Whenever we think of a trip to Thailand, the pristine beaches, blue waters and long tail boats come to our mind! But apart from Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai – the capital city of Thailand also offers some stunning and beautiful attractions which are worth visiting and queuing up for!
Beyond the shopping and the parties, Bangkok offers some really amazing cultural insight into the history of Thailand. I spent 3 whole days in Thailand and wasn’t able to explore it to the core.
In this blog, I take you through all the things that I did and how you can spend 3 days in Bangkok having the best time!
Brief history of Bangkok
The capital city of Thailand is one of the most populous city, known for its vibrant street life and beautiful shrines! The city located on the banks of Chao Phraya river is the perfect blend of modernity and ethnic diversity.
From the reclining Budhha to some of the ginormous malls I have ever seen, Bangkok is a true travellers paradise. From a history lover to a party/shopping lover, the city has something for everybody. Also, this city boasts of a vibrant street/night life which is interesting and worth checking out.
How to get around in Bangkok
Bangkok has some of the best transportation system in the world! From cabs, buses to metro this city has it all. I particularly enjoyed using both the BTS (Sky Train) and the MRT (Underground metro). There are various lines which connect different parts of the city and one can reach from one area to another quite smoothly.
Cabs in Bangkok city can be expensive even after you install Grab App. In addition the famous pink taxis are also costly but if you wanna travel for the experience, make sure you bargain!
Apart from metro and cabs, the city also has an efficient bus system and you can also hire tuktuks! Figuring bus routes can be a tad tricky but its a total money saver.
You can hire a tuktuk for an authentic local experience but make sure you bargain and beware of the scams which are pretty common!
Must visit attractions
The map linked above has a host of attractions which I would have personally liked to do. But due to the limited time I had and also the trip being a rather chill one, sharing all that I did in my 3 days!
Wat Pho or the Reclining Budhha
Wat Pho famously known as the Reclining Buddha (almost 151 feet long) is one of the prime attractions in Bangkok.
The reclining Buddha represents the entry of Buddha into Nirvana and the end of all reincarnations. The posture of the image is referred to as sihasaiyas, the posture of a sleeping or reclining lion.
Entry fee: Bhat 200 or USD 5.
How to dress: Modestly. Women are required are to cover their shoulders and legs. Similar rules apply to men.
How to reach: The nearest BTS Station is Sanam Chai from where the place is 15-20 mins walking.
Wat Arun
Whenever we look up Bangkok on the internet, one of the first images that would pop up is that of Wat Arun or Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan.
This is one of the most famous Buddhist temple located on the banks of Chao Phraya river. The main feature of Wat Arun is the central prang which is entrusted with beautiful porcelain. The main structure is cornered by four smaller prangs.
Entry fee: Bhat 100 or USD 2.80
Dress code: Modest
How to reach: Take a Bhat 5 boat from Tah Tien pier (near Grand Palace) to reach the Wat Arun pier.
Grand Palace
An opulent structure located in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace is a complex of buildings is a major symbol of the Royal Thai Family.
This erstwhile residence of kings is now being used for ceremonial purposes and is divided into the temple of the Emerald Buddha and the royal residence.
The complex can take atleast an hour to two hours to explore the grandeur of the structure. If you are lucky you can also find artisans working on the various artworks on the walls of the palace grounds.
Entry fee: Bhat 500 or USD 14
Dress code: Modest
Mahanakhon Skywalk
The Mahanakhon Skywalk located inside the Mahanakhon Tower is the highest observation desk in the city from where you can get a 360 degree view of the whole Bangkok city.
I would highly recommend going around the evening time to catch a stunning sunset and also see the city lighting up. On a clear day you can get the view of the some of the famous attractions of Bangkok like Wat Arun! Also, you can walk on a skywalk. The experience is exciting and out of the world.
Entry fee: Depends on the package you take. I took the basic package which costed Bhat 1080 or USD 30
Best malls/markets to shop
Shopping is something in Bangkok you should just not miss. The street market and mall culture is crazy (and also overwhelming). If you are planning a trip to Thailand, I would highly recommend coming with a half empty suitcase and start your trip at Bangkok to shop at various markets! You can score some great quality clothing at real affordable prices! Some of the places that I would highly recommend shopping at are listed below.
Chatuchak Market
In my opinion, this is one of the best markets to shop at. The Chatuchak Market is a weekend market which has more than 100 stores/shops selling various items like clothing to home decor.
One can score some really amazing pieces at great deals. The market is like a huge spiral so make sure you buy the item you like coz its likely you might not find that store again!
The market is open from 10 am to 9 pm on Saturdays and Sundays and on Fridays opens at 6 pm to 12 pm (Please check timings).
How tor reach: Nearest BTS station is Mo Chit Station. Nearest MRT station – Chatuchak market.
Platinum Fashion Mall
The Platinum Fashion Mall is like the Primark of Bangkok or a high street version of the Sarojini Market located in Delhi, India.
This mall is vast and almost seems endless with hundreds of store selling items like phone covers, clothing, jewellery and so much more. The lower floors are relatively crowded. On the higher floors there are clothing for plus size women. When it comes to men clothing there is not enough that you can find.
What I recommend: Check out Moshi Moshi (stationery store) for some cute and quirky items. Also, grab amazing jewellery at great prices.
Terminal 21 Mall
The mall I particularly enjoyed shopping at was the Terminal 21 mall. Located near the Sukhumvit region, this 8 floor mall is a treat to shop at.
Each floor is a different city/country themed and houses some amazing collection of popular brand stores as well as boutiques. It only carries women fashion but has some great men’s fashion also!
Even if you don’t intend to shop, just visit the mall for exploring the different themed floors!
Other malls/markets to explore
Some of the other markets/malls I would highly recommend checking out are as follows –
a) Siam Paragon: Enjoy luxury shopping like never before. The mall is particularly beautiful and houses some of the best luxury brands
b) Siam Center: Right next to the Siam Paragon is the Siam Center. This mall is the high street version of Siam Paragon and houses brands like Sephora, Lush, H&M, Pomelo etc.
c) Centerworld: Another beautiful and vast mall! The Christmas market is a treat to visit.
d) Pratunam Market: Another street market with an amazing collection at super affordable prices.
e) Icon Siam: A beautiful shopping destination on the banks of Chao Phraya river. This mall has a huge Starbucks Reserve, perfect place for coffee lovers!
Cafes/Restaurants to explore
The best part of my Bangkok trip was the food. Unlike other trips where food is my least priority, on this one I made sure to explore some beautiful cafes and dishes! The obvious mango sticky rice was something I couldn’t try this time around, but there is always a next time. Right?
TrueLove cafe (Husky cafe)
Are you someone who loves food and adores dogs, then TrueLove Huskey Cafe is the place to be.
A quaint cafe located at Phaya Thai, this cafe is the perfect place to enjoy your food while looking at some adorable dogs of different breeds (primarily huskies) playing. Whats unique about this case is that the entry ticket includes an hour playtime with the dogs.
The entry ticket includes a free drink of your choice, an hour playtime with dogs and a plastic water bottle (souvenir).
Entry fee: Bhat 500 (If you follow them on Instagram or Facebook you can avail promotional offers)
Timings to play with dogs: 1 pm to 2 pm and 4 pm to 5 pm
Dinner at a Rooftop restaurant
Dinner at a rooftop restaurant is an experience you should not pass on. Bangkok has a bunch of rooftop restaurants which offer amazing food and great views! Obviously, these are price affairs but its so WORTH it!
I went to Spectrum Lounge Bar at the Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit and OMG it was amazing! From the food to the drinks everything was so delicious.
Definitely, research the restaurant you want to go at!
Laem Charoen Seafood
If you are someone who loves sea food, definitely try out Laem Chareon Seafood. Apart from seafood, they also have some vegetarian options. Checkout the menu here! Would highly recommend to try the hot chocolate here, it was too good!
Price: $$
Other restaurant/cafe recommendation
Apart from the above cafes/restaurants, I would highly recommend checking out these other ones too (There are so many food options, but yeah do go to these)
a) The Coffee Club: A famous coffee chain in Bangkok. The coffee and food (especially breakfast menu) is too good.
b) Bonchon: If you love Korean Fried Chicken definitely try theirs. Its lip smacking!
c) Shake Shack: One of the best and juiciest burgers I have tried. Highly recommend
d) Unicorn Cafe: For those who love sweet breakfast
e) Cabbages & Condoms Cafe: A cafe with a unique concept and great food!
Where to stay in Bangkok?
When it comes to accommodation, Bangkok offers some really good options. You can choose your hotel basis your liking and budget!
If you want to get familiar with the vibe of the city a little faster, would recommend booking your stay at the Sukhumvit area. This is a popular area of solo and family travellers and is lively at all times of the day. Also, for Indians there are tons of Indian restaurants (so its a win-win).
Other attractions
If you are planning to stay for more than 3 days in Bangkok, I would highly recommend adding the following places to your itinerary too –
a) Day trip to Ayuthhaya
b) Erawan Museum
c) Ancient city tour
d) Wat Sam Phran, also known as the Dragon Temple
e) Wat Benchamaphobit , also known as the Marble Temple
I hope you enjoyed reading this one and it helps you plan the perfect 3 day trip to Bangkok! This often misunderstood city is culturally enriching and has so much more than what meets the eye!
If you have been to Bangkok or have other recommendations, do let me and this community know in the comments section below!
Very informative. Keen to visit Husky Cafe!
Glad you liked it 🙂
Hope you get to visit soon. It’s Beautiful!!!