Bangkok on a Budget: 10 Must-Do Activities for Budget Travelers
Cheap Sightseeing
Cheap Sightseeing
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and most likely your entry point into this country. It is a must see stop for your trip to Thailand. However, this country has so much to offer that I won’t elaborate too much on this city. It is a big capital with much less to offer than Chiang Mai or Krabi for example. About three days in Bangkok I think is just enough to see the highlights of this city. In this article I will drop my list of the 10 must-do activities to do in Bangkok on a backpacker’s budget.
Before starting with the things to do during your stay in Bangkok, here are some options to get from Bangkok airport to your hotel:
Once you are in the city you can start exploring. Below I have left a map where you can locate all the sites mentioned in this article. Here is my list of the 10 must-do activities during your stay in Bangkok:
The Grand Palace is THE number 1 attraction to see in Bangkok.
The Grand Palace of Bangkok, symbol of Thai royalty, is a magnificent complex built in 1782. With intricate Thai architecture, it houses the famous Emerald Buddha and the Royal Chapel. We were captivated by the elaborate pavilions, dazzling mosaics and exquisite gardens. It is an essential visit to understand the rich culture and history of Thailand.
The entrance to the first garden is free. The rest of the visit will cost you 500 THB and is valid 7 days as it also includes a traditional dance show. In high season, it is recommended to book your ticket in advance, especially if your stay in the city is limited.
At the entrance you will find dozens of tour guides who will try to sell you tickets with a guided tour. Beware of scams and make sure they are official guides!
It is the most expensive entrance fee you will see in Thailand! If you are on a low budget, I advise you to save those 500 THB for other activities, excursions in Chiang Mai for example. Here is the link to my list of things to do in Chiang Mai.
Wat Pho,Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok, is a sacred site dating from the sixteenth century. Known for housing the statue of reclining Buddha, impressive with 46 meters long and ornamented with mother-of-pearl. In addition to its beauty, Wat Pho is a center of traditional Thai education and traditional medicine, with schools of Thai massage. It is a true cultural treasure in the heart of Bangkok.
The entrance to Wat Pho costs 200 THB. From the street you can see a bit of the Buddha but nothing compared to having the whole thing in front of you!
Admission to this temple is free of charge.
Wat Pakam Phasi Charoen is a Buddhist temple located in the district of Phasi Charoen, known for its impressive 64-meter Buddha, an impressive work that stands as the largest spiritual symbol of the city.
It has roots dating back to the year 1610, during the Ayutthaya period. This temple, whose name has been lost in the mists of time, stands as a spiritual beacon that has withstood the inclemencies of history and architectural transformations.
Located on the outskirts of the city center, the best option to reach the temple is to take the Blue Line subway, stopping at Bang Phai. Between the subway station and the temple, you have to walk about 10 minutes, crossing the canal.
Wat Suthat is an ancient Buddhist temple in Bangkok, known for its impressive architecture and majestic Buddha image. Built in the era of Rama I in the 18th century, it features intricate details and beautiful sculptures. It is one of the six royal temples in Thailand. The temple can be visited for an entrance fee of 100 THB.
In front of the entrance of Wat Suthat, you can see the red Giant Swing, a historic structure used in religious ceremonies. Both sites are prominent cultural and spiritual destinations in the city.
Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat, emerges as a vibrant corner in the heart of Bangkok, saturated with culture, traditions and endless culinary delights. This bustling neighborhood is a living testimony to the cultural diversity that defines the Thai capital.
One of Chinatown’s most brilliant treasures is the famous “Golden Buddha”. This spiritual icon, located in the Wat Traimit Temple, dazzles with its golden radiance, standing out as the largest solid gold Buddha statue in the world. Every inch of this 5-ton sculpture narrates the cultural and spiritual richness that permeates the very fabric of Chinatown.
Strolling through the streets of Chinatown can take hours, especially if you stop to look at souvenirs, clothes and objects in general in the thousands of street stalls that the neighborhood offers.
Wat Arun, my crush during my stay in Bangkok.
The temple of Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is an architectural jewel located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Built in the 17th century, it is notable for its central prang adorned with multicolored ceramics and shells. It offers panoramic views of the city from its top. Wat Arun is an iconic symbol of the Thai capital and an important pilgrimage site.
It is a very touristy place, so it is very likely that you will have to wait in line to catch the ferry. Yes, Wat Arun is located on the other bank of the Chao Phraya river and to get to the temple, you have to take a ferry from the Tha Tian stop. This boat stop is right next to Wat Pho temple. The ferry costs 5 THB each way (10 THB round trip) and takes just a few minutes. Tickets are not booked in advance and you simply queue and pay before getting on the boat.
The entrance to the Wat Arun temple costs 100 THB and you get a bottle of water. It’s a nice gesture, especially in the hot season!
Around the temple there are many stalls that allow you to rent the traditional Thai costume and make the hairstyle, for men, women and children. Ideal for taking unique photos inside the temple.
Wat Arun is really an impressive and beautiful temple. You can appreciate your impressive architecture from the other side but nothing is worth seeing it up close, climb the stairs and enjoy the views of the gardens and the city from the top.
The majestic golden hill, known as the Golden Mount, rises imposingly in the city of Bangkok, offering a unique spiritual and panoramic experience.Admission to the gardens is free. The gardens are great and a short walk takes you all the way around the hill.
The temple, Wat Saket, is distinguished by its golden stupa. Ascending the staircase that winds around the hill is a journey in itself, accompanied by tinkling bells and panoramic views of the city. The top reveals a serene sanctuary and breathtaking views of modern skyscrapers and traditional temple rooftops. In order to climb, you need to go through a ticket window and pay an entrance fee of 100 THB.
The city of Bangkok has several markets, both day and night. Here is a list of some markets worth visiting during your stay in the Thai capital.
Sailing on the Chao Phraya River is a peaceful activity and can be very romantic if you decide to do it during sunset. It is also a way to get around Bangkok and stop at the main attractions of the city.
There are several companies that allow you to navigate the river, at different prices. There is the “hop-on hop-off” boat, with access to several docks with strategic locations to visit the essential points of the city. It is a very practical means of transportation during the day. There are also boat companies that offer you a ride on the river with dinner at sunset. You can find offers on the getyourguide web site or simply go to the boat stops to buy your ticket on the spot.
I am one of those who really enjoy sunsets. In big cities like Bangkok, it’s not so easy to find the perfect vantage point for it. However, the city of Bangkok has one: the viewpoint next to The Deck by Arun Restaurant. You can find it on Google Maps. There you can enjoy the best viewpoint to enjoy a sunset in the Thai capital. Luckily, this viewpoint is not too famous yet and is not crowded.
¿What can you expect from this sunset? Beautiful views of Wat Arun, the Chao Phraya river and the colors of the sunset reflecting on the water. An experience not to be missed during your stay in Bangkok!
After watching this sunset, I recommend a walk along the river to Santo Chai Prakan Park and admire the Rama VIII bridge at night. It has its appeal.
Visiting the Thai capital is imperative when starting or concluding your stay in the country. Although in my opinion it is not the most beautiful city, it offers a variety of activities and places of interest.
I would recommend spending at least three days to explore and enjoy the highlights of this city. I really enjoyed the free tours of the cities to give me a general idea, see the notable sights and get a bit of history.
I advise you to take the free tour of the city of Bangkok, it will provide you with interesting information that you can’t find on the Internet!
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