Nov 15, 2022

Are you 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 must-see things and activities in Bangkok in 2 days.

Day 1: Bangkok's Most Beautiful Temples

Your first day of exploration can revolve around visits to the city's main temples. 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 single must-see in Bangkok, it would undoubtedly be the spectacular Royal Palace. Also known as the Grand Palace, it is the city's most iconic symbol. Built in 1782 on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River by King Rama I, it has witnessed the succession of all the kingdom's rulers. Today, it remains a cornerstone of Thai political and spiritual life.

The Royal Palace houses the throne room, a museum, the former royal residence, and one of Thailand's most important temples, Wat Phra Kaew. Inside this temple lies the famous Emerald Buddha, a true symbol of the Chakri Dynasty and one of the country's most sacred sites. A must-see under any circumstances.

2. Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha

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

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

3. Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn

Leave the historic center of Bangkok and continue your exploration 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 Bangkok's three most visited pagodas.

This temple expresses an architectural transition between pyramid-shaped towers inspired by Hindu architecture and Buddhist elements with an ordination hall and viharas. You'll be captivated by its unique architecture, blending Khmer-style temple-mountain design with delicate mosaics of porcelain and shell.

4. Reach New Heights at One of the City's Rooftop Bars

To end your day beautifully, why not head 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 transport 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 Chinatown district: Chinatown. Once the stronghold of the Teochew ethnic group, which immigrated to the capital in 1782 to engage in trade with the king's permission, Chinatown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the capital.

Centered around the main street Yaowarat, Chinatown offers a journey within a journey. You'll discover shops 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 or the Temple of the Golden Buddha

Take advantage of your visit to Chinatown to visit Wat Traimit temple, located just steps from Chinatown's gateway. Locals call this temple the "Sanctuary of the Golden Buddha" because it houses the world's largest gold sculpture. It is a Buddha standing 3 meters tall and weighing 5.5 tons of gold!

3. Wat Saket, the Temple of the Golden Mount

Another temple worthy of your attention near Chinatown: Wat Saket. Known as the Temple of the Golden Mount, it ranks among Bangkok's oldest temples. It is famous for its 76.5-meter-high golden stupa. To reach it, you'll need to climb 300 steps lined with amusing animal statues. At the top of the Chedi, you'll enjoy stunning views over 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 East." Used as a waterway for transporting goods, the river also serves as a transport route for locals and visitors thanks to the many water buses that ply its waters.

Not only is it the most economical way to get around Bangkok, but the various boat lines also serve the capital's main sites of interest while offering a unique setting. It's also an opportunity to venture into the klongs (canals) to discover the daily life of people living along the water.

For example, you can take a boat to Tha Saphan Hua Chang station, which stops near Jim Thompson's house museum, an American businessman known as the "Silk King" of Thailand.

Note: For those wanting a more intimate experience, it's possible to arrange a private traditional long-tail boat ride.

5. Lumphini, Bangkok's Central Park

To end your stay on a gentle note, we recommend stopping by Lumphini Park. With an area of 58 hectares, it's the city's largest park. It's even nicknamed Bangkok's Central Park! Many locals enjoy this green oasis in the heart of the city to relax, exercise, or spend quality time with family and friends.

When visiting the park, you'll appreciate the relaxed atmosphere far from the city's hustle and bustle, enjoy a pedalo ride on the park's lake, and even spot monitor lizards—impressive reptiles that have made their home in many of Bangkok's parks and water features.

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web content writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. Because for her, traveling isn't about checking off countries on a map, but about weaving connections—often invisible but always powerful—with places, peoples, and all manner of creatures in the animal kingdom. Her motto? Advise travelers with integrity, awaken their consciousness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories often arise far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, in the midst of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to listen to…