4 Days in Bangkok: The Ultimate Bangkok Itinerary and More Travel Tips (2023)

Visiting Bangkok and looking for the best things to do for 4 days in Bangkok? I am here to help you plan your Bangkok itinerary.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and one of the best places to visit in Asia. This capital is filled with cultural experiences, religious sights, delicious street food mixed with fine dining, and crazy nightlife. Bangkok offers a lot to its visitors and it can be overwhelming at first, but don’t worry, because after reading this Bangkok travel guide, you will be fully prepared for your trip.

Together with a 4-day itinerary for Bangkok, you will find a lot of useful travel tips and things that you should know before visiting Bangkok. We will cover the best places to stay in Bangkok, the most convenient ways to move around, weather, currency, visa, and much more.

*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

How many days in Bangkok?

Bangkok is a huge and busy city and there is a lot to see. 4 days in Bangkok is the perfect amount of time you need to see the essentials. And I will help you do that. This 4 day Bangkok itinerary will also give you the chance to unlock some hidden gems, try the best food, shop some local goods, take some epic day trips, and even find the time to enjoy the nightlife of the Thai capital.

How to move around Bangkok?

As you already know, Bangkok is a very busy city, which means that traffic sometimes can be overwhelming. So let’s see the pro and cons of each means of transport to get the best from your 4 days in Bangkok and save your time.

Bus

Buses are the cheapest way to move around the city and they can be found all around Bangkok. You can simply add your destination on Google Maps and you will find the right bus for your route. 

When you jump on the bus, you should wait for the ticket controller, tell them your final stop and they will tell you the price for the ticket. You can use the oldest bus without AC for something like 6 THB, while a modern and more comfortable can cost up to 20 THB per person. Overall, it is a very affordable way to move around Bangkok, however, I would avoid it during busy hours.

Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-Tuk is not only a miss of transport, but it is also one of the tourist attractions in Bangkok. Riding a Tuk-Tuk is one of the best things to do in Bangkok and sometimes it can be a great way to take you from point A to point B in a short amount of time. Tuk-tuks can be found everywhere and they know the best shortcuts when it comes to traffic in Bangkok.

This comes with a price. Tuk-Tuk can be more expensive than a taxi and you will need to bargain and agree to a decent price before taking the ride. Many tuk-tuk drivers will try to sell you tours or tell you that certain temples or attractions are closed to convince you to take a ride with them. Be aware of this as this is a common scam in Bangkok.

Boat

Moving with a boat through the channels is one of the unusual things to do in Bangkok. This won’t always be possible as their canals are not everywhere in the city but sometimes it can be time-saving and it will give you the chance to see Bangkok from another perspective.

Taxi

A taxi is a great way to move in Bangkok when it’s not rush hour. The rides are usually affordable even for very long rides and it will save you a lot of time finding places. Unfortunately, during the busiest time of the day, taking a taxi can be a bad idea, it will be pricey and you will just be stuck in a car for longer than expected.

When I was in Bangkok I used Grab, which is the Asian version of Uber. Grab also will give you the chance to book a scooter with a driver, which is cheaper and faster. If you ask me, it looks like a scary experience, but it might be suitable for some of you.

BTS and Metro

The BTS Skytrain is a fantastic way to move around Bangkok comfortably. Sadly the Skytrain won’t take you anywhere in the city, but I recommend you use it during the busiest hours. The trains are quite frequent, clean, and with air conditioning. Compared to other public transport is more expensive, the price varies according to the stops you make.

Metro of Bangkok could have a similar description of the Skytrain. There are 2 lines of the metro and they are connected to the Skytrain at Asok station. Trains run from 6 am to midnight and during the busiest time, you won’t wait more than 5 minutes.

Where to stay in Bangkok?

AFFORDABLE: Bangkok Saran Poshtel

Bangkok Saran Poshtel is a good way to save money without giving up quality and comfort. This accommodation is conveniently located in central Bangkok, an ideal position for getting the best from your Bangkok 4-day itinerary. All the rooms provide a private bathroom and include a fabulous breakfast to start your Bangkok itinerary in the best way.

Click here to see rates & availability and book your stay in this affordable hotel in Bangkok.

Overview of 4 days in Bangkok itinerary

In this 4 day itinerary for Bangkok, we will cover the main attraction, food & drinks, hidden gems, best photo spots, historical palaces, and other cool things to do. I truly want to make this unforgettable and I want you to create the best memories in Bangkok.

I will include the entrance fees, opening times, and other useful tips for visiting each place. Day 4 of your 4 days in Bangkok is planned for the day trip. Where? Well, I have multiple options prepared for you, so keep on reading and let’s unlock Bangkok together.

Day 1 of your 4 days in Bangkok

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is one of the most famous sights in Thailand and one of the best things to do in Bangkok. Since this is one of the main tourist attractions in Bangkok, you should start your day early to enjoy the place while it is not so crowded yet. If you have a limited amount of time in Bangkok, make sure you visit Grand Palace and see the essentials of Thai culture.

The Grand Palace complex was established in 1782. It consists of the royal and throne halls, but also some government offices as well as the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Visiting the whole complex will take you at least a couple of hours.

Also, make sure you follow the dress code. Men must wear long pants; women must cover their legs to just above the knee. Avoid wearing tight-fitting stretch pants or “revealing” clothing. Don’t wear sleeveless shirts or show shoulders. In case you don’t have anything that will cover you, there is the possibility to buy pieces of clothing at the entrance.

Entrance Fee: 500 THB (13.50 EUR), cards are accepted.

Opening Hours: every day from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm.

Extra Tip: avoid tuk-tuk drivers who claim that the palace is closed. This is a well-known scam, so they could sell other tours around Bangkok and you might encounter it around other popular places around Bangkok.

Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho)

Just a short walk distance from the Grand Palace is Wat Pho. You don’t need a taxi or a Tuk-Tuk driver to get from the Grand Palace to Wat Pho. A similar dress code applies to Wat Pho.

It is one of the best places to visit in Bangkok for first-timers. This is the temple where you will find the 46 meters Reclining Golden Buddha. Wat Pho is a complex of six temples, each with some amazing details to discover and photograph.

Due to their artistic value, the marble illustrations and inscriptions placed in the temple for public instruction have been recognized by UNESCO. The complex also hosts a school of Thai Medicine. It is known as the birthplace of the famous Thai Massage which is currently practiced at the temple.

Entrance Fee: 200 THB (5.40 EUR).

Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 6.30 pm.

Home Cafe Tha Tien

This was a very pleasant surprise when visiting Bangkok. Home Cafe Tha Tien is a very popular restaurant among the locals and tourists and it is located a few steps away from Wat Pho. 

I tried a phenomenal Pad See Ew while my boyfriend had one of the best Pad Thai in Bangkok. The service was professional and caring. And the price was also very reasonable. The Sixth is another popular alternative right next to the Tha Tien and can be a good alternative in case the place is busy.

Price range: $

Wat Arun

Wat Arun is one of the most iconic temples in Thailand and a must of what to see in Bangkok in 4 days. Also known as the Temple of Dawn, it has a lot to offer, so be prepared to spend around an hour here. Considering your position, it will be convenient to grab a ferry from Tha Tien.

The main temple with its magnificent details is not the only sight to admire here. The entrance with its statues and the towers around the temple deserves your attention as well. Don’t forget to climb up and see some of the best close-ups of the details.

You can have an epic view of the temple of Wat Arun from the bar View Arun, a perfect place where to catch a sunset in Bangkok.

Entrance Fee: 200 THB (5.40 EUR).

Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 6.30 pm.

Iconsiam 

Iconsiam is the right place if you feel you have enough culture for a day and you just want to relax somewhere fresh and enjoy some shopping. This huge shopping mall is located a short drive away from Wat Arun and it offers hundreds of shops and restaurants and bars (some with a stunning view) and even a floating market.

This is an optional attraction and you can head straight to the dinner if you are not here for shopping. Or you can use this time to rest a little at the hotel after a busy day in Bangkok.

CRAB- Somsak Claypot Crab branch1 @Charoen Rat 1

Now it’s time to grab a tuk-tuk or a taxi to enjoy one of the most delicious experiences in Asia. If you have 4 days in Bangkok, leave at least one meal for CRAB- Somsak Claypot Crab branch1 to try their delicious crab or prawns. 

The place is filled with locals and that is exactly the kind of place that I am looking for when I want to try the best of local cuisine. Despite that, the staff speaks English. We went for an early dinner and got one of the last free tables available. So be prepared to wait.

A meal here is pricier than in many other places in Thailand but the quality of the food justifies every baht. This is an experience you have to try and one of the best things to do in Bangkok.

Price range: $$

Khao San Market

If you still have more energy, you can visit the Khao San area. This is a perfect place to enjoy the nightlife in Bangkok and have some Hangover worth moments. Just kidding! But it does get busy and loud and you can find some great clubs to party around here. Or just walk the main street to see the vibes, street food and make some new friends.

Just like Iconsiam, this is optional as I know that nightlife is not for everyone. And some of you would just prefer to head back to the hotel instead.

Day 2 of your 4 days in Bangkok

Chinatown

Head to Chinatown to see the most lively area of Bangkok. Yaowarat Road in Samphanthawong District is the main artery of Bangkok’s Chinatown. Chinatown can be a bit overwhelming for visitors but it certainly gives a different view of Bangkok and has to be added to your Bangkok itinerary.

It is filled with colorful alleys, unique market stands, and even more temples. I suggest you head to Wat Mangkon Kamalawat as this is slightly different from other temples around Bangkok. As of 2022, the entrance is under construction, but you can still enter inside and see this beautiful courtyard. There are also a lot of other smaller temples, so my tip is to be adventurous and explore as much as you can and appreciate the architecture all around you.

Entrance Fee: free.

Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 4 pm.

Double Dogs Tearoom

While exploring Chinatown, take a break in Double Dogs Tearoom to relax and enjoy a nice cup of tea. The place is essential yet with a character and there is a wide selection of tea. The tea master will explain to you the process of local traditions when it comes to tea drinking and makes sure you have a pleasant experience. The prices are above average, but I found it a very unique and interesting experience, so I hope you can enjoy it as well. A true gem of Bangkok!

Price range: $$$

Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha) 

Located near the entrance to Bangkok’s Chinatown district on Yaowarat Road, Wat Traimit attracts a lot of tourists because of the Golden Buddha. But all the temples have Golden Buddha inside, right? Well, this one is actually made of gold and its worth is approximately worth about 250 million USD. That is certainly impressive and worth visiting.

Wat Traimit has a museum on the 3rd floor, where you get to learn about the history of the Golden Buddha. Exhibits also cover the historical background of how it came to be at Wat Traimit. The 2nd floor exhibits 3D presentations detailing the history of the Chinese traders in Bangkok. Trust me, Wat Traimit is one of the most beautiful places in Bangkok. 

Entrance Fee: 40 THB (1.10 EUR).

Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 5 pm.

Nang Fah

Nang Fah is a street food restaurant located just outside Wat Traimit. This was one of the most pleasant surprises I had in Bangkok. Here I had a fantastic Pad Thai, and the price-quality value is simply unbeatable. Of course, it is far from fancy. But this is a great place to try some street food in Bangkok.

Price range: $

Golden Mount Temple

Less than 3 km away from Wat Traimit is the Golden Mount Temple. Take a taxi or a bus to reach your destination, or maybe use a tuk-tuk if the road looks busy.

The Golden Mount is an ancient temple dating back to the Ayutthaya Period. It is 77 meters tall and at the top reside many Buddhist relics found at Kapilavastu ancient city. There are many Buddha images, including the temple hall, the pagoda, the scripture hall, and the Sri Maha Bodhi tree.

After 344 steps, you will find one of the best photo spots in Bangkok and some amazing views over the city. I think it gets even better on a clear and sunny day, but unfortunately, I wasn’t so lucky. On your climb up, make sure you enjoy the unique sculptures and bells that you shouldn’t resist ringing. And don’t get scared, the climb is very easy as the steps are tiny. Once you finish, take a moment to explore the surroundings and gardens.

Entrance Fee: 50 THB (1.35 EUR), cash-only payments.

Opening Hours: every day from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm.

Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan

A very short walking distance from Golden Mount Temple lies Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan (Loha Prasat) and it is one of the most beautiful places in Bangkok. It is a relatively big complex of temples where you can easily get lost and spend a couple of hours. It offers a wonderful view over the Golden Mount as both of these attractions are nearby.

Loha Prasat is the main attraction of the complex. It is 36 meters high and has 37 surrounding spires. You won’t find anything like it anywhere else in Bangkok or the rest of the world. You can visit it inside and go all the way up to the last floor. And don’t visit other temples around.

Entrance Fee: free.

Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 5 pm.

Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworahawihan, 

Take another short walk to reach your next destination – Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworahawihan. As you can tell, I was fascinated to visit the temples of Bangkok and I visited a lot of them. Wat Suthat Thepwararam is very similar to other popular temples in Bangkok, however, I found it practically empty at midday and could really enjoy the place all to myself. It was a magical experience.

It has an elegant prayer hall with sweeping roofs, magnificent murals, and exquisite hand-carved teakwood door panels. It’s widely known for the towering red Giant Swing standing at its entrance. Also, it is very well maintained. It is filled with plants and you can almost see the reflection of the temple in the pavement around it.  

Entrance Fee: 100 THB (2.70 EUR).

Opening Hours: every day from 9 am to 5 pm.

Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan

Take another short walk to Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan. It is your last destination of the day. This temple is often left behind and therefore, not as crowded as other places. Also, the best photo spot is hidden in the middle of the temple and often is not accessible, but here are my tips for getting some epic photos.

Technically, you are allowed to enter during the time of prayers. This happens every day from 9 am to 9.30 am and from 6 pm to 6.30 pm. We visited around 9 am, however, at first we found it closed and we were told not to enter. Then when we walk around, we met another person who was working there and he invited us in and told us a bit more about the local traditions and prayers. He also suggested we take some photos.

This is one of the best free things to do in Bangkok since you don’t have to pay for the entrance and you will be able to see some wonderful details of the temple.

Entrance Fee: free.

Opening Hours: every day from 8.30 am to 5 pm.

Thipsamai

Thipsamai is a must-visit restaurant when in Thailand as they claim to have the best Pad Thai in Bangkok. I suggest you give it a try and see if it is worth the hype. I am a big Pad Thai lover and this place certainly didn’t disappoint. It has a unique touch, so it is up to you to decide. Keep in mind that Thipsamai is open for dinner and without a reservation you most likely have to wait a while before getting a table. They do takeaway service during lunchtime.

Price range: $$

Day 3 of your 4 days in Bangkok

Erawan museum

Your Bangkok itinerary for your third day starts with Erawan Museum. The best way to get there is via Skytrain, but busses and taxis are also valid options. Erawan Museum is one of the hidden gems in Bangkok and one of the wonders of Thailand. It is a truly unique and impressive place starting with the massive three-headed elephant on the top and ending with a colorful glass roof. Not to mention all the art that you will find inside the museum.

I suggest you capture the beauty of the stairs, and sides and arrive all the way to the top where you can see a collection of Buddha sculptures. Then take some time to explore the gardens and find the best angle to capture the massive elephant. 

Considering that Klook sells the entrance ticket to this museum together with Ancient city, a lot of people come here in the afternoon. And if you have limited time, combining these two places is a great idea as they are far from the city center. But you might have to consider coming here at the opening time. Especially if you are visiting during peak season.

Entrance Fee: 239 THB (6.40 EUR) if you purchase your ticket in advance. Click here to get yours. If you want to buy your ticket at the museum, it is 400 THB (10.75 EUR).

Opening Hours: every day from 9 am to 6 pm.

Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram

This temple is a real hidden gem in Bangkok, but unique compared to every other temple you will find in Bangkok. It is located farther away from other attractions, so it is often left behind. So we can say that visiting this temple is one of the unusual things to do in Bangkok 

What makes it so special? Well, how about a temple covered in crafted statues from famous cartoons, anime, or other famous pop culture artists? Everything from Pokemons to Barack Obama and everything that you can imagine. Pretty unique, isn’t it? If you get tired of the usual temples, make sure you add Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram to your bucket list. And spend some extra time appreciating the sculptures and visiting inside.

I suggest you grab a taxi from the Erewan museum to Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram as this place is not well connected with other attractions of Bangkok. Also, you can easily skip this temple and head straight to lunch.

Entrance Fee: free.

Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 3 pm.

(Not Just) Another Cup

(Not Just) Another Cup is a perfect place for a brunch or healthy lunch and it is on your way to your next destination. Their menu offers a wide choice of vegan and vegetarian dishes and they serve one of the best Acai bowls in Bangkok. A lot of juice and smoothie options as well. Their prices are above average, but it is a great place if you are craving some healthy food.

Price range: $$$

Maha Uma Devi Temple

Less than ten minutes away from Another Cup is Maha Uma Devi Temple. This is the most popular Hindu temple in Bangkok and the oldest and most important in all of Thailand. The temple is dedicated as a place to worship the Goddess Uma and it will catch your attention for the bright colors and the unique Hindu architecture.

It is possible to visit the temple inside, but you won’t be allowed to take any photos.

Entrance Fee: free.

Opening Hours: every day from 6 am to 9 pm.

Talat Noi

Take a taxi to explore Talat Noi, one of my favorite hidden gems in Bangkok. In this historical neighborhood, you will have the chance to take a walk and see the authentic side of Bangkok. Here there are markets, street artworks, and even an old, rusty Fiat 600 which is considered a cool photo spot in Bangkok. In this area, you will find two churches worth your attention – the Assumption Cathedral and the Holy Rosary Church.

The Assumption Cathedral is the principal Roman Catholic church of Thailand and certainly, visiting it is part of the unusual things to do in Bangkok. The details and the facade will take you to Europe. This is not a popular attraction, considering that everyone is busy with temples, so you will find it almost empty any time of the day. If you are lucky and see it open, go take a walk inside and appreciate the golden details and wonderful paintings inside.

The Holy Rosary Church has some western vibes and you can take a quick visit since it’s a few steps away from the Assumption Cathedral. So I recommend you visit this place during your 4 days in Bangkok.

King Power Mahanakhon

If you are looking for epic views over Bangkok, you cannot miss Mahanakhon Skywalk. It is located on the Skytrain line and your stop will be Chong Nonsi. It is hands down one of the most impressive places to visit in Bangkok and the glass floor makes it even more exciting to visit. The observation deck is 314 meter high, that is pretty impressive, right?

Don’t forget to buy your tickets in advance and don’t bring any food or drinks with you as you will not be allowed to bring them with you.

Entrance Fee: 836 THB (22.45 EUR) if you purchase your ticket in advance. Click here to get yours.

Opening Hours: every day from 10 am to 7 pm (last entrance 6.30 pm).

Or Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar

Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar is one of the best rooftop bars in Bangkok. It is a great alternative if you don’t want to pay for the entrance at the Mahanakhon Skywalk. The price of the cocktails at the Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar is above average, so keep in mind that it won’t be much cheaper than the Mahanakhon Skywalk.

It is located on the Skytrain line and your stop will be BTS Thong Lor Station. First, you arrive at the restaurant and then you can take another lift that takes you to the rooftop bar. Be prepared because 360 scenic city views will take your breath away.

The best time to visit is certainly sunset time and making a reservation is highly recommended. They claim to have a dress code, but I saw some girls with crop tops and flip-flops. Maybe they are more strict once the bar is overbooked.

I don’t think you will have the time to visit the Skywalk and the bar, so I suggest you choose one and end this day in Bangkok with some unforgettable views.

Entrance Fee: free, cocktail price range $$$$.

Opening Hours: every day from 5 pm to 2 am.

Polo Fried Chicken or Hanaya 1976

For dinner, I give you the possibility to choose between 2 of the best restaurants in Bangkok.

One is the famous Polo Fried Chicken. A place that also won a Michelin star award. Their specialty is deep-fried chicken with fried garlic flakes, but they also have fried fish, papaya salad, and other Thai specialties on the menu.

Hanaya 1976 is probably the most famous Japanese restaurant in Bangkok. The menu is very wide and will give you the chance to try an authentic Japanese meal, in an authentic Japanese environment. If you are into Japanese food, add Hanaya 1976 to your 4-day Bangkok itinerary.

Looking for the best day trips from Bangkok? Day 4 in Bangkok

A day trip from Bangkok is part of your itinerary because Central Thailand has many gems and many day trip options from Bangkok. What are the best day trips from Bangkok? Click here to read more and choose the most suitable option for you.

Other useful things to know before visiting Bangkok? 

Bangkok is one of the hottest cities in the world but you have to keep in mind that the weather in Thailand can be tricky. Rain season is between July and October and it can end up in a pretty bad flood situation. The best time to visit Thailand is between November and February. These are the ‘cool months’, it rains occasionally, but you will have a lot of sunny days. The hot season is from March to June and it gets extremely hot before the rainy season.

Thailand uses Baht as a currency. And you will need cash for a lot of places around Bangkok. If you are planning to use an ATM, make sure you take a big amount, because the fee is fixed and you will pay around 5 USD for each transaction.

Bangkok is known as an affordable destination for tourists. We can agree that visiting Bangkok will be cheaper than Tokyo, London, or New York, but there are also a lot of luxurious experiences to do around Bangkok. Also, ethnic restaurants are not as cheap as one can imagine. Getting a coffee in a nice place will cost you as much as everywhere else in the world. 

Depending on your nationality you might need to apply for a visa. More information is available here.

Resources for the best day trips from Bangkok

• Luxury hotel in Bangkok: 137 Pillars Suites Bangkok
• Mid-Range hotel in Bangkok: ASAI Bangkok Chinatown
• Affordable hotel in Bangkok: Bangkok Saran Poshtel
• Discounted tickets for Erawan museum: buy here 
• Discounted tickets for King Power Mahanakhon: buy here
• Visa requirements for Thailand: check here.

Further reading for 4 days in Bangkok itinerary

Or read more about: Bangkok | Chiang Mai | Chiang Rai | Thailand

In conclusion…

This is the end of your 4 days in Bangkok and I am sure you will have a lot of fun following this itinerary. You can balance between cultural experiences and fun things to do. And top it with the best local food. It doesn’t get better than this, does it?

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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