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Bangkok isn’t the kind of city that asks you to take it slow but pulls you right in with tuk-tuks that blur past, sizzling woks that never stop, and temples that rise amid the chaos. Whether you’ve flown in from Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai on a quick weekend getaway, here’s how to make the most of 48 hours in Bangkok, a city that never really sleeps but always surprises. Day 1: The Classic Bangkok You Came ForThe Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew Start your first day with a little gold, quite literally. The Grand Palace is Bangkok’s glittering complex that once housed Thai kings. Inside is Wat Phra Kaew, home to the iconic and revered Emerald Buddha. Tour buses start rolling in early morning so try and catch the first light here, and don’t forget to cover your shoulders and knees, or you'll have to buy appropriate garments from the expensive souvenir shop inside! Wat Pho & The Reclining Buddha Just a short walk away from the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is a (relevatively) calmer place, most popular for housing a massive 46-metre-long reclining Buddha. You can also stay here for a traditional Thai massage at the temple’s school, which certainly offers one of the best authentic massage experiences in the country. Lunch by the Chao Phraya River Hop on a ferry and grab lunch at one of the river-facing cafés near Tha Tien Pier where you can get your hands on fresh papaya salad, grilled prawns, and cold Chang beer that comes with a size of breeze that makes everything taste better. You can also keep this for the end of the day, where you can get on a cruise on the river for a unique perspective to the city! Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) The best time to visit Chinatown is after the sun sets, and Bangkok's neon signs come alive, blinking above carts selling dim sum, crispy pork, and mango sticky rice. It’s loud, messy, and a sensory overload that'll remind you of India in the best way possible. Day 2: The Cool, The Quirky & The LocalChatuchak Weekend Market (or Or Tor Kor Market) If it’s the weekend, Chatuchak is non-negotiable. 15,000 stalls of everything you didn’t know you needed. From handmade soaps to vintage sneakers, it’s retail chaos at its most colourful. If you prefer food to fashion, skip to Or Tor Kor Market next door for perfect tropical fruit and Michelin-rated street food. You'll find just about everything from fruit, vegetables, seafood, and meat. Most of the ingredients are expensive by Thai standards, but come with a quality that you won't find anywhere else. Jim Thompson House A quieter stop that doesn't always feature on tourist itineraries, Jim Thompson House is a beautiful teak home museum that tells the story of the American silk trader James Harrison Wilson Thompson who vanished into the Malaysian jungle in the 1960s. Today, the Jim Thompson House Museum encompasses a café and a retail outlet and tells the story of his brand and his journey in Thailand. Talad Noi Cross over to Talad Noi, an arty, slightly forgotten corner near Chinatown. Think street murals, hidden cafés, and rusting car parts turned into sculptures. It’s Bangkok’s hipster soul, minus the crowds. Rooftop Sundowners at Octave or Sky Bar You can’t leave Bangkok without a drink above the skyline. Octave Rooftop Lounge in Sukhumvit offers 360° views and craft cocktails that make you linger long after sunset. Or go cinematic at Sky Bar, made famous by The Hangover II. Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.
