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2 Days in Bangkok, Thailand: The Definitive Travel Itinerary

Only have 2 days in Bangkok? This itinerary will help you maximise your time in the Thai capital to see its highlights.

Bangkok is a bustling, crazy metropolis where modern skyscrapers tower over old wooden shacks, consumerism co-exist with Buddhist piety and food is a religion in its own right. It’s true what they say, Bangkok is noisy and crowded, but also vibrant and exciting.

Of course, it is impossible to really get under Bangkok’s skin in just a couple of days. I’ve visited Bangkok several times and would love to come back again and again. I continue to discover news sides of this city.

Nevertheless, 2 days in Bangkok should be enough to get a taste of what this incredible city has to offer. This suggested itinerary will cover major historic landmarks on the first day. The second day will show a couple of different sides to Bangkok, from mega malls to Chinatown.  

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Day 1 of 2 Days in Bangkok

Your first day in Bangkok is dedicated to exploring its most iconic historic landmarks. Conveniently, they are concentrated in a compact area, making it possible to visit them all in one day. 

Morning – Grand Palace

The Grand Palace in Bangkok - 2 Days in Bangkok Travel Itinerary

Begin your day at The Grand Palace, one of Bangkok’s most impressive historic sights. It opens daily at 8:30 am, which is an ideal time to start your visit to avoid the heat and large crowds.

Built in 1782, this complex served as a royal residence and is a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. It encompasses government buildings, halls, royal residences, and courtyards, all enclosed by protective walls.

The complex also houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), one of the most prestigious Buddhist temples. It is home to a revered Buddha image carved from a single block of jade.

We visited the Palace in December 2021 when Thailand had just begun reopening to tourism post-pandemic, so visitor numbers were lower than usual. We found many parts of the complex quiet and peaceful, allowing us to fully appreciate the beautiful architecture and intricate ornamentation.

Today, the Palace can become extremely crowded, but it remains a must-visit for its stunning example of Thai architecture and craftsmanship.

Entry to the palace costs 500 baht ($15 US) per person. As the complex is a sacred site, visitors must wear clothing that covers legs and shoulders.

There is an option to buy a sarong or trousers before entering, and Palace staff will direct you to this service if your clothing is not suitable. This dress code applies to both men and women.

Be aware of potential scams outside the Palace. You may encounter individuals who claim the Palace is closed for the day due to a religious holiday or construction, and then suggest an ‘alternative’ temple tour via tuk-tuk. It’s best to politely ignore these offers.

Lunch – Maha Rat Road 

After a morning of exploring the grounds of the Grand Palace, it’s time to re-fuel. Head to the Maha Rat Road for a great selection of eateries for every budget. From street food stalls to high end establishments, there is something for everyone.

On our visit, we ended up going into a regular eatery with just a couple of specialty dishes. These places normally have photos of the available options. These types of places don’t have air conditioning, but there might be a fan to help customers to deal with the heat.

After lunch, if you head north along Maha Rat road you will hit the Amulet Market. There you’ll find stalls upon stalls of amulets offering divine protection. Even if you’re not interested in buying, it’s still worth visiting the market for people watching.

Afternoon – Iconic Temples

Wat Pho

Wat Pho - Temple of the Reclining Buddha

The next destination on the itinerary is Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), another significant landmark in Bangkok.

Located just a 10-minute walk south from the Grand Palace, this is the oldest temple complex in the Thai capital. Its highlight is the giant reclining Buddha figure, adorned in gold leaf.

While the Buddha figure is certainly impressive, I recommend exploring the wider grounds of the complex. Here, you’ll find chapels, statues, elaborate murals, and over 1,000 Buddha images.

Wat Pho is also a centre of traditional Thai massage and medicine, offering visitors the option to receive a massage within the temple compound.

As this is a place of religious significance, the same dress code as at the Grand Palace applies. Entry to Wat Pho costs 300 baht ($9 USD) per person. 

Wat Arun

Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn in Bangkok

If you have the energy to visit another famous sight, I suggest heading across the Chao Phraya River to the stunning Wat Arun, The Temple of Dawn.

The Tha Tien Pier, offering frequent services across the river, is just a 5-minute walk from Wat Pho. The crossing costs 4 baht (approximately $0.12 USD). Wat Arun is a short walk from the pier on the other side of the river.

The temple boasts a unique design with its iconic spires, numerous sculptures, and Chinese porcelain mosaics that create elegant floral patterns. These are the reason for the temple’s beautiful iridescence at sunrise.

You can climb part-way up the central spire to enjoy views over the temple grounds and Chao Phraya River. Please note that the steps are quite steep, so take care when attempting the climb.

Entry for tourists is 200 baht ($6 USD). As it is a place of worship, you must adhere to the usual temple dress code.

Evening & Dinner

After a long day of exploring some of Bangkok’s most famous sites, it’s time for some well-deserved relaxation. If you are visiting Wat Arun, you can cross back to the eastern side of the Chao Phraya River to continue with this part of the itinerary.

This gives you the option to visit one of the rooftop bars along the riverbank to enjoy the sunset over Wat Arun, which is also beautifully illuminated at night.

Consider enjoying a cocktail at the Rooftop Bar at the Sala Rattanakosin hotel or Eagle Nest at the Sala Arun hotel. Both locations offer restaurants with views over Wat Arun, and you don’t need to be a hotel guest to visit.

For an upscale dinner with a view, check out RONGROS, which offers traditional Thai food in a stylish setting. Featured in the Michelin guide, it’s a step up from the many touristy dining options in the area and is worth a visit.

Another enjoyable evening activity is a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Operators such as Chao Phraya Princess and Chao Phraya Cruise offer experiences that typically include a buffet dinner and live music, following similar routes.

Luxury hotels like Anantara Bangkok Riverside also operate similar tours. Choose one that fits your budget best.

Day 2 of 2 Days in Bangkok

On the second day of this 2-day Bangkok itinerary, you’ll explore the city’s modern side by visiting its megamalls, learning about traditional Thai houses, and savouring its famous street food. 

Morning – Jim Thompson House

The Jim Thompson House Museum

The first stop on the itinerary is the Jim Thompson House Museum, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Bangkok. This visit offers a glimpse into traditional Thai home design and a step back in time.

Jim Thompson was an American businessman, former architect, and reportedly a spy who played a crucial role in reviving the Thai silk industry. He founded the Thai Silk Company Limited, which brought Thai silk to the global fashion stage. Thompson was also an avid collector of Southeast Asian arts and antiques, many of which are displayed at the museum.

His name is shrouded in mystery due to his sudden disappearance in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands in 1967. With no body ever found, speculation about his fate continues to this day.

Thompson began building his house in 1958, combining his admiration for Thai architecture and design with modern lifestyle needs. The house is composed of six traditional wooden Thai houses, brought to Bangkok from various parts of the country and interconnected to form a cohesive home that celebrates tradition and craftsmanship.

Entry to the house costs 200 baht ($6 USD) per person, including a guided tour. Although brief, the tour provides an insightful look at the interiors and artwork while exploring Thompson’s intriguing life.

After the tour, you can wander through the tranquil gardens, enjoy a refreshment in the café (note: it’s relatively expensive by Thai standards), or purchase a silk keepsake from the shop. Nearby, there is also a contemporary art centre worth visiting as part of your visit.

Lunch

After a visit to the Jim Thompson House, take the time to recharge. Just a short walk away from the house you will find a collection of Bangkok’s famous shopping malls. I would recommend heading there for lunch.

I know, shopping malls don’t sound that exciting, but they are actually an important part of the locals’ daily life. First and foremost, they have air conditioning which is a life saver. Secondly, the food courts there do serve excellent food. You will find plenty of locals enjoying their meals there too.

Head to the food court at the MBK Centre for budget-friendly Thai and international favourites. The food court does look a bit tired, but don’t let this stop you. There are plenty of excellent food stalls to discover there.

Another great food court is located at the more upmarket Siam Paragon mall. It is home to numerous stalls serving all types of Thai and international dishes. Choosing what to eat might not be that easy there.

On our visit, we ended up going to a sushi place called Shinkazen at the MBK centre. For just 18 USD we could enjoy an all you can eat buffet featuring good quality seafood. It wasn’t exactly a high-end experience but offered excellent value.

Afternoon – Shopping Galore

Now that you’ve loaded up on delicious food, let’s burn the extra calories by taking a closer look at Bangkok’s malls. First up, the MBK Centre. This shopping stalwart has around 2,000 shops spread over 8 floors.

You can find pretty much everything there, from clothes and jewellery to mobile phones and home accessories. This mall has a market feel and represents the affordable end of the scale. It’s not as glamorous as other nearby malls, but I’m sure you can find a bargain there.

The other popular mall in the area is Siam Discovery. It is connected to the MBK Centre via a skybridge. Siam Discovery has a modern feel and sleek interiors.

It is home to thousands of lifestyle brands, from international household names to local makers. There is also an upscale food court on the 6th floor. The stalls there are outposts of established Bangkok restaurants.

From Siam Discovery you can easily walk on to the adjacent Siam Centre. This mall has a dark and edgy fit out and often hosts quirky art installations. It is popular with a younger demographic and contains some mid-range international names.

Alongside those you can find some unique Thai designer shops that you won’t see anywhere else. Siam Centre also has its own food court with an international offering.

Right next door to Siam Discovery is Siam Paragon, one of the largest malls in Thailand. It is the most high-end option of the four described in this Bangkok itinerary.

Siam Paragon is home to international luxury stores selling clothing, beauty products, jewellery and even cars. If you’re not after those, there is also a cinema, bowling alley and a foreign-language bookshop. As I’ve mentioned before, Siam Paragon is worth visiting for its excellent food court alone.

Evening & Dinner – Chinatown

Bangkok's Chinatown at night and Explore with Wonder's Ksenia enjoying satay skewers

By now, you’re probably over shopping, so let’s explore a very different side of Bangkok. No visit to the city would be complete without experiencing one of its most iconic neighbourhoods, Chinatown.

Bangkok’s Chinatown, one of the largest in the world, is a must-visit for foodies. It offers a plethora of restaurants, street food stalls, traditional shops, and bars. Additionally, the area features temples, markets, street art, and galleries.

If shopping malls earlier in this itinerary don’t appeal to you, consider skipping them and heading straight to Chinatown to immerse yourself in this vibrant area.

For me, the highlight of Chinatown was the food. At night, the neighbourhood’s central artery, Yaowarat Road, becomes a bustling hub with countless street food stalls.

It can become quite crowded with both locals and tourists flocking to this culinary paradise, but that’s part of the charm.

On your last night in Bangkok, take your time to savour the unique street food on offer. Once you’re ready to escape the crowds, explore some of the local bars.

For instance, you could end your night at the Grand China Princess Hotel Rooftop Bar, enjoying a cocktail with views over the Chao Phraya River.

Cost of 2 Days in Bangkok

If you plan to enjoy some of the higher-end eateries and bars featured in this 2-day Bangkok itinerary, I recommend budgeting about 4,500 Baht (US $130) per person.

You can certainly spend less if you opt for street food and public transport. If you’d like to enjoy an alcoholic drink, it’s best to stick to local beer.

While Thailand is affordable for Western tourists, imported alcohol and foods can be expensive due to additional taxes. For the best value, stick to local produce.

Accommodation is another cost to consider. Prices vary widely in Bangkok, offering everything from cheap hostels to ultra-luxury hotels, depending on your preferences and budget.

When is the Best Time to Go to Bangkok

Since Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis offering many activities, it is an all-year-round destination. However, some parts of the year offer better conditions for exploring than others.

The city has a tropical climate and is hot and humid all year round. Thailand doesn’t have winter and Bangkok is no exception.

November to March is considered the ‘cool’ season, which offers the most comfortable temperatures for spending time outdoors.

The average temperature during this time is about 28°C, which also sees limited rainfall and humidity. This period is also more expensive and busier, especially during the Christmas season.

From April to October, temperatures, rainfall, and humidity levels increase. Frequent showers become more common.

If you can handle the more intense heat and humidity, you will be able to enjoy fewer crowds and lower accommodation costs. However, some travellers find it more challenging to do much sightseeing outside of air-conditioned spaces then.

How to Get to Bangkok

Most international visitors travel to Bangkok by air and arrive at one of the city’s two airports.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is Bangkok’s main hub that handles both international and domestic flights.

To get to the city, you can either take a bus or train, both of which are quite affordable.

There is a private S1 Shuttle bus that connects the airport with the city. A ticket costs 60 baht ($1.75 US), and you will need to pay directly to the driver in cash.

The bus departs every 30 minutes between 6 am and 8 pm from the arrivals area at Gate 7 of the terminal. The shuttle is modern and comfortable, but the journey can be lengthy.

Alternatively, you can take the train, a fast and affordable way to reach central Bangkok. The train service operates daily from 5:30 am to midnight, and the journey takes about 30 minutes. Ticket prices range from 15 to 45 baht, depending on the distance traveled

Don Mueang International Airport serves flights from other parts of Thailand and the wider Southeast Asia region. Public buses and a train link connect Don Mueang Airport with Bangkok

If you prefer to simplify the logistics, consider taking a taxi or pre-booking a private transfer. For those with just 2 days in Bangkok, this option will allow you spend more time exploring rather than figuring out the logistics. You can book the latter through services like Get Your Guide.

How to Get Around in Bangkok

Bangkok has an extensive public transport system that includes trains, buses, and boats. While not perfect, it generally meets the needs of most tourists. Here’s a breakdown of the options.

BTS Skytrain

The elevated train network covers Bangkok’s central business district with two lines, Sukhumvit and Silom, and provides access to places like Jim Thompson House and various malls.

The carriages are clean, air-conditioned, and less crowded outside of rush hours. While not the cheapest option for locals, it is affordable for international visitors.

Underground Train (MRT)

The MRT serves parts of Bangkok’s old town and business district with two lines: the Blue Line and the Purple Line. It connects to the BTS at Asok Station and is comfortable, air-conditioned, and easy to navigate.

It provides access to the Grand Palace and Chinatown included in this 2 days in Bangkok itinerary.

Bus

Public buses are the most affordable way to get around the city. Fares start from just 8 baht and there are dozens of routes to choose from, making this system harder to navigate.

Buses are popular with locals as they cover more ground and are cheaper than BTS and MRT. However, they can be a bit more challenging for tourists as there may be no English signage and the buses are often not air-conditioned. The driving style might also be a bit of a shock.

For this 2-day Bangkok itinerary though, I don’t think you need to use them. Unless you want to go for a ‘local’ experience.

Boat

This is personally my favourite way to get around Bangkok as it allows you to enjoy beautiful riverside views and a pleasant breeze.

If you are based near the Chao Phraya River, you can hop on either the Chao Phraya Express or the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat.

These are great for getting to the destinations in Bangkok’s Old Town including the Grand Palace and Chinatown.

Tuk Tuk

Tuk-tuk, a motorised rickshaw that has become a symbol of the city, works well for short distances. They often hang out in tourist spots, and you can easily hail one from the street.

However, be prepared to haggle over the fare before your trip as drivers inflate fares for tourists. You will still end up paying more than a local would, but the final price is still going to low.

Taxi and Grab

Bangkok taxis are ubiquitous and offer a comfortable way to get around the city, although you may get stuck in traffic. Taxi drivers also inflate prices for tourists.

Ideally, for the best price you need to make sure that the meter is on. However, in practice that doesn’t happen. The driver will offer a fixed price, and you can haggle to get it down, which normally does work to a degree.

You need cash to pay for the journey. Make sure to check if you’ve been given the right amount of change before you leave the car.

If you prefer ride-hailing apps, then go for Grab, an alternative to Uber in Thailand. These are popular and remove some of hassle of dealing with taxi drivers.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

If you only have 2 days in Bangkok, it’s crucial to stay in a convenient location to avoid wasting time on transportation. The Thai capital is a vast, spread-out city. Make sure to do your research beforehand to avoid staying too far from the centre.

On our first visit to the city, we stayed in Sukhumvit, an area popular with both Thais and expatriates. Many international hotel chains are located there, and the area offers numerous restaurants, bars, and shopping options.

Thanks to excellent public transport links, accessing all the places featured in this itinerary from Sukhumvit is easy. I would definitely recommend this area for your stay.

We stayed at the Rembrandt Sukhumvit hotel, conveniently located just a short walk from the ASOK BTS station and Terminal 21 shopping center. Although we spent most of our time exploring Bangkok and didn’t use many hotel amenities like the swimming pool, we enjoyed the hotel’s rooftop bar one evening.

For this itinerary, staying in Bangkok’s old town (Rattanakosin), including Chinatown, would also make sense. This area offers accommodation options for every budget, from budget-friendly to luxurious.

This guide to the best areas to stay in Bangkok offers more great options for travellers.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve found this 2-day itinerary for Bangkok helpful. While it covers a lot of ground, it merely scratches the surface of what the city has to offer.

I wouldn’t be surprised if, after your first visit, you find yourself eager to return. If you only have one day in the city, check out this guide on how to spend 24 hours in Bangkok.

Heading to the beach to escape the city? Take a look at my guide to Phuket, one of Thailand’s most popular destinations. The island caters to everyone with a wide variety of activities and accommodation options for couples, families, and solo travellers alike.

FAQs: 2 Days in Bangkok

Is 2 days in Bangkok enough?

Two days in Bangkok are enough to see some of the highlights of the city. However, you will need to prioritise what you want to see. Once you account for the travel time between destinations within the city, you might not have as much time as you think. 

How many days is ideal for Bangkok?

I think four to five days are enough to see most sites and visit different areas of interest without having to rush from one place to another. This duration would also allow for a day trip to the floating markets or the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Honestly, you could spend even more time there to explore the city beyond the main tourist trails. 

Is Bangkok cheap? 

Bangkok can be quite cheap if you stay in affordable accommodation like hostels and budget hotels, take public transport and mostly eat street food. The city can also be as expensive as you want with luxury hotels, spas and fine dining. It all depends on what experience you are after. 

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