How to Spend 48 Hours in Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand was a blur. An amazing, mind-blowing blur. There are a few things that I can’t even talk about publicly… but if you ever see me roaming around with my GoPro selfie stick out like an idiot, feel free to ask. If you are pressed for time, here’s how to spend 48 hours in Bangkok.

I appreciate that it’s not enough time to see it all, and you shouldn’t try to cram everything in! However, if you only have a couple of days at the start or end of a Southeast Asia trip, these are some top-tier things to do in the Thai capital.

1. Go To Khao San Road

This is a Bangkok’s first-timer GO TO area. It’s one of the most famous streets in the world, known for its backpacker culture and nightlife atmosphere.

It has bars, cheap massages, and classic street food. SO MUCH FOOD. I spent my time wandering around the nearby streets looking for trouble, and dear god, I found some.

While the lively vibes and music of Khao San Road might not be for everyone, it is a sort of rite of passage. I’d definitely recommend spending at least one night in this part of Bangkok, if only to experience the incredible street food and drinks deals.

Khao San also has the best pad thai AND pizza joint in town… but I have no idea what it’s called, unfortunately.

It’s a big red restaurant, and it’s one of the only places WITHOUT some loud, obnoxious band playing ’90s music while you eat. Trust me. If you go and find it, let me know the name!

2. Get a Thai Massage

One of the quintessential things to do in the Thai capital is to get a Thai massage. They’re famous around the world, but here you can get the real deal without paying an absolute fortune. 

Massages run upwards of 200 baht, which is just over 6 USD. I got two each day because I wanted to treat myself, and at the price of a coffee back home, you can’t go wrong. You won’t have to wander far from your hostel or hotel to find a massage parlor.

There are a ton on the Khao San Road, but these can be a little touristy. If you go to neighboring areas or around the business district, you can find parlors that are a little nicer. 

According to some of my male friends, the rumor that “special massages” are easy to find is, in fact, TRUE. Some parlors will insist on these “extra services” and then charge extra later, so try and stick to popular places like Khao San Road to avoid getting scammed too much. 

If you’re unsure about where to go, ask at your hotel or hostel for recommendations, as they’ll know where is legit and where is a little more sketchy.  

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3. Take a Local Boat Up the Chao Phraya River

I love anything that combines transport and an excursion in one go – it’s hitting two birds with one stone! So, as a result, I love boat trips that have a hop-on, hop-off element. The local boats on the Chao Phraya River do just that. 

I went on a local boat up the river just before sunset, which created AMAZING views and photo opportunities. However, the downside of going at this time is that everything was closing down. Remember to check the temple opening times as most close at sundown.

You can hop on and off the local boats up and down the river as you visit the various temples along the river. It’s absolutely THE BEST way to travel to-and-from different tourist destinations. It’s easy to make a day of it and it circumvents all the traffic jams in the city.

If you’re traveling on the river on the weekend, you might also spot some of the famous floating markets. These are super cool, and the produce being sold is pretty much always amazing and reasonably priced.

4. Visit the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)

While you’re on the river boat up the Chao Phraya River, be sure to visit the spectacular Temple of the Reclining Buddha, otherwise known as Wat Pho. I was JUST able to make it before I ran out of sunlight and had to leave for Bali the next morning. 

It’s one of the few tourist attractions that has ever REALLY taken my breath away. You’ll be able to run around nearby temples as well, and it’s well worth the photo opportunity. Of course, the main attraction is the huge Reclining Buddha; however, the whole temple complex is beautiful and worth exploring. 

As this temple is apparently the birthplace of yoga, you can see many of the animal statues in different poses. This is a cool way to explore the complex, trying to spot as many as possible.

With so many tourists snapping a photo of the Reclining Buddha and leaving, the rest of the complex is actually pretty quiet, which is awesome.

• Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Bangkok
• Opening Hours: 08:30am-7:30pm
• Entry cost: 300 baht (approx. $9)

5. Visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)

The Grand Palace is the home of the Thai King, the Royal Court, and the administrative seat of the government. It’s also the most sacred Buddhist temple in the whole of Thailand, so it’s absolutely worth carving out time to visit.

Its roots go back to 1782, when the King resided there, and the main attraction is definitely the stunning Emerald Buddha.

Despite the name, it’s actually made out of one huge solid piece of jade and decorated with beautiful gold and diamonds. It’s a national symbol for Thailand and specifically the royal family.

This is one of the busiest sites in Bangkok for good reason. I recommend getting here early, as it has one of the earliest closing times of any temple or attraction in the city.

You don’t want to turn up after lunch and not have enough time to explore the stunning palace and see how the other half live!

• Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Bangkok
• Opening Hours: 08:30am-03:30pm
• Entry cost: 500 baht (approx. $15)

6. Join a Local Food Tour

So, if you’ve been following along with me for a while, then you know that I absolutely love a food tour when I’m in a new country.

Given how delicious and aromatic Thai cuisine is, I decided to go on not one, but two different local food tours to really get a feel for this tasty culture.

A Chef’s Tour

So, as the name suggests, this street food tour through Bangkok is run and put together by an actual chef. This way, you get all the insider tips and backstreet locations that you wouldn’t normally get on another tour.

In total, you get 15 different tastings, which is a huge number for a food tour, as well as water and local drinks included. 

You see how these amazing dishes are prepared, meet some of the chefs, and we even visited a restaurant that was over 100 years old!

Some of the dishes we had on this tour included:

• Khao Niao Bin (grilled sticky rice with a Taro filling)
• Salted Tilapia
• Grilled Eggplant
• Fermented Rice Noodles
• Green Papaya Salad
• Deep-Fried Banana
• Roasted Duck
• Pork Belly
• Duck Bone Broth
• Mung Bean Crepes
• Massaman Curry with Chicken
• Pork Curry
• Green Curry 
• TONS of Spicy Sauces

They also have options for lactose-free, gluten-free/celiac, and beef-free dietary requirements. Unfortunately, there aren’t any vegan or veggie options because the majority of Thai cuisine has meat, or has seafood or fish sauce in the dishes. 

• Price: $59 per person
• Maximum Group Size: 8 people (private tours available)
• Duration: 4 hours
• Meeting Point: Shanghai Mansion hotel, 479, 481 Yaowarat Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok

Bangkok Best Eats Midnight Food Tour by Tuk Tuk – Bangkok Food Tours

For my second food tour in Bangkok, we decided to rest our feet and jump on a tuk-tuk tour. The night markets in Bangkok are some of the best foodie hotspots in the world, so you have to check them out while you’re here.

This tour, run by Bangkok Food Tours, takes you around the night markets, seeing the top spots, and really feeling the city come alive.

Highlights include a Bib Gourmand crispy noodle joint, a chicken dish cooked over fire in an open-air kitchen in the alleys of Bangkok’s Old Town, and a breathtaking beer or cocktail with views of a lit-up Wat Arun.

You’ll also visit the 24-hour flower and produce market, which comes alive at night, and with it all lit up, the colors and smells are mesmerising. 

In total, this tour includes 10+ delicious food and drink samples, including the Michelin-awarded Guay Tiew Kua Gai. You also get a cold beer at a bar included in the tour while you’re checking out the city lights.

• Price: 2,400 baht per adult, 1,900 baht per child between 6-12. ($72 per adult, $58 per child) 
• Maximum Group Size: 16 people (private tours available)
• Duration: 4 hours
• Meeting Point: Sam Yan MRT station, Pathum Wan, Bangkok

7. Wander Around Chinatown

Bangkok is home to one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, and it’s a bustling district full of amazing food, architecture, and stores. It’s centered around Yaowarat Road, which is also the starting point for the A Chef’s Tour food experience.

Here, you’ll find endless roads and alleys to get lost in, delicious things to try, and great markets like Sampheng Market, where you can stock up on souvenirs. It’s a beautiful part of Bangkok to experience, and it has the feel of a small city within a city.

You can easily explore on foot, which is refreshing after rushing around the city, trying to cram it all into 48 hours.

If you love jewelry and sparkly things, Chinatown is also home to an incredible number of gold shops. Here, you can haggle, buy some beautiful gifts for yourself (and maybe some lucky others), and check out all the stunning pieces on offer. 

8. Check Out The Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun)

If you cross over the river on a five-baht (15-cent) ferry, you’ll reach the beautiful Temple of the Dawn, known as Wat Arun. Due to its location, it’s a little quieter than the others, which is a huge bonus for being able to explore and get plenty of great photos. 

The huge central spire of Wat Arun climbs 82m (270 feet), making it the tallest temple spire in the city. One of the cool things about this temple is that although it’s a Buddhist temple, it’s actually named after the Hindu god of dawn, Aruna. 

This temple is bursting with beautiful architecture both inside and out, and is well worth the journey across the river. There are also stores outside selling and renting traditional Thai dress, so you can get photos in full authentic looks. 

• Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok
• Opening Hours: 08:00 am-06:00 pm
• Entry cost: 200 baht (approx. $6)

9. Enjoy the Views from The Golden Mount (Wat Saket)

The Golden Mount is one of the most iconic sights in all of Thailand, let alone just Bangkok. The huge golden temple was built during the Ayutthaya-era reign of King Rama IV the Great (1851–68). 

This temple is also a sacred pilgrimage site. That’s because in the chedi (place of tranquility), there’s a relic of the Buddha that was brought back from Indian during the mid-19th century. This brings Buddhists and devotees from all around the world to honor the Buddha and this sacred space. 

The Golden Mount is also one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the city, with expansive vistas over Bangkok. However, you do have to trek up 300 steps to get to the top, so make sure you’re wearing sneakers and have plenty of water! 

• Address: 44 Thanon Chakkraphatdi Phong, Ban Bat
• Opening Hours: 07:00am-07:00pm
• Entry cost: 50 baht (approx. $1.50)

10. Visit Yodpiman Flower Market

I love a flower market, but more often than not, it means getting up at the crack of dawn. However, the Yodpiman Flower Market in Bangkok is actually open 24/7, so you can seamlessly fit it into your 48-hour itinerary at any point. 

It’s full of vibrant flowers and plenty of fresh produce, if you’re looking for ingredients or lunch snacks to take with you. The vendors are super friendly, and there are plenty of food tours that stop in and around this area. 

Of course, the colors are beautiful, but make sure you ask permission before taking photos, as these are people’s businesses, and they might be uncomfortable about it.

• Address: San Chao Ban Mo Alley, Wang Burapha Phirom
• Opening Hours: 24/7
• Entry cost: Free

11. Shop at the Chatuchak Weekend Market

Want to get some great gifts, treats, and souvenirs? Well, head down to the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

It’s the largest market in Thailand with 15,000 stalls and 27 different sections. To be honest, you could spend your entire 48 hours here and not see it all.

Despite the name, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is also open on Fridays for wholesale business, hatuchak Weekend Market and the specific Plant Section is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays as well.

There is pretty much nothing you can’t find at this market, and haggling is welcome, so you can grab yourself a deal.

• Address: 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, Bangkok
• Opening Hours: Saturdays and Sundays 9:00am-6:00pm, Fridays for wholesale 6:00pm to 12:00am. The Plant Section is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays 7:00am-6:00 pm.
• Entry cost: Free

Where to Stay

If you only have only 48 hours in Bangkok, you want to stay somewhere that’s relatively central. You also want somewhere that’s super comfy after spending the entire day walking and exploring this amazing city. 

I opted to stay in the W Bangkok, which is a stunning modern hotel in the Sathon neighborhood, making it perfect for getting around and seeing multiple sights.

The rooms are huge, bright, and comfortable, and there’s the added bonus of having an outdoor pool and an amazing cocktail bar for the end-of-the-day vibes.

It’s located near all the best shopping spots, if you’re looking to treat yourself or get a couple of souvenirs before you fly out. It’s also close to iconic spots like Wat Phra Kaew, which makes it the ideal jumping-off point for a day of sightseeing.

Rating: 5-star

Address: 106 N S Sathon Rd, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand 

Getting Around Bangkok

When time is short, you need to travel around a city efficiently. As much as I love strolling around a city and soaking up the vibe, if you only have 48 hours in Bangkok, that’s not really an option.

Here are all the different ways you can get around Bangkok to make your life a lot easier. 

Remember that the traffic in the city is insane, and there are basically no discernible road rules. Be very careful!

I spent 7 of those 48 hours on my first visit to the emergency room of Bangkok International because my friend fractured his spine, right in front of me. FYI, Bangkok traffic is insane, so ALWAYS always call an ambulance immediately because it’s going to take an hour for it to arrive.

However, it’s a quality hospital, and medical attention is cheap in Bangkok! Don’t risk it! Call for help immediately.

Tuk-Tuks

Let’s be honest, tuk-tuks are an icon of Thailand and easily one of the cutest ways to get around Bangkok. Tuk-tuks are a bit touristy, and you’ll often find them running tours rather than acting as taxis, but there are still hundreds around the city that you can just hail down on the side of the road to use.

As a top tip, make sure you negotiate the price and the location before you get in the tuk-tuk, otherwise you might get a steep surprise at the other end of your journey.

Of course, you’ll need cash for pretty much all the tuk-tuks in Bangkok, but they are super affordable. They can also be pretty scary weaving around all the traffic, so keep all your limbs inside and try to trust your driver!

Bolt Scooters

Bolt is basically like the Uber of Thailand and a couple of other Southeast Asian countries. So, if you’re traveling around the region, you need to get to know this app fast.

The cheapest method to get around is by using Bolt Scooters. This is essentially where you’re a passenger on the back of a moped or motorbike. 

Of course, this gives you the benefit of weaving past all the traffic, but isn’t really an option if you have luggage to consider. Again, this is an affordable option, and because it’s all done through the app, you don’t need cash or to haggle a price at the start of the trip.

Bolt Taxis

If you’re coming from Bangkok Airport, you want to call a Bolt Taxi. It’s on the same app as the scooters, except you feel moderately safer, and you can comfortably bring your luggage.

As I said, this is Southeast Asia’s Uber, and it works pretty much exactly the same. The added benefit here is that you don’t have to worry about cash as soon as you land.

Bangkok Buses

While Bangkok does have a reasonably good public bus network, I wouldn’t recommend it if you only have 48 hours to spend here. As they’re the locals’ way of getting around, it goes to a lot of non-touristy places on the route, which may be out of your way.

You’ll also be waiting around and at the whim of the schedule, and even when the buses arrive, they can be super full and uncomfortable. 

If you’re in Bangkok longer and want to see more neighborhoods and explore a bit more, then I’d recommend using the buses outside of peak times. It’s definitely a cheap way to get around Bangkok.

Airport Transfers

Of course, you can also book private airport transfers. This is the most expensive way to get from the airport to the center of Bangkok if your hotel doesn’t offer complimentary shuttles.

You can book these online fairly easily, and the driver should be at arrivals or with the commercial vehicles when you arrive.

The Best Time to Visit Bangkok

If you’re planning your trip to Bangkok, there are some months that you might want to avoid for humidity or monsoon reasons. The best time to visit is in the winter months between November and March.

It’s still hot, but it’s not ridiculous, and it’s largely dry. That makes it perfect for wandering around and exploring the sights.

June to October is when the monsoon season hits, so this is best avoided. There are a lot of outdoor sights, like temples and gardens, in Bangkok, and the transport networks can be negatively impacted by the high levels of rain. 

Things to Know Before Visiting Bangkok

If you’re visiting Bangkok for the first time, there are a few key things that you need to know. Here are a few frequently asked questions about visiting the Thai capital to help you out. 

How much do I budget for 48 hours in Bangkok?

Depending on your travel style, you could spend as much or as little as you want during your 48 hours in Bangkok. The largest expense is accommodation, and you can get a hostel dorm for as little as $5 per night up to a super fancy hotel room for $80.

Food-wise, you can get meals for as little as $3 up to around $20. Of course, the main expenses are entry fees and tours. This soon adds up, especially if you’re trying to cram it all in. 

On the whole, I’d budget between $50-150 per day, including accommodation in Bangkok, depending on your vibe. If you add on a food tour or any other organized excursion, expect this to go up to around $200 for that day. 

As you’re cramming it in, expect these two days to be more expensive than the average advice for Bangkok, as you’ll likely be trying to visit 3-4 temples or attractions in one day, which soon adds up.

What are the language basics I need to know?

If you’re not used to tonal languages like Chinese, Japanese, or Punjabi, Thai is going to feel really difficult. It has five tones, so the way you pronounce words matters.

A lot of tourist spaces have signs in English and English-language tour guides, but here are some basic phrases that you need to know.

• Hello (if you’re a woman): Sa Wat Dee Kà
• Hello (if you’re a man): Sa Wat Dee Krup)
• Thank you (if you’re a woman): Kawp Koon Kà
• Thank you (if you’re a man): Kawp Koon Krup
• Yes: Chai
• No: Mai Chai
• Excuse Me: Kor Tot 
• Goodbye: Lah Gorn

Is Bangkok safe for solo female travelers?

On the whole, Bangkok is safe for solo female travelers. However, as with any major city, you need to be mindful of your surroundings and be sensible.

This involves finding friends at a hostel for a night out, or getting taxis home with other people to avoid scary situations. 

Essentially, be as careful as you’d be at home when it comes to being drunk, dark alleys, and sketchier parts of town. However, as I said, on the whole, Bangkok is welcoming to solo female travelers, and there are plenty of backpackers who have a problem-free time here.

Do I need cash in Bangkok?

Yes, you will need cash in Bangkok for most things. Although most attractions will accept card, street food vendors, markets, tuk-tuks, buses, and tips all should be paid in cash.

Smaller stores, bars, restaurants, and cafes might not take cards either, so having cash is key.

There are ATMs and banks all around the city, as it’s a major capital, so there are plenty of opportunities to get cash out. I’d avoid getting it out at the airport, because the rates are usually pretty bad, and you can use your phone to order a Bolt taxi into the city center. 

What do I need to pack for Bangkok?

When you’re packing for Bangkok, it’s important to bring lightweight layers that have a modest vibe.

Many temples require you to cover your shoulders and knees, so keep this in mind when you’re packing. A good scarf for your shoulders and some linen pants are great staples here.

It’s also worth investing in some comfortable and stylish sneakers. There’s a lot of walking in Bangkok, between exploring temple complexes, wandering around street food markets, and clambering up stairs for sunset views. You don’t want to wreck your feet!

With the temperature and the humidity, bringing a water bottle is a must. Stay hydrated – there are often water fountains at the main temples, and restaurants will usually fill up your bottle for you if you ask.

Do I need a visa for Bangkok?

If you’re traveling from the US, the UK, or Europe, you can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa. Once you’re there, you can extend this by another 30 days for 1,900 baht, which is about $58 at the moment. 

My Biggest Piece of Advice for Visiting Thailand? Don’t attempt it in 48 hours

To summarize, although you can see the major sights in Bangkok in 48 hours, I wouldn’t advise it. This amazing city deserves your time and attention. I’d spend at least four days there to see everything at a comfortable speed and soak up the unique atmosphere. 

Side Note: I ended up traveling with this random stranger through 4 different countries, and it was AMAZING. He even came to my aid and helped me take my friend to the hospital… when he was on the other side of town during rush hour. 

I’ve said it once, but I’ll say it again, strangers abroad are awesome. Don’t be afraid to make friends! [Thanks again Tom!]

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