We may receive a commission if you make purchases through affiliate links (at no extra cost to you). Read why our approach to travel is different.
Nowhere captures the concept of ‘sensory overload‘ quite like Bangkok. From colorful tuk-tuks flying across traffic overpasses to open-air street kitchens with larger-than-life flaming woks, it sometimes seems like Bangkok is designed to overwhelm you.
And yet, Bangkok remains one of the most visited cities in the world. For those who fall under Bangkok’s spell, you’ll soon realize this is a city you don’t just visit once and tick off your list. Like all great cities of the world, Bangkok has many layers and countless personalities. And with every visit, you’ll hopefully uncover another level to this great Southeast Asian metropolis.
Long gone are the days when Bangkok was famous for its go-go bars and fake designer handbags. Bangkok emerged from the pandemic with a new, more youthful contemporary spirit. Everywhere you look you’ll find new concept stores, craft beer bars and little, homegrown boutique galleries. At the same time, the old Bangkok charm remains with little Buddhist stupas and historic street food vendors staying firmly in place.
Bangkok is one of the cities at the heart of my story. I have been visiting Bangkok since I was a kid and I have watched the city change dramatically over the last two decades. New construction projects, shopping centres, dining precincts and more. Yet, despite visiting more times than I can count, Bangkok still holds a special place in my travel history.
At Travel Insighter, we have years of experience curating Bangkok travel itineraries. Whether you’re looking for a quick 2 days in Bangkok itinerary on your way to Europe or Australia, or you’re visiting as part of a longer Thailand or Southeast Asia trip, I guarantee you won’t find a better 2 days in Bangkok itinerary than this one.
Skip to...
- Before you go: Planning your 2 days in Bangkok itinerary
- The ultimate 2 days in Bangkok itinerary
- Day 1: Major Bangkok tourist attractions
- Day 2: Chinatown and contemporary Bangkok
Before you go: Planning your 2 days in Bangkok itinerary
Where to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is huge and no matter where you stay you will inevitably be spending a considerable amount of time on public transport or in taxis.
As a general rule, I prefer to stay around Silom. This large area is relatively central and in between the major tourist attractions of old Bangkok and Chinatown, and the newer, glitzier and creative neighbourhoods of Sukhumvit and Thong Lo.
There are no shortage of excellent hotels in Silom for all budgets, from the affordable Holiday Inn Bangkok to the extremely tasteful Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.
Getting around Bangkok
Travelers are often surprised to find out Bangkok has an excellent metro system, including direct rail link from Bangkok’s main Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) to centre of the city in just 35 minutes.
However, many of Bangkok’s tourist attractions, and best restaurants and cafes are located down little alleyways which are often a decent walk from the closest major station (especially in the Bangkok humidity). Luckily, taxis and ride-sharing applications (Grab, Bolt) are all extremely affordable by Western standards. For short hops, I always recommend a tuk tuk for the quintessential Bangkok experience.
The ultimate 2 days in Bangkok itinerary
Day 1: Major Bangkok tourist attractions
Breakfast
Diving headfirst into the wonderland of Thai flavours is one of the greatest joys of any Bangkok itinerary.
If your Bangkok hotel includes breakfast, you’re in for a treat. You’ll likely find a seemingly never-ending buffet of Thai breakfast staples, as well as some western favourites like pancakes and French toast. No matter what your breakfast preference is, make sure you go heavy on the Thai fruit offerings. As every traveler to Thailand will attest to, there’s nothing quite like your first bite of dragonfruit, mango or watermelon in Thailand.
For a traditional Thai breakfast
If you’re keen to go local, make your way to On Lok Yun in the heart of old Bangkok. This place has been serving traditional Thai-style breakfast for decades, as well as fusion dishes like meats with eggs and sausages. It’s cheap, no nonsense and aggressively Bangkok.
For a Western-style brunch
If you’ve been traveling around Southeast Asia for a while, or just really need some quality smashed avo first thing in the morning, Bangkok has no shortage of Western-style brunch spots. Sarnies (Charoenkrung), Toby’s (Sukhumvit) and Luka (Silom and Sukhumvit) offer consistently good breakfasts.
If you just need a good cup of speciality coffee to start your day, some recent favorites of mine include Greydient & Them and Rolling Roasters.
Morning: Royal Bangkok
Grand Palace
Your day starts at Bangkok’s Grand Palace. Dating back to the late 1700s, Bangkok’s Grand Palace is, quite literally, the gold standard for Southeast Asian palaces. I could probably describe this site using every adjective under the sun: elaborate, luxurious, ornately detailed, and, ultimately, overwhelmingly beautiful in the truest sense of the word.
Travel tip: You are required to wear long pants when visiting the Grand Palace. You’ll find vendors selling pants by the entrance for an overpriced price. I’d always recommend bringing my own in a bag and changing there.
One of my favorite things about the Grand Palace complex is how the Grand Palace is actually an amalgamation of smaller complexes, rooms and temples (including the very famous, Temple of the Emerald Buddha). My favourite thing to do is to simply sit in front of one room or temple complex and concentrate on the some of the finer details, whether it be the paintings or mosaic work.
To make the most of your trip, I’d recommend joining this historic walking tour which runs through the royal history of Thailand and explains how Thailand managed to become the only country in Southeast Asia not to be colonized by Europeans.
Wat Arun
Once you’ve made your way around the Grand Palace, you’ll want to head toward the riverfront and hop on a quick water taxi over to the marvellous Wat Arun. I’ll be honest: most travellers to Thailand quickly find themselves ‘templed out’. So, in my opinion, if you only visit one temple in Bangkok, it should be this one.
One of the most notable landmarks in Bangkok’s skyline, Wat Arun is exceptionally detailed and holds a strong place in Bangkok urban identity. If you’re looking for a special memento from your time in Bangkok, many travelers enjoy renting traditional Thai clothes here for professional photos.
If you are particularly sensitive to the sun, consider visiting Wat Arun before the Grand Palace. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful spots in Bangkok in the early morning light.
Lunch: Pad Thai
Jump back across the river and head to Mayrai for lunch. This is one of those restaurants which made me fall in love with Bangkok all over again. Imagine a dedicated pad Thai restaurant, add a bit of contemporary flare and a wine list which boldly aims to compliment pad Thai. Mayrai is a bit of a sophisticated lunch stop, and if you’re after something a little more casual you can save this place for dinner!
For those visiting Bangkok on a budget, you might want to stick with street food. You’ll find a number of sellers near both the Grand Palace and Wat Arun offering cheap street-side pad Thai or tom yum soup.
Early afternoon: Historic Bangkok
After lunch, make your way over to Bangkok’s Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talat). This market operates 24 hours a day and if you happen to be suffering from jet-lag, I’d always recommend swinging past at 3 or 4 am.
Here, you’ll find hundreds of vendors selling flowers of every color and size. When checking into your Bangkok hotel, there’s a good chance you found yourself amazed by the elaborate flower arrangements there. Well, I can almost guarantee you, the hotel managers have spent some time here at Pak Khlong Talat.
Late afternoon snack: Michelin mango sticky rice
If you’re feeling like it’s time for a snack, or you’re more keen for one of Bangkok’s more unique experiences, take the short walk over to K. Panich Sticky Rice.
Along the way, you’ll walk through some of the older streets of historic Bangkok, passing the iconic Democracy Monument. Once you arrive at K. Panich, take a moment to appreciate you are about to eat, what I believe is the world’s only Michelin recommended mango sticky rice.
This family has been selling mango sticky rice in the heart of Bangkok since the 1970s, using a recipe which has been passed down for 8 generations. It’s very much a Bangkok rite of passage to stand in line for K. Panich’s mango sticky rice, before downing the refreshing, albeit slightly heavy, afternoon snack.
Sunset: Rooftop
Everyone loves a good rooftop sunset and in the mega-city of Bangkok, you have endless rooftops to choose from. For the best sunset option in town (focusing on both views and vibes), my favorites are Octave and Tichuca. The latter is heavier on vibes and leans more towards the Instagram-friendly crowd.
Most Bangkok rooftops can get very busy in the late afternoon and I’d recommend timing your visit to arrive anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes before sunset.
Dinner: A Bangkok feast
Bangkok is unquestionably one of the culinary capitals of our planet. I’m still yet to meet someone who doesn’t like Thai food and if you’ve been living in the West for the last decade you’ve probably had your fair share of pad Thai, spring rolls or green curry.
Perhaps my favourite thing about Bangkok is that you can literally eat according to any budget and the quality won’t change. It’s difficult to choose my favourite restaurants in Bangkok but here are a handful of my go-to restaurants to fit your budget. Make sure to bookmark this itinerary, as you’ll want to return to many of these restaurants throughout your 2 days in Bangkok itinerary.
If you are looking for the best vegetarian restaurants in Bangkok, we have you covered in our dedicated guide to vegetarian dining in Bangkok.
Budget
If you’re on a budget, you’re in for a treat. There are no shortage of street food stalls and cheap restaurants selling some of Bangkok’s highest quality dinner options. Some long-standing favorites on the travel circuit include: Phed Mark for Pad Kaprao, Rung Rueng Pork Noodle (the name gives it away) and Wattana Panich, where the beef stew broth has been simmering for over 45 years (they’ve never switched it off).
Mid-range
For mid-range dining, I always recommend Na Aroon in Sukhumvit. In the gorgeous boutique Ariya Som villa hotel (one of my favourite places to stay in Bangkok), Na Aroon maintains a vegetarian and seafood menu. The only way I can describe the food here is high-quality, home-cooked cuisine which will ‘hit the spot’ for those familiar with Thai flavours. Don’t miss the Chiang Mai-style Khao Soi.
High-end (but not break the bank)
Charmgang is one of the most popular restaurants in Bangkok these days. And for good reason. A self-styled, neon-lit ‘curry shop’, Charmgang aims to serve hearty Thai flavors in a fun environment, full of contemporary Thai art and a retro flair.
If you feel like you need a break from Thai food already, consider a reservation at Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh. Made famous by the award-winning chefs of Gaggan, Ms. Maria & Mr Singh offer one of the most unique restaurants in Bangkok: Indian-Mexican fusion. Think paneer tacos and masala quesadillas. The whole experience is marvellous, opening with a hardcover picture book sharing the love story of Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh. You can also expect a variety of fusion palate cleansers.
High-end (break the bank)
If you’re in Bangkok for a special occasion – or simply find your joy in exquisite food experiences – you’re in for a treat. There’s no shortage of Bangkok restaurants with long multi-course tasting menus to help you break the bank.
If you’re an international foodie, you won’t need my advice to know you should be trying to score a table at Gaggan Amand. Another favorite mine is the farm-to-table Haoma, but also check out Sorn (for southern Thai cuisine) and R-Haan. For most of these restaurants you’ll likely need to nab a reservation months in advance.
After dark
You have a few options in Bangkok after dark. This might depend on how tired you are after arriving in Bangkok. But don’t worry, whatever you don’t manage to hit on night one, you can save for your second night in Bangkok – that’s one of the benefits of being on a 2 days Bangkok itinerary!
River cruise
There’s nothing more magical than an evening cruise along the Chao Praya river. You can expect some live music, and an almost peaceful glide past many of Bangkok’s major attractions which are all lit up at night. I personally love this cruise which includes dinner too. If you’re after a romantic start to your 2 days in Bangkok itinerary, this sounds just about right.
Rowdy night out on Khao San Road
Ready to recreate your own Hangover moment? Then head towards the backpacker hub of Khao San Road where Bangkok’s once seedy reputation all began. Buckets, cocktails on the cheap and pretty much every form of mischief you could ever imagine. Grab a few friends, have a bit too much to drink and dance the night away. This is one night in Bangkok exactly as you imagined it.
If you’re traveling solo and still want to experience Khao San Road, hop on this super social pub crawl and you’ll be making new friends in no time.
Khao San Road is also the spot where you’ll also find the street food you see on social media: snakes, scorpions and all types of insects.
Day 2: Chinatown and contemporary Bangkok
Morning: Chinatown Tour
If you only explore one neighbourhood in Bangkok, I’d make sure that its Chinatown. Now, Bangkok’s Chinatown isn’t some tacky Chinatown full of lanterns and quick dim sum restaurants. Rather, this is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world. The streets here are a sensory overload: little shops, big colors, countless street food stalls and small cafes.
I’m not giving you a breakfast or lunch option today, because there are too many excellent food choices in Chinatown. If you ask me, the number 1 rule when visiting Chinatown is to eat as much as you can (meal times are really just a suggestion, right?).
In my opinion, the greatest joy to visiting Chinatown is simply walking around and getting yourself lost in the back alleys. For many travelers, Chinatown is often a highlight of their 2 days in Bangkok itinerary. To help guide you around Chinatown, I have put together below a little list of my favourite spots in the area.
Chinatown sites: Temples and heritage
None of these sites will blow your mind, but as a collective they make for a great set of reference points to navigate the busy streets of Chinatown.
- Wat Traimit: home to, what is often called, the world’s largest golden Buddha. Smaller, but no less impressive, than some of the temples you visited yesterday.
- Jubilee Gate: the entrance to Chinatown.
- Shanghai Mansion: a heritage boutique hotel (you can stay here!) and old opera house dating back to the late 1800s.
- Talat Kao (or Yaowarat Old Market): often considered Bangkok’s oldest food market, with lots of fresh produce and fish.
- Chinatown Rama: a timeless landmark, fully decked out for some old-school retro Thai cinema.
Chinatown bites: Best food and drink
- Ek Teng Phu Kee: This Chinatown favourite evokes an old-school Hong Kong tea house. You’re here for the toast with coconut egg custard. This recipe has famously been passed down for generations. Also, their Chinese black iced coffee is the perfect start to the day.
- Pang Pang Toast: I love this small stall for their fluffy toast with pandan custard.
- Guay Jub Ouan Pochana: Michelin-star street food. Famous for their peppery Guay jub.
- Double Dogs Tearoom: A traditional Chinese-style teahouse. The ideal spot to try some rare and high-end teas from Northern Thailand.
- Hom Dee Noodles: for signature egg noodles with your choice of crispy topping or wonton.
- Jek Pui Curry: for what is often called ‘the best curry in Bangkok’.
- Jae Lee Vegan: This is one for our vegan friends and one of my favorite vegetarian restaurants in Bangkok. A little vegan street food stall down a quiet Chinatown alley. Pull up a chair next to some locals and slurp away.
Afternoon: Jim Thompson House
The Jim Thompson House is the former home of one of Bangkok’s most famous foreign residents, pre-eminent silk traders and art collectors.
However, the Jim Thompson House is no ordinary historic home. Set on a small river tributary, this complex consists of a number of historic old royal homes in Ayutthaya. Thompson actually deconstructed and reassembled the historic homes here. Through your visit, your guide walks you through how Thompson planned the complex, and decorated it with an immaculate and priceless collection of Southeast Asian art and sculptures. In case it isn’t clear: even the quickest 2 days in Bangkok itinerary should include a stop at Jim Thompson.
Visiting Jim Thompson House is one of the most popular things to do in Bangkok. But don’t let the crowds scare you off, the museum here runs like a well-oiled machine. Upon arrival you will quickly be allocated to a tour in English (or whichever language you will prefer). You rarely have to wait too long. But if you are sitting for a few minutes, check out the nearby cafe and gift store (which are experiences in and of themselves).
Late afternoon: Bangkok’s design and hipster culture
If you’re running well for time and want to visit a few more spots, make your way to the side streets around Thanon Charoen Krung. Here, you’ll find a number of boutique concept stores, art galleries, cafes and wine bars which are at the forefront of contemporary Bangkok culture.
One of the reasons I love Charoen Krung is that it’s so distinctly Thai and doesn’t try to copy the ‘universal hipster culture’ you find in other global capitals. For a list of some of my favorite cafes and design stores for your 2 days in Bangkok itinerary, head over to our TI guide to unusual things to do in Bangkok.
Dinner: Keeping it casual
Budget to mid-range
Another quintessential Bangkok food experience is to pay pilgrimage to Thipsamai, the apparent birthplace of the legendary Pad Thai. The noodles here are a little sweeter and the menu is very easy-to-use with a clear vegetarian option which explicitly states no shrimp oil.
The original location is on Maha Chai Road, but you can find branches across Bangkok.
High-end (but not break the bank)
If its your last night in Bangkok (and it shouldn’t be!), you’ll probably want to go out on a Thai food feast. The Blue Elephant offers a royal Thai menu, full of colonial-era pomp and more. If you’re looking for high quality, institutional-level Thai food, this is the place to be.
Unique food experience: Siam Paragon food hall
If you know anything about our food recommendations, you’ll know they’re always grounded in key Travel Insighter principles: high quality food, unique dining experiences and the best of local cuisine.
One of my favorite things to do in Bangkok is to spend a few hours (you read that correctly) in the food hall at Siam Paragon mall. Now, you’re probably thinking: I’m on a strict 2 days in Bangkok itinerary, am I really speaking time in a food court? Well, Siam Paragon food hall isn’t your ordinary shopping centre food court. This food hall has tens of stalls covering the best of Thai cuisine (including a Thipsamai), with numerous counters here holding Michelin recommendations. Add to the mix a seasonal array of pop-up dessert stalls and Siam Paragon truly is a foodie paradise.
While you’re at Siam Paragon, don’t miss one of my favorite Bangkok dessert stores, kanomsiam. Their Siam Paragon shop is set a few minutes walk from the main food hall. But, in my opinion, kanomsiam offer the best pandan pancake bites in all of Thailand. And I would know…
After dark: Bar hopping
The Bangkok bar scene is among the best in the world. Imagine the chic cocktail bars of Hong Kong and Taipei merging with the laid-back and welcoming atmosphere of Bangkok. Add in the mix some quintessentially Thai flavors and you have yourself a uniquely Bangkok night out.
As usual with Bangkok, you’ll find different price tags for different experiences.
Mid-range: Chinatown
Chinatown after dark is a completely different experience. Around Soi Nana, you’ll find a collection of bars which make for an ideal barhopping evening (or you are welcome to pick one and relax).
Some of my favorites include:
- Teens of Thailand: One of the most famous bars in Bangkok for its epic collection of gins. If you want to hang out with the cool kids of Bangkok, this is unquestionably the place to be.
- Ba hao 八號: This little bar doubles up as one of my favorite restaurants in Bangkok (can I say that about a bar menu?). Think Chinese-fusion cuisine and some of the heartiest Dan Dan Noodles in Bangkok. If you’re on a budget, just order yourself a beer and lean in to the old-school Shanghai vibes.
- TEP Bar: A self-proclaimed cultural bar, TEP Bar serves an array of higher-end cocktails, most of which use locally brewed Thai liquors. Kind of hidden down a little alleyway, expect live musics and a bit more of a fancier decor.
- Asia Today: Somehow connected to Teens of Thailand, this fun cocktail bar offers a selection of honey-based cocktails, using a whole bunch of locally grown herbs and ingredients sourced from the Chinatown market.
- Pijiu Bar: A more casual beer bar offering some of Bangkok’s best craft beer.
Lift it up a notch: Thong Lo and Sukhumvit
If cocktail mixology is your thing, or you’re looking to end your 2 days in Bangkok itinerary with a bang, nobody ever said no to a good cocktail. For the best cocktail bars in Bangkok you’ll want to be making your way towards either Thong Lo or Sukhumvit. In the back alleys of these exclusive neighborhoods hide some of most sophisticated cocktail bars in Southeast Asia. There’s no shortage of high-end cocktail bars in Bangkok, but here are some of my recommendations to get your started:
- Thong Lo: #FindTheLockerRoom, Rabbit Hole, 12 x 12 and J. Boroski
- Sukhumvit: Alonetogether, The Iron Fairies, Blessing Shophouse and Lennon’s
For more guidance on how to craft your very own DIY cocktail crawl, head over to our guide to the most Unusual and Unique Things To Do in Bangkok.
Share This Article
Traveling soon? Subscribe to The Insight below and get exclusive access to our personalized travel advice community via WhatsApp so you can ask all your burning travel questions.
Looking for the best comprehensive travel insurance? SafetyWing has you covered.
And for your eSIM in every country, there is only one option we recommend: Airalo.
Read more of our best insights from around the world
- A Flying Visit to Sin City: One Day in Las Vegas
- 10 Best Restaurants In Pattaya: Fine-dining, Views and Beachfront Locations
- The Perfect 10 Day Itinerary for Türkiye: History, Culture and Sea
- 6 Best Restaurants in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin for 2025
- 7 Best Things To Do In Pattaya: 2-Hours From Bangkok!
- Helsinki vs. Stockholm – Deciding Which Baltic Sea Capital to Visit
