Perfect Bangkok Itinerary 2025

Bangkok, baby! 🇹🇭 If there’s one city that knows how to keep things exciting, it’s this one. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned Bangkok kaki, the Thai capital always has something new to offer—temples that transport you back in time, street food that hits all the right spots, and shopping that’ll leave your wallet begging for mercy (but totally worth it 😉).

For Malaysians, Bangkok is like that familiar but exciting cousin you love to visit. It’s just a 2-hour flight away, super budget-friendly, and filled with a mix of cultural gems, food adventures, and late-night escapades. Whether you’re here for a quick weekend getaway or a longer escape, this itinerary will help you squeeze the most out of every minute in the Land of Smiles.

When is the Best Time to Visit? (Weather Breakdown) 🌤️

Before you pack your bags, let’s talk about Bangkok’s weather—it’s hot almost all year round, but there are certain months that make exploring way more comfortable.

• Cool & Dry Season (Nov - Feb) ❄️🌤️ → The best time to visit! Pleasant weather (25-30°C) makes it perfect for sightseeing without sweating buckets.
• Hot Season (March - June) 🔥 → Bring a towel because it’s gonna be HOT (30-38°C). But hey, this is also when you get epic Songkran (Thai New Year) water fights! 💦
• Rainy Season (July - Oct) ☔ → Expect occasional downpours, but don’t worry—Bangkok is still alive and kicking. Just bring an umbrella and plan for indoor activities when needed.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re coming during peak season (Nov-Feb), book your flights and hotels early—prices skyrocket!

This guide will take you through a day-by-day itinerary, packed with the best places to eat, shop, and explore, plus local tips to help you travel like a pro. So buckle up, and let’s dive into this Bangkok adventure! 🚀

Essential Bangkok Travel Tips for Malaysians 🇲🇾✈️

Alright, before we jump into the itinerary, let's go over some must-know tips that will make your Bangkok trip smooth, fun, and totally hassle-free. From currency exchange hacks to transport tips here’s everything you need to know!

💰 Currency & Budget Tips: Baht vs. Ringgit

Money talk first! In Bangkok, you’ll be using Thai Baht (THB). Here’s a rough exchange rate:

• 1 MYR ≈ 7.5 - 8 THB (rates fluctuate, so always check before changing money)
• Cash is king for street food and small markets, but hotels, malls, and restaurants accept credit/debit cards.

💡 Pro Tips for Malaysians:
✔️ Best places to change MYR to THB?

• Super Rich Thailand (Green/Orange): Best exchange rates, but expect queues.
• Siam Paragon / MBK / Don Mueang Airport: Decent rates, but slightly lower than Super Rich.
• Avoid changing at KLIA! Rates are usually bad.

✔️ E-Wallets & Cards

• Use Wise or BigPay cards for great exchange rates & no foreign transaction fees.
• Thai PromptPay QR code works with some Malaysian banks (check Maybank/Touch ‘n Go eWallet).

🚆 Getting Around Bangkok: BTS, MRT, or Grab?

Bangkok’s traffic can be a nightmare during peak hours, so avoid taxis during rush hour (7-10 AM & 4-8 PM).

🚆 Best Transport Options for Tourists:
✅ BTS Skytrain & MRT – Fast, cheap, and reliable. Get a Rabbit Card (like our Touch ‘n Go) for easy rides.
✅ Tuk-Tuks – Iconic but expensive. ALWAYS negotiate before hopping in!
✅ Grab & Bolt – Safer than taxis. Bolt is cheaper than Grab but has fewer cars.
✅ Airport Train (ARL) – Best way to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to the city (only 45 THB!).

🚖 Avoid These Transport Traps:

❌ Meter-less Taxis – If the driver refuses to use the meter, just Grab instead.

❌ Overpriced Tuk-Tuks – If the fare sounds ridiculous, walk away!

❌ Scammy "Free City Tours" – If a random driver offers a free ride, they’re probably taking you to a gem store scam.

🔌 SIM Cards & WiFi: Stay Connected!

No one wants to get stuck without internet, especially in a new city!

📶 Best SIM Cards for Tourists:
✔️ AIS / DTAC / TrueMove H (Buy at airport or 7-Eleven) – ~300-400 THB for 7-10 days unlimited data.
✔️ eSIM Option – Get a digital SIM from Trip.com before flying. Super convenient!

💡 Smart Travel Hacks for Malaysians in Bangkok

• 🏧 Use Thai ATMs wisely – They charge 220 THB per withdrawal, so withdraw larger amounts at once.
• 🏨 Hotel location is key – Stay near a BTS/MRT station to avoid traffic jams.
• 🚰 Avoid drinking tap water – Buy bottled water or use hotel-provided drinking water.
• 🍽️ Malaysian-friendly halal food spots – Go to MBK’s halal food court or look for "Halal" signs at food stalls.

✨ Ready to Explore Bangkok? Let’s Go!

Now that you’re armed with all the essential travel tips, it’s time for the fun part—your Bangkok itinerary! 🎉

Bangkok Itinerary: Your Ultimate Day-by-Day Travel Plan 🇹🇭✈️

Alright, now that you're all set with essential travel tips, let’s get into the exciting part—the itinerary! This 3-day itinerary will give you a perfect mix of sightseeing, food, shopping, and adventure.

✨ Day 1: Temples, Culture & Riverside Magic 🏯🚤

(Best for first-timers or anyone who loves history, stunning views & iconic landmarks.)

🌅 Morning: The Heart of Bangkok’s Heritage

1️⃣ The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) 🏯

📍 Location: Old City
🕘 Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
💰 Entry Fee: 500 THB (~RM65)

Kickstart your Bangkok adventure with Thailand’s most iconic landmark—the Grand Palace! This place used to be home to the Thai royal family, and inside, you'll find the famous Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew).

💡 Pro Tips:

✔️ Wear proper attire (covered shoulders & knees, no shorts or sleeveless tops). You can rent sarongs outside if needed.

✔️ Arrive early to avoid crowds & Bangkok heat!

2️⃣ Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha & Thai Massage) 🛕💆‍♀️

📍 Location: A short walk from Grand Palace
🕘 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
💰 Entry Fee: 200 THB (~RM26)

Next, head to Wat Pho, home to the giant Reclining Buddha (46m long!). But here’s the real gem: this temple founded Thai traditional massage—so if you want a legit authentic Thai massage, this is THE place to get one!

💡 Pro Tips:
✔️ Book a 30-min or 1-hour massage at Wat Pho’s massage school. It’s one of the best in Bangkok!
✔️ Try dropping coins into the 108 bronze bowls—it’s said to bring good luck.

🍛 Afternoon: Riverside Views & Local Eats

3️⃣ Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) - Bangkok’s Most Beautiful Temple 🏯

📍 Location: Across the Chao Phraya River (take a boat from Wat Pho)
🕘 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: 100 THB (~RM13)

Wat Arun is one of the most Instagrammable temples in Bangkok, with beautiful white pagodas covered in colorful mosaic tiles. If you can, climb up for a stunning view of the Chao Phraya River!

💡 Pro Tip:
✔️ Take a boat from Tha Tien Pier (only 5 THB) instead of getting scammed by overpriced tuk-tuks.

4️⃣ Lunch at Thip Samai - The BEST Pad Thai in Bangkok 🍜🔥

📍 Location: Old Town (Near Wat Pho)
🕘 Opening Hours: 5:00 PM - Midnight (Yes, they open late!)

After all that walking, it’s time for food! 🥢 If you’re in Bangkok, you HAVE to try Pad Thai—and Thip Samai is the undisputed GOAT of Pad Thai!

🔥 What to order?
✔️ Pad Thai with Shrimp Wrapped in Egg 🦐🍳
✔️ Fresh Orange Juice (insanely good, but expensive)

💡 Pro Tip:
✔️ There’s always a queue! Go early or prepare to wait.

6️⃣ Khao San Road - Bangkok’s Party Hub 🎉🍻

📍 Location: Old Town
🕘 Best Time to Visit: After 8:00 PM

After a full day of sightseeing, head to Khao San Road for a taste of Bangkok’s crazy nightlife. It’s a backpacker’s paradise, filled with cheap drinks, live music, and wild street performances.

💡 Not a party person? Check out a riverside rooftop bar instead for a more chill vibe. (Vertigo, Above Riva, or Sky Bar are great choices!)

🎯 Day 1 Summary:

✅ Morning: Grand Palace, Wat Pho (massage!)
✅ Afternoon: Wat Arun, Legendary Pad Thai
✅ Evening: Sunset River Cruise, Khao San Nightlife

💡 Perfect for: First-timers, history lovers, and those who love cultural experiences!

Day 2: Shopping, Street Food & Night Markets! 🛍️🍢

Day 2 is all about shopping, food, and experiencing Bangkok’s famous markets! Whether you’re hunting for bargains, designer brands, or unique souvenirs, Bangkok has it all. And of course, we’ll make plenty of food stops because, let’s be real—shopping and eating are the perfect duo!

☀️ Morning: Market Madness & Bargain Hunting

1️⃣ Chatuchak Weekend Market - The Ultimate Shopping Paradise 🛍️

📍 Location: Mo Chit BTS Station
🕘 Opening Hours: Sat & Sun, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: Free

If you’re visiting on a weekend, this is a MUST-VISIT! Chatuchak (or "JJ Market") is the largest market in Thailand, with over 8,000 stalls selling everything from clothes, bags, home decor, art, souvenirs, and even pets.

💡 Pro Shopping Tips:
✔️ Haggle like a pro! (Start 30% lower & work your way up.)
✔️ Wear comfy shoes—this place is HUGE! 🚶‍♂️
✔️ Best sections:

• Clothes & Accessories - Sections 2-4, 10-26
• Home Decor & Artsy Stuff - Sections 1, 7, 8
• Local Snacks & Souvenirs - Section 22

❌ If it’s a weekday… Skip Chatuchak and go to Platinum Fashion Mall instead!

2️⃣ Platinum Fashion Mall - Wholesale Shopping Haven 👗👜

📍 Location: Pratunam, near BTS Chit Lom
🕘 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: Free

Platinum Mall is where Malaysian shoppers go CRAZY! If you love bargain shopping, this is your place. It’s basically an air-conditioned version of Chatuchak, packed with wholesale fashion, shoes, and bags.

💡 Pro Tips:
✔️ Buy more, save more—most shops offer wholesale prices if you buy 3+ pieces.
✔️ Best floors:

• Women’s fashion: 1st & 2nd floors
• Shoes & Bags: 3rd floor
• Men’s fashion: 4th floor
  ✔️ Want more shopping? Walk over to Pratunam Market, right outside Platinum Mall, for even cheaper clothes!

🍜 Afternoon: A Feast of Bangkok’s Best Street Food

3️⃣ Lunch at Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice 🍚🍗

📍 Location: Near Platinum Mall
🕘 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Thailand’s version of Hainanese Chicken Rice, but with its own unique twist! Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice has even earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award.

🔥 What to Order:
✔️ Signature Thai Chicken Rice (Khao Man Gai) 🍗
✔️ Crispy Fried Chicken Rice
✔️ Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen) to cool down 🧊

💡 Pro Tip:
✔️ Expect a long queue, but it moves fast!
✔️ Prefer something different? Check out Som Tam Nua (for Thai papaya salad & fried chicken) in Siam Square!

4️⃣ Siam Paragon & MBK - Mall Hopping & Dessert Break 🍦

📍 Location: Siam BTS
🕘 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

After lunch, head over to Siam Paragon, one of Bangkok’s luxury malls. Even if you’re not here to splurge, it’s worth checking out the high-end shops, luxury car showrooms, and Bangkok’s largest gourmet supermarket.

💡 For Budget Shopping: MBK Center (next to Siam Paragon) has cheap electronics, souvenirs, and knock-off brands.

🍦 Dessert Break: Try Mango Sticky Rice at Mango Tango or Coconut Ice Cream at Coco JJ!

🌇 Evening: Night Market Vibes & Chill Shopping

5️⃣ Asiatique The Riverfront - Shopping with a View 🎡🌆

📍 Location: Riverside (Take BTS to Saphan Taksin, then free shuttle boat)
🕘 Opening Hours: 5:00 PM - Midnight
💰 Entry Fee: Free

Asiatique is a beautiful open-air night market by the river, combining shopping, dining, and entertainment. There’s even a Ferris Wheel where you can get a stunning night view of Bangkok!

🔥 What to Do at Asiatique:
✔️ Shop for handmade crafts, local designer items & souvenirs
✔️ Enjoy Thai street food & seafood at the many riverside restaurants
✔️ Catch a Muay Thai show at the Asiatique theatre

💡 Prefer a more local vibe? Head to Jodd Fairs Night Market instead!

6️⃣ Jodd Fairs Night Market - Bangkok’s Coolest Night Market 🍢🔥

📍 Location: Near Rama 9 MRT
🕘 Opening Hours: 5:00 PM - Midnight
💰 Entry Fee: Free

Jodd Fairs is Bangkok’s TRENDIEST night market, replacing the old Ratchada Train Market. It’s filled with Instagrammable street food, trendy shops, and live music.

🔥 MUST-TRY FOOD:
✔️ Leng Saap (Spicy Pork Bone Soup) 🔥
✔️ Thai Fried Chicken & Cheese Bombs 🍗🧀
✔️ Mango Sticky Rice 🥭🍚
✔️ Grilled Seafood & BBQ Skewers 🦐

💡 Pro Tips:
✔️ Best time to go? Around 6-7 PM before it gets too crowded.
✔️ Want an alternative? Talad Rot Fai Night Market is another hipster-style market with cool vibes!

🎯 Day 2 Summary:

✅ Morning: Chatuchak Market (weekends) OR Platinum Mall (weekdays)
✅ Afternoon: Michelin-rated Chicken Rice & Mall Hopping
✅ Evening: Night Market Adventure at Asiatique & Jodd Fairs

💡 Perfect for: Shopaholics, food lovers, and night market explorers!

Day 3: Floating Markets, Cooking Class & Rooftop Bars 🍉🥂

It’s the final day in Bangkok, so let’s slow things down a little and enjoy the cultural side of the city. Today, we’ll explore a floating market, learn to cook Thai food, and end the trip with drinks at a rooftop bar—the perfect way to wrap up your Bangkok adventure!

1️⃣ Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - The Classic Experience 🛶🍉

📍 Location: 1.5 hours from Bangkok
🕘 Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
💰 Boat Ride: ~150-300 THB per person

If you’ve ever seen pictures of vendors selling food from wooden boats, this is it! Damnoen Saduak is the most famous floating market in Thailand, and while it’s touristy, it’s still an amazing experience if you’ve never been to one before.

🔥 What to Do:
✔️ Take a boat ride along the canal and see the market from the water 🚤
✔️ Try boat noodles (Kuay Teow Ruea), grilled seafood, and fresh coconut ice cream
✔️ Shop for souvenirs, tropical fruits, and handmade crafts

💡 Pro Tips:
✔️ Get there early (before 8 AM) to avoid the crowds & heat!
✔️ Negotiate boat prices—they can be overpriced, so haggle!
✔️ Want something less touristy? Check out Amphawa Floating Market instead!

2️⃣ Alternative: Maeklong Railway Market 🚆

📍 Location: 1.5 hours from Bangkok
🕘 Train Schedule: The train passes through at 8:30 AM, 11:10 AM, 2:30 PM & 5:40 PM

If floating markets aren’t your thing, visit Maeklong Railway Market—a market that sits ON an active train track! When the train comes, vendors quickly move their stalls out of the way, then put them back immediately after the train passes.

🔥 What to Expect:
✔️ A unique experience you won’t find anywhere else
✔️ Great local food stalls with grilled seafood, mango sticky rice & Thai desserts
✔️ Amazing photo opportunities when the train arrives!

💡 Pro Tip:
✔️ Time your visit carefully so you actually see the train pass!

🍛 Afternoon: Learn to Cook Thai Food! 👨‍🍳

3️⃣ Thai Cooking Class - Cook & Eat Like a Local!

📍 Location: Various places (Blue Elephant, Cooking with Poo, Baipai Thai Cooking School)
🕘 Class Duration: ~3-4 hours
💰 Price: ~1,000-2,500 THB per person

Why just eat Thai food when you can learn to cook it yourself? A Thai cooking class is a fun, hands-on experience where you’ll shop at a local market for ingredients and then cook (and eat!) delicious Thai dishes.

🔥 What You’ll Cook:
✔️ Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Prawn Soup) 🍤🔥
✔️ Pad Thai (Fried Noodles) 🍜
✔️ Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan) 🍛
✔️ Mango Sticky Rice 🥭🍚

💡 Pro Tip:
✔️ Book in advance—good cooking classes fill up fast!
✔️ Don’t eat too much before class—you’ll be eating a LOT. 😆

🌇 Evening: Sunset, Rooftop Bars & Final Night in Bangkok 🌆🍸

4️⃣ Sunset Views at Wat Saket (Golden Mount) ⛅

📍 Location: Old Town
🕘 Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: 50 THB

For one last breathtaking view of Bangkok, climb up Golden Mount (Wat Saket). It’s not too touristy, and the sunset views over the city are magical. The temple itself is also a peaceful break from the busy city.

💡 Pro Tip:
✔️ Go before sunset for the best golden-hour photos! 📸

5️⃣ Final Stop: Rooftop Bar Experience 🥂

Bangkok has some of the best rooftop bars in the world—and this is the perfect way to end your trip in style!

🔥 Best Rooftop Bars in Bangkok:
✔️ Vertigo (Banyan Tree Hotel) - Classy with insane city views 🌆
✔️ Sky Bar (Lebua Tower - Hangover 2 Bar) - Iconic but $$$ 💸
✔️ Above Riva (Riverside View) - Romantic vibes & chilled-out atmosphere 🥂

💡 Pro Tips:
✔️ Dress Code: No flip-flops, shorts, or tank tops (most rooftop bars are strict!)
✔️ Drinks are pricey, but the views make it worth it!

🎯 Day 3 Summary:

✅ Morning: Floating Market OR Railway Market
✅ Afternoon: Thai Cooking Class (Eat what you cook!)
✅ Evening: Sunset at Wat Saket + Drinks at a Rooftop Bar

💡 Perfect for: Relaxed travelers, food lovers, and those who want to end their trip on a high note!

🎉 Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up: Your Bangkok Adventure Awaits!

Bangkok is so much more than just temples and shopping—it’s a city full of life, culture, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’ve enjoyed tuk-tuk rides, market adventures, or sipping cocktails with a skyline view, one thing’s for sure: you’ll be back!

💡 Time to book your flights & hotels! Check out the best deals, only on Trip.com