If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok and only have two days, don’t stress! Bangkok might be a big, buzzing metropolis, but you can pack a ton of amazing experiences into just 48 hours. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Bangkok 10 times, and even on a short trip, this city will surprise you with its incredible mix of history, culture, and mouthwatering street food. Here’s how to make the most of your two-day adventure!

 

 

2 Days in Bangkok

 Day 1: Temples, Tuk-Tuks, and Street Food

Morning: The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Start your Bangkok adventure with a visit to the Grand Palace, home to the famous Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). This is one of the most iconic places in the city and should definitely be at the top of your list. Get there early to avoid the crowds and the heat. The intricate details of the palace and the revered Emerald Buddha statue will leave you amazed.

It’s a must-see on any Bangkok trip itinerary, with its stunning architecture and rich history. It is also one of the world’s most visited attractions estimated at around 8 million people a year, beating the Eiffel Tower by a million people. With that in mind be prepared to accept the fact that it will be crowded and there are often long queues.

Grand Palace Scam

One of the most frequent tricks is being told by a tuk-tuk driver or “friendly local” that the palace is closed for a special event or holiday. They’ll offer to take you on an alternative city tour instead, often stopping at overpriced shops where they earn commissions. The truth is, the Grand Palace is rarely closed, so always head to the official entrance and check for yourself. Stick to official ticket counters and avoid unsolicited advice from strangers around tourist sites.

🤩 Recommended: Grand Palace Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket | Bangkok: City Highlights Temple and Market Walking Tour

Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is one of Bangkok’s must-see sights. Tucked inside the Grand Palace, this place is seriously impressive. The highlight? A small but mighty statue of the Emerald Buddha, carved from jade and considered Thailand’s most sacred religious icon. The temple is bright, colourful and covered in sparkling gold, vibrant mosaics, and eye-popping details that will have you snapping photos non-stop. Whether you’re into history or just love beautiful things, Wat Phra Kaew is a total Bangkok bucket list item!

The Emerald Buddha is about 60 – 70 cm tall and located high above your head, in a glass box, so you can’t see too much and no photographs are allowed, The image below is an exact copy of the Emerald Buddha and is in Chiang Mai. I know it’s not the real thing but it’s a good way of showing you what it looks like.

There is a dress code at the temple: Shoulders and knees must be covered. I usually carry a lightweight pashmina to cover my shoulders. You can rent clothes on-site, but I prefer to be prepared.

 

Midday: Wat Pho and Reclining Buddha

Just a short walk from the Grand Palace is Wat Pho, home to the gigantic Reclining Buddha. At 46 meters long, this gold-covered Buddha is something you won’t forget! Don’t miss the intricate mother-of-pearl detail inlaid on the soles of the feet.

Don’t Miss: Try a traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho—it’s famous for being the birthplace of Thai massage and will recharge you for the rest of your Bangkok travel itinerary.

Afternoon: River Cruise and Wat Arun

Hop on a boat and cruise along the Chao Phraya River. The views from the water are incredible and give you a whole new perspective of the city. Stop at Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, which is beautiful any time of day but truly magical as the sun sets. It is built in the Khmer style so it may remind you of Angor Wat. The tower is decorated with millions of pieces of colourful porcelain that was brought from China as ballast for the ships, simply stunning.

This temple is a must-visit on any Bangkok 2-day itinerary. It is my favourite temple in Bangkok. I find it the perfect place to reflect and recharge.

The quickest way to get to the temple is either by tuk-tuk or if you prefer by riverboat. Look out for the normal Express River Taxi, rather than the Tourist Boat which is far more expensive.

Pro Tip: Aim for a visit just before sunset when the temple glows in the golden light. It’s a magical spot to capture memories of your two days in Bangkok.

🤩 Recommended: Bangkok: Longtail Boat Canal Cruise | White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise free Beer

Evening: Street Food in Chinatown

No Bangkok travel itinerary is complete without a visit to Chinatown. As night falls, head to Yaowarat Road for a street food feast like no other. Whether you’re after grilled prawns, crispy pork belly, or the famous mango sticky rice, Chinatown is a foodie’s dream.

Book a tour, like I did, and enjoy the best street food that only locals know about. Don’t miss dessert at a hawker’s stall that has been given a Michelin award.

🤩 Recommended: Backstreets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

Day 2 of your Bangkok Itinerary: Markets, Modern Malls, and Sky Bars

On day two of your Bangkok trip itinerary, I suggest that you buy a Skytrain Pass for 1 day. It’s a quick and efficient way of getting around the city without having to worry about traffic. All of today’s destinations are easily accessible with the Skytrain. Just avoid using it during peak hours between 07h00-09h00 and 16h00  to 19h00 when it becomes crowded with commuters.

There are 2 lines, the SILOM line and the SUKHUMVIT line. Both of these meet at Siam Station.

Morning: Chatuchak Weekend Market

If your visit happens to fall on the weekend, start your second day at Chatuchak Market, one of the largest markets in the world. It’s a treasure trove of everything you could ever imagine—from clothes and accessories to art, plants, and street food. With over 15,000 stalls, you can easily spend hours here.

Getting to Chatuchak Weekend Market by Skytrain (BTS) is super easy! Just hop on the BTS Sukhumvit Line and head towards Mo Chit Station. Once you arrive at Mo Chit, take Exit 1, and you’ll find yourself just a short walk from the market’s entrance. If you’re on the MRT subway, you can also take it to Chatuchak Park Station—both routes drop you right by the action. From there, get ready to dive into the market’s endless stalls!

Taling Chan Floating Market- weekend options

For a more local and laid-back floating market experience, head to Taling Chan Floating Market. Unlike the more touristy spots, Taling Chan retains an authentic vibe, where you can stroll along the canal, hop on a boat for fresh seafood, and try Thai favorites like grilled fish, som tam, and coconut desserts. The market operates on weekends, making it a perfect escape from Bangkok’s hustle for your 2 days Bangkok itinerary.

To get there, take the BTS Skytrain to Wongwian Yai station, then grab a taxi to the market (about 15-20 minutes from the station). Alternatively, you can arrange a boat tour from the city, which gives you a scenic ride along the canals, adding a bit of adventure to your trip. It’s a hidden gem worth the visit!

🤩 Recommended:  Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market

Morning: Erawan Shrine & Lumpini Park

On day two of your Bangkok trip itinerary if markets aren’t your thing, spend your morning exploring Lumpini Park. You can take a leisurely stroll around the lakes, rent a paddleboat, or just sit and people-watch as locals practice Tai Chi or jog along the tree-lined paths. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one of the park’s famous monitor lizards! This green oasis is perfect for a leisurely morning on your 2 days Bangkok itinerary.

Jim Thompson House

After lunch, escape the heat and head to the Jim Thompson House, a peaceful retreat in the middle of the city. This museum is set in a gorgeous traditional Thai house once owned by Jim Thompson, an American who revived the Thai silk industry. It’s a great spot to dive into some local history and culture in a serene garden.

Pro Tip: The guided tours here are super informative and free with your ticket, so definitely join one. You’ll learn all about Thompson’s mysterious disappearance!

🤩 Recommended: Jim Thompson House Guided Tour with Transfers

Shop till you drop

Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from luxury malls to bustling street markets. For high-end shopping, head to Siam Paragon or CentralWorld, where you’ll find international brands and designer boutiques. Siam Paragon has a great supermarket if you want to but some foodies gifts in Bangkok. There is also a brilliant food court with a wide selection of local and international favourites.

For a more local feel, I always go to MBK. There are 2000 shops here to tempt you to put a severe dent in your credit card. There is nothing glamorous about this centre, but you will find, for example, an entire floor selling IT-related goods, cell phones and accessories and camera equipment. It’s also a great place to shop for the more touristy items as there is a large selection available. If you are looking for the type of items you see in the markets, like printed T-shirts and clothes for the kids you will find them much cheaper here.

If you’re after quirky souvenirs and local crafts, don’t miss Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest in the world. For a unique shopping experience, visit Asiatique The Riverfront, where you can browse chic stalls along the river and enjoy a beautiful sunset. Whether it’s budget finds or high fashion, Bangkok has it all! 

Evening: Sunset Drinks at a Sky Bar

End your trip with drinks at one of Bangkok’s famous sky bars. Sky Bar at Lebua is the most well-known (you might recognize it from The Hangover Part II), but there are plenty of others to choose from, like Vertigo and Moon Bar. Watching the city light up at night from above is the perfect way to wrap up your Bangkok 2-day itinerary.

Be warned that you will pay for the view. The drinks are not cheap and a cocktail at the Lebua can set you back US 25.00. If you do a bit of research there are other bars that are more affordable that have a view of the city. Check the dress code before you arrive or you may be disappointed.

🤩 Recommended: Vertigo Rooftop Banyan Tree F&B Packages – this includes a meal

 

Evening: Asiatique The Riverfront

If you don;t like the idea of having a drink then for your final evening in Bangkok, make your way to Asiatique The Riverfront, a huge open-air market and entertainment area by the river. You can shop for souvenirs, enjoy a riverside dinner, or take a ride on the Ferris wheel for sweeping views of the city at night.

The big draw card for me is the fabulous street food available. You can even try scorpions on a skewer. There are more locals around than tourists around and this is reflected in the prices. Much to my husband’s disgust I even found a durian ice cream.

Pro Tip: Take the free shuttle boat from the Saphan Taksin BTS station to get to Asiatique (look out for the Asiatique branding on the shuttle) —it’s a relaxing ride along the Chao Phraya River and a great way to end your trip.

Planning Your 2 Days in Bangkok

What’s the best way to get around Bangkok?

The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are the easiest and most efficient ways to get around Bangkok. Tuk-tuks are a fun option for short distances, but always agree on the price before hopping in! For river travel, Bangkok’s ferry system is both cheap and scenic.

Is Bangkok safe for tourists?

Yes, Bangkok is generally very safe for tourists. Like any big city, just keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded markets or while taking tuk-tuks. The city is very tourist-friendly, and locals are super helpful!

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

The best time to visit Bangkok is between November and February when the weather is cooler and less humid. The scorching heat from March to May can be overwhelming, especially if you’re out sightseeing.

Can I see Bangkok’s temples in one day?

Absolutely! If you start early, you can easily visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun all in one day. They’re located fairly close to each other, and Bangkok’s ferry system makes getting around quick and easy.

Is 2 days in Bangkok enough?

Yes! While you won’t see everything, two days in Bangkok is plenty of time to hit the main highlights, including temples, street food, and shopping.

What should I wear when visiting temples in Bangkok?

Make sure to dress modestly when visiting temples—cover your shoulders and knees. Some places, like the Grand Palace, are strict about this, so it’s good to be prepared. I always carry a lightweight scarf to over my shoulder if I need to.

How many days should I spend in Bangkok?

Ideally, 3-4 days would give you more time to explore some of the lesser-known spots. However, if you’re on a tight schedule, a 2-day Bangkok itinerary will still give you a fantastic taste of the city.

How to get to Bangkok from the airport

Getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to central Bangkok is easy, and you have a few options:

• Airport Rail Link (ARL): The most convenient and affordable way is to hop on the Airport Rail Link. It connects the airport to Phaya Thai Station in the city center. From there, you can transfer to the BTS Skytrain or grab a taxi to your hotel. The ride takes around 30 minutes.
• Taxi: If you prefer comfort, you can catch a taxi directly from the airport. There are official taxi stands at the arrivals area. The ride to central Bangkok usually takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs around 300-500 THB plus a 50 THB airport surcharge.
• Grab: You can also use the Grab app to book a car from the airport. It’s similar to Uber and can be a convenient option if you prefer cashless payments.
• Airport Bus: There are shuttle buses available that head to various parts of the city, like Khao San Road or Silom. They’re budget-friendly, though slightly slower than other options.

Even with just two days, Bangkok offers an unforgettable mix of cultural experiences, iconic sights, and, of course, plenty of delicious food. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular visitor like me, Bangkok never fails to impress!

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