🏙️ Visit Bangkok 3 days

You want to know how visit Bangkok in 4 days? What to absolutely see in Bangkok? Looking for budget accommodation in Bangkok? How to get to Bangkok from the 2 Bangkok airports? In this article I tell you everything you need to know

Here is the action plan of this article "visit Bangkok" in order to save time, you also have a menu on your right to go to the part that interests you easily:

A little part of the history of Bangkok, for your sake :)
What to see in Bangkok with the GoogleMap to facilitate your stay.
Bangkok neighborhoods to visit
How to get to Bangkok from the airport
Cheap accommodation in Bangkok?
Where to go out in Bangkok
How to get to Phuket or Ko Samui from Bangkok?
Visit the surroundings of Bangkok

For a group guided tour or activity in Bangkok or from Bangkok (check the language of the activity). For a private French speaking tour of Bangkok or a private French speaking excursion from your hotel in Bangkok.

1) History of Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, was built around the Chao Phraya River, it is called the city of angels. It did not play the role of capital (in 1782) until a few years after the destruction of Ayutthaya.

It is located in the heart of Thailand, home to more than 14 million people, or 13% of the total Thai population. Bangkok has become one of the essential crossroads of Southeast Asia, it is also an international platform for the arts, fashion, entertainment and tourism.

Bangkok is today one of the most visited cities in the world (11 million tourists / year), although it is a city where traffic jams, futuristic architecture (more than 500 towers over 50 m high) and polluted air reign. it still deserves to stay there for a few days to discover its historical side.

Bangkok is heir to a rich past that brings together all the influences of Asia. In less than 30 years it has become an economic center of Asia.

With its huge shopping malls, Bangkok has become a major shopping destination in Southeast Asia. The city is constantly changing, you will see new buildings under construction everywhere.

In the shadow of all these buildings remains the ancient city of Bangkok, the city of angels (see the red circle in the lower left of the map below).

For a group guided tour or activity in Bangkok or from Bangkok.

2) Visit Bangkok

When to go to Bangkok?

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Bangkok, and therefore Thailand, is from November to April (17 ° C to 32 ° C), when the northeast monsoon blows cooler and drier air. From June to October with the monsoon, the weather becomes humid and very rainy, it is not the best but keep in mind that the monsoon lasts 2 to 3 hours a day.

From April to June, temperatures rise between 35 ° C and 40 ° C, and at night 25 ° C. Suffice to say, it's best to avoid this season, although I did visit Bangkok in May.

To get to Bangkok from France, count € 630 / person Round trip (13h flight, most of the time with a stopover in Paris or Amsterdam).

Visitor Bangkok and Tuk-Tuk

Once you arrive at your hotel (see section - Accommodation in Bangkok a little further down in the article), unpack your bags and start your Tuk-Tuk journey. The Tuk-Tuk is a fun way to visit Bangkok, but don't think it will cost you less than a taxi, that's great.

Here's my driver, Krissada, hey there was a little face, but he was very nice!

He walked us around the historical center of Bangkok. We paid 250 bathrooms (or € 7). This is how it works, it will offer you a ride of 1h30 (approximately) and it will take you to tourist sites.

The state pays around 200 baht to all tuk-tuk drivers each time they take you to a tourist site. Once on the site, go visit the place, do not worry, it will be waiting for you, so take your time.

Also, it will definitely take you to a clothing store or two (it will ask if you want to see another store, say no). We also pay it there, but this time it is the merchant who pays it and not the State. Play, enter the store, stay 5 minutes, let the vendors harass you and get out.

Visite Bavorn niwet, Wat Saket y Wat Chana Songkhram Ratchaworamahawihan

So we started our Bangkok tour with these 3 tourist sites. This is where our Tuk-Tuk driver brought us (see map, sites outlined in red), a nice appetizer to start with.

These are three magnificent sites, very beautiful and very peaceful. You will be able to see the monks praying in one of these temples. It is really quite and nice. In each of these places, you will find beautiful glass patterns and gold decorations.

The soul of Bangkok lies in the presence of Buddhist temples throughout the city.

The most famous Wat (Buddha) is, of course, the Emerald Buddha, but there are many others worth seeing, such as Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, which is located on the west coast of the Chao Phraya River and Wat Pho and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha

/! Visit the temples early in the morning. It is cooler and in general there are also much less people.

For a group guided tour or activity in Bangkok or from Bangkok.

Remember to bring a bottle of water per person, even cats are dry as grapes from the heat!

Afterwards, our Tuk-Tuk driver took us near a bridge for a boat ride (again he must have taken a commission, so if he asks you a bit more before leaving, please tell him he got pretty fed up like that .. .):

Chao Phraya River Cruise

This is a great way to explore the city! Bangkok was once nicknamed the “Venice of the East” and when you descend the river with its many canals, you quickly see why.

This is where the tuk-tuk left us, I advise you to do the same because the boat will take you directly to the great palace (see "royal palace"). Where you see the stars, this is where the tuk-tuk tours were made, so you can see that we are close to the historic center, so it seems nice to start the visit with this part. from the city:

The walk is very pleasant and gives you the opportunity to see the next to Bangkok, these canals, the Royal Thai Navy shipyard and Wat Arun. Of course, you can opt for tourist boats, which is cheaper!

Tour boat tours depart from all the major piers, itineraries vary a bit, but with trips starting at 20 baht, you don't have to worry too much about price! For my part, as it was a private boat, we paid 500 bathrooms (€ 10).

Visit of the Grand Palais

The Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kaeo) is Bangkok's most famous attraction, a must-see at all costs. Built in the late 18th century, more precisely in the XNUMXth century, the Palace is a vast and truly magnificent complex that served as the residence of the King of Thailand. to expand this plan.

For a group guided tour or activity in Bangkok or from Bangkok.

The Grand Palais has several buildings adorned with gold and stones. It really is typical Thai architecture. This complex is also the spiritual heart of the Thai Royaumen, it will surprise you, it really is to do!

If you don't have much time to visit Bangkok, go to Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) first, it is definitely worth a look. Next, visit the Boromabiman Hall, the Hall of Justice, and the Amarinda Hall.

If you are lucky enough to be in Bangkok when the King comes to change the habit of the Emerald Buddha in March, July or November, you will have an unforgettable experience because the activity completely stops in the city this time. to make way for incredible celebrations. Tickets cost around 500 baht (12 euros).

Tip: If you plan to enter the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, be sure to dress appropriately. The Emerald Buddha is the most sacred site in Thailand and therefore you must have a respectful attitude.

Men must wear long pants and sleeved shirts, while women must also wear "decent" attire. Bottom line: covered shoulders and no see-through clothing.

For a group guided tour or activity in Bangkok or from Bangkok.

Tip: Early in the morning, know that you have the reflections of the sun on the river, a unique moment to contemplate Wat Arun.

Visita Wat Pho

It is located right next to the great palace:

Sit for 5 to 10 minutes if you meet monks, it is really captivating to hear them.

For a group guided tour or activity in Bangkok or from Bangkok. For a private French speaking tour of Bangkok or a private French speaking tour from your hotel in Bangkok.

Visit the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho

Get a true Thai massage at Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School

In the Gran Teatro complex itself, you can go for a massage. The price is not excessive, you will really love it! It is a real Thai massage! Treat yourself, after this long day of visiting Bangkok ...

This is where this massage school is located in the Grand Palace in Bangkok:

Visit Sanam luang

I will not talk about the park that is right next to the Grand Palais, I did not find much interest. There are often kite fights, there are also many children. It also has a beautiful view of the Grand Palais. In short, I will not dwell on that, but if you have time, you can check it out!

Visita Wat Arun

Ahh Wat Arun, I will say it is part of the top 3 things to visit in Bangkok with the Grand Palace and boat trips. Remember to ask Thais well in advance if it is open or not as it is often closed to the public. No need to go to the other side of the river if it is closed.

For a group guided tour or activity in Bangkok or from Bangkok. For a private French speaking tour of Bangkok or a private French speaking tour from your hotel in Bangkok.

A bit of shopping in the malls.

Bangkok is one of the most famous cities in Asia for shopping. So even out of curiosity, go for a walk through the shopping areas, you will not only find clothes, but also objects and things that can only be found in Asia. A great place to buy your friends nonsense for nothing!

Visit Lumpini park

Lumpini Park is the central park of Bangkok, the largest park in Bangkok. If you have time, check it out, it's worth it. Go there in the late afternoon to see the sunset and the Thai woman doing sports.

Visit the Khaosan Road Phra (and Soi Rambuttri) district

A very very touristy street, Khaosan Road Phra (and Soi Rambuttri), has become a reference for all passing tourists, but personally I prefer the parallel street which is quieter.

Bangkok National Museum

If there is a museum to do in Thailand, it is the National Museum in Bangkok. Collect all the history of Thailand. And it is one of the most interesting museums in Thailand, because it brings together all the Thai culture and history.

If you are interested, you have guided tours, instead you have to reserve them (only Wednesday and Thursday).

Address: 4 Na Phra That, Bangkok. In front of the Grand Palais.

Chatuchak Market and other street markets

Open on Sundays, it is one of the largest markets in the world! You will find everything! Unfortunately it is not right in the center, you will have to take the SkyTrain for that. Stop at Mo Chit BTS station.

/! Keep your things in a banana, or in your pocket, there are many pickpockets.

Bangkok floating markets

Bangkok's floating markets are world famous, it is a pleasant experience to live at least once. On the menu: Canoe full of fresh products, local products, fruit, clothes ... So yes, it has become touristy but it remains to be seen.

For my part, I asked the reception of my hotel to hire the services of a driver. Departure in the morning at 7 am, then count 1h30 on the way to drop you at the starting point of the small canoes. Count € 20 / person for everything.

If you go by bus it will cost you less, count 20 baht for the bus but it will take you much longer (I do not recommend it). Here is a video I got from Youtube that will give you an overview:

For a group guided tour or activity in Bangkok or from Bangkok.

There are three big markets in Bangkok, the Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market, the Taling Chan Floating Market and the one I advise you to do the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, this is the one I did:

It is the best known, largest, most touristic market and it is also the one that I advise you to do. Allow around 1h30 for the trip. And to get there you have to go by bus or taxi. Many restaurants are located along the banks, perfect for resting.

Hours: Open every day from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm Go early! You have to be on the road by 7am.

For a group guided tour or activity in Bangkok or from Bangkok. For a private French speaking tour of Bangkok or a private French speaking tour from your hotel in Bangkok.

Learn more about Bangkok's floating markets here.

An elephant trek:

Do you want to go on an elephant trek? Check out this video first.

A bike ride through the jungle?

You want to get out of the Bangkok frenzy, here is a nice walk to do (:

A walk through Bangkok at night?

Another original idea is to visit Bangkok by bike but at night (.

3) Budget accommodation in Bangkok

Here we are, where to sleep in Bangkok, where to stay in Bangkok to facilitate your Tour de Bangkok?

It is not necessary to book your accommodation in Bangkok well in advance, a few days before will be enough.

For my part, I stayed at the Ibis hotel in Bangkok. Why that? Because it is located at the crossroads between the historical center of Bangkok (10 minutes by taxi to reach the historical center, 200-250 baths), Suvarnabhumi airport (arrival airport from France) and Don Muang airport (departure airport to Chiang Mai).

But I made this choice only because I was late to Bangkok and my flight to Chiang Mai was leaving early the next day, so there was no point going further into Bangkok. So if you have time, don't book here!

I arrived on Thursday at 22 p.m. M., I took the SkyTrain from Suvarnabhumi Airport (you can see the black line that goes right next to the hotel, at this hotel) and entered the station. Phaya Thai, then I took another SkyTrain (at the same station) to go to Siam station, which you can see on the map below:

To help you, here is the Bangkok metro map, or rather the SkyTrain map (called BTS) of Bangkok (to enlarge):

Then we catch Don Muang's plane the next day at 9 am (there instead we take the taxi to take us to Don Muang but as you can see it's straight ahead, count 500 bathrooms).

If you want to save money you can go to Mo Chit station (see map below), this will allow you to pay a little less (if you choose the bus, it is the A1 bus that you will take to take from Mo Chit).

Anyway you only have the bus or the taxi to get to Don Muang airport and that is wherever you are.

Where to find accommodation in the city center?

I recommend 2 districts, Khaosan Road Phra (Bangkok's tourist district) and China Town district, both are good (with a preference for China Town). If you spend two nights in Bangkok, do not deprive yourself of doing both, although you can very well take the tuktuk for not very expensive ...

There, yes, it is better to find accommodation in Bangkok right in the center, more exactly here on Khaosan Road Phra (well in the streets parallel to this noisy street like Soi Rambuttri), in the historical center of Bangkok (at the Tanne Place hotel (on the other hand, take a room with a balcony, otherwise the room will be really too small) because it is not located in the heart of this street which is noisy, it is just behind it so there is no noise)

You also have the Sleep Within right next door!

Why look for accommodation at Khaosan Road Phra in Bangkok?

Because there are many restaurants and bars, it is very lively, it is right in the center and therefore ideal for visiting Bangkok. Also, being located in the historical center, it is close to the places to visit in Bangkok! In short, it has become a benchmark for all passing tourists, it is the Mecca for backpackers, but as I already told you it is very noisy, so opt for the parallel streets.

And then you will see, there are two streets, one is very noisy, they approach you every 3 minutes, you eat insects, you find clothes for nothing:

You have to go there to finish your trip in Thailand!

And the other one is cooler, more elegant, more pleasant:

More Zen, here we rest, we regain strength ...

Here are two good addresses in the AROUND Khaosan Road area, that is here (purple area), I can't be clearer (to enlarge this Hotel Map):

The Tannee Place (with balcony) is very good, that's the one I booked.
The Cha Cha villa, a beautiful address (low price), located not even 5 minutes from Khaosan Road, so there is no noise and the place is quiet.
The Sakul House is also a good plan, to see!

¿Un hotel and China Town?

Another area to find accommodation is the China Town area, I loved it!

For my part, I stayed at the Royal Hotel, located on the main street of China Town, with an ideal location and no noise in the rooms.

You will see that it is really a very nice neighborhood, with a preference for the nightlife.

Otherwise, you also have Hotels.com or TripAdvisor. Take your time to compare.

4) Where to go out in Bangkok

Where to go out in Bangkok in the Ratchathewi district

If you are staying in the Ratchathewi district, because it seems like a good compromise to get to the airports more easily, (as I told you in the section 'Accommodation in Bangkok') and you still want to go out a bit. Go to CoCo Walk Street, there you will find a collection of bars and restaurants.

Otherwise, at the other station on the other side, Victory Monument, there is also something to do, including the Saxophone jazz bar (3/8 Phayathai Road), heavy! Don't be fooled by the neighborhood that is not very hospitable at first glance.

A great place to eat and have a drink with a magnificent view of Wat Arun Ratchawararam

Find it a bit randomly, if you are looking for a good restaurant with a good bar, I advise you to go to Amorosa (2nd floor). Here is the address in googlemap - Amorosa bar restaurant:

You are a fan of Street Food, go eat Jay Fay (googlemap link):

And also on Jek Puy (googlemap link):

Partying on a rooftop in Bangkok?

Here are some Rooftop addresses to party with:

Le Octave Rooftop - Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, Le Sky Bar - Lebua State Tower, Le CRU Champagne - Centara Grand @CentralWorld.

También tiene Park Society - SO Sofitel Bangkok, The ThreeSixty - Millennium Hilton, The Above Eleven Bar.

Khaosan Road y Soi Rambuttri

I will not tell you about this famous district, located near the historical center of Bangkok. You have two parallel streets, one completely crazy and the other quieter (cocktails, massages ...).

Soi Rambuttri Street is ideal for quiet and cool evenings, often with live music. In these two streets you can do some shopping even at night.

One night at Soi Sukhumvit 11

BTS Nana station (see map above). One of the streets preferred by tourists, expats and also Thais! There you will find many bars and restaurants. It is a good place to spend the night and meet new people.

You will also find many very good clubs in Sukhumvit 11 (such as the Levels club (electronic house) and its beautiful terrace on the 8th floor), frequented mainly by tourists, expats and Thais who are mostly there to find a husband or an adventure. one night. In addition, many tourists are also there for them… Win / Win!

Red light district ...

Near Soi Sukhumvit you have Soi CowBoy. Main street of strip clubs and Go-go bars.

Next to you you have Nana. You will find many girly bars and go to bars. But you will also find many restaurants and very good nightclubs.

You also have Asoke, a stone's throw from Nana. Quieter but you will also find good restaurants, bars, girls ... (Sukhumvit Soi 22)

Another very hot district, the Patpong district.

5) Visit the districts of Bangkok

The Indian Quarter - Pahurat

A neighborhood to do to get away from it all. Go late in the morning and eat there. This district is known for Indian food and other typical Indian products. Plus there's the Pahurat market, go ahead, it's fun to do.

Chinatown - Chinatown

In this neighborhood you also have a pretty crazy flea market to do (I'm not talking about the Chinese market) and it's not far from ChinaTown. Go eat a Peking Duck, a delight! You will also find in this market, many small candied fruit stalls, cakes ... to see!

You have a market right next to it, it is a long and busy street:

The district of Siam - Pratunam (view on GoogleMap - MBK)

It is in this district where you will find the MBK and Central World stores ... Go ahead, it is a must during your Tour de Bangkok. BTS Phaya Thai station.

Silom District - Sathorn

This district is famous for the Patpong district, Bangkok's fashionable district. But that is not all you have, you have many restaurants, bars and clubs, and above all there is Lumpini Park a stone's throw away (to see). Nearby, you have the Chao Phraya River, which you can reach by taking the SkyTrain (Saphan Taksin station), take a walk for an hour.

The Victory Monument District

It was in this area that I stayed for my first night in Bangkok, because the next day I had to arrive at Don Muang airport. It is an ideal area for a transfer between the two airports. But the Victory Monument district is also an ideal district for other destinations.

You will find many vans that will allow you to reach Ayutthaya, Hua Hin (2h30 by car) and even reach the jungle of Kanchanaburi ...

If you stop there and don't want to go to the historic center, you can go out and eat something in the street of Rangnam street. Visit the Norasingh Cafe (live jazz at night) and the Saxophone Bar. Plus, you'll be just a few stops from Chatuchak Market, one of the largest markets in the world!

Le quartier Khao San Road - Rattanakosin

I already talked about that in the section 'Cheap accommodation in Bangkok', it is a neighborhood to do! It is a backpacker's Mecca and is just a stone's throw from Bangkok's historic center. Across Khao San Road, you have Soi Rambuttri, which is quieter, more zen, go ahead, it's great!

However, there is no skyTrain to get there.

Le quartier Sukhumvit - Asoke

In the Sukhumvit district, but more precisely in Asoke, because Sukhumvit is really big, you will find many restaurants but also many expats. Asoke is a great place to go out in Bangkok. Near Asoke you have the Benjakiti park, which will allow you to find some greenery.

There you also have the BTS (SkyTrain - Asoke Station) that will allow you to access it easily.

6) Visit the surroundings of Bangkok

Here are some ideas for sightseeing in Bangkok.

Visit Ayutthaya Ruins

Located 1h30 from Bangkok, you have the ancient capital, Ayutthaya. There you will find many temple ruins, as well as many Buddhas.

If you go, rent a bike, it is essential to visit Ayutthaya. And remember to see its magnificent archaeological park. You can also take an organized tour (. For a private French speaking tour of Bangkok or a private French speaking tour from your hotel in Bangkok.

To get there by train from Bangkok, go to Hua Lamphong Station, which will drop you off at Ayutthaya Train Station (on the right of the map below). You also have the bus, there is a departure every half hour north of the Mochit station. Finally, you can opt for a boat passing through Chao Praya, a good way to see Thailand differently! Ask at your hotel.

Once there (if you arrive at Ayutthaya train station), don't take a Tuk-Tuk, take a small boat, it will take you to the other side of the shore, and from there rent a bike, it's better!

A good place to stay in Ayutthaya, the Krungsri River Hotel.

Visit Kanchanaburi City and Erawan National Park

Located 2 hours from Bangkok, you have Kanchanaburi, and next to it you have the famous Erawan National Park and its river kwai. Nature is really beautiful, you will love it! The park is just over 50 km from Kanchanaburi.

To get to Kachanaburi, you can opt for the train (2 trains per day from Thonburi station), or for the bus, you have one that leaves every hour (from the south terminal of Thonburi station - Bangkok South Bus Terminal) .

Once at Kachanaburi station, if you want to go to the river kwai or Erawan park, go see the tuk-tuk or a taxi.

More information to get here or here. You will find many videos on Youtube:

Muang Boran Ancient City

I didn't, but they told me. Muang Boran is located 30 km from Bangkok (in the south), it is a large park where you can see more than 100 replicas of the most important monuments in Thailand. The site is not very touristy, so it is a strong point. This can give you ideas for your future visits to Thailand!

A good plan is to rent a bicycle at the entrance. How to get to Muang Boran Park from Bangkok:

By bus: from Ekamai bus station in Sukhumvit), take bus 11, then songthaew No. 36 blue to Muang Boran.
By taxi: in half an hour you will reach the Old City park. Ask the taxi driver to wait for you during your visit.

A bike ride through the jungle?

You want to get out of the Bangkok frenzy, here is a nice walk to do (:

A walk through Bangkok at night?

Another original idea is to visit Bangkok by bike but at night (.

7) How to get to Bangkok from the airport

You will probably arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (arrival airport from France), which is located east of Bangkok. For flights within Thailand, you will need to go through Don Muang Airport, which is located north of Bangkok.

In Bangkok, we use the SkyTrain (subway by air, we also call it BTS) to connect one point to another, but personally I only used Tuk-Tuk or Taxis, you decide!

So far only two lines have been built (SkyTrain, equivalent to one meter), which cross the modern city from East to West. I used the SkyTrain to get to central Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi International Airport (usually the airport you will arrive at in Bangkok).

To get to Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi Airport, it is best to take the SkyTrain (called BTS). On the map above you can see the black line of the SkyTrain. It's the fastest and cheapest, so don't bother taking a taxi that will cost you a blind.

Once at Suvarnabhumi Airport, follow the City Line Train signs:

I think the best (after that depends on where you stay in Bangkok) is to stop at Phaya Thai station.

To get to Don Muang Airport from Bangkok, on the other hand, you will have to take a taxi, count 500 baht. If you want to save money you can go to Mo Chit station (see map below), this will allow you to pay a little less (if you opt for the bus, you will need the A1 bus to take from Mo Chit).

Anyway, you only have the bus or taxi to get to Don Muang airport and from wherever you are (to enlarge):

Otherwise you now have shuttle services that make from Khao San Road to Don Muang Airport or International Airport. It is 150 baht. You can book it in many travel agencies around Khao San.

/! That is, Uber works very well in Bangkok and is even cheaper than meters. On the other hand, you can't go to airports with him, there must be a kind of monopoly on taxis ...

8) Road to Chiang Mai, Phuket o Ko Samui desde Bangkok

To get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, to get to Phuket from Bangkok, or to get to Ko Samui from Bangkok (to go to Koh Pha Ngan for example), once again you will have to go through Don Muang airport. Intra-Thai flights are made from this airport.

See part 7 for how to get to Don Muang Airport from Bangkok.

Well there you go, I think you have all the keys in hand to visit bangkok as it should be

Do not hesitate to leave a comment at the bottom of the page to give me your impressions, share a good address, a hotel, a bar ... Sharing is good;)