๐บ๏ธ What to Do in Bangkok for 3 Days: The Ultimate 72-Hour Itinerary

Bangkok is a thrilling whirlwind: a city where centuries-old temples sit beside sky-high towers, where the scent of sizzling street food mingles with incense from golden shrines, and where every turn introduces a new sensory adventure. Itโs chaotic and beautiful, gritty and elegant, all at once.
This guide, โWhat to Do in Bangkok for 3 Days: The Ultimate 72-Hour Itinerary,โ is crafted for curious, energetic travelers who crave immersive experiences but donโt want to fall into tourist traps. Whether itโs your first visit or a return trip, this itinerary strikes a balance between iconic sights and local secrets, giving you a taste of Bangkokโs spirit, without burning you out.
๐ฌ Before you land: a few quick tips!
๐จ Where to stay? Central Bangkok: Silom, Siam, or Sukhumvit for easy access to BTS/MRT.
๐ Transport: Use Grab (Thailandโs Uber), BTS Skytrain, MRT, tuk-tuks for short hops, and river boats for old-town charm.
๐ Dress Code: Temples require modest attire: no sleeveless tops or short skirts/shorts.
๐ต Cash & Cards: Most vendors are cash-only, so keep small baht bills handy.
๐ Day 1: Grand Palaces, River Life & Night Markets
๐ Morning: Old City & Grand Highlights
๐ Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) โ Bangkokโs most iconic attraction. Arrive early (8:30 AM) to beat crowds and the heat.
๐ Wat Pho โ Home of the giant reclining Buddha and traditional Thai massage school. Get a massage before moving on.
๐ Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) โ Cross the Chao Phraya River by ferry for this stunning temple with panoramic city views.
๐ Pro Tip: Combine all three in a morning loop: Wat Pho and the Grand Palace are walkable; Wat Arun is just across the river.
๐ฅข Lunch: Riverside Thai Flavors
๐ฝ๏ธ Try The Deck by Arun Residence for lunch with views of Wat Arun.
๐ก Or go street-style at Tha Maharaj Pier food stalls.
๐ค Afternoon: Canal Tour (Khlong Tour)
๐ Board a long-tail boat from Tha Tien Pier for a private or group Thonburi canal tour. See traditional stilt homes, floating vendors, and the other side of Bangkok.
๐ Evening: Night Market & Rooftop Views
โ Asiatique The Riverfront โ Open-air night market + Ferris wheel + river views + street food and boutique shops.
OR:
๐ธ Rooftop Bar Option: Sip cocktails at Sky Bar at Lebua (from The Hangover II) or Vertigo at Banyan Tree.
๐ชท Day 2: Culture, Food & Urban Adventures
โ๏ธ Morning: Jim Thompson House & Shopping
๐ก Jim Thompson House โ A serene traditional Thai house full of history, art, and mystery.
๐๏ธ Explore nearby Siam Square, MBK Center, or Siam Paragon for shopping and air-conditioning.
๐ Lunch: Street Food Safari
๐ข Head to Victory Monument or Ari for local food stalls: papaya salad, grilled pork skewers, and boat noodles.
๐ณ Afternoon: Relax or Explore More
๐ฆข Lumphini Park โ Rent a swan boat or chill by the lake.
OR:
๐ฒ Bang Krachao (the “Green Lung”) โ Rent a bicycle and explore this surprisingly lush escape from the urban chaos.
๐๏ธ Evening: Chatuchak Night Market (if it’s the weekend)
๐ If you’re in Bangkok on a FridayโSunday, go to Chatuchak Night Market for endless local shopping and eating.
๐ฐ๏ธ Alternative: Check out the Train Night Market Srinagarindra for vintage finds and Thai fusion eats.
๐ชฉ Day 3: Temples, Hidden Gems & Neon Nights
๐ Morning: Hidden Cultural Gems
๐ฐ Loha Prasat (Metal Castle) โ Unique and often missed, this peaceful temple has great views and few crowds.
๐ Golden Mount (Wat Saket) โ Climb to the top for panoramic views and a gentle breeze.
๐ธ Stop at Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing nearby.
๐ฅข Lunch: Chinatown Eats
โฉ๏ธ Head to Yaowarat Road (Chinatown) for crispy pork, dim sum, birdโs nest soup, and Thai-Chinese hybrid dishes.
๐ง Don’t miss a dessert stop at Sweet Time for Thai-style shaved ice.
๐จ Afternoon: Art, Coffee, and Cool Neighborhoods
๐๏ธ Explore Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) for a dose of modern Thai art.
โ Chill at a cafรฉ in Ari or Ekkamai: trendy neighborhoods with good coffee, vintage shops, and galleries.
๐ Final Night: Go Big or Go Chill
๐ Option 1: Party Night โ Head to Khao San Road for buckets, backpackers, and wild nightlife.
๐ฝ๏ธ Option 2: Sophisticated Send-Off โ Enjoy a classy Thai dinner at Blue Elephant, Bo.Lan, or Supanniga Eating Room, then watch the city light up from a quieter rooftop like Above Riva.
๐บ๏ธ Map of What to Do in Bangkok for 3 Days: The Ultimate 72-Hour Itinerary
๐ Bonus Tips for Your 3 Days in Bangkok
๐ Footwear: Opt for comfortable, easy-to-remove slip-on shoes, as youโll be taking them off frequently when visiting temples and some indoor spaces.
๐ฆ Hydration: Bangkokโs heat and humidity can be intense, especially when you’re exploring outdoors, be sure to carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day.
๐ซ Avoid scams: Stay alert around overly friendly tuk-tuk drivers who offer unplanned “special tours” or stops at gem shops, these are usually tourist traps designed to overcharge or mislead.
๐๐ปโโ Massage: Treat yourself at the end of each day with a relaxing Thai foot massage, they’re widely available, surprisingly affordable, and the perfect way to soothe tired legs after all that walking.
Bangkok is a full-on feast for the senses: a city that overwhelms, enchants, and exhilarates in equal measure. Itโs the kind of place where tuk-tuks weave through traffic like pinballs, where golden spires glint in the sun above bustling markets, and where the aroma of grilled satay and jasmine rice lingers in the air long after sunset. Every corner pulses with life, contrast, and unexpected beauty.
With this “What to Do in Bangkok for 3 Days: The Ultimate 72-Hour Itinerary,” youโll dive headfirst into the city’s dynamic soul: from royal landmarks and ancient temples to cutting-edge galleries, hip neighborhoods, and chaotic street markets that come alive after dark. Along the way, youโll taste fiery dishes straight off the wok, sip cocktails high above the skyline, and discover moments of calm in quiet courtyards hidden behind temple walls.
Pack light, move fast, and leave space in your schedule, and your mindset, for spontaneity. Because in Bangkok, the most unforgettable moments are often the ones you didnโt plan for. One thingโs certain: this city always delivers, and it rarely lets go.