Many tourists head straight out of Bangkok to a beach or hilltop retreat and yet the city has some fascinating sights if you know where to look. Why not spend 48 hours in Bangkok and visit a mix of famous and more off the beaten path attractions. Read on for your complete Bangkok 2 day itinerary.
Bangkok 2 Day Itinerary
Bangkok is a vibrant city full of fantastic experiences waiting to be enjoyed. From gemstones at the Chatuchak Weekend Market to the historic temples, there’s something for everyone in Bangkok.
We recommend that you start your Bangkok itinerary and time in Thailand with a visit to a temple to get a feel for Thai culture.
1. Wat Pho Temple
One of the best Buddhist temples in Bangkok is Wat Pho. This sacred royal temple is the place where King Rama I’s ashes are enshrined.
As you can see, it gleams in the sunshine. Thai massage actually originated here and is still practiced at the temple today.
However, Wat Pho is most famous for its golden Reclining Buddha who takes up an entire building. As this Bangkok temple is a holy place, visitors are required to place their shoes in a bag and carry them round with them.
Those who have forgotten to cover their shoulders or knees can also borrow a shawl. You can then walk round the Buddha statue, admiring the craftsmanship of this masterpiece.
There are many other beautiful sights such as Phra Ubosot, where Buddhist rituals are performed. Allow at least a few hours for your visit.
Entrance costs 100 baht and Wat Pho opening hours are from 8 am to 5 pm.
2. The Grand Palace
Another must-see if you have a weekend in Bangkok is the Grand Palace, close to Wat Pho. An imposing sight, it was built in 1782 and was previously the home of the Kings of Siam.
The palace houses a series of temples such as Wat Phra Kaew, with its iconic Emerald Buddha. The late King lay in state after he passed away and people from all over Thailand came to pay their respects to him.
Normally the Grand Palace is open from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm and tickets cost 500 baht. Like Wat Pho, it is important to dress respectfully and to cover your shoulders and knees.
For dinner, sample authentic Thai cuisine at Michelin starred nahm or another of the best places to eat in Bangkok such as Paste.
3. Skylounge at the lebua hotel
Finish your night with a cocktail in a panoramic rooftop bar such as Skylounge at the lebua Hotel. The views are far reaching and the State Tower itself is an impressive sight.
Here are some other great suggestions for Bangkok rooftop bars.
4. Lumpini Park
A real oasis in the city. Lumpini Park is spread over 57 hectares. This haven is popular with locals who come here to practice tai chi in the morning and early evening.
It’s virtually deserted during the day as the heat can be so strong. There’s a lake with charming swan boats. Enjoy a tasty lunch nearby at Café Claire within the Oriental Residence Bangkok.
5. Luxury Shopping in Bangkok
For more upmarket shopping in Bangkok, there are many air conditioned malls in the centre. We don’t think that we’ve ever seen so many in one area. Gaysorn, Central Enbassy, Siam Paragon, EmQuariter, the list goes on.
Not only are they great for cooling down but they also house many well known luxury brands and restaurants. The architecture of some of the shopping centers is striking, in particular at Central Embassy mall.
6. Bangkok Flower Market
Have a look around the wholesale flower market, one of our favourite hidden gems in Bangkok. You’ll see stall holders preparing floral garland offerings for the gods.
You can admire beautiful Thai flowers such as these orchids.
You might even spot this cat watching customers go by. You won’t come across many other tourists and it’s one of our favourite things to do in Bangkok off the beaten track.
7. Asiatique The Riverfront
During your 2 day Bangkok itinerary, spend an evening at Asiatique The Riverfront. You’ll find a wide selection of bars and restaurants as well as a night market.
Although Bangkok night markets are famous worldwide, the actual shopping can be a bit underwhelming but it’s worth seeing at least one for the atmosphere.
How to Get to Bangkok
We flew with Eva Air, the Taiwanese airline that has been scooping awards for its service. They’re certified as a 5-Star Airline by Skytrax, and were also voted in the top 2 of the world’s cleanest airlines for 2 years in a row.
We tried their Elite Class and were impressed with the efficient service as well as the roomy 38 inch pitch and 19.5 inch seat width. There was a handy amenity kit with aromatherapy toiletries from Thai brand Thann.
We were lent a decent pair of headphones and the USB plugs and 110V AC laptop outlets came in very handy. There was an 11 inch LCD screen and the film selection was fairly complete with a particularly good range of foreign language films as well as the usual blockbusters.
We also appreciated the fact that there weren’t endless in-flight announcements interrupting them! As for the food, it was extremely tasty. We were brought 2 full meals as well as snacks and even ice cream.
We were only given one small half glass of wine but it was excellent quality and we don’t tend to drink much on flights anyway. All in all, we were very happy with the whole experience and we even landed half an hour ahead of schedule.
Getting Around Bangkok
Due to the humidity, we’d recommend taking an air conditioned cab or the Skytrain for the great views – thankfully that also has air conditioning.
Tuk tuks might look fun but can be very overpriced and for anything but short journeys, you will swelter in the heat. A Bangkok river cruise is a relaxing way to get around and you’ll also see some of the major sights like Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.
Weather in Bangkok
The weather in Bangkok is generally above 30°C and it is extremely humid. From October to February, there is slightly less humidity and temperatures are slightly lower, at around 25 to 28°C. At any time of the year, you can expect short rainshowers.
What to Pack for Bangkok
As it’s very humid, we’d suggest taking lots of loose clothing such as linen trousers and silk maxi dresses. You may also want to pack an anti-humidity hair spray, mini hair-straighteners and some anti-mosquito spray.
When visiting the temples, it’s essential to cover your shoulders so make sure to take tops or dresses with sleeves or a large shawl. The pavements can be quite uneven.
Therefore we’d also suggest flat walking sandals or a wedge espadrille for evening. Bear in mind that for some of the rooftop bars, shorts are not permitted.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
For another authentic Thai experience, stay at the luxurious Oriental Residence Bangkok. It’s a few minutes walk from Lumpini Park and the main shopping areas in the upmarket embassy area.
In Conclusion: Bangkok 2 Day Itinerary
We hope that you’ve enjoyed our 48 hours in Bangkok itinerary. You should now have lots of exciting ideas for things to do while in Bangkok.
Whether you end up following our guide exactly or customize it to your own needs, it’s sure to make your trip an unforgettable one. Don’t let the hustle and bustle worry you; with prior planning, your visit will surely be smooth sailing.
