Bangkok 5-Day Temples & River Trip
Five days along the Chao Phraya: the golden temple trio, canal villages, riverside markets and the skyline rooftops between.
Trip overview
- The temple trio at their quiet hours
- Khlong longtail mornings
- Yaowarat after dark
Best time to visit
November–February is the cool season. Temple mornings beat both the heat and the coaches in every month.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Grand Palace & Wat Pho
- 🛕08:30Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew at opening
- 🛌11:30Wat Pho's reclining Buddha & massage school
- 🌇18:00Wat Arun lit at dusk from the west bank
- 🛕
Day 2 · Canals & Thonburi
- 🛶09:00Longtail boat through the khlongs
- 🍲12:30Riverside lunch at an old family kitchen
- 🛕16:00Wat Kalayanamit & the river temples
- 🛶
Day 3 · Markets
- 🛍️09:30Chatuchak (weekend) or Or Tor Kor
- 🧵15:00Jim Thompson House's silk story
- 🔥19:00Chinatown's Yaowarat blaze
- 🛍️
Day 4 · Green & Gold
- 🦎09:00Lumpini Park's monitor lizards & tai chi
- 🍜12:00Old-town shophouse lunch
- 🍸17:00Rooftop hour above the river
- 🦎
Day 5 · Farewell on the Water
- ⛴️09:30Orange-flag boat hop along the river
- 💆13:00Thai massage finale
- 🍛18:00Riverside farewell dinner
- ⛴️
Budget
Estimated total cost: 250 USD for 5 days.
Includes accommodation, local transport, food, and activities. International flights not included.
Travel tips
- November–February is the cool season. Temple mornings beat both the heat and the coaches in every month.
- Carry local currency for small eateries and street food; cards are widely accepted in cities.
- Book popular restaurants in advance during peak season.
- Use public transit where possible — most stops in Bangkok are tourist-friendly.
Recommended restaurants
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