There’s a good reason why so many travelers and backpackers choose to start their Southeast Asian journey in Bangkok. Since Thailand is known for its stunning beaches, glorious temples, and exotic jungles, many backpackers find it easier to kick-off their vacations in Bangkok. While Thailand’s borders are currently closed to backpackers, it’s best to be ready for when they open up again. With that being said, we’ve written a quick guide to help you explore and enjoy Bangkok without breaking the bank.
Best Place for Cheap Accommodation
One of the best places to stay in Bangkok is Khao San Road. Once known as a center for trading rice, the lively social scene of Khao San Road is located on the west side of Bangkok. ExpatBets is a –platform that extensively covers different destinations in Thailand, and lists Bangkok’s Khao San Road as a backpacker’s haven. They note that Khao San Road offers “lively restaurants, bars, street markets, and a fun backpacker vibe”. Additionally, there’s a ton of cheap accommodation that can be found on Khao San Road. If you decide to stay around Khao San Road, be sure to stay alert and watch your stuff to avoid getting pickpocketed.
Best Place for Cheap Eats
You’ll find some of the best and most scrumptious food in Bangkok — and the great thing about it is that it’s all affordable. Some of the classic Thai foods include pad thai, sticky rice, and tom yum goong. Most of these delicious Thai dishes can be found in local eateries and street vendors, making it accessible for any backpacker who’s looking to save cash. If you want a diverse selection of Thai dishes, you can visit the Sukhumvit Soi 38 night food market. Here, you can find a myriad of stalls with flavorsome, fresh, and authentic Thai street food.
Best Place to Experience Thai Culture
Since Bangkok is located in the center of Thailand, you can find a lot of activities to do here that’ll introduce you to the colorful culture of Thailand. For one, you can learn the art of Buddhist meditation at Wat Mahathat and find a little Zen in your life. If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, you can join an introduction to Muay Thai class and learn the basics of this Thai martial art. Other than that, you can also explore the city of Bangkok and see famous attractions such as the Grand Palace or the Jim Thompson house.
Best Place to Shop
Bangkok is also home to some of the biggest markets in the world. Travel blog The Wayfaring Soul notes that anyone who wants to visit Thailand shouldn't pass up an opportunity to visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market. With more than 15,000 stalls divided within 27 zones, you’ll find all kinds of goods at different price points in this market. From clothes to souvenirs, the Chatuchak Weekend Market has everything that a backpacker might need or want.
But while it's certainly one of the best places for tourists and backpackers to experience Thai culture, there’s more to Thailand than just Bangkok. If you want to learn more about Thailand, be sure to read about our lovely experience at Ranong, a small border city in the south of the country.