Bangkok is a busy, vibrant city with so much to see and do it would take you months to get to the heart of the place. But what happens when you have only two days to check out Bangkok? If you are in the city before transferring to another location Asia, or you are on the road to Phuket or another Thai island, here’s how to see the city in a short amount of time.
Morning: Day One in Bangkok
Once you’ve had a good night’s sleep, get your walking shoes on, wear a sunhat and shades, and get ready to explore. The first stop on a quick tour of Bangkok is Wat Saket because this famous temple is at the top of a hill and offers some amazing views of the city. Get your bearings here before heading to the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace is a must-see, located on Na Phra Lan Road, with a collection of stunning paintings and murals, the Emerald Buddha, and the throne halls to explore.
Once you have explored the Grand Palace (guided tours are available – find out when they depart at the entrance to the Wat) you can head to Wat Pho. Wat Pho is another famous Bangkok temple and the main attraction here is the 43-meter-long reclining Buddha. Make sure you dress appropriately for the temples – wear clothes that cover your arms, shoulders, and legs.
Once you’ve checked out these Wats you’ll need a snack – refuel with some noodles or Thai curry.
Afternoon: Day One in Bangkok
If you want to get out of the heat (and the Bangkok heat can be intense) use the afternoon to visit some of the city’s art treasures in the National Museum and the National Gallery. Finish the afternoon with a cocktail at a rooftop bar then head out for dinner – there’s such a lot of choice in dining in Bangkok, you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes.
Day Two in Bangkok
Once you’ve refueled and caught up on sleep, get ready to go again with the second day’s itinerary. If you are visiting on the weekend, get some retail therapy with a visit to the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Then take an organized tour to a place of interest in Bangkok that is a little off the beaten track – taking a place on a tour means all the logistics are organized for you and you can enjoy seeing more of Bangkok from the comfort of an air-conditioned tour bus. Or, if you are not keen on following a group around then sign up for an afternoon’s cooking class. Thai cooking is an art form and you can create some truly delicious dishes with the right instruction. Find an afternoon’s class and get ready to be inspired. Or, if you want to unwind, take a walk in Lumphini Park with its lakes, lawns, and pagodas.
End the day with a leisurely meal in one of Bangkok’s new, trendy restaurants and some drinks with views over this bustling metropolis.
How to Get There and Around
The quickest way to get from the airport into the city is by express train, leaving from the basement of the airport. A taxi will take an hour or more in rush hour – the train is a mere 15-minute journey. It is important to get your bearings quickly if you are only in the city for a few days. Bangkok can be a confusing place and it is easy to get lost. Arm yourself with a good map in English and Thai so you can find places easily. Most of the places you’ll want to see are on the east of the Chao Phraya River, including Chinatown and the Old City.
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