Bangkok – and Thailand as a whole – remains one of the most popular travel destinations among backpackers and those who want to have a great time on a budget. The country is budget traveler-friendly and it has a lot to offer.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the best of Bangkok. However, you don’t want to spare every expense either. That is why in this article, we are going to take a look at when to save and when to splurge to enjoy the best of Bangkok on a budget.
Save: Accommodation
As mentioned before, Bangkok has a lot to offer. A trip to the city means spending the day exploring holiday destinations and the night enjoying Bangkok’s hottest parties and clubs. Accommodation is clearly not something you want to splurge on.
That said, even the budget accommodation options in Bangkok are fantastical. Finding a cheap hotel in Sukhumvit is as easy as it gets. With top properties like the S Box Sukhumvit Hotel offering great value for money, you get accommodation in Bangkok’s prime location without breaking the bank.
Splurge: Activities
With accommodation out of the way, you can start planning the rest of your itinerary. There is a lot to do in Bangkok, no matter what kind of holiday experience you want to sample. The Chatuchak Market is always fun to visit. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho are popular tourist attractions you don’t want to miss either.
When in Bangkok, splurge on activities and experience. Try Thai massage at least once. Go on a tour at night by taking Tuk-Tuk to popular spots. Try new things, go on an adventure, and enjoy the best of the city.
Save: Food
I’m not saying that you should not try Bangkok’s dishes. As a matter of fact, going on a culinary adventure is one of the best things you can do in Bangkok. The restaurants you choose to try, however, matter.
Rather than paying more to eat in fancy restaurants, save and go to local places, street food vendors, and markets. If you are serious about experiencing the vibrant flavors found in the local dishes, trying the street food and local restaurants are the way to go; it’s cheaper too!
Splurge: Shopping
Whether you want to pick up souvenirs for friends and family back home or you are looking for items that are unique to Thailand, places like the Chatuchak Market mentioned earlier make shopping in Bangkok a lot of fun. You still have to haggle to get the best prices, but the prices are affordable enough to allow you to splurge a little bit.
You can even find designer stores and brand outlets across Bangkok, complete with the latest collections and incredible prices. Just make sure you don’t go over your airline baggage allowance and end up paying more on excess baggage.
Bangkok is the city where you can be fairly frugal and still have a lot of fun. With the tips and tricks we just discussed, you know exactly when to save and when to splurge to enjoy the best of Bangkok. Have a great trip!