Being the capital of Thailand, Bangkok is one of the most fascinating cities on the planet. On your 3 days in Bangkok, let yourself get immersed into this megacity that offers comfort, fun and various activities. It is advisable to spend 3 days in Bangkok to enjoy the best of its charms on your tour to Thailand.
Beautiful sunrise in Bangkok
How to Get to Bangkok?
By plane
As the world’s fourteenth and sixth largest airports in Asia, Suvarnabhumi International Airport is 25km east of Bangkok in Samut Prakan. It also hosts most of Thailand’s international and domestic flights.
Another international airport in Bangkok is Don Mueang. It is considered one of the oldest airports in Asia and the world. Don Mueang is mainly responsible for hosting domestic flights.
By train
The train is a little more expensive than the bus, but it will offer you more comfort for a long journey on your 3 days in Bangkok.
By bus
The bus is the most profitable and most used means of transportation for Thais. It allows you to go almost anywhere in Thailand. Buses are generally in good condition and air-conditioned. Bus travel is preferred for travelers who are in no hurry.
Best Places to Visit for 3 Days in Bangkok
Often referred to as sulphurous, Bangkok remains a place of immeasurable cultural wealth. This is a must-see destination during your Indochina tour. If you have a plan to spend your 3 days in Bangkok, here are the 10 best destinations not to be missed:
Grand Palace
Grand palace and Wat phra keaw at sunset
As the former residence of the Thai king, the Grand Palace is the most sacred place in the country. This is a temple dedicated to the Emerald Buddha, the sacred icon of Thailand and the most important figure of the Buddha. It is a must-visit site on your 3 days in Bangkok.
This palace was built in 1782 by King Rama I on the left (eastern) bank of the Chao Phraya, partially open to the public as a museum. It is the great tourist attraction of the Thai capital..
- Location: Thanon Na Phra Lan, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok
- Opening hours: 8h30 – 15h30
- Entrance ticket: 500 Baht (about 13 euros) (including Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
- Best time to visit: in the morning – to avoid the vast crowds of tourists.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Emerald Buddha Temple, Bangkok
The Emerald Buddha is a venerated Jadeite statue in all of Thailand. It is located in the Royal Chapel of the Grand Palace (Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram). This is the most famous Thai pilgrimage, where worshipers come from all over Thailand to pray before the Buddha.
- Location: Thanon Na Phra Lan, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok
- Opening hours: 8h30 – 15h30
- Admission fee: 500 Baht (with the Grand Palace)
- Best time to go: in the morning – before large crowds of tourists appear.
- Note: please dress modestly, cover the upper arms and feet. Shorts and skirts must reach the knees.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun, Bangkok
Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most famous attractions. The temple is in the center of a vast garden with various green trees and many statues. Its surface is covered with a million Asian pottery, shells and glass shards.
After the restoration, this temple is again fully accessible and you can climb the steep stairs from the four corners of the building. In addition, you can admire the Wat Arun at sunset from the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River.
- Location: on the westside of Chao Phraya River, opposite Tha Tien Pier
- Opening hours: 8h30 – 17h30
- Admission price: 100 Baht
- Best time to visit: in the sunset
Jim Thompson House
The main building complex of Jim Thompson House
This site on the Saen Saeb Canal is home to the James H.W. Thompson Garden, an American businessman in the Thai silk industry. Comprising six traditional Thai-style teak structured buildings, this place is a museum that houses the vast art collection of its owner.
There is no doubt that this is a must-visit for lovers of tropical gardens, traditional Thai architecture, silk and arts from South East Asia. On your 3 days in Bangkok, you will have a chance to explore ancient Asian art from Thailand, China, Cambodia and Myanmar: paintings, sculptures, china and other collectibles.
- Location: Soi Kasemsan 2, Bangkok
- Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00
- Admission fee: 100 Baht
Bangkok National Museum
Inside Bangkok National Museum
This site houses the largest collection of Thai art and artifacts in the country. It also offers a wide range of decorative arts and an ethnological collection of Chinese weapons, gold treasures, precious stones. Besides, there are Khon masks, puppets, ceramics and clothing, as well as textiles, wood carvings and traditional musical instruments from Southeast Asia.
- Location: 4 Naphrathat Street, Phra Nakhon District
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:00
- Admission price: 200 Baht
Chao Phraya River
It is considered the river of kings, because there are three cities where the kings of Thailand lived (Ayutthaya, Thonburi and Bangkok) on this river. It used to be the main transportation route for the former Bangkok and 370 km of all of Thailand.
Three of Bangkok’s attractions lying on the bank of this river are: the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho. You will also find some of the best hotels here on your 3 days in Bangkok. It is a good idea to take a boat trip or a dinner cruise to watch the skyline and countless illuminated temples parading along the banks during your trip to Bangkok.
Erawan Shrine
Erawan Shrine, Bangkok
This is also pronounced San Phra Phrom, a Hindu shrine housing a statue of Brahma. It is located at the intersection of Ratchadamri and Ratchaprasong Streets in the Pathum Wan District of Bangkok, Thailand. You can buy some small gifts as Thailand souvenirs at the small booths on Ploenchit Street to sacrifice it to Brahma.
- Opening hours: Wednesdays – Sunday from 09:00 – 16:00
- Admission ticket: Adult 40 Baht
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Colorful Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bangkok
It is considered the greatest and most famous of all. This is also one of the flagship attractions among floating markets in Bangkok. It is very popular with tourists who jostle on the boats. To get here, you need to go to the province of Ratchaburi, 80 km southwest of Bangkok.
This market is the most intense between 6 am and 11 am.
Chatuchak Market
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is a heaven for bargain hunters. Every Saturday and Sunday, more than 1000 individual stores are open. There is so much to offer you that even international wholesalers come to shop here as well. Especially, music lovers can find unique traditional Thai musical instruments that are sold directly by artisans.
Opening hours: Saturday – Sunday 07:00 – 18:00
Bang Kachao
Bang Kachao Forest Park, Bangkok
Bangkok has a national park called Bang Krachao, located directly in the center of the city. If you decide to spend 3 days in Bangkok, you will have a lot of activities to do and you can take your time to browse this site. It is one of the districts of Bangkok where life slows to the rhythm of a snail . There are no high-rise buildings, very few cars, many narrow winding roads, bike paths, small canals, orchards, picturesque gardens and many trees. It is an ideal destination to relax.
Bikes are available for rent with a price of $2 per day, and you can get a bike with a baby seat if you have young children. You should plan to head towards Flower Road and Green Lane, the 100-acre Sri Nakhon Kuen Khan Park and Botanical Garden. There are also the Ganesh Statue, the Bangkok Tree House and some or all of the nine Chinese, Indian and Thai temples for you to discover on your trip to the capital of Thailand.
