Trip Overview
Your complete guide to Bangkok on a budget
🎯 Quick Start Checklist
✅ Download offline Google Maps for Bangkok
✅ Get a Rabbit card at BTS Chit Lom (฿200 = ฿100 deposit + ฿100
credit)
✅ Withdraw cash at Big C ATM (keep small bills: ฿20, ฿50, ฿100)
✅ Download Grab/Bolt apps for backup transport
✅ Notify your bank you're traveling to Thailand
🗓️ Daily Themes
Thursday: Local Markets & River Life (Klong Toey,
Benjakitti Park, JJ Green)
Friday: City Life & Neighborhoods (Lumpini Park,
MBK, Ari, Jazz)
Saturday: CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET + Night Market
Sunday: River Exploration & Chinatown
💸 Expected Costs
Food per day:
฿150-275 (RM20-36)
Transport per day:
฿75-125 (RM10-16)
Activities:
฿0-50 (RM0-7) - Almost everything is FREE!
⚠️ Weather Alert: Mid-November temperature 25-33°C,
humidity 70-80%. Possible rain showers. Bring: umbrella, water
bottle, sunscreen, hat, and light breathable clothes.
Day 1: Thursday, Nov 13
Local Markets & River Life
Budget: ฿280-420 (RM37-56)
⏰ 8:00-12:00
💵 CASH ONLY
🍊 Klong Toey Market
📍 Transport
BTS Chit Lom → Queen Sirikit
฿26 (RM3.50) + 10min walk
OR Grab: ฿60-80 (RM8-11)
🍽️ Must-Try Food
Khao tom (rice porridge) -
฿30-40 (RM4-5.50)
Fresh fruit smoothies -
฿20-30 (RM2.50-4)
Grilled pork skewers (moo ping) -
฿10 each (RM1.30)
Pad krapow with rice -
฿40-50 (RM5.50-6.50)
⚠️ Warning: Very crowded, wet floors, strong
market smells. Best time: 7:00-10:00am before it gets too hot and
crowded.
⏰ 12:30-15:00
🌳 Benjakitti Park
📍 Transport
Walk or Grab ฿40-50 (RM5.50-7) to Queen
Sirikit MRT
ℹ️ Info
💸 FREE entry
🌳 Lake views, cycling track, rest areas
🍴 Lunch: EmQuartier food court or street food nearby
฿60-80 (RM8-11)
⚠️ Note: Hot and humid - bring water and
sunscreen. Best to visit late afternoon for cooler weather.
⏰ 15:30-18:00
💳 Cash Preferred, Some QR
🥭 Or Tor Kor Market
📍 Transport
MRT Queen Sirikit → Kamphaeng Phet
฿16 (RM2)
🍽️ Must-Try
Mango sticky rice - ฿60-80 (RM8-11)
Fresh tropical fruits -
฿30-50 (RM4-7)
Pre-made curries - ฿60-100 (RM8-13)
📝 Premium fresh market next to Chatuchak, less crowded
15:00-17:00
⏰ 18:30-21:00
💵 CASH ONLY
🎵 JJ Green Night Market
📍 Transport
5min walk from Or Tor Kor Market
🍽️ Dinner Options
Grilled seafood - ฿60-100 (RM8-13)
Som tam (papaya salad) -
฿40-60 (RM5.50-8)
BBQ skewers -
฿10-20 each (RM1.30-2.50)
Pad thai - ฿50-70 (RM7-9)
🎵 Live music (various genres, sometimes jazz!)
⏰ Opens 17:00, best time 18:00-21:00
🗺️ Day 1 Route
Ratchadamri → Klong Toey Market → Benjakitti Park → Or Tor Kor Market → JJ Green → Back to Ratchadamri
Day 2: Friday, Nov 14
City Life & Local Neighborhoods
Budget: ฿250-400 (RM33-53)
⏰ 9:00-12:00
🦎 Lumpini Park
📍 Transport
BTS Chit Lom → Sala Daeng ฿16 (RM2) or
15min walk
ℹ️ Activities
💸 FREE entry
🦎 Monitor lizards spotting
🚣 Paddle boats ฿40 for 30min (RM5.50)
🏃 Jogging track, locals exercising
🍽️ Breakfast
Jok (congee) - ฿30-40 (RM4-5.50)
Khanom krok (coconut pancakes) -
฿20-30 (RM2.50-4)
⚠️ Best Time: 6:00-9:00am when it's cooler and
locals are exercising. Gets very hot after 10am!
⏰ 12:30-15:30
🏢 MBK Center & Siam Area
📍 Transport
BTS Sala Daeng → Siam ฿16 (RM2)
ℹ️ Activities
💸 FREE browsing
📱 Electronics, souvenirs, people watching
🏬 Alternative: Walk to CentralWorld (5min) for free AC and window
shopping
🍽️ Lunch
MBK food court: ฿50-80 (RM7-11)
💳 Load Card System (like coupons)
⏰ 16:00-18:30
💳 Mix of Cash and QR
🎨 Ari Neighborhood
📍 Transport
BTS Siam → Ari ฿26 (RM3.50)
ℹ️ Activities
💸 FREE to explore hipster local area
🎨 Street art, indie cafes, vinyl shops
🍽️ Snacks
Coconut ice cream - ฿35-50 (RM4.50-7)
Boat noodles (kuay teaw reua) -
฿10-15 per bowl (RM1.30-2)
⏰ 19:00-22:00
🎷 Jazz Evening Options
Option A: Jazz Venues
🎵 The Jam International or Brown Sugar
⏰ Music starts around 20:00-21:00
💸 Minimum order ฿150-200 (RM20-27) for
soft drinks/food
⚠️ Note: Call ahead to confirm schedule and if
alcohol-free seating available. Most jazz venues serve alcohol.
Option B: Free Alternative
🎪 CentralWorld rooftop or Siam Square for street performers
💸 FREE
🗺️ Day 2 Route
Ratchadamri → Lumpini Park → Siam/MBK → Ari → Jazz venue/Siam Square → Ratchadamri
Day 3: Saturday, Nov 15
CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET DAY! 🎉
Budget: ฿250-400 (RM33-53)
⏰ 8:00-13:00
💵 90% CASH ONLY
🛍️ CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET
⭐ World's Largest Weekend Market - 27 Sections!
📍 Transport
BTS Chit Lom → Mo Chit ฿31 (RM4)
Alternative: MRT Kamphaeng Phet
🗺️ Key Sections to Visit
Section 1: Clothing & accessories
Section 7-8: Used items & antiques
Section 25-26: Plants & gardening
Section 27: Food area (your lunch spot!)
🍽️ Must-Try Food
Coconut ice cream - ฿30-40 (RM4-5.50)
Grilled squid - ฿50-80 (RM7-11)
Fresh coconut juice -
฿20-30 (RM2.50-4)
Mango sticky rice - ฿60-80 (RM8-11)
Pad see ew - ฿40-60 (RM5.50-8)
🚨 CRITICAL WARNINGS:
• Extremely crowded 11am-5pm - arrive EARLY!
• Very hot & humid - bring water, towel, hat
• Easy to get lost - download market map
• Pickpockets in crowds - keep valuables in front
• Take breaks in AC sections
• Extremely crowded 11am-5pm - arrive EARLY!
• Very hot & humid - bring water, towel, hat
• Easy to get lost - download market map
• Pickpockets in crowds - keep valuables in front
• Take breaks in AC sections
💡 Pro Strategy: Visit sections clockwise, start
at 8am before crowds, take AC breaks every hour, keep small bills
handy.
⏰ 14:00-17:00
😴 Rest Break
Option A: Return to hotel to escape the heat
Option B: Relax at Chatuchak Park (adjacent, FREE, shaded)
⏰ 17:30-21:00
💳 Mostly Cash, Some QR
🌙 Talad Rot Fai Ratchada (Vintage Night Market)
📍 Transport
MRT Kamphaeng Phet → Thailand Cultural Centre
฿16 (RM2)
ℹ️ Activities
💸 FREE entry
🎵 Live music, vintage vibes
📸 Photo spot: Rooftop of Esplanade mall for aerial view (FREE)
🍽️ Dinner Options
BBQ buffet - ฿100-150 (RM13-20)
Seafood platters - ฿80-120 (RM11-16)
Thai desserts (kanom) -
฿30-50 (RM4-7)
Fresh oysters - ฿60-80 (RM8-11)
🗺️ Day 3 Route
Ratchadamri → Chatuchak Market (morning) → Hotel Rest → Talad Rot Fai Ratchada → Ratchadamri
Day 4: Sunday, Nov 16
River Exploration & Departure Prep
Budget: ฿220-360 (RM29-48)
⏰ 8:00-11:30
💵 CASH ONLY at pier
🚢 Chao Phraya River Boat Tour
📍 Transport
BTS Chit Lom → Saphan Taksin
฿26 (RM3.50)
⚠️ Important: Walk DOWN to river level (not the
fancy tourist pier). Look for the local boat pier.
🚤 Orange Flag Boat (Local Commuter Boat)
All-day pass:
฿60 (RM8) - BEST VALUE!
Single trips:
฿15-20 (RM2-2.50)
⏰ Operating hours: 6:00-19:00
🕐 Every 15-20 minutes
🛑 Stop 1: Pak Klong Talad (Flower Market)
🚢 Pier: Saphan Phut/Memorial Bridge
⏰ Open 24 hours (best early morning)
💸 FREE to walk around
🌸 Photography, wholesale flowers
⚠️ Warning: Crowded, watch for motorbikes!
⏰ 9:30-11:30
💵 CASH ONLY
🏮 Chinatown (Yaowarat)
📍 Just 5min walk from Flower Market
⏰ Best time: 9am-12pm (less chaotic than evening)
🍽️ Brunch Must-Try
Guay jub (rolled noodle soup) -
฿40-60 (RM5.50-8)
Dim sum -
฿25-40 per basket (RM3.30-5.50)
Chinese donuts (pa thong ko) -
฿20 (RM2.50)
Soy milk - ฿15-20 (RM2-2.50)
🏛️ Activities
💸 FREE to explore
🏛️ Yaowarat Road architecture (no temples needed!)
🛍️ Gold shops, traditional medicine stores
⏰ 12:00-14:00
🏢 Terminal 21 (Airport-Themed Mall)
📍 Transport
Return via boat to Saphan Taksin
BTS Saphan Taksin → Asok ฿26 (RM3.50)
ℹ️ Activities
💸 FREE, great AC rest spot
🌍 Each floor themed as different city (Tokyo, London, Paris,
etc.)
🛍️ Last minute shopping
🍽️ Lunch
Food court: ฿60-80 (RM8-11)
💳 Load Card System
⏰ 14:30-17:00
🏨 Final Options
Option A: Rest & Pack
Return to hotel near Big C
Pack, organize photos, rest before departure
Option B: Pratunam Market
🚶 10min walk from Big C Ratchadamri
⏰ Best time: 15:00-18:00 (less crowded)
💸 FREE to explore
🛍️ Cheap clothes, last-minute souvenirs
🍽️ Street snacks: ฿30-50 (RM4-7)
💵 Mostly Cash
🗺️ Day 4 Route
Ratchadamri → Saphan Taksin (boat pier) → Flower Market → Chinatown → Back to Saphan Taksin → Terminal 21 → Ratchadamri/Pratunam
💡 Essential Tips & Info
Everything you need to know for a smooth trip
🚇 Transport Guide
Rabbit Card (BTS)
💳 Cost: ฿200 (฿100 deposit + ฿100 credit)
📍 Buy at: Any BTS station (get yours at Chit Lom on Day 1)
💰 Saves: ฿2-5 per trip, skip ticket queues
⚡ Top-up: 7-Eleven or BTS stations
Cheap Transport Options (Ranked)
1. BTS/MRT:
฿16-44/trip (RM2-6) - Most reliable
2. Orange Flag Boat:
฿15-20/trip (RM2-2.50) - Scenic!
3. Public Bus:
฿8-15 (RM1-2) - Hot, crowded, slow
4. Grab (Share):
฿40-100 (RM5.50-13) - Split with
friends
5. Walking: FREE - Use Google Maps offline
📱 Essential Apps
📍 Google Maps: Download offline Bangkok map
🗣️ Google Translate: Download Thai language
offline
🚗 Grab/Bolt: Transport apps (Bolt often cheaper)
💱 XE Currency: Real-time exchange rates
🚌 ViaBus: Bangkok bus routes
🗺️ Moovit: Public transport planning
⚠️ Important Warnings
Weather (Mid-November)
🌡️ Temperature: 25-33°C (77-91°F)
💧 Humidity: 70-80%
🌧️ Rain: Possible short showers
🎒 Bring: Umbrella, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, light clothes
Crowd Warnings
🚨 WORST crowds: Chatuchak 11am-3pm Sat/Sun
🏮 Chinatown: Crazy in evenings, go morning
instead
🚇 BTS/MRT rush hours: 7-9am, 5-7pm
🛡️ Safety Tips
👜 Pickpockets: Markets & crowded BTS - keep
valuables in front pockets
🚕 Scams: Tuk-tuk drivers near tourist spots -
politely ignore
🍜 Food safety: Eat where locals eat, avoid empty
stalls
🌡️ Heat exhaustion: Take AC breaks every 2 hours,
hydrate constantly
💧 Water: Bottled water only, available
everywhere (฿7-10)
🚻 Bathrooms: 7-Eleven has clean toilets (small
purchase expected)
💰 Money Tips
🏦 ATM: Use Big C or 7-Eleven ATMs (lower fees)
💵 Small bills: Keep ฿20, ฿50, ฿100 for street
food
💳 Notify bank: Tell your bank you're traveling
to Thailand
🚫 Large bills: Markets rarely have change for
฿1000 notes
📊 Cash vs Card: 70% cash, 30% card/QR in Bangkok
🎵 Jazz Scene Notes
🍺 Most Bangkok jazz venues serve alcohol
🎸 Parking Toys (Thonglor): Jazz cafe with
non-alcohol options
☀️ Sunday Jazz Brunch: Various hotels (check
current schedules)
🎭 FREE alternative: Street performers at Siam
Square, CentralWorld plaza (especially weekends)
📞 Pro tip: Call venues ahead to confirm schedule
👥 Tips for Friends Joining
Best activities to invite friends:
🎨 Friday evening: Ari neighborhood or Siam
Square street performers
🛍️ Saturday morning: Chatuchak Market (arrive
together at 9am!)
🌙 Saturday evening: Talad Rot Fai night market
🍜 Sunday morning: River boat tour + Chinatown
dim sum
💡 Transport: Split Grab costs, makes it cheaper
than BTS sometimes!
📊 Final Budget Breakdown
Day 1 (Thursday):
฿280-420 (RM37-56)
Day 2 (Friday):
฿250-400 (RM33-53)
Day 3 (Saturday):
฿250-400 (RM33-53)
Day 4 (Sunday):
฿220-360 (RM29-48)
TOTAL 4 DAYS:
฿1,000-1,580 (RM130-210)
🎉 Great news! You'll be comfortably within your
RM200-400 budget with plenty left over for souvenirs, treats, or
emergencies!
🌟 Pro Traveler Final Tips
⏰ Golden rule: Start early (8am) before heat and
crowds
💧 Hydration: Buy big water bottles at 7-Eleven
(฿15 for 1.5L)
🎒 Day bag essentials: Water, umbrella, tissues,
small bills, phone charger
📸 Photos: Ask before photographing street
vendors (usually okay with smile)
🙏 Thai greeting: "Sawasdee krap" (male) /
"Sawasdee ka" (female)
🍴 Food rule: If locals are lining up, join them!
❄️ AC breaks: 7-Eleven, malls, BTS stations when
you need to cool down
📱 Free WiFi: Most malls and cafes, use for
Grab/maps