| Duration of trip | 3 days/2 nights |
| Accommodation | Lub D at Siam Square, RM150++ for 2 nights |
| What to see in Bangkok |
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| What to do in Bangkok | Join a meditation class, learn Muay Thai, indulge in a Thai massage, experience local street food, watch a puppet show |
| Cost of food & drink in Bangkok | Approx RM180 for food, drink and snacks |
| Transport | Approx RM115 including taxis, MTR, BTS, Chao Phraya express ferries and airport train |
| Admission fees and activity costs | RM150 for Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Muay Thai class, foot massage |
| Total expenditure (excluding flights) | RM580++ |
Where to stay in Bangkok: Lub D, Siam Square
This swanky hostel is located in the heart of popular shopping district, Siam Square, and is perfect for a those wanting a Bangkok holiday without breaking the bank. Lub D has 5 types of rooms, including a sleek 4-bed dorm with high speed Wi-Fi, sufficient electrical sockets and really cool wall murals. Ladies will delight in females-only rooms that come with personal key card access for added security, while couples can opt for a funky double room outfitted with all the essential amenities. Luggage deposits are available, so don’t worry about needing to lug your bags around the city if you have a late flight. Late check-outs can also be arranged at a small fee.
Address: 925/9 Rama 1 Road, Wang Mai, Pathumwan
Beds from: RM49
How to get to Lub D: Short walk from National Stadium BTS Station
Day 1 in Bangkok
1a. See: The Grand Palace
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The Grand Palace is certainly a must-see Bangkok attraction. Built in 1782, it has been home to the King of Thailand for 150 years and is considered the most well-known landmark in Bangkok with its golden pagodas, and series of courts. Do check out the Central Court, the former residence of the King, and marvel at the beautifully elaborate detailing and craftmanship before heading to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which was home to a highly revered Buddha over 600 years ago.
Tip: Remember to take a pair of socks along as bare feet are not allowed in the palace.
Ticket: RM62 (THB500), including entry to Vimanmek Palace and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall
Opening Hours: Daily 8:30am–3:30pm
Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Old City (Rattanakosin)
How to get to The Grand Palace: Take the Silom Line, get off at Saphan Taksin and leave at Exit 2. Then take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Ta Chang Pier; the Grand Palace is a 10-minute walk from here
1b. See: Wat Arun
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Also dubbed the Temple of the Dawn, this gorgeous temple resides on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and fills its visitors with awe at its stunningly ornate spires and precipitous staircases. Visitors who attempt the climb are rewarded with sweeping riverine views of Bangkok and the Grand Palace. The main spire of the temple measures over 70 metres high and glitters vibrantly in the sun due to the coloured glass and tiny pieces of Chinese porcelain it is inlaid with. Visit this temple as early as possible to avoid the crowds.
Ticket: RM12 (THB100)
Opening Hours: Daily 8am–5:30pm
How to get to Wat Arun: From Sapphan Taksin boat pier, take the river boat that stops at Pier 8, then hop on one of the small boats that shuttle visitors across the river.
1c. Do: Khao San Road (Thanon Khao San)
A trip to Bangkok isn’t complete without checking out Khao San Road, the backpacking central of Bangkok. Khao San attained legendary status on the Southeast Asian backpacking trail, and has been featured in many books and films, most notably in The Beach, starring Hollywood heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio. It’s a great place for some retail therapy, or simply to chill out and do some people watching. In the day, Khao San is the place to be for a spot of lunch – famous for its own version of Pad Thai at RM3 (THB25) that you could pick from numerous vendors. For the gastronomically adventurous, try an insect snack, a Thai delicacy. After all that exploring around the city, indulge in a relaxing foot massage at a very low price at Shewa Spa.
- Cost: 1-hour foot massage RM33 (THB270)
- Address: 108/2 Rambuttri Road (runs parallel to Khao San Road)
- Opening hours: 9am–1am daily
- How to get to Khao San Road: Take bus 157 or 171 from Victory Monument, or hop on a metered taxi from Siam Square for approx RM9 (THB75)
1d. Eat: Bangrak Street Food
To experience authentic local food, check out the streets of Bangrak to feast on regional Thai street food at its best. This particular area has historically been a cultural melting pot and it shows in the food, with influences of the likes of China, India and Europe, with rotis and green curry, rice porridge and an assortment of baked goods. Try Jok Prince, which serves delightful congee with a generous portion of pork trimmings and Boonsap Thai Desserts, which has been a crowd favourite with its menu of sweet treats since before the Second World War. Do try their sangkhaya, a sticky rice dessert covered in smooth egg custard for a treat you’ll be dreaming about long after you’ve left Bangkok.
Jok Prince
- Dishes from: RM7 (THB50)
- Opening hours: 4pm–1am daily
- Address: 1391 Charoen Krung Road
Boonsap Thai Dessert
- Dishes from: RM4.50 (THB35)
- Opening hours: 7am–5pm daily
- Address: 1478 Charoen Krung Road
How to get to Bangrak: Take the Silom Line BTS to Sala Daeng
Compare & book cheap flights to Bangkok hereDay 2 in Bangkok
2a. See: Lumphini Park
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Named after the Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal, Lumphini Park offers a haven of tranquility away from the bustle of the city. Break out a sweat in a brisk sunrise run and greet the resident monitor lizards good morning as you pass them by. If you’re looking to just chill out for a day, bring a book to the park and hire a mat from a vendor at RM3 (THB25) for the ultimate lazy afternoon. In the evenings, many free aerobics sessions are held throughout the park for those seeking workout buddies.
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 4:30am–9pm daily
Address: Rama IV Road, Pathumwan
How to get to Lumphini Park: Take the MRT train and get off at Silom or Lumphini
2b. See: Puppet Show at the Artist’s House (Baan Silapin)
Located on a quiet waterway down the Thonburi section of the Chao Phraya, the Artist’s House is a tricky find but well worth the trip. This traditional wooden house by the canal was built in a style which has become increasingly difficult to find in modern Bangkok. This particular one has been carefully restored to its former glory and is definitely a gem of a find. Keep an eye out for the peculiar life-sized white, red and black statues sitting on the veranda, watching over the canal. The Artist’s House is well over 200 years old and hosts a puppet show performed daily (except Wednesdays) on a stage in their garden. The stories are based on Thai folklore and are different each day, and always attract an appreciative audience.
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Mon–Tue 10am–6pm; Wed–Fri 9am–6pm; Sat–Sun 9am–7pm. Puppet show daily at 2pm (except Wednesdays).
Address: Soi Wat Thong Sala Ngarm, Phasi Charoen
How to get to Artist’s House: Taxi from Wongwian Yai BTS station (RM6 – THB50)
2c. Shop: Rod Fai Night Market
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Located in the eastern suburbs of Bangkok, this place is heaven for those who adore unique vintage and second-hand goods set in a funky outdoors flea market. Check out the market to browse items such as retro superhero figurines, military helmets, old transistor radio sets and old-school barber seats. There are larger items available as well, including ancient cars, vespas and we hear even a train carriage! Rod Fai is a distinctly mellow market full of geeky collectors but you might uncover that dream accessory or gift that you have always desired but could never find. Enjoy a couple of beers while you browse or sample some tasty Thai snacks from the vendors. Quite possibly the coolest vintage market in Asia!
Opening hours: Fri–Sun 5pm–midnight
Address: Srinakarin Road
How to get to Rod Fai Night Market: Take a cab and alight opposite Seacon Square Shopping Mall. The fare should come up to about RM12 (THB100) from the centre of town.
2d. Eat: Yaowarat Street Food
For the gastronomically-inclined, check out Yaowarat, Bangkok’s very own Chinatown and foodie haunt. When the sun sets, Yaowarat transforms into a sea of neon lights with Chinese characters and restaurant patrons crowding out onto the pavements, chowing down on some of Bangkok’s best cuisines. Start with Je Jin Cockle Soi Texas for some cockles and mussels, before checking out Gaeng Garee Nai Yong (which has been in business for over 70 years) for some rice and hot curry served with Chinese sausage, boiled eggs and slivers of beef and pork in an authentic Thai spice extravaganza.
Je Jin Cockle Soi Texas
- Dishes from: RM7 (THB55)
- Address: Soi Phadungdao, Yaowarat Rd
- Opening hours: Mon-Sat 6.30pm–1am; Sun 5pm–1am
Gaeng Garee Nai Yong
- Mains from: RM7.50(THB60)
- Address: Yaowarat Rd
- Opening hours: 3pm–2am daily
How to get to Yaowarat: Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat service from Rattanakosin or Silom
Compare & book cheap flights to Bangkok hereDay 3 in Bangkok
3a. Do: Free Meditation Class at Wat Mahathat
Although Bangkok has plenty of temples to visit, not many would give you a good opportunity to master the practice of daily meditation as Wat Mahathat. The resident monks there offer visitors free walking and sitting meditation classes daily. It offers a rare glimpse into an important aspect of Thai culture, and at the same time benefits one to learn the art of stilling the mind in the midst of this busy world.
When: Three times-daily classes at 7–10am, 1–4pm and 6–8pm
Address: Phra That Road
How to get to Wat Mahathat: Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat and get off at Chang Pier. Wat Mahathat is a 100m walk from the pier
3b. Shop: Visit a market: Chatuchak and Pratunam
Shopaholics hungry for a good bargain? Pratunam wholesale clothes market is the place for you. You can be sure to find some real steals, with stalls targeting budget buyers. Buy in bulk (such as in sets of three) to see prices drop even lower. You can try to negotiate with vendors but since prices are already so cheap, don’t expect any dramatic tumbles in price.
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For an entirely different retail experience, join the hipsters at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Although Chatuchak used to be a standard wholesale market, it got really trendy and now attracts a crowd of approximately 200,000 each weekend, most of them either hankering for a bargain, or just kicking back and having a massage with a Thai iced tea. Chatuchak gets rather hot and busy but is still a great way to spend an afternoon. Bring enough cash as most stalls don’t accept credit card, and it can be a long trek to the ATM. Happy shopping!
Pratunam
- Opening hours: 24 hours daily
- Address: Ratchaprop Road and Petchburi Road intersection
- How to get to Pratunam: Walk from Chidlom BTS Station
Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Opening hours: Sat and Sun: 9am – 6pm
- Address: 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak
How to get to Chatuchak Weekend Market: Take the skytrain to Mo Chit then follow the crowds
3c. Do: Try Muay Thai
If you still have plenty of energy to burn before the flight home, try an afternoon Muay Thai session at Muay Thai Camp Luktupfah. A mere 15 minutes from Sukhumvit Road, but yet surrounded by fields, this quiet hideaway seems far from the bustle of the city. The trainers will whip you into shape and make you break out in a serious sweat, and you’ll even get to learn a few Thai words like “kick” and “block”. This place is known for its friendly crowd and their daily sessions, so book in, unleash your inner beast, and make a few friends in the process.
Cost: RM50 (THB400) for a daily session
Time: Morning session begins at 8am, afternoon session at 4pm
Address: 5 On Nut Soi 65, Yaek 8
How to get to Muay Thai Camp Luktupfah: Take a taxi from Sukhumvit Road (approx RM12 – THB100)
Website here
How to get to and from Suvarnabhumi airport
Take the Airport City Line from Basement B at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This train serves six stations along the way and ends at Phaya Thai. Travelling time is around 50 minutes and fares run from RM2.10 (THB18) to RM5.60 (THB45). Trains run from 6am until 12am and depart frequently.
Compare & book cheap flights to Bangkok hereBook Bangkok hotels hereRead more:
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- 10 cheapest long weekend getaways that stretch your ringgit
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Now you’re ready to explore Bangkok on a budget! Book cheap flights, hotels and car rental via Skyscanner or check out and download our free mobile app for easy browsing and booking on the go.
Originally published on 17 May 2016 and updated in July 2017. Any prices are lowest estimated prices only at the time of publication and are subject to change and/or availability.
Adapted from an article by P. Dixon for Skyscanner.
