Bangkok, also known as the ‘City of Angels’ is Thailand’s capital city, with a population of over 8 million people being the most populous city in Thailand. Bangkok was established around the 15th century and has its roots from the previous old city of Ayutthaya. Between 1960’s and 1980s, the city saw a rapid growth which made a significant impact on Thailand’s economy, modern society, politics, media and education.

In 2016, Bangkok was crowned as the most visited city by tourists beating other major cities such as London, Paris and Dubai. With an increase by 9%, Bangkok is expecting over 33 million tourists in 2017. Whether a budget traveler, on your honeymoon or on a luxurious holiday, this city has something for everyone.

This is how we spent a couple of days in Bangkok on a budget.

How to spend five days in Bangkok on a budget

Day 1

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Known also as JJ Market, Chatuchak is the largest market in Thailand, hosting more than 8,000 stalls divided into 27 sections. Chatuchak Market is a must for market lovers looking for a bargain being clothing, handicrafts, ceramics, furniture, arts and pets or delicious street food.

Opening Hours: Saturday – Sunday from 08.00 hrs – 20.00 hrs
Getting There: SkyTrain to (N8) Mo Chit Station (Sukhumvit Line)
Entrance Fee: Free

CentralWorld Mall

If you’re not into open markets (or cannot stand the heat) then CentralWorld is your place. This is the largest shopping mall in Bangkok, were you can buy anything from cosmetics, clothing, electronics and home furniture. There’s also a Cinema with 2D, 3D and 4D screens.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday from 10.00 hrs to 22.00 hrs
Getting There: Chit Lom BTS is the nearest station to CentralWorld
Entrance Fee: Free

Day 2

Wat Pho Temple (temple of the reclining Buddha)

This Buddhist temple is located in Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok. It is a must-visit temple complex, being one of the largest in Thailand and also listed first in the list of six temples classed as the highest grade of the first-class royal temples. It was founded by King Rama I. and his ashes are still in this temple. Wat Pho is famous for the 46 meter long reclining Buddha and the largest Buddha statue and image collection in Thailand.

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday from 08.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs
Getting There: Easiest way is to catch a ferry and stop at Tha Tien Pier (N8)
Entrance Fee: 100BHT

Day 3

Wat Phra Kaew Temple and Royal Palace

Wat Phra Kaew Temple, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is considered to be the most sacred place in Thailand. Located in the historic center of Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew Temple enshrines the Emerald Buddha, a Buddha image carved from a single block of jade, dating from the 15th century AD.

Although the entrance fee is not that cheap, Wat Phra Kaew is highly recommended. Included in the price is also the Royal Palace, which is another famous landmark in Bangkok and for 150 years, this was the home of the Thai King, the administrative seat of government and court.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday from 08.30 hrs to 15.30 hrs
Entrance Fee: 500BHT

Wat Arun Temple

On the West bank of Chao Phraya river is another beautiful temple called Wat Arum temple, also known as Wat Chaeng among locals or the Temple of Dawn. This small temple is located along the river and has great detail in the ceramics and texture of the temple complex. The crowds at this temple tend to be smaller than that of Wat Phra Kaew. Try to get to this temple after sunset to see it lit up.

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday from 08.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs
Getting There: Take ferry to Khun Mae Pueak Cross River Ferry Pier
Entrance Fee: 50BHT

Day 4

Chinatown

One can easily spend a whole day in Chinatown exploring the area, shopping and indulging in the cultural mix of Thai and Chinese street food. Put on your comfy walking shoes and make sure that you visit:

• Wat Traimit: to see the largest golden Buddha in the world
• Sampang Lane: a cluttered and chaotic narrow road with vendors selling all types of goods
• China gate: which symbolize the loyalty of the Chinese community towards King Bhumibol of Thailand
• Yaowarat at night: the high street of Bangkok’s Chinatown, which transforms in one of the largest food market in the world
• Wat Mangkol Kamalawat: Bangkok’s most important and largest Chinese-Buddhist temple

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday from 07.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs
Getting There: Arrive at Hua Lamphong MRT station and then it’s a 10 minute walk to the main road
Entrance Fee: Free

Lumpini Park

Lumpini park is the green lung of Bangkok. It is a perfect getaway for a few hours from the hectic city of Bangkok. On a bright sunny day this is an ideal place where you can relax, read a book or go for a picnic. Just watch out for the many monitor lizards who might sneak up and steal your food. There’s also an outdoors gym and bicycle rent.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday from 04.30 hrs to 21.00 hrs
Getting There: Closest MRT is Lumphini
Entrance Fee: Free

MBK Center

If it is raining or scorching hot but you still want to go somewhere, 2km away from Lumpini Park is MBK Center. At eight stories high, with just over 2,000 shops, MBK Center is one of the largest shopping malls in Bangkok.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday from 10.30 hrs to 22.00 hrs
Getting There: Closest BTS is National Stadium
Entrance Fee: Free

Day 5

Khao San Road

During the day, Khao San Road is brimming with food stalls, souvenir shops and other types of street vendors, but if you are looking for some night life, then look no further than Khao San Road. After sunset, Khao San Road is the most famous road for partying among tourists. The street is full of bars, street vendors, restaurants and clubs. Drinks prices are quite similar to European prices.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday from 10.00 hrs till late
Getting There: Bus numbers 15, 65 and 82
Entrance Fee: Free

Where to stay

R1 hostel is an ideal hostel for budget travelers and backpackers. The dorm beds are comfortable with soft mattresses and have total privacy with curtains. Very good internet connection and free coffee and tea during the day. The staff is outstanding. We stayed here for almost a week and we will definitely stay again if we happen to be in Bangkok. It’s also walking distance to the bus stop and to Khao San Road.
Click here to reserve a bed.

LaMurr Sukhumvit 41 Hostel is in Wattana district of Bangkok. It is a highly rated hostel. Breakfast is included and subway is a few meters away.
Click here to reserve a bed.

For something more upscale than hostels, Adelphi Suites in Bangkok is value for money. They offer free breakfast, Airport Shuttle, excellent internet connection, fitness center and a restaurant. It is rated as one of the best 4-star hotels in Bangkok so you cannot go wrong with this one.

Click here to reserve a room

Where to eat

If you are a food market lover, then Bangkok is the place to be! Wherever you go in Thailand, not just Bangkok, do look for food markets as these are the best places to eat local authentic cuisine for reasonable prices. Chatuchak market and Chinatown, both mentioned above, are on top of our list for street food vendors.

Click here to see more pictures from our trip in Thailand: Link

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