5-day itinerary
Bangkok
Five days in Bangkok gives you time for the trips that most three-day visitors miss. Ayutthaya is 80km north — rent a bicycle at the train station and spend a day cycling between the ruined 14th-century temples, including Wat Mahathat with the Buddha head growing from the tree roots. Damnoen Saduak floating market needs a 6am departure: the canal vendors are out before 9am and the boats clog up after 10am. Day five is Thonburi by longtail — the Bangkok side of the river that hasn't changed much, orchid farms and wooden temples on the khlongs. Yaowarat Road in Chinatown after dark is where the roasted duck and the fresh crab carts set up; go after 6pm and walk slowly.
Day 1
Rattanakosin: Grand Palace and Wat Pho
Arrive at the Grand Palace at 8:30am when it opens. The temple complex requires 2-3 hours and the crowds multiply by 10am. Wear covered shoulders and knees; the dress code is enforced.
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
EstablishedThe most important royal and religious complex in Thailand — the Emerald Buddha, the gilded Phra Si Rattana Chedi, and the extensive pavilions and galleries of the palace. Arrive at 8:30am opening.
View on mapWat Pho
EstablishedThe 46-metre gold Reclining Buddha and the oldest Thai massage school in existence — the massages here are exceptional and authentic. The full temple complex also has a fine collection of Ramakian mural paintings.
View on mapWat Arun at sunset
EstablishedThe Temple of Dawn across the river from Wat Pho — the three towers covered in porcelain fragments that catch the light. Take the 5-baht river ferry from Tha Tien. The view back across the river from the Wat Arun side at sunset is the best Bangkok river view.
View on mapPhra Athit Road riverside dinner
EstablishedThe river road north of Khao San — casual restaurants and cafés along the Chao Phraya, popular with Bangkok students and residents. Good Thai food at low prices and a cooler evening breeze from the river.
View on mapDays 2–5
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