When we think about Thailand, we picture pristine beaches and exotic islands. I don’t blame anyone. Thailand has some world-class islands, such as Koh Lanta or Koh Kood. Thailand is not just about beaches. Welcome to Bangkok. This city never fails to impress its visitors with its vibrant culture and energy. In just three days you can discover the hidden gems of this city.
Immerse yourself into its intricate tapestry, which includes ancient temples, vibrant market, and mouthwatering food. Each temple in Thailand, from the Grand Palace to Wat Arun’s peacefulness, tells a tale of Thailand’s spirituality and history. Prepare yourself for a journey that will leave your awestruck. This is the ultimate travel guide for spending 2 days in Bangkok.
Day 1 of 2 Days in Bangkok itinerary
Bangkok’s heat can be unbearable for those who are coming from a cooler country.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun offers the best value 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 boat across the river to get to my destination. Wat Arun is also known as the dawn temple. It’s not surprising that dawn is the best time to visit this temple. This temple was originally built in the 17th Century, but destroyed by the Barmese and rebuilt in the early nineteenth century.
There are tower-like structures inside, made of colorful mosaics. You can see many intricate designs. These structures are called Prang. The central Prang of Wat Arun, which is more than 70 meters high, is its main attraction. The central Prang represents Mount Meru, an ancient sacred peak.
Four smaller towers or prangs surround the central Prang. Each one is dedicated to a Hindu god and has intricate designs. You can climb the stairs to see the temples better from different angles. Space may be limited when there are a large number of tourists. But if patience is a virtue, you’ll have the temples to yourself.
You can explore the temple by going up the steps and exploring it, then returning down. Because it looks different from above than from below. There are also some wonderful sculptures on your wall. In the temple there is a large hall. The Big Buddha is the main attraction. You will find Buddha in deep reflection. The Buddha is flanked by several smaller statues. You will see that the ordination room is covered with murals depicting Buddhas of different ages.
I was surprised to find a Buddha sculpture that is entirely green among the usual golden colored Buddhas! He wore an individual crown on his head, and had many trinkets all over his body. It was as though we were visiting Earth, but from another planet.
Wat Arun has a large courtyard that is perfect for taking pictures with the temple as a backdrop. You can also rest here after visiting the temple. The wall is also covered with colorful photos. If you’ve already visited Wat Arun in the daylight, you should visit it again at night. When the light is turned on, it literally glitters and the golden color looks amazing!
Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is grand! You’ll love this place if you are interested in traditional Thai architecture. This is a more than 500-year-old piece of art. The Grand Palace, the former residence of Siam’s Kings, was Thailand’s old name. Up until 1925, the king, royal court, and royal government were all based at this palace.
It is possible to just wander around and enjoy the complex. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Kew, is one of Thailand’s most important Buddhist relics. The Grand Palace has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The grand palace is just as beautiful at night as Wat Arun. You should visit it.
Enjoy the Bangkok Skyline
You should have walked in the heat a lot while visiting Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. Now it’s time to admire the stunning skyline of Bangkok. You have many options to choose from but the best way to experience it is by visiting King Power Mahanakhon. This SkyWalk is Thailand’s tallest observation deck and one of Bangkok’s best places to watch a sunset.
Get a Thai Massage
Even if it is uncomfortable to have someone else touch your body, a Thai massage is a must-do while in Thailand. It is a must and so rejuvenating, I wanted to go back again and again. Many people believe that a Thai massage can lead to sexual activity. It’s not completely true; you only need to be careful that you are not in a bad area. Thai massage can be painful for your body but the pain is worth it. If you’re a first-timer, you can start with a foot or calf massage.
Day 2 of the 2 Days in Bangkok itinerary
Jim Thompson House
Jim Thompson was an American businessman who popularized Thai silk and Thai craftsmanship in the rest of the world. Visit Jim Thompson House to learn more about the culture and history of Thailand. The museum houses the art collection of Jim Thompson.
But that’s not all there is to this place. It is a collection of interconnected teakwood homes surrounded by greenery and gardens. The architecture is a blend of Thai and Western culture, giving it a beautiful look.
The complex also has decorative statues, ponds, and flowers. You will see flowers, frogs etc. It will instantly transport you to nature, even in the hustle of Bangkok.
Boat trip on the Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya River runs through Bangkok. It is a major transporter of people and goods through Bangkok. It is like an artery on the map of Bangkok. You must hop on a cruise or a boat to experience Bangkok. You won’t have to walk as much, which will help you beat the heat. The panoramic views will be breathtaking.
The banks of the Chao Phraya River are home to many of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks and cultural attractions. The Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho are among the many attractions along the river’s banks.
Shopping and IMAX experience
Bangkok has many wonderful shopping centers, where you can find almost anything. You can see the difference between malls and street shops. You can also cool down in Bangkok by watching IMAX movies. The Paragon Cinemaplex has the best IMAX in Bangkok.
The street food of Bangkok
The street food of Bangkok is excellent and takes only a few hours. My favourite was a selection of grilled chicken. Also available was pork. You will get not only the chicken or the wings but also the gizzards, livers, and skin.
Not only is it about the chicken, but also about waffles, cutlets, and tempura. Tom Yum Goong is my favorite cuisine. It’s a hot-and-sour soup with three herbs. You can order either prawns, or fish. You can also get an egg if you choose well. This is a great food if you can tolerate spicy food.
Enjoy the nightlife in Sukhumvit 11
Sukhumvit, a district of Thailand, has Sukhumvit 11, a street within it. If you’re a party-lover, this vibrant, colorful and entertaining area is not one to be missed. Sukhumvit 11 has been dubbed Bangkok’s most dynamic road. You can walk from Nana BTS Station to this 800-meter-long boulevard, which is filled with bars, restaurants and nightclubs. This location is best visited after sunset for its true character.
