You're traveling to Thailand and planning a 2-day stay in the capital? To make sure you don't miss the essentials, we've prepared an itinerary of the must-see things to do in Bangkok in 2 days.

Day 1: Bangkok's Most Beautiful Temples

Your first day of exploration can center around visiting the main temples of the city. Here's an example itinerary to organize your first day in Bangkok.

1. The Royal Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

If there's one visit you must make in Bangkok, it would undoubtedly be the spectacular Royal Palace. Also known as the Grand Palace, it is the city's most iconic landmark. Built in 1782 on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River by King Rama I, it has been home to all the kings of the realm. Even today, it remains a vital center of Thai political and spiritual life.

The Royal Palace encompasses the throne hall, a museum, the former royal residence, and one of Thailand's most important temples, Wat Phra Kaew. Inside it houses the renowned Emerald Buddha, a true emblem of the Chakri Dynasty and one of the country's most sacred sites. Absolutely not to be missed.

2. Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Just steps away from the Grand Palace stands Wat Pho, a magnificent royal temple from the 18th century, and one of Bangkok's must-see temples. The temple is notably renowned for its impressive statue of a reclining Buddha. Measuring 45 meters long and 15 meters high, the Buddha is entirely covered in gold leaf.

Beyond its famous reclining Buddha, the temple houses an extraordinary collection of Buddha statues as well as a Thai massage school and traditional medicine center.

3. Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn

Leave the historic center of Bangkok and continue your escape by crossing the river to reach the right bank of the Chao Phraya and visit Wat Arun. Nicknamed the "Temple of Dawn," Wat Arun is one of the three most visited pagodas in Bangkok.

This temple exemplifies an architectural transition between Hindu-inspired pyramidal towers and Buddhist elements with its ordination hall and viharas. You'll be captivated by its unique architecture—a hybrid of a Khmer-style temple-mountain and delicate mosaics of porcelain and shell.

4. Taking in the City from One of Its Rooftops

To end the day on a high note, why not take in some height with a visit to one of the capital's rooftop bars?

After exploring the city and discovering Bangkok's finest temples, you can finish this first day with a cocktail in hand while admiring the sunset from the rooftops.

Among Bangkok's best rooftops, we recommend:

• Scarlett Rooftop Wine Bar & Restaurant

• Above Eleven

• Vanilla Sky

• Brewski

• Octave Rooftop Bar

• Three Sixty at Millennium Hilton Bangkok

• ABar Rooftop…

To reach the rooftop of your choice, consider taking a tuk-tuk. This affordable mode of transportation is an experience in itself that you absolutely must try during your stay in Bangkok!

Day 2: Chinatown, Nearby Temples, Chao Phraya and Its Klongs, and Lumphini Park

1. Chinatown

For your second and final day in Bangkok, we recommend exploring the fascinating Chinese quarter: Chinatown. Once the stronghold of the Teochew ethnic group, who immigrated to the capital in 1782 to engage in trade with royal consent, Chinatown is one of the capital's oldest neighborhoods.

Centered around the main street Yaowarat, the Chinese quarter offers a journey within a journey. You'll discover shops filled with quirky objects, a colorful bazaar, traditional pharmacies… The neighborhood is also renowned for its cafés, restaurants, and excellent street food at bargain prices!

2. Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha

Take the opportunity of your time in Chinatown to visit Wat Traimit, located just steps from the Chinatown gate. Locals call this temple the "Sanctuary of the Golden Buddha" because it houses the largest solid gold statue in the world. It's a 3-meter-tall Buddha whose gold weighs an impressive 5.5 tons!

3. Wat Saket, the Temple of the Golden Mount

Another temple worth your attention in the Chinatown area is Wat Saket. Called the Temple of the Golden Mount, it ranks among Bangkok's oldest temples. It's known for its 76.5-meter-high golden stupa. To reach it, you'll climb 300 steps adorned with amusing animal statues. From the top of the Chedi, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

4. A Cruise on the Chao Phraya River and Its Klongs

The Chao Phraya winds through Bangkok from north to south. Its numerous canals have even earned the capital the nickname "Venice of the Orient." Used as a waterway to transport goods, the river is also a transportation method for locals and visitors thanks to the numerous river buses that operate on it.

Not only is it the most economical way to get around Bangkok, but the different boat lines also serve the capital's main attractions while offering an authentic setting. It's also an opportunity to explore the klongs (canals) and discover the daily life of residents who live along the water.

You can, for example, take a boat to the Tha Saphan Hua Chang station, which stops near Jim Thompson House, a museum dedicated to an American businessman nicknamed the King of Thai Silk.

5. Lumphini, Bangkok's Central Park

To wrap up your stay on a leisurely note, we recommend a visit to Lumphini Park. Covering 58 hectares, it's the largest park in the capital. It's even nicknamed Bangkok's Central Park! Many locals come to enjoy this green oasis in the heart of the city to relax, exercise, or spend quality time with family and friends.

While visiting the park, you can enjoy this laid-back atmosphere far from the city's hustle and bustle, take a pedalo ride on the park's lake, and even observe monitors, impressive reptiles that have made their home in many of Bangkok's parks and water features.