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The Ultimate 4 Day Bangkok Itinerary

How to Spend Four Days in Bangkok

By James Davies. Last updated: 23rd May 2024.

Bangkok is one of Asia’s greatest cities. There’s enough to see and do in Thailand’s bustling capital to fill a lifetime, but our 4 day Bangkok itinerary gives you a perfect introduction to this astonishing city.

Home to close to 9 million people, hustle and bustle is all part of the DNA of Bangkok, a dynamic and sprawling city permanently at full throttle.

Magnificent temples dominate the city’s skyline, and tuk-tuks and traffic jams cram Bangkok’s permanently crowded streets.

Strap yourself in for our guide to the very best things to do in four days in Bangkok.

How to Get to Bangkok

Bangkok is served by two international airports. Suvarnabhumi Airport opened in 2006 and became Bangkok’s main airport for international arrivals.

Around 35 kilometres from the centre of Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport replaced Don Mueang Airport as Bangkok’s main international airport, which is now mostly served by low cost regional airlines.

If you’re flying to Bangkok from elsewhere in the country, such as Southern Thailand, you’ll most likely fly into Don Mueang airport.

→ You can find the best deals on flights to Bangkok on Skyscanner here.

Accommodation in Bangkok

If you’re spending four days in Bangkok you’ll obviously need somewhere to stay.

There is a huge variety of accommodation all over Bangkok. If you’re looking for something top of the range or your travelling across Thailand on a budget, Bangkok has affordable backpacker’s hostels, luxuriously high end hotels and everything in between.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

You can search for accommodation in Bangkok on Booking.com here but in case you need them here are a few places that we recommend:

Budget

• Siam Eco Hostel : Located right next to Ratchathewi BTS station in the east of Bangkok, Siam Eco Hostel is a modern hostel with a mixture of private rooms and dorm rooms.

Rooms are extremely comfortable and cozy with plenty of modern touches, plus there’s a great communal lobby to meet fellow travellers. The incredibly friendly staff help to make this one of the best hostels in Bangkok.

Next Level

• Uncle Loy’s Boutique House : Just a short walk from Prannock Pier on the west side of the Chao Phraya river Uncle Loy’s Boutique House offers spotless and comfortable rooms along with free WiFi. Fresh fruits are the highlight of breakfast in the beautiful relaxing courtyard.

Close to the Chao Phraya River Uncle Loy’s is just a couple of minutes by boat from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho and within easy reach of Wat Arun.

Top of the Range

• Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok : If you’ve got the urge to splurge Bangkok has plenty of fabulously lavish high-end hotels to choose from. The Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok is one of the best, with stunning rooms facing the Chao Phraya River.

This luxurious hotel offers a host of amenities, including a gym, a pool, several restaurants, and a free shuttle boat service to the nearest BTS station.

A 4 Day Bangkok Itinerary: Day 1

Tour Bangkok's Stunning Grand Palace

There’s no better place to begin in Bangkok than at the dazzling Grand Palace.

This huge complex is an absolute feast for the eyes. Enormous stupas and classic Thai temples dazzle in opulent golds and rich vibrant tiles, all surrounded by the beautiful walkways decorated with hand paintings portraying tales of Buddhist folklore.

The Grand Palace is also the location of Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the most sacred temple in Thailand, and named after the Buddha statue carved from a block of jade displayed inside.

Though no longer the home of the Thai monarchy, the Grand Palace is still used for state ceremonies.

See the Golden Buddha at Wat Pho

A short walk from the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Chetuphon. Also known as Wat Pho, this is one of the largest temples in Bangkok. At the heart of Wat Pho is the beautiful main hall, dominated by a central statue of Buddha.

Wat Pho is most famous for the 46 metre golden reclining Buddha statue, housed inside the Sleeping Buddha Temple.

Be Dazzled by Wat Arun

Wat Arun temple. Bangkok

From the nearby Tha Tien ferry terminal it’s one stop across the busy Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn.

In a city full of breathtaking temples, Wat Arun may be the most spectacular. Wat Arun’s huge central spire dominates this western stretch of the Chao Phraya River, and is framed by four smaller spires.

Each spire is exquisitely decorated with fragments of colourful porcelain and seashells inlaid in beautiful patterns and shapes. Sensational at any time of day, Wat Arun looks particularly magnificent when illuminated at night.

Enjoy Drinks With a View at 342 Bar

Finish the day with a gorgeous view and a drink. Bangkok comes alive at night, and one of the best ways to see the city’s incredible skyline is from one of the many rooftop bars.

Many of Bangkok’s rooftop bars come with dress codes and prices that match the view. But a quick tuk-tuk or boat ride from Wat Arun is 342 Bar, a lovely laid-back and relaxed rooftop bar on top of the Baan Wanglang Riverside Hotel.

Right beside Prannock Pier, 342 Bar has wonderful views along the Chao Phraya River back towards the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.

Day 2 in Bangkok

Uncover a Mystery at the Jim Thompson House Museum

Start the second of your four days in Bangkok at the Jim Thompson House Museum.

Jim Thompson was a fascinating man who lived an unconventional and ultimately, mysterious life.

An American officer stationed in Thailand at the end of the Second World War, Thompson fell in love with the country and stayed until he mysteriously disappeared whilst on holiday in Malaysia in 1967.

Whilst in Thailand, Thompson founded the Thai Silk Company, responsible for a huge resurgence in the global popularity of Thai silk. Thompson was also a trained architect, and he designed the house that now houses his fascinating art collection.

The Jim Thompson House Museum is laid out as it was during Jim Thompson’s occupancy, displaying his precious antique artworks collected from all over South East Asia.

The house itself is a beautiful Thai inspired traditional home, built from ancient wood and sat within a jungle-like tropical garden on the banks of a canal.

Entry to the house is by guided tour only, and there’s also an excellent Thai restaurant on site.

Be Dumbfounded by the Erawan Museum

From the Jim Thompson House, venture to the south of the city to the truly incredible Erawan Museum. Though a little out of the way, this one of a kind temple is well worth making every effort to see.

The Erawan Museum is housed inside an enormous 29 metre high, 250 ton three-headed elephant. Incredibly, the Erawan Museum is as breath-taking on the inside as it is bewildering on the outside.

The brainchild of an eccentric Thai millionaire as a place to house his collection of Thai art and antiques, the Erawan Museum is one of the most extraordinary places you could ever wish to see.

The interior of the Erawan Museum resembles something from a Disney film. At the centre is a bejewelled and lavish central staircase of pure opulence, crowned by a fantastic Art-Deco inspired stained glass dome.

With a multitude of religious and spiritual themes, the beauty and audacity of the interior is spellbinding.

The dazzling central staircase leads all the way up to the centrepiece inside the belly of the elephant. A narrow temple-like room features a statue of Buddha, flanked by other antique Buddha statues protected by glass cases.

The whole room is decorated in an oddly surrealist style, with the solar system depicted as though it had been painted by Salvador Dali.

See Traditional Thai Entertainment at the Calypso Cabaret

In the evening, head to Calypso Cabaret to see a show synonymous with Bangkok.

The term ‘ladyboy’ is becoming less acceptable and actively discouraged, yet it is still the generic phrase used to describe the cabaret acts performed by transgendered (and transitioning) entertainers.

The cabaret is a highly polished form of family friendly entertainment. It’s a hugely empowering show staged in a beautiful setting.

The Calypso Theatre is a lovely venue that harks back to the glory days of cabaret. The shows are hugely popular in Bangkok, with several performances each night taking place to sold out theatres – booking in advance is recommended.

The shows are aimed at international audiences, with traditional cabaret acts performed alongside performances in Korean, Japanese and Mandarin.

Day 3 in Bangkok

Take a Tour of Bangkok's Vibrant Chinatown

On the third day, start by taking a water taxi to Rajchawongse pier and immerse yourself into the wonderful mayhem that is Chinatown.

Almost a city within a city, Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the largest and oldest Chinatown districts in the world. The area remains the heart of the Chinese community in the city.

Chinatown is a myriad of busy roads, side streets and tiny alleys. Clustered around Yaowarat Road, Chinatown extends in every direction, a warren of gold shops, food stalls and colourful Chinese temples.

Chinatown is interconnected by narrow lanes of crowded market stalls selling everything from amulets, electronics and a staggering array of food.

For an insider’s account of Chinatown, book a walking tour of the district through AirBnB Experiences. The three hour tour helps to bring the area to life and delves into the history and development of Chinatown.

Marvel at the Rediscovered Golden Buddha

Later, walk to the far end of Yaowarat Road to visit the Golden Buddha Temple, just opposite the Chinatown Gate.

The tale behind the golden Buddha statue housed here is one of Bangkok’s most fascinating stories.

The five ton and ten foot tall Golden Buddha statue was cast in gold sometime in the 13^th century. In the 18^th century the entire statue was encased in plaster, probably to conceal its original material and value from the invading Burmese army.

The plan worked a little too well. The Buddha remained covered in plaster for over 200 years, and the original gold statue was completely forgotten.

Whilst being relocated in 1955 the statue crashed to the ground. A chunk of the outer cast came away and the solid gold Buddha underneath was revealed.

Today the Buddha stands resplendent and fully restored in a purpose-built temple just on the edge of Chinatown. Estimates suggest that the value of the gold alone is somewhere around $250million.

After being considered a significant if unspectacular statue of Buddha for centuries, the Golden Buddha is now one of the most sacred holy relics in Thailand.

Dinner and Drinks at Rabbit Hill

After a day wandering the streets of Chinatown, wind down in one of the area’s best bars, Rabbit Hill.

Specialising in craft beers, simple homemade Chinese food, a relaxed ambient atmosphere and a fabulous bold red interior, Rabbit Hill is the perfect place to relax at the end of the day.

4 Day Bangkok Itinerary: Day 4

Enjoy the Quirky Side of Thailand at the Museum of Siam

The Museum of Siam, Bangkok

The final day of our 4 day Bangkok itinerary begins with a visit to the Museum of Siam.

Housed in a beautiful neoclassical mansion, the Museum of Siam is not a stereotypical museum. Instead, the Museum of Siam takes a broad look at Thai culture and history and at what makes Thailand tick.

The Museum of Siam playfully explores Thailand’s recent history, as well as its influence on the wider world and also the impact of other nations on its own culture.

Much like Bangkok itself, the museum is bold and brash, with a largely interactive collection of themed exhibitions and inventive displays.

Admire the Ornate Boats at the National Museum of Royal Barges

For something a little more traditional, head across the river to the excellent National Museum of Royal Barges.

Sheltered in a dock on the canal the museum houses eight glorious gold infused barges used by Thailand’s Royal Family for specific ceremonies.

Each barge is a wonderful example of exquisite craftsmanship of the highest standard. Around 40 metres in length, they are practically works of art, featuring unmistakably Thai decoration, including extraordinarily detailed figureheads, elaborate gold lacquer and sparkling jewels.

The bows of the boats are embellished with stunning depictions of mythical creatures, such as the magnificent seven headed snake at the front of the beautiful Anantanakkharat barge.

The sterns are decorated with huge sweeping waves of gold leaf and finely carved detailing.

See the Traditional Murals at Wat Suwannaram

Finally, cross over to the other side of the Noi canal to Wat Suwannaram Temple. The atmospheric main temple at Wat Suwannaram contains stunningly beautiful original wall murals dating from the early 19^th century.

The murals are painted in a traditional Thai artistic style and date from the early 19^th century and depict the incarnations of Buddha.

Though in need of a little restoration, the murals are considered to be some of the best in Thailand. The temple also features an elegant golden statue of Buddha in a seated pose, alongside framed photos of the current King of Thailand.

Afterwards, stroll around the heritage neighbourhood that surrounds Wat Suwannaram. The waterside alleys of Ban Bu form part of a unique and historic community known for its many traditional bronzeware workshop.

A quiet oasis in the centre of Bangkok, Ban Bu is one of the most unique areas in Bangkok.

Bangkok - A Bit of Travel Advice

How to Get Around Bangkok

Bangkok is enormous and densely populated, and getting around the city can often be challenging. You can expect to use a variety of forms of transport to get around Bangkok.

Water Buses

Water buses are some of the most effective, especially for the sites close to the Chao Phraya River, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.

The Chao Phraya Express Boat Service runs along Bangkok’s main river, and the Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat operates along Bangkok’s main canal.

Bangkok's MRT and the BTS Skytrain

Bangkok’s MRT and BTS Skytrain lines are fairly young and only cover a small section of the city.

There are four lines in total, two MRT lines and two overland BTS lines. The Airport Rail link connects the city to Bangkok’s international airport.

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks are a popular, cheap and convenient way to cover small distances in Bangkok. Flag down a tuk-tuk and agree a set price with the driver before boarding. If you’re happy with the price, jump in and enjoy the ride.

Taxis in Bangkok

Taxis are very affordable and often the easiest way to get around Bangkok, depending on the journey. Grab is the go to app to use for taxis in Bangkok. Grab is the South East Asian equivalent to Uber and also used in Singapore and Malaysia.

Download the Grab app and enter your payment details in your profile. Type in where you want to get to from your current location and a taxi will be with you ASAP.

Keep in mind though that Bangkok’s traffic is notoriously bad – always plan ahead if you need to be anywhere at a specific time.

Temple Etiquette

Tourists must comply with a certain dress code whilst visiting temples in Thailand. Legs must be covered and no sleeveless tops are allowed to be worn inside temples.

If you visit a temple in anything that doesn’t cover your knees you will have to hire long trousers or face the possibility of being denied entry.

The Best Bangkok Guidebooks

If you need a little more inspiration ahead of your trip to Bangkok then there are a number of great guidebooks available from Lonely Planet, Rough Trade and many other publishers.

A full list of Bangkok guidebooks can be found on Amazon here.

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I’m James, the founder, editor, writer and photographer at Where You’re Between. Currently based in Japan, I started Where You’re Between in 2017 to create detailed itineraries and in-depth travel guides for the places that I’m fortunate enough to visit. You can see all of our destinations here.

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The Perfect 4 Day Bangkok Itinerary