Bangkok runs on heat, traffic, and the constant smell of something delicious cooking on a sidewalk. Five days is the right length to handle this city without burning out: enough time to see the temples properly, eat your way through three or four distinct neighborhoods, and still have a night where you do nothing but bar-hop in Thonglor. The trick is pacing. Mornings belong to sightseeing before the humidity peaks, late afternoons to river ferries and massages, evenings to whatever street is grilling something over charcoal.

Begin in Rattanakosin, the old royal island, where Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and Wat Arun cluster within walking distance. Spend a half-day at Jim Thompson House to understand the silk trade, then ride the Chao Phraya Express boat north to the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat. Chinatown deserves a full evening: start with dim sum on Charoen Krung Road, work toward Yaowarat for grilled prawns at Lek and Rut, finish with sweet pandan custard from a cart. Save a day for Chatuchak if your trip hits a weekend, or swap in the canals of Thonburi by longtail.

Nights move between two registers. For craft cocktails and rooftops, head to Sukhumvit: Vesper, Tropic City, and Sky Bar at Lebua. For something rowdier, Soi 11 and the alleys around Khao San still deliver cheap Chang and live bands until late. Thonglor splits the difference with smaller listening bars and izakaya-style spots.

Mid-range hotels in Silom or Sukhumvit run 3,000 to 5,000 baht and put you on the BTS Skytrain, which beats traffic. Visit November through February for cooler, drier weather. Always carry small bills for taxis and street food.