Fun In The Sun: Bangkok In 3 Days - Updated 2024

Fun In The Sun: Bangkok In 3 Days - Updated 2024
Kimberlyn
Kimberlyn 
Updated
| 6 min read
Pallavi Mandar Jadhav
Endorsed by a Bangkok Local Expert
|
Pallavi Mandar Jadhav

Shopping, shopping and… shopping. Many visitors know Bangkok, Thailand, as a hot spot of bargains and cool clothing, but that’s just one side of the city’s multi-faceted equation. It’s also filled with a buzzing, active nightlife, ancient architecture and is surrounded by a fair amount of natural attractions. But above all, the welcoming culture of the people in this City of Angels makes this destination a top pick for tourists. Here are some tours we’ve selected for you to try out over three days in Bangkok.

Day 1- A day of history and tradition

One thing you should get acquainted with in this city is its colourful, historical buildings and the exciting history behind them. Here are some tours we’ve picked out for you as a sampling of traditional Thai architecture and traditional arts.

Daytime activities

1. Take a gander at the gilded roofs of the Grand Palace (from USD 59.0)

Wat Phra Keow
Source: Viator

Travel to the heart of Bangkok and explore the majestic grounds of Bangkok’s Grand Palace, a complex of buildings which have been the residence of the Kings of Siam, and later Thailand since 1782. Until 1932, this Grand Palace was the religious and administrative centre of the country. Today, it is still a place for royalty and also serves as a museum/tourist attraction.

Wear sunglasses! All that glitters is gold here. The gilded rooftops of the buildings tend to be quite blinding during the day. Minute details are poured into the carvings in the walls and pillars, so take your time to walk around and observe that too. Dress modestly and cover your feet out of respect as it is a sacred site, and besides, you’re gonna have to do a lot of walking here anyway.

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Bangkok's Grand Palace Complex and Wat Phra Kaew Tour

Duration: 3 hours

306 reviews

Night-time activities

Bangkok Tour Guide

arnon aramnun

Arnon Aramnun

Hello My name is Arnon. I live in Bangkok I love to be guide Traveler and show you where's amazing of Thailand, you will know more about Thailand and get a great memory with new friends. I can guarantee you an outstanding experience with fun activities and knowledge on Thai history. I like to travel very much and i like to find some delicious food to taste, You'll have the chance to enjoy an... Read more

Tours by Arnon

2. Explore old Bangkok through food and dance (from 27.33 USD)

The extravagant Siam Niramit Show (Journey to the Kingdom of Siam) is one of the world’s largest stage productions and is a must-see during a visit to Thailand. Its incredible dances, soundtrack and lavish stage sets tell the tale of the history of Thailand and its culture. The epic lasts for 80 minutes of storytelling and performances.

If you arrive early, you get even more out of the experience. Theatre enthusiasts rejoice! The crew will provide a tour of a set up of a traditional Thai village. Arrive up to 2 and a half hours before the actual show starts to enjoy an international buffet and alcohol upon purchase.

Siam Niramit Show

Address: Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand

Price: from 27.33 USD

Duration: 80 minutes

Website:

Tip from Trip101 local expert

For a short stay in Bangkok, pick a hotel close to the Skytrain, preferably one along the early sois of Sukhumvit road. The area is packed with tour operators, has several malls and countless options for dining and nightlife.

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Day 2- Energetic adventures

Are you a nature person or a city person? Either way, Bangkok has adventures in store for you. Zip your way down tropical trees or traverse the eclectic streets of the city through its many means of transport.

Daytime activities

1. Excursion for the animal enthusiast

Bird in khao kheow open zoo
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Yellow man used under CC BY 3.0

Want to explore fresh, emerald rainforests and see some local animals? This tour is just what you need. Soar through the rainforest on Thailand’s highest zipline course during the Flight of the Gibbon treetop adventure. Feel safe at the hands of highly experienced instructors with a ratio of two instructors to a group of nine travellers.

After swinging from tree to tree, treat yourself to yet another local lunch and a tram ride around Khao Kreow Open Zoo. Here, meet thousands of animals and learn about them as they roam in their habitats.

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2. A journey for the city dweller (from USD 114.0)

A boat ride across the Phraya River
Source: Airbnb

If you prefer navigating the concrete jungle, this 10-hour tour takes you through the city by foot, by water, by train and by tuk tuk (motorised rickshaws). Some of the famous stops in the tour include the Jim Thompson House - a wonderland of traditional art arranged with impeccable taste, Wat Po - the temple which houses the legendary Reclining Buddha, and the Chao Phraya River.

A small group of 10 ensures that your guide gives a more personalised experience to the tour.

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Bangkok Tour by Public Transportation: Skytrain, Boat, Tuk-Tuk

Duration: 9 hours

111 reviews

Night-time activities

3. Clap along to classic, campy cabaret acts

Attend a world-class cabaret act complete with all the sequins and strobe lights you could ever ask for. Watch as dancers and singers perform everything from classic hits and Bollywood numbers to skits and K-pop. The company also puts up plays and musicals from time to time, so do look out for those as well.

The renowned Playhouse Magical Cabaret show goes on at 7.00 pm and 8.20 pm, and interested audiences can register for the show online.

Playhouse Magical Cabaret

Address: 5 Suan Lum Night Bazaar C floor Ratchadaphisek Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khwaeng Chom Phon, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand

Price: from 33.30 USD

Duration: 80 mins

Website: Playhouse Magical Cabaret

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4. Lose yourself to lasers and loud music

Bangkok doesn’t sleep, and you don’t have to either. Head on down to the city’s famous clubs, pulsating with light displays, loud remixes and liquor. Many clubs which cater to local customers such as Route 66 don’t have a large dance floor, as many people here prefer to grab a cool drink and lipsync the night away with their clique. These clubs are best experienced if you’re here with your friends and you like your pop music live, loud and fun.

However, some newer clubs imitate the likes of clubs you might find in Berlin or Seoul. Onyx Main Stage, with a staggering 2000 person capacity multi-level main room, is Bangkok’s hottest new club. The best of international DJs perform here on an almost weekly basis. If you love the good, loud vibes of an EDM dance floor, this might be more of your taste.

Route 66

Address: 29/33 - 48 Soi Soonvijai Rama 9 Rd. | Royal City Avenue (RCA), Bangkok, Thailand

Price: from 8.40 USD

Opening Hours: 8pm- 2am

Duration: 2-3 hours

Website: Route 66

Onyx Bangkok

Address: Thanon Phra Ram 9, Khwaeng Bang Kapi, Khet Huai Khwang, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10310, Thailand

Price: entrance fee from 8.40 USD

Opening Hours: 8pm- 2am

Website: Onyx Bangkok

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Day 3: Shop till you drop

Do you like the rush of snatching unique and cheap items before it’s gone or a relaxed stroll through quirky vintage goods? Or perhaps, you prefer a luxury mall with something out of the ordinary? On your last day in Bangkok, once you’ve done all your partying, sightseeing and learning, it’s time to get your shopping done!

Daytime activities

1. Before we shop, eat

Bangkok market
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user deror_avi used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Shopping on an empty stomach might cloud your judgement! We’re not doctors but our guess is that irritated hangry (hungry-angry) shoppers might end up making too many impulse purchases to make up for their mood. Thankfully, Bangkok is a great place to find food, and where better to experience local cuisine than from old-timey, heritage site food markets?

Nang Loeng old market is one of Bangkok’s oldest food markets and many of the stalls here have been owned for generations. Arrive famished, grab something you like and dig in while you enjoy the historic atmosphere.

Nang Loeng Old Market

Address: Nakhon Sawan Road, Dusit district, Bangkok, Thailand

Opening Hours: Varied. Stalls open early in the morning and start closing at around 3pm

Duration: 1-2 hours

Website: No website

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2. Grab a year's worth of new clothes at Platinum Fashion Mall

The crowded corridors of the mall
Source: Airbnb

Platinum fashion mall is an experience in itself - overwhelming, sprawling and the region’s favourite place to grab wholesale fashion items. People describe it as being like the famous Chatuchak night market, but an indoor version of it. You can easily spend a whole day in its 6 levels.

Word of advice: Buy a new bag, because there’s so much you will want to buy, after all, it’s hard to find a store again once you’ve lost it in the maze of shopping options.

Platinum Fashion Mall

Address: 222 Petchburi Road | Ratchathevee, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

Opening Hours: 9 am- 8 pm

Duration: 4-5 hours

Website: Platinum Fashion Mall

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3. Get hooked in Siam Paragon

Siam Ocean World Enterance
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wpcpey used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Siam Paragon has a whole host of international high end brands for you to pick and choose from. Events and promotions are constantly being held in this hub of commerce and shopping. The mall spans from the basement to the fifth floor. It also has other interesting entertainment options within the mall, such as bowling alleys and wellness spa centres.

The most interesting part of the mall, perhaps, is the fact that it houses the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. It’s home to hundreds of species on display and aims to educate visitors on conservation efforts in the region.

Siam Paragon

Address: Siam Paragon Shopping Center No.991, Rama 1 road, Khwaeng Pathumwan, Khet Pathumwan, Bangkok, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Opening Hours: 6am- 10pm

Duration: 4-5 hours

Website: Siam Paragon

Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World

Address: 991 Rama 1 Road Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand

Price: from 27.50 USD

Opening Hours: 10am to 9pm, last entry at 8pm

Duration: 2-3 hours

Website: Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World

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Night-time activities

4. Chill out at the JJ Green Market

JJ Green Market
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kaversee used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Unlike its neighbour down the road, the ever gargantuan Chatuchak Market, the Jatujak Green Market (known locally as the JJ Green Market) is like the cooler, quieter younger sibling which the city’s hipsters adore.

Some things you can find at the JJ Green Market include little art pieces, second-hand clothing, vintage goods and even plush toys. What sets the market apart from most others is its youthful scene. After shopping, many young Thai shoppers hop over to trendy bars nearby to chat the night away.

JJ Green Market

Address: 1 Kampangphet 3 Rd. Chatuchak Bangkok, Thailand

Opening Hours: 10pm-2am

Duration: 2-3 hours

Website: JJ Green Market

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5. Be seduced by swinging Shanghai


Maggie Choo’s is a concept bar modelled after the likes of underground cabarets in Shanghai - the decor tells a story which transports visitors to another world. Live mics, themed parties and a trendy crowd enhance the experience.

Serving up classic cocktails in a fascinating setting, this bar will be a fun option to hang out at on your last night in Bangkok.

Maggie Choo's

Address: 320 Silom Rd, Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand

Opening Hours: 7.30pm - 3am

Duration: 2-3 hours

Website: Maggie Choo’s

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Bangkok, a city that never tires

Bangkok skytrain sunset
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Diliff used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Centuries old markets and fine dining, majestic historical architecture and state of the art buildings, from crowded markets to high end malls - Bangkok has them all! There are just so many contradictions to explore here, it’s impossible to do it all in three days. However, we hope this itinerary gives you an idea of just how many secrets the City of Angels holds. Hopefully, you can come back one day and enjoy it to your heart’s content.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


This article has been endorsed by Bangkok local expert Pallavi Mandar Jadhav

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Kimberlyn is an avid writer and traveler captivated by intriguing stories and unique locales. Her penchant for memorizing facts and histories complements her creative pursuits. In addition to her...Read more

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