Bangkok
By Evi Goossens, a travel storyteller, certified tour guide, and photographer from The Netherlands. Updated November 2024
Reading time: 8 min
The Perfect 3-5 Day Itinerary for First-Timers
Whether you're starting your backpacking journey in Bangkok, just passing through, or looking to get the full experience, welcome to this fantastic city! Many people I met on my travels said they didn’t like Bangkok—too busy, too chaotic. But for those who didn’t have Bangkok as the starting point of their backpacking trip, they found it to be organized and calm. It really depends on where you've been before. Nevertheless, Bangkok is an amazing city. I personally thought of it as the New York of Asia. You get the sense that anything is possible in this city. You have the rich Asian culture but also the luxury of the West. You could spend days here and still not see everything, but if you only have a few days and want to hit the highlights, then this is your guide!
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| TABLE OF CONTENTS
Co van Kessel Bike Tour
Rooftop Bar
Grand Palace
Wat Arun
Khao San Road
Floating Villages
Vintage Market
The Ancient City
Shopping mall
Where to Stay
Where to go out
Need-to-Know Nuggets 💡
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1. Flying: Bangkok is the heart of Asia and a major hub for international flights. Many travelers fly directly to Bangkok or transfer here to reach northern or southern Thailand. However, there are other ways to get to the city.
2. Train: Trains run from both the north and south, bringing you to Bangkok in just a few hours.
3. Bus: Buses are another option, both within Thailand and from neighboring countries. For example, a bus service runs from Cambodia to Thailand, costing between $25 and $50.
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To be honest, I could easily spend weeks in Bangkok, but I know not everyone feels the same way! 😂 If you want to explore the city before heading to your next destination, I’d recommend spending 3 to 4 days here. That way, you can see the highlights without rushing.
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In Bangkok and many other cities in Thailand, Grab is a big thing, it’s basically the Asian version of Uber. It’s cheap, safe, and fast, often even more affordable than tuk-tuks. That said, tuk-tuks are definitely a more fun and iconic way to get around! You can book a ride anywhere in the city, and they’ll take you wherever you need to go.
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Co van Kessel Bike Tour! 🚴🏼♀️
Bangkok Day 1: Bike Tour & Rooftop Bar
Co van Kessel Bike Tour
If there’s one thing you should do in Bangkok, it’s this tour. It’s a bit pricey when compared to a typical backpacker budget, but it’s absolutely worth it. Co van Kessel was a Dutchman who came to Bangkok many years ago. He spent countless hours exploring the streets of the city, from tiny alleyways to waterways, places that tourists often don't get to see. He discovered the peace and authenticity in the chaos of the city—the real people and the true essence of Bangkok. He started a company offering bike tours so that outsiders could experience this unique side of Bangkok's culture.
There are different tours to choose from, both long and short. We did the shorter 3-hour tour. You get a bike and, together with your guide, you’ll cycle through hidden alleyways, ride along the waterways, visit local markets, and get loads of information about everything you see, hear, smell, and taste.
Rooftop Bar
After the bike tour, you can freshen up at your hostel before heading out to catch the sunset at one of Bangkok's many sky bars. Keep in mind that this might be a bit of a drive from the city center, and if it's busy, you may arrive a little later. There are plenty of options in Bangkok, but some of the most popular ones include:
King Power Mahankhon
Cocoa XO
Tichuca Rooftop Bar
These spots offer stunning views of the city, making them perfect for a relaxing drink while watching the sun set over Bangkok’s skyline.
Bangkok Day 2: Temple Day
Grand Palace
If you haven’t had enough of all the temples around Asia, here’s a great temple day for you. Start your day early at the
Grand Palace. Please note that there are strict dress codes here. Your knees and shoulders must be covered. I wore cap sleeves with my dress, and that wasn’t enough. A shawl over your shoulders also isn’t acceptable; they’re very strict about this. I suspect they also want you to buy clothes from their gift shop at a high price, so it’s best to dress appropriately to avoid that. Make sure you’re fully covered to avoid any hassle at the entrance!
Tip: Your knees and shoulders must be covered! Very strict dress code!
Price Palace: $13
Wat Arun
Close to the Grand Palace is Wat Arun, an incredibly beautiful pagoda known for its stunning stone patterns. You can visit the temple, but you can also sail past it. If you want to save some money and time, you can hop on a ferry at the river and enjoy a cheaper boat ride along the water. This is especially nice at sunset, when the light reflects off the pagoda and creates a magical atmosphere!
Khao San Road
Explore this legendary street during the day, but definitely at night as well! During the day, you can visit the many shops and pick up some souvenirs. Be sure to haggle for a good price! In the evening, Khao San Road comes alive with great places to eat and lively nightlife. If you're looking to eat for a bit less, there are other side streets nearby where the food is slightly cheaper since they're not directly on the main road. It’s a good idea to grab a bite and a drink in these spots before heading out to experience the full energy of the main street at night!
Bangkok Day 3: Floating Villages
There are several floating villages around Bangkok, and they’re a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a bit of a drive to get there, so make sure to arrange an Uber that can also pick you up in the late afternoon to bring you back to the city. These floating villages offer a peaceful and unique experience, letting you see another side of Thailand’s way of life.
Tip: Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market
Other Activities in Bangkok
Vintage Market:
There are several vintage markets in Bangkok where you can shop for both authentic and fake branded items at a bargain price. It’s a fun spot to hunt for unique finds, whether you’re looking for clothes, accessories, or other cool items!
The Ancient City:
Located a bit further from central Bangkok, you’ll need to set aside a whole morning for this trip. The Ancient City is an open-air museum featuring replicas of famous temples and buildings from all over Thailand, along with some additional original structures. It’s an incredibly interesting place to explore, offering a unique and historical perspective of the country, and definitely a must-see during your time in Bangkok.
Shopping mall
If you’ve been traveling for a while and, like me, need some western-style clothing, visiting one of Bangkok's shopping malls is a great option. One of the best and most luxurious malls in the city is ICONSIAM. Even if you don’t need anything, it’s still worth stopping by to take a look.
The mall features multiple floors with western brands as well as high-end luxury stores. The interior design is stunning, and there’s even a recreated Thai market on the lower floor. For backpackers who’ve been on the road for a while, it’s fascinating to stroll around and experience the level of luxury reminiscent of major European cities.
Where to stay
The best place to stay is in Chinatown. It’s less crowded than the hostels around Khao San Road and offers a more charming atmosphere. There are many small restaurants nearby, quaint shops where you can find unique items, and of course, the incredible streets lined with Chinese signs. It’s a great spot in the city, and you can easily get around with a tuk-tuk or Uber to other parts of Bangkok quickly and cheaply.
Book your hostel: https://www.hostelworld.com
Khao San Road is the ultimate party spot in Bangkok! This vibrant street is packed with bars and clubs, offering something for everyone. The best way to experience it? Create your own pub crawl! Have a drink at one bar, then move on to the next.
It’s hard to say which bars are the best, as each one has its unique vibe and charm. Luckily, there are plenty to choose from, so if you’re not feeling one place, you can easily head to another. Khao San Road guarantees a night full of fun and unforgettable memories!
