My 48-Hour Bangkok Itinerary

If you're still undecided about where to spend your next vacation and enjoy budget-friendly trips, why not explore Bangkok, Thailand? I've crafted a 48-hour itinerary to help you experience this vibrant city without breaking the bank.

Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia's top tourist destinations, offering the perfect mix of accessibility, cultural and culinary adventures, and affordability.

Taking the direct flight to Bangkok from Davao via Cebu Pacific

And here’s the great news: Cebu Pacific now offers direct flights from Davao International Airport to Don Mueang International Airport, making it easier than ever for us in Southern Mindanao to visit Bangkok. With a two-day gap between flights, I mapped out an itinerary to explore the city efficiently.

Arriving at Don Mueang International Airport

Thanks to its extensive transport system, getting around Bangkok is a breeze. On Day 1, I explored attractions along the Chao Phraya River, and on Day 2, I focused on spots along the MRT Blue Line.

Day 1: Chao Phraya River Cruise and Must-See Spots

Before heading to the pier for my Chao Phraya River adventure, I dropped by Lumpini Park since it is just close to my hotel. I did my morning walk there, took a few photos, and appreciated the fact that in the middle of a bustling city, lies a calming park with birds, and monitor lizards!

The Chao Phraya unlimited river cruise was the best choice for me—it’s tourist-friendly and costs just 150 baht for an all-day ride to visit key attractions along its 13 stations.

Did my morning walk around Lumpini Park

Tradition versus Modernity? Why not have both? Lumpini Park in Bangkok shows us how.

Lumpini Park is an oasis in the bustling city of Bangkok.

I had my breakfast at a neighborhood food park and went back to the hotel to freshen up.

I took the BTS Skytrain from my hotel to Sathorn Central Pier. The great thing is that the BTS Skytrain accepts GCash Debit cards, making the ride worry-free.

You have to walk a few meters from the BTS Sathorn station to the Central Pier. From the pier, ferries arrive and depart every 30 minutes.

They made the Chao Phraya river a major thoroughfare

Ride all you can for only 150 baht

The facade of Icon Siam, one of the world's biggest malls

Just a selfie in front of Icon Siam

The river cruise itself was a delightful experience. My first stop was IconSiam, where I snapped selfies at its grand façade. Afterward, I got off at Wat Arun, one of the city’s most iconic Buddhist temples. For an entrance fee of 200 baht, it was worth every cent for the stunning aesthetic shots I wanted. Some tourists even rent traditional Thai clothing and hire photographers for the full experience. If your budget allows, I highly recommend it.

Visiting at least one of the many Buddhist temples is a must. Wat Arun is one of the temples you shouldn't miss.

The intricate details that adorn the stupas are truly awe-inspiring.

Next, I headed to Chinatown, known for its incredible street food and affordable shopping. After hopping off at Ratchawongse Pier, the aroma of fried food hit me immediately. I was curious about pomegranate juice, so I grabbed a refreshing small bottle for 50 baht to beat the Bangkok heat. Chinatown is a shopper's paradise, with bargains galore, especially if you're buying in bulk.

the Chinatown is a shopper's paradise

Grabbing a freshly-squeezed pomegranate juice

After exploring Chinatown, I returned to the pier, boarded the ferry, and dropped off at Rajinee Pier to visit Pak Klong Talat, Bangkok’s bustling flower market. The vibrant energy here is captivating as vendors set up their colorful floral displays along the street.

The view outside Rajinee Pier

Monks in brightly-colored clothing walk around the flower market

Flower vendors putting up their product display

Prepare for a sensory overload once you walk around the flower market

Did I say sensory overload?

I even found a charming hidden café nestled above a flower shop, accessed through a discreet staircase. With a great view of the market, I enjoyed their best-selling coffee and pastry as the day wound down.

The entrance to the hidden cafe

I enjoyed my coffee and pastry while watching the busy flower market

Day 2: Exploring Along the MRT Blue Line

The next morning, I had breakfast at a local food market near my hotel. Despite the language barrier, I managed to buy some delicious dishes with smiles and gestures.

Food markets like this abound in Bangkok.

In the morning, workers drop by this food market to buy food for takeout.

Different kinds of food are available here.

Most of the food items come at really cheap prices.

From there, I walked to Si Lom Station and boarded the MRT Blue Line. My destination? The Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market, about seven stations away. After arriving at Bang Phai Station, I chose to walk rather than take a motorcycle ride.

This is my starting point for the second day of my Bangkok city tour.

From Bang Phai station, I didn't find a motorcyle to ride, so I just chose to walk towards this temple called Wat Thong Sala Ngam.

Entrance to this temple is free!

A few meters away is the Wat Kamphaeng Bang Chak

The entrance to Khlong Bang Luang is right inside Wat Kamphaeng Bang Chak

There's a pier near the entrance where you can ride a sampan or a long tail boat

Khlong Bang Luang is a quaint community where life continues amidst the influx of tourists. Along the river, you’ll find eateries, souvenir shops, and an art house perfect for art enthusiasts like me. There were also workshops where you could create bracelets and other accessories.

This riverside community loves art. Everything about the community speaks art.

A lot of the shops here require visitors to take off their shoes. It was a right decision to just wear comfy rubber slip-ons that are easy to take off.

You can join art workshops here if you have time.

There is a bridge here where you can leave wishes and messages.

You can buy watercolor artwork from the shops there. You can even witness local artists doing their craft.

There are workshops where you can make your own bracelets

Another temple can be visited for free at the end of the boardwalk called Wat Kooha Sawan

Coffee and food are available everywhere. So, no worries for your stomach.

A steaming bowl of tom yum soup by the riverside while it's raining is perfect.

On the way back, I visited Sanam Chai Station, which I found to be one of the most beautiful MRT stations. There’s even a free underground museum right inside the station. Above ground, I reached Museum Siam, where you can participate in fun activities for free in the lobby.

The Sanam Chai station has an underground museum that you can visit for free!

One of the exits of the station lead to the Museum Siam.

The entrance fee is 100 baht, but you can enjoy free activities at the lobby.

Nearby is Sanam Chai Road, a historic area where you can find the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Pho. I recommend setting aside a whole afternoon to fully enjoy this area.

The afternoon sun was ruthless as I walk around Sanam Chai road.

Just walking around this road gives you a glimpse of Bangkok's history.

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew is located along this street.

The temple of the leaning Buddha is also around the area.

I capped off my tour at Sam Yot Station, a historic stop with Chinese and Portuguese architectural influences. From there, I walked along Wang Burapha Road, passing numerous firearm shops before reaching Bangkok City Hall, the Giant Swing, and Wat Suthat, which has a 100 baht entrance fee.

Sam Yot station is one of MRT's most historic stations

A few minutes' walk from Sam Yot station is Bangkok City Hall

And right in front of the city hall is the giant swing and another temple, Wat Suthat.

Since my flight was approaching, I returned to my hotel, grabbed my things, and took the MRT Red Line directly to Don Mueang International Airport.

Visiting Bangkok was an unforgettable experience. The city’s efficient transportation system, vibrant markets, and rich culture made my 48-hour trip worthwhile. If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and cultural immersion without overspending, Bangkok should be at the top of your list.