Explore Bangkok on a Budget: Tips for an Affordable Vacation

With smart planning and budgeting, explore the colorful and dynamic city of Bangkok. Travelling during the low season, booking budget accommodations, eating street food, and using public transportation makes it possible to enjoy an exciting vacation even on a limited budget. In Bangkok, you will find a variety of free sightseeing options, public parks, cultural experiences, and stunning temples that let you have an incredible tourist experience without breaking the bank. 

Bangkok on a Budget: Penny Pincher's Guide

Thailand’s national capital, Bangkok, is a bustling urban metropolis located on the Chao Phraya river. Bangkok is an eclectic amalgamation of the old charm and the contemporary—from sacred temples, Buddhist monasteries, museums, cultural and historical landmarks, to  exuberant nightlife, weekend markets and lavish shopping malls. The city’s high-spirited culture, warm hospitality, and a galore of attractions welcome people from all around the world throughout the year. Irrespective of whether you want to spend a lavish holiday in Bangkok or seeking a budget-friendly experience, the city caters to diverse tourist groups. 

If a trip to Bangkok has been on your mind but you feel restricted by budget constraints, here are some helpful travel tips to explore Bangkok on a budget. 

1. Travel in the Low Season 

Bangkok with its numerous attractions and activities is open to tourists all year round. The  peak tourist season which runs from November to February is when the prices of accommodations and tourist activities increase significantly. Additionally, with a massive tourist influx, especially during Christmas and New Year’s holiday,  it may not be the ideal time to visit Bangkok for those who want to avoid crowds. 

To steer clear of soaring high season prices and tourist crowds, travelling to Bangkok in the low season would be a suitable choice. The low season in Bangkok (July to October) is also the rainy season when the city experiences heavy downpour and high level of humidity. The average temperature in Bangkok during the rainy season ranges from 25°C to 34°C. If you are not deterred by the rainy season and want to reduce travel expenses, plan your Bangkok vacation in the low season when accommodation prices drop significantly. 

2. Getting to Bangkok 

A significant portion of your travel budget will be spent on air travel to Bangkok. Therefore, it’s essential to be judicious about when and where you book your air tickets to save on travel costs. Websites such as Skyscanner, Expedia, and similar aggregator sites will help you find the cheapest airfare on flights to Bangkok, Thailand. You can look for the most affordable airline options, cheapest day to book air tickets, as well as the cheapest month to fly to Bangkok. Compare and contrast airfare for different airlines and choose whichever fits your budget and preferences. You can also set price alerts whenever there is a discount or drop in the air ticket prices. Generally, the best time to get the best prices on air tickets is to book them two to three months in advance. For international travel, Tuesday is considered the best day to book air tickets. 

Find Affordable Accommodations 

Thailand is one of the most affordable destinations in the world, and thanks to the wide range of budget stays available, finding cheap accommodation here isn’t a herculean task. Even in an urban city-centre like Bangkok, there is no dearth of affordable and comfortable hostels, guest houses and home stays. Most backpackers flock to Khao San road for cheap hostels and proximity to clubs. However, Bangkok is dotted with several hostels and affordable hotels for budget travellers. Many hostels in Bangkok are well-maintained and  feature a shared common room, bunk beds, and other essential amenities required for a comfortable stay. The hostel accommodations in Bangkok range from THB 200 to THB 300 per night. However, if you visit during the low season, the prices may drop even further with an average discount of 15% to 20% (approx.)

Save Money on Wine and Dine  

Bangkok is a foodie’s paradise and for your gastronomical adventures there are plenty of delicious and heart warming dishes available at affordable costs. A trip to Bangkok is incomplete without trying the scrumptious street food and it’s an incredible way to save on food expenses. There are many affordable eateries, stalls, cafes and restaurants in Bangkok  that offer exquisite flavoursome meals without hurting your wallet. The flavours of Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai noodles, mango sticky rice, and Thai banana pancake tastes just as good. 

On a hot and humid day, quench your thirst with a refreshing tender coconut water or freshly pressed juices selling on the roadside. A one time meal in Bangkok can cost anywhere from THB 90 to THB 200 that will keep you full for a while. The best place to find cheap eats in Bangkok are Chinatown, Pratunam Market, Chatuchak Market, Jodd Fairs, Silom Market and Nang Loeng Market. 

Use Public Transportation in Bangkok 

Getting around Bangkok using public transportation is incredibly easy. Bangkok boasts a strong public transportation system which includes BTS Skytrains and MRT Subway. To avoid the heat, pollution, and humidity of Bangkok, it is best to commute via BTS skytrain or an MRT train. For an MRT train, a single way journey can cost between 17 to 43 Thai baht and with a daily MRT Card of 200 Thai baht you can easily travel in and around. Similarly, for BTS skytrain, a one-way journey costs between 15 to 45 Thai baht. You can also buy a one-day ticket for 140 Thai baht for added ease and convenience. 

Most attractions in Bangkok are located in close proximity to an MRT or BTS skytrain station. However, if you cannot reach an attraction via train, consider using  tuk tuk or taxi rides, but remember to negotiate well. If you seek comfortable commuting experience in Bangkok, you can also use Grab taxi service, an app-based transportation option. 

Free Things to do in Bangkok 

There are many incredible attractions and iconic landmarks in Bangkok such as the Grand Palace and Mahankhon Sky Walk that should be on every tourist's bucket list. However, for tourists on a budget, Bangkok offers a slew of attractions that do not cost a penny. These top attractions include temples, shrines, museums, art galleries, open-air and night markets, and city parks. 

There are plenty of things to do in Bangkok without breaking the bank. For instance: 

• Explore the Asiatique Riverfront in the evening and watch the beautiful sunset. 
• Explore Chinatown/Yarowat road for sightseeing and savour delicious food.
• Visit the Erawan shrine and temples like Wat Arun for a spiritually rejuvenating experience. 
• If you are an art and history connoisseur, visit the Bangkok Art and Culture centre. 
• Take a stroll in Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market). 
• Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and spend a relaxing time at the tranquil Lumphini Park. 

Budget-Friendly Shopping 

Travellers on a limited budget can shop from Bangkok’s famous markets and buy souvenirs for themselves and their loved ones. The affordable markets include the famous Chatuchak Market (JJ Market), Pratunam Market, Indra Square and Jodd Fairs. In these markets you can buy clothes, bags, accessories, shoes, electronics, and other knick-knacks. 

While shopping, keep in mind that the prices on some items might be a little overpriced, therefore don’t shy away from bargaining—a common and acceptable practice in all Bangkok markets. Be confident while negotiating to get the best deal, and compare prices across different stalls to find the best bargain. 

Apps and Tools for Travellers 

There are some tools and applications that will make your travel experience significantly easier in Bangkok. For taxis, consider using the Grab app for convenience and a fair and just commute price. Bangkok Transport app will help you with map, route and fare calculations. Use ShopeeFood and Eatigo to find the best deals on dining and restaurants. Last but not least, XE Currency app for getting the most accurate and best exchange rates. 

Affordable Bangkok tour packages 

If planning a Bangkok trip on a budget all by yourself feels a challenging task, consider finding affordable Bangkok tour packages. These tour packages already include the best places to visit in Bangkok and offer accommodation that are pocket-friendly. A well-made travel itinerary, along with comprehensive travel assistance is incredible for first-time visitors to Bangkok. You can also request customisation and seek help for booking the cheapest air tickets for your trip to Bangkok.  

With the above information and tips, plan your trip to Bangkok on a budget and explore this wonderful and charming city