Planning your 2-day Bangkok itinerary and don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. After traveling several times to the bustling Thai capital, I’ve handpicked some of the best things to do in Bangkok for 2 days including all the tips and tricks you need to know before you go.
This energetic Asian city is filled with chaotic streets, towering skyscrapers, and delicious food but if that isn’t enough, it’s also full of fascinating culture, beautiful temples, and exhilarating energy.
With a 2 day trip to Bangkok, immerse yourselves in the vibrant tapestry of the Thai capital, a city with never-ending layers to discover.
You could easily stay longer and find something new, and it’s a great leaping-off point to discover other beautiful places in Thailand.
Bangkok is a fascinating contrast of the old and new, with ancient palaces and temples neighboring huge shopping malls. This city runs on chaotic energy but this itinerary will help you get the most out of your short trip.
Whether your interests lie in shopping at the floating markets, visiting the impressive temples, or indulging in the delicious (and sometimes intriguing) offerings of street vendors, this 2 days Bangkok itinerary has one purpose – to absorb the essence of Bangkok.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Author Bio: Lisa Boston is part of a full-time traveling family. You can find tips for family travel, destination inspiration, and worldschooling at Family Travel and Worldschooling – Boston Tribe Travels.
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Responsible Tourism in Bangkok
Make sure you visit Bangkok with a responsible tourist mindset. This involves making mindful choices that prioritize the well-being of both the local community, animals, and the environment.
From supporting businesses that engage in fair trade practices and employing local guides to minimizing waste and respecting cultural norms, responsible travelers actively contribute to the sustainable development of this vibrant city.
Choose eco-friendly accommodations, participate in community-based initiatives, and opt for ethical animal experiences.
This last point is such an important issue to address when it comes to sustainable tourism in Thailand in general as unethical animal tourism has been a problem for decades with elephant rides and tiger temples being top tourist draws.
So with this in mind, make your 2 days itinerary for Bangkok ethical!
How to get to Bangkok
By Flight
There are two international airports in Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport. You can take the Airport Rail Link from either of these airports. From there, you can then jump on the local MRT trains to whichever station is near your accommodation.
Suvarnabhumi, the main international gateway, has a more modern design and has extensive facilities. Located about 25km east of central Bangkok, it handles most of the international flights.
Don Mueang, on the other hand, primarily caters to domestic flights and low-cost carriers and is 24km north of central Bangkok.
Being a bustling city, traffic can be a nightmare. If you are landing in Bangkok between 6 AM to midnight, you might want to consider taking the Airport Rail Link to the city to avoid the traffic. It’s fast, clean and inexpensive. The train only cost 45 Baht per ride.
However, if you aren’t keen on the train, then I highly recommend pre-booking your airport transfer online for the ultimate convenience!
Just make sure you know which airport you are landing in, Suvarnabhumi Airport (SVB) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK), so you can book the correct transfer.
You can use apps like Uber, Grab, and GoJek (Thai alternatives to Uber) too.
How to get around Bangkok in 2 days
Tuk Tuk – Exploring Bangkok in two days via tuk-tuks adds a bit of adventure to your journey. These three-wheeled vehicles are an iconic way to navigate the city’s bustling streets. It’s common to negotiate a price before you get in as they usually ask for way more than the running rates.
Metered Taxi – Metered taxis are available all over Bangkok, but just make sure they are indeed metered to avoid being ripped off just because you are a tourist. Confirm with the driver that they will be using the meter before you get in the taxi.
Grab (Ridesharing) – Grab (same concept as Uber) is an easy-to-use service in Bangkok, generally reliable but can be difficult to book at peak times. If you are feeling brave you can also book a motorbike taxi which is guaranteed to get you to your destination quicker – which I recommend on a 2-day itinerary, Bangkok easily turns into a traffic jam for cars while motorbikes get through.
Public Train (MRT) – The Bangkok train system is easy to navigate and a great way to get around the city. You can buy tickets at machines in the station and all the instructions and signs for stations are in English. It’s affordable and the city is well connected.
Private Car Hire – Having your own driver to navigate the city is definitely an option, but…the traffic. If you are on limited time, a driver can get you where you want to go, but the likelihood is the traffic will slow you down which is not something you have time for during this 2-day itinerary in Bangkok if you want to see everything.
The best time to visit Bangkok for 2 days
Bangkok is a great city to visit all year round, but that being said there are some times which might be best avoided.
Monsoon season in Bangkok typically occurs from June to October. During this period, the city experiences heavy rainfall and increased humidity.
This usually means a mix of short, intense showers but sometimes longer periods of rain, which can lead to flooding in certain areas. If you visit around this time. Be prepared to change plans to fit around the weather.
The best time to visit Bangkok is December through February since temperatures are more bearable at that time and the rain will likely have stopped.
Where to stay in Bangkok for two days
When looking for the best places to stay in Bangkok (2 days or longer) it’s all about location. For such a big city with so many places to visit, choosing a good central location with convenient transport links will make your trip much easier.
Sukhumvit Area
Popular with lots of tourists, the MRT stops by the area and it’s easy to get around from here. Consider places to stay around these areas on the Green Line; Nana, Asok, Phloen Chit, and Chit Lom.
There are lots of hotels, shopping, and restaurants around this area. Here are my top picks for every budget.
Luxury: Oriental Residence Bangkok – this 5-star hotel has a fantastic outdoor pool that is half-covered which is awesome in case of rain. they also have a restaurant, bar, and a gym on-site.
Mid-Range: Eleven Hotel Bangkok – a fantastic option with a rooftop pool and bar, gym, and a nice restaurant on-site.
Budget: Royal Express Inn – a great budget option within walking distance from public transport and several malls as well as restaurants and bars. Reception is open 24/7 and they have laundry service and locker service.
Old Town
This area is home to some of the city’s most iconic attractions, including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.
Staying in the Old Town provides a historical and cultural immersion, with easy access to these landmarks. Here are my top picks for where to stay in the Old Town.
Luxury: The Siam – a luxurious 5-star hotel with a spa and wellness center, outdoor pool and bar, and a fantastic restaurant.
Mid-Range: Villa de Pranakorn – a charming 4-star hotel with a nice pool area and clean, bright rooms. There’s a gym, restaurant, and bar on-site.
Budget: Dang Derm Khaosan – a lovely budget option with unique rooms, an outdoor pool, restaurant, and bar.
Silom
This is a bustling business and entertainment district, while the Riverside offers a more relaxed atmosphere with scenic views.
It’s right in the heart of Bangkok so you have easy access to all the main attractions you’ll explore during your two days in Bangkok itinerary. Here are my top hotel picks for the Silom neighborhood.
Luxury: Tower Club at lebua – a fabulous 5-star hotel with several restaurants, including a Michelin restaurant, poolside bars, and a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the city.
Mid-Range: Yellow Ribbon Hills – a nice boutique hotel with a restaurant, bar, and gym, close to Lumphini Park.
Budget: The Cotton Saladaeng Hotel – a great affordable option with an outdoor pool, a gym, and lovely staff.
Day 1 – Two days in Bangkok Itinerary
Visit the markets
Bangkok has a huge range of markets all offering a taste of local life and visiting at least one is a must on a 2 days in Bangkok itinerary.
From the large Chatuchak Weekend Market to the bustling Pratunam Market, each has its own vibe. The Damnoen Saduak is a bit further away, but also the biggest and most famous, and best visited on this tour.
Tor Kor Market is a great place to sample local food or check out the unique Maeklong Railway Market where stalls rush to pack away with the oncoming trains.
Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or trying local eats, Thailand’s capital city’s markets have something for everyone. I highly recommend taking this half-day tour of the Damnoen Saduak and Railway Market.
Visit the ‘Green Lung’ of Bangkok
Bang Krachao feels like a secret oasis within Bangkok. The area offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle.
With a network of elevated walkways, surrounded by lush vegetation and quaint villages it’s the perfect place to rent a bike.
Take a Bangkok boat cruise
Sunset cruises along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok offer a unique view of the city. As the sun dips below the city’s skyline, these cruises provide an amazing view of iconic landmarks without the crowds.
Most cruises include attractions like Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and Rama VIII Bridge. With a choice between a traditional Thai boat or modern vessels, you can opt for a scenic tour or a leisurely dinner.
I highly recommend this evening dinner cruise as the river transforms at night and the temples light up making it a unique experience for your Bangkok 2-day itinerary.
Chinatown
For a great vibe, head to Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown. During the 1800s, immigrants from Southern China settled near the Chao Phraya River, later relocating due to the construction of the Grand Palace.
Today, Chinatown stands as one of Bangkok’s liveliest districts. Explore shopping opportunities along Sampang Lane, indulge in street food delights, or unwind with a Chang beer at the rooftop bar.
Chinatown’s rich history and vibrant present make it a must-visit destination for shopping, dining, and enjoying the city’s lively atmosphere. Exactly this vibe is one of the top reasons to visit Bangkok!
2 days in Bangkok- Day 2
If you want the convenience of a private tour, take this full-day private tour of Bangkok which covers nearly the same itinerary as this second day of your two days in Bangkok. The guide will give you invaluable information about the different sites and their history.
Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
On the second day of your 48 hours in Bangkok Thailand itinerary, you’ll start the day by visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha.)
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha conveniently share a complex.
The Grand Palace is one of Bangkok’s most sacred grounds. To avoid the crowds, it’s recommended to arrive early at 8:30 am when they open. Starting early also helps to beat the heat.
It’s important to dress modestly as a sign of respect for the cultural traditions of these sacred sites. Sarongs are usually available for hire if needed.
Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha)
Next, one of the most famous sites of Bangkok, the giant golden reclining Buddha. After visiting the Grand Palace complex, the next temple to visit is Wat Pho.
A short walk from the Grand Palace, this is a must-see when visiting Bangkok in 2 days with the impressive Gold Reclining Buddha statue, standing at a remarkable 50 feet tall and 150 feet long!
Wat Arun
Take a short boat ride across the river to the next temple, Wat Pho. This is by far my favorite temple in Bangkok and though it’s steep (and even a bit scary if you suffer from vertigo) to climb, it offers unrivaled views of the city.
The boat will only cost you 15 Baht. It runs frequently from 6 AM to 8 PM and is a 15-minute trip.
Take a Tuk-tuk food tour
Take this Tuk-tuk tour by night to see the best of the city by night. Have your guide take you to try Thai street food, pass by some of the temples for pictures at night, explore the flower market, and have dinner at a local restaurant.
This is a great way to explore the city by night and to ensure you try some of the best food before you leave Thailand’s capital behind.
Where to eat in Bangkok- Vegetarian and Vegan
Finding vegetarian and vegan food in Bangkok is easy, thanks in part to the influence of Buddhism.
Areas like Sukhumvit and Silom have many vegetarian and vegan-friendly eateries, and local markets like Chatuchak and Asiatique provide tasty plant-based snacks.
Bangkok’s restaurants are generally accommodating to dietary preferences, and you can use phrases like “mang sa wirat” (vegetarian) or “mang sa wirat jay” (vegan) to help order.
The main things to look up for are fish sauce and oyster sauce which the Thai cuisine adds in many dishes that might look vegan at first glance.
If you have more than two days in Bangkok
Your 2 days in Bangkok will be packed with activities and if you have longer to explore there is plenty to see. But if you want to head out of the city, here are a few places within easy reach of the city.
Ayutthaya
Around 90 mins to 2 hour drive from Bangkok, this UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with ancient temples and historical ruins.
Going on a day trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is a great opportunity to explore some of the most important historical sites in Thailand.
I highly recommend this day tour as it allows you to explore the incredible historical site with a knowledgeable guide. If you prefer the convenience of a private tour, this tour is a great option.
Erawan National Park
A longer trip outside of Bangkok can take you to Erawan, known for its emerald-green ponds and waterfalls. It’s a 3-4 hour journey but a beautiful spot worth visiting and makes for one of the best day trips from Bangkok.
I highly recommend this one-day tour to the waterfalls as it takes you to some other cool places along the way like the Thai-Burma Death Railway and Tham Kra Sae Bridge. It also includes a stop at one of Thailand’s ethical elephant sanctuaries, Elephants World in Kanchanaburi.
Reflections on a 2 day Bangkok itinerary
Bangkok is a fantastic city to visit to experience so much of what Asia has to offer. Two days will be tricky to see it all but this itinerary will help you to get a taste for it.
With key places to see and places to escape the crowds, these 2 days will give you a great introduction to Thailand and will leave you wanting more.
Happy travels!