If you have a layover in the Thai capital or are here on purpose, plan your itinerary well to avoid losing precious time. The colorful city deserves at least a week of attention for its rich history and culture. There are at least five beautiful temple complexes alone.
In two days in Bangkok you will have time to see the main attractions of the Thai city and get to know it better.
The Asian capital will impress with countless pagodas, stunning temple architecture, large reptiles walking freely in the park, and even a Chinatown. I tell you more about what to see on your own in Bangkok in 2 days.
Day 1
On your first day in Bangkok, I suggest exploring the local religion. Head to the city’s main attractions – ornate Buddhist shrines. Some of them have become famous for their unusual ancient statues, while others have become famous for their architecture.
Royal Palace
This is the largest attraction in the selection, which will take several hours to explore. The XVIII century complex of buildings occupies a large territory enclosed by a fence. Behind it there are dozens of Thai architectural monuments and many golden pagodas.
The main site of the complex is the Royal Palace with its white facade and brightly colored roof in Thai style. Another equally popular tourist attraction is Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). It became famous thanks to a small jade sculpture of a spiritual teacher, which was brought here from Chiang Rai province.
Until the XV century it was in a stupa, until the structure was destroyed by lightning. There is also a gallery with painted walls and a textile museum with an exhibition of Queen Sirikit’s outfits.
Tickets to the Royal Palace are sold online for 500 baht and at the box office on the day of the visit. Opening hours are daily from 8:30 to 15:30.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Lying Buddha)
The temple next to the Royal Palace is also a large complex of dozens of 12th century buildings, among them many bell-shaped stupas decorated with pottery.
It is the oldest shrine in the capital of Thailand. The place was made famous by a huge statue of Buddha in the main temple of the complex. The founder of the religion is lying with his head propped up with his hand. In length, the monument surpasses the largest mammal on the planet (whale) and reaches 46 meters. In height, the statue can be compared to a five-story house. Hundreds of other Buddha statues are also kept here.
A ticket to the Lying Buddha Temple costs 500 baht. Check out the oldest Thai massage school on the compound. For about 260 baht you will get a massage from the best masters in the country. The attraction is open every day from 8:00 to 18:30, and the school is open from 8:00 to 17:00.
Wat Arun (Morning Dawn Temple)
After crossing the Chao Phraya River on a small ferry, you will find yourself at another temple that looks like a huge porcelain pyramid. It is made in the form of a large stupa with several tiers with a total height of about 80 meters. It is surrounded on four sides by smaller stupas.
The most interesting thing here is the exterior of the building. The white facade is lined with ceramic and porcelain dishes that shimmer beautifully in the sun: plates, bowls, saucers and other fragile objects. Inside is a gilded statue of Buddha, who is depicted in the lotus pose. Beneath the statue is the ashes of King Rama II.
Come here from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Ticket can be purchased at the entrance for 100 baht.
Wat Saket (Temple of the Golden Mountain)
The temple is located in the center of the city on an artificial mound, where a staircase of several hundred steps leads to the temple. Walking up the staircase is like entering a tropical forest, where the leaves of trees rustle and waterfalls gurgle.
On all sides of the stairs are planted with plants, among which you can see sculptures of animals and small waterfalls. Along the way you will come across a gong. It is said that if you strike it, it will bring good luck.
The temple itself is made in the form of a huge bell as tall as a five-story building. The pagoda was erected here in the XIX century, placing in it a sarcophagus with a part of the ashes of Gautama Shakyamuni. It was brought to Bangkok from Nepal.
The temple is open to visitors all week from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Entrance costs 100 baht. Linger at the top to enjoy the beautiful views of the city from the observation deck.
The temple itself is made in the form of a huge bell as tall as a five-story building. The pagoda was erected here in the XIX century, placing in it a sarcophagus with a part of the ashes of Gautama Shakyamuni. It was brought to Bangkok from Nepal.
The temple is open to visitors all week from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Entrance costs 100 baht. Linger at the top to enjoy the beautiful views of the city from the observation deck.
Day 2
The second day is dedicated to exploring the city: walk through the park where huge reptiles live, climb to the highest observation deck in Bangkok and visit the colorful Chinese district.
MahaNakhon Highrise
This tallest building in Bangkok reaches 314 meters. The unique architecture of the skyscraper immediately catches the eye: several rooms have been cut out of the skyscraper, leaving small terraces resembling dropped pixels.
The main open area is at the top – it is the 78th floor. There is an observation room with a bar and a partially glass floor where visitors go to get a better view of the city. On your way here, you’ll also get to the panoramic window space on the 74th floor. Here you will find interactive screens with images of the city’s main attractions.
The observation deck is open to visitors from 10:00 to 19:00. Ticket price depends on the time of day: from 10:00 to 15:30 you can visit the place for 880 baht, and after 16:00 entrance will cost 1080 baht.
Lumpini Park
This place is like a small zoo without any cages right in the middle of high-rises. Check it out for the varanas, which walk freely on the green lawns without scaring people at all. You can also buy special food in the park and feed the fish and turtles in the lake.
There are gazebos, sculptures, art objects and sports grounds, including for children. In addition, free catamaran rentals are available.
You can come to the park any day of the week from 4:30 to 10:00 pm.
Chinatown
At the end of your Bangkok trip, head to Chinatown. It is a colorful place in the center of the city that immerses you in the atmosphere of the eastern country. There are red lanterns and signs and banners with Chinese characters everywhere.
Walking through the ornate streets, it’s hard not to get hungry when the aroma of spicy spices wafts through the air. The odor comes from everywhere, because on every corner of Chinatown there is cooking right in front of passers-by. Numerous stalls offer unusual oriental dishes such as shark fin soup and dried insects.
On the streets of Chinatown you will find many interesting stores that sell souvenirs, original jewelry and clothing.
Travel Tips
1. For local cuisine, head to Krua Apsorn, Blue Elephant or Hot Rod, or to Chatuchak Weekend Market for street food. Order Thai dishes like tom yam, tom kha gai, pad thai, som tam and panang curry.
2. You can bring your loved ones crocodile skin products, natural oils, pearl jewelry, mangoes and other local fruits.
3. To enter temples, you will need more modest clothing. So put things in your luggage that cover your legs up to your knees and shoulders.
4. If you want to see Bangkok during a connection, take into account that it will take about 30 minutes to get to the city by Airport Rail Link (something like the Aeroexpress train). Also take into account that you will need to return to the airport 2-3 hours before your flight.
