Bankok is often depicted as a city full of sin and chaos.
Although those things exist if you’re looking for them, Bangkok also has many
other things that will appeal to International travelers. From world-class
shopping and cuisine to stunning architecture
and culture, Bangkok is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a truly global
city. Come with us as we show you how to explore Bangkok in 48 hours.
DAY 1
9:30 AM - THE GRAND PALACE
NA PHRA LAN RD. PHRA NAKHON, BANGKOK 10200
Beat the crowds by visiting Bangkok’s top tourist attraction early. Your ticket includes three attractions: The Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and several small museums so be prepared to walk a bit. Also, make sure to adhere to the dress code at Thai temples, as they are a place of worship. Everyone must wear long pants and cover your shoulders. If you don’t have proper clothing, you can borrow them from the Palace entrance.
11 AM – WAT PHO AND THE RECLINING BUDDHA
2 SANAMCHAI RD. GRAND PALACE SUBDISTRICT, PRANAKORN DISTRICT, BANGKOK 10200
Home of the world famous Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is a short ten-minute walk from the Grand Palace and a true Thai gem. The prestigious Thai Massage School resides on the property so feel free to indulge in a treatment or two. If you need a bit of luck on your way out, drop 108 pennies into the bronze bowls that line the hall. These bowls represent the 108 temptations a Buddhist must overcome to achieve nirvana.
12:30 PM – THAI STREET FOOD
THA TIEN PIER MAHA RAT RD. PHRA BOROM MAHA RATCHAWANG, PHRA NAKHON, BANGKOK 10200
World famous for their cheap and delicious street food, visit one of the vendors near Nagaraphirom Park overlooking the Chao Phraya River. We recommend trying the grilled fish or beef, but for non-meat eaters, Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad) is an excellent option.
1:30 PM – WAT ARUN
BANGKOK YAI, BANGKOK 10600
Also known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun resides opposite Wat Pho and The Grand Palace on the Chao Phraya River. Climb the central prang (tower) for beautiful views over the river and surrounding area.
3 PM – LUMPINI PARK
139/4 WITTHAYU RD. LUMPHINI, PATHUM WAN, BANGKOK 10330
For the nature lover, Lumpini Park a carefully maintained respite from the bustling chaos of Bangkok. You may run across one of the resident Komodo Dragons which roam freely throughout the park, but be careful -- they bite.
6 PM – RAJADAMNERN STADIUM
1, RATCHADAMNOEN NOK RD. POM PRAP SATTRU PHAI, BANGKOK 10200
No visit to Thailand is complete without witnessing the national sport of Muay Thai Boxing. Rajadamnern Stadium is Thailand’s most famous venue and offers a brief glimpse into their sporting culture. Try your luck by making a small wager with the locals or just sit back and enjoy the fight.
8 PM – NIGHT CRUISE
RIVER CITY SOI CHAROENKRUNG 30 CHAROENKRUNG RD. BANGRAK, BANGKOK
It’s easy to forget that Bangkok was established on the Chao Phraya River as its megalopolis is continually expanding outward. Some travelers even go their entire trip without ever seeing it. This is a shame because the Chao Phraya is lined with some of the best attractions Bangkok has to offer and comes alive at night.
9:30 PM - ASIATIQUE THE RIVERFRONT
2194 CHAROENKRUNG RD. WAT PHRAYA KRAI, BANG KOW LAEM, BANGKOK 10120
Finish your night with a visit to the beautiful AsiatIque entertainment complex. You’ll find everything from delicious food to artisan shops. Take a ride on ferris wheel for breathtaking views over an often forgotten part of Bangkok.
DAY 2
10 AM – CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET
587/10 KAMPHAENG PHET 2 RD. CHATUCHAK, BANGKOK 10900
Boasting nearly 15,000 vendors, Chatuchak Market, or JJ Market, is the world’s largest open-air market. Selling everything from clothes to pets, Chatuchak welcomes shoppers from around the world every Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to hydrate often as the Thai heat is no joke.
12 PM – SIAM DISTRICT AND MBK
1 991/1 RAMA I RD. BANGKOK 10330
Welcome to shopper’s paradise. Formerly the world’s most instagrammed place, Siam Paragon boasts a number of the world’s top luxury brands. The Siam shopping district is made up of Siam Paragon, Center, Discovery, and Square with thousands of stores and vendors. MBK is the affordable section, spread over eight floors and 2000 shops.
2 PM – BANGKOK ART AND CULTURE CENTER
939 RAMA 1 RD. PATHUM WAN, BANGKOK 10330
Visit the Bangkok Art and Cultural Center to experience some of Thailand’s most creative and groundbreaking works of art. With an ever-changing collection of exhibits, talented young artists fill the halls with everything from traditional paintings and photography to abstract dance and video works.
3:30 PM – THAI COOKING CLASS
NAJ THAI COOKING SCHOOL 42 COVENANT RD. BANGKOK 10500
Thai food is a favorite all over the world. Take a cooking class to learn to make favorites like Pad Thai. Bangkok is full of excellent schools, some which even include a market tour to shop for local ingredients.
5 PM – THE ART OF MASSAGE
120 NORTH SATHORN RD. SILOM, BANGRAK BANGKOK 10500
When was the last time you treated yourself to a full body massage? Now when was the last time that massage cost less than $10? Bangkok streets are lined with massage houses that specialize in cheap stress relieving techniques so you can skip the expensive hotel spa while still getting in plenty of pampering.
7 PM – EXPLORE THE W DISTRICT
69/1 SUKHUMVIT RD. KHLONG TAN NUEA, WATTHANA, BANGKOK 10110
This little known art district is becoming the talk of the town and for good reason. With one of Thailand’s most creative art galleries and the enigmatic Beat Hotel as anchors, W District has become a haven for creatives, locals, and ex-pats alike. It’s the perfect place to start your night with delicious food and drinks under the Bangkok sky.
9 PM – PATPONG NIGHT MARKET
PHAT PONG 2 ALLEY, SURIYA WONG, BANG RAK, BANGKOK 10500
Patpong Night Market is what everything thinks of Bangkok and then some. Right in the heart of the city, it’s sensory overload in all the right ways. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, head to the side streets (Sois) and don’t forget to negotiate.
WHERE TO STAY: GRANDE CENTRE POINT TERMINAL 21
88 SUKHUMVIT RD. KHLONG TOEI, BANGKOK 10110
Grande Centre Point Terminal 21 is one of Bangkok’s most beautiful and well-located hotels. Right in the heart of the city, it’s connected to the BTS system for unparalleled convenience. Be sure to visit the rooftop infinity pool and Let’s Relax Spa.
