If you too have that misconception that Bangkok is only famous for its exotic nightlife and Thai massage, then it’s time for you to change it! Just to let you know that there is much more Bangkok and Chiang Mai has in its fold to offer it to all sorts of travelers on their Bangkok Itinerary 5 days. This capital city of Thailand is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. From exotic beaches to great food to peaceful temples to impressive palaces and buildings, Bangkok has always been and will be a perfect haven for all travelers from every nook and corner of the world. In addition, the city also offers plenty of enthralling activities, like that of water sports and island-hopping, that you can also look to indulge in. So, for all those travelers, who are looking to plan a Bangkok city tour for 5 days, then here I have curated an itinerary that ensures an ultimate time in the city.
Table of Contents
Day 1
Before we start off on Day 1 we highly suggest you stop and get sunscreen and water. Depending on the time of the year Bangkok is one of the hottest cities I have ever been to. They say every year it gets 7 degrees hotter due to population growth and development. So make sure you come prepared and pack some or stop and grab some from any 7-11.
How to get around Bangkok
Like any of the world’s developed cities, Bangkok too has amazing transit facilities for locals as well as tourists. The city is quite big, and hence, it has a total of 5 main types of transport facilities.
BTS Skytrain
If you are looking for the easiest and the fastest mean, then it has to be BTS Skytrain in Bangkok. The train lies on two trains – the Silom Line and Sukhumvit Line. If you have booked your accommodation in any of these two areas (Silom and Sukhumvit), then BTS Skytrain will help you save a lot of time by avoiding the heavy traffic on roads. The ticket prices start from 15 baht which makes it a cheaper means of transportation in Bangkok.
Bangkok MRT
Inaugurated in the year 2004, Bangkok’s MRT is probably the most used and convenient transportation system in the city. It covers the entire northern section of the city. Not just this, BTS Skytrain is also connected with MRT at several interchanging stations including Si Lom, Sukhumvit, and Chatuchak. If MRT will be one of the most preferred traveling options then it is recommended to purchase an MRT Plus or Mangmoom Card. These cards are available in different categories and come at different costs.
Taxi
You would be amazed to know that Bangkok is known for its multicolored taxis. Yes, they are comfortable and quite cheap. The taxi fare in Bangkok starts at 35 baht. Taxis in Bangkok are available all throughout the day and can be hired from outside shopping malls, hotels, and popular tourist attractions.
**Not only is it easy to get around Bangkok but the trains in Thailand can connect you to almost every part of the country. Some of the most visited places are Chaing Mai and Krabi. They’re truly unique in many ways and worth visiting!**
Motorbike Taxi
Yes, you can also hire a motorbike or even cycle in Thailand. Most drivers with their motorbikes can be found at the end of the streets. If you are wondering how you will recognize them, then then they are pretty easy to spot as you can see all of them wearing bright orange vests. Motorbike taxis are cheap, convenient, and can take you easily through the heavy traffic jams.
BRT Bus
BRT Bus is a bus rapid transit system that runs on one of the five planned routes – between Sathorn and Ratchaphruek. Such is the transit system in Bangkok that buses have given a separate lane to run. Fair of BRT buses ranges from 12 baht to 20 baht.
Thai Sim Card for Foreigners
There are three main cell networks in Thailand – TrueMove, AIS, and dtac. Out of all, AIS has the largest market share and the best coverage. You can buy any of these companies’ sim cards either from the airport itself or from a dedicated store in the city (Almost all malls have dedicated stores). Most of the sim operators offer unlimited data packages. A 7-day package could cost you anything between 200 baht and 250 baht. Whereas, a 30-day package would cost you around 800 baht.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
It is true that accommodation can make or break your entire vacation. Hence, while planning a trip to Bangkok, it is ideal if you do a lot of research on where to stay. The best areas where you can choose to book a stay in Bangkok are Khao San (if you like to party), Bangkok Riverside (if you like to be connected but away from the party), Silom Area (where we recommend), Chinatown Area(if you like cheap food and amenities), The International Airport Suvarnabhumi Area, and Sukhumvit Area (if you are just there for the night). You can choose any of these areas to book Bangkok Thailand hotels or Airbnb’s.
Where to stay in Silom
Silom is a great place to stay and one of our favorites when we are in Bangkok. The main reason we love to stay in Silom is that its very central and connected to all forms of transportation. This makes it really easy for you to make the most out of your trip without having to spend tons of money just to get around. Two of our favorite hotels in Silom are Mode Sathorn Hotel and Narai Hotel. Although we don’t stay in hotels often due to Tah living in Bangkok when we do these are the two we normally stay at. If you are looking for more of a budget stay you can always check Airbnb. They also offer tons of properties in this area to choose from.
** If you sign up to Airbnb with a new email by clicking here you will receive $40 off your first booking.**
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Wat Pho
Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is one of the highly sacred tourist attractions in the city. It is famous for its 45 meters high statue of golden reclining Buddha. Not just this, the temple also includes different kinds of other statues and buildings that are worth exploring if you are visiting the Wat Pho temple.
Wat Phrae Kaeo
Wat Phrae Kaeo, or Emerald Buddha, is one of the pioneers of Bangkok tourism. Situated in the downtown of the city, the temple is located within the grounds of the Grand Palace. The temple houses the statue of Phra Kaew Morakot, the Emerald Buddha in a meditating position. These are some of the most Instagramable places in Bangkok.
- Grand Palace
An architectural marvel that has been stealing the attractions of people for around 150 years is the Grand Palace. Once this palace used to be the home of Thai Kings. The architecture is pretty amazing. The best thing about visiting this place is that it houses a number of other attractions including the above-mentioned Wat Phrae Kaeo.
*If you are preparing for your trip to Thailand don’t miss our free travel checklist to help you while getting ready for your big trip.*
What to eat near the Grand Palace
There are plenty of restaurants around the Grand Palace. You can visit any of them by checking the ratings and reviews on Google. However, our recommendation is Nahm where you should try the green curry lobster with coconut milk, and Bo. Lan which is famous for serving the delectable Thai food.
Day 2
Floating Markets
Whenever it is about what to do in Bangkok for 5 days, then a visit to a city’s Floating Market has to be one of the best activities that everyone should look to do on the tour. There are a number of floating markets in the city. The atmosphere and chaos of these markets are truly unique in every aspect. The markets remain open throughout the day from morning to evening. Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa, and Bang Nam Pheung are some popular floating markets of Bangkok.
Siam Niramit
If you want to explore the rich culture and tradition of Thailand, then a visit to Siam Niramit is a must thing to do on your Bangkok trip. Siam Niramit is one of the world’s largest stage productions. It is a family entertainer. The show showcases the country’s beautiful historical and spiritual heritage. Such is the char of this show that it is even listed in the Guinness World Record for featuring more than 100 performers.
Siam Paragon and MBK
It couldn’t be better than a shopping tour to end your day with. From high-tech gadgets to street fashion to beautiful home decors to souvenirs, the swanky megamall of Siam Paragon. The mall also includes some of the international brands’ stores along with Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium.
Whereas, MBK is yet another shopping paradise for all the shopping lovers out there. It offers some amazing products and that too at rock-bottom prices.
Where to eat near MBK
Chaolay Seafood, Hua Sen Hong, are Khua PRIK are few popular restaurants near MBK Centre. However, you can also choose to eat inside the food court of the MBK Centre. Basil Pork Rice, Egg Noodles with Shrimp Wontons, Noodle Soup with Stewed Beef, and Yen Ta Fo are some must-try Thai delicacies in MBK Centre.
Day 3
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
For all the creative minds, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is a perfect hideout to enjoy some quiet time with what you admire. On display, this art center houses a number of exhibitions that are worth exploring. To ensure visitors have the best time here, the art center also includes cafes, restaurants, an art library, and a prayer room.
Chao Phraya River
Chao Phraya is the most important river in Thailand. The river flows through the city of Bangkok and separates some of the sights. Hence, one can hire a ferry and get to the other side to enjoy the sublime views of the city, especially during sunset. You can also go to the bridge to enjoy the beautiful views.
Where to eat near Chao Phraya River
If your itinerary includes lunch near Chao Phraya River then you should know that Steve Cafe & Cuisine, Sala Rim Nam, The Deck at Arun Residence, and Benihana are some popular places to eat near the Chao Phraya River.
Khao San Road
A famous backpacker street where you can get everything and anything. Whether you want to go shopping or want to indulge in a culinary experience or wish to drink cheap beer, this is the place to enjoy all that. Khao San Street is dotted with bars, restaurants, shopping stores, party hostels, and more.
*If you are worried about understanding what people are saying when ordering food, don’t. We have a free sheet for download that will walk you through all the must-know Thai phrases.*
Day 4
Wat Arun
Whether you like the fact or not, but Thailand is home to more than 30,000 Wats or temples and some of the most sought-after ones are in Bangkok, Wat Arun being one of them. Often touted as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is one of the most famous religious landmarks in the city, and hence, counted amongst the best Bangkok tourist places. Though there is nothing special as compared to other sacred sites of the city, the ambiance and the architecture of the shrine are compelling in itself.
Chinatown
Chinatown is probably one of those tourist landmarks that have to be on Bangkok itinerary. This long narrow street is lined with oodles of Bangkok street food stalls, clothing shops, souvenir stores, and much more. If you want to buy some gifts or souvenirs for your dear ones, then Chinatown is the place to visit.
Where to eat in ChinaTown
Chinatown has oodles of options when it comes to satiate your hunger. Yim Yim, Odean, Hua Seng Hong, and Nai-Ek Rolled Noodles are some popular restaurants in Chinatown to eat delectable food.
Soi Cowboy
Whether you accept it or not, but deep down everyone wants to visit this place. Soi Cowboy is one of the most controversial places in the city. This is a street where you can see a lot of lightly dressed Thai girls and ladyboys. Though this place is not meant for everyone, yes, it is part of Bangkok’s nightlife.
Day 5: Day trip to Kanchanaburi
Two of the best day trips from Bangkok are to Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi they are the best experiences for Bangkok day tours. Along with the modern city center, the town of Kanchanaburi is famous for Death Railway, Allied War Cemetery, and Bridge over the River Kwae. For tourists, there are plenty of things to experience and enjoy including Khmer temple ruins tour, bamboo rafting along the river, and a shopping tour at the gemstone village.
Best Places to eat in Kanchanaburi
If you are looking to eat in or around Kanchanaburi, then On’s Thai Issan, Meat & Cheese, The Hut, and Keeree Tara are the restaurants you should consider to visit. With Issan being where Tah’s family is from we tend to get the Somtom from On’s Thai Issan. If you like spicy tell them Ped Ped( extra spicy ) if you don’t like spicy tell the Mi Ped ( no spicy ). You can find more helpful phrases here in our free sheet.
Bangkok is indeed one of those destinations in the world that you cannot explore entirely on a single visit. Hence, I have tried to include the best of the city on this for your Bangkok Itinerary for 5 days. You can check out other amazing posts on Thailand that could also help you plan a hassle-free and unforgettable vacation to Bangkok.
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