Bangkok: 4 Days in the Capital of Southeast Asia
Golden temples, floating markets, award-winning street food, and vibrant energy that never sleeps. The city that surprised us the most.
Introduction
Bangkok is a city that divides opinions until you visit. We arrived with prejudices of chaos and mass tourism, and left in love with its authentic soul. Yes, traffic is terrible and heat is crushing, but nobody sleeps well in Bangkok: golden temples shine at dawn, floating markets wake before the sun, and street food is so good that Michelin has awarded 2€ stalls. In 4 days we covered the essentials, ate like kings for €10 a day, and discovered Bangkok is much more than Khaosan Road.
Day-by-day itinerary
Chao Phraya River temples
Early morning: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) to avoid heat and crowds. Mango sticky rice breakfast. Morning: Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha). Afternoon: Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha, 46m) and traditional Thai massage at the temple school. Night: dinner in Chinatown (Yaowarat).
Floating markets and modernity
Early morning: excursion to Damnoen Saduak (touristy but visual) or better Amphawa Floating Market (more authentic). Lunch on boat. Afternoon: return, IconSiam mall (luxury mall with indoor floating market). Sunset: Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower (where 'The Hangover' was filmed).
Art, culture and hipster neighborhoods
Morning: Jim Thompson House (Thai silk, traditional house). Afternoon: Thonglor/Ekkamai neighborhood (specialty cafés, boutiques). Or visit MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art). Night: Khao San Road for curiosity, or better: RCA (Royal City Avenue) for local clubbing or jazz bar in Phaya Thai.
Ayutthaya or gastronomic farewell
Option A: Day trip to Ayutthaya (former capital, UNESCO heritage, temple ruins, stone Buddhas among tree roots). Option B: Day in Bangkok for last shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market (if weekend) or Siam Paragon. Farewell dinner at premium Thai restaurant.
Budget breakdown
Flights
€600-900 from Europe (stopover in Istanbul/Doha)
Accommodation
€100-200 (4 nights in 3-4 star hotel, €30-50/night)
Local transport
€50-80 (tuk-tuks, metro, taxis, floating market excursion)
Food
€80-120 (street food €2-5, restaurants €10-20)
Activities
€80-120 (temple entries, massages, Ayutthaya excursion)
Extras
€50-100 (shopping, tips, cocktails)
Total: €400-600€/person
Practical tips
- Temple dress code is strict: knees and shoulders covered. Bring long pants or midi skirt.
- Negotiate tuk-tuk price BEFORE getting in. If driver says 'meter', decline: it's the jewelry/scam shop.
- BTS metro is efficient and cheap. Avoid rush hour (7-9am, 5-7pm).
- Safe street food: look for stalls with lines of locals and food cooked to order.
- Don't drink tap water. Buy large bottles and refill at hotel if they have filtered.
- Heat is intense: plan temples early morning, rest at midday, activities at sunset.
- Download Grab app: the Uber of Asia. Works with fixed price and avoids haggling.
- Keep calm if you're 'tuk-tuked' to a shop: leave politely and find other transport.
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