This is a sample plan for five days in Thailand. It keeps you mostly in Bangkok, with one day trip to the old capital of Ayutthaya. Swap days around to suit your flights and the weather.
At a glance
- Who it suits: one traveller or a couple flying from Changi, on a first or second trip to Bangkok.
- Pace: steady. You see one main area each day and leave room for rest in the afternoon heat.
- Base: one hotel for all five nights. Pick an area near a Skytrain or MRT station to save time.
- Style: temples, river trips, markets and street food, with one longer day out of the city.
Before you book, read MFA's travel advice on the Thailand price page. It is the place to check entry rules and any current notices.
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok and settle in
- Morning: Fly out of Changi. Bangkok has two main airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, so check which one your flight uses.
- Afternoon: Head to your hotel and drop your bags. Get a local SIM or eSIM and some Thai baht for small stalls.
- Evening: Walk to the nearest night market or food street. Start with simple dishes like pad kra pao or boat noodles, much as you would at a hawker centre.
Tip: Save the key emergency numbers in your phone on arrival. Tourist Police is 1155 and medical help is 1669.
Day 2: Temples of the old city and the river
- Morning: Start early at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. Then walk south to Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha.
- Afternoon: Cross the Chao Phraya River by ferry to Wat Arun. Climb as far as the steps allow and look back over the old city.
- Evening: Take a river boat back and have dinner near the water. Riverside piers are an easy way to get between areas without traffic.
Tip: Check the dress code for temples before you go. Many visitors pack a light layer that covers shoulders and knees.
Day 3: Day trip to Ayutthaya
- Morning: Take an early train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. The ride is a simple way to see the countryside outside the city.
- Afternoon: Explore Ayutthaya Historical Park. See Wat Mahathat, known for the Buddha head held in tree roots, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet with its row of tall stupas.
- Evening: Head back to Bangkok and keep dinner simple near your hotel. You will be tired after a full day on your feet.
Tip: The ruins are spread out. Hire a bicycle or a local tuk-tuk for a few hours instead of walking between them, and agree the price first.
Day 4: Markets, parks and Chinatown
- Morning: If it falls on a weekend, visit Chatuchak Weekend Market. On a weekday, visit Lumphini Park instead and watch the city wake up.
- Afternoon: Rest at your hotel or browse the large malls around Siam. The air-conditioning is a welcome break in the hottest part of the day.
- Evening: Go to Yaowarat, Bangkok's Chinatown. Walk the main street after dark when the food stalls are busy.
Tip: Bring small notes for markets and street food. Stalls often find it hard to change large notes.
Day 5: Slow morning and fly home
- Morning: Have a relaxed breakfast and visit a spot you missed. Wat Saket, the Golden Mount, is a short climb with wide views of the old city.
- Afternoon: Pack and check out. Leave plenty of time to reach the airport, as Bangkok traffic can be slow.
- Evening: Fly back to Changi and take the MRT or a taxi home.
Tip: Keep a little baht for the airport. A final snack or drink is easier with cash in hand.
Getting around
Bangkok is easy to cover by public transport once you know the lines.
- From the airport: From Suvarnabhumi, the Airport Rail Link runs into the city and connects to the Skytrain. From Don Mueang, use the train link or a metered taxi.
- Skytrain and MRT: These are the fastest way across central Bangkok. Bangkok's MRT is its own system, separate from the one at home.
- River boats: Boats on the Chao Phraya stop near the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. They are often quicker than a road trip to the old city.
- Taxis and ride-hailing: Ask taxis to use the meter. Ride-hailing apps are common and show the price before you ride.
- Trains to Ayutthaya: Trains leave from Bangkok's main rail stations. Check which station and timetable apply to your date before you set off.
Fares and times change, so check them close to your trip.
When to go
MFA says the rainy season in much of Thailand runs from May to October. Severe rainstorms sometimes cause flash floods, including in Bangkok. If you plan to add a trip north or into the hills, avoid mountainous areas during or just after heavy rain.
A trip outside the rainy months is usually easier for walking between temples. Still, check the forecast in the week before you fly. Bangkok also gets busy when many Singaporeans travel, such as during the year-end school holidays. Book flights and rooms early if your dates fall then.
Useful contacts in Thailand
Keep these details somewhere you can reach offline.
- Police: 191
- Medical assistance: 1669
- Fire: 199
- Tourist Police: 1155 or +66 2 678 6800
- Complaint hotline for foreigners: 1111
- Embassy of the Republic of Singapore: 129 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok. Tel +66 2 348 6700, emergency contact +66 2 348 6700 (ext 348). It is Singapore's only mission in Thailand.
Save the embassy address in your map app before you leave Changi.
Before you go: travel insurance for Thailand
Before you fly, get your travel insurance through Shenton Brokers for your trip. Compare travel insurance for Thailand to see today's prices from every insurer we compare, with the destination's travel notes and MFA's latest advice. Or get a quote for your own dates.
Buy it as soon as you book: trip cancellation pays only for events after the policy starts.