🗺️ What to Do in Bangkok for 4 Days: The Ultimate 96-Hour Itinerary
Vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly captivating, Bangkok is a city that never sits still. From gleaming temples and steamy street food stalls to buzzing tuk-tuks and rooftop bars that scrape the sky, Thailand’s capital is a sensory overload in the best possible way.
Only have 4 days to take it all in? No problem. This guide “What to Do in Bangkok for 4 Days: The Ultimate 96-Hour Itinerary” is built for curious travelers who want to dive deep without getting lost in the tourist crowds.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to see it with fresh eyes, this itinerary blends must-see landmarks with authentic local experiences, giving you a true taste of Bangkok’s energy, culture, and flavor: all without exhausting your sanity (or your feet).
🛬 Touching down soon? Here’s what to know before you go!
🏨 Best areas to stay: For convenience, book your hotel in Silom, Siam, or Sukhumvit, all well-connected by BTS and MRT trains.
🚇 Getting around: Use Grab (Thailand’s version of Uber) for taxis, hop on the BTS Skytrain or MRT for fast travel, take tuk-tuks for short rides, and don’t miss a river boat ride for a scenic way to explore the historic center.
👗 Temple-ready attire: When visiting temples, dress respectfully, cover your shoulders and knees. Sleeveless tops and short skirts or shorts won’t be allowed inside.
💵 Money matters: Many street vendors and small shops don’t accept cards, so carry plenty of small baht notes for easy payments.
🛕 Day 1: Temples, River Life & Rooftop Views
🌞 Morning
🏯 Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew: Begin your adventure with Bangkok’s crown jewel. Arrive early (by 8:30 AM) to beat the crowds and see the dazzling Emerald Buddha.
🛕 Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha): Just nearby, visit the massive 46-meter-long golden Buddha. Treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage right at the temple’s school. 🙌
🍛 Lunch
Try The Sixth or Pad Thai Kratong Thong, cozy Thai restaurants near Wat Pho.
🚤 Afternoon
🌄 Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): Take a quick ferry across the river for this iconic temple. Climb up for sweeping views.
🛶 Canal Tour: Take a longtail boat ride through Thonburi’s peaceful canals, a glimpse into Bangkok’s old way of life.
🌇 Evening
🍽️ Dinner at Supanniga Eating Room by the river: authentic Thai food with sunset views
🍸 Rooftop Cocktails at Sala Rattanakosin overlooking the glowing Wat Arun.
🏮 Day 2: Markets, Chinatown & Skyscraper Sunsets
🌞 Morning
🛒 Chatuchak Weekend Market (weekends only): With 15,000+ stalls, this is a must for shopping and local eats.
🥭 On weekdays? Head to Or Tor Kor Market: a clean, upscale food market with tropical fruits, snacks, and great coffee.
🌄 Afternoon
🏮 Explore Chinatown (Yaowarat Road): Dive into buzzing alleys filled with gold shops, dim sum spots, and street eats.
– 🧧 Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)
– 🛍️ Sampeng Lane Market for souvenirs
– 🍜 Try local dishes like Guay Jub (rolled noodles) or grilled pork skewers
🌇 Evening
🍸 Tep Bar or Ba Hao: Chic bars with Thai-Chinese vibes, cocktails, and live music.
🏙️ Mahanakhon Skywalk or Vertigo for breathtaking rooftop views of Bangkok at night.
🛍️ Day 3: Thai Culture, Shopping & Relaxation
🌞 Morning
🏠 Jim Thompson House: Explore this beautiful teakwood home of the silk tycoon and its lush gardens.
🛍️ Siam Area: Bangkok’s shopping paradise!
– 👜 Siam Paragon
– 🎮 MBK Center
– 🧴 Siam Discovery
– 🛍️ CentralWorld
🍛 Lunch
🐔 Don’t miss Som Tam Nua in Siam Square for spicy papaya salad and crispy fried chicken.
🌄 Afternoon
🙏 Erawan Shrine: Watch locals make offerings with traditional Thai dancing performances.
💆♂️ Massage or Spa: Unwind at Health Land or Let’s Relax: your feet will thank you!
🌇 Evening
🛍️ Asiatique the Riverfront: An open-air night market with river views, boutique shopping, and dinner options.
🎭 Optional: Watch a Muay Thai show or cabaret performance for an evening of Thai entertainment.
🛶 Day 4: Floating Markets & Local Vibes
🌞 Morning (start early!)
🌊 Visit a Floating Market:
– 🚤 Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa (weekends) for classic boat vendors and local bites.
– 🛤️ Pair it with the Maeklong Railway Market: where trains pass straight through the stalls!
📍 Short on time? Visit Taling Chan Floating Market (weekend only), just 30 minutes from Bangkok.
🍛 Lunch
😋 Sample boat noodles, grilled prawns, or coconut pancakes at the market.
🌄 Afternoon
🌿 Chill out in Ari or Ekkamai: trendy neighborhoods with stylish cafes, vintage shops, and less touristy vibes.
🍳 Optional: Take a Thai cooking class and learn to make dishes like pad thai and green curry at House of Taste.
🌇 Evening
– 🍹 Kick off the night with drinks at Octave Rooftop Bar (Bangkok Marriott Sukhumvit).
🕺 For nightlife:
– 🎧 Head to Thonglor or Ekkamai for hidden bars and DJs (try Rabbit Hole or Tropic City).
– 🎉 Or dive into the backpacker madness of Khao San Road: neon lights, street bars, dancing in flip-flops, and the wildest mix of travelers in one place. It’s chaotic, fun, and totally Bangkok.
🗺️ Map of What to Do in Bangkok for 4 Days: The Ultimate 96-Hour Itinerary
🌟 Helpful Tips for Your 4 Days in Bangkok
👟 Shoes: Choose comfy, slip-on footwear that’s easy to take off, you’ll need to remove them often at temples and in certain indoor places.
💦 Stay Hydrated: Bangkok’s hot and humid weather can wear you down fast. Keep a refillable water bottle with you and drink regularly, especially while sightseeing.
🚫 Watch for Tourist Scams: Be cautious of tuk-tuk drivers offering unsolicited “special tours” or stops at gem stores, these are usually classic scams aimed at overcharging or misleading travelers.
💆🏻♀ End the Day with a Massage: After a long day on your feet, unwind with a Thai foot massage. They’re affordable, easy to find, and a great way to recharge for the next day’s adventures.
Bangkok is a city of contrasts, and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. It’s where ancient temples sit beside neon-lit bars, where you can feast like royalty for a few dollars, and where every corner reveals something unexpected: a hidden shrine, a smoky food stall, a rooftop lounge with sweeping skyline views.
With this “What to Do in Bangkok for 4 Days: The Ultimate 96-Hour Itinerary,” you’ll experience the heart of the city, from its sacred traditions and bustling markets to its modern flair and legendary nightlife. You’ll glide down canals in a longtail boat, haggle for treasures at a floating market, wander palace grounds gilded in gold, and reward your tired feet with a late-night foot massage.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler chasing that Bangkok magic all over again, this itinerary gives you a well-balanced taste of everything the city has to offer: not just the highlights, but the energy, rhythm, and soul of Bangkok.
So pack light, bring your curiosity, and prepare for four days of beautiful chaos, bold flavors, and unforgettable moments!
