How to Spend 48 Hours in Bangkok

Thailand’s bustling and eccentric capital of Bangkok is certainly anything short of boring! Full of interesting cultural sites, incredible shopping, unreal nightlife, and delicious food, you’ll find Bangkok makes for the perfect stopover. The best way to experience Bangkok in 48 hours is by getting a mix of it all! Here’s how you should spend your 48 hours in Bangkok.

Day 1

Morning

Start your morning off early by heading to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market located just outside of Bangkok. With over 15,000 stalls, this market offers a bit of everything, sold from small boats floating along the river. From clothing, fake branded items, fresh food and souvenirs, you’ll find it all! This market is the perfect introduction to Thai shopping and offers a unique experience. 

morning in bangkok
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Afternoon

As the afternoon hits, take shade under the canopy of a river cruise to cool down. Hop on and off the Chao Phraya River Express to see some of Thailand’s most iconic tourist sites. Taking a river boat tour is one of the best ways to see and experience Bangkok’s neighbourhoods. Plus it certainly beats walking around in that humid heat! From the river cruise, make your final stop Wat Arun for sunset. This majestic shrine has a 76m pagoda, glazed with ceramic pieces to reflect the rising sun, giving the temple its name, Temple of the Dawn. Climb to the top of the pagoda for the perfect view for sunset.

Afternoon
Wat Arun Temple

Evening

Here’s where you really get to experience Bangkok in full swing! Get prepared for a big night out along the iconic Khao San Road! Before a big night ahead, line your stomach with some delicious Thai food for dinner. Head to Chinatown and experience some of Thailand’s best street food along Yaowarat Road. Then of course you can’t go to Thailand without experiencing Khao San Road, with an anything-goes vibe, cheap booze and cheap food, you’ll find this will most definitely be a night out to remember (or perhaps not remember!).

Evening in Bangkok

Day 2

Morning

After experiencing your first night of Bangkok nightlife, you’ll likely want to sleep in and take this morning slow. Before you leave your accommodation, be sure to dress in conservative clothing that covers your shoulders and knees so you will be able to visit the many incredible temples in Bangkok. Before the heat hits, start the morning off with a city tour of Bangkok, through the chaotic street and quaint back alleys making your way to the Grand Palace. Originally the official residence of the king, this building complex is both breath-taking and historical. It showcases some of the country’s most impressive architecture and ornate decorations. A 10 minute walk from the Grand Palace is Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha which features a giant golden reclining Buddha inside.

bangkok trip

Afternoon

By now you’ve probably worked up an appetite. Only a short walk from Wat Pho is small Thai restaurant called the Sixth, where you’re guaranteed to find yourself a delicious authentic lunch. From there, as the day starts to heat up, escape to some AC. If you’re feeling fragile from last night, relax with a traditional Thai massage or experience some more of Bangkok’s incredible shopping! Spend the afternoon along Sukhumvit Road, claimed to be the longest boulevard in the world or head to the massive shopping centre Terminal 21. Here you’ll find many great options for eating, shopping and massages.

Bangkok city

Evening

Start the evening off at one of Bangkok’s many trendy rooftop bars. Relive the scene from Hangover 2 at the iconic Sky Bar at Lebua Hotel or take in the 360 views of Bangkok from Octave Rooftop. Prepare to pay a bit more for drinks at these bars, but its worth it for the views and a good pic! If you’re inner party animal is feeling up to another night out, walk 5 minutes down the road from Octave Rooftop to discover the nightlife of the district Sukhumvit. From boujee rooftop bars to bustling clubs and go-go bars, you’ll be in for a one of a kind night out to say the least!

Night in Bangkok

Get ready for an action packed 48 hours in Bangkok! Experience the vibrant city for yourself on one of our Thailand tours here.

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