The Perfect 3-Day Bangkok Itinerary for 2025

Itineraries, Travel

Travelista Editor, Jessica Ruth Gibson, shares her tried-and-tested 3 day Bangkok itinerary, with an option to extend it by another 3 days by heading to the peaceful ancient capital of Ayutthaya. 

The city of Bangkok is a unique cocktail of chaos and colour. The sensory overload has to be felt to be truly understood, and knowing how to navigate this wonderfully intoxicating city requires a little research and forward planning. Fortunately, you’re in the right place for the perfect Bangkok itinerary.

In this guide, I’ll outline every detail of the 3-day Bangkok itinerary I designed for myself, plus my extended 3 day Ayutthaya itinerary. Doing both parts of the itinerary will allow you to experience a beautiful contrast between the buzz of Bangkok and the calm, spiritual city of Ayutthaya. 

I’ve also included lots of helpful booking links to all the activities, hotels and tours I recommend, so you can plan and replicate this full itinerary with ease.

This article has been written in partnership with Trip.com. All words and views are my own. 

Article Jump Menu

Itinerary Overview

This itinerary outlines how to spend 3 days in Bangkok, followed by a further 2-3 nights in the ancient Siam capital of Ayutthaya. From cookery classes and ancient temple bike tours to ladyboy shows, spas and hidden award-winning cocktail bars, this itinerary is packed full of my best finds. I’ve even hunted down the very best place in Bangkok to get a Korean Head Spa – so you don’t have to. In short, I have personally experienced everything recommended in this article, so you’ll be truly following in my footsteps by replicating this itinerary. 

The Bangkok segment of this itinerary would act as a great starting point for any adventure into Thailand or wider South East Asia. If you have some time to spare, be sure to follow the full Bangkok and Ayutthaya itinerary for a perfect introduction to Thailand over 6-7 days. 

I designed and booked all aspects of this itinerary using the Trip.com app. From flights and hotels to airport transfers, tours and activities, I used the app’s smart Trip.Best rankings to design an authentic Bangkok and Ayutthaya travel itinerary. The app proved to be a game-changing travel tool, because it helped me discover places and experiences that I would have never found without it. Many of these finds ended up being highlights of the trip, which is why I’ve included them all in this itinerary.

Download the Trip.com app today to get started with planning your own similar Bangkok itinerary.

Introducing Bangkok

Bangkok is one of those cities that stays with you. I first visited in my late teens and again in my early twenties, and recently, I had the chance to return—this time as a solo traveller in my thirties. Reconnecting with the Thai capital after all those years felt like picking up where I left off, only this time with fresh eyes, a little more confidence and a lot more life experience. 

Bangkok is still the same full-throttle, sensory overload that I remembered. The fragrant chaos of street food stalls, the buzz of TukTuks weaving through traffic, the vivid colours of temple roofs and market stalls—it’s all a beautiful kind of madness. And honestly, it’s what makes the city so intoxicating.

But in this most recent visit to Bangkok, I felt like I got to peel back deeper layers of the city, discovering hidden corners, way beyond the city’s busy tourist attractions. Luckily, I had done all of those before, so I was hungry to uncover authentic and alternative experiences in the city, whilst returning to a few familiar places for nostalgia. 

If you’re planning a visit to Bangkok, my biggest tip is to lean into it, despite the potential culture shock. Say yes to the shows, try everything that’s sizzling on the street carts, jump in the TukTuks. Be spontaneous and go with the unknown. Bangkok rewards the curious and the bold.

Browse the best current travel deals and holidays for Thailand.

Now, let’s dive into my 3 day Bangkok itinerary; 

The Perfect 3-Day Bangkok Itinerary for 2025 – with Ayutthaya add-on

Bangkok Itinerary Day 1: Culture, Fashion & a Little Shopping Fix

Bangkok is a city of contrasts, and Day 1 is all about soaking up its fast-paced energy, while uncovering its stylish, artistic side.

Morning – Shop the City Heartbeat

Start your day in Siam Square, Bangkok’s buzzing shopping and entertainment hub. It’s the best place to acclimatise to Bangkok and feel the city’s pulse. From here, pop into Siam Paragon, a glossy mega-mall where you’ll find everything from luxury fashion to quirky local brands. For a more playful (and slightly cheeky) detour, head to MBK shopping mall – famous for its budget buys and impressive selection of “designer-inspired” accessories. Bartering for a good price is part of the experience, so don’t be afraid to test out your negotiation skills. 

Afternoon – A Creative Pause

In Siam Square you will also find the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC), a cool and contemporary space showcasing Thai artists, rotating exhibitions and design-forward pop-ups. It offers a cool and calm pause from the buzz of Siam Square, and gives you a sense of Bangkok’s creative scene. It’s free to enter the BACC but you need to leave your bags in a locker before entering the exhibitions for a small fee of 10 BHT. 

Late Afternoon – A Fashionable Step Back in Time

From here, walk 10-15 minutes to the Jim Thompson House, the preserved Thai home of an American silk entrepreneur whose mysterious disappearance only adds to the intrigue. It’s a beautifully tranquil spot hidden away in the city’s centre and offers a fascinating look into Thai architecture and textiles. At the end of the guided tour you’ll exit through a beautiful boutique selling the most stunning silk accessories and clothing, some of which featured on Season 3 of The White Lotus (which was filmed in Thailand). 

Bangkok Itinerary Day 2: A Taste of Thai Culture

Today is all about flavour—both in the food and the experiences. Expect to get hands-on, take in iconic landmarks and finish the day with a dose of sparkle.

Morning – Learn to Cook Like a Local

Start bright and early by booking the 8.30am class at Tingly Thai Cooking School. The morning session includes a guided tour through a local fresh market to pick up Thai ingredients before heading back to the cookery school to prepare them. You’ll cook 4 classic dishes (my menu was Tom Yum Soup, Pad Thai, Panang Curry and Mango with Sticky Rice). lt’s a fun and hands-on way to connect with Thai culture and other travellers, especially if you’re travelling solo, like me. Be sure to arrive hungry as the food is seriously delicious. Pre-booking at least 1-2 days in advance is essential for this experience. 

Book your Tingly Thai Cooking School class

Watch my reel on Instagram to get closer look at my personal experience here. 

Midday – Explore the Iconic Wat Arun

From the Cookery School, walk 15-20 minutes to Si Phraya and hop on a tourist boat along the Chao Phraya River, heading towards the Wat Arun. The ornate temple itself is spectacular, but even the boat ride offers glimpses of river life and other temples along the banks. You’ll also see the Grand Palace on the right of the river, which I recommend saving for Day 3 (unless you have a huge amount of stamina) as there’s a lot of ground to cover which is best done over a morning. 

Book a ticket or day pass for the hop-on-hop-off Bangkok Tourist Boat

Hop off at the stop for the Grand Palace then cross the river on a second boat to visit Wat Arun, a Trip.Best recommended attraction which is also known as the Temple of Dawn. Its intricately tiled spires are especially beautiful in the late afternoon light. Climb to the top for panoramic views and incredible photo opportunities —it’s one of those pinch-me moments.

Top Tip: Don’t be surprised to see lots of photo shoots taking place here at Wat Arun – tourists love to dress up in traditional Thai clothing here. You can book packages combining costume hire, make up and a photographer, if that’s something you like the sound of. 

Book individual tickets to Wat Arun  – or you can also pay at the entrance. 

Evening – Glam & Glitz at Asiatique

As the sun sets, head to Asiatique, an open-air market-meets-riverfront entertainment complex. It’s great for dinner, cocktails, and a bit of browsing. Don’t miss a seat at the Calypso Cabaret, where Bangkok’s most glamorous ladyboys put on a high-energy, theatrical show that’s equal parts mesmerising and bonkers. Either way, you will not fail to be entertained. 

Top Tip: If you’re staying out for the evening, you can hop back onto the Tourist Boat at Wat Arun and get off at the stop for Asiatique 

Book tickets to Calypso Cabaret.

Bangkok Itinerary Day 3: Pampering, Palaces & Rooftop Views

Ease into your final day with a bit of indulgence or explore the famous Palace, then dive back into the city’s endlessly fascinating streets.

Morning – Self Care or Royal Grandeur

For the morning of Day 3 I am throwing out two options for you, depending on whether you want to do the big sites, or uncover alternative experiences. 

Option 1: For my Day 3, I chose to book myself in for a Korean Head Spa at Bella Beauty Vibes. This 15-step treatment was such a calming and unique experience – it felt like stepping out of the Bangkok madness and into a tranquil oasis whilst being pampered by the lovely staff. I paid 3900 BHT for this experience and think it was worth every penny. 

Check out my Korean Head Spa reel for a closer look at the experience. 

Option 2: Alternatively, spend your morning at the famous Grand Palace (fortunately I have been here on previous visits to Bangkok) But if you’ve never been before, it’s a must-see, especially early in the morning before the crowds roll in. If time allows, end the day with a visit to the Museum of the Queen’s Fashion at the Grand Palace—a lesser-known gem showcasing regal Thai couture, elegant silhouettes and exquisite craftsmanship.

Book tickets and guided tours around the Grand Palace in advance.

Late Afternoon – Get Lost in Chinatown

Spend the afternoon exploring Bangkok’s Chinatown, one of the oldest and most vibrant in the world. The gold and jewellery shops here are legendary and incredible value. It’s worth going in for a browse, and be sure to test out your haggling skills. You might even be able to pick up some high quality designer jewellery dupes if you’re tactile. Wander off the main drag and you’ll discover atmospheric alleys, hole-in-the-wall eateries and hidden shrines. No map needed – getting a little lost is half the fun.

Evening – Rooftop Sundowners & Sky-High Style

Staying in the China town area, you’re perfectly situated to take day into night at two hidden and very trendy bars. I discovered these places through a lovely member of the Travelista community, who is an expat living in Bangkok. As I was travelling solo, she offered to meet up with me and show me a few great hidden spots. She chose these places and wow, I was so impressed and certainly would never have found these places on my own.

Start your evening in style at one of the city’s rooftop bars. For something rustic, whimsical and romantic, try The Wallflowers Cafe, a hidden floral rooftop tucked above a vintage shophouse. Climb all the stairs (until you think you’ve gone wrong) and you’ll be rewarded with the opening of a hidden rooftop bar, covered in flowers and foliage hanging from the ceilings. We enjoyed cocktails and cake here, which was a very memorable experience. 

If you want a really special dining experience, head to Michelin star restaurant Potong, which is tucked away down a narrow street, just a few minutes’ walk off the China Town’s main Yaowarat Road. Chef Pam (Pichaya Soontornyanakij), is the first ever Asian and Thai Female Chef to receive The World’s Best Female Chef status, together with Asia’s Best Female Chef from the previous year. Since its opening in 2021, Potong has won a slew of awards, debuting onto Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants at No.13 in 2025 and earning a place on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Above Patong in the same building you will also find award-winning cocktail bar Opium, which was, recently named one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars. This sleek, moody space serves up craft cocktails with a story and has quickly earned a cult following for good reason. Enter via Potong and ask the staff they can also get you seated at Opium, which is accessed through a tiny lift with a glass door, where you pass the kitchens and other random floors. It’s quite the experience and upon arrival in Opium, the cocktails and atmosphere is exquisite.

Combining dinner at Potong and cocktails at Opium would be a 10/10 night out in Bangkok – truly only reserved for savvy locals or discerning travellers ‘in the know’. But be prepared to spend above-average prices for this unique and premium experience.

Browse cheap flights to Thailand.

Where to Stay in Bangkok: Grande Centre Point Lumphini 

Amongst the chaos and pollution of Bangkok, it’s so nice to have a calm and clean hotel to come back to where you can reset and freshen up, before taking back to the busy streets. The new Grande Centre Point Lumphini was exactly that for me, a safe haven I could retreat back to. Being a 5 star hotel, it felt like total luxury, but the price point of this hotel is amazing and a lot more accessible than you might think. 

When I searched for hotels in Bangkok via trip.com, this hotel came up highly rated and at the time and only cost £115 per night. With a rooftop infinity pool, rooftop bar, restaurants, an incredible kids club and games room complex, both the facilities and the service are fantastic here. The hotel is centrally located and really well-situated to follow this 3 day Bangkok itinerary. This was my first time staying at a Grande Centre Point hotel (there are many all over the city) so it’s worth checking all of them out.

Search all hotels in Bangkok.

Optional Itinerary Add on: 2-3 Nights in Ayutthaya

Ancient Temples, Riverside Charm & Restorative Wellness

After three full days in the heart-thumping buzz of Bangkok, I was more than ready to slow the pace. Just a 90-minute train ride north or a 1 hour drive by bus or taxi, Ayutthaya feels like a different world entirely.

Once the thriving capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site best known for its crumbling temples, sacred Buddha statues, and peaceful riverside setting. It’s a city steeped in history but lived at a wonderfully relaxed pace—think golden hour bike rides, long lunches by the water, and quiet temple visits without the crowds.

While Bangkok is home to over 10 million people, Ayutthaya’s population hovers around 50,000—a tiny fraction by comparison. And you feel the difference immediately. The pace is slower, the streets quieter, and the air filled with the scent of frangipani rather than exhaust fumes. It’s the perfect contrast—and a beautiful place to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with a different side of Thailand.

Getting Around: See the City by Bike

One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Ayutthaya is by bicycle. The roads are quiet, the distances manageable, and there are plenty of dedicated cycle paths linking the major temples and historical sites. Cycling here gives you a unique perspective—you can stop when you like, take the scenic routes, and truly take your time.

To save yourself the headache of navigation, allow a guide to take you round the sites whilst you soak everything up. I found and booked this brilliant Ayutthaya guided bike tour including lunch which was a 3 hour experience including lunch, drinks and all temple admissions, for a very reasonable price of £49.65. I highly recommend this tour which really was my highlight of Ayutthaya. 

If cycling isn’t your thing, simply book a tour on foot! Browse all Ayutthaya temple tours.

What to See & Do in Ayutthaya over 2-3 days 

I would say that 2 or 3 nights in Ayutthaya is more than enough to get a feel for the place and enjoy all that it has to offer, including some relaxing down time at THANN Wellness Destination. 

Wat Mahathat – Famous for the sandstone Buddha head entwined in tree roots, this is one of Ayutthaya’s most iconic sites. Go early or late to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet – Once part of the royal palace complex, the trio of chedis here is beautifully preserved and especially striking at sunset.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram – Located on the west bank of the river, this Khmer-style temple is a bit further out but absolutely worth the cycle. It’s less busy and offers stunning views over the water.

Ayutthaya Floating Market – While a little touristy, this recreated market is still fun for browsing handmade crafts and sampling local snacks like grilled river prawns and Thai coconut pancakes.

Chao Phrom Night Market – If you’re in town midweek, this riverside night market is where locals go for dinner. It’s a great place to taste authentic Thai street food in a more laid-back setting than Bangkok.

The Food Scene in Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya has some truly exceptional food – I think I had the best Thai green curry of my life here! But be sure to also try:

Boat noodles – Served in rich, spiced broth with beef or pork and rice noodles. A local favourite.

River prawns – The city is famous for them, often served grilled with a spicy seafood dipping sauce.

Roti sai mai – A local sweet treat made of spun sugar wrapped in a thin roti—Ayutthaya’s version of cotton candy.

Where to Stay in Ayutthaya: THANN Wellness Destination

During my time in Ayutthaya I booked and stayed at THANN Wellness Destination, which I found because it was rated the no.1 hotel in Ayutthaya through smart Trip.Best rankings. 

For a truly restorative stay, I can’t recommend this wellness resort enough. It’s located a little way out of the city, beside a calm stretch of the peaceful Noi River and surrounded by tropical gardens. It’s the only wellness resort in the world opened and owned by wellbeing brand THANN, who are known across Asia for their luxurious, Thai-inspired wellness products. 

After an intense 4 days discovering Bangkok and Ayutthaya, having this calm and peaceful base to relax in felt like a well-earned treat. The property includes boutique shop, reception area, riverside restaurant, infinity pool overlooking the river, a stunning spa complex and a variety of room types including the unique ‘treehouses’. The wellness experiences here are next level; think herbal compress massages, aromatic facials, and riverside yoga classes.

I loved the inclusive daily programme of guest activities, and the fact that there are full sized THANN products to try and enjoy in every single bathroom and shower,. Bringing home some products from the boutique is the perfect souvenir from a stay here. 

If you’re craving a few days of balance after the sensory whirlwind of Bangkok, this is the place to find it.

Browse all hotels in Ayutthaya.

Top Tips for Visiting Thailand in 2025 

By spending some time with a British expat in Bangkok, I managed to come away with some great local tips and recommendations for you all; 

  • Taxis are plentiful in Bangkok, and hailing them down the traditional way is still an option. However, you should also download taxi apps Bolt and Grab. They are the two most commonly used apps in Bangkok, and you can choose between cars and motorbike taxis (these are even cheaper than car taxis and a helmet is provided for you by the driver).
  • Expect traffic – Bangkok is heavily congested at the best of times and hopping in a taxi at rush hour is pretty much a no-no. Instead, consider catching the BTS Sky Train ), particularly at morning and afternoon rush hour. The BTS Sky Train is Bangkok’s overground monorail network – think of it as the city’s version of the metro, subway or the tube.
  • Cash is still king in Bangkok, but for a more secure and cash-free way to enjoy the city, you can use the TagThai Tourist E-Wallet, a digital payment solution that is accepted a thousands of locations nationwide. From malls to the tiniest independent street vendors, you will see the payment QR codes everywhere in Bangkok and nationwide across Thailand.
  • If visiting from Europe, mobile data in Thailand can be expensive. I recommend purchasing an eSIM, which will save you so much money. Compare the best travel eSIMs for Thailand in this helpful article. 
  • It is very much standard custom in Thailand to negotiate prices in Thailand, to the extent where nobody really expects you to just accept the first amount. Haggling is acceptable in places like market stalls, shops, tour agencies and for transport like TukTuks. Places where you wouldn’t haggle include restaurants where they have a fixed menu price.
  • I recommend purchasing some Apple Air Tags and attaching them to your luggage as well as your day bag. Amazon do some great Air Tag dupes that are more affordable.
  • Be sure to pack lots of light and loose clothing. Thailand can get extremely humid 

Benefits of using Trip.com for a Bangkok Itinerary

This whole itinerary was planned using the Trip.com app, which really acted as an amazing one-stop travel tool where I could keep all my bookings in one place. I also found some great hotels, tours and experiences using the app’s Trip.Best recommendations, which really enhanced my trip. 

Here are some benefits I really loved about the app; 

  • You. collect Trip Coins with every purchase. This is Trip.com‘s loyalty scheme which allows you to earn points get money off future purchases. The more you spend, the more points you’ll earn 
  • Helpful notifications and reminders to guide your travels and keep you on time. I had pop ups telling me which gate to go to at the airpot, and visual photo directions and where to find my airport transfer pick up at Bangkok International Airport. If you’re not a very experienced traveller, the app is literally there to guide you on every step. 
  • The website and app’s Trip.Best feature combines human reviews and smart AI technology to deliver top rated recommendations for hotels, attractions, tours and excursions. I allowed Trip.Best to lead the way and I was so happy with all the recommendations it came up with.
  • With so many discount codes and offers, there are always savings to be made by using the Trip.com app. As a new user you’ll get loads of discounts automatically, but be sure to always check out the Deals of the Week page and the ‘My Discounts’ tab too.
  • Trip.com offer a price match guarantee, so you’ve got total piece of mind that you’ll never pay more than you need to. If you find the price cheaper elsewhere, Trip.com will refund the difference.
  • It’s a great place to find other user’s itineraries for travel inspiration. Other users can upload their own trips, so it also feels like a social community as well as a booking platform

So what are you waiting for? Download the Trip.com app today or check out Trip.com to start designing your own dream trip to Bangkok and wider Thailand. 

Browse cheap flights to Thailand.

I hope this 3 day Bangkok itinerary (with option to extend to Ayutthaya) provides a great launch pad for your own trip to Thailand. If you have any questions, be sure to leave a community comment in the box below. 

Exploring more of South East Asia? Check out our Ultimate 3 Week Vietnam Itinerary.

Jessica Ruth Gibson is the Founder and Editor of Travelista and an award-winning travel content creator of 10 years. She lives in York, UK with her son and has travelled to over 50 countries; her favourites being Italy, Canada and Vietnam.

Leave a comment

Travelista is an online publication and community for the adventurous modern woman covering travel, style, family, home, career and wellbeing.