Have a fun-filled long weekend with these things to do in Bangkok!
Craving an exciting getaway but short on time? Look no further than Bangkok for your next long weekend adventure! Cheap and good food, vibrant nightlife, exciting cultural sites, buzzing markets, and nonstop fun — Bangkok sounds like a good reason to book that last-minute flight. Let's explore some of the best things to do in Bangkok that will make the most of your trip.
Things to do in Bangkok:
What are some of the places to visit in Bangkok? Here’s a 3-day itinerary of Bangkok things to see and do.
Day 1
Welcome to Bangkok! After checking into the hotel and quickly freshening up, it’s time to get your adventure started with some things to do in Bangkok.
Unleash your inner chef at Silom Thai Cooking School
Start your first day in Bangkok at Silom Thai Cooking School! Apart from eating your way through the city, why not learn how to cook their dishes too? Put your chef’s hat on as you learn how to make a 5-course Thai meal. Before you get cooking, the class will take you to a market first, where you’ll learn more about and shop for the ingredients you’ll use for the dishes you’ll cook.
Get ready to learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes during this class
The course meal you’ll be cooking will depend on the schedule of your session. For your reference, check out the official menu of Silom Thai Cooking School.
And hey, the cooking skills and new knowledge are not the only things you get to take home after; you also get to bring home your cooking certificate, as well as the recipe book you used during the class.
Explore Bangkok’s famous Chatuchak Weekend Market
Kredit Foto: Lisheng Chang
There’s nothing like going full swing in Bangkok with a visit to the world-famous Chatuchak Weekend Market! No better way to wake yourself up from a sleepy flight, right? The vibrant, bustling Chatuchak market takes up a large area of 27 acres with more than 15,000 stalls! You can find almost anything from food, local souvenirs, and clothes to vintage items, plants, furniture, ceramic goods, and many more. Open on weekends from 6:00am to 6:00pm, it’s also open at the same time on Wednesdays and Thursdays for plants and flowers, as well as Friday for wholesale items.
Join an adventurous evening food tour by tuk-tuk
After all that walking, sweating, and haggling in Chatuchak, you’re ready for an adventurous evening food tour by tuk-tuk. Yes, more food! You’ll get around on an authentic tuk-tuk and visit some of the best food spots the city has to offer.
Aside from well-known staples, you’ll also have a taste of unique dishes, so your taste buds are in for a treat! You will also stop by historical sites such as Fort Sumen, Ananta Samakon Throne Hall, and the Rama V Statue. With a different food menu each tour, it’s one you wouldn’t mind joining again and again. This immersive food tour kills 2 birds with 1 stone, feeding not only your belly but also your cultural knowledge of Thailand!
Day 2
Your Bangkok itinerary continues with more exciting attractions and activities.
Be wowed by Bangkok Old City’s stunning structures
After a good night’s rest, it’s time to kick off day 2 in Bangkok with an immersive Bangkok Temple tour. The first visit is to The Grand Palace and The Emerald Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Kaew. It’s truly a stunning sight that beckons your attention.
Your next stop is the Wat Pho complex, home to the giant sleeping Buddha. Wat Pho is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage! You can find a Thai medicine and massage school, where the practice is still taught and performed at the temple.
Next, after stopping for lunch at a nearby market, the tour continues with a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River to your last stop, Wat Arun. The temple is famous for its stunning architecture, with towers decorated using porcelain and seashells.
And if you want to see more Bangkok temples, we've got this first-timer's guide made for you!
Have a scenic and serene dinner aboard the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise
The Chao Phraya Princess Cruise offers both a hearty dinner and stunning views
Apart from the scrumptious dinner the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise offers, the highlight really is the views that you can marvel at while having dinner. As you cruise along the river, you’ll pass by and see some of Bangkok’s historic landmarks, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the Rama VIII Bridge.
As for dinner, you’ll be delighted with a grand international buffet, but of course, we highly recommend tasting local dishes first. And if you think the fun stops there—nope! There’s also a live band on board who will serenade you with ‘80s and ‘90s hits.
Day 3
Shop till you drop!
Photo Credit: Vitalijs Barilo
You can’t say you’ve been to Bangkok unless you’ve done some serious shopping! This is the time to get souvenirs for your friends and families. Although, you might be tempted to just keep everything for yourself. There’s no shortage of markets and shopping malls all across the cities. Some of the favorite shopping malls amongst travelers include Terminal 21, Platinum Fashion Mall, Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, MBK, Pantip Plaza, and more.
Make sure to also make a ceremonious last stop at a nearby 7-Eleven before leaving Bangkok—we know you’ll definitely miss it! Visiting and shopping in 7-Eleven is definitely one of the best things to do in Bangkok.
You can’t leave Bangkok without visiting at least one floating market
Another destination that’s good for shopping and snacking is Bangkok’s floating markets. They have several floating markets here, which is why we highly recommend going on a Floating Market day tour instead, so you can visit several markets fuss-free! The tour comes with a guide, roundtrip transfers, and free tourist cards for ICONSIAM mall.
Aside from snacks, you can also find rice meals at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The tour begins at Coconut Sugar House, where you’ll witness how coconut sugar is made. Then, the tour will take you to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where you’ll ride a boat and buy your souvenirs and snacks from there. Other boats will only be at arm’s reach, so rest assured that you can secure the items you’ll buy easily. You can score several items and snacks here, such as meat skewers, fresh fruits, rice meals, iced coffee, keychains, tote bags, mini tuk-tuks, and more!
The passengers of the train sometimes wave hello; feel free to wave back
Your last stop will be at Maeklong Railway Market, where you’ll find several stalls selling mostly refreshments and food as well. Here, you can buy snacks to take home, like dried fruits, and items like shawls, elephant pants, keychains, and mini elephants. The highlight would have to be when the train comes, and you’ll see the vendors fold their store umbrellas and move their stalls to ensure a clear path for the train.
Klook Tip: Be ready for the heat! Wear breezy clothes, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Make sure to have water with you too, and some extra cash.
You’ll be surprised by how much stuff to do in Bangkok you can squeeze in just 3 days! Now that we’ve got the Bangkok itinerary sorted, here’s a short guide on how you can get around the city and where are the best places to stay.
Where to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a favorite tourist destination for all kinds of travelers, and as expected, the city is teeming with accommodation options to keep up with the demand. From luxury hotels to affordable stays, you can surely find one that fits your budget without a problem.
You can also find places to stay in many different parts of the city. Some of the more popular areas in Bangkok preferred by travelers include Khao San / Banglamphu, Bangkok Riverside, Sukhumvit, Silom, Siam, Pratunam, Chinatown, and nearby the two main airports.
How to get around Bangkok
Aside from bargained goods and amazing food, Bangkok is also known for its infamous traffic. However, that shouldn’t intimidate you from visiting the city. With public transportation options like the BTS Skytrain being easily accessible, you’ll find that the city is pretty easy to navigate around.
Opt for a Bangkok car rental from Klook for the ultimate comfort and convenience. Feel free to plan your Bangkok itinerary as you please, and your driver will take you to your destinations from door to door.
You can choose a 6-, 8-, or 10-hour service. You can also avail a 2- or 3-day charter service if that suits your itinerary more! Perfect for larger groups of friends or families, it lets you see more in a day with ease.
Have the time of your life in Bangkok!
With so much to do in that beautiful, vibrant, and dynamic city, there isn’t a single dull moment. After all the endless things to do in Bangkok and non-stop fun, take some time to relax and indulge in a massage from one of the best spas in Thailand!
Make sure to Klook your things to do in Bangkok for the best deals and download the Klook app for travel inspiration on the go!
FAQs
1. What to do in Bangkok in 3 days?
So many! But we highly suggest prioritizing the temples and floating markets, as those will really give you a glimpse into Bangkok’s history and culture.
2. Where to go in Bangkok for first timers?
For first-timers, some of the best things to do in Bangkok are visiting the temples, going to floating markets, shopping at weekend markets, and taking a scenic Chao Phraya River cruise.
3. What is the most famous spot in Bangkok?
The most famous spot in Bangkok would have to be the Grand Palace, which is home to the sacred Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Apart from its historical significance, it’s also a must-visit because of its amazing architecture.
4. What are the must-do things in Bangkok?
To get to know more about the food, culture, and locals, visit the floating markets and weekend markets. For a unique and fun experience, hop aboard the Chao Phraya River cruise. If you want an unforgettable activity, join a cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Thai food.
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