Bangkok in 4 Days

Without having to rush, four days is ample time to explore all the classic sights, do some serious shopping at malls and markets, and delve further into the heart of Thai culture. With so much to see and do just outside the city, we'd also recommend you take some time to explore places like Ayutthaya or the River Kwai - places that give a deeper insight into what the Kingdom is all about. The 4 day mini-guide below will give you plenty of ideas. You could follow it to the letter, but it's designed to throw up lots of exciting and enriching suggestions more than serve as a firm timetable.

Highly Recommended: Bangkok 4 Days/3 Nights Package

Combining the best of the Big Mango and beyond in one package, the Bangkok 4 Days/3 Nights takes you on a journey into Thailand's glorious past and present. Dine on the luxurious Grand Pearl dinner cruise while the boat makes its way past spectacular sights dotted along the majestic Chao Phraya River. Visits to three of Bangkok's most distinguished temples - Wat Traimit, Wat Pho and Wet Benchamabophit - follow the next day. Then, you'll take a day-long trip to the Damnoen Saduak floating market. Chaotic and colourful, here small 'khlongs' or canals are filled with long tail boats piled high with fresh produce. You'll also visit Nakorn Pathom town, site of the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, before heading to the Rose Garden. Here see villagers, in their natural habitat, working to create traditional handicrafts.

This package includes:
- 3 night accommodation with daily breakfast
- Dinner Cruise by Grand Pearl
- Join City & Temple tour
- Join Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Join round trip transfers from/to Bangkok airport - hotel

Day 1:
- Join transfer from Bangkok airport to your hotel
- Join dinner Cruise by Grand Pearl Cruise
- Accommodation

Day 2:
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Join City & Temple tour (Half-day)
- Accommodation

Day 3:
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Join Damnoen Saduak floaitng market with Rose Garden Tour (Full-day)
- Accommodation

Day 4:
- Transfer from your hotel to Bangkok airport

If time permits, Bangkok still has a lot left for you to discover. Have a look at our Bangkok in 4 days guide below for more ideas.

Essential Links: Sights & Attractions, The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Combined City and Temples Tour, Half-day Tours, Eating Experiences, Malls, Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, MBK, Siam Niramit, Joe Louis Puppet Theatre, Patpong Market, Ladyboy Show, Thai Boxing

Exotic and enchanting, kick off your discovery of Bangkok with a morning at the sights and attractions closest to its heart: the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Po. The Combined City & Temples tour is the perfect way to peruse these must-sees and just one of many half-day tours available.

Indulge Bangkok's eating experiences with lunch at a Thai restaurant, or if feeling adventurous some delicious streetfood. Once refueled, get refreshed with an afternoon shopping for designer labels and discount bargains in air-conditioned malls like Siam Paragon, CentralWorld or MBK.

At night culture vultures take in an enriching spectacle like Siam Niramit, which packs all the history and grandeur of Siam into a spectacular stage show, or try the captivating Joe Louis Puppet Theatre, in which expressive puppets act out scenes from Thailand's hallowed Ramakien storybook.

If these sound too civilized, go discover why 'one night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble': peep through the curtains of Patpong market's go-go bars while shopping for counterfeits, meet flamboyant boy-meets-girl creations at a ladyboy show, or check out just how brutal a Thai Boxing match can be!

Essential Links: City & Culture Tours, Jim Thompson's House, Museums, Canals Route Tour, Khlongs Tour, Riverside Hotels, Dinner Cruises, Wat Arun

Begin your second day with another bout of city culture sightseeing. For teak houses and treasures hit Jim Thompson's House, or, for insight into Thailand's artistic and cultural heritage, one of many fascinating museums. Bangkok used to be the 'Venice of the East', and, with trips like the Canals Route or Khlongs Tour, you can find out why while traversing ancient waterways.

In the afternoon go for high-tea at one of the riverside's five-star hotels. Radiating colonial charm, The Oriental's Authors Lounge is the definitive place to nibble cucumber sandwiches while admiring the Chao Phraya Rivers beautiful bustle. Maintain the river theme by ending your day with a sunset dinner cruise past Wat Arun, one of the many exquisite religious and royal sights strewn along the 'River of Kings'.

Essential Links: Ayutthaya River Cruise Tour, Khao Yai National Park, River Kwai, Floating Market, Beyond the City Tours, Cycling Tours, Samphan Elephant Zoo, Safari World, Crocodile Farm, Recreational Tours, Spas, Thai Massage, Thailand Tatler reviews

Dedicate your third day to more than inner city sights, to exploring Bangkok's hidden secrets and beyond.

Highly recommended is a day-trip to the ruins of Ayutthaya, the ancient Siamese capital destroyed by the Burmese. Take an Ayutthaya River Cruise Tour and enjoy the scenery as you glide back into Bangkok and the modern age. If that doesn't appeal, try Khao Yai National Park, Kanchanaburi's famous River Kwai, or the picturesque Floating Market (available in our one-day Beyond the City tour section).

Alternatively, why not see the floating market and then go for a cycle round the areas canals, fruit orchards and temples? Just one of many Cycling Tours, it's a breezy way to see things at your own pace. Another option still is a family outing to Samphan Elephant Zoo, Safari World or the world's biggest Crocodile Farm (see Recreational Tours for more info).

Spend the rest of the afternoon getting pummeled and preened at one of Bangkok's heavenly city or hotel spas. Once your Thai massage, has de-knotted your ailing muscles, head for dinner at one of the city's world-class international restaurants (check our Tatler reviews section for dining recommendations).

Essential Links: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Dusit Zoo, Siam Ocean World, Cinemas, Bowling and Karaoke, Lumpini Park, Chinatown, Birds Nest Soup, Nightlife, Silom, RCA, Sukhumvit, Rooftop Venues

Spend your last day navigating the world-famous and mammoth Chatuchak Weekend Market, shopping for last minute souvenirs, a new wardrobe or funky knick-knacks. Kids won't appreciate just how hot and heaving it can be, so take them to see the monkeys at Dusit Zoo or manta-rays in Siam Ocean World. Cinemas, bowling and karaoke are also great family options, and a given at every mall.

For dusk try the satisfying greenery of Lumpini Park, where lots of locals come to escape the aggravating streets and workout at free aerobics classes. After that head to Chinatown, to wander winding backalleys, check out exotic commerce and try Birds Nest Soup.

For a last night to remember, go party in the hip haunts of nightlife districts Silom, RCA or Sukhumvit (try Bed Supperclub for the ultimate space-age clubbing experience). If that's a bit beneath you, head to Bangkok's stratospheric rooftop venues for the ultimate in chic and cosmopolitan carousing. Try the 62nd floor of State Tower, where you can spot the city's landmarks while sipping martinis at Sky Bar.