How to Travel Bangkok, Thailand on a Budget

Nevertheless , Bangkok, Thailand is a great city to explore solo and on a budget. There are so many travelers you can quickly make friends if you want and you will never run out of things to do.

TRANSPORTATION 

The public transportation in Bangkok is great. There are two international airports in the city: DMK and BKK. Both have public buses that take you into the city and cost anywhere from 35 – 60 baht. The public bus says that it runs 24 hrs but I recommend only using it during daylight hours, especially if you are a solo female.

The other budget option is to download GRABB before going to Thailand. GRABB is the Thailand version of UBER. You can order a cab, van, bike, or car through it and it will give you a fair price for the airport. This is a great option for in the city as well.

In the city, you can either use GRABB or call a tuk tuk. If you get a ride off the road make sure to HAGGLE HAGGLE HAGGLE. I got a ride that started at 300 baht down to 100 baht just by saying my price and not bugging.

TIP: When you get into your ride check the map to see which route they are taking from the airport. If they take the highway they will have to pay 75 baht in tolls and will try to make you pay them. DON’T! Let them know ahead of time that you won’t pay the tolls and they will either pay it themselves or take another route.

ACCOMMODATION

For budget travelers the best options for accommodation are HOSTELS!!! I love hostels and can usually find some well priced and comfortable ones to stay at. Depending on what kind of stay you are looking for you can usually find a hostel that fits your style.

If you are looking for parties look for hostels that are located on or near Khao San Road. This is the tourist party area and is filled with awesome but constant night light.

Recommended Hostel:

• Back Home Backpackers – Dorms starting at $8/night. This hostel is located near Khao San Road but not directly on it. You have the option of walking to the nightlife (less than 5 minutes away) or just chilling at the hostel and playing games.

If you are looking for a more quiet place to stay I would recommend staying on the other side of the river. You can still easily get to khao San Road for a party night here or there but that way you are away from the party district the rest of the time.

Recommended Hostel:

• Yak House Hostel– Dorms starting at $9/night. This hostel is a 20 minute walk to Khao San Road but it is located on the other side of the river. It is quiet, has aircon, clean bathrooms and a little cafe for cheap food and drinks. You get a free breakfast, which is great, and the staff are very accomodating.

10 THINGS TO DO IN BANGKOK, THAILAND

Hop on Hop off Boat Tours

This tour goes up and down the main river that is in the middle of bangkok. It costs 180 Baht for a full day ticket and with the ticket you can hop on and off as many times as you’d like. The boat goes to all the main attractions which I recommend doing all accept The Grand Palace and Wat Pho, which need to be done on their own day.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a beautiful and majestic building and courtyard. You have to wear pants or dresses that cover past your knees. This includes men who are not allowed to enter with shorts. In addition you have to have your shoulders covered.

The entrance fee costs 500 baht, which is a bit steep but it includes a ticket to a dance performance, with free transportation. I recommend doing this later in the day as they have transfers and showings all day long.

Wat Pho

This is where the Reclining Buddha lives. It is a beautiful temple with lots of interesting art, temples and statues. This was probably my favorite temple. It costs 200 baht to get in and they give you a free water bottle as well. You can easily see this temple and the Grand Palace in the same day.

Khao San Road

This road is the party and tourist section of the city. The street is so crowded with vendors and people walking around that hardly any cars move through the street and pedestrians just walk on the road. This is another great spot to grab souvenirs but be sure to haggle the price.

The Flower Market

You can find the flower market on the Hop on and Hop off boat ride. The best time to go, however, is around 4:00 am as that is when the fresh load of flowers come in for the day. The market is free but crowded and is a beautiful experience.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is an older capital of Thailand. It is not in Bangkok but it is easily a day trip from Bangkok. You see the ruins of the city, buddha head and buddha bodies and so much more. Don’t miss this! You will probably pay around 1,000-2,000 baht but trust me the day is worth the extra money. 

Wang Long Market

I loved this market. Located along the river you can access it on the hop on and off boat ride or just walk there from wherever you are staying. It is a more local market with lots of vendors, food, produce and smells. It doesn’t cost anything to walk around and the experience is wonderful.

Wat Arun

I loved this temple. Ot also is on the boat tour and costs roughly 250 baht. Just like all the other palaces you need to cover up but it is worth the extra heat.

Muay Thai Event

Muay Thai is traditional thai boxing. They usually have fights throughout the week and it is an interesting experience. Check with your hostel to see if you can get a fair priced ticket. Expect to see blood and violence as this is a boxing fight and there will be all of that and more.

Order a Bike Taxi

This is a silly one but an experience that is typical of southeast asia. Just like a taxi you can order a taxi bike on grabb and hop on the back of the bike. Wear a helmet for safety and then let go of your instinct to control. The driver knows what they are doing and trust that. I love riding scooters and think everyone should try it at least once in their life.

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