Bangkok
Sept. 2014 & Feb. 2017 (3D2N): For ease of planning, I have combined the highlights from my 2014 and 2017 Bangkok visits into one. Bangkok is a major hub for connecting flights to other Southeast Asian cities. Be sure to check out my other posts on Bali, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Phuket, Siem Reap, and Vietnam.
*Highly Recommended
Day 1
Arrive in BKK or DMK (uber to your hotel)
Check-in @ Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn* / The St. Regis Bangkok
From BTS Saphan Taksin, take the tourist boat (40bt) or Orange ferry (15bt) - 30 mins to Grand Palace
The Grand Palace (suggested duration 1.5 hr)
Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School* (try to reserve ahead)
Dinner @ T&K Seafood* or KHAO (Ekkamai)*
Day 2
Catch sunrise by the infinity pool
Breakfast buffet @ hotel
Take the local ferry (15bt) to Wat Pho ferry stop
Take a small shuttle boat from Pier 8 to cross over (3bt) to Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) (suggested duration 1 hr)
Relax at the hotel infinity pool
BTS to Chatuchak Weekend Market (6 am-6 pm; closes on Monday)
Look for food vendors behind the market, next to the parking lot (Or Tor Kor), and order som tam (green papaya salad) and grilled chicken @ Sood Jai Kai Yan
Tuk tuk to Khao San Road (bars/restaurant/shopping)
Massage @ Dahra Beauty Spa* (20% off when booking online)
MRT to Soi Cowboy
Ping Pong Show @ Suzie Wong
Day 3
Breakfast buffet @ hotel
Enjoy some pool time
Taxi to DMK or BKK
Other points of interest & food
Taling Chan Floating Market (7 am-4 pm, boat ride ~ 100bt, but ppl have gotten ripped off)
Snack @ Krua Porn Lamai
Tips
Definitely take an Uber from the airport to your hotel late at night to avoid getting ripped off. However, we found that Ubers were hard to come by in tourist areas, so we negotiated for a tuk tuk rate.
If possible, get yourself to the Eva Air Lounge at BKK; it is one of the best airport lounges I have been to. The food was amazing as well - papaya salad, mango sticky rice, coconut water, Thai iced tea, and a fridge full of ice cream bars!!
We did see the ping pong show at Soi Cowboy. See my review here.
Pack a sarong with you so you can cover your bare legs, and wear a sleeve top on the day when you need to visit temples.