Best of Budget Bangkok

Our Local Expert Says:

If you had to see one thing in Bangkok, this arguably would be it.

Description:

Over 200 years old, Wat Pho is one of Bangkok's largest and oldest temple complexes. For an entry fee of 50 baht, visitors can roam the grounds with or without a guide, stopping along the way at numerous notable temples and sites. The most famous of Wat Pho's relics is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, wherein lies an impressive 46 meter-long gold-plated image of a reclining Buddha. A first grade royal monastery, Wat Pho is also Thailand's oldest learning center and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Take a Chao Phraya River ferry to Tha Thien (pier). The Grand Palace is a short walk from Wat Pho. You can also cross the river from the pier to see Wat Arun. Beware that scam artists (often tuk-tuk drivers) will try to claim that the temple is closed for the day. Don't believe it.

[Note: Pho is pronounced with a P like Paul not an F like a Vietnamese noodle soup]

Our Local Expert Says:

Just strides away from Central World, one of Bangkok's largest and most upscale shopping malls, the Erawan Shrine presents the shopaholic tourist with a convenient chance to soak up some culture.

Description:

In the middle of the glitz and traffic of downtown commercial Bangkok stands Erawan Shrine, a very unique place of worship that is a must-see. Devoted to the Hindu god Brahma, Erawan Shrine was built in 1956 to honor the spirits that once resided in trees that were chopped down during construction of the nearby Erawan Hotel. Nowadays, the shrine is constantly flooded with worshippers praying for good fortune as they burn incense, light candles and place carnation garlands at offering tables. Traditional Thai dancers perform on a stage around the clock, and tourists are welcomed to partake in the spirituality. The open-air fills with pleasant scents and the good vibes are abundant. Erawan Shrine is a Bangkok must.

Description:

Big John's is a hostel, mostly catering to young, thrifty travelers. Private rooms or dorm-style are both available. Rooms are upstairs, while the ground floor is a restaurant. This is an excellent choice for travelers on a shoe string budget wish to be social with fellow, young adventurers.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is not the best street food in Bangkok certainly, but the variety and price make it a good one-stop for anyone experimenting. The daring will give the fried bug vendor a try.

Description:

It is unlikely to hear Chatuchak Park's weekend market called by its official name. Commonly referred to even by the Thai as J.J. market (from an Anglified spelling of Jatujak) this is the mecca for bargain hunters and a good place to find a variety of street food. The labryinth of covered vendors -- which is only open on the weekends -- gets hot in the midday heat and haggling is the norm. Food vendors are spread throughout the open spaces. Both the SkyTrain (Mor Chit) and MRT Subway (Chatuchak) stop here.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a recommended spot for tom yung goong, and the heat of the phad krapow mu sap is not toned down for the farang palate.

Description:

This corner restaurant is a good economical choice, popular with a mix of foreigners and locals. The expansive, but strictly Thai menu shows English names and photos and so makes Suda a good place to explore the cuisine a bit. The quality of the recipes isn't earthshattering but it isn't bad either and the restaurant has a loyal fan base. Bright orange plastic chairs spill out onto the walk and tables fill up quickly at night. Beer is served as is whiskey, but only the Thai version. The assorted bottles stored around the joint are actually left there by customers who come back regularly to keep working on them. Suda's convenient location just off Sukhumvit Road under the Asoke SkyTrain station doesn't hurt either.

Our Local Expert Says:

Cheap Charlie's is the perfect place to start a night out in Sukhumvit. It's a very social setting, perfect for meeting new people, and the drinks are cheaper than almost any bar around.

Description:

Is it a bar or an alley? Who can be sure? A rope and marks on the pavement show where the fun begins at this standing-room only watering hole in Sukhumvit Soi 11. Decorated with loads of odd items from water buffalo skulls and tortoise shells to strings of colored lights, Charlie's is an eye-catcher. The drink prices live up to the name and this makes a great warm up for the pricey high-society Bed Supper Club down the street. Or better yet, skip the dress codes and just stay for the convivial crowd here. Street vendors and nearby restaurants can take care of your munchies. The BTS SkyTrain Nana station is just around the corner.

Description:

So says Churee Indaniyom as her guests leave her Barn Thai Guest House, located just off of Khao San Road. She will take care of you, and be your Grandma while you are in town, but you must follow her rules: (a) You must be quiet and considerate of other guests. (b) Unless you are legally married, or check-in with a partner, you cannot bring anyone into your room. Grandma does not run a house of ill-repute, you know.

Description:

Watana Mansion is a very reasonable hotel, intended for the backpacker or those traveling on a tight budget. It is conveniently located near the Thai Cultural Center, the Poseidon Massage Parlor and the Grand Hotel. The rooms are small and functional, but can boast some very comfortable couches and chairs and offer exceptional value. The convenience of an Internet café is also offered at a reasonable rate per hour. Rooms are also available on a weekly and monthly basis.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're not too busy watching the group fitness routines, look out for Lumphini's wildlife. Giant monitor lizards and tropical birds make you forget you're in the middle of a city!

Description:

Smack in the heart of the city lies Lumphini Park, an oasis of nature within bustling Bangkok. The first of its kind in Bangkok, plans for the public park began in 1925. Lumphini Park is named after the Buddha's birthplace and covers approximately 58 hectares, gracing the city with greenery and waterways for picnics, pick-up sports and paddleboat rides. Early mornings are unforgettable: hordes of fitness group regulars engage in synchronized aerobics, while others jog peacefully and practice tai chi. Lumphini Park is a great place to take a timeout during a long day of sightseeing.

Our Local Expert Says:

The World's Largest Solid Gold Buddha

Description:

It's not every day you get to see a World Record worthy of the Guinness Book. Known in Thai as Phra Buddha Maha Suwanna Patimakorn, the Golden Buddha weighs 5.5 tons making it the world's most valuable (money-wise) sacred object. Amazingly the 13th century Sukothai-style statue spent centuries hidden under a layer of lacquered plaster which King Rama III ordered to disguise it when he moved it to Bangkok. An accidental crack in 1955 revealed the solid gold interior. The three-meter tall statue in the Subduing Mara, Calling the Earth to Witness posture occupies the fourth level of a somewhat pyramid-like shrine inside Wat Traimit. Entry to the temple is free and it is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, for foreigners there is a 40-baht fee to see the massive gold Buddha image. On the third floor is an exhibit telling the history of the statue and its move to Bangkok.

The second floor is home to the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center. Both exhibits are closed Mondays but otherwise follow the hours of the temple. Wat Traimit and the Golden Buddha should be the first stop on an exploration of Bangkok's Chinatown.