Is Bangkok worth visiting?

As a long time Thailand resident, I can confidently say that Bangkok is worth visiting. Bangkok offers a lively mix of culture and history in a modern, metropolitan city. From stunning temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho (both that are on my 2 day Bangkok itinerary) to the street markets of Chatuchak Weekend Market, there is so much to explore in this incredibly city that is my home.

One of the main appeals of Bangkok is the food, with amazing street food stalls lining the sois, it’s a food lovers delight. I love that in Bangkok you can be eating cheap local street food one moment and head for cocktails at a fancy rooftop bar the next, with views of sunset over the Bangkok skyline.

Bangkok has a vibrant nightlife scene with many bars and clubs, from the backpacker areas of Khao San road, to sukhumvit soi 11 with rooftop bars and clubs for dancing.

Shopping is another reason why so many visitors love Bangkok and I have included a couple of market suggestions to help you decide what to do in Bangkok for two days.

On top of that Bangkok boasts a long history, with Buddhist temples, royal palaces and fascinating museums to explore, which I have made sure to include during the 2 day Bangkok itinerary.

Bangkok – What to Know Before you Go

When exploring Bangkok for 2 days, it’s important to take into account it is a large, overwhelming city so it is always best to travel slow and not try to pack too much in, especially if you only have 48 hours in Bangkok, take your time and explore this city at a leisurely pace.
It is also a city of traffic so read my how to get around in Bangkok section of this article carefully so that you can limit your time spent in Bangkok traffic jams.

How to get around in Bangkok

Navigating Bangkok efficiently can be a struggle for first time visitors so use a mix of public transport and taxis to make the most of your 2 days in Bangkok.

There are three main train systems in Bangkok, some of which connect but some do not. The BTS is the skytrain which is above ground and can be seen from most places in the city. This will be most useful for day two of the suggested 2 day Bangkok itinerary I have provided below.
The MRT system is underground trains and connects in a few places with the BTS system. This goes out further towards the river and where more ancient Bangkok lies.
The airport rail link is a 3rd train system which goes directly to the biggest airport in Bangkok called Suvarnabhumi airport (BKK). This has the most international flights, as well as some domestic flights and is where many visitors arrive and leave from. There is a second airport in Bangkok called Don Mueang (DMK) which has some international flights and a lot of domestic flights and links in with the BTS although a change of train is required to get into central Bangkok which is on the Sukhumvit line.

In addition to the trains, taxis are a common way to get around Bangkok. Avoid using taxis during peak rush hours for workers commuting around Bangkok and in rainy season (May-October) when heavy rains and floods can cause crazy traffic jams. Taxis are good for short journeys. Always ask a meter cab to go on the meter. If they refuse then choose a different taxi or consider using Grab or Bolt apps, both of which are popular in Bangkok.

Here are more of the best apps to use when travelling Thailand.

2 day itinerary for Bangkok

This is the best itinerary for Bangkok as it merges two different areas and covers both ancient and modern sides to this city.
This is a Bangkok itinerary that I have done multiple times with different visitors, from parents, to siblings to friends.

Day one of the best 2 day Bangkok itinerary focuses on exploring the ancient side of Bangkok, with visits to historical temples and a lunch by the river. It has an option to check out nearby Chinatown and enjoy authentic street food and go on a bicycle tour.

On day two, shifts the 2 day Bangkok itinerary to central Bangkok, with shopping and a gorgeous museum in a Thailand traditional home. This is the best itinerary for Bangkok because it has a perfect balance of ancient charm and modern city life.

What to do on day one of your 2 day bangkok itinerary

Day 1 morning

Head to two beautiful temples by the Chaophraya river. A personal favourite is Wat Pho which is a large temple complex with a huge golden reclining Buddha inside one of the temples. It’s a very beautiful area with lots of colourful stupas and multiple golden Buddhas.
Entrance is 200 baht. Men and women must cover their shoulders and knees. Sarongs are provided if required.

Click here for what to wear in Thailand

Walk from Wat Pho towards the river and find the little soi where you can a 10 baht boat to the other side of the river. Visit Wat Arun, a contrasting but equally lovely temple, often used in famous paintings and photos of Bangkok. Entrance is 100 baht.

Return to the Wat Pho side of the river and eat lunch at one of the many riverside restaurants.

Day 1 afternoon

Head to nearby Chinatown to explore, enjoy some culinary delights and get lost in the maze of backstreet alleys and ancient Bangkok.
Consider a bicycle tour with Ko Van Kessel, a really great bike tour group with multiple options for where to go on the Bangkok tour. Book your bicycle tour here

Day 1 evening

Enjoy sunset by the river at Baan Rim Nam restaurant or go for a fancy skybar. In this area there are multiple options such as Seen bar at the top of the Avani hotel, the very expensive Lebua skybar (as seen in the Hangover movie) or head slightly further away to the Mahanakhon tower – one of the tallest buildings in Bangkok. Dare to step on the glass bottom rooftop if you are feeling brave, or enjoy a drink and watch sunset at the bar.

Book your Mahanakhon rooftop experience here

What to do on day two of your 48 hours in Bangkok

Having spent yesterday in the older areas of Bangkok, spend this day in central Bangkok but still with a splash of history.

Day 2 Morning

Head to Jim Thompson House, a beautiful museum showing traditional Thai architecture and art, offering a glimpse into Bangkok’s past. Jim Thompson himself is an interesting character, an American alleged spy who revived the Thai silk industry and collected many artefacts in his house which is now this museum.
BTS stop: National Stadium (right next to Siam)

Click here for a full tour of Jim Thompson House including a visit to the local community where silk is still made

Day 2 afternoon

Head to the market. If wanting to stay nearby then consider MBK centre, a huge shopping mall just 10 minutes walk from the Jim Thompson house. Here you can find many cheap products and souvenirs. Alternatively, if it is the weekend then consider getting to BTS Mochit for Chatachak Weekend Market – also a good place for a local lunch.

Day 2 evening

Eat delicious local food at Cabbages and Condoms near BTS Asok. This restaurant is on a mission to educate the nation about family planning and sexual health. The garden is gorgeous with lots of hanging lights, the food tasty and they often have traditional Thai dancers to entertain you while you eat.
If you didn’t manage a skybar yesterday then I recommend Above 11 (at nearby BTS stop Nana) or take a few hops on the BTS to Thonglor and go to Tichuca rooftop bar.

For more on Bangkok:

• Read the top 50 activities to do in Bangkok
• Explore Bangkok for longer with my what to do in Bangkok post
• Staying in Bangkok for longer? Check out my Bangkok weekend getaway article
• Want to visit Bangkok’s nearest ethical elephant sanctuary? Read here

For more on Thailand travel:

• the best islands in Thailand
• the quietest islands in Thailand
• the best national parks to visit
• where to see wild elephants
• the top wildlife spotting destinations in Thailand
• my number one favourite island in Thailand
• ethical elephant sanctuaries to visit

For more about planning your Thailand trip:

• Looking for your onwards journey – here are all my Thailand travel itineraries for 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks or a month long itinerary
• what to pack for Thailand
• tips for first time travellers to Thailand
• best apps to download for Thailand
• what to avoid in Thailand – dos and don’ts

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