Where to go, what to do and what to eat if you only have 48 hours in Bangkok, Thailand? Let Living Nomads show you a 2-day, 1-night Bangkok itinerary to explore the Thai capital.
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While staying home and bingeing on Netflix all weekend may sound like a great idea, are you missing out on the opportunity to experience more interesting things in Bangkok? Delicious and cheap food, vibrant nightlife, fascinating cultural relics and bustling markets – these are just some of the things your favorite TV series can’t offer.
As one of the international tourist destinations next to Vietnam, Thailand is chosen by many of visitors for a weekend “getaway”. Don’t wait any longer, plan your 48-hour Bangkok trip with Living Nomads.
Travel to Thailand Like a Local, Travel Like a “Real” Thai
Every month of the year is an ideal time to travel to Thailand. If you love the modern urban lifestyle, Bangkok is the best (and most popular) choice. However, Thailand also has many “healing” destinations worth trying, especially when you are tired of everyday life and need to “recharge”.
What could be more fun than visiting the beautiful islands of Phuket, playing water sports in Pattaya, going through Thai history in Chiang Mai or simply shopping “until you drop” in Bangkok. Let Living Nomads bring Thailand to your doorstep with great travel suggestions and promotions.
Day 0: Arrive in Bangkok in the Evening – Visit Chatuchak Market – City Tour by Tuk Tuk
After checking in to the hotel and resting a bit, it’s time to start your adventure in Bangkok.
First, let’s explore Bangkok’s famous Chatuchak Weekend Market!
What better way to start your Bangkok exploration than with a visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market! It’s the perfect way to wake up after a long flight, right?
The vibrant and bustling Chatuchak Market spans 10 hectares and is home to over 15,000 stalls! You can find almost anything from food, local souvenirs, clothes to vintage items, plants, furniture, pottery and more.
Private DamnoenSaduak Floating Market,Chatuchak Market DayTour by AK
(*) Chatuchak Market is open on weekends from 6am to 6pm. The market is also open on Wednesdays and Thursdays for plants and flowers, and Fridays for other essentials.
48 Hours in Bangkok: Enjoy evening cuisine by tuk tuk in Bangkok
After a long day of exploring Chatuchak, your feet are tired, your sweat is soaked, and your stomach is “calling”, now is the time to reward yourself with an exciting night culinary adventure on the iconic tuk tuk of Bangkok!
![19 Sukhumvit Soi 38 Food Street (Night) @ Bangkok [Thailand] (Large)](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/10/19-Sukhumvit-Soi-38-Food-Street-Night-@-Bangkok-Thailand-Large.jpg)
Bangkok’s Best Eats Midnight Food Tour by Tuk Tuk
Forget the fancy restaurants or familiar eateries. This tour will take you to the city’s most “secret” dining spots, where only the locals know. You will experience the authentic street flavors of Bangkok prepared by talented chefs.
Check out the famous local eateries in Bangkok below!
Thip Samai (Pad Thai Thip Samai): This legendary Pad Thai restaurant has been serving diners since 1966 and is consistently ranked as one of the best Pad Thai places in Bangkok. Here, you will enjoy traditional Pad Thai wrapped in thin omelette, along with many other variations such as Pad Thai with fresh tiger prawns.
Street Food Pass at Hug Thai Central World Bangkok
Raan Jay Fai: This small street food stall located in Chinatown is famous for its crab omelette (Khai Jiao Pu) and other seafood dishes. It has been awarded a Michelin star, proving the quality and excellent taste of the dishes. However, be prepared to wait in line, as the restaurant is always crowded.
Jok Prince: If you want to try a traditional Thai breakfast, head to Jok Prince. The restaurant specializes in Jok (rice porridge) with a variety of toppings such as pork, chicken, soft-boiled eggs, and herbs.
48 Hours in Bangkok: Day 1: Check-in Thailand’s Top Cultural Sites & Destinations
After a good night’s sleep, get ready for a day of exploring Bangkok with a tour that takes you to the most famous landmarks of the Golden Temple Land. First, immerse yourself in the ancient beauty of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), a Bangkok icon with its soaring spires and intricate decorations.
Bangkok Highlight Temples Day Tour
The journey continues to Wat Pho – a temple famous not only for its giant reclining Buddha but also for being the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. You will have the opportunity to learn about the history and methods of this unique massage therapy at the Thai medicine and massage school right on the temple grounds.
The next destination is the magnificent Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), home to the sacred Emerald Buddha, and the majestic Grand Palace, once the residence of Thai kings. Finally, relax on the poetic Chao Phraya River and enjoy the city view from a special angle.
Bangkok Nightlife at Khao San
Don’t rush back to your hotel to rest! Immerse yourself in Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife with a stroll on the legendary Khao San Road.
This street is a colorful picture of Bangkok’s nightlife. From bustling bars and clubs to fragrant street food stalls, from cozy cafes to relaxing massage parlors, unique souvenir stalls or artistic tattoo shops, Khao San is the perfect representative of Bangkok’s youthful vitality.
Private Grand Palace Night Tour: Wat Pho, Tha Maharaj, Khao San
You can “get lost” in the bustling crowd, enjoy delicious street food, sip a cool cocktail or simply sit and watch Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife. All are experiences filled with joy.
Day 2: Shopping at Famous Bangkok Shopping Malls
It would be a big mistake to come to Bangkok without spending time shopping! This is your chance to hunt for unique souvenirs for your family and friends, or simply satisfy your own shopping addiction.
Bangkok is a shopping paradise with countless bustling markets and shopping malls. You can visit Terminal 21 to see unique designs inspired by many famous cities around the world, head straight to Platinum Fashion Mall and enjoy “hunting” for cheap fashion.
Damnoen Saduak & Maeklong Market Day Tour with Coconut Dessert
Siam Paragon is a “luxurious” suggestion with countless high-end brands or the vast CentralWorld with all kinds of attractive items. Don’t miss the MBK shopping mall full of electronic products and household appliances, or Pantip Plaza – a paradise for technology enthusiasts.
And before leaving Bangkok, don’t forget to stop by a nearby 7-Eleven store to buy some snacks or drinks to bring back as souvenirs. You will definitely miss the taste of Thailand!
Accommodation Suggestions for a 2-Day-1-Night Bangkok Itinerary
Bangkok is a tourist paradise with a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses, suitable for all budgets. You can find accommodation in many different areas of the city, from the vibrant Khao San/Banglamphu to the romantic Bangkok Riverside, from modern Sukhumvit to bustling Silom, or the Siam and Pratunam areas with many large shopping malls.
(*) If you want to experience local life, try finding accommodation near Chinatown or near the airport for convenient travel.
- The Salil Hotel Riverside Bangkok (agoda)
- Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok (agoda)
- SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok (SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok – Em District) (agoda)
Don’t worry about the budget, because Bangkok has many cheap but still quality hotels, helping you save money to enjoy shopping and exploring the city. By the way, you can book a hotel room right on Klook to receive super preferential prices!
Getting Around Bangkok on the Weekend
Bangkok is notorious for its heavy traffic, but don’t let that put you off. The city has one of the most developed public transport systems in Asia, making it easy and convenient to get around.
Bangkok BTS Skytrain One Day Pass
- BTS Skytrain & MRT: The skytrain and subway are quick and efficient ways to get around the city’s main areas.
- Bus: The extensive bus network offers a more economical option, but can take longer due to traffic.
- Tuk-tuk: The iconic three-wheeled tuk-tuks offer a fun and unique experience, but be sure to negotiate a price before getting in.
- Taxi: Taxis are everywhere, but make sure the meter is working or agree on a price before you start your ride.
Flavors of Chinatown: Bangkok Half-Day Food Walking Tour
Rent a Car to Explore Bangkok on Klook
For the most comfortable and convenient trip, especially when traveling with a large group or family, consider renting a private car with a driver from Klook. You can freely plan your own itinerary and the driver will take you to your destinations safely and quickly.
Bangkok Car Rental with Driver to Nearby Cities by TTD Global
You can choose a half-day (4 hours) or full-day (8 hours) car rental service. With the full-day car rental service, you can even request a tour guide to learn more about the culture and history of the destinations. This is a great option for you to explore Bangkok fully and save time.
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Bangkok you can refer to
- Bangkok City & Temples Tour by Tour East
- Classic Bangkok Tour: Floating Market, Elephant Village, Asiatique, & More by AK Travel
- Bangkok Landmarks Day Tour: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chao Phraya River & More
- Bangkok Sky Train (BTS) One Day Pass
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (ARL) Ticket
- [SALE] BTS Skytrain Rabbit Card
- Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Bangkok Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Boat
- [SALE] Chao Phraya Princess Cruise
- Floating Markets Day Tour: Damnoen Saduak, Maeklong and Amphawa
- Safari World Bangkok Ticket
- Bangkok Safari World Shared and Private Transfers Service Tour
- Mahanakhon SkyWalk Ticket in Bangkok
- Chao Phraya White Orchid Cruise in Bangkok
- Ancient City Bangkok and Erawan Museum Ticket
- Private City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin & More by TTD
- Bangkok Day Tour: Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha
- [SALE] 4G Sim Card (Thailand Pick Up) for Thailand
- 4G Pocket WiFi (Bangkok and Phuket Airports Pick Up) for Thailand
Are you finding more Bangkok travel guide: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out our Bangkok travel blog — The fullest Bangkok travel guide blog for a budget trip to Bangkok (BKK).
