How to Not Break Your Bank in Bangkok - Tips on How to Holiday on a Budget in Bangkok

Vacationing in Bangkok can be an affordable affair for globetrotters and penny pinchers. Regardless of the duration of your visit and its purpose, it is possible to enjoy a memorable vacation in the Thai capital for a fraction of what it would cost to explore most global cities. From knowing how to save to picking the right excursions and activities, here are some tips to spend time in Bangkok without breaking the bank.

1. Stick to Street Food

One of the best ways to cut down expenses is to rely on street food during meal times. Not only are the street food options in Bangkok simply delicious but they are also unbelievably affordable. This means that tourists on a budget can wine and dine to their heart's content on delectable food options for less and save those hard-earned dollars to spend on tickets to attractions and enjoying activities. Filling and wholesome meals such as a bowl of Pad Thai, Papaya Salad and several Satay sticks will only set you back a few baht while pancakes, fresh fruit and juice vendors are also ubiquitous all across the city. Some of the top street food districts in Bangkok include Yaowarat although night markets and other local bazaars are also teeming with food vendors selling everything from fried noodles to crispy snacks.

2. Skip the Malls

Although Bangkok's reputation as a shopper's paradise is unmatched, there's more than one way to explore the retail landscapes of the Thai capital. Give CentralWorld, Siam Square and Geysorn a miss and head to the bustling local thoroughfares to find quality products at bargain rates. The Chatuchak Weekend Market, the Sathorn Market, the Bangkok Floating Market, the Ladies Market and the Rod Fai Market are just some of the best shopping heartlands in the city. Retailing everything under the sun at inexpensive price points, these locations are the perfect place to pick up souvenirs, gifts and keepsakes without spending too much. If you still want to spend time at a local shopping complex, choose a bargain-friendly venue such as MBK or Pantip Plaza.

3. Visit Free Highlights

While there's no getting around the admission fees at the Grand Palace or Wat Pho, there are countless temples and ancient edifices in Bangkok that are open to the public for free. The small monasteries and local temples in the heart of the city do not charge entry fees like some of the landmark historic highlights along the Bangkok riverside but are no less impressive in terms of architecture. Spending time at Lumpini Park is also a must for those looking to relax and unwind after a day of shopping or sightseeing. The venue is lined with jogging paths and walking trails and is also used by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra to host free outdoor concerts.

Photo by form PxHere 

4. Use Public Transport

As one of the most affordable aspects of holidaying in Bangkok, visitors can rely on local transport options to travel around the city for less. Avoid taxis and unmetered tuk-tuks as they are by far the most costly means of transport available to locals and travellers. The BTS SkyTrain network and the MRT are more capable of allowing you to explore every corner of Bangkok without overspending on transport fees. Efficient, clean and reliable, the subway and SkyTrain stations are located outside most major districts and attractions in Bangkok.

5. Buy Alcohol from 7-Eleven

Whether you are based at Avani Atrium Bangkok or some of the least expensive hotels to stay in Bangkok, alcohol is likely to set you back quite a bit. This is why it is best to avoid the hotel bar and buy the vintages of your choice at a convenience store the likes of 7-Eleven. There are countless local beers to sample such as those produced by Thai brands Chang and Singha that are likely to be within your budget.