48 Hours in Bangkok: A First-Timer's Loop

I landed at Suvarnabhumi with no plan and a carry-on. Two days later I had a favorite noodle stall, a river commute, and a suspicion I'd be back. Here's the loop that worked.

Day one: temples and river

Wat Pho at opening, then the cross-river ferry to Wat Arun before the heat. Lunch at a riverside boat-noodle spot for $2.

Day two: neighborhoods

Morning in Ari for coffee, afternoon in Sukhumvit for the skytrain, evening at a rooftop near Nana. Bangkok rewards wandering.