Bangkok in 2 days

Bangkok in 2 days
Bangkok in 2 days
INTRODUCTION
The itinerary planned here is based on the idea that you sleep in Bangkok the night before and do not travel on to another destination until
the third day. This is an important point because airport transfers usually take a long time and also if you have just come off an international
flight, you will no doubt want to rest before getting up early to explore the next day. Changing time zones and getting through immigration
control are additional hurdles.
Do not forget your sunscreen, even on cloudy days, as well as comfortable clothes and shoes and keep yourself well hydrated.
You are not going any place where mosquito repellent is a must, but pop one in your bag just in case.
Only the sights planned for the first of the two days are truly ‘inexcusable’ visits, so for the second day, you should take a look at your travel
guide to see what you find most appealing.
On a quick and intensive visit like this, it is important to
spread the physical effort required and to plan times
for a rest. If you do not plan rest times or try to do the
tour too quickly, by mid-afternoon, you may feel up
to nothing else than returning to the hotel, worn out.
Remember, Bangkok is a city with a warm and humid
climate, sometimes very warm and very humid.
The monsoons come between May and October,
helping to refresh the atmosphere.
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Bangkok in 2 days
FIRST
DAY
9h00 to 11h00
GRAND PALACE & WAT PHRA KAEW
The Grand Palace and in the same enclosure, the
Buddhist temple Phra Kaew, are like 5th Avenue,
Trafalgar Square or La Sagrada Familia –i.e. visits that
are always included on a first trip to New York, London
or Barcelona.
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For the same reason, because sooner or later all tourists
will turn up there, it is best to get up early and be one
of the first through the gate, also because at this sight,
almost everything you look at is outdoors and the early
hours of the day are less stifling and the light is more
stunning.
Ask reception of your accommodation about the best
means of transport and approximately how long it takes to get there.
11h00 to 11h30
SHORT BREAK
Once you have left the Grand Palace, we suggest you
wander down to the Chao Phraya River, to the THA
THIEN waterfront area, around 10 minutes away.
It is advisable to take a break and a drink to rehydrate
yourself. In addition to a small park next to the river,
there are food stalls and places to relax in the shade.
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Bangkok in 2 days
FIRST
DAY
11h30 to 12h30
WAT PHO
The entrance is next to the waterfront pier called Tha Tien where you are now.
It is one of the best preserved monasteries in the country thanks to the royal patronage that protects
it and has paid for numerous restorations.
It is well worth wandering around the various rooms, although the most popular area is the ‘vihan’
which houses a huge, reclining Buddha.
Although part of the venue is outdoors, it has many shaded areas and covered patios, which makes it
easier to endure the heat and humidity, which by this time of day may be becoming quite tiresome.
12h30 to 16h30
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LUNCH AND REST
Obviously, this part depends on the time of year and specific weather conditions but generally it is the muggiest
time of day, especially during the Thai summer and on one of those heavy days with sticky humidity. Strolling
the streets or wandering around outdoor sites is very tiring at this time of day and you will need to take it easy
if your intention is to spend an intensive two days in Bangkok.
So it is advisable either to return to the hotel or find some relief in the shade.
As you will have to come back to the Tha Tien pier later on, the time it took you from your hotel to the Grand
Palace will serve as a reference. If that trip was around an hour, you have plenty of time to go back to the hotel, have lunch and rest for a
couple of hours before coming back.
Although we suggest 16h30 as the time to cross the Chao Phraya River and visit the Wat Arun, the truth is that even if you leave it till 17h00,
you will still have at least an hour before it closes to the public.
The second option we propose is to take a taxi, a took-took or an ‘express’ river taxi on the Chao Phraya to go to the next venue around Khao
San Road, in the Banglumpoo neighbourhood. There you will find a wide choice of eating places and massage services. Depending on the
traffic, it is a short 10-15 minute trip, so you have time for both.
The selection of massage parlours is generous, including a foot massage or massage with oil that can
really repair the damage and perhaps give you a chance for a nap. A great idea to face what is waiting for
you the rest of the day.
Bangkok in 2 days
FIRST
DAY
16h30 to 18h00
WAT ARUN
You can find boats to take you to the temple and later to bring you back to
this side of the river at the by-now-familiar Tha Tien.
The sight of Wat Arun next the Chao Phraya River is really stunning and the time
of day when we suggest this visit - late afternoon before sunset - is one that truly
enhances its beauty. Besides, the views of the city from the top of the central ‘prang’
(tower) are excellent.
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Furthermore, this timetable avoids over-exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the
day, always advisable.
The sun setting behind the Wat Arun is a magnificent view that you can enjoy from the park
next to the pier, if you put off the next venue for one hour.
18h15 to 21h00
CHINA TOWN
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To get to China Town, we recommend you climb aboard the
‘Chao Phraya Tourist Boat’ and go by river [CITY TRANSPORT
ALONG THE CHAO PHRAYA RIVER]. You need to get off at
pier nº5 RATCHAWONG PIER, located on the same side of
the river, on your left looking from the boat.
Once ashore, you have a 15 minute walk to
reach the middle of Yaowarat Street, the
heart of China Town.
Its bustling and colourful night-time atmosphere is genuine and spectacular
and should not be missed. If you are also partial to Chinese culture and
cuisine, you can spend the rest of the evening here and take a taxi or tooktook back to the hotel.
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Bangkok in 2 days
D
SECON
DAY
9h30 to 13h00
BANGKOK MARKETS
Markets form a substantial part of Thai life and it is almost impossible
not to stumble across a few of them during your visit.
It is always worth spending a few hours of your time in Bangkok as
some of the markets, whether to buy, browse or learn a little more
about local life.
If you happen to be in Bangkok at the weekend, take the opportunity
of visiting the large Chatuchak market
If your visit does not coincide with the weekend, you can nevertheless
choose from a host of markets, depending on what each one sells or
how easy they are to get to from your hotel.
For that precise purpose, the map below will help you to pinpoint
your hotel and find your way using the BTS SkyTrain, underground
MRT and Chao Phraya River as reference points.
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Bangkok in 2 days
BANGKOK MARKETS
FLOATING MARKETS
1. TALING CHANG FLOATING MARKET
Saturday and Sunday. It can be visited during
the week but the main market days are at the
weekend. We recommend hiring a long-stern
canoe to get to the market along the Bangkoknoi
canal from any of the following piers: Phra Arthit
(near Khao San Road), Maharat or Tha Chang
(these two are both near the Grand Palace). It is
best to go early, so plan to leave the hotel around
08h00.
Opening Hours: 08h00 to 17h00.
2. LOD MAYOD FLOATING MARKET. Saturday and
Sunday. Floating market located on the Thonburi
bank, not far from Taling market. To get there, take
the skytrain to the end of the Silom line, Bang Wa,
then take a taxi or took-took.
FRESH MARKET
3. THEWARAT MARKET. Fish, meat, vegetables,
spices, etc.
Opening hours: 06h00 to 14h00.
4. SAPHAN KHAO FRUIT MARKET. Local and
exotic fruits.
Opening Hours: 06h00 to 18h00.
5. PAK KLONG TALAD FLOWER MARKET. Fresh
flowers: orchids, jasmine, roses, etc.
Opening hours: 02h00 to 18h00.
6. KHLONG TOEY FRESH MARKET. Raw meat,
seafood, vegetables, farm produce, etc.
Opening hours: 06h00 to14h00.
7. OR TOR KOR MARKET. Vegetables, raw and
dried meat, fish, fruit, palm sugar, spices & curries,
seafood, etc.
Opening Hours: 06h00 to 20h00.
OTHER MARKETS
8. WANG LANG MARKET. Pre-cooked snacks,
food stalls and restaurants, clothing, sunglasses,
shoes, etc.
Opening Hours: 10h00 to 17h00.
By visiting this market, you will also be very close
which you
to the Siriraj forensic museum
may like to add to your program.
D
SECON
9. THA PRACHAN PIER MARKET. Clothing, shoes,
T-shirts, women’s accessories, books, handmade
souvenirs, musical instruments.
Opening Hours: 10h00 to 19h00.
THA CHANG AMULET MARKET. All kinds of relics,
images of Buddha, amulets and charms.
Opening Hours: 08h00 to 17h00.
As the two markets are near the Grand Palace, you
may want to include it in your first day itinerary.
10. SAMPENG LANE (CHINA TOWN). Wholesale
and retail. Clothing, toys, household items,
women’s accessories, herbs, pens, stickers, etc.
Closed on Mondays.
Opening hours: 08h00 to 18h00.
11. BO BE TOWER CLOTHING MARKET. Clothing
wholesaler for men’s, women’s and children’s
wear & accessories.
Opening hours: 06h00 to 18h00.
12. PRATUNAM WHOLESALE MARKET. Clothing,
shoes, accessories and souvenirs.
Opening hours: 10h00 to 20h00.
13. CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET. Saturday
and Sunday. A bit of everything. Opening hours:
06h00 to 18h00.
NIGHT MARKETS
14. SAPHAN PHUT NIGHT MARKET. Clothing,
accessories, food, DVDs, CDs, video games, etc.
Opening hours: 17h30 to 24h00. Closed on
Wednesdays.
15. KHLONG THOM FLASHLIGHT NIGHT MARKET.
Vintage and second hand ornaments. Car parts,
DVDs, toys, electronics and clothing. For keen
browsers.
Opening hours: Saturday 17h00 to 24h00 and
Sunday mornings.
16. PATPONG NIGHT MARKET. Clothing and
accessories. Opening hours: 18h00 to 01h00. Next
to night clubs featuring adult entertainment.
ROD FAI NIGHT MARKET (TRAIN MARKET). The
new site is now quite a long way off the main
route, so is not recommended on this 2-day visit
to Bangkok.
DAY
Bangkok in 2 days
D
SECON
DAY
13h00 to 16h00
SHOPPING MALLS IN SIAM SQUARE AREA
Siam Square and its surroundings is the main shopping area in Bangkok and it also includes
a variety of restaurants and entertainment. As is to be expected, all the premises there have air
conditioning, an indispensable requirement at midday.
Besides strolling and doing some shopping, it is a good time to eat Thai, Indian, Chinese, Korean
or even a burger ... whatever you want.
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4. MBK
A popular multi-storey mall for clothing, fashion, accessories,
furniture, mobiles and accessories, electronics, cameras.
Opening Hours: 10h00 to 22h00.
5. SIAM DISCOVERY
Siam Discovery offers a selection of fashion outlets and
cutting-edge brands. Opening Hours: 10h00 to 22h00.
6. DIGITAL GATEWAY
Digital lifestyle centre, gadgets, technology labels, IT-related
events, accessories, computer games, cameras and so on.
Opening Hours: 10h00 to 22h00.
1. KING POWER DUTY FREE
This modern glass-and-steel mall offers two floors of exclusive
duty-free shopping. Jewellery, fashion, art, crafts, home ware,
luxury brands, etc.
You can pick up your purchased items at Suvarnabhumi
International Airport on departure from the country. Opening
Hours: 10h00 to 22h00
2. PANTIP PLAZA
The most famous electronics mall in Bangkok. New and used
computers, accessories, software, DVD. Technical specialists,
repairs and upgrades. Opening Hours: 10h00 to 22h00.
3. PLATINUM FASHION
Wholesale and retail clothing outlets, most of them specialising
in women’s clothing and fashion accessories. Keen prices.
Opening Hours: 10h00 to 22h00.
7. SIAM CENTER
Modern and hip. Designer fashion with local and international
brands. Opening Hours: 10h00 to 22h00.
8. SIAM PARAGON
Siam Paragon is an popular shopping mall housing an
international high-end fashion brands. Opening Hours: 10h00
to 22h00.
9. CENTRAL WORLD
Mega-shopping complex. All brands of fashion, furniture
design, beauty care, etc. Opening Hours: 10h00 to 22h00.
10. CENTRAL EMBASSY SHOPPING MALL
Unique boutiques and exclusive restaurants. Opening Hours:
10h00 to 22h00.
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Bangkok in 2 days
D
SECON
DAY
16h00 to 18h00
PERSONAL PREFERENCES
If you have followed the programme this far, by now you will have seen the most characteristic
sights in the city and tasted the local atmosphere. There is nothing really essential left.
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Therefore, we suggest you spend the afternoon of the second day indulging in whatever
cultural and recreational attractions in Bangkok take your fancy. Check out the Bangkok What’s
On guides.
Some options are:
• If you like the idea of ‘delving’ a little further in traditional Thai life and culture, try a visit to
the Jim Thompson House Museum
on a street near the Siam Square shopping malls.
In this case, you need to go a little earlier as they close at 5:00 pm.
• You can relax and treat yourself to a little pampering in a spa
.
• If you are travelling with children, our website has a specific video with a wide range of
attractive suggestions
Do not forget to confirm public opening and closing times.
• Another option is to stay in Siam Square and wander round a few more malls to complete
your list of presents for the folks back home.
• Or maybe, in the end, you prefer to go back to the hotel and rest a while.
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Bangkok in 2 days
D
SECON
DAY
18h00 to 21h00
SPECIAL DINNER. CHAO PHRAYA OR MANDARIN ORIENTAL
The Silom and Sukhumvit districts have a wide choice of restaurants for all tastes and
budgets.
For a more genuine Thai experience, you can decide either to dinner aboard a boat on the Chao
Phraya River
or visit a historic and unique place such as the Mandarin Oriental Hotel to
enjoy a meal fit for royalty accompanied by traditional Thai dancing
.
21h00 to ...
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NIGHT-TIME IN BANGKOK
SILOM & SUKHUMVIT
nn aa aa îî tt rr aa vv ee ll ss
The Silom and Sukhumvit districts are where you will find the typical and famous haunts of Bangkok showtime
as well as numerous fashionable bars. Check out guidebooks and watch our video
.
Never lower your guard when you are out at night in a big city and absolutely avoid any kind of substances other
than alcohol or tobacco, neither of which are obligatory either.
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MUAY THAI
The most emblematic venues for this traditional Thai sport can be found in Bangkok and, not surprisingly, the
best boxers also fight in the stadiums here. If this is of your choice, we offer a 10-minute video to be watched
before you go to one of these fights so you have a better understanding of what happens in the ring
.
Bangkok in 2 days
THIRD
DAY
BANGKOK 2 + 1
If you happen to have a third day, you can get up early and go to one of the most interesting
places nearby ...
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• MAE KLONG, THE RAILWAY MARKET
• THE DAMNOEN ADUAK FLOATING MARKET
or AMPHAWA FLOATING MARKET.
• ERAWAN FALLS
• THE DEATH RAILWAY
• AYUTTHAYA
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Further information about Bangkok in this section
Advice and useful information in this section
Last update: July 2015