48 Hours in Bangkok
'Sawadee Ka!
So—you’re popping in and out of Bangkok, and you want to know how to get the most out of just two days? Don’t worry, I gotchu! Bangkok is a massive city, and even its city center is spread out enough that it's tough to cover all parts in one go. After a few days of wandering and exploring, here’s what I’d recommend:
Must-See Temples and the Grand Palace
Start with a classic: the Grand Palace and the nearby temples. There’s so much culture and history in this area that you can’t skip it. Check out Wat Phra Chetuphon (right next to the palace), and Wat Arun Ratchawararam. If you want to learn more about the history of Bangkok while you’re there, the National Museum of Bangkok is close by, too.
If Markets Are Your Thing...
Are you a market girlie? (Same, lol.) Then the Chatuchak Weekend Market (Saturday, Sunday 9am-6pm) is a non-negotiable. It’s the largest market in Thailand and has everything—souvenirs, vintage clothes, art, jewelry, knick-knacks, and so much street food. It really gets going around 11 am, so get there early and give yourself time to wander. Trust me, you’ll get lost, and that’s half the fun!
Another gem is the Sampheng Market (open every day, 9 am to 5 pm), where you’ll find adorable keychains, stuffed animals, hair accessories, and every craft supply you can dream of. And you cannot forget Yaowarat Night Market (aka Chinatown) (daily, 4pm-9pm), just down the road. Chinatown is where you’ll find the best street food, music, and people-watching. It’s a feast for all the senses!
Don’t Miss the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
A bit outside the city center, but absolutely worth it, is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). It’s full of modern Thai art and gives a cool, current perspective on religion, Thai history, and how they blend together. If you want to take your time, plan for about 2-3 hours here.
Bangkok's Shopping Malls—Next Level
Shopping malls in Bangkok are on another level. I’m talking luxury on luxury. There are so many, but I’ve visited IconSiam, MBK, Siam Center, and Central World, and each has its own vibe. IconSiam is hands-down the most luxurious, with shops like Rolex, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes. Even if it’s a little out of your budget (same), it’s worth a visit for the sheer grandeur. And don’t miss the food basement—so many choices, you’ll get lost (I sure did).
If you’re looking for something more low-key, MBK is a mall that feels more like a market, filled with vendors selling everything from clothes to souvenirs.
Breaking Down Your Two Days
Day 1: Temples, Grand Palace, and IconSiam
Start your day with a big breakfast and head straight to the Grand Palace, which opens at 8:30 am (closes at 3:30 pm). Wander around, snap some pics, and take in the stunning architecture and little details. Then, walk over to Wat Phra Chetuphon (a quick 12-minute walk) to check out the massive reclining Buddha. Afterward, cross the river via ferry (Tah Tian to Wat Arun) to visit Wat Arun, one of Bangkok’s most iconic temples.
Enjoy an evening river cruise via ferry from Wat Arun to Iconsiam 1 to end your day at IconSiam. Explore, shop, grab a bite, and enjoy the view of the city’s skyline from the riverside. A perfect way to wind down!
Day 2: Market and Museum Day
Today is all about shopping and culture. If you haven’t gotten sick of shopping yet, start your morning by choosing your mall—whether it’s MBK, Central World, or Siam Center, each offers something unique. Once you’ve gotten your shopping fix, stop by the Bangkok Art and Culture Center (bonus: it’s free!).
From there, head to the Chatuchak Market for more treasures. After that, take a bus to the MOCA to immerse yourself in modern Thai art.
For dinner, hit up Yaowarat Night Market (Chinatown) for some of the best street food you’ll ever have. If you’re still full of energy, round out your night at Khao San Road, where the party never stops. Bars, clubs, drinks—you're guaranteed a fun, silly night out!
Tips & Considerations
Picking out where you’ll stay- I highly recommend finding a place either in the “main city center”, near attractions you’ll be visiting or within walking distance of the BTS or MRT (the two main train lines). If this is not possible, then you can plan on either trekking, using the bus (cheap, good but will take longer), or calling Grab’s.
Grab is the main app used for transportation, food, etc. It’s the equivalent of Uber or Bolt so definitely download it, even if you don’t think you’ll use it- it’s good to have in your back pocket.
Cash is king- you should keep a couple hundred (or thousand depending on your goals hehe) baht on you for entrance fees to temples, museums, street food, train tickets, etc.
Keep your wits about you- as in any big city, there are some clever people that prey on foreigners so keep an eye out and stay skeptical
I hope you have an absolute blast during your two days in Bangkok! Try all the food, take a million pics, chat with strangers, and most importantly—have the best time. <3
