48 Hours in Bangkok

I can’t speak highly enough of my experience at the St. Regis Bangkok. On a consolidated schedule, the St. Regis offers a central location with top-tier hospitality.

Start your day with some St. Regis coffee service or grab a quick bite at one of the many hotel dining options.

The Emerald Buddha and Reclining Buddha are the must-see attractions of Bangkok. Set aside a few hours to make your way through both temple complexes (Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew), which are just 10 to 15 minutes apart by foot. The sheer magnitude of the Reclining Buddha is impressive, but the ornate decoration throughout both complexes is stunning.

At midday, make your way (a five- to 10-minute taxi ride) to Jay Fei, the only Michelin-starred street food vendor in all of Bangkok. A local legend serving up famous crab omelet, Jay Fei comes with long lines but very happy customers. Bangkok is considered the street food capital of the world, and this is a great place to start.

My favorite spot to ease into the evening is BKK Social Club, set within the Four Seasons Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River. The soccer fanatic in me must recommend the Hand of God—named after the iconic Maradona—for any Negroni lovers out there. After a drink, consider a sunset river cruise along the Chao Phraya, where you can marvel at the temples you explored earlier in the day.

If you are anything like me, dinner is a highlight of any itinerary. My experience at Wana Yook was my most memorable dining experience in Bangkok for its combination of next-level hospitality, a unique 100-year-old home setting, and a daring tasting menu. Wana Yook is a great option for a date night given its intimate, welcoming environment. It’s very deserving of its Michelin star.

The St. Regis is conveniently located steps away from the Central Park of Bangkok, Lumphini Park. A stroll through the park is a nice way to ease into what will become a busy day.

Head over to the river to catch your long-tail boat, which will maneuver you through the vast Bangkok canal system, the khlongs. I was astounded by how much ground we covered in the matter of hours, flipping back and forth between old Bangkok and modern Bangkok. While aboard, you will get a glimpse into the daily lives of local residents either doing chores or humming through the city’s riverside markets. This is a great choice for couples, groups, or families.

If you are able to squeeze in one additional stop before dinner, let it be the Jim Thompson House. It may be a touch out of the way, but it offers a unique vantage point into Thai architecture and history.

As you are only in Bangkok for 48 hours, the most apt way to round out your time in the city is by getting a crash course in street food—and there’s no better place to do it than at the night markets. Hop on a tuk tuk, where your local guide will whisk you to four to five stops that best define Thai cuisine. This is a quintessential Bangkok experience that will expose you to the vibrant nightlife, diversity of cuisine, and traffic jams that characterize the city.

If you fancy a nightcap, Bangkok has a plethora of rooftop bars/clubs to choose from. If you are looking for a high-energy option, I would suggest Tichucha, whereas Vertigo is a great choice for those preferring a lounge-type feel.