Whenever we think of Thailand, we think of pristine beaches, and exotic islands, and, I can’t blame anyone for that. Thailand has some of the best islands in the world, like Koh Lanta or Koh Kood. However, Thailand is not all about beaches. Welcome to Bangkok, a city that never fails to captivate its visitors with its vibrant energy and rich cultural heritage. In just three days, you can uncover the hidden gems that make this city so enchanting. Immerse yourself in its intricate tapestry of ancient temples, vibrant markets, and mouthwatering street food. From the iconic Grand Palace to the peaceful Wat Arun, each temple tells a story of Thailand’s history and spirituality. Get ready for an adventure that will leave you awestruck and longing for more. This is your ultimate travel guide and itinerary for how to spend the best 2 days of your life in Bangkok.
2 Days in Bangkok Itinerary: Day 1
If you are from a colder country and Bangkok is your first Thai destination, then take the first day slowly because, the heat of Bangkok can be brutal and unforgiving.
Wat Arun
There are countless temples in Bangkok, but Wat Arun is the best value for money, in my opinion. On the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, there is a beautiful looking Buddhist temple – and that is Wat Arun. I took a public boat across the river and arrived at my destination.
The term “Arun” means “Dawn” in Thai, therefore, Wat Arun is the dawn temple. It’s no surprise that the best time to see this temple is at dawn. This temple was built in the 17th century, destroyed by the Barmese, and rebuilt in the early 19th century.
Inside, there are tower-like constructions composed of colorful mosaics and polcelin. There are numerous intricate designs to be seen there. These structures are known as Prang.
The primary attraction of Wat Arun is the central Prang, which stands more than 70 meters tall. The center Prang is thought to represent Mount Meru, a sacred peak.
If you look carefully, you will find four smaller towers, or prangs, surrounding the central Prang. All of them are dedicated to a Hindu God and have intricate designs.
You can ascend the stairs to get a better view of the temples from various viewpoints. When there are a lot of tourists, space may be limited, but if you have patience, you will have it all to yourself.
So, the best way to explore the temple is to go up the steps, investigate it, and then go back down. Because it appears differently from the top than it does from the ground. You will find some fantastic sculptures on the wall as well.
Inside the temple, there is a hall. The main attraction is a Big Buddha statue. You will find the Buddha in deep thought.
There are several smaller statues in front of the Buddha. If you look closely, you will notice that the ordination hall is filled with murals of Buddhas of all ages.
Surprisingly, among the golden-colored conventional Buddha sculptures, I discovered one that is all green! He wore a separate crown on his head and had several trinkets on his body. It was as if we were visiting Earth from another planet!
Wat Arun also has a large courtyard, which is ideal for taking photos with the temple in the background. After visiting the temple, you will be able to rest here as well. You will also find colorful photos on the wall.
If you’ve already seen Wat Arun during the day, you should see it again at night. When turned on at night, the light literally glitters, and the golden color looks fantastic!
Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is really grand! If you want to observe the beauty of traditional Thai architecture, then you’ve got to love this place. This was made in 1782, which makes it more than 500 years old.
The old name of Thailand was Siam, and the Grand Palace was the the former residence of the Kings of Siam. The king, royal courts, and royal Government were based here until 1925.
You can just roam around the complex to enjoy it. However, you should visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), which is considered to be one of the most sacred Buddhist relics in Thailand. The Grand Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just like, Wat Arun, the grand palace looks lovely at night, and you should pay a visit there.
Enjoy the Bangkok Skyline
While visiting Wat Arun, and the Grand Palace, you should have walked a lot in the immense heat. Now is the time to enjoy the impressive skyline of Bangkok.
You have plenty of options to choose from, however, the best way to enjoy it is to visit King Power Mahanakhon. This SkyWalk is Thailand’s tallest observatory deck and one of the best places to enjoy a sunset in Bangkok.
2 Days in Bangkok Itinerary: Day 2
Jim Thompson House
Jim Thompson is an American businessman and the gentleman who made Thai silk and Thai craftsmanship popular in the outside world. You should visit Jim Thompson House, which is now a museum, to learn about its history and culture. In the museum, you will find the art collection of Jim Thompson.
But, that’s not the only reason for visiting this place. It hosts several interconnected teakwood houses surrounded by gardens and greenery. The architecture is a mix of Thai and Western cultures, which gives it a great look.
The complex has some ponds as well, along with decorative statues. You will find flowers, frogs, and whatnot. It will take you to nature instantly in the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
Boat Trip on the Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya River is the lifeline of Bangkok. It plays a significant role in carrying people and goods in Bangkok. If you look at the map of Bangkok, you will find it like an artery. It is a must to hop on a boat or take a river cruise to enjoy Bangkok. It has two advantages, you won’t need to walk, which provides relief from the heat. On top of it, you will get panoramic views of the city.
Many of Bangkok’s most prominent landmarks and cultural attractions can be located along the Chao Phraya River’s banks. Among them are the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), and a number of luxury hotels and restaurants with stunning riverfront views.
Shopping and IMAX experience
Bangkok offers numerous wonderful shopping centres where you can buy almost anything. You should go there to see the difference between street shops and malls. A movie in IMAX will also keep you cool in Bangkok’s heat.
The street food of Bangkok
It takes a couple of hours to experience Bangkok’s street dishes, which are really excellent! My favourite was a variety of grilled chicken. There was also pork available. You will receive not only the chicken itself or the wings, but also the gizzard, liver, and skin.
It’s not just about the chicken pieces, it’s also about tempura, waffles, and cutlets.
Tom Yum Goong was my favorite cuisine. It’s a hot and sour soup made with three herbs. You have the option of ordering fish or prawns. If you chose wisely, they will also include an egg. If you can tolerate spicy cuisine, this is an excellent food to have. Try Pe Aor restaurant for a bowl of Tom Yum Goong.
