How to Plan a Trip to Bangkok (First-Timers' Travel Guide 2025)

The top gateway to Thailand, Bangkok, perfectly balances modern charm with cultural gems. Encapsulating our extensive travel experience in Bangkok, this guide was crafted to help you create your dream trip to Bangkok.

1. What Time of Year is Best to Visit Bangkok?

With the "coolest" and driest weather, November to February is considered the best time to visit Bangkok. But please note that, as a tropical city, Bangkok's daytime temperature still reaches above 30°C (86°F) on average, even in this cooler season.

From March to May, sunny days continue, but temperatures rise to their hottest, averaging daily highs of 35°C (95°F). During this period, arrange your outdoor activities in the cool early morning hours or evenings and stay hydrated.

Since the heat keeps most travelers at bay, you could have the cultural attractions to yourselves and benefit from hotel and flight discounts. Besides, the Songkran Festival in April offers a great opportunity to join in the grand water "fights" throughout the city.

Temperatures cool down a bit when the rainy season arrives from late May to October. The wettest days are in September and October, with afternoon downpours being common. Despite the rain, outdoor exploration is still possible if you have a flexible schedule.

Check out the worst time and monthly weather in Bangkok from The Best Time to Visit Bangkok.

2. How Many Days to Spend in Bangkok?

If Bangkok is just one stop on your broader Thailand adventure, 3 days is the perfect amount of time. You could hit the major highlights without feeling too rushed.

Usually, beyond the arrival day, first-timers would dedicate 1 day to visit the iconic landmarks of Bangkok, including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. Then, spend a day experiencing Bangkok's vibrant life by visiting its characteristic markets, like the railway market and floating markets.

If you seek a broader exploration of Bangkok, 5 days would be ideal. In addition to the must-see attractions, you could discover more hidden gems, like a cooking class at a local village or cycling around Bang Krachao. Moreover, you could take a day trip to nearby cities to see more beyond Bangkok. The ancient city of Ayutthaya is the most popular excursion, known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites.

More ideas on How Many Days in Bangkok.

3. Plan Your Bangkok Itinerary

We've thoughtfully designed the following three itineraries as suggestions for the popular travel durations.

1) A 1-Day in Bangkok Itinerary

If you have just 1 day in Bangkok, the usual recommendation is to focus on the city's most iconic sites: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Chinatown. As these landmarks are located close to each other, you could conveniently visit them in a single day.

Marvel at the majestic palace to appreciate Thai royal life, see the famous 46-meter-long (151-foot-long) reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and admire the exquisite decoration of Bangkok's prettiest temple — Wat Arun.

If you'd like to learn about medieval Bangkok with a more peaceful vibe, consider Museum Siam or Bangkok National Museum.

To conclude the day, take an evening foodie tour in vibrant Chinatown.

2) A 3-Day Bangkok Itinerary

With 3 days, we highly recommend indulging yourself in Bangkok's exotic local life after exploring its top attractions.

For the best experience, venture to the outskirts of Bangkok to visit Mahachai Market, Maeklong Railway Market, and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Each market has its own distinctive charm, and they are conveniently located along the same route.

You could see both fresh and dry seafood products at Mahachai Market, witness the unique market set right on the tracks at Maeklong Railway Market, and take a small boat through the canals of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Check out the following itinerary summary:

• Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok
• Day 2: Best of Bangkok (the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Chinatown, and a longtail boat ride in Thonburi)
• Day 3: Bangkok life exploration (Mahachai Market, Maeklong Railway Market, and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market), and departure.

Read further details from our article: 3 days in Bangkok.

3) A 5-Day Bangkok Itinerary

Compared with a 3-day itinerary, a 5-day trip would allow you to explore Thai culture more deeply and experience typical Bangkok relaxation.

With extra time in Bangkok, we suggest a day trip to nearby Ayutthaya to explore an amazing historical site (the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767) beyond the modern-day capital. Relax on your final Bangkok day with a Thai spa or massage treatment and a cooking class.

• Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok
• Day 2: Best of Bangkok (the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Chinatown, and a longtail boat ride in Thonburi)
• Day 3: Day trip to Ayutthaya
• Day 4: Bangkok life exploration (Mahachai Market, Maeklong Railway Market, and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market)
• Day 5: Take a cooking class, enjoy a Thai massage or spa, and depart

4. Decide on Your Budget

Daily expenses in Bangkok are very reasonable, particularly when compared to major Western capitals.

Bangkok offers a wide range of accommodation options. You could stay at a luxury hotel for US$200–500/night in Riverside and Sukhumvit, or a mid-range (US$100–150/night) one in the central area. Budget travelers would find hostels starting at US$20/night in Khao San Road and the Old Town. Off-peak periods (March to June and September to October) may offer discounts of about 30%.

Tickets for attractions usually come at under US$10. The Grand Palace, for example, is the most expensive major attraction at US$9.90. If you'd like to watch some cultural shows or take a spa treatment, the price is higher—at least US$50.

Food is super cheap: street food costs about US$1–2, and you can have a meal in an air-conditioned restaurant for about US$10–15 per person.

When it comes to getting around, if you don't mind a little hassle, public transportation, like the subways and canal boats, is really affordable at US$10 a day. But if you prefer the convenience of private transfers or taxis, expect to spend about US$30–50 a day.

Therefore, for comfortable travel in Bangkok, you could budget for around US$150–200 per day per person. You could check out more price details for our sample Bangkok tour: 5-Day Essential Bangkok Tour.

5. Decide Where to Stay in Bangkok

For convenience and comfort, we usually suggest staying in these areas: Riverside, Siam, or Sukhumvit.

If you want a luxurious and romantic stay, choose the Riverside area. It is a great place to unwind with gorgeous views of the Chao Phraya River and easy access to top attractions, like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.

Siam Square/Siam is the perfect place for families. This area boasts major shopping centers like Siam Paragon and CentralWorld, along with a variety of dining options, from street food to international cuisine. You could also get around easily via the MRT subways and BTS Skytrain.

Sukhumvit is the place to go if you're looking for Western comforts and modern amenities. This vibrant district is the place to be for trendy sky bars, high-end restaurants, and luxurious spas. It is connected with the BTS Skytrain, making it easy to explore the city.

If you would consider budget hotels, consider Khao San Road and the Old City, where the historical icons are located, like the Grand Palace. The traffic congestion, however, usually makes getting around a challenge.

See hotel recommendations in each area at Where to Stay in Bangkok.

6. Book Your Flights to Bangkok

Bangkok has two main airports: Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the city's primary international gateway, with a wide range of flights and top-tier services. It takes about an hour to reach the city center.

On the other hand, Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is more focused on domestic flights and some regional international routes, mainly operated by low-cost carriers.

The two airports are about an hour's drive apart, so if you need to make a transfer between them, make sure to allow at least 3 hours for your connection.

7. Consider How to Get around Bangkok

Like in most cities, private transfers are the most convenient and value-enhancing, though the most expensive, transportation option in Bangkok.

Taxis offer a similar convenience, but you need to do some extra preparation. Because few taxi drivers speak English, you'd better write down your destinations beforehand.

Due to frequent road congestion, the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, and Chao Phraya River boats are better and more affordable choices for navigating the city more efficiently during peak hours.

However, they could be crowded and have limited seats during rush hours. You would also have to walk certain distances to your destinations and navigate your own routes.

If you're looking for a more local flavor, taking a tuk-tuk could be a fun and exciting way to get around. These three-wheeled vehicles are iconic in Bangkok, but be cautious about their pricing, which could sometimes be inflated for tourists.

8. Plan Where (and What) to Eat in Bangkok

Traveling in Bangkok, Chinatown is a must for street food lovers. On its main road, Yaowarat Road, you could easily find fresh snacks or drinks ranging from iconic Thai desserts of mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream to skewered fried insects.

Michelin-starred food adventures are also available there, such as Lim Lao Ngow for fish ball noodles, Patonggo Savoey for dough sticks, and Khao Gaeng Jek Pui for Thai curry.

For one-of-a-kind dining experiences, book Michelin-starred local restaurants near Wat Pho Pier, offering perfect sunset and night views of Wat Arun. Rongros, Sala Rattanakosin, and Chakrabongse Dining stand out for their excellent Thai food and views.

If you prefer a rooftop dining experience with an illuminated city view, head to Silom or Sukhumvit for a memorable night above the city lights. Rooftop venues tend to lean towards Western cuisine.

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9. Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors to Bangkok

How can I pay for things in Bangkok—cash or card/app?

Cash in Thai Baht is widely accepted in Bangkok, especially for street food and markets, but cards/cashless payments are increasingly common in malls and larger establishments.

What should I pack for my Bangkok trip?

Pack light, breathable clothing for the heat, along with a light jacket for cooler evenings and air-conditioned spaces.

Don't forget comfortable shoes for walking and exploring. Insect repellent is necessary if you take a jungle/mountain adventure.

Is it customary to tip in Bangkok?

Tipping isn't mandatory in Bangkok, but it's appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common in restaurants. For more upscale dining, a 10% tip is customary.

What should I wear in temples in Bangkok?

When visiting temples or palaces, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. It's a sign of respect, and some temples may provide cover-ups if needed.

Wearing sandals or flip-flops is great for temple days as you have to remove your shoes before entering the halls.

Can I get a SIM card at the airport, and which is the best one to get?

You could easily get a tourist SIM card from AIS, TrueMove H, or DTAC, as well as other providers at the airport or 7-11s in the city. You could expect to pay around 100–300 baht (approximately US$3–$10) for a basic prepaid SIM card. Your phone will need to be unlocked (no network restrictions) to use a prepaid SIM card.

Do I need a visa to enter Bangkok?

Nationals of many countries are exempt from needing a tourist visa to enter Bangkok, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Most travelers can stay in Bangkok without a visa for up to 30 days.