2 Days in Bangkok: A 48-hour Bangkok Itinerary
Discover the best of Bangkok with this 2-day itinerary. From temples and markets to delicious street food and vibrant nightlife, this is the perfect way to experience the city's unique culture and energy.
Tips: Be prepared for a lot of walking, don’t forget a hat, wear sunblock, and stay hydrated. Also, please remember that visitors of temples and holy sites must dress modestly. If you plan on wearing sleeveless shirts and short shorts/skirts, you may need to buy or rent a sarong to cover yourself.
Day 1 in Bangkok: Grand Palace and Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Chinatown
The Grand Palace
The first day in Bangkok is all about soaking up the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. We begin the day with a visit to the Grand Palace, one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Thailand. This magnificent complex is home to a number of stunning buildings and temples, including the Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the Emerald Buddha. For those wanting a fun experience, you can take a ferry up the Chao Phraya river from the Saphan Taksin BTS station pier to the Grand Palace.
Wat Pho
After exploring the Grand Palace it is time to head to Wat Pho - it is next door and only a few minutes walk away. Wat Pho is best known for its enormous reclining Buddha, which measures over 150 feet in length and is covered in intricate gold leaf. This temple also offers a variety of traditional Thai massage treatments, which are a great way to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Lunch: The famous Thip Samai is in the neighborhood, but is around a 20-minute walk. Definitely consider taking a taxi or Tuk-Tuk. This restaurant is known for its Phad Thai and is also right next to the also famous Jay Fai crab omelets. If that is too far away or you don’t want to wait in line, there are quite a few places to eat across from Wat Pho on Maha Rat Road.
Wat Arun
The next stop is the stunning Wat Arun temple. Head to Tha Tien Pier, which is only a few steps from Wat Pho, and take a boat across the river. Wat Arun has a rich history dating back to the 17th century and is adorned with intricate carvings and colorful mosaics. It closes at 5:30 p.m., but those leaving Wat Arun around sunset will be able to see the temple bathed in golden lights.
Chinatown
After a long afternoon of history and temples, it is time to go to Yaowarat Road/Chinatown for some exploring and tasty street food. This bustling area comes to life after 4pm and is a great place to try some local food favorites. Take your time walking through and explore the alleyways and vibrant markets, where you can find everything from snacks to traditional handicrafts. Dinner: Follow your nose. Yaowarat is absolutely packed with amazing seafood, Chinese food, Thai food, and just about everything else. Your night is open to whatever you want to do next. Take the opportunity for some much needed rest, or check out some of the great Bangkok nightlife - Khao San Road, Soi 11 on Sukhumvit, and the Thong Lor BTS area all have great options.
Day 2 in Bangkok: Chatuchak Weekend Market
Take an easy morning enjoying breakfast at your hotel or somewhere nearby, then head to the famous Chatuchak Market. It is one of the largest and most diverse markets in the world. With around 8,000 stalls and a wide range of goods on offer, Chatuchak is a must-see for any visitor to Bangkok. You could easily spend a whole day wandering around looking at everything for sale and eating tons of amazing food. This market also makes a great one-stop shop for souvenirs to bring home. Just remember this is a weekend market and only open Friday evening through Sunday night. If you are not around on the weekend, check out our Bangkok travel guide for some great suggestions on day trips and other activities like the beautiful Ayutthaya. Some visitors may end up spending their whole day in Chatuchak, so what you do after depends on how much time you have left. If you have not had a chance to see the nightlife during day 1, now would be a great chance to go to Khao San, Soi 11 on Sukhumvit, or near Thong Lor BTS station. If you have some daylight left, here are a few popular sights that don’t take long: Mahanakhon Skywalk - Get amazing views of the whole city from atop a skyscraper. There are also food and drinks here at Mahanakhon Bangkok Skybar. Get a Thai Massage - If you have not yet had the chance, absolutely get a Thai Massage. Your body will thank you after the last two days. Asiatique Riverfront - This is a little bit of a tourist trap. Prices are on the high side, but there is a lot of food and a ferris wheel to take in some good views of the Chao Phraya riverside. Take advantage of the free boat rides between Saphan Taksin BTS station and Asiatique. Visit a park - There are three parks next to Chatuchak, plus Lumpini and Benchakitti parks in central Bangkok. All of which are good options.
Take in some Culture - There are a few options to experience more aspects of Thai culture. Head to a museum, watch a Muay Thai boxing match, or check out the Jim Thompson house. Some options close by 5pm, so you may need to leave Chatuchak around 2 or 3 to have enough time.
Summary
48 hours in Bangkok can be absolutely packed with exciting sights and experiences. From the grandeur of the Grand Palace to the vibrant markets of Chinatown/Chatuchak and beautiful temples like Wat Arun, this amazing city has something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a culture enthusiast, Bangkok is a must-visit destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Just don’t forget your hat, sunblock, and water! Done with Bangkok and need to plan the rest of your trip to Thailand? We have some fantastic Thailand Travel Guides that should have everything you need to plan a great trip.