Joanna James
Ranked among the world's most popular backpacker hubs, Bangkok is a dynamic city that never sleeps. From exploring the city's biggest attractions to hitting the Thai capital's activity hubs, here's how to spend 48 hours in Bangkok.
Travellers who have only two days or a weekend to spend in Bangkok must stay in a convenient base hotel that not only affords luxury travel experiences but easy access to major attractions. Whether you select Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas or any other hotel chain, make sure you are situated near Bangkok's centre or the nearest MRT or SkyTrain station as it will make a difference.
Hit the ground running on your first day in the city by heading to the Bangkok riverside. This is where all of the main cultural points of interest are located. From the Grand Palace to Wat Arun and Wat Pho, the temples on the banks of the Chao Phraya River are among the finest in the country. Travellers can book a guided tour of the iconic temples or hop on and off the speedboats that offer easy transfers between the banks.
After grabbing lunch at a riverside restaurant, it is then time to explore the Khlongs or the river-dwelling communities in Bangkok. Living on stilt homes on the River of Kings, this water-bound community is not the only attraction in this area as Bangkok's famous floating markets are also found here. Retailing everything from plates of freshly prepared Pad Thai to fresh fruits and vegetables, floating markets such as the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market are retail hotspots like no other. ยท
Wind down with a picnic at Lumpini Park on your first night in the city as the area is not only a recreational highlight but also a foodie's dream destination.
No trip to Bangkok would be complete without enjoying a shopping spree in some of its biggest malls so head to Siam Square to shop till you drop. Siam Paragon, ICONSIAM, CentralWorld and Geysorn are among the best malls in the Thai capital.
Head over to the Bangkok National Museum for a daytime tour and then move on to the Jim Thompson House to pick up some silk souvenirs of your visit to Thailand. As one of the leading Thai silk manufacturers in the country, the story behind its owner Jim Thompson and his resplendent home laden with collectables will prove to be an interesting cultural experience for visitors.
Those with a few hours to spare can head out on a dinner cruise and enjoy the Bangkok riverside by night. A full-course Thai meal, Apsara dance performances and other distractions will also be onboard. Travellers who would rather spend their remaining hours with pop culture icons can head to the Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum to snap selfies with the likeness of iconic celebrities and world leaders.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
