48-hours in Bangkok

October 25, 2015

There is nothing better than visiting a new place and exploring it. Bangkok is one of those places that is both vibrant and exciting. To help you with your first visit, even if you are only there for two short days, we've compiled a guide of things to-do, delicacies to try, guide to get around, and ideas to do all of this on a budget. It is time to get out in the world and explore!

Must see attractions

The city is known for its history and no trip to Bangkok is complete without witnessing some of its most grand historical places. There are temples, palaces, and even a floating market that is world-famous. To see where the Kings and Royal court lived, you need to visit the Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw and if you only visit one historical attraction, this is the one. You absolutely must visit the famous temple and spend some time there. It is best to visit the Temple of the Dawn around sunset so you can see it in the sun as well as all lit up at night. To see the lively city is all of its excitement, be sure to stop by Chatuchak Market. It is the largest market in the world and it is a great place to find unique souvenirs from the locals.

Must try foods

There are many places to eat delicious food in Bangkok, from the streets to nice restaurants. No matter where you go, there is something new to try. One of the more well-known dishes is Pat Tai and you can find it almost anywhere. This dish is made with rice noodles and shrimp. You should also try some Tom Yam, which is kind of like a Thai sour soup. For a sweet snack, you will need to locate some Mah Hor, which is made from pineapple or mandarin orange with a savory sweet yet peppery topping. If you like chicken, you need to try Kow Mok which is made with spiced rice and chicken. Mee Grorp, if found made the traditional way, is a delicious dish of fried and crispy noodles.

How to get around the city

To get the most out of your 48 hour visit, you need to do everything possible to avoid traffic, and there is plenty of that to be found. Instead of wasting your time and money on taxis, take advantage of the local transportation system. The underground rail system, known as the MRT, and the Skytrain, or BTS is the optimum choice for getting to shopping and entertainment areas. However, if you are wanting to travel to historic sites and attractions by the water, you will want to take an express boat or river taxi. While it may not be the quickest way, you should also try a Tuk-Tuk ride at least once.

Find out more about how you can experience Bangkok

By Sajda Latif