Bangkok – the capital city of Thailand is also the country’s biggest and most populated metropolitan city. The city is built around the Chao Phraya river delta and the river feeds its extensive network of canals. Bangkok is known for ornate shrines and rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, vibrant street life and night life. Here is the perfect 2 day Bangkok itinerary, be it for couples or for families for a first-time visit.
Bangkok is a major hub for flights into Asia, so it is easy to plan a stopover in this city, whether you are flying to other parts of Thailand or other South East Asian countries. A common route is to spend a couple of days in Bangkok and then take a domestic flight to well-known islands in the Andaman Sea like Phuket, Phi Phi Islands, or Krabi. Or take a connecting flight to the popular islands in the Gulf of Thailand like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. If you want to plan an Asian holiday from Bangkok to some other country, here are the Best family holidays in Asia.
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How to get around Bangkok
Bangkok Airport to City Centre
There are two international airports in Bangkok: the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and the Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Most international flights land at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), also known as Bangkok airport. The easiest way from this airport to city centre with luggage is to book a taxi. You needn’t book in advance: there is an organised taxi counter on the first floor. My friend downloaded the Grab App (Asian version of Uber) and we booked a cab online.
If you are looking for public transport from the airport, The Airport Rail Link is your best bet for saving a few bucks. The journey from the airport to the city terminal in Phaya Thai takes less than 30 minutes.
Within the city
There are metered taxis available all over Bangkok. You can download Grab App or just hail one on the road. Other transportation options in Bangkok include the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, and tuk tuks. The Public Train in Bangkok is fast, clean, reliable, and you get to avoid the dreaded Bangkok traffic especially if you are travelling at peak hours.
Best Time to visit Bangkok
Bangkok is a year-round destination, pretty much like Singapore. But the best time to visit this vibrant city is from November to February. Bangkok weather during these months is cooler and less humid. Temperatures still will be close to 30°C (86°F) or higher and there will be plenty of sunshine. Do note that this is also high season, so expect high hotel prices and crowds across all tourist attractions and shopping malls. It’s also a season of some of the top Thai holidays, like Loy Krathong. And Chinese New Year which usually taking place in February towards the end of the peak season.
March to May is low tourist season because this is the hottest time of the year. Temperatures soar above 40°C (104°F) for prolonged stretches. June to August is the onset of the monsoon season. You’ll be able to find great deals on hotels and travel to nearby places. September and October are the rainiest months in Bangkok.
The Perfect Bangkok Itinerary for 2 days
Are you wondering if 2 days are enough in Bangkok? It is great to spend more days in this city, especially if you have day trips planned to nearby places like a floating market or Ayutthaya.
This Bangkok 2 day itinerary is quite packed. It gives you a flavour of the city for your first-time visit, so you can return for more.
Day 1 of Bangkok Travel Itinerary is all about cultural immersion
Day 1 morning and afternoon
Did I mention that Bangkok has a LOT of temples? You can see the main temples and the Grand Palace by yourself. But I wanted a guided tour to help navigate the public transport system and also get some knowledge about the culture, history, so I opted for this private guided tour.
My guide came to the hotel and we took the BRT Skytrain to reach Chao Praya River. The plan was to see Grand Palace but she changed it last minute seeing the cloudy weather. We crossed the river and went to Wat Arun first.
The Temple of Dawn
Wat in Thai means Temple. Wat Arun received its name from the Hindu god Aruna, which represents dawn or the rising sun. It is one of the must-visit landmarks in Bangkok where you can spot its famous giant tower or ‘prang’. At around 82 m (270 feet) in height, the central prang of the Wat Arun Temple is the highest in Bangkok.
The entrance fee is THB 200 and it has to be paid in cash. I was running low on cash and withdrew some cash from the ATM on the grounds of the temple. Bad decision to not have enough cash! The fee levied by the ATM machine was incredibly high, so it is best to exchange some cash at the airport itself.
I loved Wat Arun and its surroundings. It had started drizzling and I was thirsty. I had an iced coffee (too sweet for my taste) and then we had to cross the river back.
Wat Pho or the Reclining Buddha
It had started raining when we walked to the Grand Palace. Before reaching the palace grounds, we made a stop at another famous temple of Bangkok, Wat Pho. Wat Pho is famed for its giant gold-plated reclining Buddha. The Buddha statue is so big that it looks like the temple was built around it. There’s really no way it could have been squeezed through the door! The entrance fee of THB 200 again has to be paid in cash.
The temple complex houses the largest collection of Buddha figurines in Thailand. Within the Wat Pho complex, there is Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School, a great place to get your massage.
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Our next stop was within walking distance of Wat Pho. Grand Palace has been the official and ceremonial residence of the country’s kings since it was originally built in 1782. This major architectural symbol of the Thai royal family is also the city’s premier tourist attraction. The entry ticket here can be paid in cash or via credit card.
The Grand Palace is divided into two main zones, which are the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) and the royal residence. We first visited Wat Phra Kaew or the Emerald Buddha. One interesting part here were groups of school children who were singing in unison outside the temple.
We came outside the Grand Palace and there were shops across the road selling snacks. I had some coconut water and a quick snack. Since this was a private tour, my guide asked if I wanted a Thai lunch at a nice restaurant. Somehow, the muggy weather took away my appetite and the light snack was enough.
Cultural show: Khon performance
Few people pay attention that the Grand Palace ticket of THB 500 also includes a cultural show ticket which is not-to-be-missed. We took a shuttle bus that offers a free ride from outside the Palace to Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre.
Khon, Thailand’s high art form of classical dance was conceived by combining at least three ancient types of performance. There are three 25-minute performances daily, from Monday to Friday, at 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM. We got to see the 230 afternoon show. A respite from the muggy afternoon and all the walking around. And a great performance!
Little India and Chinatown
We walked through narrow lanes and market areas of Little India and Chinatown before closing the tour. It is more lively during the evening. And Chinatown has plenty of street food available for the adventurous.
In the 1800s, there was an influx of immigration to Thailand from Southern China, who originally settled near the Chao Praya river. That created Bangkok’s Chinatown, one of the largest in the world. This bustling and vibrant district offers a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and flavours.
A visit to these 2 neighbourhoods in the Old Quarter got us to the end of the tour. We took a subway back from Chinatown, then switched to skytrain to reach at Phaya Thai station. I had opted for a private tour but there are other small-group tours that you can consider –
Tips for cultural sightseeinng
For a visit to any temple in Bangkok, do follow the dress norms. Women must wear skirts or pants extending at least to the knee, and also should not wear a top that reveals bare shoulders. The most important part is to cover your shoulder and legs, so no sleeveless tops (short sleeved is fine) and shorts. Men must wear long pants and short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts (no tank tops or sleeveless shirts).
You should talk in a low volume voice, no fighting, and for couples – no PDA, please!
Day 1 evening
I was back in the hotel by 4 pm with plenty of time to rest, change and go for a nice dinner. Needless to mention, Bangkok has incredible restaurants for Thai cuisine at every price point. Blue Elephant is quite popular with tourists.
If you rather have a cruise experience, join a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River and soak up views of Bangkok’s notable landmarks. Watch a classical Thai dance performance, followed by a buffet dinner served with a variety of Thai and Western cuisines.
Day 1 optional for night
Instead of the dinner cruise, a more interesting and off-beat experience is to take a Food Tuk Tuk Tour. Tuk Tuks are local 3-wheel rides. Being Indian, not as exotic for me, yet a fun and great way to see the city. You can also explore Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown by Tuk Tuk to savor food from street stalls recommended in the Michelin Guide.
Apart from food tours, there are options for sightseeing via Tuk Tuk Tours. See this Bangkok by night Tuk Tuk Tour around the Grand Palace. You get to see the flower market, the temples by night and also visit a famous night market.
Day 2 is all about spa, cooking, shopping and fun
Day 2 morning and afternoon
For two days in Bangkok, if your first day has been all about cultural sightseeing, it is time to vary the itinerary. There are options for the morning of Day 2 of Bangkok travel itinerary. A popular activity to make the most of your time in Bangkok is to take a Thai cooking class.
You can consider this House of Taste Thai Cooking School in Silom. You get to discover the nearby market with a guided tour available. And learn about various exotic Thai ingredients, as well as the preparation of coconut milk and curry paste from scratch. There is another class available at Tingly Thai Cooking School.
If cooking is not what excites you, how about a Thai spa to relax you? Plenty of options available in Bangkok. Dream House is a cosy spa located in the heart of Bangkok with the best spa experiences. Or check out Yunomori Onsen, a Japanese-inspired bathhouse in Bangkok, with an all-day pass. You even have the option of a traditional Thai massage by a Wat Pho massage practitioner from the comfort of your hotel room in Bangkok!
Shopping, anyone?
I went to Siam Paragon, a shopper’s paradise. The mall is massive and has a wide range of stores, from luxury brands to more affordable options. It is one of the largest malls in Thailand, along with Iconsiam, CentralWorld and Central WestGate.
I met up with friends and first had lunch at the ground floor. The food options are impressive, offering a selection of cuisines that cater to all tastes. We opted for padthai at Thipsamai in the sprawling food court.
Day 2 evening
You can’t go to Bangkok and not have an evening with views to dazzle you! Our Day 2 evening was for Mahanakhon SkyWalk. This is Thailand’s highest observation deck at 314 meters. We enjoyed an outdoor observatory. The glass skywalk was epic! Even with no fear of heights, my heart was in mouth taking the first few steps on the glass platform jutting out. The rooftop bar is average. You can book tickets online, just before sunset would be the best time to visit.
Another incredible spot for great views, especially if you like cocktails, is the rooftop bars at the Lebua Hotel. Choose from Lebua No.3, Alfresco 64 Whiskey Bar, or the Distil Bar. You can pre-book a table at one of the rooftop bars in Lebua Hotel including round-trip transfers from your accommodation in Bangkok.
Day 2 optional for night
Ready for more fun on your second night of the 2-day Bangkok itinerary? How about a Muay Thai fight at Bangkok’s famous Rajadamnern Stadium? Book your tickets and step into the iconic arena, the birthplace of Muay Thai for a night of boxing action in Bangkok. Established in 1945, the historic Rajadamnern Stadium oozes a rich history and legacy of combat sports.
For those who want to experience the best of Bangkok’s nightlife can opt for a meticulously planned pub crawl. Hop on and off at top venues; dance and drink in a lively and safe atmosphere.
Day 3 additional: Bangkok in 3 days Itinerary
If you are spending 3 days in Bangkok, it gives you a chance for an excellent day trip.
Day Trip to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is the historic city in Thailand, renowned for its ancient temples and ruins. This former capital of the Kingdom of Siam reflects its rich cultural heritage. There are some majestic temples to be visited in Ayutthaya.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet is one of the most important and largest temple complexes in Ayutthaya. It was originally built in the 15th century and served as the royal temple, housing the ashes of three Siamese kings. Located near Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit is a temple housing a large bronze Buddha statue. This statue is notable for its size and serene expression, and it complements the historical ambiance of the area. Wat Mahathat is famous for its Buddha head entwined in tree roots. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is known for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
You can take this day trip by yourself, or consider one of these tours:
Trip to the Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak is the most popular of the Bangkok floating markets. It can be found in Ratchaburi province, 100 km (62 miles) from Bangkok, making it a half day trip. The best way to experience the Damneon Saduak floating market is on a boat so you’ll see all the different stalls and get immersed in the local culture. You see colorful displays of tropical fruits and handicrafts, and can pick up a unique souvenir. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is open Monday through Friday, from morning until afternoon.
You can add a visit to Maeklong Railway Market, if you are going outside Bangkok to this floating market. Here, you’ll witness an extraordinary spectacle as vendors swiftly retract their stalls to make way for the passing train, only to set them up again seamlessly once it’s gone.
Consider these half-day tour options:
Where to stay in Bangkok
Many tourists, especially for a first-time visit to Bangkok, choose to stay in Sukhumvit. It is a developed and trendy area of central Bangkok, packed with hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs, shops, and malls. Then you have Bangkok Riverside, an expensive area with great views, away from the hustle bustle that Bangkok is known for. Siam and Silom are other areas to consider for staying in Bangkok. We stayed at Sukosol Hotel in the middle of Bangkok’s famed royal district, Ratchathewi.
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Have you visited Bangkok? What has been your favourite spot or experience there?
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This looks like it would be an amazing trip to take, I’ll definitely add it to my list if I’m ever flying near there
Bangkok can be so overwhelming, this guide is super helpful with some great ideas. Thank you!
Ha..Ha..Asia can be overwhelming.
We visited Bangkok a few years ago and fell in love with the city! So much to see and do!
It was a great experience for me as well.
The glass skywalk looks amazing! What a fabulous destination!
I’ve only been to Thailand once but it was in the north. I really need to go back and check out Bangkok! I’ll save this guide and use it for when the time comes! Thanks for sharing!