Day 1 – The Unusual Bangkok
Your first day in Bangkok is different from what all the guidebooks tell you. We will explore the unseen and lesser-known corners of this city. Follow this 3-day guide step by step and have a great time in Bangkok.
Here are all your hotel options in Bangkok.
1. Co van Kessel, Biking around Bangkok
One of the best things to do in Bangkok is to explore the city by bicycle. Discover the small back alleys, outskirts, markets, Chinatown, temples, and canals on a 5-hour tour. You won’t be on the bike all the time; halfway, you will take your bike on a boat tour through the famous canals of Bangkok and have a mouth-watering lunch at a local restaurant.
Book this online or read more about the Co van Kessel Bike Tour
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2. Explore the Canals by Long-Tail Boat
The “Venice of the East” is a big network of canals. Along with those rivers, you see many Thai people live in their wooden houses. The canals connected Bangkok throughout the whole city.
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Thonburi is super picturesque, less touristy, and highly recommended to get a long-tail boat tour through its canals.
See tickets and availability for canal tour in Bangkok
Small local vegetable markets to huge, 2000+ stalls, trendy clothing, souvenir,and food stalls markets. Locals absolutely love to hang around here so when you visit a good market, the majority are Bangkok locals. If you ask us, this is the best market in Bangkok.
Tip: Bargaining is common in Thailand. Aim to pay 40% of the original price.
4. Get Yourself a Smoothie!
Everywhere you go in Thailand, fresh fruit smoothies are a big deal. They are delicious, come in all kinds of fruit flavors, and oh so affordable. Every market offers fresh fruit smoothies, but be warned, most of the stalls add sugar water to make them taste even better. Healthy tip: Ask for ‘no sugar’. :)
Get from Bangkok to your next destination: Find transport tickets
5. Eat like a Local
Find the best Thai food in the markets and at small food shops on the side of the road. Delicious curries, Pad Thais, spicy green mango salad, chicken cashew, and so many more choices. Be prepared for a fantastic food experience.
Book this popular midnight food tour of Bangkok (in a tuk tuk!)
Good to know: Buying fruits that are already cut is not recommended.
No time to read now?No worries! Save on Pinterest to read it later.Saveto PinterestDepending on the popularity of the area, the prices of meals change very quick. Expect to pay anywhere between 40 – 120 THB ($2) for a meal and 250 THB for a whole barbeque grilled fish.
Get that meal and smoothie at this best market of Bangkok.
6. Wat Benchamabophit
Wake up early for an absolute magical sunrise at Wat Benchamabophit. Italian Marble gives a unique look to the temple and is our favorite temple of Bangkok. It is just outside of Bangkok old town, and because it isn’t well known (yet), it is likely that you will be one of the few there.
Also read: Best Places to Visit in Thailand
7. Tuk-Tuk through the City
Another thing to do in Bangkok is experiencing at least one Tuk Tuk ride. They take you from A to B within minutes, zigzagging through traffic.
Get from Bangkok to your next destination:Find transport tickets
Jump in the Tuk Tuk from Wat Benchamabophit and ask him to drop you at the ferry point to Wat Arun. It takes about 20 minutes and you should aim for a price between 100 and 200 THB. Agree on a price on forehand!
From the ferry point, take the ferry, which costs 4 THB, to the other side of the river. It is a 3-minute walk from the 50 THB entrance.
Good to know: At all temples is it required to cover up over shoulders and knees.
9. Khao San Road and Soi Rambuttri
Khao San Road, is the street that is a haven for every budget backpacker. One street with many small bars, food stalls, souvenirs, cheap buckets with alcohol, and fried scorpions sellers. Walk through this street and be amazed by what is going on here. It’s an absolute must-see and a top thing to do in Bangkok.
10. Wat Pho
Start the day at 08:00 AM at Bangkok’s most popular temple: Wat Pho. It thanks its popularity to its beauty and 46-meter-long reclining Buddha. When visiting early, it is relaxing to wander around the complex. There is a 100 THB (3 USD) fee to enter Wat Pho.
Also read: Khao Sok National Park, Thailand’s hidden gem
Our two favorite malls are Terminal 21 for shopping clothing and CentralWorld also for clothing and electronics.
Loads of well-known stores are located here, such as H&M, Zara, Brandy Melville, creative Japanese, and big electronic shops. The top floors of the malls have a large cinema and food area.
Here are all your hotel options in Bangkok.
12. Coffee and Food!
Besides local Thai dishes, Bangkok offers a lot of Western-style restaurants. Obviously, prices are higher, but some places are worth the experience. Prefer local food? Read number 5 of our Things to do in Bangkok list.
iO Italian Osteria
Inside the CentralWorld mall is an Italian restaurant, which is, without a doubt, the best one in the entire city. Most products are imported from Italy, and even some of the staff are Italian.
(Not Just) Another Cup or Brekkie
For a good Western breakfast or lunch, head over two either Brekkie Organic Cafe or (Not Just) Another Cup. Two eye-pleasing cafes with delicious food and coffee.
13. Sunset at Skybar Rooftop Bar – Must do in Bangkok!
A great way to close off your time in Bangkok is by watching the sunset from a rooftop. Have a 360 degrees view over the whole city at 48 stories up in the sky. Some have a dress code, be sure to check this in advance.
Here are all your hotel options in Bangkok.
Octave is a bar outside of the tourist area with a great view and near the Thong Lo BTS stop. Happy Hour runs from 5-7 PM; expect to pay around 300 THB on average. The dress code is smart casual, which usually means: wear actual shoes, trainers are ok!
Good to know: Take your ID or a photo of it with you.
How to Get Around Bangkok
Bangkok offers loads of options to get around the city. Grab, Gojek motorbikes, Metro, BTS (Skytrain), Taxis, Tuk-Tuks,and local buses.
Get from Bangkok to your next destination:Find transport tickets
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Suvarnabhumi is connected to a BTS, getting to Bangkok city from here is an easy 30-minute ride and only costs between 15 – 45 THB (1 USD). Once you get off the BTS, you can order a Grab that takes you to your hotel.
Find flights to Bangkok ✈️
Getting a Taxi is also very convenient from this airport since it is a regulated number system which means fair prices. Expect to pay ~400 THB.
Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive through Thailand.
We recommend to rent a car in Thailand through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Good to know: In Bangkok, you always want to ride the highway. These are toll roads but save you a lot of time. Taxi drivers will ask you to pay this fee.
Don Mueang
Don Mueang does not have the BTS connection yet. It is planned to open in 2020. For now, it is the best option to get a Grab or Taxi from the arrival terminal. Expect to pay 300 – 400 THB to the city.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is filled with hotels and guesthouses for every kind of budget. If you are in for a good party, it is recommended to find a stay around the Khao San area.
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How Much Does Bangkok Cost?
Bangkok is a relatively affordable city in comparison to most capital cities worldwide. Particularly if you stay further out of the center, you can find budget accommodation for next to nothing. Add to that the delicious and cheap street food, and you’re onto a winner!
Costs of Traveling in Bangkok
Travel on a budget in Bangkok, from $270 − $200 USD weekly per person, mid-range $490 − $760 USD, and high-end from $720 − $1040 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here
* Average daily costs
Hotels:$30−$100 USD
Check available hotels
Hostels:$10−$15 USD
Check available hostels
Transport:$5−$10 USD
Book public transport
Food:$15−$30 USD
Activities:$5−$10 USD
Sim:$1−$3 USD
Travel Insurance:$2−$6 USD
Budget tip!
Traveling to a country with a different currency? Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in local currency with a Wise Card. Having used it for over 5 years, we've saved loads on fees.
Get a Wise CardSimcard in Bangkok
At the airport are loads of sim card shops. Getting a sim at the airport is recommended so you can easily use Grab and/or find your way in the city. We recommend AIS, which offers a 5-day unlimited data bundle for 140 THB (4 USD).
Did you know that …
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- Find Hotels via Booking.com
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- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go