2 Days in Bangkok, Thailand: The Definitive Travel Itinerary

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. If you only have 2 days in Bangkok, don’t worry – you can still see its major sights and experience some of its popular neighborhoods.

Of course, it is impossible to really get under Bangkok’s skin in just a couple of days, but it should be enough to get a taste of what this incredible city has to offer. This suggested itinerary for 2 days in Bangkok 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.

I hope this itinerary will help you make the most of your trip.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Please note, I only recommend products and services that I know and love. Read full Privacy Policy here.

Day 1 of 2 Days in Bangkok

Morning – Grand Palace

Begin your day at The Grand Palace which is one of Bangkok’s most impressive historic sights. Built in 1782, this complex is a former royal residence and a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists.

It incorporates government buildings, halls, royal residences and courtyards enclosed by protective walls. The complex also includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). It is one of the most prestigious Buddhist temples as it is home to a revered Buddha image entirely carved from a single block of jade.

We visited the Palace in December 2021, when Thailand had only just started opening to tourism post-pandemic, so visitor numbers were probably lower than usual. We were fortunate to find many corners of the complex to be quiet and peaceful, so we took our time to take in the beautiful architecture and intricate ornamentation.

I imagine pre-pandemic, the Palace would probably be extremely crowded. Despite that, it is definitely worth visiting this site as it is a truly stunning example of Thai architecture and craftsmanship. I would recommend getting there as early as possible to avoid the crowds and heat.

Entry to the palace is 500 baht (15 USD) per person. Since this complex is a sacred place, visitors are required to wear clothes that cover legs and shoulders. There is also an option to buy a sarong or trousers before entering and Palace staff will direct you there if they see you’re not properly dressed. This applies to both men and women.

Another thing to note is potential scams in the area. Just outside the Palace you may be approached by people who will say that it is closed for the day due to a religious holiday or construction. They will then try and get you on to a tuk-tuk to do an ‘alternative’ temple tour. Just politely ignore those people. Chances are, they don’t have your best interests at heart.

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

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 – Wat Pho

Next destination on the itinerary is Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), another significant landmark in Bangkok. Just a 10 minute walk south from the Grand Palace, this temple complex is the oldest in the Thai capital. Its highlight is the giant reclining Buddha figure finished in gold leaf.

Although the Buddha figure is certainly impressive, I would also recommend exploring the wider grounds of the complex. There 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. There’s even an option to have a massage right there in the temple compound. These need to be booked in advance on Wat Pho Massage website.

The Wat Pho grounds were quieter than the Grand Palace when we visited, which offered a nice respite from the busy city outside the temple walls. If you’d like to learn more about the history of the complex and its religious and cultural significance, there are English-speaking tour guides available. A tour costs 200 or 400 baht (6 or 12 USD), depending on the size of the group.

Since this is a place of religious significance, you will need to adhere to the same dress code as in the Grand Palace. Entry to Wat Pho is 200 baht (6 USD) which includes a complimentary bottle of water. It’s definitely handy in the Bangkok heat!

Wat Pho - Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Evening – Wat Arun

If you have the energy to visit another famous site, I suggest heading across the Chao Phraya river to the stunning Wat Arun, The Temple of Dawn. The Tha Tien Pier with frequent services across the river is just a 5 minute walk from Wat Pho. The crossing costs 4 baht (0.12 USD). Wat Arun is a short walk away 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 were laid to create elegant floral patterns. The latter is the reason for the temple’s beautiful iridescence at sunrise. You can climb the central spire part-way to enjoy the views over the temple grounds and Chao Phraya river. Please note that the steps are really steep, so take care when attempting the climb.

Entry ticket for tourists is 100 baht (3 USD). As it is a place of worship, you need to adhere to the usual temple dress code.

Dinner & Drinks

After a long day of exploring some of Bangkok’s most famous sites, it is definitely time for some well deserved relaxation. If you end up visiting Wat Arun, you can cross back to the eatern side of the Chao Phraya river for this part of the 2 Day in Bangkok itinerary.

This will give you the option to visit one of the rooftop bars along the river bank to enjoy the sunset over Wat Arut. The temple is also beautifully illuminated at nighttime. You can enjoy a cocktail at the Rooftop Bar at the Sala Rattanakosin hotel or Eagle Nest at the Sala Arun hotel. Both hotels also have restaurants with views over Wat Arun. You don’t need to be a hotel guest to visit these.

For an upscale dinner with a view, check out RONGROS that offers a taste of traditional Thai food in a stylish setting. It was featured in the Michelin guide and is definitely a step up from the many touristy dining options in the area. If your budget allows, it’s worth a stop.

Another possible activity for the evening is a dinner cruise along Chao Phraya river. I didn’t get a chance to do it on my last trip, but it’s something on my list of things to do for next time. There are a few operators to choose from, including Chao Phraya Princess and Chao Phraya Cruise. These normally include a buffet dinner, live music and similar routes. Some luxury hotels also operate similar tours. I would select one that works best for your budget.

Day 2 of 2 Days in Bangkok

Morning – Jim Thompson House

The first stop on the second day of this 2 days in Bangkok itinerary is the Jim Thompson House museum, a small oasis of calm in the heart of Bangkok. It’s an opportunity to take a step back in time and experience traditional Thai home design.

Jim Thompson was an American businessman, former architect and, reportedly, spy who helped revive the Thai silk industry. He founded the Thai Silk Company Limited that has firmly placed Thai silk on the fashion world map. He was also an avid collector of Southeast Asian arts and antiques, some of which are on display at the museum.

Jim Thompson’s name is also shrouded in mystery due to his sudden disappearance in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands in 1967. As no body was found, there has been much speculation about what happened on that day. It’s unlikely we will ever find out the truth.

Jim Thompson began construction of his house in 1958. He admired Thai architecture and design and wanted to make sure that his home was in local style. The house incorporates six traditional wooden Thai houses that were brought to Bangkok from other parts of the country. They were interconnected to allow for a modern lifestyle in an environment that celebrates tradition and craftsmanship.

Entry to the house is 200 baht (6 USD) per person, including a guided tour. The tour was relatively brief, but I enjoyed seeing the interiors and artwork while learning about Jim’s fascinating life.

After the tour you can wander the tranquil gardens, enjoy a refreshment in the café (it’s on the pricier side by Thai standards) or purchase a silk keepsake from the shop. Just around the corner from the museum, there is also a contemporary art centre that you can also check out 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

Evening & Dinner – Chinatown

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

Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the largest in the world and a must visit for foodies. There are numerous restaurants, street food stalls, traditional shops and bars to try out. The area also has temples, markets, street art and galleries to explore. So if shopping malls in the previous step of this 2 days in Bangkok itinerary don’t sound very appealing, skip it and head straight to Chinatown to see more of this fascinating area.

For me, the highlight of the visit was the food. At night-time, the neighbourhood’s central artery, Yaowarat road, comes alive with numerous street food stalls. It can get really busy with both locals and tourists descending on this foodie heaven, but it’s all part of the experience.

At the end of your 2 days in Bangkok, take your time to savour the unique street food on offer. Once you’re ready to escape the crowds, check out some of the bars in the area. For instance, you can finish your night at the Grand China Princess Hotel Rooftop Bar with a cocktail and views over the Chao Phraya river.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

If you only have 2 days in Bangkok, it’s crucial to stay at a convenient location, so you don’t waste too much time on getting around. It is a huge, spread out city. Make sure you do your research beforehand so you don’t end up on the outskirts.

On our visit, we based ourselves in the area called Sukhumvit, which is popular with both Thais and expats. Many international hotel chains have their outposts there and the area has plenty of restaurants, bars and shopping options to check out. Thanks to excellent public transport links, it was easy to reach all the places on this itinerary. I would definitely recommend staying around there on your visit.

We stayed at the Rembrandt Sukhumvit hotel which is just a short walk away from the ASOK BTS station and Terminal 21 shopping centre. We spent most of our time exploring Bangkok, so didn’t get a chance to use all the amenities, like the swimming pool. However, we did enjoy the hotel’s rooftop bar on one of the evenings.

For this itinerary, it would also make sense to stay in Bangkok’s old town (Rattanakosin), including Chinatown. There are options there for every budget, from cheap and cheerful to more luxurious. There is a cluster of accommodation which is located in and around Khao San Road. This bustling area is packed with cheap bars, street food and shops, and is especially popular with backpackers. If you’re after a quieter place to stay, I would look at places away from Khao San Road itself.

For more information on where to stay in the city, check out this guide to the best neighbourhoods in Bangkok.

Final Thoughts

This is it for my 2 days in Bangkok itinerary. As you can see, there’s lots to see and do there. I think the Thai capital should definitely be on every traveller’s list. My first visit to the city was short and sweet, but I would definitely like to return. Hope to see you there.

If you only have one day in Bangkok, don’t worry. This 24-hour itinerary will help you plan an unforgettable trip in the Thai capital.

If you are looking to combine a trip to Bangkok with a beach holiday, take a look at this guide to Phuket. Thailand’s biggest island offers stunning beaches, dreamy landscapes and a variety of things to do.

If you are planning a romantic trip to Phuket, this article on the best places to stay for couples will help you find the right destination for your getaway.

Enjoyed this 2 days in Bangkok itinerary? Bookmark or pin it for later.

2 Days in Bangkok, Thailand: The Definitive Travel Itinerary