If you are heading to Bangkok on a budget, you may not realize how many tips and techniques you can use to help save you money. As the capital of Thailand, it’s possible to have a fantastic and luxurious time in the city, as you would in New York, London, and Tokyo for a fraction of the price. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts for saving money in Bangkok.
Eat the Street Food
If you can’t afford to eat in a swanky dining room, why not check out the roadside stalls instead? There are tons of delicious street food stalls that are sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you well fed when venturing around Bangkok. Popular foods include wok-fried noodles, barbequed meats, and noodle soups which typically cost 50 Baht or less. There are also various food courts that you can try out which will set you back around 60 – 100 Baht.
Shop at Pratunam Markets
Rather than hitting a high-end mall, you can find a huge selection of clothes and accessories all at cheap prices at the various markets and wholesale malls dotted across the city. No trip to Bangkok is complete without a visit to Pratunam Market, where you can find fashionable items to compliment your wardrobe.
Stay in a Hostel
There are plenty of hostels located across Bangkok that are affordable, comfortable, and perfect for a city break. If you like your privacy, you should check out Chao Hostel, which has a Bangkok hostel private room to give you some much-needed peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of the city. Equipped with your own toilet and shower room, you can get comfort and quality for a fraction of the price when compared to hotels and apartments in the area.
Avoid Parked Taxis
As you step outside your hostel, you may be greeted by a taxi driver who will try to converse with you about what your plans for the day are. While you may think he is just being polite, unfortunately, there are tons of taxi drivers who try and con tourists by increasing their rates to extortionate amounts. You should be savvy and smart when in the city and opt for public transport instead. Make sure to check out the Bangkok BTS website to see routes, fares, and other information.
Don’t Use the Hotel Airport Transfer
While it may seem obvious, you will be surprised at how many tourists fall into the trap of taking the hotel’s airport shuttle bus, rather than using a metered taxi. It should normally cost around 300 Baht to get from the airport to the center of Bangkok, however, the hotel’s airport shuttle can cost far more.
Spending some time in the capital of Thailand doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. There are all sorts of ways to enjoy Bangkok on a budget, such as opting for the street food over the usual chains, staying in a hostel over a luxurious apartment, as well as shopping at Pratunam market instead of a high-end mall. Whatever you decide to do, you are bound to have a fantastic time in Bangkok.