Bangkok Essentials: A 2-Day Travel Guide
Discover the Best of Bangkok in 48 Hours
With this guide, you can start to discover the best of Bangkok in just 48 hours. Mixing the finest cultural attractions, unmissable bargain shopping, and the excitement of Bangkok by night, this 2-day guide is a great starting point for anyone visiting this bustling yet beautiful city for a quick weekend getaway.
One word of advice for people new to the city: the best way to explore it in a short space of time is to spend a day or even a half-day in one area at a time. With this in mind, we’ve grouped things to do in Bangkok by location to help you make the most of your time here.
1. Day 1: Bangkok’s grand landmarks
A journey through timeless architectural wonders
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
On a quick first trip to Bangkok, there are some grand landmarks that everyone should try to see. Don’t miss The Grand Palace, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), The Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), and The Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). Located close to one another, they can easily be visited in a single morning or afternoon. Half-day tours with a guide can make things much easier, especially if you’re short on time.
If you arrive in Bangkok later in the day, after the attractions have closed, you can still admire them from the river by taking a relaxing sunset dinner cruise. Wat Arun looks stunningly magical, illuminated against the night sky. Read more
Day 1: Bangkok's grand landmarks
2. Evening 1: Bangkok’s famous nightlife scenes
Where unique shows meet casual family fun
Good for: Families, Food, Nightlife
Spend your first evening in Bangkok by exploring its famous nightlife scenes. Start by exploring the sprawling Asiatique The Riverfront, a lively shopping village located along the picturesque Chao Phraya River. Here, you can indulge in some retail therapy, savor a delicious dinner at one of the many riverside restaurants, or enjoy the enchanting atmosphere as you stroll through its bustling markets.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, consider catching the latest Hollywood blockbuster at one of Bangkok’s state-of-the-art cinemas. While you’re at it, why not throw in a round of bowling or a fun karaoke battle to wrap up your first night with even more excitement?
Evening 1: Bangkok's famous nightlife scenes
3. Day 2: Sightseeing and shopping near The Ancient City
A blend of canal life, cool finds, and local flavors
Good for: Food, Photo, Shoppers
Day 2 is all about sightseeing and shopping near The Ancient City. Explore the wonders of the Ancient City and experience the buzz of the legendary floating markets. Observe how locals live along the canals on a boat tour, and spend the rest of the day shopping in the air-conditioned comfort of Bangkok’s incredible malls, offering everything from unbeatable bargains to designer labels. If the kids aren’t into shopping, treat them to one of the city’s many ice-skating rinks.
No visit to Bangkok is complete without sampling delicious Thai food, whether at a restaurant, noodle shop, or street stall. If you’re in town over the weekend, don’t miss Chatuchak Market for an endless range of cool gifts. Read more
Day 2: Sightseeing and shopping near The Ancient City
4. Evening 2: Bangkok’s glitzy malls and colorful nightlife
A night of vibrant shopping and neon lights
Good for: Luxury, Nightlife, Shoppers
In the evening, explore Bangkok’s glitzy malls and colorful nightlife. First, head to Asok, Bangkok’s bustling shopping district, known for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent transport links. Have a wander through Terminal 21, a uniquely themed shopping mall where each stylish floor represents a different world city.
After shopping or grabbing a bite to eat, don’t forget to cross the street and see for yourself what the bright, colorful (and famously cheeky) Soi Cowboy is all about. Just like that, you’ll have ticked off several iconic Bangkok attractions from your bucket list.
Evening 2: Bangkok's glitzy malls and colorful nightlife
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