Bangkok Travel Guide: 3 Days in Bangkok
Table of Contents
My first stop on the Far East trip I took in April was Bangkok. It took us a while to digest and share the enchanting city that is etched into my memories. There was so much to talk about and so many photos to compile that it delayed the preparation of this Bangkok travel guide.
But as they say, better late than never. I’ve tried to prepare a very detailed guide to ensure your Bangkok trip is smooth and enjoyable. In this Bangkok travel guide, you’ll find lots of information about my experiences, including how I got there, the places I visited, the local foods I tried, and the hotels I stayed at.
Ready to start planning your Bangkok tour step by step? Let’s get started.
How to Plan a Bangkok Tour
Firstly, when you decide to travel to Bangkok, the most common option that comes to mind is to purchase a tour organized by a reliable travel agency. I understand the reason very well:
- You don’t have to deal with travel planning.
- Airfare is included.
- You overcome the language barrier.
- You don’t waste time arranging accommodation.
- You don’t worry about local transportation.
From this perspective, planning a Bangkok trip with travel agencies seems logical. However, you might not want to share such a unique experience with strangers. Plus, there’s the frustration of facing additional charges at every step.
So, let’s skip the agencies and plan my own Bangkok trip.
How I Planned Bangkok Tour
In my case, Mehmet is responsible for these tasks. He can create a travel plan down to the minute. For example, in the plan he made for Barcelona, even the exact times for taking the metro were scheduled. However, he didn’t plan Bangkok tour with such detail (just a little complaint 😊). But for a place where I wanted to enjoy every moment and be open to surprises, it wouldn’t have been right to stick rigidly to a plan. For example, I removed Pattaya and Singapore from my initial plan because it would have been too tiring.
Let’s get to the main framework of my Bangkok travel plan…
3-Day Bangkok Travel Guide
First, I decided how many days to spend in Bangkok and then listed the places I’d regret not seeing. Of course, this included things to do and activities in Bangkok. Here’s what I came up with:
Day 1
- Arrival in Bangkok
- Rest at the hotel (after a long flight)
- Wat Pho
- Bangkok Grand Palace
- Wat Arun
Day 2
- Ancient City
- Iconsiam Shopping Mall
Day 3
- Floating Market
- Train Market
These were the places I visited in 3-day trip. However, if you plan to stay longer or expand your itinerary, you might want to add other significant places like Lumphini Park, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Wat Saket (The Golden Mount), Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha), Jim Thompson House Museum, Asiatique The Riverfront, Safari World Bangkok, National Museum Bangkok, Khaosan Road, and Wat Kalayanamit to your list.
Additionally, I unknowingly planned my trip during Thailand’s traditional New Year days (April 13-14-15), so I couldn’t visit places I wanted to explore at night, like Khaosan Road, due to water fights. Also, if you prefer floating market experiences closer to the city center, you can save time. In short, I was confident that you can discover more places in 3 days and nights 😊.
Now that I’ve made my plan, it’s time to find the most affordable and comfortable way to get to Bangkok.
How to Get from Istanbul to Bangkok
To travel from Istanbul to Bangkok, you can choose between direct and connecting flights. Turkish Airlines offers non-stop flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Bangkok Airport (BKK). These direct flights take approximately 10 hours. Additionally, you can fly to Bangkok via a connection at Phuket Airport (HKT) with Turkish Airlines. If you plan to visit Phuket after Bangkok, you can check out my guide on “How to Get from Bangkok to Phuket.”
For those considering starting their Thailand tour in Phuket, Turkish Airlines’ flights to Phuket are also worth considering.
Here are flight details from other airlines to Bangkok:
- Qatar Airways: Offers flights with a connection in Doha from both Sabiha Gökçen and Istanbul Airport.
- Etihad Airways: Has flights with a connection in Abu Dhabi from Sabiha Gökçen and Istanbul Airport.
- Thai Airways: Operates direct flights from Istanbul Airport only.
- Emirates: Provides flights with a connection in Dubai from both Sabiha Gökçen and Istanbul Airport.
- Air Arabia: Has flights via Sharjah from both Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) and Istanbul Airport (IST).
- Air Astana: Offers flights to Bangkok with a connection in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Where Did I Buy Bangkok Flight Ticket?
I purchased Istanbul-Bangkok flight ticket from Qatar Airways. I departed from Sabiha Gökçen, had a layover in Doha, and then continued to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Note: Qatar does not require a transit visa for flights with a layover in Doha.
How Much Do Bangkok Flight Tickets Cost?
The cost of a round-trip flight ticket from Istanbul to Bangkok ranges from 800 EUR to 1920 EUR per person.
These prices vary depending on several factors, such as your travel dates, how early you book your ticket, and which airline you choose. Catching discount periods and traveling off-season can significantly reduce ticket costs.
How Much Did I Pay for Bangkok Flight Ticket?
For a one-way flight for two people from Istanbul to Bangkok, I paid 320 EUR.
When to Visit Bangkok
From May to November, monsoon rains dominate Bangkok. If you don’t have a specific reason, I recommend avoiding travel during this period.
Imagine my husband, Mehmet, who is always looking for air-conditioned places, melting from the heat 🙂
From November to February, the weather is generally drier and cooler, with less rain and lower temperatures.
From February to April, the heat and humidity are intense, making it difficult to explore Bangkok comfortably.
In short, the best time to visit Bangkok is during Turkey’s winter months, specifically December, January, and February.
When Did I Visit Bangkok? How Was the Weather?
I was in Bangkok from April 13 to 15. I visited during the hottest month, with temperatures reaching up to 38°C and humidity at 99%. I endured the heat to avoid postponing the trip further. Fortunately, there were kind-hearted people who cooled us down with water guns and even hoses 😊
Bangkok Weather
Here is a detailed breakdown of average temperatures in Bangkok by month to help you decide the best time to visit.
Average Temperatures in Bangkok by Month
Months | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Highest Temperature (°C) | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 |
Lowest Temperature (°C) | 22 | 24 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 22 |
Average Humidity and Rainfall in Bangkok by Month
These tables will help you better plan your trip based on the average temperature, humidity, and rainfall in Bangkok.
Months | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Humidity (%) | 75 | 73 | 72 | 73 | 77 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 80 | 78 | 76 | 74 |
Rainfall (mm) | 9 | 20 | 30 | 65 | 180 | 150 | 160 | 210 | 320 | 210 | 50 | 10 |
Let’s Get to Know Bangkok: Quick Facts About Bangkok
Now that I’ve decided how and when to go, let’s briefly get to know the city before diving into the places to visit in Bangkok. Let’s gain some insight into Bangkok’s location, population, and language spoken.
Bangkok is the capital and the largest city of Thailand. Among the locals, it is known as “Krung Thep,” which means “City of Angels.” Despite being one of the hottest cities in the world, it is the most visited city by tourists.
- Population: Approximately 19 million.
- Religion: 90% of the population is Buddhist.
- Economy: The main sources of income are agriculture, healthcare services, energy and biochemicals, tourism, and the creative economy.
- Currency: The currency is the Thai Baht (THB).
For those who think these are common facts and want to know something more interesting, check out article “Interesting Facts About Bangkok,” where I list surprising things that will astonish you. For my curious readers who do not want to settle for superficial information, I invite you to explore there as well.
Where is Bangkok?
Bangkok is located in the Far East, within the continent of Asia, in the country of Thailand. The city is situated around the Chao Phraya River.
To give you a better idea of its location, here are the neighboring regions:
- West: Samut Sakhon
- Southeast: Samut Prakan
- East: Nakhon Nayok
- North: Pathum Thani
- Northwest: Nonthaburi
What Language is Spoken in Bangkok?
In Bangkok, Thai, also known as the Thai language, is spoken. In addition to Thai, you can also communicate in Malay, Chinese, and English. However, you might find it challenging to understand their English due to their accent 😊.
But if you’d like to learn a few Thai words to add a nice touch to your trip, here’s a short list for you:
- Hello: สวัสดี! (Sawad-dee!)
- Yes: ใช่ (Chai)
- No: ไม่ (Mai)
- Please: กรุณา (Ka ru na)
- Thank you: ขอบคุณ (Khob khun)
- You’re welcome: ไม่เป็นไร (Mai pen rai)
- Good morning: สวัสดีตอนเช้า! (Sawad-dee torn chao!)
- Good evening: สวัสดีตอนเย็น! (Sawad-dee torn yen!)
- How are you?: เป็นอย่างไรบ้าง? (Pen yang rai bang?)
- I’m fine, thank you: สบายดี ขอบคุณมาก (Sabuy-dee, Khob khun mak)
- Goodbye: ลาก่อน! (La korn!)
Now that I have a grasp of the Thai language, I can start exploring Bangkok.
Places to Visit in Bangkok
I’ve reached the point where the list of places to visit seems endless. That’s why I’ve dedicated a separate section for places to visit. Here, I will share a brief list of must-see places in Bangkok. For more detailed information and to discover even more places, I invite you to check out article on Places to Visit in Bangkok.
Wat Pho
Must-See Places in Bangkok
- Wat Arun Temple
- Wat Pho Temple / Reclining Buddha Statue
- Bangkok Grand Palace
- Bangkok National Museum
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Floating Market
- Chao Phraya River
- Jim Thompson House
- Khao San Road
- Train Market
- Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market
- Iconsiam Shopping Mall
Of course, the list of places to visit in Bangkok can be extended even further, but I will stop here and move on to events and activities.
Activities to Do in Bangkok
Traveling all the way to the Far East and not experiencing the unique activities of this culture and geography would be a missed opportunity. Here are some activities you can do in Bangkok. I did some of these in Phuket, so if you plan to visit Phuket as well, you can save some activities for there.
- Try a Thai Massage: It’s much stronger than a Balinese massage, but don’t leave without experiencing it.
- Watch a Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) Show: You can also take a short training session to learn the techniques.
- Shop at a Floating Market: And be sure to haggle 😊.
- Take a Thai Cooking Class: Learn to cook delicious Thai dishes.
- Visit Elephant Care Centers: Feed and interact with rescued elephants.
- Watch Traditional Thai Dances.
- Visit Safari World: Get up close with wild animals in Bangkok.
- Join Free Meditation Sessions at Wat Mahathat.
- Take Photos with Tigers.
If you want to plan a more experiential trip and deeply feel the Thai culture, check out article on Things to Do in Bangkok for more suggestions.
What to Eat in Bangkok?
This section was the most challenging for us to write because I didn’t try a lot of local dishes in Bangkok. By local dishes, I don’t mean insects and frogs.
My favorite things were juicy and sweet watermelon, coconut, pineapple, and dragon fruit—no offense to the people of Diyarbakir, but the fruits in Thailand are incredible 😊. Of course, I tried Pad Thai and a few Thai desserts (like Mango Sticky Rice), but I mostly opted for hamburgers and pizza.
However, if you are open to new tastes, you can visit my detailed article on Bangkok Foodie: What to Eat in Bangkok for more information.
Where to Stay in Bangkok?
Bangkok offers a wide range of accommodation options, from 5-star hotels to hostels, residences, and Airbnb homes. Depending on your budget, you can choose from these options and make a reservation.
For my next trip to Bangkok, I’ve manifested staying at the Chatrium Grand Bangkok, but if I end up at the Four Seasons, that’s okay too 😊.
Here are the links:
Where Did I Stay?
Believe it or not, I hadn’t arranged my accommodation for the first night when I planned Bangkok trip. When I arrived at the airport, I found the Pinnacle Lumpinee Park Hotel SHA Plus and spent my first night there. It’s an old place, and the air conditioners are extremely noisy. I don’t recommend it.
For the next two nights, I stayed at the Prince Palace Hotel. It’s a well-established and renowned hotel in the city’s center, ideal for exploring Bangkok on foot at night.
City Transportation in Bangkok
No Bangkok Travel Guide would be complete without mentioning the transportation options. How else will you explore this vast city, right?
Famous Tuk-tuks
Bangkok has an extensive transportation network with various options. Depending on where you want to go, you can choose from metro, train, taxi, tuk-tuk, bus, and motorcycle taxis.
- BTS Skytrain: One of the most popular and convenient public transportation systems in Bangkok. It operates on two main lines: the Silom Line and the Sukhumvit Line. These lines provide easy access to the city’s main shopping centers, tourist attractions, and business districts.
- MRT Metro: Another significant public transportation system in Bangkok. It operates on two main lines: the Blue Line and the Purple Line. The MRT integrates with the BTS Skytrain, offering quick and comfortable access to different parts of the city.
- Tuk-tuk: Iconic transportation in Bangkok, tuk-tuks offer quick and fun rides for short distances. They are usually found in tourist areas, and fares are typically negotiated.
- Taxi: Most taxi drivers use meters, but some may insist on a fixed fare. Ensure the meter is on when you get in. It’s helpful to clarify your destination and agree on the fare with the driver. If you prefer to avoid this hassle, you can use Grab or Bolt apps, which I used during my trip.
- Bus: Bangkok has numerous bus routes covering almost every part of the city. Buses can be very crowded and, due to traffic, can turn your trip into a nightmare.
- Boat: Boats on the Chao Phraya River are an excellent option, especially for reaching tourist spots along the riverbanks.
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I believe I’ve reached the end of the Bangkok Travel Guide. There’s still so much more to talk about, but I’ll cover those in more detailed posts. If you have any questions about Bangkok, feel free to reach out to me via the Contact page.
FAQ
What time is it in Bangkok?
Is Bangkok safe?
Bangkok is generally considered safe for tourists, but like any major city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft and scams.
What language is spoken in Bangkok?
The primary language spoken in Bangkok is Thai. English is also widely understood, especially in tourist areas and among younger generations.
What country is Bangkok in?
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand
How many days in Bangkok?
The number of days you spend in Bangkok depends on your travel plans and interests. Many people find that 3-5 days is a good amount of time to explore the city’s main attractions.
What is the population in Bangkok?
As of last update, the population of Bangkok was estimated to be around 19 million people.
How far is Pattaya from Bangkok?
Pattaya is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of Bangkok, and the travel time between the two cities can vary depending on the mode of transportation.
How to get from Bangkok to Phuket?
The most common ways to travel from Bangkok to Phuket are by plane, bus, or train. Flying is the fastest option, with several airlines offering direct flights between the two cities. You can also check “How to Get from Bangkok to Phuket post.
How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can be done by plane, train, or bus. Flying is the quickest option, with several airlines offering direct flights between the two cities. The train journey is scenic but takes much longer, while buses are the most economical option.
How to go to Koh Chang from Bangkok?
To go to Koh Chang from Bangkok, you can take a bus or drive to the ferry pier in Trat province, which is about a 4-5 hour drive from Bangkok. From there, you can take a ferry to Koh Chang. There are also flights available from Bangkok to Trat, followed by a ferry ride to Koh Chang.
How to reach Koh Samui from Bangkok?
To reach Koh Samui from Bangkok, you can take a flight from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang International Airport to Koh Samui Airport. Another option is to take a train or bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani, and then take a ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Samui.