Bangkok 3-day itinerary

Start early at the Grand Palace (฿500) — Thailand's most sacred complex and former royal residence. The Emerald Buddha temple within the grounds is staggering in its detail. Walk five minutes to Wat Pho (฿300) for the 46-metre gold-leaf reclining Buddha. The temple compound is vast and peaceful despite the crowds — find quiet corners in the secondary courtyards.

Take the ฿5 cross-river ferry from Tha Tien pier to Wat Arun (฿100) — the Temple of Dawn with its Khmer-style prang encrusted in colourful porcelain. Climb the steep central tower for sweeping Chao Phraya views. Back on the east bank, explore Tha Tien market for dried seafood snacks and coconut ice cream. Lunch at a riverside shophouse — boat noodles for ฿15 a bowl (they are small, order four).

MRT to Wat Mangkon station and surface into the neon-lit chaos of Yaowarat — Bangkok's legendary Chinatown and street food paradise. T&K Seafood does giant grilled prawns for ฿200. Nai Ek Roll Noodle has Michelin-recognized duck noodles for ฿60. End with mango sticky rice (฿80) and a Thai iced tea. The energy here after dark is unmatched anywhere in the city.

BTS to Mo Chit. Chatuchak is the world's largest outdoor market — 15,000 stalls across 35 acres. Get lost in sections for vintage clothing, handmade ceramics, Thai silk, and street art. Fuel up with coconut ice cream (฿40), pad thai wraps (฿50), and fresh coconut water (฿30). If visiting on a weekday, the smaller Or Tor Kor fresh market next door is excellent.

BTS to National Stadium. The Jim Thompson House (฿200) is a beautiful teak mansion built by the American silk trader who mysteriously vanished in 1967 — the guided tour through the traditional Thai architecture and art collection is fascinating. Then walk to Siam Square for modern Bangkok — MBK Center has seven floors of affordable electronics, fashion, and a legendary food court (meals from ฿50).

For a splurge, sunset drinks at Vertigo & Moon Bar on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel — cocktails from ฿500 but the 360-degree skyline is worth every baht. Budget alternative: Octave Rooftop at the Marriott Sukhumvit (happy hour ฿290 cocktails). Then head to Khao San Road for cheap buckets (฿150), live music, and the chaotic energy that defines Bangkok backpacker culture.

Grab or taxi to Khlong Lat Mayom floating market — a genuinely local weekend floating market where Bangkokians actually shop (unlike the tourist-heavy Damnoen Saduak). Vendors paddle long-tail boats selling freshly grilled seafood, som tam, and Thai desserts. Boat noodles: ฿20. Grilled river prawns: ฿100. The surrounding wooden walkways are lined with more food stalls and handcraft shops.

MRT to Lumphini. Lumpini Park is Bangkok's green lung — locals tai chi at dawn, monitor lizards patrol the lakes, and the whole city falls quiet here. Rent a swan pedal boat (฿40/30min). Then walk south through Bang Rak — the creative district with galleries, specialty coffee shops, and the century-old Assumption Cathedral. Lunch at Muslim Restaurant on Charoen Krung — biryani for ฿80.

BTS to Nana or Asok. Sukhumvit is Bangkok's international dining strip — Soi 38 was famous for its night market (now relocated but food stalls remain). Get a proper two-hour Thai massage at Wat Pho-certified shops in the area (฿400–500). For drinks, Iron Fairies on Soi 55 (Thonglor) is a whimsical underground bar. Bangkok's rooftop scene along Sukhumvit is world-class.