip from Bangkok and one I personally recommend. Check out my Ayutthaya itinerary here!

Floating Markets

Experience traditional Thai markets on the water, with boat vendors and local snacks / souvenirs. Keep in mind, these are mostly tourist attractions now and don’t exactly represent local life.

Book this day trip to visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Maeklong Railway Market.

Rooftop Bars

For a more relaxed day or evening, head to one of Bangkok’s incredible rooftop bars like Octave, Sky Bar or Vertigo for sweeping city views, cocktails and sunset vibes.

Dress code is usually strict at these bars.

Final Thoughts on Your 5 Days in Bangkok

After five days in Bangkok, you will understand why I said Bangkok has a chokehold on me.

From jaw-dropping temples and chaotic markets to peaceful parks, incredible food and lively nightlife, this Bangkok itinerary for 5 days lets you see the best of the city without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. 

Whether it’s your first time in Thailand or a repeat visit, these five days will give you a taste of everything that makes Bangkok so GOOD, and will probably leave you planning your return!