How to Spend 48hours in Thailand’s Capital — Bangkok Awaits!
By: Lucifer Goodman
Tags: Vacation, Bangkok, Backpacking, Travel, Thailand

Spending 48 hours in Bangkok, will be quite the experience, you will most probably want to stay back longer, but if time is of the essence, here are a few suggestions to making the most of your 2 days in one of Asia’s most popular, exciting and rewarding cities.

1. Getting to Bangkok, Visa Requirements and Best Season to Visit

There are lots of international flights that fly into the Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), from there a taxi or shuttle ride into the city will take about an hour. Check your visa requirements before arriving in the city; you must have at least 6 months visa and a valid passport before arriving in Thailand. The best time to visit Bangkok is from mid-November to mid-February, which is the high season and you can expect the best weather patterns. Watch out though, as airfares are at their highest during this time. Once you know your time of arrival and the time it takes to reach your hotel in Bangkok city, it’s easy to start that itinerary, squeezing in as much as possible to the schedule.

2. Scoring the Best Accommodation in Bangkok

Where you stay in Bangkok will be crucial if you have just 2 days to savour the city. Besides the excellent Bangkok hotels deals on offer, you must also look for a hotel which offers easy access to shopping, foodie precincts, and other top attractions. Also, Bangkok is home to a number of internationally reputed hotel chains like Chatrium Hotels & Residences, with accommodation options in various parts of the city, so you can rest assured about booking quality accommodation. Decide in which part of the city you want to stay by the type of attractions you want to savour.

3. Here are Some Activities and Attractions to Enjoy in Bangkok

Plan a cruise of the Chao Phraya River. On your first morning in Bangkok, you can look forward to an invigorating cruise along the mighty Chao Phraya, the lifeblood of the city. While special tours are available you can cut costs and hop in a water taxi, get in from near the Sathorn Pier and do the loop journey for a fraction of the cost. The route will take you past historical temples, bustling waterside markets and old villages which are a depiction of Bangkok in days of yore.

4. Do a Temple Run after the River Cruise

Once done with your river cruise, head over to the Grand Palace, an iconic attraction not to be missed the palace which was the abode of the Thai Royal family for hundreds of years now serves as an official venue. The gilded roofs, intricate architectural designs, and beautifully manicured lawns will be quite impressive, while the temple of the Emerald Buddha located in the same compound is not to be missed as it houses the nations most sacred relic — the Emerald Buddha. Located across the road is the Wat Pho, home to the Thai Massage School and the gigantic reclining Buddha statue covered in gold leaf bearing feet encrusted with jewels. Wander around and admire the ancient works of art and indulge in one of the most soothing massages you will ever have a chance to enjoy.

5. Head Out for Lunch to Chatuchak Market

Chatuchak is Bangkok’s largest open-air market, boasting over 15,000 stalls. There you can indulge in a bout of shopping from fake designer clothes and watches to DVD’s accessories, handbags, shoes, antiques and even live seahorses and chickens — in case you are shopping around for them. Chatuchak apart for its fab shopping allures offers a wide range of Thai street food, and stopping there for lunch will be quite the adventure.

6. Shop Till You Drop at the Ritzy Malls of Bangkok

You can start off early on day two and explore the exotic malls of Bangkok, known for its classy collection of high-end designer wear, as well as, some of the best bargains in Asia. The malls are glitzy facades where the well-heeled choose to spend large sums of money; places like Emporium and Siam Paragon are perfect for letting out the inner diva in you, plus they offer a range of entertainment such as bowling alleys, bookshops, skating rinks, aquariums, multiplex cinemas, and impressive food courts. Head over to MBK for excellent bargains and local designer clothing while Terminal 21 offers a unique concept and a chance to savour shopping precincts from across the world.

7. End your Day with Rooftop Cocktails

Rooftop cocktails at one of the elegant rooftop bars in Bangkok are very popular. The perfect end to your whirlwind two days in the city, a sunset cocktail will soon have you relaxed and enjoying 360-degree views across the city.