Bangkok landscape
Back to Guides

Perfect Weekend in Bangkok

Golden temples, floating markets, and legendary street food

📍Bangkok, Thailand⏱️2 Days

Bangkok is a sensory explosion of golden temples, bustling markets, and some of the world's best street food. This weekend itinerary balances the city's rich cultural heritage with its modern energy, from ancient royal palaces to rooftop bars. Get ready for heat, chaos, and unforgettable experiences in Thailand's vibrant capital.

📅Saturday

🌅Morning

•
7:00 AM - Grand Palace 👑 Arrive early to beat crowds at Bangkok's most iconic landmark (dress code: covered shoulders and knees).
•
9:00 AM - Wat Phra Kaew 🕉️ Temple of the Emerald Buddha, within Grand Palace complex (same ticket THB 500).
•
10:30 AM - Wat Pho 🛏️ See the massive Reclining Buddha (46m long), get traditional Thai massage (THB 260-420).

☀️Afternoon

•
12:30 PM - Lunch in Old Town 🍜 Try pad thai, boat noodles, or mango sticky rice at local restaurants.
•
2:00 PM - River Taxi to Wat Arun 🚢 Take Chao Phraya Express Boat (THB 15), climb Temple of Dawn for river views.
•
4:00 PM - Asiatique Riverfront 🎡 Browse shops, boutiques, and enjoy the ferris wheel by the river.

🌆Evening

•
6:00 PM - Khao San Road 🍺 Experience backpacker central, street food, and vibrant nightlife.
•
7:30 PM - Dinner at Street Food Stalls 🦐 Try tom yum soup, green curry, pad see ew, and fresh coconut.
•
9:00 PM - Rooftop Bar 🌃 Sky Bar at Lebua or Octave Rooftop Bar for stunning city views (dress smart casual).

📅Sunday

🌅Morning

•
6:00 AM - Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 🛶 Day trip 100km southwest (book tour or hire taxi, arrive early).
•
9:00 AM - Maeklong Railway Market 🚂 See trains pass through the market (check schedule for train times).
•
11:00 AM - Return to Bangkok 🚗 Head back to explore afternoon activities.

☀️Afternoon

•
1:00 PM - Lunch in Chinatown (Yaowarat) 🥟 Best street food area - try crispy pork belly, duck noodles, or dim sum.
•
2:30 PM - Jim Thompson House 🏠 Beautiful traditional Thai house museum with art collection (guided tours THB 200).
•
4:30 PM - MBK Center or Siam Paragon 🛍️ Shopping malls for souvenirs, Thai silk, or air-con break.

🌆Evening

•
6:30 PM - Chatuchak Weekend Market 🎪 Massive market with 15,000 stalls (if Sunday), or explore Thonglor neighborhood.
•
7:30 PM - Dinner in Sukhumvit 🍖 Trendy area with street food stalls, night markets, and restaurants.
•
9:30 PM - Patpong Night Market 🌙 Shopping, street food, and nightlife district (be aware of tourist scams).

💡Essential Tips

•
BTS Skytrain & MRT - Buy Rabbit Card for easy travel (THB 50-100/day), avoid traffic!
•
Temple Dress Code - Shoulders and knees covered, no shoes inside temples
•
Tuk-Tuk Negotiation - Always negotiate price before riding, should be THB 100-200 for short trips
•
Street Food is Safe - Look for busy stalls with high turnover, absolutely delicious
•
Stay Hydrated - Extremely hot and humid, drink plenty of water (THB 7-10 at 7-Eleven)
•
Learn Basic Thai - "Sawasdee krap/ka" (hello), "Kop khun krap/ka" (thank you)
•
Scam Awareness - Avoid gem shops, closed temples redirects, and overly friendly tuk-tuk drivers
•
Cash is King - Many markets and street vendors cash-only (ATMs everywhere)

💰Budget Guide

Budget Breakdown: Expect THB 8,000-12,000 (USD 230-340) per person for the weekend (excluding accommodation). Accommodation: THB 1,000-2,500/night (hostels THB 300-600). Food: THB 500-1,000/day (street food THB 50-80, restaurant THB 150-300). Transport: THB 500/weekend. Attractions: THB 1,000-1,500/day. Bangkok is incredibly affordable!

Want More Weekend Guides?

Get new city guides delivered to your inbox every week.

Join the community of smart travelers

Weekly destination guides
Money-saving travel hacks
Packing lists & checklists
Exclusive travel deals

Your email is safe. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.