The Ultimate 2 Days in Bangkok Itinerary on a Budget
Planning for a Thailand trip and looking for the perfect 2 days in Bangkok itinerary on a budget? Look no further and keep reading, because in this Bangkok travel guide I have put together all the most asked questions like the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, where to eat, Bangkok 2 days travel cost, money-saving tips and so much more!
Bangkok is really a magical city that is continuously changing with time. It doesn’t matter how many times you visit Bangkok, each time you will find something new in the capital city of Thailand. Bangkok is popular for its numerous beautiful temples, ornate buildings, cultural activities, and cheap shopping.
I love Bangkok and there are some good reasons. Being a budget travel buff, Bangkok will always stay at the top of my bucket list. It’s tough to find another place on the same budget that offers delicious street food, cheap transport, affordable hotels, and lots of tourist attractions.
Here are my ultimate 2 days in Bangkok Itinerary on a budget. I have also shared the detailed Bangkok cost breakdown at the end of this post. I hope this Bangkok travel guide will help you to plan your Bangkok tour effortlessly.
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BEST TIME TO VISIT BANGKOK
Bangkok is hot and humid all year round. There is not much difference in temperature between the seasons.
High Season: November to March is the peak season in Bangkok when the tourist footfall is particularly high. Particularly around Christmas and New Year’s holidays, the accommodation price tends to rise steeply and the beer bars pack up quickly.
Shoulder Season: April to June, September, and October are the shoulder season in Bangkok, Thailand. The crowd is less during these months. April, May, and June are the hottest months in Bangkok, and September-October is slightly cooler and wetter months. This season is the best time to visit Bangkok on a budget. You can get some great deals on hotel and flight booking.
Low Season: July and August are the monsoon months. Tourists generally avoid this season. You can enjoy shopping and exploring temples and aquariums in the low season and with a reward save some money on hotel and airfare.
HOW TO GET TO BANGKOK
By Air: Bangkok is well connected with the rest of the world by the main two international airports – Suvarnabhumi Airport(BKK) and Don Mueang Airport(DMK). Suvarnabhumi airport is the busiest airport in Thailand from where most of the international and domestic flights operate. Check out how to find cheap flights from anywhere in the world.
By Road: There are three major bus terminals in Bangkok – Mo Chit bus terminal, Sai Tai bus terminal, and Ekkamai bus terminal. You can find buses in these terminals to go to the other parts of Thailand including Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. While traveling in Thailand with family I will highly recommend booking bus tickets from these bus terminals instead of any agent.
By Train: Travelers coming from Malaysia, Cambodia, and Laos can avail train service that reaches Hua Lamphong railway station, the main railway station of Bangkok. For local travel in Bangkok, you can go to Thornburi train station.
HOW TO GET AROUND BANGKOK
Getting around Bangkok is relatively easy if you know where you are going and which transport options are available in your area. Bangkok is a huge city and has a lot of traffic. Don’t be puzzled about seeing the busy traffic in Bangkok city. Bangkok has different modes of public transport systems like BTS skytrain, Bangkok MRT, Taxis, Motorcycle taxis, Grab and infamous Tuk-tuk.
TIPS: I will highly recommend using the Grab taxi app(like Uber in Thailand) or BTS SkyTrain or public train(MRT) if you are planning to travel for cheap. These are the most reliable and transport options in Bangkok. Get into a local taxi only if it is metered. Else you will repent.
Bangkok’s infamous tuk-tuk is very unreliable and you might be scammed. Always negotiate the fare before getting into the tuk-tuk.
WHERE TO STAY 2 DAYS IN BANGKOK AT CHEAP
Being one of the most visited cities in Thailand, there is no shortage of hotels in Bangkok. At first, you need to decide where to stay in Bangkok before choosing accommodation in Bangkok. I’d highly recommend either staying near the popular Khao San Road or along Sukhumvit Road (filled with malls, markets, restaurants, bars, and ease of public transportation). You can find cheap hotels as well as luxury hotels and resorts there.
If you want something with a scenic view, consider staying on the banks of Chao Phraya river. Siam is ideal for travelers looking for city lights.
Resorts and Hotels near Chao Phraya River for Families and Couples
Resorts and Hotels near Sukhumvit and Siam for Families and Couples
Cheap Hotels in Bangkok
Cheap Hostels in Bangkok for Backpackers
WHERE TO STAY 2 DAYS IN BANGKOK AT CHEAP
Being one of the most visited cities in Thailand, there is no shortage of hotels in Bangkok. At first, you need to decide where to stay in Bangkok before choosing accommodation in Bangkok. I’d highly recommend either staying near the popular Khao San Road or along Sukhumvit Road (filled with malls, markets, restaurants, bars, and ease of public transportation). You can find cheap hotels as well as luxury hotels and resorts there.
If you want something with a scenic view, consider staying on the banks of Chao Phraya river. Siam is ideal for travelers looking for city lights.
Resorts and Hotels near Chao Phraya River for Families and Couples
Resorts and Hotels near Sukhumvit and Siam for Families and Couples
Cheap Hotels in Bangkok
Cheap Hostels in Bangkok for Backpackers
BANGKOK ITINERARY FOR 2 DAYS
‘Is two days in Bangkok enough?’ It’s a common question among travelers. It is tough to choose the best things to do in Bangkok in 2 days. During my Thailand solo trip, I had only 2 days for Bangkok and I covered almost all the major tourist attractions of Bangkok in 2 days efficiently. Today, I will tell you how to travel to Bangkok in 2 days on a budget.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN BANGKOK IN 2 DAYS
Whether you are on a honeymoon in Thailand or spending family holidays in Thailand, Bangkok won’t disappoint anyone. There are plenty of things to do in Bangkok in 2 days. Don’t expect to enjoy all in a single visit. In this 2 days in Bangkok travel guide, you will get to know how to get the best of Bangkok at cheap.
DAY 1 IN 2 DAYS IN BANGKOK ITINERARY
I personally think the best way to experience Bangkok in 48 hours is to get a mix of it all! Spend your days temple-hopping and mall shopping, and spend your evenings getting foot massages, exploring night markets, and drinking beers on Khao San Road.
VISIT THE GRAND PALACE
Your Bangkok holiday would be incomplete if you don’t visit the stunning Grand Palace. This palace was home to Thai Kings from 1782 to 1946. Now it stands as an ornate architectural building. It’s a crowded place but a must-visit place in Bangkok for all types of travelers.
You will be astounded seeing the gorgeous architecture of the Grand Palace. Shutterbugs can get some impressive pictures here.
Cost: 500 Baht. It is an expensive place in Bangkok but worth visit especially when you are traveling Bangkok for 2 days.
Opening Hours: 8:30am to 3:30 pm
Tips: Try to visit early in the morning to beat the heat and to avoid the crowd. It is a sacred place in Thailand. Maintain proper dress code while visiting a Thai temple or religious place. No shorts or sleeveless shirts are allowed inside the Grand Palace.
VISIT THE TEMPLE OF EMERALD BUDDHA
Once you are done with the Grand Palace, see the Wat Phra Kaew which is adjacent to the Grand Palace. It is also known as Temple of the Emerald Budhha and considered as the most beautiful temple in Bangkok.
Cost: Admission is included in the Grand Palace entry ticket.
Opening Hours: 8:30am to 3:30 pm
VISIT WAT PHO
After visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, the nest temple to visit is Wat Pho, popularly known as the Temple of Reclining Buddha. It is just a 5-minute walking distance from the Grand Palace. The reclining Buddha statue is very popular among the tourists for its massive 50 feet height and 150 feet in length. Each of the bronze bowls represents symbols that the Reclining Buddha statue can be identified by.
Cost: 100 Baht.
Opening Hours: 8:00am to 6:30 pm
VISIT WAT ARUN
Wat Arun is located across the Praya Chao river from Wat Pho. Cross the river by Chao Praya River Boat Express. It runs frequently from 6 am to 8 pm and costs around 15 Baht. When crossing the river, you can see an 82 meters prang(towering structure) that has existed in some form since the 17th century.
At the center of the complex is the Prang tower which is built with porcelain and is bursting with color and detail. The temple looks more beautiful at night when the golden light reflects on the surface of the Chao Praya River.
Cost: 100 Baht.
Opening Hours: 8:00am to 6:00 pm
EXPLORE KHAO SAN ROAD
It is another popular tourist hotspot in Bangkok among backpackers and budget travelers. You can buy cheap garments, antiques from the local market. The road is very short but it is lively and full of colors. This is an insane, crazy road with every type of bar, show, club, street food that you can imagine in Thailand. Hangout here and try popular Bangkok street foods.
Tips: Be aware of pickpocketers. Apply your bargaining skill to get the best product at a cheap price.
DAY 2 IN 2 DAYS IN BANGKOK ITINERARY
On your second day in Bangkok, you can go outside the city of Bangkok to see one of many of Thailand’s famous Floating Markets. This is one of the best Bangkok day trips you can choose.
FLOATING MARKET HALF DAY TOUR
Bangkok Floating Markets are one of the best ways to get a taste of Thailand’s culture. The abundance of floating markets may confuse you. Some of the most popular floating markets are Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Amphawa Evening Floating Market, and Maeklong Floating Market.
You must include the Floating Market in your Bangkok itinerary for 2 days. You will get incredible photography opportunities here from a different angle. We visited Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and it was a touristy area. There are lots of options(half-day, full-day, private, group tour) to choose, depending on your budget you can find one that fits your needs.
Book your Floating Market Tour
Tips: Start your journey early in the morning to avoid the scorching sun and catch the market at its liveliest.
Cost: 700 Baht(Approx).
Opening Hours: 7:00am to 5:00 pm
AYUTTHAYA-RUINS OF AN ANCIENT CITY
Alternatively, if you are a history buff and like to explore Thailand’s history and cultural heritage, you can choose the Ayutthaya day tour. It is one of the best day trips from Bangkok that offers visitors ancient ruins of monasteries, Buddhist temples, and palaces. Explore the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Once it was Thailand’s capital, now it stands as a city of ruins.
Visit 5 UNESCO listed temples and 42 meters length of reclining Budhha in Ayutthaya. Take some pictures of this historic city of Thailand and the iconic Buddha head in the tree. Know the history of this tree from your guide. Book Ayutthaya day tour ticket from Klook. They offer the best service at the cheapest price.
Cost: 1200 Baht(approx.)
EXPLORE THE CHINATOWN AND INDIATOWN
Bangkok’s Chinatown is a significant place that is serving as the center of Bangkok’s gold trade for centuries. This is a colorful and vibrant location in Bangkok where you can shop cheap clothes and souvenirs at Sampang Lane, taste delicious street foods like Dim Sum, Chinese herbal drink, traditional Salapoa at Yaowarat.
In between, you can explore the unique neighborhood, religious landmarks, Chinese temples such as the Sanchao Dtai Hong Kong, a temple that sees family and relatives burning banknotes to pay respect to family members that have passed.
Cost: Free, Self guided
Opening Hours: 9:00am to 5:00 pm
CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET
If you visit Bangkok at the weekend, don’t miss the Chatuchak Market. It is not only Thailand’s biggest market, but also a popular tourist attraction in Bangkok. There are over 6000 stalls in this market where you can find anything from household products, decors, massages to pets, even street food to bring home.
It is an ideal market to buy Thailand souvenirs at a very cheap price. One day is not enough to explore the whole open-air market. If you have a plan for cheap things from Thailand, it is the ideal place for budget travelers.
Cost: Free, Self guided
Opening Hours: Saturday and Sunday from 6:00am to 6:00 pm
WHERE TO EAT IN BANGKOK ON A BUDGET
Bangkok is worldwide famous for its varieties of food options. You must try the street foods in Bangkok during your 2 days in Bangkok. Enjoying the local Thai dishes is a very fun activity that you shouldn’t miss. Just make sure to eat street food from the stall where the locals are eating. That means the quality of the food is good there.
If street food of Bangkok is not your thing, there are plenty of European, western and Indian restaurants in Bangkok which serve western and Indian cuisines as well as excellent local Thai foods. Check out the below list for some of the best restaurants in Bangkok:
- Charley Brown’s
- Cafe Tartine
- The Great Kabab Factory
- Punjab Grill
- Gastro 1/6
Tips: There are 7-Eleven stores at every corner of Bangkok from where you can food(snacks, cooked food, drinks) and packaged drinking water at a reasonable price. During my Thailand solo trip, I saved a lot of money on food just because there were cheap street food and 7-Eleven stores.
2 DAYS IN BANGKOK TRAVEL COST
Bangkok is cheap compared to other popular places in Thailand. Solo travelers and budget backpackers can easily travel Bangkok in 2 days on a budget. Bangkok’s affordable backpacker hostel, street food, and cheap transport options made it one of the best solo travel destinations in the world.
If you want to spend a luxury vacation in Thailand with your partner or families, Bangkok has that variety also. That’s why Bangkok is a popular city for all types of travelers. Below is the suggested daily budget in Bangkok:
Hotel: 300 Baht/person
Food: 300 Baht/person
Local transport: 100 Baht/person
Entertainment: 400 Baht/person(approx.)
BANGKOK TRAVEL TIPS
- Book your hotels or hostels 3-4 months before your journey to get a cheap hotel deal.
- Hostels are the best option for budget travelers to save money on accommodation and food. You can cook your own food in the hostel’s kitchen. Check how to eat cheap while traveling.
- Follow the proper dress code whenever you visit any Thai temple or the religious site in Bangkok.
- Beware of common tourist scams in Bangkok. Don’t get into a tuk-tuk or local taxi without negotiating the price, else they will break your bank.
- Use some helpful free travel apps such as Guides by Lonely Planet, Moovit which can help you to guide nearby tourist attractions and cheap transportation.
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Great ideas! I have always wanted to visit Bangkok and this was a lovely article for sticking to a budget while there.
Thank you Alyssa. I’m glad that you like it. 🙂
Thanks for sharing these – if I visit Bangkok I’ll be sure to re visit this post.
I love Bangkok, but I’ve only been there once more than a decade ago. We missed the floating market, so that is definitely on my list for next time. Thanks for the tips about using public transport too – we definitely spent too much on our transport when we were there.