A Local’s Guide to the Ideal 4 Days in Bangkok

Bangkok is a city bursting with life and energy, continually transforming itself. “I would describe it as a renaissance,” shares Mook Attakanwong, a thirtysomething local and owner of the multidisciplinary space ATT 19. “This feels like the true dawn of a deeper appreciation for art, music, and food.”

The rich Thai culture and vibrant festivals are consistently thrilling, with food being almost revered alongside Buddhism. “No other place in the world serves such incredible food,” claims Natty Wongphanlert, owner and general manager of the luxurious 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok. Raised in the Thai capital, she appreciates the regional diversity represented in its culinary scene. “Every meal brings me immense joy.”

You can have unforgettable meals without breaking the bank. For just $1, you might enjoy one of the best meals of your life at a night market, or opt for a lavish tasting menu at the Michelin-starred Potong by chef Pichaya “Pam” Utharntharm, which can cost around $215. This fine-dining establishment is housed in her family’s 1910 Chinese medicine shop in Yaowarat.

While Bangkok has much to offer, navigating the traffic can be a challenge for fitting everything into a single day. The best way to explore the city is by strolling through its neighborhoods, using a tuk-tuk or taxi when needed. Here’s a four-day itinerary filled with art and flavors, guided by the insights of these three local women.

Day One: Explore the City by Boat

Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, featuring a delightful mix of Western, Asian, and Thai dishes. Head over to Sathorn Central Pier, where you can hire one of the many private longtail boats for a scenic cruise along the Chao Phraya River, the lifeblood of Bangkok. “This is probably the best way to get a snapshot of the entire city in a short time,” says Attakanwong. “It’s fascinating to see so many locals commuting to work and school along the river.” Keep an eye out for the stunning gilded Khmer-style spires, like the one at Wat Arun temple.

After your boat ride, catch a tuk-tuk from a nearby stand (make sure to negotiate the fare before getting in) for a quick trip to Lao Tang. Arrive early for lunch to avoid missing the “very unique, very tender” goose that Wongphanlert raves about, a dish that has kept the restaurant thriving for 42 years. The goose is braised with Chinese herbs and served with a tangy chili sauce.

Next, explore Charoen Krung Road, the city’s oldest paved road (finished in 1864) and one of its most vibrant creative neighborhoods. “To truly appreciate Bangkok, you need to observe the people and the diverse cultures that coexist in each area,” suggests Attakanwong, whose family opened Lek Gallery Art on this street in 1975. Surrounded by beautifully aged buildings that are rich in character, the street is a blend of history and contemporary business.

At Mother Roaster, a cozy coffee shop run by the charming Auntie Pam above an old auto parts store, grab a filter coffee to enjoy as you meander south. Make a stop at Warehouse 30, a historic block of warehouses adjacent to the Portuguese Embassy, now filled with galleries, design shops, and creative studios. Continue your journey to the recently opened flagship store of Kitt.ta.khon, a uniquely innovative furniture and decor brand by the talented young designer Teerapoj “Pete” Teeropas, who draws inspiration from traditional weaving techniques and reinterprets them in exciting new ways.

Just around the corner in a repurposed school building lies Attakanwong’s gallery, ATT 19, featuring the intimate 15-seat restaurant Mad Beef. Reserve a 6:30 p.m. kaiseki-style dinner consisting of 13 courses that showcase various cuts of beef, sourced sustainably from nose to tail. Attakanwong shares that her sister, chef Cher Attakanwong, will guide diners through the meal, emphasizing the importance of sustainable beef consumption. For those less inclined towards meat, Small Dinner Club offers an equally cozy experience, presenting a three-hour culinary journey through Thai flavors used in unexpected ways—imagine dishes like Thai green chili shaved ice—crafted by a monk-turned-chef.

End your evening at some of Utharntharm’s favorite bars on Soi Nana, a bustling alley in Chinatown, where you can enjoy a variety of atmospheres and exhilarating experiences. Visit Tep Bar for a taste of Thai herbal whiskey known as ya dong; head to the gin-centric Teens of Thailand; or stop by Asia Today, which is adorned in neon and offers “inventive cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients, like honey from Thai farmers,” according to the chef.

Day Two: Discover the Highlights of Old Town

In China, they enjoy congee, while in Thailand, they have jok (pronounced joke), with both rice-based porridges sharing striking similarities. A beloved spot to sample Thailand’s version is Jok Prince, a local favorite recognized with a Bib Gourmand award, where the dish is deliciously smoky, thanks to its charcoal cooking method. Alternatively, don’t miss out on another breakfast delight: pan-fried eggs. This street food staple is a far cry from the fried eggs you’d find in the United States, presented beautifully at Kope Hya Tai Kee, served in a skillet adorned with vibrant, savory toppings. Enjoy it the local way, paired with sweetened coffee.

Next, make your way to Rattanakosin, also known as Old Town. It would be a pity to visit Bangkok, rich with stunning Buddhist temples, without experiencing their intricate details firsthand. However, the most popular sites, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and Wat Pho (home to the impressive 150-foot-long Reclining Buddha), can get overcrowded with tourists. If you’re eager to explore more after your river excursion, aim to visit right at opening time, 8:30 a.m., and remember to dress modestly.

For a more enriching experience, Attakanwong recommends bypassing the busiest temples in favor of those that resonate with you personally. Sometimes the magic lies not in the most well-known places but in the ones that touch your heart. For her, that place is Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan in Old Town, constructed in 1869 for King Rama V. Utharntharm describes it as a unique temple often overlooked, showcasing a fascinating blend of Thai and Western architectural styles.

After a 15-minute walk toward the Grand Palace, resist the urge to enter. Instead, visit the Ratsadakorn-bhibhathaha building from around 1870, located nearby, and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. Wongphanlert describes this museum as feeling “exclusive.” Allocate about an hour to marvel at the iconic fashion pieces of the beloved Queen Sirikit, who, now at 92, is finally taking a step back after decades representing Thailand as its stylish ambassador. Wongphanlert shares, “As a Thai, you truly feel the significance of her contributions to our country. We take immense pride in her and the exquisite garments she wore.”

Stroll 20 minutes north along the river to savor the namesake dish at Nai Soie Beef Noodle, bursting with spicy, sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Be sure to leave some room, as you’ll want to stop by next door for a refreshing scoop or two of dairy-free Jasmine Green Tea with Lychee gelato at Coconut Culture, a place Attakanwong adores for its unique “Thai-driven flavors.”

Enhance your knowledge of silk at the serene and verdant Jim Thompson House Museum. Jim Thompson, the American architect who ignited the Thai silk industry in the 1960s through his shops and iconic brand, has his beautifully preserved traditional home open for exploration. According to Utharntharm, “The collection of antiques and textiles reveals a fascinating narrative about Thailand’s history.”

Take a quick stroll a couple of blocks to the contemporary Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, where entry is always complimentary. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the latest in contemporary art showcased in its galleries. Be sure to explore the book and craft shops, and then make your way past the National Stadium, where a BTS SkyTrain station provides convenient, air-conditioned access, to Banthat Thong. Wongphanlert highly recommends this extensive street, lined with shops offering a variety of street food. You can indulge in everything from succulent pork satay served with peanut sauce for just 9 THB (approximately US$0.25) per skewer to smoked salmon-filled fried buns and delectable kuay teaw khae, or dry spicy egg noodles. Alternatively, hop in a short taxi ride to Charmgang, a Bib Gourmand-rated curry restaurant known for its “cool vibe,” where Wongphanlert suggests trying dishes like sugar cane-smoked pork jowl with southern sour mango. “In Thai salads, we combine fish sauce with lemon and sugar,” she explains. “In a single bite, you can experience all the flavors.”

Day Three: Embark on another culinary journey—or perhaps three.

Your first stop today is the wonderfully bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market, located northeast of Old Town. You can easily reach it with a quick, inexpensive taxi ride or by taking the SkyTrain: get off at Mo Chit station, use exit number one, and let your senses guide you—just follow the throngs of people heading the same way. Opening at 9 a.m., the market offers countless grazing opportunities for hours, all while you search for unique home decor and handicrafts that you won't find anywhere else, as Utharntharm assures. Be sure to find Ratthanakosin Boat Noodle Chatuchak for a dish that the chef describes as “an explosion of flavor in a bowl.” Utharntharm adds that boat noodles are both savory and slightly spicy, with a broth enriched by spices like star anise and cinnamon. Her other must-try recommendations include spicy papaya salad and coconut ice cream.

Post-lunch, make your way to historic Song Wat Road, about a 25-minute taxi ride away. Nestled in Chinatown—now a vibrant hotspot for youth thanks to its appearance in Lisa Manobal from Blackpink’s recent music video—this street has become one of Bangkok's trendiest locations. According to Utharntharm, “The streets buzz with a lively mix of locals and tourists, street food vendors, and tuk-tuks.”

Begin your adventure at the renovated shophouse of Song Wat Coffee & Roasters, which opened in 2023 by local dessert entrepreneur Gulapat “May” Kanokwatanawan. Order a rejuvenating drink featuring coffee from Chiang Mai or try a Dark Orange (an Americano mixed with orange juice, which is gaining popularity in Bangkok). Don’t miss out on kanom kai, or egg cakes, which Wongphanlert likens to “Madeleines, but with a Thai twist.”

Just a short walk away is Play Art House, described by Utharntharm as “a cool venue where you can often find various local artists showcasing their work.” This dynamic gallery features multimedia art and turns the street into a free open-air exhibition, adorned with murals and photographs.

A few minutes further is E-ga Lab, where Utharntharm suggests ordering the Khao Pad Nhamn for dinner, a flavorful fried rice dish made with fermented pork, which adds a pleasantly tangy and savory flavor that’s deeply satisfying. Alternatively, enjoy dinner at Lim Lao Ngow Fishball Noodle, a renowned Song Wat hawker stall known for its flourless, bouncy fish balls made from a family recipe that has earned Bib Gourmand recognition.

Cap off your evening at the speakeasy-style Opium Bar, a beloved local haunt as noted by Wongphanlert. This glamorous rooftop bar, which was once an opium den, sits above Potong and serves cocktails that pay tribute to history. Don't miss the classic Yaowarat (Chinatown) inspired drink, Good Ol’ Days, featuring a blend of Thai tea, Lheng Ying tea, Gin Mare, a trio of bitters, tonic, and Por Kun Ear Boh, the traditional Chinese medicine that Potong originally created when it operated as a pharmacy.

Day Four: Discover wellness the Thai way

Rise with the sun and head to Benchakitti Park, a lush green space often likened to New York City’s Central Park. Its Skywalk resembles Manhattan’s High Line, but instead of towering buildings, it meanders through forests and over a lake. “I visit almost every day. It’s my favorite spot,” shares Wongphanlert, an enthusiastic jogger.

Afterward, take a taxi to the sustainable grocery store Homeland Cafe & Grocer in the trendy Thonglor area. Attakanwong suggests enjoying a delightful breakfast of hotcakes topped with a luscious compote of nam wah bananas and cashew nut butter. “They focus on dishes made with locally sourced ingredients from nearby communities,” she explains, “making it an excellent choice for brunch.”

Once you’ve satisfied your appetite, jewelry enthusiasts should head straight to Pattaraphan next door or catch a motorbike to EmSphere, the latest addition to the trio of malls at EmDistrict, which Natty describes as “a shopping paradise. The malls are thoughtfully crafted with unique features that blend art and lifestyle, offering photogenic spots with green spaces that transform throughout the day.” Look for emerging Thai brands like Pipatchara, known for sustainable designs made from upcycled orphan plastic; Ravipa, specializing in amulet bracelets; and Gentlewoman, famous for chic tote bags.

Make your way back to Benchakitti, where you’ve arranged a delightful afternoon tea for up to four guests at Minimal Meal. Attakanwong describes it as “a tea pairing with dessert that is simply phenomenal.” The seasonal Japanese-inspired treats and beverages are meticulously crafted and served by a single expert, Pete Worasan, who shares his extensive knowledge throughout the experience.

Next up is a quintessentially Thai experience: “You haven’t truly experienced Bangkok if you haven’t indulged in a massage,” says Utharntharm, who recommends Let’s Relax and Health Land. At the latter, I found myself stretched in ways I didn’t know were possible during a traditional Thai massage, to the point where I feared I might lose a limb—but in the end, it was exhilarating. As the chef, who advocates for massage after long hours in the kitchen, explains, “It may feel a bit intense initially, but afterward, you’ll feel incredible, as if all your tension has melted away.”

Catch a Grab motorbike for your appointment at Health Land on Ekamai Road before heading to dinner at Nawa Thai Cuisine, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering a seasonal set menu that changes every four months. Wongphanlert praises chef Napol “Joe” Jantraget, saying, “He presents his dishes artistically, but always lets his parents taste them to ensure they maintain authentic flavors,” highlighting the traditional sharing-style dinners.

If you’re in need of one last drink—and a tuk-tuk ride—stop by Ku Bar in Old Town, a favorite spot of Attakanwong. She often enjoys a refreshing Dirty Fizz, adding, “Every cocktail they serve is exceptional. They ferment many of their ingredients in-house.” More of a cozy date night atmosphere than a party vibe, it serves as a reminder that Bangkok, the City of Angels (just like Los Angeles), embodies two contrasting sides. Attakanwong notes, “It’s a fascinating contrast; you enter through a bustling street with a lively bar upfront and a club right below. Yet once you arrive, tranquility reigns. It truly transports you.”

Where to stay

You can’t go wrong with any option from our best hotels in Bangkok list. Capella Bangkok offers stunning views of the Chao Phraya River from both the rooms and some suites’ balcony jacuzzis, making it a refined choice on Charoenkrung Road—ideal for the beginning of your trip. Experience offerings here encourage authentic local interactions. Be sure to enjoy a cocktail at the vibrant bar, Stella, where the latest drinks and their unique vessels pay homage to various districts and cultural traditions.

In striking contrast, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon boasts a lively Memphis Group color palette and whimsical shapes, set within a stunning tower next to Mahanakhon SkyWalk, which features a thrilling 1,017-foot-high glass tray. This hotel is all about enjoyment, offering a tea room called Tease, a resort-style pool, and a dazzling red steam room. Its location is perfect for Days Three and Four of your itinerary.