Wanna have the best backpack trip in Bangkok but your budget is tiny? We got you covered. The capital of Thailand is packed with fun activities to try and exotic locations to explore. But sometimes, your budget limits you from seeing it all. And that’s a shame.
But worry not. While most destinations in Bangkok ask you to pay, the price isn’t as high as you imagine. Even a lone backpacker can have a blast with a small pocket. And here are the top 5 things to do in Bangkok on a budget.
If you’re a first-timer in Thailand, this is a must-see. Thailand is a big advocate of Buddhism. And the best evidence of that claim is this sacred Buddha image made of emerald. It sits at the center of Wat Phra Kaew (aka. Temple of the Emerald Buddha) inside the Royal Grand Palace.
The ticket to the palace is 500 baht (roughly $15). And admittedly, this could be pricey for some of you.
However, this ticket will allow you to experience more than the Emerald Buddha. You can also explore the whole palace and snap photos at the Museum of Textile. So, buying this ticket is arguably the best first thing to do in Bangkok.
Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Map: Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Opening hours: 8:30 AM–3:30 PM
Website: The Royal Grand Palace
Prices: 500 THB
Tips: Wear outfits that cover your skin. Or else, you have to change at the entrance with their prepared clothes.
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Bars and pubs are the names of the game at Khao San.
Visit this place in the evening, and experience the nightlife of Bangkok. This is where the diversity of Thailand shines the brightest. You can see both locals and foreigners chilling and drinking with each other. So, this might be the place to make local friends or even a partner.
Enjoying cold drinks after a hot day is the most fun thing with friends in Bangkok. And here are 3 bars the locals frequent.
Address: 42, 327 Soi Rambuttri, Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Map: Bangkok Bar
Opening hours: 7 PM–2 AM
Address: 327 Ram Buttri Aly, Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Map: Bua Sa Ard
Opening hours: 6 PM–1 AM
Address: Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Map: Brick Bar
Opening hours: 7 PM–2 AM
Apart from its nightlife reputation, Khao San Rd. is also famous for its Songkran party (a festival where people splash water at each other to mitigate summer heat). So if you happen to be in Bangkok on April 13th - 15th, don’t miss the opportunity to have fun here.
When it comes to markets in Bangkok, most tourist articles would recommend Chatuchak Weekend Market. However, let us introduce you to “Sampeng.”
Experience the authentic bustling local market. Just visit the market in the early morning, and you’ll be walking among the crowd and mountains of goods. Expect tons of products, like clothing, stationery, and kitchen equipment. And you can also find souvenirs like accessories and decorations at a budget-friendly price.
Who knows? You might find a lovely elephant bracelet at $0.3.
All the goods here satisfy people’s general needs and their small businesses. So, the vibe will differ from Chatuchak, where most products focus on fashion and retailers.
Besides, Sampheng Market is right next to Yaowarat Rd. So, when you’re done shopping, we advise you to grab breakfast there too. And speaking of which…
Address: Chakrawat Rd., Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Map: Sampheng Market
Opening hours: 7 AM–6 PM (roughly)
Even though you’re in Thailand, Chinese food is still the best. And eating at Yaowarat is the best thing to do while you’re starving on your backpack trip.
Yaowarat is basically a Chinatown of the capital. The Dim sum and tea fragrance will hit your nose once you set foot in this district. So, stuff your belly with hundreds of delicious dishes on both sides of the street.
The price range can be huge here. You can easily find budget-friendly food stalls or noodle shops. But if you’re feeling fancy, 5-star restaurants are also an option.
And here are 3 places we recommend.
Address: 371, 373 Yaowarat Rd., Samphanthawong
Opening hours: 8:30 AM–12 AM
Address: Yaowarat Rd., Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Map: Yoo Fishball
Opening hours: 10 AM–11 PM
Address: Yaowarat Rd., Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Map: Mung Korn Khao Noodle 正宗廣東叉燒雲呑麵
Opening hours: 6 PM–3 AM
Thai Massage is world famous. And since you’re in Bangkok, Thailand, you’ll never want to miss it.
There are thousands of massage parlors in Bangkok. Some of them are pricey, the others cheap. But you can’t go wrong in any of them. So when you’re exhausted from your city adventure, relax in a foot spa or full-body therapy.
Generally, a Thai massage session costs about 300 baht (roughly $9). And here are 3 places we recommend in Bangkok.
Address: 1, 3 Soi Phetchaburi 15, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok
Map: The Lavender Massage
Opening hours: 9 AM–11 PM
Prices: 250 THB
Address: 19-19 / 1-3 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Asoke, Wattana Bangkok
Map: Massage@Le
Opening hours: 10 AM–12 AM
Prices: 290 THB
Address: 20/6 Soi Sukhumvit39 Sukhumvit Rd Klongtan, nua, Watthana, Bangkok
Map: at ease MASSAGE & SPA Sukhumvit 39
Opening hours: 9 AM–11 PM
Prices: 400 THB
And there you have it, 5 fun things to do in Bangkok with a small budget.
Of course, there is much more to explore in this city. These 5 are just a gateway for you to fall in love with the capital of Thailand. We hope you discover the best of the best in Bangkok and have a wonderful time on your backpack trip.
