How to Spend a Perfect Week in Bangkok: A Guide for First-Time Visitors

September 06, 2023

Bangkok is the capital and the largest city of Thailand, and a popular destination for travelers who want to experience the culture, history, and nightlife of this vibrant metropolis. Bangkok has something for everyone, from ancient temples and palaces, to modern skyscrapers and shopping malls, to lively markets and street food stalls. But with so much to see and do, how can you make the most of your time in Bangkok? Here is a guide for first-time visitors who want to spend a perfect week in Bangkok.

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok and explore the Old City

Check in to your hotel in Bangkok and explore the Old City, or Rattanakosin. This is the historic part of Bangkok, where you can see some of the most famous landmarks and attractions. Visit the Grand Palace, the former home of the Thai kings and a beautiful complex of buildings, gardens, and statues. Don’t miss the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which houses the most revered image of Buddha in Thailand. Go to Wat Pho, the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok, and see the huge reclining Buddha statue. You can also get a Thai massage at the temple’s massage school. Ferry to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, with colorful porcelain spires. See the river and city from the top of the tower. Take a tuk-tuk to Khao San Road, Bangkok’s backpacker hub, with cheap food, drinks, shopping, and entertainment.

Bangkok Royal Palace in Thailand

Day 2: Visit Chinatown and enjoy a dinner cruise

On your second day in Bangkok, visit Chinatown, one of the oldest and most colorful areas of the city. Chinatown is a bustling maze of narrow streets, alleys, shops, markets, temples, and restaurants. You can find everything from gold jewelry and antiques, to herbal medicines and electronics. You can also sample some of the best street food in Bangkok, such as dim sum, roast duck, noodles, and ice cream. Don’t miss the Wat Traimit temple, which houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue that weighs 5.5 tons. In the evening, treat yourself to a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River. You can choose from different types of boats, such as traditional rice barges or modern yachts. Enjoy a buffet or a set menu of Thai or international food, and watch the sunset and the lit-up landmarks on the river. You can also enjoy live music and cultural performances on board.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Ayutthaya

On your third day in Bangkok, visit Ayutthaya, the old capital of Thailand that the Burmese destroyed in 1767. Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins of temples, palaces, and statues from the ancient kingdom. Take a private car with our guide from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, which takes one or two hours.

Once you arrive in Ayutthaya, you can explore some of the most impressive sites, such as Wat Mahathat, where you can see the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots; Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which was once the royal temple and palace; and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, which is a stunning example of Khmer-style architecture. Learn more about Ayutthaya’s history and culture at museums such as Chao Sam Phraya National Museum or Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre.

Raw of Buddha Statues in Ayutthaya, Thailand

Day 4: Shop till you drop at Chatuchak Weekend Market and Siam Square

On your fourth day in Bangkok, shop till you drop at Chatuchak Weekend Market and Siam Square.

Chatuchak Weekend Market is a huge and popular market, where over 15,000 stalls sell everything from clothes and souvenirs, to antiques and art, to plants and pets. You can also enjoy some delicious food and drinks at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the market.

Siam Square is the modern and trendy shopping and entertainment area of Bangkok, where you can find some of the best boutiques, cinemas, and restaurants in the city.

Day 5: Experience the culture and nightlife of Bangkok

On your fifth day in Bangkok, experience the culture and nightlife of the city. Discover the art, history, and heritage of Thailand at some of the museums and galleries in the city. You can also learn about the culture and traditions of Thailand at some of the cultural centers that offer classes and workshops. Whether you are interested in the National Museum, the Jim Thompson House, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, or the Museum of Contemporary Art, you can find something that appeals to you. You can also have fun and learn new skills at the cultural centers that offer cooking, dancing, boxing, or massage lessons. In the evening, you can enjoy the nightlife of Bangkok, which is one of the most vibrant and diverse in the world. You can choose from different options, such as rooftop bars, nightclubs, live music venues, comedy clubs, or cabaret shows. You can also join a pub crawl or a night tour that will take you to some of the best spots for partying and entertainment.

Day 6: Bicycling the green lung of Bangkok and enjoying a street food tour by tuk tuk

On your sixth day in Bangkok, enjoy some outdoor activities and some delicious food. Bike the green lung of Bangkok, a hidden oasis of nature and calm in the city, to start your day. Go on a bike tour through alleys, slums, temples, and markets, and see a different Bangkok that most tourists don’t see. You will also take a boat ride across the river and see the greenery of Bang Kra Jao, an island with wildlife such as birds, monkeys, and lizards. You will visit the biggest Ganesha statue in Bangkok, a Hindu god of wisdom and success, and enjoy a drink at a local restaurant. This bike tour is a fun and eco-friendly way to experience the culture, history, and nature of Bangkok.

Enjoy a street food tour by tuk tuk

Enjoy a street food tour by tuk tuk, a three-wheeled taxi, in the evening. Taste pad thai, tom yum, satay, and more on a Bangkok street food tour. You will also see landmarks and attractions like the Giant Swing, the Flower Market, and the Democracy Monument at night. A Michelin rated street food vendor fries chicken rice noodles with egg on a fire and iron wok. Have a drink at a rooftop bar across the river from the lit-up Temple of the Dawn and Bangkok skyline. This tuk tuk tour is a fun and convenient way to taste and see Bangkok.

Day 7: Relax and rejuvenate at a spa or a park before your flight home

On your sixth day in Bangkok, relax and rejuvenate at a spa or a park. Enjoy a relaxing spa day or a refreshing park visit in the city. Whether you prefer massages, facials, scrubs, wraps, or aromatherapy, you can find a spa that suits your needs and budget. You can opt for a luxury spa, a boutique spa, or a traditional Thai spa. Alternatively, you can explore some of the parks that offer greenery and fresh air. You can pick from Lumpini Park, Benjakitti Park, Chatuchak Park, or Rama IX Park. You can also join a yoga class or a meditation session at some of the parks that offer these activities.