3 Days In Bangkok For Solo Travellers

Bangkok is a city that unites and divides. This +9 million bustling city is the gateway to more destinations in Thailand and Southeast Asia, and the perfect stopover on extended solo trips to Australia and New Zealand. I spent three days solo in Bangkok, and here are my suggestions on the best things to do while visiting Bangkok on a solo trip at 50-plus.

What to do Solo in 3 days in Bangkok

Explore ChinaTown

Starting your trip in Bangkok from Chinatown is a must, as this is the city’s pulsing heart. Get there by MRT to Huan Lamphong, walk to the main Chinatown Gate at the Odean Traffic Circle, and stroll through the maze of lanes and small streets.

Don’t miss out on Ratchawong Road as one of the top street markets, selling accessories, sarongs, textiles and more. Open till 5.00 pm. Walk down to the pier to catch an express boat to your next destination along the Chao Phraya River. This is only four stops to the Grand Palace.

Grand Palace

Bangkok is renowned for its numerous temples, which are scattered throughout the city and can be found at every corner, from small, stand-alone temples to vast complexes. There are dozens of them in town. You should not miss out on the Grand Palace, the most significant area, which includes the Emerald Buddha and the nearby Sanam Luang City Park, where all royal events take place. Most of the time, they are overcrowded, and long queues await you. So if you want to see this Bangkok temple, you must arrive early in the morning. One temple you should also visit is the Reclining Buddha, Wat Phra Chetuphon or Wat Pho.

Lumphini Park

While Bangkok is a city with one of the worst traffic congestions in the world, it has green areas to help you detox and places where you can relax from the road traffic. Lumphini is only a few stops away from the city centre by MRT. Walk around and find a sweet spot at the lake where you can sit on the grass and enjoy the view of the city.

Sukhumvit – Shop and Relax

Sukhumvit is the commercial hub of Bangkok with a high concentration of hotel chains, company headquarters, shopping malls and excellent restaurants. Moreover, it’s a hub for SPA. While in Bangkok, massages are available at every corner in touristy areas, and many hotels in Bangkok offer on-site spas and Massages. This was my de-stress treat in Bangkok. I booked Urban Retreat Massages through a local website and had one of the best massages I’ve ever had.

Terminal 21 Shopping Mall

Bangkok boasts many shopping malls, and they are indeed great places to escape the crowds and relax for a few hours on a hot day. I have visited a few malls on my trip to Bangkok, and my favourite is Terminal 21 in Sukhumvit. It’s easy to get there by MRT Sukhumvit or BTS Asok. From various local shops to international brands, a vast offer of restaurants, coffee shops and markets, you can spend hours there. If you have time, consider planning your day by visiting the nearby EMQuartier and Emporio, both within walking distance of Terminal 21.

Stroll At City Markets

City markets in Bangkok are the main attraction for overseas visitors. From day and night markets to weekend markets to floating markets, where fresh food is sold and cooked on boats and stalls floating on the river. This is the best way to spend a whole Saturday in Bangkok. Here are my picks:

Bangkok Floating Markets

Make sure your trip to Bangkok includes a Saturday so you don’t miss out on the floating markets, a highlight in Bangkok on weekends. However, the largest and most popular markets are far away from the city, approximately 100km south-west. But if you don’t fancy travelling that distance, there are some smaller markets in town too.

I visited Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market on Saturday morning. Although it is a small one, I find it to be a little jewel, as it is known among the locals only and has only a few floating stalls on the inlet of the Chao Phraya River. It is worth visiting if you like quiet markets. If you are in this area, you can get a taxi to the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market and the Taling Chang Floating Market, which offers boat river tours, too.

Chatuchak Markets

Chatuchak is one of the largest markets I have ever visited. With over 8,000 stalls on 35 acres, this Bangkok weekend market is a highlight for visitors and locals alike. While it will take 3-4 hours to visit, some shops are located in covered areas with onsite air conditioning, and most of the remaining stalls line the street between the MRT Chatuchak Park (MRT) and Mo Chit Station (BTS).

Be prepared to take water with you. You will browse a wide range of merchandise, including local fashion artists’ work, general clothing, furniture, arts, antiques, books, ceramics, handicrafts, and food. It is an experience you should not miss, offering a chance to purchase artisanal and local products in Bangkok.

Khaosan Road and Night Market

A trip to Bangkok is incomplete if you haven’t strolled along the famous Khaosan Road and Night Market with food stalls. Although this is the most renowned road among travellers, I think the nearby night markets are quieter and have more exciting stalls and restaurants.

Where To Stay in Bangkok Solo

Bangkok is one of those cities that creates an instant love-it-or-hate-it feeling. While the city may not have many attractions, it welcomes people, and the vibe is contagious. My three days in Bangkok were short, but I’m sure I’ll be back for more explorations of amazing Thailand. I stayed in an Airbnb guest house for the first four days. The place was in the commercial district of Terminal 21, a bit far from Bangkok’s city centre. When I returned from my trip to Kanchanaburi, I stayed in the centrally located Phra Nakhon Poshtel. A luxury-style hostel with private rooms, and I loved it.

The best budget place to stay in Bangkok 👉 Phra Nakhon Poshtel
The best Boutique Hotel is the 👉 Amber Boutique Silom in Bangkok

Read More:

The Best Things to Do in Kanchanaburi Thailand
Exploring Bali Offbeat
A Solo Trip To Penang Malaysia
Tips for visiting Sri Lanka
Go Back to Rocky Travel & Tours For Over 50

This guide was first published in December 2019 and last updated in 2025.

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