3 days in Bangkok: unforgettable adventure with children

3 intense days in Bangkok: journey to the heart of the city

Bangkok is a vibrant city, where every street corner tells a story. If you only have 3 days to discover it, here is an itinerary that combines culture, nature and originality.

Bangkok is 12 times bigger than Paris ! But it's pretty easy to get around. There are a lot of taxis in Bangkok and to order one I recommend the Grab or Bolt app. You can also take a tuk tuk for more fun but be aware that in Bangkok, the ride is super expensive. The drivers are used to "picking" tourists and don't hesitate to charge you double for a ride! The metro is super simple and inexpensive.

Should I visit Bangkok when coming to Thailand?

Bangkok is a big city that can knock out more than one! But it is really worth the detour , it is a real mix of genres that is very surprising. This city deserves to be visited once in your life. If you are not comfortable in big cities I advise you to take a guide for a day . There are several ways to visit Bangkok , you can take a classic tourist tour to visit the tourist sites but there are also great bike tours in the old city or culinary tours.

Ready to dive into the excitement of the Thai capital

We are a family with 2 little girls and we love to travel. We started this stay in Thailand in the north Chiang Mai then the south Koh Jum and Koh Yao Noi.

Day 1: The most beautiful temples of Bangkok

The heat in the city is quite stifling, we order a tuktuk and head to visit the Grand Palace and the majestic Wat Phra Kaew, where the Emerald Buddha sits. We continued with Wat Pho, famous for its immense reclining Buddha .

After lunch we took the water taxi to cross the river and discover the magnificent Wat Arun (my favorite, even more beautiful at nightfall). At the end of the day, we headed to the Chinatown district, where the street food stands are overflowing with local flavors. The streets are packed and it's hard to move forward, but the change of scenery is total and the spectacle of the street cooks is worth the detour.

Day 2: Cycling in the old quarter of Bangkok

I booked a bike tour in the old part of Bangkok . The expedition is done in a small group and lasts about 4 hours. Our 7 year old daughter had her own bike. We are invited to follow the guide at a leisurely pace in the historic part of Bangkok.

We ride to discover the small alleys, hidden temples and traditional wooden houses. We learn a lot of things and discover a more authentic side of Bangkok. We finish the ride with a meal on the klong, then we return by boat to the meeting point. An original way to discover Bangkok with your children.

Relaxing afternoon at the hotel swimming pool.

Day 3: The green lung of Bangkok and animal coffee break

On your last day, immerse yourself in nature by starting with a morning bike ride in Bangkok's green lung , Bang Krachao Urban Forest Park . This place, often nicknamed "the lung of Bangkok", is a true haven of peace. We really liked the strong contrast with the noise of the city. Here everything is calm and so green, far from the urban hustle and bustle.

How to get to Bang Krachao? 🚴‍♂️🌿

To reach Bang Krachao , take a taxi to Klong Toey pier (the locals helped us find the pontoon 😉). From there, a small boat takes you across the Chao Phraya and drops you off near the bike rental places 🚤 convenient! Renting a bike costs 80 baht (less than €3), with a bottle of water included.

There are bikes for all tastes and ages, including child seats.🚴‍♀️

Take a picture of the map of the Bang Krachao district and go explore this corner of Bangkok. Enjoy the calm of this green corner in the heart of Bangkok 🌿it's still super surprising when you're there.

The walk is about 7 to 10 kilometers , an accessible route for the whole family. For my 7 year old daughter who is comfortable on a bike it was perfect.

Cat Cafe in Bangkok: A Sweet and Fun Moment in the Company of Cats

We took a taxi to go to lunch at the Caturday Cat Café. This café is a cat café as its name suggests and here you can eat and pet cats. Our girls loved this experience which does not exist at home.

Bangkok is full of places where you can enjoy a coffee while being surrounded by cats, dogs or even rabbits! A fun and cute concept that allows you to relax after an active morning.

We then walked to the Pak Khlong Talat flower market . I loved this market even if you don't spend hours there, it's a feast for the eyes.

I hope this little 3-day program in Bangkok has inspired you! Between the colors of the flower market, the discovery by bike of the old quarter and an immersion in nature in the heart of the city, you will have a beautiful overview of Bangkok. Bangkok is a real mix between ancient tradition and modern construction!

How many days should I spend in Bangkok for a first visit?

To really soak up the atmosphere of Bangkok I think you need 2/3 days . But if big cities are not your cup of tea, you can discover the main attractions in one day.

photo Lovers of the World - Yann

What are the top attractions not to be missed in Bangkok?

Among the must-sees, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew amaze with their golden architecture and their famous Emerald Buddha . Wat Pho , home to a huge reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun , magnificent at sunset, are also not to be missed. For a local immersion, stroll through Chinatown , explore floating markets like Damnoen Saduak or the gigantic Chatuchak on weekends.

When is the best time of year to visit Bangkok?

The best time to visit Bangkok is from November to February , during the dry season. Temperatures are more pleasant (between 25 and 30°C), and the humidity is less overwhelming. This is also the time of festivals like Loy Krathong , where thousands of lanterns light up the sky. On the other hand, avoid the rainy season (June to October), with heavy downpours.

Where to shop in Bangkok?

Chatuchak Market , the largest in Thailand, is a must-see experience . Open on weekends from 9am to 6pm, it features over 15,000 stalls where you can find everything from clothes to toys to local food. To get there, take a 20-minute taxi ride (around €8-10) or Skytrain to Mo Chit station or the metro to Chatuchak Park .

What are the floating markets in Bangkok?

Floating markets have clearly become a tourist attraction but when you visit a country you like to see original things. In my opinion, this remains a typical and original activity to do in Bangkok . Did you know that it was once called "Little Venice", Bangkok has 3 main floating markets:

• Bang Khu Wiang: the most beautiful, open between 4am and 7am (20 min from the city center)
• Tallin Chang
• Khlong Lat Mayom

These last two floating markets are not in the center of Bangkok, count 1h30 drive one way. You can do combined visits with the Maeklong railway market on an organized tour (tripadvisor).

What to do in Bangkok with children?

Traditional temple tours are often not very fun for children. However, you can take a bike ride in old Bangkok , a good compromise for a cultural and sporty ride that they will enjoy. There are cafes with animals like the Caturday Cat Café, a fun idea for a snack.

Children's Discovery Museum, which is a great FREE park ! A great adventure for kids, crafts and little gifts. There is a large outdoor play area and cool exhibits inside. To get there, take a taxi or the Skytrain to Mo Chit station or the metro to Chatuchak Park.