Bangkok in 5 days: temples, markets and Ayutthaya
Bangkok · Thailand · 5 days
Best time to visit Bangkok
November to FebruaryNovember to February is the cooler, drier season and the best time to visit, though days still reach about 30 °C. March to May is the hottest, with highs of 35 °C or more. From May to October the rainy season brings heavy afternoon showers, and flooding is possible on some streets in September and October.
Travelling from the Gulf: Songkran (13–15 April) closes some shops and turns the streets into a water fight, and the Christmas to New Year fortnight pushes hotel prices up. The Gulf summer break falls in the rainy season: afternoon showers rather than all-day rain, and good hotel rates. Halal food is concentrated around Sukhumvit Soi 3 (Nana) and Pratunam, and most food courts have a halal counter.
Flights, stay and entry for Bangkok
Flight and entry details below are for travellers starting from Saudi Arabia.
Flights
About 7 hours from Riyadh; Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is about 45 minutes from the centre by train or taxi. Thailand is 4 hours ahead of Saudi Arabia.
Search RUH → BKK flightsAll flight routesWhere to stay
Sukhumvit or Silom near a BTS station, or the riverside for old-city access.
Find a stay in BangkokStay connected
A travel eSIM gives you mobile data when you land, so maps and ride apps work without waiting for a SIM card or Wi-Fi.
eSIM and travel extrasEntry rules
From 15 September 2026, Saudi passport holders can stay in Thailand visa-free for 30 days (it was 60 before), and extensions are handled at an immigration office for a fee, so do not count on one when you book. Every traveller must also complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card up to 3 days before arrival. Entry depends on your passport, not on living in Saudi Arabia; check the official sources before booking.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (official, free) Thailand visa and entry rules Entry notes in the Bangkok guideWhat 5 days in Bangkok cost
| Style | Per person per day (SAR) | Per person per day (USD) | Whole trip (SAR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 150–300 | 40–80 | 750–1,500 |
| Mid-range | 380–700 | 101–187 | 1,900–3,500 |
| Luxury | 1,200–2,400 | 320–640 | 6,000–12,000 |
Per person per day, flights excluded, with a double room shared between two. Food and local transport are cheap; hotels and a day trip with a driver are the main costs. Rough estimate at October 2026 prices; USD 1 = SAR 3.75.
Day 1: Royal temples of the old city
- Morning
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Arrive at opening time. There is a strict dress code: shoulders and knees covered, no sleeveless tops or shorts. Ignore anyone outside saying it is closed and offering a tuk-tuk tour.
- Afternoon
Wat Pho
The temple of the 46-metre reclining Buddha, a ten-minute walk from the palace. Quieter than the palace, and the massage school on site is a good stop for tired feet.
- Evening
Wat Arun
Cross the river by the short ferry from Tha Tien pier. The riverside spire is best seen at sunset from the water or from a rooftop bar opposite.
Day 2: Chinatown and the river
- Morning
Wat Traimit
The temple holding the Golden Buddha, a solid-gold statue about three metres tall. An hour is enough.
- Afternoon
Chao Phraya river boat
Use the Chao Phraya Express boat as transport: cheap and cooler than the road. Buy a day pass if you plan several stops.
- Evening
Yaowarat Road
Chinatown’s main street comes alive after dark with street food stalls. Come hungry, and share dishes to taste more.
Day 3: Modern Bangkok
- Morning
Jim Thompson House
A teak house built from old Thai houses, with the collection of the American silk entrepreneur. Entry is by guided tour; go early.
- Afternoon
Siam and MBK Center
Air-conditioned malls linked by a skywalk. MBK is for bargain hunting; Siam Paragon and others for brands and food courts.
- Evening
Lumphini Park
The city’s central park, busy at dusk with joggers and families. Large monitor lizards live in the ponds; they are harmless if left alone.
Day 4: Day trip to Ayutthaya
- Morning
Ayutthaya Historical Park
About 80 km north, reached in about 1.5 hours by train or van. The ruins of the former capital are spread out; rent a bicycle or hire a tuk-tuk by the hour.
- Afternoon
Wat Mahathat
A ruined temple with the Buddha head caught in tree roots. Do not stand with your head above the Buddha for photos; kneel instead.
- Evening
Asiatique The Riverfront
Back in Bangkok, a riverside night market with restaurants and a Ferris wheel, reached by free shuttle boat from Sathorn pier.
Day 5: Market and green Bangkok
- Morning
Chatuchak Weekend Market
One of the world’s largest markets, open mainly on Saturdays and Sundays. Go early before the heat; if your last day is a weekday, swap this with day 3.
- Afternoon
Bang Krachao
A river-bend island called Bangkok’s green lung, reached by a short boat ride from Khlong Toei pier. Cycle shaded paths; bikes can be rented near the landing.
- Evening
ICONSIAM
A riverside mall with a floating market inside and a view over the river. A relaxed last evening, with a free shuttle boat from Sathorn pier.
Getting around Bangkok
Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT metro for most journeys, and river boats for the old city. Taxis are cheap but slow in traffic; insist on the meter or use a ride-hailing app. Avoid tuk-tuks that offer cheap city tours.
Bangkok questions
How many days do I need in Bangkok?
Four to five days covers the main temples, markets, food and a day trip. Three days works if you skip Ayutthaya and the green island.
What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
A free online form required of every foreign traveller since May 2025. Complete it up to 3 days before arrival at the official site only, since other sites that charge a fee are not official.
What should I wear to the temples?
Cover shoulders and knees, avoid sleeveless tops and short shorts, and remove shoes before entering temple halls. A light scarf is handy.
Is Bangkok good in the rainy season?
Yes, with plans for the rain: showers are usually short and in the afternoon, prices are lower and crowds smaller. Keep indoor options such as museums and malls for the wet part of the day.