Bangkok in 2 Days

Bangkok is a big town, and seeing any big part of it is 2 days will always require careful choices and decisions of what not to do. Still, it is possible to take in some highlights and get an impression of everything the city has to offer. One suggested itinerary for 2 days of Bangkok Could look like this:

• Day 1 - Temples and Malls
• Day 2 - Markets and Sights

Day 1

Lunch: Either have lunch close to Saphan Taksin (The Oriental Hotel and The Peninsula Hotel are excellent for some truly high living), or alternatively take the BTS to Siam and enjoy the multitude of choices there. Alternatively, grab lunch at a noodle vendor right there on the street - it is tasty, cheap and a true Bangkok experience. After lunch, Maboonklong Department Store (MBK) offers excellent value shopping while Siam Paragon offers every kind of luxury imaginable. Also consider visiting the Siam Paragon basement aquarium which offers a long walk-though glass tunnel and the opportunity to actually jump in and swim with sharks.

Dinner: Depending on your preferences, we present you with 3 choices for what to do on your first evening in Bangkok:

• For some more shopping, go to Suan Lum Night Bazaar which offers a number of dining options along with shopping opportunities and Bangkok's largest selection of German beers. It is easy to find - just take the MRT to Lumpini station, or hail a taxi.
• For a more calm twist, take a dinner cruise at the river. Watch the sights of the city lit up, among them the famous Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) while enjoying some excellent local cuisine. River cruises comes in many versions, from the more basic ones to the extravagant hotel cruise boats from e.g. the Peninsula Hotel and the Marriott Resort & Spa.
• For some true Thai action, assuming it is a Tuesday, Friday or Saturday, head to Lumpini Stadium, right next to Suan Lum Night Bazaar, and enjoy an evening of Thai boxing. This is truly full contact and quite a sight.
• 4) Thai dinner with classic Thai dance show. A cultural and gastronomical experience and a true Thai memory. We recommend trying it at Sala Rim Naam, the best in town, but other places also provide a great experience.

Late Evening: Whatever your evening activity, you should follow it up with a drinks at Sky Bar. The easiest way to get there is by taxi to State Tower. Sky Bar is a sight in itself and offers an amazing view, an unequalled degree of cool and excellent drinks. Prepare to be awed and enjoy the whole setup and vibe.

Night: Depending on age, energy level and mood, the options are endless. For a true tourist experience, head to Patpong which boasts both night market and of course the classic gogo bars (for bars alone, Nana Plaza is probably better). Another late-night shopping/sightseeing experience is Khao San Road. For a taste of true Thai style night clubs, go to Hollywood on Rachada road. With everybody standing at their tables dancing, whisky flowing and nightly sing and dance shows, it is a definitely Thai experience. A more modern Thai Club experience can be had at Slim or Jet Metropolitan, while the chic foreign crowd heads to Bed Supperclub.

Day 2

Lunch: Have lunch in Chinatown or bordering Little India. Then grab a tuk tuk and ride to Wat Saket with its excellent view. From here, continue to Vimanmek Mansion, build by Rama V and the biggest teak wood building in the world. Consider having a Thai massage before the evening part of the program comes about.

Evening: The evening choices for the second night in Bangkok depends on both valet and mood.

• For an ultimate in classy/romantic dining, head to Vertigo and enjoy excellent Mediterranean cuisine in amazing surroundings. A drink before or after dinner at the Moon Bar tops this off as a very special (if not cheap) evening.
• For an evening of food, shopping and a wealth of different looks and types of people, go to Khao San Road. Have some excellent Thai food at May Ampuri restaurant and enjoy the night market and life of the area at night.
• 3) Head to Yes Indeed On Ram Intra Road (taxi required). This is a typical Thai restaurant with live music, food and drink. Very popular with the local crowd and a unique experience - and the food is delicious!

Night: As the night before, it depends on your mood.

This loose overall itinerary should give you some inspiration. For the more hardcore temple buffs, both Grand Palace and Wat Saket / Vimanmek Mansion can be done in one day, and the following day could then be spend visiting e.g. the temples and palaces of the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Alternatively, those requiring to pick up some software for their computers, and maybe a few DVD's, instead spend a few hours heading to Panthip Plaza. However, for a 2 day crash tour, this itinerary does provide a good, balanced and still somewhat flexible plan of exploration. Enjoy the sights.