Bangkok, the energetic capital of Thailand, is usually the first or last stop for travelers visiting the country (and a popular stop for those jetsetting through Southeast Asia). Though exploring the ‘City of Angels’ may seem daunting at first glance, it’s more than manageable, even if you have just 2 days in Bangkok.
With just 48 hours in Bangkok, you can visit top attractions like The Grand Palace and its surrounding temples, while also trying local bites and sipping drinks in the historic Old Town – an indelible staple of the city. Further, Bangkok’s reliable and efficient public transportation makes getting around easy and breezy.
This 2-day Bangkok itinerary allows you to soak up local Thai culture, and unwind with an afternoon soothing spa session, all before finishing off each day with drinks by the Chao Phraya riverside – complete with panoramic views of the city. It also ensures a balanced outing that doesn’t feel rushed but will leave you feeling fulfilled.
Day 1: Cultural Icons & Riverside Charms
One of the best things to do in Bangkok is begin day one by exploring Bangkok’s key landmarks and temples, making sure to get out the door early to beat the crowds (and heat).
Once you’ve explored these cultural icons, enjoy a more relaxed afternoon stay in the neighborhood, allowing you to avoid the infamous traffic.
As the day draws to a close, you experience the magic of the Chao Phraya River with sunset drinks and a stunning fine-dining Thai meal that will instantly have you falling in love with the city.
Morning: Temples & Local Traditions
The early bird catches the worm when it comes to visiting temples and cultural complexes in Bangkok.
To beat the crowds and the heat, begin the day with an early morning wake-up, followed by breakfast of kaya toast and milk tea at the iconic 90-year-old On Luk Yun, a local favorite coffee shop serving Thai-style American breakfasts.
Make your way to The Grand Palace, the eclectic, asymmetric longstanding residence of the Kings of Siam from 1782 to 1925, weaving in and out of the technicolor courtyards, gardens, halls, and pavilions.
Here, you can hire a tour guide for an in-depth dive into the palace’s history or easily explore at your own pace, taking breaks by popping outside to the south of the complex for local bites like pad thai, dumplings, and noodle salads at both Manee Thai Food and TANA (ธนา).
Remember to dress appropriately as most temples and cultural landmarks require covered shoulders and long skirts or pants.
No visit is complete during your Bangkok itinerary without visiting Wat Phra Kaew, also known as The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, found within the Grand Palace complex. The sacred figurine of the Buddha is made of solid jade and is adorned with gold and jewels. The ceremonial clothing worn by the Buddha is changed three times per year by the King Himself, during the rainy, winter, and summer seasons.
After touring the premises, make your way around the corner to Wat Pho, home of the Reclining Buddha. The impressive gold-plated statue is 46 meters long and 15 meters high, symbolizing the Buddha’s passing into nirvana. Don’t forget to admire the feet of the statue, depicting 108 auspicious symbols made in mother-of-pearl, representing the Buddha’s path to enlightenment.
As you continue to explore the impressive Wat Pho grounds that feature lush gardens, and mosaic chedis (stupas), you’ll come across the medical pavilion featuring Thai massage inscriptions. It’s also home to an internationally recognized massage school offering short and long courses in traditional Thai Massage. We highly recommend stopping for a signature traditional Thai Massage (or foot massage) here to unwind and recalibrate.
Don’t expect a quiet atmosphere as the room is a sizable space shared by other visitors, but it is absolutely worth it. Make sure to purchase a herbal inhaler from Wat Pho Massage School as it is meant to alleviate everything from headaches to nausea!
Midday: Riverside Eats & Old Town Wandering
After a busy morning filled with temple and palace visits, you’re ready to refuel at Rongros restaurant. Located nearby, this stylish, Michelin-guide haunt serves delicious Thai fare paired with exceptional riverside views overlooking the missile-shaped Wat Arun. Its extensive Thai menu features decadent bites like green curry with beef ribeye and a refreshing, Thai-style watermelon salad.
Burn some post-lunch calories by taking a 10-minute walk to Pak Klong Talad, Bangkok’s largest flower market.
Along the way, you can explore the cute and historic area of communal Ta Thien Market, perfect for photo ops and cute cafes. Pak Khlong Talat is a bustling top-ranked flower market globally, dating back to the reign of King Rama I and is open 24/7. Shops upon shops of fragrant flowers are found here along with fresh fruit and vegetable vendors, busiest after midnight and into the early morning.
From the market, make your way to the Old Town (Rattanakosin Island), just a 20-minute walk or a quick 7-minute taxi or tuk-tuk ride away. Stop by Auntie Nid’s Red Mouth Coffee Shop for traditional Thai iced tea and potent coffee, famous for its brewing and straining method using a silk stocking.
There is no English menu nor any English spoken by the owner, but it can’t be missed as the shop owner has been serving up these refreshing drinks for over thirty years – easily identifiable by her signature makeup and red lipstick! Warning, there is only one size and the drinks are large, served in either plastic bags with ice or a large cup.
Snag your iced tea and enjoy a stroll around the area, making your way to Sao Chingcha, an iconic 2-meter tall red giant swing and prominent Bangkok symbol used during a historic Brahmin Hindu festival (Triyampawai), where people would swing on a tall pole to reach a bag of gold. If you are in need of a snack, take a quick 5-minute walk to K. Panich, famous for its generational mango sticky rice.
Evening: Rooftop Cocktails & River Views
In further exploration of the Old Town, I suggest enjoying sundowners (drinks) at Sala Rattanakosin, where you can soak in gorgeous sunset views of Wat Arun, The Temple of Dawn. Weather permitting, it is a mesmerizing and sensory experience.
For dinner, indulge in a vibrant, modern Thai Tasting menu at Nusara, voted number 35 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list. The menu is a curated experience, drawing on chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn’s family recipes and royal kitchen favorites that will impress from beginning to end.
However, the real highlight comes in the form of breathtaking views of the glowing surrounding temples, perfectly framed, and sure to leave a lasting impression.
For those that require a nightcap with a post-dinner drink – without venturing far – Nusara has its own bar downstairs called Nuss.
Here you can sip on classic cocktails and signature drinks (like their Wintermelon Punch) in a vibrant red space with an upbeat energy. If you still have energy to burn, head to Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar, where they focus on a resourceful cocktail concept, using all parts of a single ingredient and its various forms. The space is edgy with a Thai flair, boasting a fun rococo-style setting (and a great vibe to match).
Oh, and it also clocks in at number 18 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list.
Day 2: Neighborhoods, Shopping, and Chinatown Delights
Day two takes a more leisurely pace in the beginning, starting in the quaint, hipster (yet local) neighborhood of Ari. Spend the morning exploring the refurbished neighborhood filled with cozy community spaces and cafes.
You’ll also visit a stunning house museum that tells a fascinating story of the American owner who became a renowned Thai silk master.
Afterward, enjoy world-class shopping and a relaxing massage before exploring the nightlife of Chinatown (along with rooftop drinks).
Morning – Local Vibes in Ari and Museum Visits
Photo courtesy of the Jim Thompson House website.
Start your day leisurely with a delicious breakfast at Fran’s Brunch & Greens in Ari, one of the city’s hottest all-day eateries serving everything from fresh-pressed juices to bagels with smoked salmon, smoothie bowls, and maple-glazed thick-cut bacon and silky eggs over sourdough.
After fueling up, take a stroll through the trendy hipster neighborhood for some window shopping at boutiques like HIDE.Selected and Club Luminaries, where you’ll find stylish clothing from around the world. From there, make your way to SOMEWHERE, a green community space that regularly hosts pop-ups and exhibitions, in addition to several charming shops and cafes.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, a 20-minute walk south will lead you to Gump’s Ari, another cute community space featuring picture-worthy shops and an art gallery next door called Kich Ari.
Next, hop on the Ari BTS and make your way to Siam, the heart of Bangkok. Your first stop should be at the Jim Thompson House Museum. Tickets can only be purchased on sight at the ticket office and visits are guided by docent-led tours, offering unique insights into the former home of American silk master, Jim Thompson.
Explore the teak (wooden) houses, showcasing his impressive art collection and his adoration of Thai homes that were brought from around the kingdom and assembled in their current place. As in the traditional Thai manner, no shoes are allowed in the house so kindly be mindful.
Don’t miss the excellent souvenir shop and a small cafe where you can sip on a coffee or tea paired with some Thai snacks.
Afternoon – Malls, Massage and Prayers
Now’s your chance to get some shopping done. Nearby, you’ll find a mall that caters to every need and every traveler. Start at MBK Center, a massive mall offering a wide range of items from luggage and clothing to handbags, Thai souvenirs and electronics – all at affordable prices and perfect for bargain hunters.
For a more well-rounded and upscale experience, stop at Siam Square, where you’ll find Paragon, Siam Center or Siam Discovery containing both international and local shops. Don’t miss the expansive food court at Siam Paragon, where you can try countless Thai snacks like Khanom Chan (an ancient jelly-like dessert made from coconut milk, pandan, tapioca flour, and rice flour) and savory treats like fried pork and sticky rice. It can get very busy at lunchtime so be prepared.
After your shopping adventure, hop on the BTS at Siam Paragon and take a quick ride to Chidlom. Here you can find tranquility at PAÑPURI Wellness located in Gaysorn Tower. This Thai-born wellness spa is a welcome treat after a busy day, where you can pamper yourself in holistic harmony. From onsen therapy, Thai massage and couples massage, this is the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate.
Next, cross the street via the skywalk to visit the famous Erawan Shrine. The Hindu shrine, known as Thao Maha Brahma, is home to a statue of Phra Phrom, the Hindu God of creation, featuring a four-faced Buddha symbolizing the four virtues of kindness, mercy, sympathy and impartiality. Though small, it is significant for local people who come to make alms and pay respect each day. There is also a local dance show throughout the day.
You can easily make your own offerings by purchasing items nearby like incense, candles and flowers. Start by standing in front of the face of your choosing, light your offerings and place them in the metal tins. Hold your flowers between your palms in prayer form, close your eyes and offer your prayers and gratitude. Finally, leave the flowers at the feet of the Buddha and repeat if desired with the remaining faces.
Evening – Rooftop Drinks and Neon Nights
No visit to Bangkok is complete without a rooftop bar experience, and Dusit Thani Bangkok’s Spire Bar is the perfect choice.
Head here for sunset libations, light bites and stunning views of the city skyline.
Afterward, call a Grab car (or bike) and make your way to Eat Me Restaurant, a Bangkok institution that has been serving locals and tourists alike for over 25 years. The menu features Western dishes sprinkled with Thai cuisine and influence, all crafted with top-quality ingredients that shine. The industrial-style space spans three floors, offering both indoor and outdoor seating, a bar serving creative Thai-inspired cocktails and an unbeatable atmosphere.
Next, take a short walk to Si Lom Road and either hop in a tuk-tuk or call a grab and make your way to Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat) for a little nighttime adventure. Yaowarat, specifically Yaowarat Road, truly comes alive in the evening with its vibrant neon lights, pedestrian-filled streets and vendor after vendor of street chefs cooking Thai Chinese dishes.
Though you might be full, don’t hesitate to pick up a sweet treat or two while weaving through the lively chaos. For a nightcap, head to Opium Bar, a speakeasy-style spot overlooking the bustling streets below, serving seasonal cocktails in an intimate setting.
If you’re feeling too tired after dinner but still want a nightcap, head down the street to award-winning Vesper Bar, known for its unpretentious classic cocktails (go for the Classic Vesper with Tanqueray Gin, Ketel One Vodka, Cocchi Americano, and orange bitters) made with finesse and class.
Bangkok by Neighborhood: Where to Base Yourself During Your 48 Hours
If you’re still deciding where to stay in Bangkok, here are a few of our favorite neighborhoods:
Riverside
The Chao Phraya riverside and the surrounding neighborhood are perfect for couples and families who want to be near the historical landmarks but want a place to unwind with great views and tranquil nights.
The Capella Hotel offers a stunning retreat with a slew of excellent restaurants, an excellent spa and unparalleled service while The Siam Boutique Hotel is anything but ordinary, with its stylish, vintage decor and breathtaking pool villas.
Siam
If you want to shop till you drop during your 2 days in Bangkok, this is your neighborhood. There is plenty to buy and see thanks to the numerous malls that line the main road. There are also kid-friendly attractions that make this area perfect for families and any type of traveler who doesn’t mind a hectic lifestyle.
Stay at The Siam Kempinski, located in the heart of Siam, for its urban sanctuary and five-star service and amenities, while the Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok is great for younger couples, solo travelers and families who enjoy communal spaces, great western food and colorful design.
Silom/Lumphini
This neighborhood is centrally located to most of the city’s best attractions, connected to both the BTS and MRT Lines and retains an air of sophistication and quiet. This is a great area for an urban escape good for couples, families and solo lux travelers.
Stay at the venerated The Ritz-Carlton for the views of Lumphini Park, high-end dining and relaxing, modern rooms that make it hard to leave. The Marriott Surawongse is located in the heart of Silom and blends a chic, Thai twist with all the amenities of a great hotel including a rooftop bar, fitness center and pool.
How to Get Around
Bangkok traffic is unabating and guaranteed at nearly every hour of the day so public transportation is your number one best for navigating the city.
The BTS Skytrain is efficient, clean and safe with two color-coded lines.
The Green line runs along Sukhumvit road stopping at many top-visited areas like Asoke, Siam and Ari, while the dark green line runs along Silom, intersecting at Siam, stretching to the river and beyond. Further, Bangkok’s MRT is the world-class mass rapid transit system with four lines, the most commonly used for tourists being the Blue Line which intersects with Asoke, Silom and heads to the Old Town.
You can purchase tickets or passes at the kiosk where most customer service agents speak English.
Finally, the Airport Rail Link is incredibly efficient, cutting the traffic time by half if you are coming from or going to Suvarnabhumi Airport. It’s best used if you don’t have too much luggage as there is limited seating and luggage space.
How Should I Dress?
Bangkok is said to have three seasons but in my experience, it is either hot or very hot! Light, breathable clothing is recommended, as well as hats or umbrellas to shield from the blazing sun.
While Bangkok is a very open-minded city, modest attire is recommended out of respect for locals. Respectful temple attire is a must! Temples and places of worship do not allow exposed shoulders, short skirts or short shorts.
Thai people also remove their shoes in many indoor spaces which is encouraged for all. If you are traveling during the rainy season, pack a light raincoat and umbrella.
Is Bangkok Safe?
Bangkok is considered a safe destination and has a very low crime rate. Aside from the few taxi scammers you’ll encounter along the main roads or the tour guides at the Grand Palace who will try to convince you the Palace is closed (it never closes), the city is a safe space for everyone.
It’s always recommended to remain cautious in crowded areas for random pickpockets and avoid letting any tuk-tuk drivers make unplanned stops at local tailor shops – one of the most common scams in Thailand.
Tech and Apps to Navigate the City
SIM cards can easily be purchased on arrival at the airport from various kiosks. We also recommend downloading the Grab or Bolt app, ride-hailing apps similar to Uber, which offers easy ways to travel across this city (if you don’t mind the traffic).
Finally, if you are staying in the Sukhumvit area, download the MuvMi app for a tuk-tuk ride-sharing experience in specific zones.
