What Can I Do in Bangkok During a 48-Hour Stopover?
Only have two days to explore, you may find yourself asking what can I do in Bangkok in 48 hours? From the Grand Palace of the King of Siam, located in the heart of Bangkok, to the majestic Wat Arun temple, busy night markets and the quiet beauty of the Chao Phraya River, there is plenty to occupy you during a short stopover in the area. The city of Bangkok is at once historic and traditional while retaining its modernity and rightful place as the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Thailand. Here are some ideas for places to go and things to see when in Thailand's bustling and dynamic capital.
Must visit attractions in Bangkok
The Grand Palace was the home of the Siamese royal government from 1700 until 1925. Today, the historic building is used for official events. Each year, thousands of visitors flock to the graceful building and its perfectly manicured gardens. Equally famous amongst tourists and locals, Wat Arun is a famous Buddhist temple in the Yai district. Named after the Hindu god Aruna, it is one of the most ornate structures in Thailand. Try to get there at sunrise, when light reflects off the surface of the temple, for some great photo opportunities. The Golden Buddha in the temple of Wat Traimit was covered with stucco and coloured glass layer for 200 years but In 1955 when the statue was relocated, its true, golden nature was revealed.
Picture perfect
The Dome at the Lebua State Tower is one of the city's most popular spots for photography. Tourists flock to this novel landmark to take selfies both day and night. Inside the Dome you'll find the Sky Bar, live music and restaurants as well as the highest rooftop bar in the world. An ideal place for a spectacular selfie! The Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit is another great place to snap a memorable pic. Not enough Buddha photos? The Wat Phra temple and its reclining Buddha is another excellent location for the budding photographer within you. Any of the parks in the area make great locations for photos, with large green expanses and unusually-shaped trees and plants acting as a dramatic backdrop.
Things to see
There are several floating markets in the region that are well worth a visit. Damnoen Saduak is the most popular market with visitors and locals and here you will find a good selection of food, fruits and vegetables and handicrafts made by local people. Another unusual market is the Bangkok Railway Market where stalls line either side of a fully functional railway track. The train comes once or twice a day and when it does, the stallholders move their offering out of the way - rather quickly. Worth visiting at just those times to witness the spectacle! The Asiatique Riverfront is an open-air mall which looks out onto the Chao Phraya River. On offer are restaurants and bars, the Sirimahannop Tall Ship, a museum and great views of the river.
Local delicacies
Pad Thai is probably the most well-known and loved dish in all of Thailand. While recipes do vary, the basic dish usually consists of stir-fried meat or seafood, rice noodles, bean sprouts, scrambled egg and peanuts tossed in a sweet and savoury sauce. Other traditional dishes include yummy green papaya salad - a delicious fruit dish tossed in garlic, sugar, lime and tamarind sauce, noodle soups of various varieties spicy massaman curry and tender, slow-cooked pork. Sweet Thai crepes, mango or banana and sticky rice, coconut rice dumplings and coconut ice cream top the list of famous Bangkok desserts. Wash it all down with creamy Bangkok coffee - made with sweetened condensed milk!
Things to buy
There are so many exotic retail options in Bangkok that it's hard to decide just what to buy! Choose from Thai silk, various aromatic spa products, fruit soaps, woven bags, oil-paper umbrellas and cloth at the Chatuchak Weekend Market. You can also stock up on coconut oil, Thai spices, silver jewellery, trinkets and snacks from numerous day and night markets that line the streets in the city. Wooden carvings, amulets and triangular pillows are some other retail therapy options to take home with you. To compare prices of flights to Bangkok and other Asian destinations visit CheapTickets.sg!
