2 Days in Bangkok Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

Wondering what to do with 2 days in Bangkok? This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the main highlights without wasting time.

No doubt you will pass through Bangkok on your Thailand adventures. This capital is home to crazy markets, impressive temples, and a mix of modern skylines with old city charm. You’ll find street food around every corner with a bustling energy, especially in the evenings.

However, exploring a new city can be super daunting, especially one with lots of traffic and far from home. It’s no secret Bangkok can feel full on at first, though with the help of this 2 days in Bangkok itinerary, I’ll help you get around confidently.

I’ve actually spent quite a bit of time in Bangkok over my trips to Thailand. Honestly, all up, I’ve spent about a month here, so I definitely know what the best things to do are. And I’ve even taken people here for their first time, showing them all the highlights!

Now, let’s get into this Bangkok itinerary for first-timers. We’ll visit the highlights such as The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the top markets, and I’ll let you know the best travel tips so you can have a stress-free time.

My Bangkok Itinerary Overview

Day One Of Your 2 Days In Bangkok

There is no better way to start your 48 hours than with some of the best sights in the city, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. You can then finish the day off at a sky bar with an incredible view over the Bangkok skyline. Make sure to treat yourself with a cocktail!

This will give you a great introduction to the city while mixing culture and a more relaxed night out.

Since we will be visiting some temples, the etiquette you should follow is:

• There’s a dress code for temples in Thailand. You’ll need to have your shoulders and knees covered up. Though you can rent shawls or sarongs if you don’t have the right clothes.
• Don’t yell, fight, or bring attention to yourself
• Remove your shoes when you enter the temple.
• Couples leave the PDA for your hotel.
• Be aware of scammers. Basically, since temples are a tourist hotspot scammers like to hang out here and take advantage of unsuspecting travelers. They’ll likely tell you the temple is closed and want to take you elsewhere, aka on a shopping spree where they get commission.

Visit The Grand Palace

Start the day by heading to the Grand Palace, which opens at 8:30 am. Just make sure you visit before late morning to beat the crowds, tour buses, and heat. I know you may be dealing with jet lag, but trust me it’s worth it.

The entrance fee is $16.70 / 500 THB, which is quite pricey compared to other sites in Thailand. Just remember, this is such an important place being the former royal residence. It’s well worth visiting and is an iconic landmark in Bangkok, you’ll even find it on the 20 Baht note!

In the same complex, there is also the Emerald Buddha in Wat Phra Kaew which is considered the protector of the country and is highly respected by locals. You’ll want to spend 2 to 3 hours wandering around the grounds and being in awe of the impressively designed buildings.

Important info about The Grand Palace:

• Location: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
• Ticket Price: $16.70 / 500 THB
• Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (last tickets sold at 3:30 pm)

The Reclining Buddha At Wat Pho

After the Grand Palace, head across the street to Wat Phra Chetuphon, also known as Wat Pho. It’s literally just 5 minutes away and allows you to tick off another highlight without having to traverse across the city.

Wat Pho is one of the most popular temples to visit while backpacking Bangkok. Here you’ll find the famous reclining Buddha which reaches 45 meters long and 15 meters high! It’s much larger than other Buddhas around Bangkok and is covered in gold leaf.

The entry fee here is $9.20 / 300 THB, which is a bit more affordable than the Grand Palace.

Most people who visit just see the main temple and then leave. This means the grounds here can be pretty quiet. I loved spending some time just walking around looking at all the intricate details.

Important info about Wat Pho:

• Location: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
• Ticket Price: $9.20 / 300 THB
• Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 7:30 pm

Lunch With A View

Okay, it’s been a full-on morning, so let’s take a little breather. It’s time for lunch, and some eateries nearby have incredible views over the river to our next stop, Wat Arun.

Top choices include:

• The Deck Restaurant
• Eat Sight Story Deck
• Sala Rattanakosin Eatery and Bar

You’ll find they are more pricey than many other restaurants in Bangkok. Though this is simply because they are in a touristy area around the Grand Palace and have an incredible view, which more than makes up for it.

You’ll want to budget between $15.00 and $20.00 per person for the meal. Don’t worry, this is the most expensive spot we will be eating at! Also, it can be worth booking a table here, especially considering it can get busy during lunch hours.

Take The Ferry To Wat Arun

With a full belly, head to the Tha Tien Pier, only a couple of minutes away. You’ll need to buy a ticket for the Chao Phraya Express, costing $0.15 / 5 THB. It’ll take you to the other side of the river, where you will hop off right next to Wat Arun.

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, costs $6.10 / 200 THB to enter, and make sure you follow Thai temple etiquette here. No doubt, this is one of the most popular temples to visit here in Bangkok.

It’s covered in beautiful tiles, making it a favorite photo spot for tourists. This was my favorite temple in Bangkok, and it’s the only one I’ve seen with such an impressive central prang made out of porcelain and seashells. Make sure to climb up the stairs for an impressive view, though be prepared, they’re quite steep.

Plan to spend an hour exploring. Though by now the temperature is up, and no doubt you’re ready for a break. Since you’ve smashed out the main cultural highlights of the city, you can either head back to your hotel for a dip in the pool or take a boat tour down the Chao Phraya River.

Important info about Wat Arun

• Location: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok
• Ticket Price: $6.10 / 200 THB
• Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Grab A Drink At A Bangkok Sky Bar

Once evening hits, one of the best things to do in Bangkok is to check out an impressive Sky Bar. Visit just before sunset to see the sky change colors, the buildings light up, and admire the incredible views.

If you’re a big Hangover 2 fan, then you need to visit the Sky Bar at Lebua Bangkok. This is where some parts of the movie were filmed, and it’s one of the best in the city.

Another great option is CHAR Bangkok. I was staying in this hotel, so of course I had to take the elevator to check out their Sky Bar. They have some pretty insane views across the Bangkok skyline and over the nearby parks. Plus, the drinks were delicious!

Be aware that there’s a dress code, and you don’t want to get turned away. I recommend pulling out the nicest clothes you packed and getting decked out. That means no flip-flops and elephant pants.

It’s not the cheapest way to spend an evening, but it’ll be your iconic Bangkok moment. Set aside a little baht (even a basic soda will set you back $9.00+), and enjoy living the high life for a moment.

Day 2 Of Your Bangkok Itinerary

Today, we’ll visit the iconic Floating Market and Train Market. These are two of the most popular markets, with a train running straight through the middle of one, and the other set on a river. It’ll take you away from the hustle of the city centre, where you can see a different side of Bangkok.

I recommend booking a guided tour to make the most of your short time. It’s a bit of a drive out, so public transport can take ages, and having a guide will allow you to learn more about these spots.

Booking Your Train Market & Floating Market Tour

There are so many tours of the Damnoen Saduak and the Maeklong Railway Market available that you’ll likely be overwhelmed!

The Floating Market and Railway Market Day Trip is one of the most popular tours and one I actually booked for myself. For $31.00, all transport is taken care of, you get to visit both these markets and explore a different side of the city. It’s great value for money.

Big Country Experience on GetYourGuide has over 27,000 positive reviews, and I’m one of them. The guides are amazing, and the whole day runs super smoothly.

The only hassle for me was that the meeting point was about 20 minutes from where I was staying, but thankfully, it was super easy to reach with Grab. They also offer hotel pick up as well if you’d prefer that.

Maeklong Railway Market

The Maeklong Railway Market is about an hour away from the city center. Take this time to relax, as it’s going to be a busy day. You’ll stop for a bathroom break and snacks along the way, which breaks up the drive nicely. I highly recommend grabbing a Thai iced tea.

The first stop is a small salt farm while you wait to catch the train to the Railway Market. This means you get to experience riding through the market on the train itself, as well as watching it happen from the ground a little later.

It’s a pretty unique experience watching the stalls quickly pack down seconds before the train comes straight through the middle. Awnings are closed up, tables are moved, and all the shoppers press themselves against the wall trying to stay out of the way. Because it can be a bit chaotic, follow what the locals do and listen to your guide.

The train comes through eight times a day at:

• 6:20 am
• 8:30 am
• 9:00 am
• 11:10 am
• 11:30 am
• 2:30 pm
• 3:30 pm
• 5:40 pm

Also, prepare for the train to arrive a few minutes early or late, as it doesn’t run perfectly on time. Nevertheless, you will hear it coming!

There are plenty of cafes and stalls set up alongside the railway tracks, so make sure to bring some cash! This was my preferred place for shopping on the day as it had a great, lively atmosphere. The vendors even put on a little show for us.

Damnoen Saduak Market

After visiting the Railway Market, you’ll jump back into the minivan and drive the short distance over to the Damnoen Saduak Market, also known as the Floating Market. This is where you’ll find the boats with little umbrellas on top, floating on the canal with a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

This is definitely a popular photo spot, though it makes sense with the unique opportunity to be rowed around from stall to stall. Seriously, these little photo ops are around every corner. It may be a bit touristy, but it’s a fun experience if it’s your first time in Bangkok and 100% worth it.

Again, you will have plenty of opportunities to shop here. Honestly, no one in our boat was interested in buying anything, and we didn’t feel pressured at all. This was quite different from other shopping experiences I’ve had in Thailand, where it can get pretty full-on.

From here, you will enjoy a late lunch with recommendations provided by your tour guide before heading back into the city.

If you’re relying on public transport, heading back into the center will take you around 3 hours. It is half this time using private transport, which is why I recommend booking a tour.

Check Out The Nightlife Of Khao San Road

Welcome to Bangkok’s backpacker mecca, Khao San Road. This is the place for all things weird and wonderful, from the booming music, strange souvenirs, and questionable insects on a stick.

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from for dinner, though I recommend moving one street over to Soi Rambuttri. Khao San Road is better for a drink, party, and losing complete sense of time. If this isn’t your scene, it’s still worth going for a little stroll.

If you’re looking for street food, head a few streets over and look for a stall where locals eat. After you’ve had dinner, grab a cold Chang beer, or an alcohol-filled bucket if you’re brave, and join the crazy. This is THE party place for travelers in Bangkok!

Best Things To Add If You Have More Time In Bangkok

If you’re lucky enough to be staying more than 2 days, there are plenty of other things to do during your visit:

Ayutthaya: It’s well worth taking a day trip to Ayutthaya for the UNESCO temples. You can easily travel by train there from Bangkok, and there are so many tours available, or you can just hire a bicycle.

Lumpini Park: Head to Lumpini Park for a break from the city chaos. Here you’ll find jogging trails, gym equipment, and even boats to rent. There is even a bit of inner-city wildlife, with birds and the infamous monitor lizards.

Food Tour: So, if you are a bit of a foodie like me and a sucker for Thai food, there’s no better way to explore Bangkok than by tasting your way around. I recommend checking out the Bangkok by Night Tuk Tuk Tour, where you’ll check out temples, markets, and try a bunch of new foods!

Chatuchak Weekend Market: This is Thailand’s biggest market, with over 15,000 stalls! It’s open every day, but on weekends, this place truly transforms with stalls selling anything and everything.

Travel Tips For Bangkok

Now that you know the absolute best way to spend your 2 days in Bangkok, here are some tips worth knowing when exploring Thailand’s capital.

This will allow you to travel around confidently, stay in the best areas, and keep safe during your trip here.

How To Get Around Bangkok

You’ll need some sort of transport to get around Bangkok during your stay. Luckily, there are plenty of options here, and they are pretty affordable:

BTS & MRT: This is the metro system in Bangkok, and ideal if you are near a train station or want to get across the city while avoiding traffic. Though there aren’t any within walking distance of Khao San Road.

Grab: My favorite way to get around, and it’s great if you aren’t near a train station. It’ll help you avoid dodgy taxi drivers, and the motorbikes are a good option when there’s traffic, as the driver will just zoom around it.

Taxis: Can be a little more difficult, but make sure the driver uses the meter or agrees on a fare before you get in.

River Ferries: The Chao Phraya Express is a great way to get around to see the riverside sights. It’s super affordable and a much nicer way to travel than sitting in traffic.

Walking: If you’re sticking around a small area, you can just walk around. Though be aware it can be super hot, and sidewalks aren’t that clear with stalls usually taking over.

Most travelers will use a mix of the BTS & MRT, as well as Grab and walking to get around.

Where To Stay In Bangkok

Khao San Road, Siam, Silom, and Sukhumvit are the main areas tourists stay in. If this is your first time in Bangkok or you’re looking to party, then Khao San Road is perfect.

Just note that I do not recommend that ANYONE stay on the actual Khao San Road.

There’s constant noise from the street below, and most places aren’t the nicest since people just book regardless of reviews. I have a guide on the best hostels around Khao San Road if you want to see my recommendations for the area.

I recently stayed at Sleep Withinn in a private room, which was a very short walk from Khao San Road. I could relax in the pool, the room was clean, the air conditioning worked perfectly, and it was $26.00 per night.

When I’m solo, BED STATION Hostel Khaosan is my favorite choice. It’s super easy to meet people, and there is a great vibe. Plus, I am a sucker for pod-style dorms.

For a less party-filled stay in Bangkok, I recommend booking in the Silom, Siam, or Sukhumvit areas. These are more modern parts of the city and a lot more low-key.

Staying Safe In Bangkok

Bangkok is like any other large city in terms of safety, as long as you have a bit of common sense you’ll be fine.

You definitely need to be aware that petty theft is common here. Remember, don’t use your phone along a busy street, and carry your valuables in a cross-body bag. This is especially so in tourist areas where you may become a target.

If you decide to use a taxi to get around, make sure the driver uses the meter. If you’re concerned about getting scammed in a taxi, use Grab instead. This will also save you from the pushy tuk-tuk drivers trying to overcharge you for a drive around the block.

Lastly, just watch out for common scams near major tourist attractions, especially anyone telling you a temple is closed or trying to redirect you into a tuk-tuk.

Where To Go After Bangkok

North: If you want to head north, take the overnight journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Of course, there is the bus, but the overnight sleeper train is much more comfortable. From there, you could continue up to Laos or even pop over to the backpacker hangout of Pai.

South: Travel south to the Gulf of Thailand for beautiful beaches and islands. I’ve taken the overnight bus from Bangkok to Koh Tao a couple of times, and then from there it’s easy to also visit Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. After that, head to the Andaman Coast for Koh Lanta, Ao Nang, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lipe.

FAQs About Spending 2 Days In Bangkok

Wrap Up: Is 2 Days In Bangkok Enough?

Hopefully, now you know how exactly to spend your 2 days in Bangkok seeing some of the highlights. Even though 48 hours isn’t really that long, you can still smash out a lot during your visit.

This means visiting the impressive Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and of course Wat Arun. Then enjoy some of the best views in the city from one of the awesome sky bars on offer. Also, make sure to head a bit further out to experience the famous floating market and train market. These are a must!

No matter what, you’re bound to have an amazing time in Bangkok. Sure, it can be full on at times, but with the help of this 2 day itinerary, you’ll be able to make the most of your time there.

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