2 Day Bangkok Itinerary: Best Way To Spend 2 Days in Bangkok

2 Day Bangkok Itinerary: Best Way To Spend 2 Days in Bangkok

Spending 2 days in Bangkok and wondering what to do and eat? This Bangkok 2 day itinerary shows you not only the best attractions in Bangkok but also valuable travel information such as how to get around, where to stay, and what to eat in Bangkok for 48 hours.

There are some cities in the world that are worth seeing at least once, and Bangkok in Thailand is one of them.

Thailand is a country that offers a little bit of everything: rich history and culture, amazing food, cheap accommodations and food, amazing diving such as in Similan Islands, beautiful beaches in Krabi and Koh Samui or any of the islands in Southern Thailand, hiking in mountains of Northern Thailand, religious temples, etc.

Most people visit Bangkok as their first stop when organizing a trip to Thailand and it is not hard to see why.

Most airlines fly into Bangkok and domestic flights within Thailand also use Bangkok as a transit hub. But most important, the capital of Thailand is a vibrant city with a mixture of both traditional Thai architecture and traditions and modern culture and entertainments.

In this essential Bangkok 2 day itinerary, I will not only show you the best things to see in Bangkok within 48 hours but also provide you with useful information on traveling to Bangkok and how to avoid common scams in Bangkok.

This blog contains occasional affiliate links, where I receive a small commission on sales of the products/hotels that are linked at no additional cost to you. In addition, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Pinterest Pin: Essential Bangkok itinerary - 2 days in Bangkok, Thailand - what to see and eat in Bangkok

2 Days in Bangkok Essential Travel Information

  • Currency: Thai Baht. 1 USD is about 35 THB
  • Thailand ATM Fees: I always recommend taking out cash from ATMs instead of exchanging. However Thailand ATMs all cost a 200 thb ($5 USD) fee every time you take out cash. The best (and only) way to avoid this fee is to use a Charles Schwab ATM card as they reimburse you any ATM fees globally.
  • There are a ton of money changers in Bangkok if you do not want to take money out of an ATM
  • You can get a sim card easily at the airport after you land. Alternatively you can get an esIM and not have to worry about getting a physical card (and lose your current sim card).
  • You need clothes that cover your shoulder and knees to enter the Grand Palace and other temples or they definitely will not let you in.
  • Download Grab or Bolt app to call cars in Bangkok. They work like Uber/ Lyft. There is no Uber in Thailand
  • Download Line app as this is the most common way people in Thailand message each other.
  • Google Maps works well in Bangkok
  • Watch out for common scams in Bangkok. More on that later
  • Best hotel booking sites for Bangkok include Agoda, Booking and Expedia. There are always discounts on these websites, especially if you are a frequent traveler.

Best (and worst) Months to Visit Bangkok

This is chart showing the average monthly weather and rainfall in Bangkok to see the best and worst time to visit Bangkok in Thailand

The best time to visit Bangkok is during November to February when during its dry season and with cooler weather.

The worst time to go to Bangkok is during the rainy season between May and October.

September generally has the highest precipitation amount and April is the hottest month in Bangkok, therefore you should definitely avoid September and April! Below is a visual graph of average monthly temperature and rainfall level in Bangkok.

Chart of Bangkok monthly weather so you can decide when's the best and worst time to visit Bangkok Thailand

Best Tours in Bangkok for 2 Days

If you are the type that like everything to be taken care of for you, then taking tours would definitely be a better option for you! Bangkok is a large city, and you do need to find your own way around the city to go to different touristy sites. Below are some of the best Bangkok tours to add to your 2 day itinerary.

  • Bangkok Day Tour: This is the essential tour that picks you up and takes you to the famous Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. You will get a licensed guide that tells you the background and history of these significant structures. You also get to take a cruise down the Chao Phraya River and see the beautiful sides like Wat Arun along the riverside. Book the tour here.
  • Bangkok Dinner Cruise: A super nice and relaxing way to spend the evening is to take a dinner cruise on Chao Phraya River. If you think Bangkok looks nice during the day, you will be impressed by the night view. Onboard the luxury cruise you get a delicious dinner buffet while entertained by a live band and performances. Book the tour here.
  • Thai Cooking Class: I always recommend doing a cooking class so you can learn about the local cuisine (and food is taken care of). I have done this cooking class when I went to Bangkok and we made a 5 course meal from scratch. It was super fun and delicious so I really recommend booking this. Book the class here.
  • Street Food Tour: Street food is a quintessential part of the Bangkok experience. If you are not sure where to go, don’t worry, you can take a street food tour led by locals to try the best food. Some tours also take you to night markets and let you see the night scenes of Bangkok. Book here and here.

2 Days in Bangkok: Itinerary Overview

Since you only have two days in Bangkok, the way this itinerary is structured is assuming you have 2 full days in Bangkok or arriving super early in the morning.

Day 1: Explore the most famous temples in Old Town (Rattanakosin), do a river cruise, Chinatown, experience Bangkok nightlife
Day 2: Day trip from Bangkok, get a massage, watch a Muay Thai match and check out a rooftop bar

But before we get into the details of this Bangkok itinerary, let’s talk about a few things you absolutely should know to make your 2 day trip to Bangkok as smooth as possible.


2 Days in Bangkok: Itinerary in Details

Now you have a general sense of how to get into Bangkok and get around, let’s dive in to see how you can spend these 2 days in Bangkok so you get the most out of your trip.

Day 1 in Bangkok

Grand Palace

Entrance Fee: 500 Baht per person. Free for Thai citizens and children under 120cm
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm everyday

The first stop of your 48 hours in Bangkok is an early trip to the Grand Palace, arguably the most popular tourist attraction in Bangkok. This complex of buildings is both breathtaking and historical.

Bangkok Itinerary 2 days

The Grand Palace covers an area of over 200K square meters and it was built in 1782 after King Rama I became king. The Grand Palace used to be the official residence of the king; in recent years, it is sometimes used for official events. I suggest going early during the day to beat the tour buses as it can get really hot and really crowded there.

There is a strict dress code for visitors to the Grand Palace; you will be required to cover your shoulders and knees upon entering.

But don’t worry if you don’t have the appropriate clothes, you can rent them outside of the palace for really cheap, however you may not like how they look on you (I didn’t!)

Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok Thailand | How to spend 2 days in Bangkok

While you are visiting the Grand Palace, be sure to not miss the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). There you can see a seated jade Buddha clothed in gold. This temple is covered by your entrance ticket. Note that you can only take photos of outside of the temple.

If you are interested to get a deeper insight on the history behind the Grand Palace complex and hear the story behind the buildings and temples, you may be interested in this walking tour. The tour guide can also help you take photos if you are a solo traveler. The Grand Palace walking tour is also included in the Bangkok Pass and Explorer Pass.

Wat Pho

Entrance Fee: 200 Baht per person in 2023; 300 Baht per person starting Jan 1, 2024. Free for children under 120cm tall.
Opening Hours: 8am – 6:30pm everyday

Wat Pho in Bangkok is one of the top touristy sights to add on to your itinerary for Bangkok Thailand

After visiting the Grand Palace, slowly make your way over to the famous Wat Pho, which is about a 10 minute walk from the Grand Palace.

Wat Pho Bangkok in Bangkok is a must-see attraction for any first time Bangkok visitors

Wat Pho is known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, because there is a huge golden reclining Buddha inside. When you visit, remember to take your shoes off when walking inside the temple as a sign of respect. You are allowed to take photos inside.

Beautiful tiled stupa at Wat Pho in Bangkok | How to spend 2 or 3 days in Bangkok

What to do in Bangkok for 2 days | Wat Pho colorful stupa

But there is more to Wat Pho than just the reclining Buddha. The temple ground is large, and you will find more than a thousand of smaller buddha statues at Wat Pho. You will also find beautifully tiled stupas at the temple complex.

One lesser known thing about Wat Pho is that there is a Wat Po Thai Traditional Medical School inside, which offers Thai Massage Services. This Thai massage service is from 8am to 5pm everyday.

Cost of the Thai massage inside Wat Pho:

  • Thai massage: 30 minutes for 260 Baht
  • Thai massage: 1 hour for 420 Baht
  • Foot massage: 30 minutes for 280 Baht
  • Foot massage: 1 hour for 420 Baht

Take a River Cruise

After lunch, relax with a river cruise on the Chao Phraya River. We booked the river cruise while walking to Wat Pho from The Grand Palace with a random travel agent but I don’t recommend doing what we did.

Wat Paknam in Bangkok Thailand seen on a boat tour

In general it is more expensive to book with a travel agent near any tourist sites, so it is actually better to either book a boat tour online or just take this hop on hop off tourist boat (much cheaper).

The tour is great for someone who wants a guide to explain the history behind different temples and actually go to places the hop on hop off boat does not go to. But if you are just looking to relax, enjoy the scenery, and stop by Wat Arun and IconSiam then the hop on hop off boat is a better option for you.

I enjoyed seeing the grand palace and some temples from the river during our boat tour. We heard quite a bit of the history of Bangkok on our boat tour too.

Both the Canal Tour and the Hop on hop off tourist boats are included in the Explorer Pass and Bangkok Pass!

Visit Wat Arun

Entrance Fee: 100 Baht per person unless you are a Thai citizen
Opening Hours: 6am – 6pm

Wat Arun

Depending on the river cruise tour you take, some are nice enough to drop you off at the beautiful Wat Arun, otherwise known as the Temple of the Dawn. The name is derived from the belief that the first light of morning reflects off the surface of the temple with a pearly iridescence.

What to do in Bangkok in 2 days for first time visitors | Visiting Wat Arun in Bangkok

Bangkok itinerary and travel guide | detailed architecture at Wat Arun in Bangkok

Wat Arun dates back to the 17th century during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Originally named “Wat Makok,” it was a riverside temple. After the fall of Ayutthaya, King Taksin relocated his capital to Thonburi (opposite modern-day Bangkok), and Wat Makok was renamed Wat Chaeng, meaning “Temple of the Dawn.”

Golden Buddha figures at Wat Arun in Bangkok | Bangkok itinerary and travel guide

The best time to visit Wat Arun is during sunset but you can expect a crowd since everyone wants to visit during that time. You will have to do some steep climbing but the view and the sunset is totally worth it. If you want to avoid people then you should definitely visit Wat Arun early in the morning.

There are a number of other buildings to visit in the Wat Arun temple complex. If you are into photography then you can capture some really nice photos of Wat Arun even without climbing it (and from across the river/ on the river of course).

You can always book this tour to explore the Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha Temple, Wat Pho, markets and Wat Arun together and save yourself the trouble of having to find ways to get to Wat Arun by yourself.

Explore Bangkok Chinatown

Chinatown is always a tourist attraction everywhere and Bangkok is no exception. Bangkok Chinatown is busy day and night with both locals and tourists although I would recommend visiting at night.

One of the most busy streets in Bangkok Chinatown is Yaowarat Road, where you will find tons of shops, restaurants, cafes and even street food. The famous Chinatown Gate can also be found on Yaowarat Road.

First time in Bangkok Chinatown - Chinatown Gate

There is another famous temple in Chinatown, called Wat Traimit. Of course you won’t be able to visit this golden ceiling temple if you go to Chinatown at night, but in case you go during the day you can add this to your temple list.

Wat Traimit in Bangkok Chinatown | how to spend a couple of days in Bangkok

If you are really into food, then I highly suggest this Michelin Guide street food tour in Chinatown. You get to explore Chinatown with a local guide and try the different food stalls you otherwise probably would not know about.

Good news is that this street food tour is also included in the Bangkok Pass and Explorer Pass for free.

Check Out Khaosan Road

Khaosan Road is a famous street that foreign visitors love to visit while in Bangkok. It is easily reachable by Grab from Chinatown to Khaosan Road.

Khao San Road in Bangkok Thailand

“Khaosan” means milled rice, so you can assume that in the older times, this used to be a rice market. Nowadays, it’s where all the backpackers stay, there is cheap accommodation, tons of shops, stalls, and bars.

Even if you don’t plan on partying there, it is still worth checking out since you will find some interesting street vendors. Personally I am not a big fan of Khaosan Road so I would just suggest checking it out and leave.

Day 2 in Bangkok

During the first day of your 48 hours in Bangkok, you saw the most famous attractions. There are more temples you could check out in Bangkok but my suggestion is to take a day trip outside of Bangkok.

Visit a Floating Market & Railway Market

Wake up early on your Day 2 in Bangkok to go on a tour of the world famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market outside of Bangkok.

There are many tours you can book for the floating market and I would recommend this one to just see the floating market or this one if you want to combine the Floating Market with the famous railway market.

The Bangkok Pass and the Explorer Pass both include the Floating Market & Railway Market tours!

The bus picked us up bright and early from our hotel and drove to the floating market. We switched to a speed boat to get to the entrance of the market and heard the history of the area and the market itself.

If you have never heard of the floating market, it’s basically a small “river” full of stalls that sell food and souvenirs on boats.

Bangkok Floating Market

Bangkok Floating Market

Bangkok Floating Market


But besides sitting on these boats, you can also get off and walk around the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. There are shops selling souvenirs, food, clothings and other things. I also had an interesting experience there taking photos with a snake. Would I do it again? Probably not.

Bangkok Floating Market

Take Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok

If you do not care for the floating market but instead you love history and architecture, then you might want to consider the day trip to Ayutthaya.

Bangkok itinerary | Bangkok day trip to Ayuttaya temples

Ayutthaya is a popular day trip from Bangkok. Located about 76 kilometers (1 hour by car), it is easy to visit Ayutthaya to see the ruins of this historical city.

Ayutthaya was founded in the mid 14th century and served as the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, succeeding Sukhothai. The 15th and 16th century was the heyday in Ayutthaya, as it became a major trading center in Southeast Asia.

Visiting Ayuttaya from Bangkok | two day itinerary for Bangkok Thailand with day trip options

Unfortunately the city fell in the 17th century after multiple invasions and sieges and was ultimately destroyed by the Burmese army.

The day trip takes you to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site to see the old city, which includes a number of temples, stupas, and statues. The most famous temples in the park include Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram.

Don’t worry if you don’t recognize the names of these temples, you will for sure recognize the famous Buddha head statue inside the roots of the tree.

2 days in Bangkok - taking a day trip from Bangkok | Ayuttaya Buddha head in tree roots

Another famous site at Ayutthaya is the 42 meter long reclining Buddha at Wat Lokaya Sutha, which means the temple of the earth.

Best day trip from Bangkok | Ayuttaya reclining buddha at Wat Lokaya Sutha

Book your Ayutthaya day trip here but note that this day trip is also included in both the Explorer Pass and Bangkok Pass.

Get a Thai Massage

For those who want to just relax, stop by a Thai massage parlor (they are everywhere in Bangkok) and get a cheap and authentic 60 minute or 90 minute Thai massage.

Actually I would suggest getting at least 2 Thai massages during your 2 days in Bangkok because they are so cheap and relaxing! I don’t have a particular Thai passage place to recommend, but you can ask your hotel or use Google Maps to find one near you.

Be aware though, these Thai massage ladies do not show mercy but you will feel so refreshed afterwards. Not up for a full body massage? They often offer other types of massages such as foot massage.

If you already have the Go City Bangkok passes then a 90 minute Thai Massage at Let’s Relax Spa is included in there.

Watch Muay Thai in Bangkok

After an early dinner, head to either the Lumpinee Stadium or the Ratchadamnoen stadium for an intense Muay Thai match.

Muay Thai in Bangkok | best things to do in Bangkok at night for first time visitors

Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand so you will not find it anywhere else. When we visited, only the Lumpinee Stadium had the fight so we took a long taxi ride there. It’s located near the Don Mueang airport and we got the “foreigner” ticket when we got there.

Tickets have different prices so if you don’t want to pay extra Baht for the “foreigner” ticket, you can try to get the cheapest one for the upper rings. We didn’t mind paying a little bit more to get front row seats, but most locals are all watching from the upper rings.

The fights we watched that night were mostly kids/young adults fighting. But there are certain nights that feature older or more famous fighters, so check the schedules online before you go!

One thing to note is that the Muay Thai matches can end pretty late (around midnight) but you do not have to stay that late. I would highly suggest that you get Grab or Bolt instead of hailing a regular taxi on the way back. We made the mistake of hailing a taxi and it took forever; what was worse was that the taxi driver could not understand us.

Grab a Drink at Rooftop Bars in Bangkok

Bangkok has a very vibrant nightlife, but I am more of a rooftop bar type of girl. If you have ever watched Hangover 2, you probably remember the scene towards the end where Chow and the rest of the boys went to a rooftop brunch for some fund transfers. That is the famous Sky Bar at Lebua Hotel. I was so excited to go check it out.

Sky Bar at Hotel Lebua as featured in the Hangover 2 movie | Rooftop bars in Bangkok

Another really nice rooftop bar in Bangkok that we checked out was the Vertigo and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree hotel. Similar to the Sky Bar, it offers an amazing view of the city, but both bars are quite expensive. The price for a drink was similar to the price in New York or Hong Kong. But you are paying for the view right?

Other popular rooftop bars in Bangkok include Red Sky restaurant, Octave, SEEN, and Zoom. If you have the Bangkok Pass or Explorer Pass then one drink is included from Zoom on top of JC Kevin Sathorn Hotel.

This should conclude your essential 2 day itinerary for Bangkok! Below are some other information that can help you plan your 2 days in Bangkok.


How to Get to Bangkok City Center From the Airports

There are two airports in Bangkok:

  • Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
  • Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)

If you are arriving internationally then you will most likely fly into BKK. Whereas if you are flying domestically within Thailand then you probably will be flying in and out of DMK. AirAsia is based out of DMK so you will probably get cheaper flights from DMK.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Bangkok City Center

The fastest way is to take the Airport rail link to either Phaya Thai Station (to connect to the BTS) or to Makkasan Station to connect with the MRT Subway. (BTS and MRT are public transit trains in Bangkok).

The Airport Rail link operates everyday from 6am to midnight. It departs every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes off peak and on the weekend.

Outside of 6am – midnight you can get an official taxi, book a private transfer, or call a Grab or Bolt to get into the city.

Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Bangkok City Center

The fastest way from Don Mueang International Airport to Bangkok city center is to take the Dark Red line SRT train to Bang Sue Station, then you can take the MRT Blue Line to other parts of Bangkok City.

Before The Dark Red Line train was available, most people either took airport buses or a taxi to get into Bangkok City Center. Both are at the mercy of traffic.

There are 4 bus routes from DMK to Bangkok, each route stops at different places. The A4 route goes to Khaosan Road and the A3 route goes to Lumphini Park, one of the most famous parks in Bangkok.


How to Get Around Bangkok for 2 Days

The best way to get around Bangkok is to take public transit. The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are the most popular way to get around the city. They are safe, clean, and convenient.

In general the trains run from 6am to midnight. The cost of the train ride depends on distance and you can buy tickets from ticketing machines at the station.

River Taxi boats are another popular form of transportation in Bangkok. This will apply to you if you are staying near the river or want to cross the river to the other side while avoiding the crazy traffic that is in Bangkok.

There are different boats at the pier (most likely you will go to the Sathorn Pier), with the orange flag boat being the regular ferry locals take. You can also find a blue double decker tourist ferry, an Icon Siam shuttle boat and other hotel shuttle boats and tour boats. Google map actually shows you where to get on the Orange Flag ferries so you shouldn’t get lost.

Buses are a bit harder to navigate in Bangkok and most tourists do not take them, at least I have never taken them before. I’m sure with a little digging and research you can take the buses around as well.

Grab and Bolt are both rideshare apps that you can download to call a car in Bangkok. There is no Uber in Southeast Asia! I’ve only used Grab and it worked well for me in Southeast Asia.

Walking is a great way to see Bangkok. Yes the city is big but you can walk from the major tourist sites (and when you do get tired, hop on the train or call a Grab). This way you can explore the hidden gem of Bangkok and really experience the city.

Lastly, do not ride the Tuk Tuks in Bangkok! They are much more expensive than any of the types of transportation mentioned above and are prone to scams (more on that later).


Where to Stay in Bangkok for 2 Days For First Time Visitors

The best areas for first time travelers to stay in Bangkok include the areas along the Chao Phraya River, Silom, Siam, Sukhumvit, Chinatown and maybe Khaosan Road area (depending on the type of traveler you are).

But the key to remember is that you should try to stay near a BTS Skytrain station or a MRT station, this will help you get around Bangkok easily.

The map below shows you some of the areas mentioned above so you have a visual view of where things are.

Chao Phraya River Shores (Blue Area)

view of Icon Siam from one of the hotels on riverside in Bangkok, the best area to stay in Bangkok for first time travelers

Icon Siam mall in Bangkok in the winter

There are a number of nice hotels along both sides of Chao Phraya River, such as Lebua (where Sky Bar is. We stayed there and liked it), the Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La, etc. with access to the pier and even their own shuttle boats.

Although there are cheaper hotels like Varmtel next to ICONSIAM, one of the best shopping centers in Bangkok.

Silom (Pink Area)

Silom is the “business” district of Bangkok but it’s also a great place to stay. There are a number of BTS Skytrain stations that can easily get you around Bangkok.

Lumphini Park in Bangkok in Silom, one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok

The Silom area has one of the best parks in Bangkok, Lumphini Park, which is nice to walk around and relax in. There are also night markets (Patpong Night Market), regular market with good street food (Lalai Sap Market), and the beautiful Hindu temple of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.

Hotels to consider in Silom include At 21 Saladaeng, Silom Lofts, PASSA Hotel. If you are a budget traveler then check out Silom SPACE hostel.

We stayed at Lebua, where Sky Bar is. We thought it was pretty luxurious and loved it!

Siam (Yellow Area)

Siam Square is a lively area to stay in as it has some of the best shopping centers in Bangkok (MBK Center, Siam Paragon, Centralworld). If you are hungry, head down to the food court at one of these malls and you will not be disappointed.

Central World Mall-in-Bangkok | Where to stay in Bangkok

Siam Paragon was the first mall I visited in Bangkok and I was really impressed with just how nice it was compared to the malls in the US. It had all the designer shops you can think of!

Some places to consider in Siam include LiT BANGKOK Residence, Kritthai Residence, and Daraya Boutique Hotel.

Sukhumvit (Black Area)

Sukhumvit, a modern neighborhood in Bangkok is another popular area to stay in Bangkok. You will find a lot of restaurants, shops, super markets and the famous Terminal 21 shopping center there (go to their food court and thank me later).

There is also a large number of Japanese businesses, restaurants, bars and super markets in Sukhumvit.

The most popular place in Sukhumvit is near the Asok BTS Skytrain station. Some people also stay near the Nana BTS Skytrain station, but that area is more known as the red light district of Bangkok.

Some of the nice hotels in Sukhumvit include Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Tints of Blue Hotel.

Other Areas of Bangkok to Stay For First Timers

Chinatown and Khaosan Road area are also popular areas for first time visitors to stay. I have never stayed in those two areas and I am not really a fan of Khaosan Road.

If you love a vibrant neighborhood with tons of street food then you cannot go wrong with Chinatown. If you are a young 20 something budget conscious backpacker then you probably will end up staying in the Khaosan Road area. There are a number of hostels in the Khaosan Road area.


What to eat in Bangkok

Bangkok is food heaven so I hope you are a foodie. You can find all sorts of food in Bangkok, from different regions of Thailand to Chinese, Japanese, Indian and western food. You can find good food from street stalls to food courts in malls to fancy Michelin Star and Michelin guide recommended restaurants in Bangkok so ultimately it is dependent on your budget.

Street food is huge in Bangkok and you will find A LOT of street food everywhere you go. Many people flock to Chinatown as well as markets (not just night markets) for good street food.

I mean there’s even a street food tour in Chinatown that I mentioned before. Convent Street in Silom is another good street for street food. You can check out this street food guide for the best street food stalls in Bangkok.

What to eat in Bangkok in 2 days | Bangkok Chinatown street-food stall

You will find good food in Markets too, such as in Lalai Sap Market, Or Tor Kor Market, Nang Loeng Market near Khaosan Road.

Food court is another great place to get some cheap but delicious food. You will find some of the best food in the food court of Terminal 21 (rumor has it the food there is super cheap to attract shoppers to the mall), IconSiam, Siam Paragon, MBK, etc.

Lastly there are a ton of good restaurants in Bangkok. Depending on what you like to eat, I suggest you use the Michelin Guide, Google Maps, and TripAdvisor to find the food you want to try.


Common Scams to Watch Out for in Bangkok

Bangkok is a pretty safe city overall and I felt really safe and comfortable there during my repeated visits. However there are a few common scams you should watch out for!

The “Temple is Closed” scam

When you visit Bangkok as a first time visitor it is inevitable you will go to one of those famous attractions, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho.

One common scam in Bangkok is the “temple is closed” scam. Essentially as you walk towards the entrance of a major tourist attraction in Bangkok, a well-dressed nice looking person will approach you and tell you that the temple is closed for a few hours. The reason is often that there is a ceremony going on and only Thai people are allowed to visit.

Then this person will tell you to visit a couple of other nearby attractions instead. They will even offer to get you a Tuk Tuk randomly off the road. Some may even argue with the Tuk Tuk driver to bargain on your behalf. Which leads to the next scam….the Tuk Tuk scam.

The Tuk Tuk & Suit shop/ Jewelry Shop Scam

Just as you are absolutely convinced that this nice random person is helping you out, you get into the Tuk Tuk towards your alternative destination.

The Tuk Tuk driver will take you to the attraction, but they will also make stops at a suit shop or a jewelry shop for you to visit.

As soon as you enter these shops, a high pressure sales technique will be used to convince you to pay for an overpriced suit or jewelry and many tourists do fall for this.

If you ever find yourself in this situation (which I hope you won’t after reading this post), you can always refuse to buy anything and walk out. The store owner and the Tuk Tuk driver will NOT be able to force you to buy anything, but they will be very unhappy.

You also do not have to take the Tuk Tuk, you can literally just get a Grab and go to places you want to go.

The Tuk Tuk scam may happen with or without the first part of the “temple is closed” scam. You could be the one getting a Tuk Tuk and still run into the whole suit shop/ jewelry shop scam.

Even though there are scams that target tourists, Bangkok is still a very safe and beautiful place to visit. The locals are very friendly and helpful and you will have a wonderful 2 days in Bangkok!

Like this post? Pin this 2 day Bangkok Itinerary to Pinterest!

Pinterest Pin: Essential Bangkok itinerary - 2 days in Bangkok, Thailand - what to see and eat in Bangkok. This 2 day Bangkok itinerary also shows you the best areas to stay, where to eat in Bangkok
Pinterest Pin: The best itinerary for Bangkok for two days | This 2 days in Bangkok itinerary shows you the best tourist attractions in Bangkok, how to get around Bangkok, where to stay in Bangkok, where to eat in Bangkok and how to avoid the common scams in Bangkok.