Bangkok & Chiang Mai, Thailand

3 days in Thailand: Bangkok & Chiang Mai

Southeast Asia · Temples, street food and northern mountains

Bangkok is best handled early and late — mid-afternoon heat is real. This plan puts temples and markets in the morning, air-conditioned or riverside time in the afternoon, and street food at night, then adds a northern leg in Chiang Mai.

When to go

November to February is dry and cooler. March to May is very hot; June to October is the green season with short heavy showers.

Day-by-day plan

Day 1 — The old city and the river

  • ☀️ Morning · 08:30–12:00

    Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

    Open at 8:30 — go then. Shoulders and knees covered, no exceptions.

  • 🍜 Lunch · 12:30–14:00

    Err Urban Rustic Thai, Tha Tien

    Grilled skewers and southern curries, air-conditioned. $$

  • 🏛️ Afternoon · 14:30–18:30

    Wat Pho, then the Chao Phraya express boat

    Reclining Buddha, then the orange-flag boat north for the cheapest river cruise in town.

  • 🍷 Dinner · 19:30–21:30

    Jay Fai, Phra Nakhon

    Michelin-starred crab omelet from a street kitchen. Come early or reserve. $$$

  • 🍸 Nightlife · 22:00+

    Tep Bar, Chinatown

    Thai herbal spirits and live traditional music. Walk-ins after 22:00.

Day 2 — Markets and modern Bangkok

  • ☀️ Morning · 08:00–12:00

    Chatuchak Weekend Market (or Or Tor Kor on weekdays)

    Go at opening; 15,000 stalls and no shade. BTS to Mo Chit.

  • 🍜 Lunch · 12:30–14:00

    Nai Ek Roll Noodle, Yaowarat

    Peppery pork noodle rolls in Chinatown. $

  • 🏛️ Afternoon · 14:30–18:30

    Jim Thompson House

    Teak house museum on a canal, guided tours in English every 20 minutes.

  • 🍷 Dinner · 19:30–21:30

    Supanniga Eating Room, Thonglor

    Family recipes from Trat and Khon Kaen; book a table. $$

  • 🍸 Nightlife · 22:00+

    Vesper or Sky Bar rooftop, Silom

    Skyline views; smart casual, no shorts or flip-flops.

Day 3 — North to Chiang Mai

  • ☀️ Morning · 09:00–12:00

    Flight BKK → CNX

    1h10m, several airlines daily. Book direct with Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways or AirAsia.

  • 🍜 Lunch · 12:30–14:00

    Khao Soi Khun Yai, old city

    The northern curry noodle bowl. Open until it sells out, usually by 14:00. $

  • 🏛️ Afternoon · 14:30–18:30

    Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

    Temple above the city, 30 minutes by songthaew. Sunset views over the valley.

  • 🍷 Dinner · 19:30–21:30

    Ginger Farm Kitchen, Nimman

    Farm-to-table northern Thai; good for groups. $$

  • 🍸 Nightlife · 22:00+

    Zoe in Yellow or a Nimman jazz bar

    Nimman is calmer and more local than the old-city bar strip.

Where to stay

Budget / hostel

Once Again Hostel

Phra Nakhon, Bangkok · ⭐ 9.0 · $35–60 / night

Check availability

Mid-range

Riva Surya Bangkok

Riverside, Bangkok · ⭐ 8.8 · $110–170 / night

Check availability

Luxury

The Peninsula Bangkok

Klongsan riverfront · ⭐ 9.3 · $400+ / night

Check availability

Before you fly

Entry rules, data, money and power for visitors from the US, Canada, Australia and Asia.

Visa & entry
US, Canadian and Australian passports get 60 days visa-exempt on arrival (extendable by 30 days). Passport valid 6+ months; you may be asked for proof of onward travel.
Getting around
In Bangkok use the BTS Skytrain and MRT with a stored-value card — they beat traffic. Grab is the standard app for cars and motorbike taxis; taxi drivers should use the meter.
Phone & data
A tourist SIM or eSIM from AIS, TrueMove or Airalo costs a few dollars for the week. You'll want data for Grab and maps.
Money
Cash still rules street food and markets. ATMs charge a 220 baht foreign fee per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts less often, and always decline currency conversion.
Power
Type A/B/C outlets at 220V. US and Canadian plugs fit, but check that your device handles 220V. Australians need an adapter.
Health & heat
Drink bottled or filtered water, plan indoor time from 13:00 to 16:00, and consider travel insurance covering scooter use — many policies exclude it without a license.

Day trips worth the drive

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3 days in Thailand: Temples, street food and northern mountains. Hour-by-hour plan with real restaurants, hotels at every budget, plus visa, eSIM and adapter tips for travelers flying in from the US, Canada, Australia and Asia.

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