bangkok budget travel

Thailand’s capital and a hub of Asia. Plenty of shopping, temples, food and drink to find out part of the Thai culture. I’d spend a few days here but nothing more. Shop and check out the markets during the day and drink up and have fun at night!

Airport to city

You can either take:

• Taxi – Should cost you around 400-500 baht.  Once you exit the arrival area, just follow the masses and you can’t miss the taxi rank. You’ll have to line up but its worthwhile as you can tell an English speaking thai where you want to go
• Bus – Costs around 150-200 baht. For the extra 200 odd baht, it might be way more convenient to take a taxi.

Getting around

In order of preference, choose sky train, river boat, tuk tuk or taxi. If you are near the sky train or river and your destination is close to the sky train or river, take the sky train or riverboat. It will be the quickest and you won’t have to put up with traffic. The sky train is air conditioned so it will be a bit more pleasant.

Be wary about tuk tuk drivers. They’ll take you on a “tour” of Bangkok.  You’ll visit gift shops, souvenior shops and tailors who give the tuk tuk drivers commission. Don’t be fooled by the cheap rate.

Only take a taxi when you’re going to the airport or there are a few of you (or you’re travelling late at night). You’ll most likely be stuck in Bangkok’s infamous traffic.

Where to stay as a Bangkok backpacker?

For me, there’s either Khao San Rd or Sukumvit. Khao San Rd is your famed backpacker hub. I’m sure you will have heard of it. Plenty of backpackers, happening backpacker scene and easy to meet people and have fun.
But for me, I’d stay in Sukumvit. Away from the tourist/backpacker central of Khao San Rd. For a hostel in Bangkok, i’d stay at Soi 1 Guesthouse. I’ve stayed there numerous times during my July 2007 trip and honestly believe it is one of the best hostels I have stayed in. The staff are very friendly and David, the owner, has unbelievable local knowledge.  He really knows Bangkok. Whether you’re looking for how to get somewhere, a massage, where to go shopping or what the go is with Pat Pong or Soi Cowboy, David and the hostel will know.

The communal atmosphere is great and allows you to meet other travellers incredibly easily. And the nights out organised by Soi 1 Guesthouse just make it even easier and enjoyable. For these reasons, I believe it’s one of the best hostels I’ve stayed in. Look, the facilities could be a tad cleaner (it’s not ultra clean but clean enough) but the atmosphere more than makes up for it.

Time of year to go

Anytime of year is good to go to Bangkok. High season is still Nov to April with monsoonal rains occurring during low season (May-Aug). Because you’re not lying on the beach in Bangkok, it doesn’t really matter about the monsoonal rains. Just stay inside for an hour or two whilst the rains pour. After that, you’ll be fine to head out.

Chatuchuk market

This is the weekend market. If you’re in Bangkok on a Saturday, this is a must go. On Sunday, only about half the shops are open but it’s still worthwhile. Here, you’ll find anything and everything in this massive, massive open air market. A shoppers delight.  Don’t forget to bata. If you’re asian, make sure you learn some Thai as you’ll get better prices. I was offered slightly better prices because I am Asian but unfortunately pointing to the calculator gave me away.

If you find something you like, buy it because there is little chance you’ll find the same stall again in this huge maze of stalls.

To get there, take the sky train to Mo Chit station. From there, just follow the crowds and you’ll get to the market.

I spent half a day here but i’m sure you could spend a whole day if you really want.

MBK – another shoppers delight

This is the best air conditioned shopping complex in Bangkok. You’ll find some brands which you like, but then there is the “market” level which is basically a Chatuchuk market in terms of market goods except its in an airconditioned environment. Of course, things won’t be as cheap as Chatuchuk but you can shop in a more pleasant environment. Come here if there is something you found and liked and regretted not buying because you couldn’t find the same stall again.

Food wise, stay away from the “international street” they have. It’s a rip off. Find the hawker style food areas. Little more expensive than eating off the street but you can be more assured of the cleanliness.

Take the sky train here. Siam or National Stadium stations. Easy walk from either station. Again stay away from the taxi as Bangkok traffic can be notorious.

Spend as long or little time here as you want.

Grand Palace

If you’re seeing any temple in Bangkok, this is the one to visit. You can spend a whole day here. Full of history and you can learn a heap of stuff. Find out from the hostel whether you need long pants or long sleeves. I’ve forgotten but you can find out when you’re about to head there. I think you can hire stuff there anyway if worse comes to worse.  You can see I’m reliant upon the hostel because Soi 1 Guesthouse was just so rich for information.

Patpong & Soi Cowboy

Red light districts of Bangkok. You can think all you want that I’m a dodgy guy but I don’t care. In Bangkok, it’s a tourist thing to do. I was actually asked to go by the girls at the hostel (I know you don’t believe me). Both guys and girls head to these strips as it’s something unique to Bangkok.  The shows all become the same after a short space of time and you start looking around at the kinds of people around. I’ve never seen so many middle age white men at a venue in Asia before.

Be careful though. In Patpong they try to rip you off all the time so be wary what your entry fee costs and how much drinks are. Patpong is where you see the “ping pong” shows whilst Soi Cowboy is more like dancing.

Tailors

Some tailors employ people to basically drag you into their store to gain business. They’ll do a cheap suit but the quality may not be that great. If you want a quality suit, I recommend Rajawongse in Sukumvit. There is no glitz or glam about them but you will get a quality suit. The quality lies in their previous clientele. George Bush senior being one of them...

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© Jafa Travel Pty Ltd 2008