Solo's Budget Bangkok Trip

4-Day Itinerary (13-16 Nov)

General Tips & Budget

This is a very tight budget (RM50-100 / 350-700 THB), but it's possible if you stick to street food, free attractions, and cheap transport. Your hotel near Big C Ratchadamri is perfectly located for this.

Daily Budget: ~700 THB (RM100)

  • Food (40% / 280 THB): This covers 3 street food meals (60-80 THB each) and snacks/drinks.
  • Transport (30% / 210 THB): For BTS, buses, and canal boats. Your location is walkable to many places.
  • Flex/Buffer (30% / 210 THB): For small souvenirs, park bike rentals, or a slightly nicer meal.

Payment

CASH (THB) is ESSENTIAL. Street food, buses, and canal boats are 99% cash only. Malls and 7-Elevens accept cards or Thai QR (DuitNow/PromptPay *might* work but don't rely on it).

Travel & Warnings

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Cheap Transport

Use the **Saen Saep Canal Boat** (Pratunam Pier is near you!), BTS Skytrain, and local buses (8-20 THB). Avoid taxis/tuk-tuks to save money.

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Heat & Crowds

November is cooler, but still hot (30°C+). Carry water. Markets (Chatuchak) and peak-hour BTS (5-7 PM) will be very crowded.

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Travel Risks

Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas. Politely decline any "free" tuk-tuk or gem store offers; they are scams.

Day 1 (Thu): Arrival & Local Exploration

  • Afternoon: Arrive, check in. Get a local SIM card (AIS/True) if needed.
  • Late Afternoon (5 PM): Walk to **CentralWorld** and **Erawan Shrine**. Free to see the shrine from the street (a major cultural landmark). Window shop in CentralWorld to enjoy the air-con.
  • Dinner (7 PM): Explore the street food stalls in the **Pratunam Market** area, near Baiyoke Sky Hotel.
    • Food to Try: Pad Thai (40-60 THB), Som Tum (Papaya Salad, 40-50 THB), Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers, 10 THB each), fresh fruit smoothie (30-40 THB).
    • Payment: Cash only.
  • Evening: Walk around the flashy mall facades at Siam.
  • Transport: All walking. Cost: 0 THB.

Day 2 (Fri): River, Markets & Jazz

  • Morning (9 AM): Walk to **Chit Lom BTS**. Take BTS to **Saphan Taksin** (~47 THB).
  • Mid-Morning (10 AM): At Sathorn Pier (under the BTS), take the **Chao Phraya Express Boat** (Orange Flag) heading north. This is a fantastic, cheap river cruise. Cost: ~16 THB (cash).
  • Late Morning (10:30 AM): Get off at **Wang Lang (Siriraj) Pier**. Explore **Wang Lang Market**. A true local's market, amazing food, and cheap clothes.
  • Lunch (12 PM): Eat at Wang Lang Market.
    • Food to Try: Khanom Bueang (Thai Crepes, 20-30 THB), Roti (various fillings, 30-50 THB), any local noodle soup or rice dish you see.
    • Payment: Cash only.
  • Afternoon (2 PM): Take the cross-river ferry from Wang Lang to Tha Prachan Pier (4 THB). Walk around the **Sanam Luang** (Royal Field), a huge free park in the old city.
  • Late Afternoon (4 PM): From Sanam Luang, take a local bus (e.g., #15, #47) back to the Siam/Ratchadamri area. Cost: 8-20 THB (cash).
  • Evening (8 PM): Local Music! Take the BTS from Chit Lom to **Victory Monument** (~30 THB). Walk to **Saxophone Pub**.
    • It's a legendary live music (jazz/blues) venue. Entry is usually free on weekdays, but you'll need to buy a drink (you can get a soda/juice, ~80-100 THB). A great way to see local music!

Day 3 (Sat): Grand Market & City Park

  • Morning (9 AM): Go early! Take BTS from Chit Lom to **Mo Chit** (~47 THB). Follow the crowd to **Chatuchak Weekend Market**.
  • Warning: It will be HOT and CROWDED. Bring water, wear light clothes.
  • Morning/Lunch (9:30 AM - 1 PM): Explore and eat at the market. It's massive.
    • Food to Try: Coconut Ice Cream (in a coconut shell, ~50 THB), famous Spanish Paella (can be pricey, ~150 THB, but fun to see), fried chicken, noodle soups.
    • Payment: Mostly cash.
  • Afternoon (1 PM): Escape the heat. Walk across the road from the market to **Wachirabenchathat Park (Rot Fai Park)**.
    • A huge, beautiful, free park ("Nature" checked). You can rent a bicycle for very cheap (~30-40 THB) and cycle around the lake.
  • Late Afternoon (4 PM): Take BTS from Mo Chit back to **Siam** (~47 THB).
  • Evening (5 PM): "City Life/Malls" time. Explore **Siam Square** (trendy, local designer shops) and **Siam Paragon** (luxury, just for window shopping and air-con).
  • Dinner (7 PM): Eat at the **MBK Center Food Court** (6th floor). Cheap, huge variety, and authentic. You buy a coupon card with cash, then get a refund for any unused amount.
    • Food to Try: Anything! Pad Krapow (Basil Pork/Chicken), Mango Sticky Rice, Tom Yum.

Day 4 (Sun): Park Life & Departure Prep

  • Morning (8 AM): Walk to **Lumpini Park** (15-20 min walk from your hotel).
    • Free entry. This is a fantastic "cultural sight." Watch hundreds of locals doing Tai Chi, aerobics, and jogging. It's a great, peaceful morning experience.
  • Late Morning (10:30 AM): Walk back, check out of your hotel (if needed, or leave bags).
  • Lunch (11:30 AM): Go to the **Big C Supercenter Ratchadamri Food Court** (your hotel location). It's on the 4th floor.
    • One of the cheapest and most local food courts.
    • Food to Try: Khao Kha Moo (Braised Pork Leg with Rice, ~50-60 THB), a final Tom Yum.
  • Afternoon (1 PM): Last-minute souvenir shopping inside the **Big C Supercenter**. This is the best place to buy Thai snacks, sauces, and dried fruits to take home.
  • Late Afternoon: Travel to the airport (BKK or DMK). (Note: Airport travel cost is not included in the daily budget).