Bangkok travel guide for budget travelers.
Most diverse and rich in culture, Bangkok is the destination for all.
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. The city is well-known for its nightlife, shopping districts, and beautiful Wat (temples). We’ll also talk about the ultra-modern lifestyle and the traditional side of this Bangkok travel guide. The Thailand capital is heaven for budget shopping and is famous for its nightlife.
The majority of the population follows Buddhism, although people from other religions also contribute to the vibrant culture. Bangkok has some of the most amazing places to visit such as the Grand Palace and other beautiful temples. The city is considered a hot destination for party-loving people but still, there is a lot to experience, if you are traveling with your family.
Things to know
Time zone: Bangkok (GMT+7)
Currency: Thai Baht (THB), (Current exchange rate)
Languages: Thai
Country calling code: +66
Tourist police helpline: (+66) 2308-0333, Hotline 1155
Tourist assistance: 1337 (ext. 9)
How to reach Bangkok?
Bangkok is well connected with all major cities in Asia, you will get direct flights from India, Singapore, Malaysia, and other Asian countries. The national carrier Thai Airways, and other low-budget airlines have regular services if you are traveling to Bangkok from other Thai cities.
Bangkok has two international airports, Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport. Traveling to Bangkok from other Thai cities is convenient because of its amazing road network. There are multiple bus services available to Bangkok and you can also opt for cabs from nearby cities.
What is the best time to visit Bangkok?
Bangkok has hot weather throughout the year, after the monsoon, the temperature gets down and it can be an ideal time to visit. The peak season starts from December till February. During the monsoon, you may get an unexpected shower but it will be less crowded.
So if you want to enjoy the monsoon in Bangkok, you can plan your trip from late April till September. I would suggest if you don’t have time constraints, this can be the best time to visit Bangkok as it may not rain the whole day. The city has a lot to do indoors, so even if it’s raining, you can spend your day as planned.
How to travel in Bangkok?
Bangkok has one of the best transportation systems and it’s very convenient for budget travelers. The city is well connected with the metro system which is called MRT, Subway line, and BTS or Sky train. Generally, people prefer the metro to avoid heavy traffic in the city.
Apart from public transportation, you can also use a cab in Bangkok. You can use general cabs, which you will find in multiple colors in Bangkok. Uber cabs are not available in the city, but you can book a similar cab from Grab Taxi App. There are lots of Tuk Tuk (3-wheel auto) available on the roads, you just need to bargain at the fare as they don’t use meters.
If you are traveling alone in Bangkok, you can also use the motorbike taxi, which is cheaper compared to a normal taxi. Transportation cost is cheaper in the city and it’s easily accessible to all.
Best place to eat in Bangkok
Bangkok is famous for its street food alongside its Thai cuisine restaurants. I will recommend you Thai street food, it’s very delicious and healthy. You can find fried rice, Mango sticky rice, Pad Thai, and Banana roti in every corner of Bangkok. In case you want to experience some Thai cuisine then visit Praya Kitchen, Cave IO, and Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin.
Best places to stay in Bangkok
If you are a budget traveler who is planning a trip to Thailand then you are on the right page. Bangkok has many cheap hostels to stay in but I will recommend you the best one with decent quality service. Hostels have dorm rooms where you need to accommodate other travelers and it’ll be a great experience for you. You will get the opportunity to meet travelers from all across the world and share their traveling ideas.
A few hostels which I like to recommend here are: Khaosan Sation Hostel as they have breakfast included with great service the lady who takes care of the hostel is very helpful, other than that BRB Hostel Bangkok Silom, Oh Bangkok Hostel, Back Home Backpackers also you can choose for your stay. These hostels are cheap compared to hotels.
If you are traveling with family, I would recommend you book a hotel. Hotels are cheap in Thailand compared to other Asian countries. You will get a hotel room within all budgets. I would recommend you book a hotel near to the metro station, which will give you easy access to the city. Khaosan Road and China Town are some of the favorite places to stay in Bangkok and enjoy the nightlife and food.
Places to visit in Bangkok
Bangkok has always been a top tourist destination and continues to be so. I recently visited Bangkok in May 2022 and spent almost a month exploring a lot of places. Of course, after the pandemic, things have changed, so without any further ado, I am going to recommend some of the best places to visit in Bangkok.
Wat Pho Temple
Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok is a Buddhist temple and one of the most visited temples in the city. This temple is famous for the gold-plated statue of the Reclining Buddha. The 151 feet long and 50 meters tall reclining Buddha is the largest reclining Buddha statue in Thailand. The dress code for the temple is a shirt and long pants, sleeveless shirts, and tops not allowed for both men and women. Women must wear pants or a skirt that covers the knees and tops that should not expose the shoulders.
Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok (location)
Opening hours: 8am to 6:30pm
Entry fee: 200 Baht
Contact: +66830577100
The Grand Palace
The Grand palace in Bangkok has served as the official residence of the Siam’s Kings since 1782. Grand Palaces is a complex of buildings situated in the center of the city. The spectacular Grand Palace is the most visited destination in Bangkok and attracts millions of tourists every year. You’ll be amazed to see the impressive architecture and painted murals in the complex. There are many Buddha statues inside the Grand Palace and it’ll take a couple of hours to complete your tour of this complex.
Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok (location)
Opening hours: 8:30am to 3:30pm
Entry fee: 500 Baht (Online ticket)
Wat Arun
Wat Arun (Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan) is one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in Bangkok. The temple is situated on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, which enhances its beauty to the next level. You can take a boat ride (5 Baht) and from the river, you can witness the amazing art and sculptures of the temple. I would suggest you take a boat ride at the night and you’ll be amazed to see the beauty of Wat Arun.
Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok (location)
Opening hours: 8am to 5:30pm
Entry fee: 100 Baht
Contact: +6628912185
Floating Market
There are many floating markets in Thailand and some of them are close to the capital city Bangkok. Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa, and Khlong Lat Mayom floating markets are some of the best floating markets in Bangkok. You’ll be amazed to see the life on the water, which is quite a unique experience for most of the visitors in the country. You can hire a boat and it’ll take you around the market, there are plenty of food and shopping options available in these markets.
Address: A full detailed post on floating markets in Bangkok
Opening hours: Throughout the day
Entry fee: free (Boat rides are chargeable based on hours)
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Bangkok offers an ultramodern experience to its visitors. It has one of the best nightlife in the world from late-night street parties to luxurious clubs. The city is famous for its rooftop bars and restaurants which give you a magnificent view from the top with some delicious cuisines. These sky bars are expensive compared to the other bars and restaurants in the city and thus you get the refined crowd in such places. The world-class ambiance would never disappoint you, so if you are in Bangkok don’t forget to visit its famous sky bar.
Famous rooftop bars and restaurants in Bangkok
Sky Bar
Address: Dome, 63rd Floor State Tower, Si Lom, Bangkok (location)
Opening hours: 5pm to 12am
Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar
Address: 2 Soi Sukhumvit 57, Bangkok (location)
Opening hours: 5pm to 1:30am
Red Sky Restaurant
Address: CentralwOrld, Pathum Wan, Bangkok (location)
Opening hours: 5pm to 1am
Nightlife on Khao San Road (Khaosan Road)
Khaosan road is highly popular among backpackers because of its low-budget accommodations and a whole-night street party. It’s a small street in the heart of Bangkok that offers vibrant nightlife entertainment and you’ll find a number of clubs and restaurants on this street. Khao San road is the first choice for foreign tourists and here party starts when the sun sets and lasts till rising.
Address: Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand (location)
Opening hours: 24 hours
Important apps to download
BTS: Public transportation
MRT: Public transportation
Grab app-based taxi
Grab an online food app
Bangkok travel guide app
Google translate
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