2 Days in Bangkok: Unique Things to Do in Bangkok and Why It's Worth Visiting

Part 2 of our Thailand itinerary takes us to the vibrant city of Bangkok. After exploring the serene landscapes of Northern Thailand,, it was time to fly back from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. We opted for an AirAsia flight, which is only an hour-long journey.

Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, offers a stark contrast to the tranquility of the North. With its dynamic cityscape, rich culture, and diverse attractions, there's no shortage of unique things to do in Bangkok. Here's how to make the most of your 2 days in Bangkok, embracing affordable luxury and unique experiences.

Where to stay for 2 days in Bangkok?

Ibis Riverside Hotel: For our three nights, we stayed at the Ibis Riverside Hotel. Located by the Chao Phraya River, this hotel offers great value for money. The spacious rooms and a swimming pool with a river view provide a comfortable stay.

Breakfast is basic but sufficient to start your day.

Baiyoke Sky Hotel: On our last night, we were hosted by the Baiyoke Sky hotel , the tallest hotel in Bangkok with 88 floors. Staying on the 63rd floor, we enjoyed breathtaking views from the rotating platform on the 83rd floor. The Skybar is also a highlight, offering stunning views of the city both day and night. With 7 different restaurants to choose from and a convenient location for reaching the airport, it's a great choice for a luxurious stay.

Transport in Bangkok

As Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis, and navigating it efficiently is key to maximizing your experience.

Tips for Getting Around

• Avoid driving yourself: Bangkok's roads are notoriously dangerous, with high annual road fatalities.

• Avoid rush hours: Traffic can be horrendous from 7-9 am and 4.30-8 pm.

Transport Options:

• Taxi: Readily available and can be ordered from hotels. Ensure the driver uses the meter (starting at 35 THB). Be cautious of traffic jams which can increase the fare. If the taxi driver takes the toll road you will have to pay extra.

• Tuk-tuk: A fun experience but often uncomfortable, unsafe , and overpriced. Negotiate the price beforehand.

• Grab: A reliable app-based service offering better prices than traditional taxis, ideal for longer distances.

• Bus (nightbus): Public buses are not recommended due to their complexity and unreliability.

• Motorbike: Not recommended due to safety concerns.

• Metro: The Blue and Purple lines are useful but can get crowded. Single-journey tokens or day passes (120 THB) are available for. Opening hours of the metro lines: daily from 6 am-00 pm.

• BTS Skytrain: The fastest way to travel, with two lines covering key districts. The BTS Lines operates between 6.30 am and 00:00 am.

Buy a Rabbit Skytrain Card at the ticket booth or buy a single card at the ticket machines. If you want to use the system multiple times a day, it’s bets to get a BTS one-day pass for 140 THB.

Unique Things to Do in Bangkok: Top 5 Must-See Attractions

1. Floating Market and Longtail Boat Ride on the Chao Phraya River.

We visited the Taling Chan Floating Market, a more authentic market compared to others near Bangkok. Enjoy a seafood lunch, shop, and taste local foods. Taking a longtail boat from the riverside to the market was a memorable experience. Consider dining in one of the narrow channels for an unforgettable meal.

2. Wat Pho & Royal Palace

These iconic landmarks are must-visits. Both can be easily explored on foot.

Tips for Visiting Temples:

• Dress code: Covers your shoulders and legs (until your knees). Sarong are not accepted at the Royal Palace . For more information click here.

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or a parasol are essential.

Wat Pho (Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram) means: ‘The temple of the reclining Buddha.’ Home to the 46-meters-long reclining Buddha, this temple is one of the largest and oldest in Bangkok. Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

The Grand Palace: Established in 1782, this complex includes royal halls, government offices, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (or Wat Phra Kaew) which is the most important temple of Thailand. The complex is open daily from 8.30am-3.30pm.

Entry fee is 500 baht for foreigners.

3. Wat Arun

Known as The Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is beautiful by the Chao Phraya River. Best viewed at sunset or from a river cruise at night.

Open daily from 8 am till 5.30 pm on Mondays till 6pm. Entry fee is 50 bath

4. Night Train Market & Jodd Fairs

Markets are integral to the Bangkok experience. We visited two night markets:

Night Train market (Srinakarin) : An open-air bazaar offering fashion, food and vintage items. Fewer tourists, more locals, and friendly vendors.

Open Thursday-Sunday until 1 am.

Tip: we visited on a Thursday evening; the stalls were not all open, but it was certainly less crowded than during the weekend.

Jodd Fairs:Recently opened, this market offers food, fashion, and nostalgic items.

Open daily from 11 am – 12 am, near Central Plaza Grand Rama 9.

5. Icon Siam mall

Escape the heat in this impressive mall, inaugurated in 2018. With over 7000 shops and 100 restaurants, inclusing a floating market, it caters to all budgets.

High-end shops are found in Icon Luxe, featuring the world’s largest glass wall.

Notable restaurants include Blue by Alain Ducasse (French cuisine) and

Rose Dining (Chinese food).

Is Bangkok Worth Visiting

Many people have strong opinions about Bangkok - you either love it or hate it. For me, it was love. The vibrant atmosphere, stunning temples, rich culture, delectable food, and incredible shopping options won me over. The only downside was the heat, but the city's charm far outweighed it.

Conclusion

With this 2 days in Bangkok itinerary, you’ll be able to explore the city’s unique attractions and enjoy a blend of affordable luxury and unique experiences. Bangkok is truly worth visiting for its dynamic energy, cultural treasures, and diverse offerings.

For more travel tips and personalized itineraries, you can find more blog post about Thailand here. Happy travels!

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