Bangkok-Feature-Image

Beautiful architectural details in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand is an amazing country filled with historical wonders, gorgeous temples, fantastic food, friendly people and a lot of culture! If you only have 2 days in Bangkok, you can still see the main spots and enjoy the food and culture.

Back in July 2017, I traveled to Thailand where I was immersed in unforgettable adventures and visited the most beautiful sites that are authentic and sacred to Thai culture.

During my two weeks in Thailand, I traveled with a tour company where we visited the cities of Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai and the island of Koh Samet.

In this Bangkok travel guide, discover everything you must see and do during two days in Bangkok, Thailand.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.


Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy

What you must see and do in Bangkok, Thailand

Is 2 Days Enough in Bangkok?

While you could easily spend longer in Bangkok and still not see it all, two days in Bangkok is enough to see the main attractions and temples.

If you can stay longer, you can add more temples and historical sites, visit additional markets and even add on some day trips to nearby spots without changing hotels.

However, you can see Bangkok in 2 days and get a good taste of the culture in that time.

How to Get to Bangkok

Since I did a group tour to Thailand, my flights and hotels were taken care of beforehand.

If you are traveling to Thailand on your own, I recommend setting your desired travel dates into Skyscanner ahead of time and waiting to see when the prices are low enough to purchase.

I took a flight from Newark Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok with a 3-hour layover in Hong Kong. It took us 16 hours to get from Newark to Hong Kong and then another 2.5 โ€“ 3 hour flight to Bangkok.

How to Get Around Bangkok

A Buddha in front of Wat Arun temple

There are a plethora of ways to get around the city of Bangkok. Besides walking, I recommend taking the cityโ€™s BTS Skytrain or subway. I also recommend getting the experience of traveling around via a tuk tuk. Click here to discover the best ways to get around Asia.

Initially used in tropical, developing countries, a tuk tuk is a motorized rickshaw used for taxi services. A few things to note about taking a tuk tuk is that if there is enough room, your tuk tuk driver could pick up other people (similar to being in an Uber pool).

As a foreigner, you may also need to haggle the cost of your ride. (Unfortunately, there have been many times when tourists have gotten taken advantage of financially when using certain services in a specific country.) In addition, you could also call a taxi to get around as well. You may also need to bargain with taxi drivers too!

Another great way to get around Bangkok is the Chao Phraya River Express Boat. What is great about this boat is that it is an excellent way of seeing some of the cityโ€™s temples and sacred sites along the Chao Phraya River!

Other ways to get around Bangkok and the surrounding areas are by motorcycle taxi, public buses and the Airport Rail Link

Since I was with a group, we traveled around via private coach, but the country is filled with railroads. Most locals recommend you travel via train as it offers a safer and more comforting experience.

You can also take the bus, ferry, local transportation or rent a car. Click here to discover the best way to travel around Thailand.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

A woman on a rooftop in Bangkok

The best areas to stay in Bangkok, Thailand is Siam Square, which is a luxury shopping section; Khao San, which boasts a major backpacking scene; Sukhumvit, which is a hub for luxury hotels, restaurants and nightlife; Silom, which is the area I stayed in, that is considered the capital city’s financial hub; Chinatown; Bangkok Old Town; Dusit, which is Bangkok’s political center and where the Royal Palace is location and Thonburi, which is located on the Chao Phraya River.

There are a plethora of hotels to suit all budgets in Bangkok, Thailand along with rental properties. Below are my suggestions on where to stay in Bangkok:

Luxury Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Boutique Accommodation: The Siam

Mid-Budget Accommodation: Bangkok Publishing Residence

Budget Accommodation: Lub d Bangkok Siam

Where to Eat in Bangkok Thailand

Chicken pad Thai from Bangkok, Thailand

Overall, Bangkok boasts some of the best Thai cuisines of all time, so you must dine at local restaurants throughout the city. What distinguishes Thai food from other worldwide cuisines is its use of contrasting flavors, from hot spices to citrus.

Pad see ew dish from Bangkok, Thailand

Yai Yaa Thai: Located in Silom is this authentic Thai restaurant that I ate at a few times during my trip. I love Thai food and knew that we came to the right place when the chicken pad Thai and spring rolls felt like heaven in my mouth.

Yai Yaa Thai had the best Thai iced coffee and mango sticky rice for dessert! (In case you donโ€™t know what mango sticky rice is, it’s made with glutinous rice, locally fresh mango and hot coconut milk drizzled on top. It is fantastic!)

OPUS Wine Bar: Also located in the Silom area is a beautiful tropical wine bar that offers an amazing selection of Italian wines and good food. I had an amazing octopus salad while I was at this restaurant.

Below are other great restaurants to visit in Bangkok:

  • Raan Jay Fai: This Michelin Star street food vendor is known for delicious crab omelets and drunken noodles. It’s one of the best places to visit during your Bangkok 2-day itinerary!
  • Thipsamai Pad Thai: This popular Bangkok staple is known for its pad Thai wrapped in an egg. You can also get pad Thai with shrimp.
  • Suan Bua Thai Restaurant: At this lovely restaurant, Chef Santiphap Petchwao crafts authentic dishes that came from the royal kitchen of King Rama V.
  • Prachak Pet Yang: This Cantonese restaurant is known to serve the best duck in the city. There are also great noodle dishes at this spot.
  • Supanniga Eating Room: This Brooklyn, industrial-style restaurant has the best Thai comfort foods and dumplings you can savor. This is a great place that draws a big 20s and 30s crowd.

What to Do in Bangkok in 2 Days

Views of the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand

There are plenty of things to fill your 2 days in Bangkok. From the beautifully ornate temples to enjoying a Thai dinner show, you’ll find more than enough to fill up your 2 day Bangkok itinerary.

The Grand Palace and Sacred Temples of Bangkok

The Grand Palace

Architectural wonders at the Grand Palace in Bangkok

On our second full day in Bangkok, our first stop was The Grand Palace, the official residence of the Kings of Siam and later on, the King of Thailand. It is one of the most visited attractions in the country.

Serving as a royal residence since 1925, The Grand Palace is now used for ceremonial purposes.

The Grand Palace complex, located in the heart of Bangkok, is divided into three main zones. The Outer Court โ€“ home to Royal Offices, public buildings and the Temple of Emerald Buddha; the Middle Court โ€“ the most important residential and state buildings, and the Inner Court โ€“ exclusively reserved for the king, queen and their family.

When I first walked into The Grand Palace, I was awestruck by the intricate gold buildings, temples and beautiful statues placed within the vibrant tile work. I admired all of my surroundings as I knew the builders of this otherworldly place spent long hours and hard work to make it the most magical and sacred site in the country.

Wat Phra Kaew

The beauty of the Grand Palace in Bangkok

Wat Phra Kaew is known as the most sacred Buddhist temple in all of Thailand. It is known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, but its official name is Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram.

This complex is best known for the Emerald Buddha, but many visitors are so distracted by the beauty and ornateness of the temple that they miss or overlook it.

Proper Etiquette at Sacred Sites in Thailand

A beautiful building in the capital of Thailand

In Thailand and many other Asian countries, there is a high-context culture. When I first arrived in Thailand, I was quickly informed of the characteristics that separate high-context cultures from the low-context, westernized culture that I am used to.

A common characteristic of high-context cultures is using non-verbal methods to relay information in conversations, such as facial expressions, eye movement and tone of voice.

Another characteristic is that people are comfortable standing close to each other. Trust must be developed before business transactions can begin. Instead of reaching out to shake someoneโ€™s hand when you first meet them, you place your hands at the center of your chest and slightly bow without losing eye contact with the person you are acknowledging.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the former king of Thailand

It is also essential for men, women and children to be covered up when visiting sacred sites in Thailand. It is unacceptable to show your shoulders, chest or knees when visiting the temples. If you go inside, your shoes must be off. During the day I saw The Grand Palace, I had to purchase a t-shirt outside the gates since I did not bring a jacket or shirt to cover my shoulders.

Ruea Hang Yao

A river cruise on the Chao Phraya River

After our amazing time spent at The Grand Palace, we cooled down by boarding a traditional long-tail boat (called Ruea Hang Yao in Thai) along the Chao Phraya River. This is the main water channel in the city of Bangkok that flows into the Gulf of Thailand.

It was cool looking at the variety of different Thai houses and large and small temples. There were even a few vendors selling fresh produce, spices and other food items on their own long-tail boats. All of these great aspects are what make Bangkok known as the โ€œVenice of the Eastโ€.

Wat Arun

The beautiful Wat Arun temple in Bangkok

The main religion practiced among Thai people is Buddhism. There is also a large percentage of Muslims along with Hindus and Christians. When you are traveling throughout Thailandโ€™s popular cities, you will mostly find temples that feature gorgeous Thai Buddha statues of all different sizes.

My favorite temple in Thailand was Wat ArunTemple of Dawn. This magnificent temple is an architectural representation of Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist cosmology.

I had such a great time walking through the temple and the grounds. It also made for great pictures! Outside of Wat Arun is a market that sells beautiful gold Buddha souvenirs and other Thai goodies.

Silom Villageโ€™s Authentic Thai Dinner and Classical Show

The beautiful costumes from an authentic Thai dinner show

On the evening of your 2 days in Bangkok, enjoy a Thai dinner and dance show located in Bangkokโ€™s Silom Village.

When we walked into the performance hall, we were asked to take off our shoes before sitting down to enjoy an authentic Thai dinner while being enamored by the mystical dancers.

Being able to experience this dinner show allowed me to understand Thai history and culture. The food that was served was much different than what I had been ordering, so it was great to expand my horizons and try different dishes.

Authentic Thai food from Bangkok

The show itself was fascinating and the costumes were beautiful. Even though most of it was in Thai and I didnโ€™t necessarily understand the story, I still appreciated the art and beauty behind it.

Check Out the Best Markets in Bangkok

Visiting the Maeklong Railway Market during 2 days in Bangkok

Bangkok has a variety of markets where you can buy everything from food to clothes to souvenirs to bring home with you. With just two days, Bangkok markets are a must for your itinerary.

The Maeklong Railway Market is one of the best-known markets in Bangkok, popular for its seafood and other food options. It is also known as the umbrella pull-down market since the vendors must pull down their umbrellas and move their items out of the train’s path when they hear it coming.

Because the train moves relatively slow (about 19 mph), you have plenty of time to get out of the way when you hear it coming through. The train goes by up to 8 times a day, so please be there when it arrives to get photos and see the transformation that occurs to allow it to fit through.

Located just an hour from Bangkok, the Damnoen Saduak Market is another excellent option. You can enjoy my complete guide to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market for everything you need to know before you go.

The Chatuchak Weekend Market is the biggest market in Thailand. It has over 11,000 vendors and over 15,000 stalls. While you will only get to see some of them, visiting Bangkok on the weekend is worth a stop.

Featuring clothes and accessories, Thai silk, home decor, plants, food and more, you could easily browse all day in this Bangkok weekend market.

Other Top Things to Do in Bangkok in 48 Hours

Reclining Budda in Bangkok

If you have more time to squeeze in more or want to switch out some things on this list, here are some other great options for things to do in Bangkok:

  • Jim Thompson House Museum – This former home of Jim H.W. Thompson, also known as the “Thai Silk King,” has now been converted into a museum featuring his Asian art collection. 
  • Wat Pho – This temple is best known for its reclining Buddha statue that stands 15 meters tall (49 feet) and 46 meters long (150 feet).
  • Watch a Mauy Thai Fight in Bangkok – If you want to see this Thai martial art in practice, there are many places to watch one in Bangkok including New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. Proceeds here go to the Thai Army.
  • Wat Saket Wat Saket is also known as the Temple of the Golden Mount. It is an ancient temple in Bangkok and is free to visit. You can climb up 320 steps to enjoy panoramic views from the top of Rattanakosin Island.

What to Do in Bangkok at Night

A woman enjoying a beverage at Bangkok's Hangover Bar

During my time in Thailand, it was easy to say that Bangkok had the best nightlife. All the nightclubs and bars we went to were a lot of fun and the music was terrific! Even though Thailand is inexpensive, the nightclub scene is probably the most costly.

One place that you have to check out is the famous Hangover 2 bar called lebua Sky Bar, located in the famous State Tower in Bangkok. It was exciting being at the same rooftop bar Bradley Cooper was at when they filmed the movie. Plus, the views of the city at night were nothing but magical!

Some other fun nightclubs to check out during your two days in Bangkok are Levels Club and Lounge and Sugar Club, where we enjoyed VIP bottle service.

If you are doing Bangkok on a budget, Khao San Road is an excellent option for food and hostels. Because it attracts a younger crowd, there are also many bars and nightclubs for late nights in Bangkok.

Basic Thai Words 101

Sawad Dee Ka โ€“ Hi (Feminine)

Sawad Dee Krab โ€“ Hi (Masculine)

Kob Kun Ka โ€“ Thank you (Feminine)

Kob Kun Krab โ€“ Thank you (Masculine)

Aroon Sawat โ€“ Good Morning

A beautiful gold Buddha

Thai locals selling food and products on their boats

I hope this helps you plan your 2 days in Bangkok, Thailand and discover the best things to see and do to add to your Bangkok trip itinerary.

If you have any questions about my time in Bangkok or my trip to Thailand in general, please feel free to email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Click here to book a cooking class in Thailand.

More Thailand travel tips:

The Perfect Central Thailand Road Trip Itinerary – From Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Unforgettable Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Visiting the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

What to Do in Koh Samet Thailand

Basic Facts of Thailand:

Currency: Thai Baht, Capital: Bangkok, Time Zone: Indochina Time

Looking for the best agency to book your next bespoke travel experience? Contact Crawford Concierge!

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.

Shop my Bangkok look:

Click here to shop my Poshmark closet!

Categories: โ€ข โ€ข โ€ข

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23 Comments

  1. Maria on April 5, 2020 at 6:13 pm

    Great post Taylor! I was in Bangkok last summer and I especially loved Wat Arun and the Sky Bar. The view from there really is a dream And omg I’d love to have a pad thai and a mango sticky rice now!!

    • Taylor Deer on April 5, 2020 at 11:19 pm

      Thank you Maria and yes, I would love to go back to Thailand. There is still so much I want to see, especially in Bangkok ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Cristina on April 6, 2020 at 8:30 am

    There are so many places I want to visit in Asia! Bangkok is on my list, and I would love to try the mango sticky rice dessert ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Taylor Deer on April 6, 2020 at 9:54 am

      Bangkok is awesome! I definitely want to go back and see more. Also mango sticky rice is the best ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Julie on May 30, 2020 at 8:13 pm

    Bangkok is a total bucket list destination for me so this is giving me major wanderlust!! I love all the detail on the buildings. And the food looks and sounds phenomenal. Great tips about the difference between low and high context cultures.

    • Taylor Deer on May 30, 2020 at 8:38 pm

      Thank you Julie and it is such a fascinating city! I am actually looking to go back at some point because there is so much more I need to see. ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Ciara on May 30, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    The food looks so good, I absolutely love Thai food so I can only imagine how good it tasted. The pop of color at Wat Arun is amazing!

    • Taylor Deer on May 31, 2020 at 12:36 am

      Yes, I love Thai food as well! When I have the opportunity to go back to Bangkok, I have a whole bucket list of restaurants and foodie spots I have to visit. ๐Ÿ™‚ Also Wat Arun is my favorite temple there.

  5. Charlie on May 31, 2020 at 5:31 am

    I was in Bangkok around the same time as you! It’s such an awesome city. I was only there for a few days – your post has given me loads of inspiration for when I go back for a longer trip ๐Ÿ˜€

    • Taylor Deer on May 31, 2020 at 10:39 am

      Ah that is awesome! I definitely want to get back there as well as explore more of the city. ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Daria B on May 31, 2020 at 11:29 am

    Great photos. Really enjoyed your account ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Taylor Deer on May 31, 2020 at 8:00 pm

      Thank you Daria! ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. Alexandra B on May 31, 2020 at 6:19 pm

    I love this post, Taylor! I have never been to Asia, but I do hope to make it to Thailand at some point when this is all over. I love your tips, but I also must say that I love your gladiator sandals and outfits that you wore on this trip! so so cute.

    • Taylor Deer on May 31, 2020 at 8:01 pm

      Thank you so much Alex and you would love Asia! I’ve done Thailand, Japan, Bali, Vietnam and Cambodia and all were amazing! Also, I appreciate the compliments on my outfits. ๐Ÿ™‚

  8. Cassie on May 31, 2020 at 6:33 pm

    Bangkok is such a big and bold city. Look at all these beautiful patterns! Gorgeous post ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Taylor Deer on May 31, 2020 at 8:01 pm

      It really is Cassie! I would love to go back in the future. Also thank you. ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. Melissa on May 31, 2020 at 11:34 pm

    I love all the details that go into the patterns, just beautiful! The grand Palace looks amazing and would be at the top of my list. The dinner and dance show sounds like so much fun!

    • Taylor Deer on June 1, 2020 at 9:31 am

      It really is amazing there Melissa! Also yes, I would love to go back and see all the palaces and temples again. ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. Suvarna Arora on June 1, 2020 at 5:59 am

    I haven’t been to Bangkok yet but I am definitely changing it in 2021. It has so much to see and do.

    • Taylor Deer on June 1, 2020 at 9:32 am

      Yes, you would love Bangkok and all the historical sites Suvarna! ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. Maggie on June 1, 2020 at 8:00 am

    I’ve never been to Bangkok but it’s definitely on my list! The Thai dinner show sounds really interesting. And all the food looks so yummy! And good idea including those basic phrases, it’s always good to know a little but of the native language!

    • Taylor Deer on June 1, 2020 at 9:33 am

      You would love Bangkok Maggie! All of the food is amazing and thank you! ๐Ÿ™‚

  12. Sarah Barthet on June 1, 2020 at 3:59 pm

    Such stunning pictures as always Taylor! Thai breakfast sounds right up my street!

Leave a Comment





Bangkok-Feature-Image

Beautiful architectural details in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand is an amazing country filled with historical wonders, gorgeous temples, fantastic food, friendly people and a lot of culture! If you only have 2 days in Bangkok, you can still see the main spots and enjoy the food and culture.

Back in July 2017, I traveled to Thailand where I was immersed in unforgettable adventures and visited the most beautiful sites that are authentic and sacred to Thai culture.

During my two weeks in Thailand, I traveled with a tour company where we visited the cities of Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai and the island of Koh Samet.

In this Bangkok travel guide, discover everything you must see and do during two days in Bangkok, Thailand.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.


Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy

What you must see and do in Bangkok, Thailand

Is 2 Days Enough in Bangkok?

While you could easily spend longer in Bangkok and still not see it all, two days in Bangkok is enough to see the main attractions and temples.

If you can stay longer, you can add more temples and historical sites, visit additional markets and even add on some day trips to nearby spots without changing hotels.

However, you can see Bangkok in 2 days and get a good taste of the culture in that time.

How to Get to Bangkok

Since I did a group tour to Thailand, my flights and hotels were taken care of beforehand.

If you are traveling to Thailand on your own, I recommend setting your desired travel dates into Skyscanner ahead of time and waiting to see when the prices are low enough to purchase.

I took a flight from Newark Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok with a 3-hour layover in Hong Kong. It took us 16 hours to get from Newark to Hong Kong and then another 2.5 โ€“ 3 hour flight to Bangkok.

How to Get Around Bangkok

A Buddha in front of Wat Arun temple

There are a plethora of ways to get around the city of Bangkok. Besides walking, I recommend taking the cityโ€™s BTS Skytrain or subway. I also recommend getting the experience of traveling around via a tuk tuk. Click here to discover the best ways to get around Asia.

Initially used in tropical, developing countries, a tuk tuk is a motorized rickshaw used for taxi services. A few things to note about taking a tuk tuk is that if there is enough room, your tuk tuk driver could pick up other people (similar to being in an Uber pool).

As a foreigner, you may also need to haggle the cost of your ride. (Unfortunately, there have been many times when tourists have gotten taken advantage of financially when using certain services in a specific country.) In addition, you could also call a taxi to get around as well. You may also need to bargain with taxi drivers too!

Another great way to get around Bangkok is the Chao Phraya River Express Boat. What is great about this boat is that it is an excellent way of seeing some of the cityโ€™s temples and sacred sites along the Chao Phraya River!

Other ways to get around Bangkok and the surrounding areas are by motorcycle taxi, public buses and the Airport Rail Link

Since I was with a group, we traveled around via private coach, but the country is filled with railroads. Most locals recommend you travel via train as it offers a safer and more comforting experience.

You can also take the bus, ferry, local transportation or rent a car. Click here to discover the best way to travel around Thailand.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

A woman on a rooftop in Bangkok

The best areas to stay in Bangkok, Thailand is Siam Square, which is a luxury shopping section; Khao San, which boasts a major backpacking scene; Sukhumvit, which is a hub for luxury hotels, restaurants and nightlife; Silom, which is the area I stayed in, that is considered the capital city’s financial hub; Chinatown; Bangkok Old Town; Dusit, which is Bangkok’s political center and where the Royal Palace is location and Thonburi, which is located on the Chao Phraya River.

There are a plethora of hotels to suit all budgets in Bangkok, Thailand along with rental properties. Below are my suggestions on where to stay in Bangkok:

Luxury Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Boutique Accommodation: The Siam

Mid-Budget Accommodation: Bangkok Publishing Residence

Budget Accommodation: Lub d Bangkok Siam

Where to Eat in Bangkok Thailand

Chicken pad Thai from Bangkok, Thailand

Overall, Bangkok boasts some of the best Thai cuisines of all time, so you must dine at local restaurants throughout the city. What distinguishes Thai food from other worldwide cuisines is its use of contrasting flavors, from hot spices to citrus.

Pad see ew dish from Bangkok, Thailand

Yai Yaa Thai: Located in Silom is this authentic Thai restaurant that I ate at a few times during my trip. I love Thai food and knew that we came to the right place when the chicken pad Thai and spring rolls felt like heaven in my mouth.

Yai Yaa Thai had the best Thai iced coffee and mango sticky rice for dessert! (In case you donโ€™t know what mango sticky rice is, it’s made with glutinous rice, locally fresh mango and hot coconut milk drizzled on top. It is fantastic!)

OPUS Wine Bar: Also located in the Silom area is a beautiful tropical wine bar that offers an amazing selection of Italian wines and good food. I had an amazing octopus salad while I was at this restaurant.

Below are other great restaurants to visit in Bangkok:

  • Raan Jay Fai: This Michelin Star street food vendor is known for delicious crab omelets and drunken noodles. It’s one of the best places to visit during your Bangkok 2-day itinerary!
  • Thipsamai Pad Thai: This popular Bangkok staple is known for its pad Thai wrapped in an egg. You can also get pad Thai with shrimp.
  • Suan Bua Thai Restaurant: At this lovely restaurant, Chef Santiphap Petchwao crafts authentic dishes that came from the royal kitchen of King Rama V.
  • Prachak Pet Yang: This Cantonese restaurant is known to serve the best duck in the city. There are also great noodle dishes at this spot.
  • Supanniga Eating Room: This Brooklyn, industrial-style restaurant has the best Thai comfort foods and dumplings you can savor. This is a great place that draws a big 20s and 30s crowd.

What to Do in Bangkok in 2 Days

Views of the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand

There are plenty of things to fill your 2 days in Bangkok. From the beautifully ornate temples to enjoying a Thai dinner show, you’ll find more than enough to fill up your 2 day Bangkok itinerary.

The Grand Palace and Sacred Temples of Bangkok

The Grand Palace

Architectural wonders at the Grand Palace in Bangkok

On our second full day in Bangkok, our first stop was The Grand Palace, the official residence of the Kings of Siam and later on, the King of Thailand. It is one of the most visited attractions in the country.

Serving as a royal residence since 1925, The Grand Palace is now used for ceremonial purposes.

The Grand Palace complex, located in the heart of Bangkok, is divided into three main zones. The Outer Court โ€“ home to Royal Offices, public buildings and the Temple of Emerald Buddha; the Middle Court โ€“ the most important residential and state buildings, and the Inner Court โ€“ exclusively reserved for the king, queen and their family.

When I first walked into The Grand Palace, I was awestruck by the intricate gold buildings, temples and beautiful statues placed within the vibrant tile work. I admired all of my surroundings as I knew the builders of this otherworldly place spent long hours and hard work to make it the most magical and sacred site in the country.

Wat Phra Kaew

The beauty of the Grand Palace in Bangkok

Wat Phra Kaew is known as the most sacred Buddhist temple in all of Thailand. It is known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, but its official name is Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram.

This complex is best known for the Emerald Buddha, but many visitors are so distracted by the beauty and ornateness of the temple that they miss or overlook it.

Proper Etiquette at Sacred Sites in Thailand

A beautiful building in the capital of Thailand

In Thailand and many other Asian countries, there is a high-context culture. When I first arrived in Thailand, I was quickly informed of the characteristics that separate high-context cultures from the low-context, westernized culture that I am used to.

A common characteristic of high-context cultures is using non-verbal methods to relay information in conversations, such as facial expressions, eye movement and tone of voice.

Another characteristic is that people are comfortable standing close to each other. Trust must be developed before business transactions can begin. Instead of reaching out to shake someoneโ€™s hand when you first meet them, you place your hands at the center of your chest and slightly bow without losing eye contact with the person you are acknowledging.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the former king of Thailand

It is also essential for men, women and children to be covered up when visiting sacred sites in Thailand. It is unacceptable to show your shoulders, chest or knees when visiting the temples. If you go inside, your shoes must be off. During the day I saw The Grand Palace, I had to purchase a t-shirt outside the gates since I did not bring a jacket or shirt to cover my shoulders.

Ruea Hang Yao

A river cruise on the Chao Phraya River

After our amazing time spent at The Grand Palace, we cooled down by boarding a traditional long-tail boat (called Ruea Hang Yao in Thai) along the Chao Phraya River. This is the main water channel in the city of Bangkok that flows into the Gulf of Thailand.

It was cool looking at the variety of different Thai houses and large and small temples. There were even a few vendors selling fresh produce, spices and other food items on their own long-tail boats. All of these great aspects are what make Bangkok known as the โ€œVenice of the Eastโ€.

Wat Arun

The beautiful Wat Arun temple in Bangkok

The main religion practiced among Thai people is Buddhism. There is also a large percentage of Muslims along with Hindus and Christians. When you are traveling throughout Thailandโ€™s popular cities, you will mostly find temples that feature gorgeous Thai Buddha statues of all different sizes.

My favorite temple in Thailand was Wat ArunTemple of Dawn. This magnificent temple is an architectural representation of Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist cosmology.

I had such a great time walking through the temple and the grounds. It also made for great pictures! Outside of Wat Arun is a market that sells beautiful gold Buddha souvenirs and other Thai goodies.

Silom Villageโ€™s Authentic Thai Dinner and Classical Show

The beautiful costumes from an authentic Thai dinner show

On the evening of your 2 days in Bangkok, enjoy a Thai dinner and dance show located in Bangkokโ€™s Silom Village.

When we walked into the performance hall, we were asked to take off our shoes before sitting down to enjoy an authentic Thai dinner while being enamored by the mystical dancers.

Being able to experience this dinner show allowed me to understand Thai history and culture. The food that was served was much different than what I had been ordering, so it was great to expand my horizons and try different dishes.

Authentic Thai food from Bangkok

The show itself was fascinating and the costumes were beautiful. Even though most of it was in Thai and I didnโ€™t necessarily understand the story, I still appreciated the art and beauty behind it.

Check Out the Best Markets in Bangkok

Visiting the Maeklong Railway Market during 2 days in Bangkok

Bangkok has a variety of markets where you can buy everything from food to clothes to souvenirs to bring home with you. With just two days, Bangkok markets are a must for your itinerary.

The Maeklong Railway Market is one of the best-known markets in Bangkok, popular for its seafood and other food options. It is also known as the umbrella pull-down market since the vendors must pull down their umbrellas and move their items out of the train’s path when they hear it coming.

Because the train moves relatively slow (about 19 mph), you have plenty of time to get out of the way when you hear it coming through. The train goes by up to 8 times a day, so please be there when it arrives to get photos and see the transformation that occurs to allow it to fit through.

Located just an hour from Bangkok, the Damnoen Saduak Market is another excellent option. You can enjoy my complete guide to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market for everything you need to know before you go.

The Chatuchak Weekend Market is the biggest market in Thailand. It has over 11,000 vendors and over 15,000 stalls. While you will only get to see some of them, visiting Bangkok on the weekend is worth a stop.

Featuring clothes and accessories, Thai silk, home decor, plants, food and more, you could easily browse all day in this Bangkok weekend market.

Other Top Things to Do in Bangkok in 48 Hours

Reclining Budda in Bangkok

If you have more time to squeeze in more or want to switch out some things on this list, here are some other great options for things to do in Bangkok:

  • Jim Thompson House Museum – This former home of Jim H.W. Thompson, also known as the “Thai Silk King,” has now been converted into a museum featuring his Asian art collection. 
  • Wat Pho – This temple is best known for its reclining Buddha statue that stands 15 meters tall (49 feet) and 46 meters long (150 feet).
  • Watch a Mauy Thai Fight in Bangkok – If you want to see this Thai martial art in practice, there are many places to watch one in Bangkok including New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. Proceeds here go to the Thai Army.
  • Wat Saket Wat Saket is also known as the Temple of the Golden Mount. It is an ancient temple in Bangkok and is free to visit. You can climb up 320 steps to enjoy panoramic views from the top of Rattanakosin Island.

What to Do in Bangkok at Night

A woman enjoying a beverage at Bangkok's Hangover Bar

During my time in Thailand, it was easy to say that Bangkok had the best nightlife. All the nightclubs and bars we went to were a lot of fun and the music was terrific! Even though Thailand is inexpensive, the nightclub scene is probably the most costly.

One place that you have to check out is the famous Hangover 2 bar called lebua Sky Bar, located in the famous State Tower in Bangkok. It was exciting being at the same rooftop bar Bradley Cooper was at when they filmed the movie. Plus, the views of the city at night were nothing but magical!

Some other fun nightclubs to check out during your two days in Bangkok are Levels Club and Lounge and Sugar Club, where we enjoyed VIP bottle service.

If you are doing Bangkok on a budget, Khao San Road is an excellent option for food and hostels. Because it attracts a younger crowd, there are also many bars and nightclubs for late nights in Bangkok.

Basic Thai Words 101

Sawad Dee Ka โ€“ Hi (Feminine)

Sawad Dee Krab โ€“ Hi (Masculine)

Kob Kun Ka โ€“ Thank you (Feminine)

Kob Kun Krab โ€“ Thank you (Masculine)

Aroon Sawat โ€“ Good Morning

A beautiful gold Buddha

Thai locals selling food and products on their boats

I hope this helps you plan your 2 days in Bangkok, Thailand and discover the best things to see and do to add to your Bangkok trip itinerary.

If you have any questions about my time in Bangkok or my trip to Thailand in general, please feel free to email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Click here to book a cooking class in Thailand.

More Thailand travel tips:

The Perfect Central Thailand Road Trip Itinerary – From Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Unforgettable Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Visiting the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

What to Do in Koh Samet Thailand

Basic Facts of Thailand:

Currency: Thai Baht, Capital: Bangkok, Time Zone: Indochina Time

Looking for the best agency to book your next bespoke travel experience? Contact Crawford Concierge!

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.

Shop my Bangkok look:

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Categories: โ€ข โ€ข โ€ข

23 Comments

  1. Maria on April 5, 2020 at 6:13 pm

    Great post Taylor! I was in Bangkok last summer and I especially loved Wat Arun and the Sky Bar. The view from there really is a dream And omg I’d love to have a pad thai and a mango sticky rice now!!

    • Taylor Deer on April 5, 2020 at 11:19 pm

      Thank you Maria and yes, I would love to go back to Thailand. There is still so much I want to see, especially in Bangkok ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Cristina on April 6, 2020 at 8:30 am

    There are so many places I want to visit in Asia! Bangkok is on my list, and I would love to try the mango sticky rice dessert ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Taylor Deer on April 6, 2020 at 9:54 am

      Bangkok is awesome! I definitely want to go back and see more. Also mango sticky rice is the best ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Julie on May 30, 2020 at 8:13 pm

    Bangkok is a total bucket list destination for me so this is giving me major wanderlust!! I love all the detail on the buildings. And the food looks and sounds phenomenal. Great tips about the difference between low and high context cultures.

    • Taylor Deer on May 30, 2020 at 8:38 pm

      Thank you Julie and it is such a fascinating city! I am actually looking to go back at some point because there is so much more I need to see. ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Ciara on May 30, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    The food looks so good, I absolutely love Thai food so I can only imagine how good it tasted. The pop of color at Wat Arun is amazing!

    • Taylor Deer on May 31, 2020 at 12:36 am

      Yes, I love Thai food as well! When I have the opportunity to go back to Bangkok, I have a whole bucket list of restaurants and foodie spots I have to visit. ๐Ÿ™‚ Also Wat Arun is my favorite temple there.

  5. Charlie on May 31, 2020 at 5:31 am

    I was in Bangkok around the same time as you! It’s such an awesome city. I was only there for a few days – your post has given me loads of inspiration for when I go back for a longer trip ๐Ÿ˜€

    • Taylor Deer on May 31, 2020 at 10:39 am

      Ah that is awesome! I definitely want to get back there as well as explore more of the city. ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Daria B on May 31, 2020 at 11:29 am

    Great photos. Really enjoyed your account ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Taylor Deer on May 31, 2020 at 8:00 pm

      Thank you Daria! ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. Alexandra B on May 31, 2020 at 6:19 pm

    I love this post, Taylor! I have never been to Asia, but I do hope to make it to Thailand at some point when this is all over. I love your tips, but I also must say that I love your gladiator sandals and outfits that you wore on this trip! so so cute.

    • Taylor Deer on May 31, 2020 at 8:01 pm

      Thank you so much Alex and you would love Asia! I’ve done Thailand, Japan, Bali, Vietnam and Cambodia and all were amazing! Also, I appreciate the compliments on my outfits. ๐Ÿ™‚

  8. Cassie on May 31, 2020 at 6:33 pm

    Bangkok is such a big and bold city. Look at all these beautiful patterns! Gorgeous post ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Taylor Deer on May 31, 2020 at 8:01 pm

      It really is Cassie! I would love to go back in the future. Also thank you. ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. Melissa on May 31, 2020 at 11:34 pm

    I love all the details that go into the patterns, just beautiful! The grand Palace looks amazing and would be at the top of my list. The dinner and dance show sounds like so much fun!

    • Taylor Deer on June 1, 2020 at 9:31 am

      It really is amazing there Melissa! Also yes, I would love to go back and see all the palaces and temples again. ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. Suvarna Arora on June 1, 2020 at 5:59 am

    I haven’t been to Bangkok yet but I am definitely changing it in 2021. It has so much to see and do.

    • Taylor Deer on June 1, 2020 at 9:32 am

      Yes, you would love Bangkok and all the historical sites Suvarna! ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. Maggie on June 1, 2020 at 8:00 am

    I’ve never been to Bangkok but it’s definitely on my list! The Thai dinner show sounds really interesting. And all the food looks so yummy! And good idea including those basic phrases, it’s always good to know a little but of the native language!

    • Taylor Deer on June 1, 2020 at 9:33 am

      You would love Bangkok Maggie! All of the food is amazing and thank you! ๐Ÿ™‚

  12. Sarah Barthet on June 1, 2020 at 3:59 pm

    Such stunning pictures as always Taylor! Thai breakfast sounds right up my street!

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