Amy MariettaHow To Spend 2 Days In Bangkok, Thailand
2 days in Bangkok is the perfect dose of energy if you’re hopping around Southeast Asia. After drifting through the relaxed beaches of Bali and the islands of Thailand, landing in this major, fast-paced, beautifully chaotic city feels like stepping into another world — and in the best way. Bangkok is vibrant, flavorful, historic, and honestly an experience everyone should have at least once.
From temples and markets to rooftop sunsets and river adventures, there’s no shortage of unforgettable moments waiting for you. Below, I’m sharing how to make the most of 48 hours plus the top activities you should book to maximize your time in Bangkok. Let’s dive in.
Top activities to book ahead of time:
Bangkok: Longtail Boat Canal Cruise or Train Market & Floating Market with Boat Ride
Backstreets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings
Mahanakhon SkyWalk Entry Ticket with Options
Temples, Canals & Local Life Bike Tour
Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market
Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun Guided Tour
The Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Cruise
Stay at The Ritz Carlton Hotel
If you want comfort, great service, and a peaceful escape from the city chaos, The Ritz-Carlton is an amazing choice. The rooms are luxurious, the amenities are top-tier, and the location makes it easy to explore while still having a serene retreat to come back to at the end of the day. It’s the perfect balance of sophistication and relaxation during your Bangkok stay.
EAT
When it comes to eating in Bangkok, prepare for everything to be a sensory experience. The city is a global food capital — you can go from mind-blowing street food stalls to world-renowned fine dining in a single day. For a modern, artistic take on Thai cuisine, Sra Bua is a must. If you want something more traditional and sustainably focused, Bo.Lan delivers some of the most authentic flavors in the city. Nahm is another standout, known for elevated Thai dishes that still feel deeply rooted in local heritage. For a sky-high dinner with panoramic views, head to Vertigo, one of Bangkok’s most iconic rooftop restaurants. And if you’re craving something French with impeccable execution, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is exceptional.
But honestly? Don’t leave without trying the street food — it’s affordable, bold, and sometimes even more memorable than the fine dining. From pad thai sizzling in a wok to mango sticky rice made right in front of you, this is where the real magic happens.
DRINK
For drinks, make your way to Sky Bar, famously featured in The Hangover. Perched on the 63rd floor, it’s one of the highest rooftop bars in the world — and the views are absolutely unreal. Sip a cocktail while overlooking the Chao Phraya River and the glittering skyline, and you’ll understand why this spot is a Bangkok classic. It’s touristy, yes, but totally worth it for the atmosphere and scenery.
AFTERNOON TEA @ MANDARIN ORIENTAL
If you want a slower, elegant break from the city buzz, book Afternoon Tea at the Mandarin Oriental. It’s timeless, refined, and one of the most iconic tea services in Asia. Think delicate pastries, fragrant teas, and a serene riverside setting that feels worlds away from the chaos outside. It’s the perfect reset in the middle of your Bangkok adventure.
How To Spend 2 Days In Bangkok, Thailand: The Ultimate Guide
BOAT RIDE – CHAO PHRAYA RIVER
For a different perspective of the city, take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River. It’s one of the best ways to see Bangkok’s blend of temples, modern architecture, and daily life along the water.
You can book this luxury guided cruise for a more intimate experience.
SHOP
If you love shopping, Bangkok’s malls are an experience in themselves. EmQuartier is where you’ll find luxury designers and sleek, modern interiors. CentralWorld has pretty much everything — fashion, lifestyle, beauty, you name it — and Siam Paragon is similarly massive with endless boutiques, gourmet food halls, and even an aquarium. For something more casual (and nostalgic), head to MBK, where you can shop, bargain, and then spend way too long in the arcade. The mall arcades here are HUGE and honestly so much fun.
PARTY
For nightlife, Bangkok does not disappoint. Onyx Nightclub is your go-to for big-room EDM energy, Sugar Club is perfect if you’re in the mood for hip-hop, and Levels Lounge offers a mix of music with a more upscale vibe. If you prefer something more relaxed, the city has tons of great hookah lounges where you can chill, sip, and people-watch between adventures.
One thing I don’t recommend? Khao San Road. It’s dirty, loud, chaotic, and honestly just feels sloppy — there are much better ways to enjoy Bangkok’s nightlife without the hangover energy.
Walk around Chinatown and ride a tuk-tuk
Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city — packed with neon signs, street food stalls, gold shops, and nonstop energy. It’s the perfect place to wander, snack, and soak in the chaos in the best way. And while you’re out exploring, make sure to ride a tuk-tuk at least once. It’s touristy but fun, and there’s nothing like zipping through Bangkok’s streets in the open air for the full experience. Book this guided tuk-tuk tour for the easiest experience.
How To Spend 2 Days In Bangkok, Thailand: The Ultimate Guide
A couple things to be prepared for in Bangkok…
The pollution.
Bangkok can be very polluted — the air is heavy, the sky often stays a muted grey, and certain areas can be dirty and a bit smelly. It’s definitely eye-opening, and after visiting, I fully understand why so many locals wear face masks daily.
The traffic.
If you think LA traffic is bad, multiply it by ten. That’s Bangkok. At one point I literally got out of my Uber and walked because it was genuinely faster. Plan extra travel time and try to cluster activities by neighborhood when possible.
Other than that, Bangkok is a bustling city filled with endless adventures, incredible food, and unique experiences. I hope you enjoy some of my favorite places — and that your 2 days here are unforgettable. 🙂
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How To Spend 2 Days In Bangkok, Thailand: The Ultimate Guide