Best of Bangkok Itinerary in 7 Days

There are over 400 temples in Bangkok and far too many to experience in one month, let alone one week. While you may not be able to see every temple, some stand out as the most majestic and famous within Thailand:  Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. On your first full day in Bangkok, you will visit all three of them as well as the Grand Palace.

Today, you will fuel up for the adventure ahead with a complimentary breakfast. Be sure to slip on a comfortable pair of shoes and pack water, sunscreen, and snacks as you will not be returning to your luxury accommodation until later in the evening. Your hotel concierge will take care of everything for you. Once you have had breakfast, you can begin an immersive walking tour of Bangkok’s most attractive temples.

The journey will begin with a short walk to Wat Phra Kaew, which is commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is an easy trip to the temple, with a short stop by the amulet market on your way. Here, you may purchase charms, amulets, totems, and other jewelry. You will then continue on to The Emerald Buddha, which is a temple that is regarded as one of the most sacred in Thailand. It is adjoined with the Grand Palace, and together they are a truly astounding spectacle. Picture-perfect camera shots will be in abundance, so be sure to have your preferred device on hand. ? Thai food market called Tha Tien Market where dried, salted seafood and other goods are sold. Wat Pho is home to the awe-inspiring 46 meters-long, gold-plated, Reclining Buddha. Travelers flock to see the immense monument as its sheer beauty can rarely be rivaled. While you explore all that it offers, you can learn more about King Rama I and the temple’s construction. It was in this temple that the first ever traditional Thai massage was practiced.

A temple tour of Bangkok will not be complete without visiting Wat Arun. The 70-meter tall temple towers up from the ground and is surrounded by smaller, but no less significant, temple sites and historical statues. The monument, encompassed in porcelain and glistening colored glass, looks over the Chao Phraya River.

After the tour, you will return to your hotel for an hour or two that will be at your leisure. Then, you will make your way to Thip Samai for arguably Bangkok’s best Pad Thai. The local eatery is not to be missed, especially for those who are after a truly authentic meal. Touted as the best Pad Thai in Thailand by Anthony Bourdain, a slightly longer queue than usual will definitely be worth the wait. Once you are finished with supper, you will venture back to your room for a night’s rest.

There are many great sights in and around Bangkok, and many more than will be possible to see in one day. So, on the third day of your trip, you will explore the most appealing and inspiring attractions that are north of the city. You will then transfer via private coach from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya is an ancient city which developed in the 14th Century. Its historical context offers a wealth of insight into traditional Thai culture, and the temple ruins retain their impressive nature. A trip out to Ayutthaya will prove to be a humbling one that will deeply enrich your expedition. The coach ride will take a little over an hour and a half, but it will not fail to impress you along the way. You will take delight in the picturesque, scenic views of Bangkok as you make your way to the old city.

Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, you will visit the Ayutthaya Historical Park. This UNESCO-listed Park contains grand palaces and a series of age-old monasteries, statues, and temples. Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, which is heavily influenced by both Chinese and European design, will be your first stop. A moat surrounds this aesthetically pleasing place  that reflects its design origins in true style. After that, visits to Wat Mahathat and Wat Na Phra Men will allow you to further explore Thai heritage. The Wat Mahathat, which is the next stop, is famous for its Head of the Buddha in which the statue’s head is surrounded by the roots of a large Banyan Tree. This iconic image has become famous through travelers’ content, and it is one that you must certainly capture. Wat Na Phra Men, the next Ayutthaya-period temple, is remarkable in the fact that it was one of the few that was unharmed by troops during the Burmese-Siamese War. Furthermore, it is home to one of only five seated Buddha images in Thailand.

After exploring more of the Park’s surroundings, you will find yourself sitting back comfortably on a river cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Delightful food and stunning views will keep you entertained as you make your way back to Bangkok. As you draw closer, witness the likes of Wat Arun and the Grand Palace from the comfort of the boat before docking and being transferred back to your hotel.

From your hotel, you will transfer to Thara Thong via tuk-tuk or private transport for a stunning dining experience. The restaurant, which overlooks the river, caters to vegetarians with endless meat-free options on the menu. You will return back to your accommodation eager for the day ahead.

Bangkok offers plenty of stunning attractions, but the city also boasts a shopping experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. There is an abundance of stalls and malls where travelers can splurge on souvenirs. From high-end, multiple-story shopping complexes to budget-beating markets, the fourth day of your tour will be entirely dedicated to treating yourself.

After breakfast, you will transfer from your hotel to Siam Square. Siam Square, better known as the heart of the city, is a mecca for shopaholics and travelers who are searching for keepsakes to take back home. The Siam area boasts some of Bangkok’s biggest shopping malls, and boutique markets can be found within the alleyways that connect the main streets. Your first stop will be Terminal 21, which is located on Sukhumvit Road. The incredibly unique aspect about the airport-inspired mall is that areas on each floor are dedicated to different major cities across the globe. The restaurants and shops are all themed accordingly. For instance, a short trip up the escalators will transport you from Tokyo to London. While it is not an entirely Thai experience, it is one that you cannot miss. This will be a great opportunity to pick up deals on fashionable items and tuck into any of the many, fine global cuisines. After shopping Terminal 21, you will head out of the complex and take a leisurely stroll around Siam Square. This area will be action-packed with endless entertainment to offer. Also located in the Siam Paragon shopping mall is Kidzania, which is an innovative ‘edutainment’ experience for young ones. Bangkok’s very own Madame Tussauds wax museum can be found in the Siam Discovery Center as well.

After an exciting morning in and around the energetic area, you will visit the Jim Thompson House. The exquisite museum tells the story of an American man who fell in love with Southeast Asian art and culture. The American architect is most famous for his role in reviving Thai silk and pioneering the use of it in world-class fashion houses in Europe’s hottest cultural destinations. The meticulous craft and unique blend of Eastern and Western art admirably position the museum as one of the most awe-inspiring attractions in the city.

Following the Jim Thompson House, your final destination for the day will be Pantip Plaza. The massive tech-focused mall can provide hours of shopping entertainment. If you wish to bypass shopping, you can transfer back to your hotel for an evening around the pool. For supper, you will have reservations at a local restaurant near your hotel. Your hotel concierge will make these reservations and will direct you to your local, Thai eatery. Finally, you will unwind over supper before returning to your hotel.

Thailand is tremendously well-known for its cuisine and for a good reason. Traditional recipes have been handed down for centuries and authenticity is of the utmost essential aspects in the Thai kitchen. The heavy focus on elevating the senses and enriching all aspects of the flavor profile allows Thai cooks to achieve culinary excellence, even within unrecognized stalls and eateries. Although the processes behind the dishes are a mystery to most, you will be able to learn some of Thailand’s best-kept culinary secrets during this savory treat. After breakfast, you will transfer via shuttle to one of Thailand’s first-class culinary schools.

Your cooking school offers luxurious cooking classes that retain Thai authenticity. The classes are set amongst a beautiful backdrop of serene gardens and traditionally-minded décor. The completely hands-on class will begin in the morning and take you through midday. Here, you will learn to perfect the art of creating four essential Thai dishes. You can expect to master meals like traditional Hot and Sour Prawn Soup and Chicken Green Curry. The equipment will be in pristine condition, and the mentors will be professionally trained chefs.

For a fine-dining Thai cuisine experience, you will transfer from the cooking school to Suan Bua. The exquisite restaurant will serve traditional dishes with a modern flair and flavor. The authentically decorated restaurant overlooks a stunning garden setting and is the perfect way to end a cuisine-centered day. Afterward, you will transfer back to your hotel to relax and reset for the day ahead.

Bangkok hosts hundreds of markets as they form an intrinsic part of the local commercial culture. So, today will be dedicated to experiencing the best ones Thailand has to offer. As you stroll through the stalls, you will be enthralled by the buzzing energy that livens these markets. Tantalizing wafts of sizzling meat, and the cheers of entertainers chanting will fill the air. For today, you can look forward to a day of fun and food.

You can skip breakfast at your hotel to save time for your first stop. You will transfer from your hotel to your destination, Sampeng Market, via riverboat ride. One of Bangkok’s best markets for shopping and food, Sampeng Market (Chinatown) will be a highlight to get the day underway. Here, you will enjoy authentic Thai street food from any of the hundreds of stalls that litter the streets. You may shop for souvenirs, trinkets, and other odds and ends at extremely affordable prices.

After stocking up on snacks and treats, you will transfer to Amphawa Floating Market. A short trip from Bangkok, Amphawa Floating Market is a pivotal stop on your tour. Traditional floating markets will offer travelers the unique opportunity to explore stalls by boat. This particular market retains traditional practices and boasts a wide variety of vendors. So, sit back in the boat and wade through the river, hopping on and off to grab whatever catches your eye. From fresh and affordable seafood to local hand-crafted goods, there will be something for everyone on this delightful afternoon expedition. You will then transfer back to your hotel after exploring all Amphawa has to offer.

You will have done most of Bangkok’s best markets by now, but a Night Market is still on the list. For dinner and evening entertainment, you will transfer to Asiatique, the Riverfront. This luxurious open-air mall/market is clean, organized, and fashionable. It is a must-visit destination for finding authentic goods of exceptional quality. You can take a trip around the 200-foot Ferris wheel for a romantic nighttime view of the city. Then, you may dine on some delicious food before transferring back to your hotel.

At this point, the busy week will have undoubtedly taken its toll. For the final day in Bangkok, you will have the opportunity to relax and unwind before preparing to head home. You can take this time to revisit the experiences and review the incredible photos of your journey.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will transfer to Bangkok’s best Wellness Spas.  The luxurious property is popular among many stylish expatriates because of its excellent service, great rates, and a sophisticated approach to the traditional Thai massage. Soak it all in over an Herbal Aroma Oil Body Massage. You will then transfer back to your hotel, feeling completely refreshed, ready to pack, and prepared for your flight back home. Finally, you will transfer to the airport from your hotel, knowing that you have explored the best of Bangkok during your 7-Day stay.