Soon on a trip to Thailand and among the main stages of your circuit, you will visit Bangkok in 2 days. But when you only have 2 days to visit Bangkok, it is essential to plan your itineraries and your visits carefully in order to maximize your time and thus discover the best tourist sites.
In this article, you will discover:
- My itinerary to visit the most beautiful temples and must-see historical sites in Bangkok for the 1st day,
- My itinerary to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the extraordinary sites of the modern districts of Bangkok for the 2nd day.
For this, I suggest that you follow my itinerary for each day with the Google Maps map including all the stages that allow you to visit Bangkok in 2 days.
Find out now how to plan your visits efficiently to make the most of your stay in the fascinating capital of Thailand.
How to visit Bangkok in 2 days?
Visiting Bangkok in 2 days can be done in several ways:
- Using the tourist bus which allows you to stop at each must-see site in Bangkok. Just take a 48-hour ticket to visit Bangkok in 2 days at your own pace by following the bus route. This itinerary is very complete because it has 17 stages (Siam Paragon, MBK Center, Samyan Mitrtown/Wat Hualumpong, Temple of the Golden Buddha, Wat Trai Mit, Chinatown, Grand China Hotel/Dragon Temple Kammalawat, Loha Prasat/Pra Tu Phee , Khao San Road, Giant Swing, Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Wat Arun Rajvararam, ICONSIAM, Mahanakorn Skywalk (King Power Mahanakorn), Patpong Market).
- By booking a visit Bangkok by Tuk Tuk with an English-speaking guide whose itinerary allows you to discover sites that are off the beaten track and a bangkok private tour with French-speaking guide.
- You can also visit Bangkok in 2 days by planning a tour by tourist boat (€3,90) with 11 stops, notably at reclining buddha temple (Wat Pho), at the mall The Maharajor a Chinatown and flower market (Pak Khlonf Talat);
- Where to visit Bangkok in 2 days by following my 2 tourist circuits (see details and itinerary below). You can follow my tuk-tuk routes to go from stage to stage. It's cheap, it makes the locals work and it's fast!
Finally, for those who wish to visit Bangkok in 2 days with historical stories, unusual discoveries, gourmet addresses and confidential places, you will need the advice of a professional local guide (see below).
French-speaking guide to visit Bangkok
For those looking for a guide who speaks French and English very well, I recommend an adorable person who will give you complete satisfaction: Sriwanna Sanyakamdhorn but she simply calls herself Na. Here is her email if you want to contact her: sriwanna.sanyakamdhorn@gmail.com and his Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SS.NoONa?mibextid=2JQ9oc
What to see in Bangkok in 2 days?
In 2 days in Bangkok, you can see all the most beautiful temples but also the bangkok neighborhoods typical and gigantism of modern neighborhoods. Here is the program of my 2 days in Bangkok:
- DAY 1 : Visit of old Bangkok (Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, Tha Thien market, Wat Arun, long-tail boat ride on the Chao Phraya river, Big seated Buddha, Khlong Bang floating market, flower market and Chinatown.
- DAY 2 : Visit of modern Bangkok: ICONSIAM Mall, Sky View 360° panoramic revolving restaurant, Temple of the Golden Buddha, sunset on the most beautiful rooftop in Bangkok, night walk in Silom or Khao San Market or Patpong.
Bangkok in 2 days – Route maps
This circuit to visit Bangkok in 1 day represents 14 km or 3 hours of walking. But as I told you above, you can take a tuk-tuk to move between the most distant stages.
Itinerary of DAY 1
Click on "more options" to enlarge the map and switch to GPS mode: https://goo.gl/maps/NfwwtMt4bWeUna7B9
Itinerary of DAY 2
Click on "more options" to enlarge the map and switch to GPS mode: https://goo.gl/maps/bLojafEujkhRdZPT7
Self-guided tour to visit Bangkok in 2 days
Here is now the detail of the program of the 2 days of visits to Bangkok. You will discover by following the itineraries of the 2 days all the stages of the visits with explanations and photos.
Bangkok in 2 days – DAY 1 program
Your first day in Bangkok should be spent exploring the city's iconic historical sites:
- Depending on where you are staying, you may need to take a river shuttle to get to the Grand Palace. Head to the nearest pier on the Chao Phraya River to catch a boat to reach the Royal Palace. Transport by boat is both economical and pleasant, and you will avoid morning traffic jams. Get off the boat at the pier Tha Chang.
- The grand palace covers 218 square meters and includes temples, stupas, the throne room, the residential part of the royal family (which cannot be visited), a Buddhist library and splendid gardens.
- After visiting the Palais Royal, head towards the famous Emerald Buddha Temple, which is considered one of the most sacred sites in Thailand (photos prohibited).
- Then head along my route to the Wat Pho, another impressive temple in Bangkok. Don't miss seeing the reclining golden buddha giant inside the temple, which is over 46 meters long. Totally covered in gold leaf, this Buddha is shown lying down, as he is apparently waiting for death.
- After your visit to Wat Pho, stroll through the small Tha Thien market near the temples. Take the opportunity to discover the street food of Bangkok. It is varied, delicious and not expensive!
- After lunch, go to theTha Thien pier to take the boat to cross the river and go to Wat Arun temple.
- Visit the splendid Temple of Wat Arun which is so called in honor of the Hindu goddess Aruna, goddess of dawn.
- Then go to the pier to take a long-tail boat to visit the bangkok canals (see article tourist boat in Bangkok or route below):
- In a long tail boat, you will discover Bangkok in a different way and pass right next to the Big Buddha seated which is 69 meters high:
- Then, you will go down to enjoy one of the floating markets of Bangkok in a more authentic way: Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market. This floating market which seemed a little abandoned has a very particular bohemian atmosphere that I loved. You can discover the old traditional wooden houses, the habitat of the locals, artists' studios and pretty, quiet canals.
- Then you can go to the Bangkok Flower Market.
- And to finish, discover Chinatown by strolling through the Chinatown Night Market where you can taste many typical dishes and do some shopping.
Bangkok in 2 days – DAY 2 program
For your second day in Bangkok, immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture and discover its modern and massive attractions. Indeed, in recent years, Bangkok has become famous for its impressive shopping malls and amazing rooftop bars, which have added a touch of luxury and sophistication to the cityscape.
These huge malls are not only places to shop, but also destinations in themselves. They offer a wide range of international and local brands, as well as a variety of entertainment options and dining experiences. Known for their modern architecture with innovative concepts, they create a unique, welcoming and perfect atmosphere for cooling off in the air conditioning!
Well this is what I suggest you discover for this second day of visits to Bangkok:
- The temple of shopping in Bangkok : Iconsiam,
- A unique experience on a cheap rooftop in Bangkok,
- The Temple of the Golden Buddha,
- A sunset over the most beautiful sky bar in Bangkok,
- Night walk to Silom or Khao San Market or Patpong.
The most beautiful mall in Bangkok
Among the many malls in Bangkok (Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, MBK Center, EmQuartier), I chose to visit the biggest and most beautiful of them all: Iconsiam Bangkok.
Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, it is relatively easy to get to Iconsiam:
- One of the most convenient ways to get to Iconsiam is to take the BTS Skytrain. The closest BTS station to Iconsiam is Krung Thon Buri station, which is a short walk away. From here, visitors can take the dedicated pedestrian lane that leads directly to Iconsiam.
- Another option to get to Iconsiam is to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat which stops at Sathorn pier, a stone's throw from Iconsiam.
- For those who prefer taxis, it is also possible to get to Iconsiam by road. Just give the address to your driver to be taken directly to Iconsiam. However, it should be noted that traffic in Bangkok can be heavy at times.
The interest of visiting Iconsiam is to discover the street food whose stands are on the ground floor. Then you can go up to the top floor where there is the free access terrace. From there, you can enjoy a nice view:
Rotating Panoramic Restaurant in Bangkok
After this shopping morning, my program continues with a revolving panoramic restaurant: the Sky View 360° Bangkok.
This restaurant is on the 25th floor of Grand China Bangkok in the heart of Chinatown. E-mail: sirikunya.s@grandchina.com | Website: www.grandchina.com
It is a unique experience to be at the table eating and seeing the whole of Bangkok go by. Indeed, the tables are arranged on a turntable which allows you to change views very slowly while eating.
So don't go there for the dishes because they are classic (pad thai, tempura, fried chicken…), in short, nothing extraordinary. On the other hand, the place is very nice!
Temple of the Golden Buddha
To visit the iconic Temple of the Golden Buddha, also known as Wat Traimit, you can get there on foot (1 km walk) or by tuk tuk. Located in bustling Chinatown, the Temple of the Golden Buddha is a quick-to-visit tourist attraction. Note that the statue represents 5,5 tons and is made of pure gold.
Sunset on the most beautiful rooftop in Bangkok
My route will take you by tuk tuk 3 kilometers from the Golden Buddha Temple on the most beautiful Bangkok rooftop : The Sky Bar of the State Tower
Dominating Bangkok from the top of its 250 meters, the sky bar or the restaurant at the top of the skyscraper with its golden dome is a must in Bangkok.
Its outdoor terrace allows you to enjoy a spectacular view of the city of Bangkok and to be amazed with a very art deco style. Be careful, because you have to book in advance (Official website) and plan to dress properly to be able to enter this temple of luxury!
The Lebua State Tower's Sky Bar is the perfect place to sip a (quite expensive) cocktail while enjoying a spectacular panorama:
Patpong Night Market
To complete the discovery of Bangkok in 2 days, it's nice to end with a night market. You can choose between the famous Khao San street, the lively districts of Nana, Royal City Avenue or the famous Patpong night market (to be avoided with children).
Which hotel to visit Bangkok in 2 days?
The hotel I chose (the Feung Nakorn Balcony Rooms and Cafe) was very well placed to do the DAY 1 walking tours. Indeed, located in the Bangkok's most touristic area, this hotel has an excellent value for money. But don't expect luxury because it's a bit old-fashioned and in a neighborhood where there's nothing to do after 18 p.m. However, it has a very pleasant small swimming pool and a very small price!
You should also know that there is a very beautiful hotel (my favorite) in the State Tower whose splendid rooftop I presented to you above:
And, if you want an even more luxurious hotel, I recommend the palace Siam kempinski. It is very well located in the Siam district, one of the most chic in Bangkok: