Posted 03 January 2023 in Travel Wanderlust

Things to do in Bangkok on a shoestring budget

Bangkok is home to many different cultures and beliefs, all of which contrast with one another. A trip to Bangkok will introduce you to the city's high buildings, which coexist peacefully with temples and monasteries. You can also witness street bazaars and floating marketplaces compete with luxury malls and retail centres. Cuisines throughout the world and Thai food are shown in their full splendour on the streets and rooftop restaurants. Bangkok has a myriad of locations and activities to offer, ranging from praying to partying.

Read more about - Everything you should do when you travel to Bangkok

Here is a list of budget-friendly places to go and activities to do in Bangkok.

Chinatown

It is hard to visit Bangkok without sampling some of the city's special delicacies. From appetisers to desserts and everything in between, Bangkok boasts some of the best street food in the world. The best thing about going to Chinatown is that you would not feel a pinch in your wallet until you have tasted everything. ChinaTown is a must-see for everyone who likes Chinese cuisine. It also bears Bangkok's cultural and historical imprint and is lit and chaotic throughout the day. A visual feast for the senses is seeing the city at night.

Floating market tour

Bangkok's unique floating market has long been the most compelling reason to visit the city over any other country. The long-tail boats that transport you around Bangkok are reasonably priced. It becomes more cost-effective when you travel in a group or with locals. You can observe the floating stores lined up with unique products and items. It is undeniably one of the most beautiful spots to see on low-cost Bangkok trips, and as a result, it draws a large number of photographers and bloggers from all over the world.

Dinner date at Chao Phraya

Going for dinner on the Chao Phraya river cruise is the best option if you plan a budget trip to Bangkok for couples and want to indulge in some romance with your partner in Bangkok. Enjoy live Thai art and music performances, Thai classical dance shows and a sumptuous international buffet dinner. Imagine relishing a variety of Thai and international delicacies while the metropolis fades into the background as you stand by the all-lit riverboat in the evening.

Backwater excursions

Bangkok is well-known for its water sports and water excursions, so there is no need to skip out on the backwater trips. You can go on a water tour around the Chao Phraya River in the city's long-tailed boats. For those who want to get into the heart of Bangkok and discover hidden gems like a native. It is a beautiful way to see nature and a magnificent skyline merging in. These backwater excursions are incredibly reasonable, making them more accessible to travellers on a low budget who wish to enjoy famed budget holidays to Bangkok.

Dream World Theme Park

Your budget trip to Bangkok would be incomplete without experiencing the thrills of Dream World Theme Park. It is a great place to get an adrenaline rush, no matter whether you are on a budget trip to Bangkok or a luxury one. The theme park offers over 38 rides that are sure to get your pulse racing. Even if you are not a thrill seeker, you may enjoy the spectacular live shows. With so many things to choose from, you can easily spend eight hours of your day trying them all out without spending a fortune.

More reasons to visit Bangkok

Pak Khlong Talat: Take the Chao Praya Express Boat to Pak Khlong Talat, Bangkok's largest flower market. This market, which is most colourful at dawn, is open 24 hours and is located en route to two of Bangkok's most important temples, Wat Pho or Temple of the Reclining Buddha and Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn.
Wat Pho- Temple of the Reclining Buddha: Wat Pho is one of Bangkok's major temple complexes, notable for its 46-m-long reclining Buddha. The temple is also well-known for traditional Thai massage, as it is Thailand's premier massage school.
Ayutthaya: The historic capital, Ayutthaya, is close to Bangkok and is home to the summer palace and numerous temples. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1991. It is a popular day trip location because it is close to Bangkok. Several travel firms can arrange tours, but you can go by train on your own.
Green Lung Bangkok: If the city's hectic rush and bustle bother you, then seek refuge in nature at Green Lung Bangkok. The area, protected by a verdant stretch of land and surrounded by a rapidly running river, provides travellers with plenty of tranquillity and calm. You may have a leisurely afternoon bicycle ride while admiring the beautiful environment. While going through it, one may also come across several unusual canals and settlements. It is also an excellent spot for nature photography.

Local shopping markets

The vast Chatuchak Weekend Market, the magnificent Taling Chan Floating Market and the cloth-covered stalls at Patpong Market are all must-sees for any shopper. The Pratunam Market, which is noted for its wholesale rates and is open 24 hours a day, is another local tradition. For the best prices, go early in the morning, between 4 and 9 a.m. The backpacker's favourite (Khao San Road) is full of businesses offering travel gear and clothing, while the little lanes and alleyways of Yaowarat or Chinatown near the riverside are full of little shops.

Bangkok travel tips for a low-cost vacation

Explore the city on your own and save a lot of money on your tour guide. If you can communicate with the natives, you will probably not need a trip guide. You can take a free walking tour as it helps to know the city while picking up some interesting facts and history in the process. If any confusion sets in, simply ask the locals as they are quite friendly.
If you are a shopaholic, then shop till you drop at the city's flea markets instead of visiting the city's malls. Do not forget to haggle.
Make a travel plan ahead of time so you do not miss out on any events. Furthermore, you can keep the excess expenditure of money under control.
If you purchase your airline tickets during the off-season, then you can save a lot of money on your travel expenses.
Bargain with tuk-tuk drivers and settle on a fixed price. They do not have metres, so do not hesitate to bargain. They are pretty polite.
Food from street sellers in Thailand is some of the tastiest Thai food you will ever taste, and it is ridiculously inexpensive. A bowl of noodle soup, pad thai or fried rice can readily be enjoyed here.
When you are out enjoying Bangkok's nightlife, purchase a tower of beer or a bottle of liquor rather than individual drinks. Like this, you will get a lot more value for money.
Use a water bottle with a filter since the tap water in Bangkok is unsafe to drink, and while bottled water is inexpensive, it contributes to plastic pollution.

How to reach Bangkok?

By air: Suvarnabhumi Airport is 25 km east of Bangkok and Don Mueang Airport is 24 km north. Suvarnabhumi Airport handles most international and domestic flights. It is connected to the city by numerous buses, taxis and the Airport Rail Link. IndiGo now offers direct flights between Bangkok and Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru. Also, there are flights to Bangkok available from other cities in India to reach comfortably.

Getting around: Tuk-tuks and auto-rickshaws, the Bangkok subway, the BTS Skytrain and taxis are all options for getting around the city. Bangkok Subway and BTS Skytrain are perhaps the finest ways to get about the city, while tuk-tuks are an inexpensive mode of transportation.

Best time to visit

Bangkok has a tropical climate. The city witnesses three primary seasons:

Summer (March to June)
Monsoon (July to October)
The slightly milder winter season (November to February)

The best time to visit Bangkok is during the winter months when the days are often colder and the evenings more enjoyable. Summer is the perfect season to visit if one wants to spend time on the beaches or on a boat excursion. However, it may get blisteringly hot.

The monsoon season is not the ideal time to visit for many reasons, the most important of which is the bouts of heavy rain, which can derail any plan. On the other hand, shopping is the one activity that is most appreciated during this time.

Conclusion

While Bangkok offers a package to fit all traveller's preferences, you must plan ahead of time for a budget holiday to Bangkok. Make sure you also make a sensible budget so you can have an idea of how much you will spend. Add these engaging activities to your itinerary for a fun and exciting vacation in Thailand's vibrant metropolis. So, what are you waiting for? Make your bookings and get set to go!