Planning a trip to Bangkok and want a totally do-able itinerary? Keep scrolling to check out my Bangkok 2-day itinerary from my last trip to Thailand!
This 2 days in Bangkok itinerary was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I just got back from the most incredible trip through Asia, and Bangkok? It absolutely blew me away.
My mother-in-law, father-in-law, husband’s aunt and uncle, and I spent 48 hours eating our way through the city, watching a train barrel through a crowded market, and standing inches away from the most stunning golden Buddha statues I’ve ever seen.
This wasn’t your typical family vacation.
My kids stayed home with my husband for school (they joined us later in Hong Kong), and I got to tag along on my in-laws’ pre-Hong Kong adventure since I had a more flexible schedule.
Traveling with four relatives in their 60s and 70s turned out to be way more fun than I expected, even if I did spend half the time making sure one wandering uncle didn’t get left behind at the temples.
Here’s exactly how we spent our two days in Bangkok, complete with all the practical tips you’ll need if you want to recreate this trip yourself.
Before You Go: What You Need to Know About Bangkok
First things first. Bangkok traffic is absolutely brutal. Like two-hour drives to get outside the city, bumper-to-bumper chaos, and enough time sitting in a van that you’ll want to download some good podcasts or bring a Kindle.
Our family friend Punyee arranged a private driver for us (about $100 per day), which was worth every penny.
If you don’t have a Thai friend who can help you out, you can easily book private drivers or join organized day tours through Viator or GetYourGuide.
We visited in November, which turned out to be perfect timing. The weather was warm but not unbearably hot, and we could actually enjoy walking around temples without melting into puddles.
One thing to note: the king’s mother had passed away about a month before our visit, and the entire country is supposed to be in mourning for a full year.
You’ll see people wearing black at the temples and palace, which added a somber and respectful atmosphere to our visits.
Where We Stayed: Centara Grand at CentralWorld
We based ourselves at the Centara Grand at CentralWorld, and I’m so glad we picked this hotel.
My room overlooked the city and the pool, and for the price and location, it was seriously great value. The size alone impressed me compared to what you’d get in other major cities. Check rates here.
The hotel breakfast deserves its own paragraph. I had fresh fruit, eggs cooked to order, French toast, incredible lattes, and my Chinese relatives loaded up on dim sum and eggs benedict.
There’s even a full Starbucks in the lobby if you need an afternoon pick-me-up.
CentralWorld mall is attached to the hotel, so we popped over once to hit the ATM. It’s absolutely massive if you want to do some shopping.
Day 1: The Train Market, Floating Market & a Temple in a Tree
Maeklong Railway Market: The Most Unique Experience Ever
Our first stop was about two hours outside Bangkok at the Maeklong Railway Market, and I’m not exaggerating when I say this was one of the most unique experiences of my life.
This market is built directly on active train tracks. Yes, you read that right.
Vendors set up their stalls selling fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and Thai desserts right on the tracks where a train passes through multiple times a day.
We got there early to walk around and do some shopping. It felt so weird to be casually strolling along train tracks, looking at produce and local snacks.
Then around 11:10am, people started shouting for everyone to get behind a red line.
Vendors flew into action, quickly folding up their umbrellas, pulling back their goods, and moving tables out of the way.
And then the train came.
A train full of tourists slowly pushed through the crowd, and I swear it was just inches from my nose.
I kept thinking, “This cannot be legal,” but there we were, pressed against the stalls while this train inched past us.
The second it cleared, vendors pushed everything back onto the tracks like nothing happened, and the market instantly returned to normal.
If you want to experience this yourself, book a Maeklong Railway Market tour on GetYourGuide to make sure you get there in time for the train. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this.
Lunch Stop: Fresh Crab
After the railway market, we headed to a local restaurant for a crab lunch that was absolutely delicious.
One thing that shocked me about Thailand? How affordable everything is.
Our meals averaged about $10 per person, and we ordered SO much food. Multiple dishes, fresh seafood, and enough rice to feed an army.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Pretty But Underwhelming
Next up was the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Even though this was my third trip to Thailand, I’d never done a floating market before. I had high expectations.
Here’s my honest take: I was pretty underwhelmed.
The market is packed with cheap souvenirs, and after about 20 minutes, I could smell exhaust from all the boats motoring around.
We spent almost an hour there but didn’t buy anything or get off our boat.
For me, the floating market is a one and done experience. If you’ve never done it, sure, check it out. But don’t expect it to be the highlight of your Bangkok trip.
I know a lot of family travel bloggers rave about floating markets, but I want to be real with you about what’s worth your time and money.
The floating market? Skip it if you’re short on time. Spend that time at the temples instead.
Wat Bang Kung: The Temple Built Into a Tree
After the floating market, we stopped at Wat Bang Kung, and this turned out to be way cooler than I expected.
This temple is literally built into a massive tree, with roots growing all around and through the structure. So unique.
They don’t allow photos or video inside the actual temple, but they have designated spots where you can take pictures with a good zoom lens.
I had to take off my shoes to enter, and my mother-in-law and aunt had to wrap fabric around themselves for modesty.
Then we climbed the stairs that wind around the Buddha statue and got to touch it. Such a special experience!
The best part? This temple wasn’t nearly as crowded as the bigger tourist spots, which made it feel more intimate and peaceful.
Dinner at Somboon Seafood
We headed back to the hotel for a quick rest before dinner at Somboon Seafood for their famous curry crab.
After a long day of markets and temples, sitting down to a proper seafood feast hit the spot.
Day 2: Temples, Massages & Golden Buddhas That Take Your Breath Away
I didn’t think anything could top Day 1, but Day 2 in Bangkok was absolutely incredible.
The Reclining Buddha: Prepare to Be Stunned
We started at Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha, and “stunning” doesn’t even begin to cover it.
This golden Buddha is 46 meters long and 15 meters high, and seeing it in person is just breathtaking.
Our guide Punyee kept pulling me over to different spots for photos, showing me all the best angles.
One of the most special moments was buying coins to drop in the 108 buckets that line the Buddha. Each coin drop is supposed to bring you good luck.
I made wishes for my kids, and it was such a beautiful moment to just stand there, visualize good things for them, and send that positive energy out into the world.
Cost me maybe a dollar, but the experience? Priceless.
Make sure you dress modestly for the temples. I wore a maxi-length Woolx dress with a lightweight kimono-style cardigan, which kept me cool in the heat and covered enough for the dress code.
They do have skirts and coverings available if you show up in shorts or tank tops, but it’s easier to just dress appropriately from the start.
The Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha: Even Better the Second Time
Next, we headed to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha).
I visited here with my husband on our honeymoon about 14 years ago, but it was even more impressive this time around.
Having Punyee as our guide made such a difference. She knew exactly where to go, how to avoid the biggest crowds, and where to snap the best photos.
The aunt and uncle literally ran out of phone battery because we took so many pictures and videos. Every corner of this palace is Instagram gold.
A few practical tips: You cannot wear sunglasses at the Grand Palace. I wore sandals that were easy to slip on and off since you’ll be removing your shoes multiple times.
And yes, the dress code is strict. Cover your shoulders and knees, or you won’t get in.
Book a Grand Palace tour on Viator if you want a guide who can explain the history and significance of everything you’re seeing. It’s worth it.
Ferry Ride, Dim Sum & The Best Thai Massage of My Life
After the palace, we grabbed a ferry across the river to a mall for dim sum lunch.
We had tried to visit Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), which I’d seen on my honeymoon, but Bangkok traffic had other plans.
We would have missed our scheduled massages if we’d pushed it, so we made the executive decision to skip the temple and prioritize the massage instead.
Best. Decision. Ever.
We went to Health Land for two-hour Thai massages, and I’m not kidding when I say this was the best Thai massage I’ve ever had. For $23. Twenty-three dollars for two hours of pure bliss.
If you’re wondering whether you should book a massage in Bangkok, the answer is yes. A thousand times yes. Your body will thank you after all that temple walking.
Chinese Dinner at Chef Man
We wrapped up our Bangkok adventure with Chinese dinner at Chef Man.
My in-laws are Chinese and they were thrilled to have some familiar flavors after two days of Thai food.
We also drove through Chinatown earlier in the day, which they loved seeing.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Bangkok Trip
Here’s what you need to know to plan your own Bangkok adventure:
Budget
Thailand is incredibly affordable. Our two-hour massages were $23 each, meals averaged $10 per person (and we ordered a ton of food), and we paid our private driver $100 per day.
Hotel costs vary, but you get great value compared to other major cities.
Transportation
Hire a private driver if you can afford it. The convenience of having someone navigate Bangkok traffic for you is worth every penny.
If that’s not in your budget, book organized tours through Viator or GetYourGuide.
What to Pack
Bring entertainment for long drives (books, Kindle, downloaded podcasts). Pack modest clothing for temples (long skirts or pants, covered shoulders). Comfortable walking shoes that are easy to remove.
And don’t forget a good portable charger on Amazon because you’ll be taking a million photos.
Capture the Memories
Speaking of photos, if you want professional photos of your Bangkok trip without the hassle of selfies, book a Flytographer session and save $20 with my link.
They connect you with local photographers who know all the best spots.
Can You Do This With Kids?
Absolutely! I’d recommend this exact same itinerary for families with kids, but make sure they have things to keep them busy during the long drives.
Download some shows on their iPads, bring books, or load up on audiobooks.
The temples and railway market are fascinating for kids, and who doesn’t love a good Thai massage?
Is Bangkok Worth Visiting?
I’ve been lucky enough to travel all over the world as a family travel expert, and I can tell you that Bangkok absolutely deserves a spot on your travel list.
The mix of ancient temples, chaotic markets, incredible food, and affordable luxury (hello, $23 massages!) makes it such a unique destination.
Two days gave us a solid taste of Bangkok, but I could easily spend a week here exploring more neighborhoods, visiting additional temples, and eating my way through every street food stall in the city.
If you’re planning a bigger Southeast Asia trip, Bangkok makes an excellent starting or ending point.
We did Taipei first, then Bangkok, then Singapore, and later met my kids in Hong Kong. The flights between these cities are short and affordable.
More Resources to Plan Your Trip
Planning a trip to Southeast Asia or looking for more family travel inspiration? I’ve got you covered:
Bangkok surprised me in the best possible way, and I have a feeling it’ll do the same for you.
Start planning your trip, book that hotel on Expedia, and get ready for temple selfies, train market chaos, and Thai massages so good they’ll make you consider moving there permanently.
Looking for more Asia travel content? Check out How to Spend 5 Days in Tokyo with Kids and 2 Days in Singapore!
