Hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the globe have come across Bangkok every year. So, when are you going to pack your luggage and fly to the capital city of Thailand?
There are many reasons why people get attracted to Thailand, especially Bangkok. The city is a complete pack of everything from various aspects. You can mention some, like excitement, freedom, beauty, chaos, and adventure. It also manages historical architecture and traditions well with the dynamic modern life and environment.
But how much time do you need to explore the whole of Bangkok? Guess 4 days and 3 nights are enough. It is not too short, and not too long as well to get boring. Are you ready to start the vacation?
Itinerary Guide in Bangkok
Bangkok is the name of Thailand’s capital city for foreigners. Do you know what locals actually call this town officially?
The Thai name for Bangkok is Krung Thep which means the city of angels. But what surprises more is the official and full ceremony names, i.e., Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Amhadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit. This is certified as the longest place name in the world in the Guinness Book of Records. It shows how King Rama I really fond of this city. In English, that long name means the city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (of Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn. What a wonderful meaning.
Let us check out how great the city is!
Read Also: Bangkok, a City That Never Sleeps
What to Prepare
Do not go traveling without preparation. At least, you will need the following before taking the flight:
1. Connectivity
Book the SIM card in advance before the trip and get it at the Airport’s arrival hall. The card with 8-day unlimited data is priced at S$10.
2. Transportation gear
You won’t need cash to take a train. You have to book a BTS Skytrain Rabbit card to get on local trains that cover the most attractive places in the city. Look, the ticket queues can be overwhelming. So, make sure you book the card before the trip and instantly hop on the trains. It usually comes with preloading as much as B200. You can also use it to get some discounts at any participating retail store.
Looking for a more convenient ride with tons of baggage? It means you will have to book a private airport transfer to Bangkok instead of just getting on a public transportation mode. Make the pre-reservation before leaving, and the driver will be ready at the arrival gate to pick you up.
3. Accommodation
For your ease, it is recommended to book a hotel in the heart of Bangkok. Tarawish Hotel, for example, costs B1,900. Located behind Phaya Thai BTS station, they have quiet and clean rooms with nearby eateries available for late-night supper hunting and a 24-hour convenience store.
An alternative for budget-friendly accommodation is Diff Hostel. Located at about 350 meters from Ratchathewi BTS station, each room cost starts from B349/bed.
4D3N itinerary
Day 1
1. Visiting Wat Phra Kaew and The Grand Palace
Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the most sacred site and Buddhists’ pilgrimage destination in Thailand. The best part of this stunning temple is its ordination hall which houses the famous Emerald Buddha.
Next, to this temple, there is the Grand Palace. It was where the King of Thailand used to live. Though not all buildings are open to the public, visitors can still enjoy the view from the outside. The best spot to take a look is Chakri Mahaprasat, the Grand Palace Hall.
You can visit both the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew with one entrance ticket. Do not forget to hire audio guides or a certified guide to help your tour. Asking anyone outside should be avoided as they are usually just scams. Last but not least is pay attention to your dress. Make sure to cover your shoulders and legs before getting into the temple. Simply buy or rent a sarong or some trousers in the vicinities if you are not prepared. This requirement is for both men and women.
2. Admiring the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
Wat Pho Temple is located just a short walk from the Grand Palace. It is most known for the reclining Buddha, displaying Buddha’s death and nirvana at 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height.
Wat Pho also hosts about 394 gilded Buddha images, the biggest collection in Thailand. The first Thai university sits here, too, especially becoming the national headquarters for the teaching of traditional Thai medicine. You can also enjoy Thai massage here.
3. Getting around with Tuk-Tuk
Tuk-tuk is a traditional ride in Thailand. Though it can be more expensive than taxis, it is worth taking the ride for once. But be sure to get on this vehicle a little further for your hotel or any major tourist attraction. It is common to meet friendly strangers who actually only offer tourists scams instead of true help. For your safety, book a tuk-tuk tour online with the assistance of a local guide you can trust.
4. Melt with the crazy vibe of Khao San Road
Have dinner on your first night in Bangkok at Madame Musur Bar & Restaurant, close to Khao San Road. Once finishing your meal, you can explore the unique and wild nightlife of this famous road. Let us say street food, neon lights, loud music or a nice treat of foot massage on the street while sipping a cocktail.
Day 2
1. Join a Cruise Tour to Explore the Chao Phraya River
Being one of the main transportation hubs in Bangkok, Chao Phraya is also known as the largest river in Thailand. You can get on the boat as many times as you want from the old city to the business district with the one-day ticket.
Not only for transportation, but it is also possible to access some sites by boat, including:
2. Wat Arun
Known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok.
3. Chinatown
Spare time to get lost in Bangkok’s Chinatown and explore the melting pot of market stalls, street-side food, people, cars, motorbikes, Chinese temples, and others in the incredibly loud and colorful atmosphere.
4. Business district
Wishing to find the right direction? It is time to check out the business district where banks, restaurants, official buildings, and 5-star hotels are along the way.
Day 3
1. Shopping
Bangkok is a shopping mecca that offers various things to meet every lifestyle and budget. If you are looking for a peaceful space to spend your money, you should go to the malls. Mostly, they are located in Siam and Sukhumvit districts.
2. Relaxing at Lumpini Park
This biggest green area in Bangkok has a large artificial lake, complete with paddle boats that you can hop on to admire the skyline of Thailand’s capital city. Visiting the park in the morning or evening is the best choice since the temperature is quite friendly.
3. Indulging in luxury at Wireless Road
Wireless Road is on Fifth Avenue in Bangkok. It is the home of hotels and spas, high-end shops, embassies, and top restaurants.
4. Ending the night by sipping a drink at the highest open-air bar
When dinner time comes, you can head to Mazzaro Boutique to enjoy delicious food surrounded by great décor and atmosphere at a reasonable price. Then, take a short walk for 2 minutes to Sky Bar. Located on the rooftop of the second tallest building in Thailand, the Lebua at State Tower Hotel, you can get the spectacular scenery of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River while enjoying exclusive drinks at an open-air bar.
Day 4
Do you also need a plan to complete the itinerary? It is time for the best experiences, i.e.
1. Hiking up the Golden Mount and admiring the views from above.
Golden Mount or Wat Saket is a temple that houses a Buddha relic. It is mostly used for worship, especially in November, when there is an annual week-long temple fair. Tourists can also get their own experience by climbing up the 300 steps to the Golden Mount and admire the breathtaking 360-degree view over the city as a special reward.
2. Spend the night at a riverside
There are actually many options for eatery in Bangkok, even if it is just for fine dining. But, to save your last cash, why not pick an affordable treat? Still, you can experience superior service and elegant ambiance by enjoying dinner at The Garden of Riva Surya Hotel. They have a great view of the Chao Phraya River, offering a chilled-out vibe you may not be able to find at any other place.
Travel tips
Taking a vacation in Bangkok should be fun. It is not only about providing enough budgets. There are also other tips to follow in order to get you away from any hassle. Take a look at the following tips:
- Whenever you enter a temple, always take off your footwear.
- Avoid pointing anyone or anything with your feet when sitting on the floor by tucking them under.
- It is prohibited to take pictures of people when they are praying and the image of Buddha.
- Dress well when entering the temple. Or make sure to get your shoulders and knees covered by renting a sarong or pants.
- Keep distance from a monk, especially for women. Offer the alms without touching the monk’s hand, like placing it on the table and let him/her pick it up.
Best time to visit Bangkok
If you are ready with the plan to have an itinerary to Bangkok, be sure to know when you should go there.
- Bangkok is most visited between November and February when the daytime temperature is slightly under 30ºC. It is a cool season when tourists visit and prices are high. As there is no winter in the city, so you do not need to pack a coat.
- If you intend to visit the city between March and June, you have to prepare comfortable clothes because the temperatures at noon can reach 35-40ºC during these hottest months.
- July until October is when the rainy season lasts. It is probably not always all-day rain but there are also drab, overcast weather and rainstorms as well. But, you can still enjoy the sights and attractions of Thailand’s capital city in another way. The rainy season is even the best time for tight-budget travelers. The tourist visits are low, which means hotel bookings and prices are offered at more affordable rates.
- You can also consider visiting Bangkok when major holidays take place, like the Chinese New Year and Songkran. Simply update your information about the events from the internet.
Read Also: Bangkok Night Markets, One of the Major Attractions
Finding a cheap flight to Bangkok
Asia offers a large number of attractions that invite tourists from all over the world to come. Bangkok is just one of those great places. It means that there are also many choices of transportation modes available to assist the tourist. Instead of getting confused about picking a choice, you can take advantage of the offers to find a cheap flight.
The best way to save budget on the flight is by taking a low-cost carrier. Fortunately, this service is the specialty of most airlines in Asia. You can check out their prices and how to book the flight online to cut more expenses in advance by visiting Airpaz.com. Do not forget to visit the Promo pages, where some popular airlines usually have special offers to famous destinations in the world, so you can save more. Take, for example, AirAsia and Thai Airways.
Searching for cheap flights through Airpaz is very easy. You just need to fill up the provided form. You are even allowed to manage your booked flights, whether to check the flight schedule, re-arrange the flight, or even cancel the booking right in one place.