3 days in Bangkok: a day-by-day sightseeing plan

Bangkok's royal temples sit on the old riverside island of Rattanakosin, while its art centres and old Thai houses are spread through the newer city, so this plan keeps each day in one area. Day one covers the Grand Palace and the riverside temples, day two moves to the Siam area for gardens, museums and traditional teak houses, and day three returns to the old town before ending at two historic riverside churches.

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Day 1

The Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho

5 stops

09:00
Grand Palace
About 1 h 40 min
The former royal residence includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and its gilded halls and painted galleries fill the morning slot. The dress code is strictly checked at the gate, so come with shoulders and knees covered.
Walk, 13 min
10:55
Wat Arun
About 45 min
The Temple of Dawn stands on the west bank, and its central tower is covered in pieces of coloured porcelain that you see best from the steep lower terraces. Reach it on the short cross-river ferry from Tha Tien pier, and take the ferry back afterwards.
Walk, 9 min
11:50
The Museum of Siam
About 1 h 30 min
A hands-on museum in the former Ministry of Commerce building that explores what it means to be Thai, with playful rooms on food, dress and daily life. It is a cool indoor break in the middle of the day, a few minutes from Wat Pho.
Walk, 4 min
13:25
Wat Pho
About 1 h
Home of the 46-metre Reclining Buddha, whose feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and of a long-established school of Thai massage. An hour gives you time for the Reclining Buddha hall and the quieter courtyards full of chedis.
Walk, 23 min
14:50
Democracy Monument
About 20 min
The monument to the 1932 change to a constitutional monarchy stands on a traffic circle on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, so you look at it from the pavement. It is a quick last stop, and the walk there is long in the heat, so a taxi is a fair alternative.

Day 2

Lumphini Park, Jim Thompson House and Suan Pakkad Palace

5 stops

09:00
Lumphini Park
About 1 h
Bangkok's central park has a large lake, shaded paths and the monitor lizards that live along the water. The early slot catches the cooler part of the day, then take a short taxi ride to the Siam area.
Taxi, 5 min
10:05
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
About 1 h 30 min
The contemporary arts centre by National Stadium station has exhibition floors linked by a spiral ramp, plus small galleries and craft shops on the lower levels. Ninety minutes is plenty for the current shows before the short walk to Jim Thompson House.
Walk, 5 min
11:40
Jim Thompson House
About 1 h 30 min
The American who revived the Thai silk trade joined several old teak houses into one home by a canal and filled it with Asian art before his unexplained disappearance in 1967. The house is usually shown on guided tours, so allow time for the next one to start.
Walk, 21 min
13:35
Suan Pakkad Palace
About 1 h 30 min
Five traditional Thai wooden houses in a garden hold antiques, Ban Chiang pottery and the Lacquer Pavilion with its gold-and-black lacquered panels. It is a calm stop after the busier morning, a walk north towards Victory Monument.
Walk, 13 min
15:20
Victory Monument
About 20 min
The obelisk marks the end of the Franco-Thai War in 1941 and stands in a huge traffic circle that is also a major transport hub. It is a quick stop: look from the raised walkway, then ride the Skytrain back to your hotel.

Day 3

The National Museum, the Giant Swing and the riverside churches

5 stops

09:00
Bangkok National Museum
About 1 h 30 min
The museum fills the former Front Palace and holds Thai art and archaeology, royal funeral chariots and the Buddhaisawan Chapel with its painted walls. Ninety minutes covers the chapel and a selection of galleries.
Walk, 4 min
10:35
National Art Gallery
About 1 h 30 min
The National Gallery occupies the old Royal Mint building and shows Thai art from traditional painting to the modern era. It is a short walk from the National Museum, and the plan gives it the rest of the morning.
Walk, 18 min
12:25
Sao Chingcha
About 45 min
The Giant Swing is a tall red teak frame once used in a Brahmin ceremony, and it stands in front of Wat Suthat, which is worth the rest of the slot for its large bronze Buddha and murals. A short taxi ride then takes you south to the river.
Taxi, 6 min
13:20
Holy Rosary Church
About 30 min
Built by Bangkok's Portuguese Catholic community, this Gothic Revival church has a tall spire and a bright painted interior. It is a short stop in an old riverside neighbourhood; walk on south to the Assumption Cathedral.
Walk, 15 min
14:05
Assumption Cathedral
About 45 min
Thailand's main Catholic cathedral is a red-brick Romanesque building near the river in Bang Rak, with a high painted ceiling inside. It is the last stop, so finish with a walk along the river or a boat ride from a nearby pier.

Good to know

Temples and the Grand Palace expect covered shoulders and knees; a light scarf and long trousers or a long skirt are easy to carry.
The cool, drier months from about November to February are the most comfortable; the rest of the year is hot, with heavy rain in the wet season.
Use the Chao Phraya river boats and cross-river ferries on days one and three, the Skytrain around Siam on day two, and metered taxis for the longer gaps.
If someone outside the Grand Palace tells you it is closed and offers a tour instead, walk on to the main gate and check for yourself.
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3 days in Bangkok: a day-by-day sightseeing plan

Grand Palace

Wat Arun

The Museum of Siam

Wat Pho

Democracy Monument

Lumphini Park

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Jim Thompson House

Suan Pakkad Palace

Victory Monument

Bangkok National Museum

National Art Gallery

Sao Chingcha

Holy Rosary Church

Assumption Cathedral

Good to know

Make this plan yours