Before you go
Days of the week matter: Chatuchak market opens only at weekends, Koh Kret is much livelier on Saturday and Sunday, and the Amphawa floating market runs from Friday to Sunday. So start your week so that these days fall on a weekend, or swap the days of this programme. For getting around, the MRT, BTS and Chao Phraya boats are described in our guide to getting around Bangkok. Choose a hotel near a BTS or MRT station: see where to stay in Bangkok. Cover up for the temples (shoulders and knees), wear light trousers and shoes that are easy to take off.
Day 1: Rattanakosin island
The classic programme, from morning to evening: the Grand Palace at opening time (500 baht with the Textiles Museum), Wat Pho and its Reclining Buddha (300 baht), then the ferry across to Wat Arun (200 baht). The hour-by-hour schedule is in our guide Bangkok in one day. In the evening, have dinner in Chinatown or by the river.
Day 2: the Thonburi canals and Chinatown
In the morning, head out on the canals of the west bank: see the Thonburi klongs by longtail boat, with their stilt houses and gardens. In the afternoon, return to the east bank for the Chinese quarter: our guide to Chinatown details the temples and addresses, including Wat Traimit and its Golden Buddha. Yaowarat Road comes alive at nightfall.
Day 3: modern Bangkok
A day of air-conditioned and green city: the Siam shopping malls and the Museum Siam in the morning, the Jim Thompson House and its silk collection in the afternoon, then Lumphini Park at dusk. End with the viewpoint of the Mahanakhon Skywalk, at sunset.
Day 4: Chatuchak and the north (weekend)
On a Saturday or Sunday: the Chatuchak market takes up the morning, with its thousands of stalls; arrive at opening time, before the heat. In the afternoon, take a boat or taxi to Koh Kret, the Mon potters' island, best done by bicycle. Return to Bangkok in the late afternoon: the Pak Kret road is congested in the evening.
Day 5: Ayutthaya
A full day at Ayutthaya, the former capital: leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat station before 9 am, see the temples by bike, and return on an afternoon or evening train. The train details are in our guide to day trips by train from Bangkok. If you leave early, add the Bang Pa-in Palace on the way.
Day 6: Maeklong and Amphawa
A day to the west: in the morning, the Maeklong railway market, where the stalls fold away when the train passes; then the Amphawa floating market, in the late afternoon when it comes alive (Friday to Sunday only). It is easier with a driver or a small tour; otherwise, plan on a minivan. If it is not a weekend, replace Amphawa with the Damnoen Saduak floating market, very early in the morning.
Day 7: Bang Krachao and a last day
To finish gently, Bang Krachao, Bangkok's "green lung", is explored by bike along raised paths in the middle of the vegetation, a few minutes by boat from the city. Keep the afternoon for a last massage (Thai massage in Bangkok), shopping and packing. If you have a late flight, the trip to the airport is described in our guide to Bangkok's airports.
Summary
| Day | Programme | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun | 1,000 baht in entrance fees in all |
| 2 | Thonburi klongs, Chinatown | Dinner on Yaowarat |
| 3 | Siam, Jim Thompson House, Lumphini, Mahanakhon | City day |
| 4 | Chatuchak, Koh Kret | Saturday or Sunday |
| 5 | Ayutthaya | Train from Krung Thep Aphiwat |
| 6 | Maeklong, Amphawa | Amphawa: Friday to Sunday |
| 7 | Bang Krachao, massage, departure | Flexible day |
If it rains, or you are tired
A week is long in the heat: alternate a day of walking with a calmer day. If it rains, our guide Bangkok on a rainy day offers solutions, and the trip budget helps you pick the days for bigger spending. The best season is detailed in the best time to visit Bangkok.
