Wondering how to create the perfect 4 day Bangkok itinerary? Read this guide for the best things to do in Bangkok in 4 days, including essential travel tips.
I’ve been to Thailand a couple of times but mostly explored the Krabi region like Ao Nang, Railay beach, and Koh Lanta.
For this trip, I decided to explore Thailand’s ever-so-busy capital city, famous for its stunning Buddhist temples, lavish rooftop bars, cheap shopping, and delicious street food.
In 4 days in Bangkok, I was able to visit all the main tourist attractions that were on my bucket list and even had time to take a day trip to Ayutthaya Historical Site.
Keep reading to find out how to plan the ultimate Bangkok 4 day itinerary. I’ll also share some tips on how to get from the airport to the city center, the best ways to get around the city, where to stay, and more.
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Read more about Thailand:
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Essential Tips for your 4 day Bangkok Itinerary
Before jumping into this 4 day Bangkok itinerary, I’ve laid down some practical info to help you plan your trip.
Getting from the Airport to the City Center
There are two airports in Bangkok – Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport. The latter is where most international flights land.
The best and cheapest way to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city center is by taking the Airport Rail Link (ARL). It runs daily from 5.30 a.m to midnight and tickets cost 15-45 baht depending on the distance covered.
The longest ride takes only about 25 minutes, making it super convenient and fast. Be sure to read this guide for details on how to get to the city center with the ARL.
If you plan to travel on the Airport Rail Link often, you can pre-book an ARL Smart Pass and pick it up at the airport. It costs 200 baht and comes with a prepaid value of 170 baht and a refundable 30 baht deposit.
Alternatively, you can book a private airport transfer to get directly to your hotel.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFER
How to get around Bangkok?
Bus
The cheapest way to get around during your 4 days in Bangkok is by bus. The price of tickets starts from 8 baht for regular buses with fans or 10 baht for air-conditioned buses. Note that tickets can only be purchased on board from the conductor.
BTS Skytrain and MRT
Traffic in Bangkok can be a nightmare during peak hours, especially between 4 p.m and 8 p.m.
If you don’t want to be stuck in traffic, I recommend taking the BTS Skytrain or MRT instead of the bus. Both operate from 6 a.m to midnight.
Tickets can be purchased at the train station from the vending machines or ticket office if you need any assistance.
If you’re planning to travel by Skytrain often, I recommend getting the BTS Skytrain Rabbit Card which comes with a prepaid value of 200 baht. The main advantage of getting the card is that you won’t need to wait in line to buy tickets.
Note that the Rabbit Card can only be used on the Skytrain. As for the MRT, you need to buy individual tickets at the metro station.
Ferry
Another great way of getting around the city is by ferry, especially if you’ll be visiting attractions along Chao Phraya river like Wat Arun and Wat Pho.
The Chao Phraya Express Boat service runs daily from 6 a.m to 6 p.m and costs on average 5-30 baht. You can check the routes and schedules on the official website here.
Grab
Grab is a great alternative to taxis as fares are cheaper. For example, a Grab from the airport to the city center should cost around 500-700 baht.
If you’d like to explore several locations, you can also hire a Grab taxi for the whole day. It should cost around 1,700 baht for 8 hours.
Taxi and Tuk Tuk
The last two options are taxis and tuk tuks. Honestly, these aren’t my preferred mode of transportation as they are more expensive.
Plus, there are quite a few scams in Bangkok where some taxi drivers will refuse to turn on the meter. Some tuk tuk drivers might also tell you that certain temples are closed and then offer to take you somewhere else instead (more details on that below).
If you still want to travel by taxi, be sure to ask the driver to turn on the meter. As for tuk tuks, always agree on a price before getting in.
Where to Stay in Bangkok?
Mid-range: Amara Bangkok Hotel is located in Silom, only 600 meters from King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk. It has an infinity pool with one of the best views of Bangkok as well as a sky bar. Check price and availability here.
Budget: Talakkia Boutique Hotel is a budget hotel situated in Talat Noi. The location is super convenient – there’s a bus stop at the entrance and Chinatown is about a 5-minute walk away. Rooms are small but clean and are fitted with a private bathroom. It’s also very quiet a night. Check price and availability here.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN BANGKOK
Thailand Tourist Sim Card
If you need to stay connected during your 4 day Bangkok itinerary, whether you need data to hire a Grab taxi or use Google Maps to navigate around the city, I recommend getting a tourist sim card.
I bought a True Move sim card from Klook and paid only 199 baht instead of the normal price of 299 baht. It comes with 15 GB data and 100 baht local call credit, valid for 16 days. You can easily pick up the sim card at either Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang Airport.
CLICK HERE TO BUY A THAILAND TOURIST SIM CARD
Best time to visit Bangkok
The best time to visit Bangkok is during the dry season which begins in November and ends in March. The wet season is between April and October with September being the wettest month of the year.
I visited Bangkok in September since flight tickets were much cheaper and although it did rain on some days, my plans weren’t affected too much.
It generally rained the most at night and by morning the weather got better with occasional rain which lasted about 1-2 hours at a time.
Whatever month you choose to visit Bangkok, the temperature will still hover around 26-34 degrees Celsius.
Related post: Guide to planning a Northern Thailand itinerary
Is 4 days in Bangkok enough?
There are so many things to do in and around Bangkok that you could easily stay for weeks and still find new places to explore.
But if your time is limited, 4 days in Bangkok should be enough to visit all the main temples and shopping malls, sample street foods at the local night markets, check out a rooftop bar, and even take a day trip to Ayutthaya to see the temple ruins.
Overview of this Bangkok Itinerary for 4 days
Day 1: Temple hopping to Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Suthat, Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat), and Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket).
Day 2: Wat Benchamabophit, King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk, and Chinatown.
Day 3: Ayutthaya day trip.
Day 4: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok shopping malls, and Asiatique The Riverfront.
Below is a map of with the exact location of all the places you’ll be exploring during your 4 day Bangkok itinerary.
How to use this map: Click on the top left corner to view the list of places to be visited on each day. To save the map to your Google account, click on the star sign next to the map title. You can then view the map on your phone by opening Google Maps and clicking on “menu”, “your places”, and finally “maps”.
4 Day Bangkok Itinerary – Day 1
Wat Arun
For the first day of your Bangkok 4 day itinerary, I recommend exploring some of the main temples in Bangkok as well as a few lesser-known ones.
Situated along the edge of Chao Phraya river, Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of the most popular temples to see in Bangkok.
Wat Arun was constructed in the 17th century, during the Ayutthaya period, and was originally named Wat Makok. It was later renamed Wat Arun Ratchawararam during the reign of King Rama IV.
The temple design is exquisite with tiny mosaic tiles adorning the main prang (pagoda). While most people only visit the main temple, I also recommend checking out the monk’s ordination hall which is surrounded by rows of Buddha statues.
As with all temples in Bangkok, you need to cover your shoulders and knees before entering. Sarongs are also available for rent at the entrance.
Entrance fee: 100 baht
Opening hours: 8 a.m to 6 p.m, daily
Wat Pho
To get to Wat Pho, take a 5-minute ferry ride from Wat Arun pier. It costs only 5 baht per person.
Wat Pho is one of the most popular places to visit on a 4 days in Bangkok itinerary thanks to its 46-meter-long reclining Buddha. Make sure to explore the whole temple complex as there’s quite a lot to see here.
There’s even a museum and a massage school all within the complex. You’ll also find a water refill station that you can use for free.
While visiting Wat Pho, make sure to watch out for scammers! Within the space of 5 minutes, I was approached by two tuk tuk drivers who told me that the temple was closed to tourists until 2 p.m.
They then offered to bring me to a bunch of other temples for only 40 baht per hour which, obviously, is too good to be true.
This is all part of an elaborate scam where they will bring you to some random temples and make a few stops along the way at a tailor shop or gem store. You’ll then be pressured to buy low-quality goods at an exorbitant price.
Luckily I was already aware of this scam, so I just walked to the other side where the official entrance/ticket office is found.
You can find the official entrance along Thai Wang Alley. Don’t try to enter through Maha Rad Rd as this is where the tuk tuk drivers usually hang out.
Entrance fee: 200 baht
Opening hours: 8 a.m to 6.30 p.m, daily
Related post: Thailand 10 day itinerary of island hopping
Wat Suthat
Before moving on to the next temple, I recommend getting lunch from Tha Tian Market which is found opposite Wat Pho. Here you’ll find a few stalls selling local dishes such as pad thai, tom yum, and mango sticky rice.
About 1 km away, you’ll find Wat Suthat, another beautiful temple. This one attracts fewer tourists, so perfect for those who want to skip the crowds during their 4 day Bangkok itinerary.
Entrance fee: 100 baht
Opening hours: 8.30 a.m to 9 p.m, daily
Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket)
Golden Mount Temple (also known as Wat Saket) is located on a man-made hill and offers 360-degree panoramic views over Bangkok.
You need to climb up 344 steps to reach the top but luckily the stairs aren’t very steep so it will take only about 5-10 minutes to get there.
As you get to the top, you’ll be greeted by a massive golden stupa and a panoramic view of the city.
Entrance fee: 50 baht
Opening hours: 7.30 a.m to 7 p.m, daily
Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat)
Located directly across Wat Saket is Wat Ratchanatdaram, one of the most unique temples I’ve ever seen.
The architecture is different from that of other temples as it consists of 37 golden spires that jut out to the sky. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Bangkok.
There’s no entrance fee to visit but you can leave a 20-baht donation if you decide to go to the top.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9 a.m to 4.50 p.m, daily
4 Day Bangkok Itinerary – Day 2
Wat Benchamabophit
Start off the second day of your 4 days in Bangkok at Wat Benchamabophit, also known as the Marble Temple. It’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Bangkok thanks to its beautiful archway adorned with gold designs.
Since it’s located slightly outside of the city center not many people visit this temple so you’ll most probably have it all to yourself.
Entrance fee: 50 baht
Opening hours: 8.30 a.m to 5.30 p.m, daily
King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk
For one of the best viewpoints in Bangkok, look no further than King Power Mahanakhon, the tallest building in Bangkok standing at a height of 314 meters.
The indoor observatory hall is located on the 74th floor while the outdoor observation deck is found on the 78th floor where you can enjoy unobstructed views of Bangkok’s skyline.
If you’re not afraid of heights, you can even walk on the glass floor. Note that if it’s raining, the glass floor section will not be open but you’ll still be able to enjoy the view from the indoor observation hall.
Tickets cost 880 baht but I highly recommend booking online to get 5% off!
CLICK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO KING POWER MAHANAKHON
Entrance fee: 880 baht for adults (age 15-59) or 250 baht for children and adults over 60.
Opening hours: 10 a.m to midnight, daily (Skywalk ticket is valid until 7 p.m)
Chinatown
End the second day of your Bangkok itinerary by taking a walk around Chinatown, one of the busiest areas in Bangkok.
The most prominent landmark here is the Chinatown Gate which marks the entrance of Chinatown.
When I visited there was a festival going on so it was super busy with many food stalls spilling out onto the streets, dragon dance performances, and fireworks.
Chinatown gets even busier at night with the night market happening every single day. Here you can eat all sorts of food from roasted ducks, Chinese dumplings, and pork noodle soups to the more exotic foods like fried scorpions and cockroaches!
There are also several temples worth visiting like Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha) and Kuan Yim Shrine.
4 Day Bangkok Itinerary – Day 3
Ayutthaya Historical Site
Located about 80 km north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is an ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its temple ruins.
Constructed around 1350, the city was later destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century but was never quite rebuilt to its former glory.
Some of the temples have been restored partially and today thousands of tourists visit this historical site every day.
Wat Mahathat is where you can see the famous Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree. Other temples to see include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Lokaya Sutharam, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
Most people choose to visit Ayutthaya with an organized tour as transportation, entrance fees, and a certified tour guide are already included in the tour price.
Another option is to take the train from Hua Lamphong station in Chinatown and visit the temples on your own.
I book the 3rd class train seat and paid only 20 baht (US$ 0.50) for a 2-hour journey. 2nd class seats are also available but those are more expensive and cost about 250 baht (US$ 5.20).
For more details, read my guide on how to plan an Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok. It includes details on how to get there from Bangkok, the best temples to see as well as some underrated ones, and how to get around once you’re in Ayutthaya.
Related post: Guide to visiting Ayutthaya from Bangkok
4 Day Bangkok Itinerary – Day 4
Chatuchak Weekend Market
If your 4 day Bangkok itinerary happens to fall on a weekend, be sure to visit Chatuchak Weekend Market.
With thousands of stalls selling just about everything from clothes, souvenirs, antiques, paintings, and food, you could easily spend hours there. Prices are usually cheap and you can also bargain to get the best deals.
The market is open from Wednesdays to Sundays but is busiest during the weekend (5 a.m to 7 p.m) when all stalls are open. The weekend night market takes place between 7 p.m and 10 p.m.
If you decide to go on a Wednesday or Thursday, note that only the plant section will be open. On Fridays, the night market opens at 7 p.m.
Bangkok Shopping Malls
Just like Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok has a huge selection of shopping malls that caters to all budgets.
They are the perfect place to escape from either the rain or the scorching sun. Since I visited in September, I had a couple of rainy days which were mostly spent in the shopping malls.
The most luxurious ones are ICONSIAM and Siam Paragon but those on a budget can head to Platinum Fashion Mall for cheap clothes and accessories (mostly under 500 baht).
Terminal 21 is another mid-range/budget shopping mall that you can visit. The highlight for me was the food court which serves delicious Thai dishes for under US$ 2 per dish!
Asiatique The Riverfront
End your 4 days in Bangkok in style at Asiatique The Riverfront. This is another take on the Bangkok night markets but more on the upscale side.
Shop at the clothing stores or eat your weight in Thai food. You can also take a ride on the Ferris wheel or visit the haunted house.
If you’re looking for a budget alternative, head to Pratunam Night Market, located within walking distance of Platinum Fashion Mall.
Other things to do during your Bangkok Itinerary
- Grand Palace: This is the former residence of the Kings of Thailand and the most touristy attraction in the city. The entrance fee is 500 baht and gives you access to the palace grounds and Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Click here to book a guided tour.
- Street Food Tour: Jump on a tuk tuk to scout out the best street food stalls in Bangkok, some of which have been featured in the Michelin Guide. Click here to book a street food tour.
- Amphawa Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market: Visit the oldest floating market in Bangkok and the famous railway market on a day trip to sample delicious Thai food. Both are located outside of the city center so it’s best to go on a guided tour. Click here to book a guided tour.
- Chao Phraya River Cruise: Another great thing to do in Bangkok in 4 days is to enjoy a scenic ride along Chao Phraya River as you feast on a delicious buffet dinner. Click here to book a dinner cruise.
- Safari World: If you’re traveling with kids, this would be a fun activity to do. Visit both the zoo and marine park, watch a dolphin show, or go on a safari. Click here to book.
I hope you found this 4 days in Bangkok itinerary helpful. If you have any questions about planning your trip, please let me know in the comments below.
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