Bangkok is one of the craziest cities I have traveled to, but it is also one of my favorites. I think 4 days is the perfect amount of time to see all the highlights of the city, without staying in the chaos for too long. Whether it’s your first time in the city, or you’ve had a short stay here before, I’ve put together the essential 4 day Bangkok itinerary.
Keep reading for the ultimate 4 day Bangkok itinerary, which maximizes your time in the city to make sure you see the best places and eat the best food during your time in Thailand’s capital.
Published: April 10, 2025
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4 Day Bangkok Itinerary
This 4 day Bangkok itinerary has a mix of cultural landmarks, vibrant markets, and authentic food experiences. You’ll explore famous temples, cruise through floating markets, and sample some of the best street food in the city.
Here is the best four day Bangkok, Thailand itinerary:
Day 1: Walking Tour, Temples, and Street Food Adventure
Ready for your first day in Bangkok? Start day one with a guided walking tour of Bangkok’s historic district. This is the best way to get familiar with the city’s layout and learn about its rich history, and I always start my visit to a new city with a walking tour. Most tours cover key landmarks, including the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).
Lunch suggestion: Walk over to Tha Tien Market for fresh seafood and traditional Thai curries, or grab a bowl of boat noodles from a nearby street stall.
In the afternoon, continue exploring the temples in Bangkok. Here are the four temples you shouldn’t miss during your time in Bangkok:
- Grand Palace: Marvel at the intricate architecture and golden spires.
- Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn – Climb its central prang for stunning views of the Chao Phraya River.
- Wat Phra Kaew: Home to the revered Emerald Buddha statue, carved from a single block of jade.
- Wat Pho: Just a short walk from the palace, this temple is known for its giant reclining Buddha and is a great place to enjoy a traditional Thai massage at the on-site massage school.
In the evening, take a street food tour where you can sample dishes like green curry, Hainanese chicken rice, and mango sticky rice. I love street food tours because it allows you to try a lot of different dishes, and your guide will ensure you eat from safe vendors and avoid getting sick.
Day 2: Cooking Class, Canals, and Night Markets
Start your second morning with a Thai cooking class. Many classes include a visit to a local market to pick fresh herbs and spices before teaching you how to prepare traditional dishes like Tom Yum soup, papaya salad, and red curry. It’s a fun and tasty way to immerse yourself in Thai cuisine.
After lunch (which you’ll have cooked yourself), take a canal boat tour through the Thonburi district. This quieter part of the city shows a different side of Bangkok, with wooden stilt houses, local markets, and temples along the water.
If you have some free time today, head to another temple (listed above on Day 1) that you didn’t have time for yesterday.
In the evening, head to Asiatique The Riverfront, a lively night market and dining area by the river. Stroll through the open-air market, shop for souvenirs, and have dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. You can eat dinner here at the market. After a cooking class and street food tour, you likely have some favorite Thai dishes by now!
Day 3: Floating Markets and Chinatown Food Crawl
Get an early start on day 3 of this itinerary and visit one of Bangkok’s floating markets. Damnoen Saduak is the most popular, but it’s about 1.5 hours from the city. If you decide to do this one, I recommend booking a tour, which will include transportation to the market.
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If you prefer something closer to the city, head to Taling Chan Floating Market, where you can take a boat ride and sample grilled fish, Thai desserts, and fresh coconut juice.
After returning to the city, spend the afternoon in Chinatown. Walk along Yaowarat Road, stopping at street stalls and local eateries for a food crawl.
Here are some dishes to try if you haven’t already:
- Try crispy pork belly at Nai Ek Roll Noodles.
- Order grilled prawns and oyster omelets from street vendors.
- Cool off with a bowl of Thai-Chinese herbal dessert soup or fresh fruit smoothies.
Before leaving Chinatown, visit the Wat Mangkon Kamalawat temple, a significant Chinese Buddhist temple in Bangkok.
Day 4: Jim Thompson House, Shopping, and Rooftop Dining
On your last day in Bangkok, visit the Jim Thompson House, a museum dedicated to the American businessman who helped revive Thailand’s silk industry. The traditional Thai-style house is set in lush gardens and offers a glimpse into mid-20th-century Bangkok.
For lunch, head to the nearby Siam Paragon food court, which offers everything from Thai street food to high-end international dishes. Be sure to enjoy your favorite Thai dishes one last time before you leave the city!
Spend the afternoon shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market (if it’s the weekend) or explore the trendy boutiques at Siam Square. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, take a walk through Lumphini Park and enjoy the green space. You can also visit any of the temples you haven’t seen yet from day 1.
End your trip with a memorable dinner at a rooftop restaurant. Vertigo at Banyan Tree Bangkok or Sky Bar are great options for panoramic city views and a good meal to wrap up your Bangkok adventure.
Tours to Book in Bangkok
Booking a tour in Bangkok is a great way to maximize your time there and see the top sites. Plus, there are a huge variety of tours, so everyone can find something that interests them!
Here are the top tours in Bangkok:
Tips for Bangkok
With more time to explore thanks to a 4 day itinerary, you can experience a wider range of what Bangkok has to offer. Here’s how to make the most of your four days:
- Plan for weekend markets: If your visit includes a weekend, don’t miss Chatuchak Weekend Market for shopping and local eats.
- Try different forms of transportation: In addition to the BTS and MRT, take a riverboat along the Chao Phraya River and a canal boat in Thonburi for a different perspective of the city.
- Take a food tour: Bangkok is a food lover’s paradise. Booking a guided food tour is a great way to sample authentic dishes from places you might not find on your own.
- Be cautious with street food: Street food is a must-try, but look for stalls with high turnover and freshly prepared dishes to avoid any issues.
- Give yourself downtime: Bangkok is an energetic city, so make sure to take a break at a café or enjoy a relaxing stroll through Lumphini Park or the Jim Thompson House garden.
A four-day itinerary allows for a deeper dive into Bangkok’s history, culture, and incredible food scene, giving you a more well-rounded experience.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
To make the most of your time in Bangkok, you want to stay somewhere with good reviews in a good location. Check out these great hotels and home rentals at the best prices: