$30 a day (approx. 1,000 Thai Baht) may not seem like a realistic daily budget for a holiday overseas, but when visiting the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, you don’t need to spend big to have that big mango experience. $30 can genuinely go a long way, and embarking on a memorable and budget-friendly adventure through the vibrant streets of Thailand’s capital city is not as expensive as many believe.
While staying in 5-star resorts, fine dining restaurants and cloud-kissing rooftop bars are swanky attractions, going budget in Bangkok doesn’t mean missing out. $30 isn’t the daily minimum you need just to survive; $30 a day really is enough to have a fun pack day and get a full, authentic experience.
Breakfast
You’ll want to fuel up first thing in the morning, as a full day in Bangkok means a lot of walking and exploring. The most fantastic thing about Thailand, perhaps incomparable to anywhere else, is the quality of the street food.
Street food in Thailand is impressive, to say the least—the variety, the smells, the colours, the flavours, you will fall in love. And not only is it incredibly cheap, but it’s also everywhere and on almost every street in the city.
Here are my favourite breakfast items you’ll find on the morning streets of Bangkok:
- Jok (rice porridge/congee): Costing around $1, this comforting breakfast staple is available at many street stalls. While a porridge may sound a bit bland, this one can be decorated and spiced up with fried scallions, cilantro, pork liver, egg, fish sauce, and chilli oil.
- Kanom Krok (coconut pancakes): These delightful finger treats are delicious and cost less than $1.
- Pa Thong Ko (Thai-style doughnuts): These delicious mini doughnuts are filled with cream or savoury, with cream to dip in. The perfect partner for a coffee. Usually around $1.
- Cha Yen (Thai iced tea): Refreshing and found almost everywhere for around $0.50 to £1.
- Oliang (Thai iced coffee): A sweet coffee with a subtle kick. A great way to start the day at just $0.60 to £1.
Getting around
While taxis in Bangkok are much cheaper than in Western cities, the costs soon add up. Taxis are best avoided, especially in rainy weather when traffic jams clog up the town (if you must use a taxi, try the BOLT app, which tends to offer the best price). The same goes for Tuk Tuks, which are best left as one-off experiences rather than a budget-friendly way to travel throughout the day.
The best way to get around on budget is using the MRT (metro system), and BTS (Skytrain). This will save you a lot of money, with journeys starting at under 5- cents), but it can be much quicker than travelling via Bangkok’s bustling streets. The metro and skytrain systems are also immaculately kept, and well organised, in stark contrast to similar transport in New York, London, and other large Western cities.
Morning activities
Mornings in Bangkok are best spent exploring the temples and markets. Bangkok is dotted with golden temples holding centuries of history and drama and fascinating markets with colours, smells and amazing products. The great thing is that temps and markets often exist side-by-side, and you never have to go far for either experience.
Most temples are free or cheap to enter (usually less than $1 to $5), and how much you spend at the markets can be down to self-discipline, but lots of bargains can be found.
- Wat Pho: Home to the famous Reclining Buddha, a ticket costs around $3.
- Wat Arun: Sits a 2 min boat ride directly across the river. Known as the Temple of Dawn, you can visit for about $1.20.
- Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market: Open 24 hours, early mornings here are colourful, fragrant, and free to explore.
- Khlong Toei Market: Experience local life at Bangkok’s biggest fresh market, best experienced during the AM, and totally free to visit.
Lunch
Lunch on a budget is best done at one of Bangkok’s many marvellous food courts. Bangkok is scattered with large, modern malls, and everyone has at least one food court. Not only do they cater to various tastes, usually with 10+ counters offering different styles of local and international cruising, but they do so on a meagre budget.
In your average food court, a single dish will cost between $2 to $6, and it’s a great way to taste lots of new dishes and take a few culinary risks.
- CentralWorld Food Court: Extensive selection of Thai street food and international delights in a modern and affordable setting.
- Terminal 21 Food Court: Themed floors, diverse choices, and reasonable prices for regional Thai dishes, sushi, and more.
- ICONSIAM Food Republic: Scenic riverside setting, traditional Thai flavours, and picturesque views.
- The Platinum Fashion Mall Food Court: Convenient spot to recharge while shopping, offering Thai, Japanese, and Korean cuisine in a bustling atmosphere.
Afternoon
At this stage of the day, you’ve probably had a big lunch, ready to walk it off and explore some of Bangkok’s best neighbourhoods and parks.
Bangkok is one of the safest capital cities in the world, and there are no particularly bad or unsafe areas, so it’s a fantastic city just to take a walk and roam. But even if you aren’t keen to walk the streets and want something more tranquil, Bangkok has several large, green parks to discover.
- Ari: A hip and laid-back area with a bohemian vibe, Ari is known for its charming cafes, quirky shops, and a diverse range of dining options, from street food to trendy restaurants.
- Chinatown (Yaowarat): A bustling district renowned for its vibrant street markets, authentic Chinese cuisine, and captivating cultural experiences.
- Lumpini Park: A serene oasis in the city’s heart, offering lush greenery, lakes, and recreational activities like boating and jogging. If you’re lucky, you‘ll spot one of the giant monitor lizards roaming the park.
- Chatuchak Park: Adjacent to the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, this park features beautiful gardens and a jogging track, perfect for a stroll.
Dinner and drinks
Several great local nightspots allow you to experience authentic Thai nightlife without splashing the cash. Thais love to eat and drink, so rather than plan a large, lengthy meal, why not combine a night exploring the bars and nightlife areas while grabbing a few snacks and light bites along the way.
Thai night markets are also about more than just shopping. Most night markets will be mostly made up of food and drink stalls, including cheap beers, cocktails, and lots of live music.
Light meals not to be missed:
- Pad Thai: A plate from a street vendor may cost as little as $1-$2. Of
- Som Tum (Papaya Salad): A refreshing and inexpensive option at around $1.50.
Favourite night spots:
- Khao San Road: Famous among backpackers, Khao San Road offers many budget-friendly bars, street food stalls, and vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal spot for travellers looking to socialise and have fun.
- Soi Rambuttri: Adjacent to Khao San Road, Soi Rambuttri offers a more relaxed atmosphere with affordable bars, cosy restaurants, and street vendors serving delicious Thai treats.
- Jodd Fairs Night Market: A fantastic array of affordable street food and drinks and shopping stalls for trendy clothes and accessories. It sits behind the Phrama9 Mall, close to Fortune Town Mall.
- Asiatique The Riverfront: Located by the Chao Phraya River, Asiatique is a large open-air night market offering a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. It has a wide range of stalls selling souvenirs, clothes, handicrafts, and numerous restaurants and bars to enjoy drinks and delicious cuisine.
The beauty of doing Bangkok on a budget is that you aren’t missing out. In fact, by avoiding the high-end tourist attractions, restaurants, and swanky bars (which lack authentic Thai character and charm), you get to see more of the real Bangkok and have a much more rewarding time.
