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Bangkok in 4 nights and 5 days: temples and riverside sights, or markets and shopping?
A suits travelers who want to take their time exploring Bangkok’s temples and Chao Phraya River scenery. B is for those who want to enjoy markets, city shopping, and cafés. Choose your airport transfer based on your arrival and departure airports.
4 nights, 5 days A | Temples and the Chao Phraya River
Spend the first two days exploring the Old Town’s temples and riverside, then head to Talat Noi and Yaowarat on day three. Take it easy on the last two days at a city park and a riverside shopping complex.
Day 1 | Airport to the Old Town, then dinner on Khao San Road
- Suvarnabhumi Airport → Phaya Thai Station
Take the Airport Rail Link (ARL) City Line. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and fares range from 15 to 45 baht depending on the distance. From Phaya Thai, continue to your accommodation, drop off your bags, and rest.
- Don Mueang Airport → Khao San Road · Sanam Luang
The SRT Red Line connects the airport station to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. A one-way adult fare is 33 baht. You can also take the A4 airport bus to the Old Town. The A4 serves the Democracy Monument, Khao San Road, and Sanam Luang.
- Old Town accommodation → Khao San Road
It’s about a 10-minute walk from Phra Arthit Pier to the road. Browse Khao San’s restaurants and street stalls, then enjoy its nightlife, bars, and pubs. For an easy dinner nearby, consider Krua Apsorn or Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai in the Old Town.
Day 2 | The Grand Palace and Wat Pho, then Wat Arun across the river
- Accommodation → The Grand Palace · Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace is open daily from 08:30–15:30. Admission for foreign adults is 500 baht. Entry may be restricted for visitors wearing sleeveless tops, short tops or trousers, or sheer clothing. Enter through the visitor entrance at Mani Nopparat Gate and follow the on-site route.
- The Grand Palace · Wat Phra Kaew → Wat Pho
Wat Pho is open daily from 08:00–19:30. Admission for foreign adults is 300 baht. Remove your shoes before entering temple buildings, and explore quietly. Stop at Krua Apsorn in the Old Town for lunch.
- Wat Pho → Wat Arun · Wat Arun · วัดอรุณ
Cross the river from Tha Tien Pier. Wat Arun is open daily from 08:00–18:00. Admission for foreign adults is 200 baht. Dress modestly as you explore the central prang and views across the river. In the evening, enjoy a meal or drinks at Sirocco Sky Bar at lebua.
Day 3 | A walk around Talat Noi and dinner in Yaowarat
- Accommodation → Talat Noi
Wander through Talat Noi’s lanes to see murals, shrines, old shophouses, and riverside views. Enjoy lunch and coffee at a riverside café such as Hong Sieng Kong or Mother Roaster.
- Talat Noi → Yaowarat (Chinatown)
Take the MRT to Wat Mangkon Station to reach the heart of Yaowarat, or use a river boat to reach Ratchawong Pier. After sunset, try Thai and Thai-Chinese street food at the stalls and restaurants. For dinner, try Nai Ek Roll Noodle; later, head to Opium Bar.
Day 4 | Lumphini Park and riverside ICONSIAM
- Accommodation → Lumphini Park
You can get there from BTS Sala Daeng Station or MRT Lumphini or Si Lom Station. The park is open daily from 04:30–21:00, and entry is free. Walk the paths and the lake, then stop for coffee at Rocket Coffeebar Sathon 12 in Silom–Sathon.
- Lumphini Park → ICONSIAM
Transfer to the Gold Line at BTS Krung Thon Buri Station and ride to Charoen Nakhon Station. A ride from Krung Thon Buri to ICONSIAM Station costs 16 baht. ICONSIAM is open daily from 10:00–22:00, with free entry. Explore the indoor floating-market-inspired area and shared riverside spaces, then have dinner.
Day 5 | A riverside stroll, then the airport
- Accommodation → Asiatique The Riverfront
From BTS Saphan Taksin Station, walk to Sathorn Pier and take a riverside shuttle boat. Asiatique is open daily from 11:00–24:00, and entry is free. Browse the shops and riverside promenade, then take your time over lunch or coffee nearby.
- Bangkok city centre → Suvarnabhumi Airport
The ARL City Line takes about 30 minutes to Phaya Thai, with fares ranging from 15 to 45 baht depending on the distance. A ride all the way to the airport costs 45 baht. You can also take the S1 airport bus from Khao San Road or Sanam Luang to Suvarnabhumi Airport for 60 baht one way.
- Bangkok city centre → Don Mueang Airport
Take the SRT Red Line from Don Mueang Station to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. A one-way adult fare is 33 baht. Alternatively, take the A1 airport bus toward BTS Mo Chit or Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
4 nights, 5 days A: confirmed admission and transport costs (per adult)
Grand Palace 500 + Wat Pho 300 + Wat Arun 200 + Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi to Phaya Thai 45 = 1,045 baht total. If you take the S1 for the airport transfer, it costs 60 baht instead of 45 baht. The ferry across the river and other city transport are not included.
- Included: admission to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun; one-way Airport Rail Link fare from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai
- Not included: accommodation, meals, flights, city transport, riverside boats and ferries, individual attractions, and performances
4 nights, 5 days B | Markets and city shopping
This itinerary centres on Chatuchak Weekend Market and the city’s arts and shopping districts. Plan your trip to coincide with the weekend market’s opening days to enjoy both the market and the shops.
Day 1 | Airport to Siam, then dinner in Pratunam
- Suvarnabhumi Airport → Phaya Thai Station
Take the ARL City Line. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and fares range from 15 to 45 baht depending on the distance. From Phaya Thai, leave your bags at your accommodation and explore the Siam and Ratchathewi area.
- Don Mueang Airport → Bangkok city centre
The SRT Red Line connects Don Mueang Station to Krung Thep Aphiwat Station. A one-way adult fare is 33 baht. The A1 airport bus runs toward BTS Mo Chit and Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
- Siam → Pratunam
Explore the city’s shopping district, then have dinner at Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice in Pratunam. For nightlife, bars, and pubs, try Bar.Yard in Siam.
Day 2 | Chatuchak Weekend Market and cafés in Ari
- Siam Station → Kamphaeng Phet Station
Take the BTS to Mo Chit Station, transfer to the MRT, and continue to Kamphaeng Phet Station. The journey takes about 22 minutes on average. MRT Kamphaeng Phet Station Exit 2 provides direct access to the heart of the market.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market → Ari
The market is open Saturdays and Sundays from 09:00–18:00, and entry is free. Browse the clothing, crafts, plants, and food sections, then take a break at Nana Coffee Roasters in Ari. Enjoy lunch at the market or try Ong Tong Khao Soi in Ari.
Day 3 | Thai culture exhibits and the arts centre
- Accommodation → Museum Siam
It’s about a 1-minute walk from MRT Sanam Chai Station. The museum is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00–18:00. Admission for foreign adults is 100 baht. Explore the exhibits on Thai history and culture. For lunch, try Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai in the Old Town.
- Museum Siam → Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Take the MRT and BTS to National Stadium Station. The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00–20:00, with free admission except for special events. After seeing the exhibitions, use the entrance connected to the third floor to head back into the city. For dinner, try Somtum Der in Siam.
Day 4 | Jim Thompson House and Ratchaprasong
- Accommodation → Jim Thompson House
Visit Jim Thompson House, near BTS National Stadium Station, for a guided tour of traditional wooden houses and the art collection of the Thai silk entrepreneur. Check the official visitor information for tour arrangements and ticket conditions before you go. Enjoy lunch and coffee at Gallery Drip Coffee in Siam.
- Jim Thompson House → Erawan Shrine · Ratchaprasong
Take the BTS to Chit Lom Station and follow the Skywalk from Exit 8. Erawan Shrine is open daily from 06:00–22:00, and worship is free. Browse the nearby shopping centres, then have dinner at Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice in Siam.
Day 5 | Last-minute shopping, then the airport
- Accommodation → city shopping district
Fit in some last-minute shopping in Siam and Ratchaprasong according to your departure time. Have lunch at Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice in Pratunam, and stop for coffee at Gallery Drip Coffee.
- Bangkok city centre → Suvarnabhumi Airport
From Phaya Thai Station, take the ARL City Line to Suvarnabhumi Airport in about 30 minutes. The full-route fare is 45 baht. If you’re departing from Khao San Road or Sanam Luang, the S1 airport bus costs 60 baht one way.
- Bangkok city centre → Don Mueang Airport
Take the SRT Red Line from Don Mueang Station to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. A one-way adult fare is 33 baht. The A1 airport bus runs toward BTS Mo Chit and Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
4 nights, 5 days B: confirmed admission and transport costs (per adult)
Museum Siam 100 + Bangkok Art and Culture Centre 0 + Chatuchak Weekend Market 0 + Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi to Phaya Thai 45 = 145 baht total. This total excludes city rail fares and any separately ticketed exhibitions or tours.
- Included: Museum Siam admission, general admission to the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, entry to Chatuchak Weekend Market, and one-way Airport Rail Link fare from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai
- Not included: accommodation, meals, flights, city transport, Jim Thompson House tour, and special events
FAQ
Can I visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho in one day?
Yes. The Grand Palace is open from 08:30–15:30 and Wat Pho from 08:00–19:30. Visit the Grand Palace first, then head to Wat Pho, and finish with Wat Arun across the river from Tha Tien Pier.
Is Chatuchak Weekend Market open on weekdays?
The full market is open Saturdays and Sundays from 09:00–18:00. On weekdays, only some sections operate, such as the plant section on Wednesdays and Thursdays and wholesale on Fridays. Plan your visit for the weekend to see the whole market.
What transport options are there from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city?
The ARL City Line takes about 30 minutes to Phaya Thai, with a full-route fare of 45 baht. For the Old Town, you can also take the S1 airport bus for 60 baht one way.
Official sources & check dates
- Practical Information | The Grand Palace · 2026-10-19
- Visit plan | Wat Pho · 2026-10-19
- Wat Arun The Temple of Dawn Bangkok · 2026-10-19
- 짜오프라야 익스프레스 보트 서비스 · 2026-10-19
- Talat Noi in Bangkok: lanes, street art, Chinese shrines and the riverfront · 2026-10-19
- Bangkok's Chinatown: Yaowarat, temples, street food, Talat Noi · 2026-10-19
- Bangkok Public Space: Lumphini Park · 2026-10-19
- ICONSIAM Tourist Information · 2026-10-19
- Asiatique The Riverfront Destination: hours and address · 2026-10-19
- Public transportation in Bangkok · 2026-10-19
- Suvarnabhumi Airport · 2026-10-19
- Donmueang International Airport · 2026-10-19
- SRT 레드라인 요금 정보 · 2026-10-19
- How to Get to Khao San Road: Airports, BTS/MRT, Boat, Taxi · 2026-10-19
- 방콕 사원 이동 안내 · 2026-10-19
- Bangkok Chinatown (Yaowarat): Street Food, Temples and How to Get There · 2026-10-19
- 태국 정부: 골드라인 이용 안내 · 2026-10-19
- ICONSIAM Official Directory · 2026-10-19
- Invest Bangkok: Parks and opening hours · 2026-10-19
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: Asiatique The Riverfront · 2026-10-19
- 사톤 선착장 · 2026-10-19
- 태국 정부: 방콕 대중교통 정보 · 2026-10-19
- 공항철도 비접촉 결제 안내 · 2026-10-19
- Chatuchak Market Contact and Opening Times · 2026-10-19
- Chatuchak Market Tips and FAQs · 2026-10-19
- Bangkok Art and Culture Centre: Plan Your Visit · 2026-10-19
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: Jim Thompson's House · 2026-10-19
- Erawan Shrine: Visitor Information · 2026-10-19
- Museum Siam, a learning museum | Tourism Authority of Thailand · 2026-10-19
- 시암역에서 깜팽펫 MRT역까지 열차 이동 · 2026-10-19
- Museum Siam visit information · 2026-10-19
Site updated: 2026-10-19