7-Day Bangkok Itinerary 2026: Complete First-Timer Guide
Quick Answer
7-day Bangkok itinerary with day-by-day plan, costs, and tips. Covers Old City temples, floating markets, rooftop bars, and day trips to Ayutthaya. Total cost: $1,200 to $2,000 per person including flights from LAX.
Day 1: Arrival and Old City
Land at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai station ($1.50, 30 minutes). Check into your hotel in the Old City area (Khao San Road or Banglamphu). Budget hotels start at $25 per night. Spend the afternoon walking around Khao San Road, getting your bearings, and eating your first pad thai from a street cart ($2).
For cheap flights to Bangkok, see our complete Bangkok booking guide. Book 10 to 14 weeks ahead for the best fares.
Day 2: Temples and River
Start early (8 AM) to beat the heat and crowds. Visit the Grand Palace ($15 entry, opens 8:30 AM). Walk to Wat Pho ($5 entry) to see the Reclining Buddha. Take the ferry across the river to Wat Arun ($2 entry). Have lunch at a riverside restaurant ($5 to $8). In the evening, take a longtail boat tour on the Chao Phraya River ($10 for 2 hours).
Day 3: Markets and Street Food
Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market (Saturday or Sunday only). 15,000 stalls, everything from clothes to pets to street food. Budget $20 to $50 for souvenirs. In the evening, go to Chinatown (Yaowarat) for the best street food in Bangkok. Try grilled seafood, dim sum, and mango sticky rice. A full meal costs $5 to $10.
Day 4: Modern Bangkok
Take the BTS Skytrain to Siam area. Visit Siam Paragon (luxury mall with aquarium underneath), MBK Center (6 floors of cheap shopping), and Jim Thompson House ($7 entry, silk museum). Have lunch at a food court in a mall ($3 to $5). In the evening, visit a rooftop bar — Vertigo at Banyan Tree or Sky Bar at Lebua for the famous Bangkok skyline view.
Day 5: Chatuchak and Rooftops
If you missed Chatuchak on Day 3, go today (it is only open Saturday and Sunday). If it is a weekday, visit the Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talad) instead, open 24 hours but best at 2 AM. Take a Thai cooking class ($25 to $40, 3 hours, includes lunch). In the evening, explore Thonglor and Ekkamai neighborhoods for trendy bars and restaurants.
Day 6: Ayutthaya Day Trip
Take a day trip to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand (1351 to 1767). UNESCO World Heritage Site with temple ruins. Take the train from Bangkok (1.5 hours, $1 each way) or join a tour ($25 to $40 including transport and guide). Rent a bicycle at the station ($2) to explore the ruins. Visit Wat Mahathat (the famous Buddha head in tree roots), Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
Day 7: Floating Market and Departure
Wake up early (6 AM) for Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (1.5 hours from Bangkok). Boat tour through the market ($10 to $15). Buy fruit and snacks from boats. Head back to Bangkok by noon. Spend your last afternoon shopping for souvenirs at MBK Center or relaxing at a spa ($15 to $25 for a Thai massage). Depart for the airport 3 hours before your flight.
Trip Cost Breakdown
- Flights (LAX to BKK): $540 to $890
- Hotels (7 nights at $30/night): $210
- Food ($10/day): $70
- Transport (trains, taxis, boats): $50
- Activities and entrance fees: $80
- Shopping and souvenirs: $50 to $100
- Total: $1,000 to $1,400 per person
Bangkok Travel Tips
- Use Grab, not street taxis. Grab (Southeast Asian Uber) costs 30 to 50 percent less than street taxis and avoids the “no meter” scam.
- Carry toilet paper. Many public restrooms do not provide it. Keep tissues in your pocket.
- Dress modestly at temples. Shoulders and knees covered. No tank tops or shorts inside temple buildings.
- Drink bottled water. Tap water is not safe to drink. 7-Eleven sells bottles for $0.30.
- Get a SIM card at the airport. AIS or DTAC tourist SIM: $8 for 8 GB, 7 days. Available at airport arrivals.
- Use the BTS and MRT. The Skytrain and subway are clean, air-conditioned, and avoid traffic. $0.50 to $1 per ride.
FAQs
Is 7 days enough for Bangkok?
7 days is the perfect amount for a first Bangkok trip. It gives you 3 days for the Old City temples, 2 days for modern Bangkok and markets, and 2 days for day trips to Ayutthaya and the floating markets. You can also add a beach extension to Phuket or Krabi.
How much does a 7-day Bangkok trip cost?
A 7-day Bangkok trip costs $1,200 to $2,000 per person including flights from LAX ($540-$890), hotels ($25-$45/night), food ($2-$6/meal), and activities. Bangkok is one of the cheapest major cities in the world for travelers.
What is the best time to visit Bangkok?
November to February is the best time. Dry season, lower humidity, temperatures 28 to 32 degrees. March to May is hottest (35+ degrees). June to October is rainy season but rain means afternoon showers, not all-day. Cheapest fares in September and October.
Is Bangkok safe for tourists?
Yes, Bangkok is generally safe. Violent crime is rare. Watch for pickpockets in crowded markets and use Grab instead of street taxis. The biggest danger is traffic — Bangkok has one of the highest road accident rates in the world. Wear a helmet on motorbikes.
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
US citizens do not need a visa for Thailand for tourism up to 30 days. You get a visa exemption stamp on arrival at no cost. Bring your passport (6+ months validity) and a return ticket. For stays over 30 days, apply for a tourist visa at a Thai embassy.
What should I eat in Bangkok?
Must-try: pad thai ($2 from street carts), tom yum soup ($3), green curry ($4), mango sticky rice ($2), boat noodles ($1.50 per bowl). Eat where locals eat — if a street cart has a line of Thai people, the food is good and safe.