How to Spend 48 Hours in Bangkok

Bangkok is a city of contrasts. Golden temples and rooftop bars. Historic neighbourhoods and mega malls. Stilted houses that line the canals and skyscrapers that light up the skyline.

It’s loud, bustling, and intense at times - but there’s nowhere quite like it. We’ve spent over three months in the city and have properly got to know it. We’ve eaten our way through the street food stalls, visited the temples, tested out the bars, and tried every kind of transport - from water taxis to the back of motorbikes.

This 48-hour guide brings together the best of what we’ve discovered. It’s for first-time visitors who want a mix of local spots and standout experiences. From slow mornings and skyline sunsets to steaming bowls of street food and rooftop cocktails, here’s how to spend two days in Bangkok the right way.

Day One: Tuk Tuks, Temples and a very good crab omelette

Morning

Kick off your time in Bangkok with a tuk tuk tour. It’s a fun and efficient way to get your bearings as you’ll cover a lot more ground than on foot. You’ll whizz past some of the city’s most iconic sights, temples, markets and local neighbourhoods. 

Lunch

Bangkok is famous for its street food, and for good reason. Every street corner is bursting with flavour. If you’ve got time, head to Jay Fai - one of only two Michelin-starred street food spots in the world. At 81, Jay Fai still cooks every dish herself, often wearing her signature goggles as she works over open flames. Her legendary crab omelette is packed with sweet lump crab meat and wrapped in a golden, crispy crust. It’s rich, indulgent and unlike anything else. The queue can be hours long, but if you’ve got the time, it’s worth the wait, and an honour to be cooked for by her.

If you’re short on time, head to Jek Pui in Yaowarat instead. This Chinatown favourite serves big bowls of curry from metal pots on the street. You’ll be sitting on red plastic stools, likely surrounded by locals, but the food really does speak for itself.

While you’re there, take a bit of time to wander through Chinatown. It’s loud, colourful and always buzzing. In the evening, the neon signs come on and the food stalls really start to fill up -  but even by day, it’s one of the most vibrant areas in the city. Before you leave, grab mango sticky rice from K. Panich, one of the oldest dessert shops in Bangkok and featured in the Michelin Bib Gourmand guide.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon temple hopping. Start at Wat Pho, home to the famous reclining Buddha. Then take the water taxi across the river to Wat Arun. It’s known for its white tiled spires and sweeping views from the top.

Dinner

We’ve rounded up three great options for dinner, depending on what kind of night you’re after:

Apsara Dinner Cruise – set sail along the Chao Phraya River past temples and palaces while dining on a four-course meal with live jazz in the background. It’s a calm, elegant way to see the city from another perspective, away from the bustle of Bangkok’s busy streets.

Rongros - a small riverside restaurant with unbeatable views of Wat Arun lit up after dark. It serve Thai classics done extremely well.

Vertigo Rooftop Bar - one of our favourite rooftop restaurants in Bangkok. Come just before sunset to catch golden hour views over the cities skyline. The cocktails are great, the food holds its own, and the setting is hard to beat.

Day Two: Massages, Mahanakhon and Muay Thai Fights

Morning

Start slow with a traditional Thai massage. The best one we’ve had is at Harnn Heritage Spa, located inside The Salil Riverside Hotel. The hotel itself is a great place to stay, especially if it’s your first time in Bangkok, as it’s well located so easy to get around from.

Late morning

Make your way to the Grand Palace, one of Bangkok’s most important cultural sites. The buildings are incredibly detailed and the whole complex is worth taking your time to walk through. Make sure to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees  - you won’t be allowed in otherwise.

Lunch

Book a table at Le Du Kaan, a Michelin-starred restaurant with sweeping views over the city. Their set lunch menu is a great way to experience their fine dining without the usual price tag. It’s a mix of Thai flavours and modern techniques, beautifully done.

Afternoon

After staring up at the Mahanakhon Sky Tower during lunch, it’s now time to go up. The SkyWalk offers 360-degree views across the city, and the new iTILT experience tilts you 65 degrees over the edge of the building. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re up for it, it’s a serious adrenaline rush.

Sunset

After all that adrenaline, you’ve definitely earned yourself a drink. Head to Sky Beach - the bar at the top of the Mahanakhon and Bangkok’s highest rooftop bar. Time it for sunset and you’ll catch the city glowing in soft evening light, with sweeping views over the river and a cocktail in hand.

Evening

For a very different kind of evening, go to Rajadamnern Stadium and watch a live Muay Thai fight. It’s the oldest Muay Thai venue in the world and a great way to see a local sport that’s fast, technical and steeped in tradition. The energy inside is electric, and with the addition of a new 360° immersive dome, it’s now blending heritage with high-tech storytelling in true Bangkok style.

Nightcap

Finish the day with drinks at one of Bangkok’s many hidden speakeasies. Some of our top picks:

Find the Locker Room – enter through a wall of lockers

Find the Photobooth – yes, through an actual photo booth

You Know Where – intimate, with a menu that includes a cocktail tailored to you based on a dice roll

Each bar has its own personality, but all are worth a visit.

If you’ve got more time…

This is the Bangkok we’ve come to know and love: a little chaotic, full of flavour, but never boring. These 48 hours won’t show you everything, but they’ll give you a proper feel for the place. If you’ve got more time (or extended your stay because you’ve fallen in love), here are a few extra favourites and tips to keep the adventure going.

Museums

Bangkok National Museum - Thailand’s largest museum, with extensive exhibits on Thai history, art, and culture, offering a deep dive into the nation’s heritage.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) - a stunning collection of modern Thai art, perfect for those interested in the country’s creative scene.

Erawan Museum - known for its giant three-headed elephant sculpture, this museum houses a fascinating collection of antiques and religious artifacts, offering insight into Thai mythology and culture.

Parks 

Lumpini Park – peaceful in the morning, with a chance to spot giant water monitors near the pond. There are also free pedal boats available to rent.

Benjakitti Park – a green oasis in the city with a scenic lake and bike paths, perfect for a relaxed stroll or cycling with views of Bangkok’s skyline.

Markets

Chatuchak Weekend Market – open Saturdays and Sundays, packed with street food, souvenirs, clothes, and local crafts.

Maeklong Railway Market – vintage vibes, great street food, and a lively atmosphere.

Floating Markets - a fun and vibrant way to explore Bangkok’s traditional river culture.

Food & Drink

Fine dining: IGNIV, Kaan, Saffron Contemporary Rooftop

Casual eats: Jim Thompson Restaurant (whilst you’re there, visit the museum to learn more about the Thai silk industry), Kinnaree

Bars: BKK Social Club (inside the Four Seasons Hotel), Vesper Bar (great martinis), Hex Bar in Chinatown, Tulum Rooftop 

Travel Tips

If you’re planning to visit a few of Bangkok’s main attractions, the TAGTHAi Pass is worth getting. It covers many experiences mentioned in this guide, including The Grand Palace, Mahanakhon SkyWalk, Rajadamnern Stadium, and several eateries across the city. It’s a handy way to save money and avoid the hassle of booking individual tickets.

Book accommodation near an MRT or BTS station. It’s the easiest way to navigate Bangkok and beat the traffic.

If you do decide to use taxis, try to avoid rush hour in the evenings when traffic is at its worst (roughly 5 to 7 pm). Dress comfortably but respectfully when visiting temples - shoulders and knees covered are a must.

Seasonal advice: The best time to visit Bangkok is during the cooler months from November to February. The weather is more comfortable for exploring and outdoor activities. The hot season (March to May) can be intense, so stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade. The rainy season (June to October) brings sudden showers but also fewer crowds and lush green landscapes.

Written by Megan d’Ardenne & Alexander Lee

@megsandalex 

Photography by