The capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is known by some as ‘The Big Mango.’ This sprawling metropolis is filled with enough activities to last a lifetime. To help plan your visit our Bangkok trip planner includes some of the must see places in Bangkok, and some Bangkok hidden gems (places most people only learn about from a local). There is more than enough to fill 3 days in Bangkok as a part of a bigger Thailand trip. If you are staying in the city longer, it will get your stay off to a great start.
I am Christelle Saintis, a teacher and travel writer who spent two years living and teaching in Thailand. The city of Bangkok was my home for over a year, and I never got tired of exploring it. I am excited to help you plan your Bangkok 3 day itinerary, and my favorite things to do in Bangkok.Â
Whether you are spending 3 days in Bangkok, or 3 weeks in Thailand, you will have all of the Bangkok top attractions, and a few Bangkok hidden gems.  I will also give you the important general travel information that anyone visiting Thailand and visiting Bangkok needs to know. Â
Things to Do in Bangkok – What not to miss during your 3 days in Bangkok
You could live in Bangkok for decades and still not have time to do or see everything. The city is so large, and new, fun experiences pop up each and everyday. Below is just a tiny taste of all Bangkok has to offer, from must-sees to some local hideaways. You will also find many amazing places to eat, so we will not go deep into where to eat, but be sure you read up on the best foods to eat in Bangkok, so you don’t miss any of the amazing specialties.  Â
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Must See Places in Bangkok
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Grand Palace:
One of the most popular things to do in Bangkok is visit the Grand Palace. The inside is exquisitely detailed with sparkling gold and jewels at every turn. Visitors are required to cover their legs and shoulders in order to enter, so dress accordingly. The temple on the grounds also houses the Emerald Buddha. Pictures of the Buddha are not allowed but it is definitely worth a peek.
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Wat Pho
Located just behind the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is a well-known and absolutely beautiful temple that is another of the must-see places in Bangkok. It is home to the giant golden Reclining Buddha, as well as stunning examples of the intricate work that goes into any Thai temple. On the grounds of this temple is a massage school that some Thai locals argue offers some of the best Thai massages ever. For a very low price, indulge in a massage (perhaps a foot massage to ease aching tourist feet?).
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Wat Arun
After roaming around, cross the river to visit another of the essential things to do in Bangkok, the famous temple, Wat Arun, referred to as the temple of the dawn. This temple has a unique central structure which is meant to be an architectural rendition of Mount Meru, the Buddhist center of the world. Believe it or not, the tower is encrusted with colored porcelain. It is particularly stunning in the light of the rising sun, or with the backdrop of the sunset.
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Wat Traimit
In Chinatown, Wat Traimit is another temple worth visiting. Inside sits the largest solid gold Buddha statue in the world! A museum on site explains the history of the statue as well as the migration of the Chinese to Bangkok.
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Khaosan Road:
If you are looking for a night out, look no further than Khaosan. It may be one of the funnest things to do in Bangkok, and it may end up fill every night of your Bangkok 3 day itinerary. This famous street is packed full of bars, restaurants, shopping, and clubs. If you need to take a break from all the chaos, there are plenty of massage parlors where you can indulge in a famous Thai massage (another must-do when in Thailand!).
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Night Markets:
One of the best ways to enjoy authentic Thai food is at a night market. There are tons throughout the city of Bangkok. A newer one to the scene is the Neon Night Market. It not only has food, but also lots of stalls offering unique souvenirs to tourists. Another local favorite is W District, located just off the BTS skytrain. Inside, hungry visitors can grab a table and then wander around to decide which food to try – with so many choices, the decision won’t be easy. Bars in the market also offer beer towers for those looking to share drinks with friends or family. It is a great way to spend an evening.
The Train Market is also a lot of fun. Featuring lots of food stalls and shopping, this market has live music on the weekends. It is easily to access from the MRT.
Shopping Places in Bangkok
When the heat of the city gets to be too much, do as the Thais do – find air conditioning. One of the most popular places to escape the heat is a shopping mall.
Central World is one of the largest malls in Bangkok and home to all kinds of stores, some chains but also some unique boutique options. In the same area are even more malls such as Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, MBK (another absolutely massive mall that sells just about anything and everything), Siam Square One (specializing in local boutique clothing stores), Central Chidlom, and Platinum Mall, known as a fashion mall.  Shoppers can shop to their heart’s content in Bangkok!
Another famous shopping location is the weekend market Chatuchak. This sprawling market located at the end of the BTS skytrain is a maze of stalls selling everything from clothing, to souvenirs, to plants, and even pets. It can get very crowded, so plan to get there earlier in the day before the crowds (and to beat the heat).
Bangkok Hidden Gems
Escape the tourist crowds at these places that are loved by locals. Don’t be surprised if you are the only visitor around.
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Bangkok Royal Sports Club:
Not many people visiting Bangkok would think they could enjoy a horse race, but there is actually a track right in the heart of the city! Visitors will not see any tourists here, but lots of local Thais looking to try their luck at betting. The races are open to the public every other Sunday, and are very cheap to enter. Check the RBSC website for schedules.
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Unicorn Cafe:
A Bangkok gem, this unique cafe is perfect for anyone who loves unicorns or rainbows. Tucked away on a quiet street, Â the cafe serves diners colorful food and drinks in a setting that is covered in pinks and pastels from the floor all the way to the ceiling. A very fun experience!
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Lumpini Park:
Need to escape the craziness of the city for some much-needed green? The largest park in Bangkok is called Lumpini (easily accessible from the MRT). Here, visitors can wander the many paths in relative tranquility. The small lake in the middle offers paddle boats for rent. Buy a bag of fish food and watch in amazement as dozens of fish spring from the water for a feast. Keep a careful eye out for large monitor lizards that roam freely there as well.
General Thailand and Bangkok Travel Information
Check out some of the basic information any traveler to Thailand and to Bangkok needs to know.
- Language: Thai is the official language of Thailand. In the major cities and touristy areas, there are many people that can speak English, so do not fear having to struggle with too much of a language barrier.
- Currency: The national currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht. The colorful banknotes come in 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 denominations. The 10 baht is issued as a two-toned coin, and other coins come in standard silver color. Cash is the preferred method of payment, though cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and for airlines.
- Visa: It is easy for visitors to acquire a visa. Upon entering, visitors receive a free 90 day visa in their passport. Extensions must be made through immigration and come with a fee. Those who overstay will also be charged upon exiting the country.
- SIM cards: There are three main phone carriers in Thailand: Truemove, DTAC, and AIS. All provide travel SIMS to visitors, which can be purchased at the airport using a passport. Data and cell phone service in Thailand is very cheap, and can be topped up in 7-11 convenience stores.
- What to Pack: As previously stated, Thailand is very hot and humid. Make sure to pack shorts and t-shirts to help keep cool. If a trip to any of the temples is part of your Bangkok 3 day itinerary, long pants or skirts are advised. To shield skin from the sun, don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, and a light long-sleeved shirt. If visiting during rainy season, an umbrella or poncho is essential. Those going to the islands should not forget their bathing suits! Many essentials, such as toiletries, can be purchased in convenience stores upon arrival.
- Safety Tips: Thailand is generally a safe country. Visitors of course should take caution if traveling alone, walking at night, or in dark areas (as is the case in any city). When dealing with strangers, be wary, regardless of whether they are Thai or not. It is not common for foreigners to be assaulted, but it does happen.
- Food:
Thai food is some of the best in the world. Lovers of noodles, flavorful curries and delicious rice will enjoy each and every meal. Pad Thai is the most well-known, but other popular dishes include papaya salad, green curry, panang curry, fried spring rolls, coconut stews, and mango sticky rice. Locals prefer their dishes spicy, so be sure to ask for reduced or no spice when ordering. If interested in learning how to cook authentic Thai food, sign up for a class at Silom Thai Cooking School, located in Bangkok. They are the absolute best, and it is one of the best things to do in Bangkok.
- Climate: Thailand is a tropical country and the weather is generally hot and humid throughout the year. There are three official seasons: wet, hot, and cool. The hot season lasts from around March through the end of June, with April being the hottest. During this month, the country celebrates it’s New Years, known to locals as ‘Songkran.’ It essentially is a big water fight that the whole entire country participates in, and is a great (and super fun!) way to cool off! The duration of the wet, or monsoon, season varies a little throughout the country. It usually begins toward the end of June and can last all the way through October, or even November in some places far south. Rain is not constant at the start of rainy season, with showers lasting 1-2 hours. As the season progresses, the rains become more heavy, sometimes causing flooding. After the rainy season, temperatures cool off a bit, from November to February. Rest assured, to most visitors the temperature will still feel quite hot.
- Transportation:
In Bangkok, visitors have a range of options for getting around. The BTS sky train has frequent stops with access to many of the most popular tourist destinations. It is relatively cheap, and train cards can be topped up in stations very easily. The MRT is the underground system that operates in much the same way as the BTS, though they do use separate cards. For a more traditional feel, try a tuktuk. These taxis are a fun way to take in the sights and sounds as you cruise to your destination. Of course, there are plenty of taxis as well, both cars and motorcycles. The latter are much cheaper, but not for the feint of heart, as weaving through Bangkok traffic can be hair-raising. Always make sure to agree to a price BEFORE getting in a taxi or tuktuk. Negotiating is encouraged, as drivers will often inflate the price for visitors. Also be aware that taxi drivers often refuse to take passengers; they may hear your destination and decide they don’t want to drive there. Have no fear, as there are more than enough taxis to find one to take you where you need to go.
Dreaming of a trip to Thailand? Â
Thailand’s bustling capital city is a destination in itself. If you have the time, you will not regret an entire vacation in Bangkok. But, perhaps your plans include other Thailand cities.  Whether you dream of the regal sites of Chang Mai, the water front splendor of Krabi, or the countryside of Songkhla, every trip to Thailand begins in Bangkok.  Spending 3 days in Bangkok will be just enough to experience the must see places in Bangkok, and a few hidden gems. You will wish you had more time!
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About the Author: Christelle Saintis is a teacher and travel blogger who documents her adventures on her blog Stella’s Out. She lived and taught in Thailand for two years and traveled extensively throughout South East Asia. She also spent a year in Central America, teaching in Honduras. You can also follow her on the Stella’s Out Facebook Page or on Instagram.
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