5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Exploring Bangkok

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Khao San Road

Start your day with a budget-friendly breakfast of Pad Thai at a street vendor on Khao San Road to fuel your adventures ahead.
Walk to the nearby attractions.
THB 50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Grand Palace

Explore the stunning Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, which are marvels of Thai architecture and history.
Take a short walk from Khao San Road.
THB 500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Jay Fai

Enjoy some delectable street food at Jay Fai for a famous Tom Yum Goong, while keeping to your budget.
Use local transport to reach the restaurant.
THB 150, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Wat Pho

Visit Wat Pho, home to the reclining Buddha and a serene atmosphere, just a stone's throw from the Grand Palace.
Walk from the restaurant.
THB 200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Chao Phraya River Boat Ride

Take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River for a unique view of the city.
Hop on a public ferry at the nearby pier.
THB 50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at the local market

Head to a local night market and try your hand at various street foods like grilled satay and mango sticky rice.
Take a short tuk-tuk ride to the market.
THB 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Local Insights

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Indulge in a traditional Thai breakfast of coffee and toast at On Lok Yun, a 80-year-old cafe beloved by locals.
Use the MRT to reach the cafe.
THB 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Jim Thompson House

Discover the beauty and history of Thai silk at the Jim Thompson House, an artful traditional Thai home.
Take the BTS to National Stadium Station.
THB 200, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at a local food stall

Grab a quick lunch at a local food stall near Jim Thompson House, trying a green curry for a true Thai experience.
Walk to a nearby food stall.
THB 70, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Chatuchak Weekend Market

Stroll through one of the largest markets in the world, Chatuchak, offering tons of shopping with a great local vibe at bargain prices.
Travel via MRT to Kamphaeng Phet Station.
Free, 3 hours

4:00PM

Coffee Break at a local café

Refresh yourself with a cup of Thai iced coffee at a nearby café to recharge before evening explorations.
Walk within the market area.
THB 60, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Baan Khanitha

End the day with a delicious Thai meal at Baan Khanitha, enjoying the authentic ambiance.
Take a BTS ride to Asok Station, then walk to the restaurant.
THB 300, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start early with a quick breakfast at the hotel or grab a quick snack from a nearby 7-Eleven.
Pack up and prepare for the day trip.
THB 50, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Ayutthaya

Catch a minivan or train to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital known for its stunning historical park.
Head to Mo Chit Station for minivans or Hua Lamphong for trains.
THB 200, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Ayutthaya Historical Park

Spend ample time exploring the ruins and temples of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, an awe-inspiring journey into Thailand's past.
Rent a bicycle to navigate around the park easily.
THB 60, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Enjoy a simple yet filling meal at a local restaurant, trying local delicacies such as Boat Noodles.
Cycle to the nearest restaurant.
THB 100, 1 hour

2:30PM

Continue exploring temples

Visit more temples within Ayutthaya, soaking in the rich historical vibes and taking lots of photos.
Cycle around the park.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Bangkok

Catch a return minivan or train back to Bangkok, reflecting on a day well spent.
Head back to the same station used in the morning.
THB 200, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Raan Jay Fai

Head for one last meal at the infamous Raan Jay Fai, indulging in her world-famous crab omelet.
Travel via a bus or tuk-tuk back to the city.
THB 600, 2 hours
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Day 4: Chill and Shop

Bangkok, Thailand

8:30AM

Breakfast at a local cafe

Savor a breakfast of toast with kaya and coffee at a local cafe to start your day right.
Take a short bus ride to a nearby cafe.
THB 50, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Erawan Shrine

Begin your day in the heart of Bangkok with a visit to the revered Erawan Shrine, famous for its traditional Thai dance performances.
Travel via BTS to Chit Lom Station.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Siam Paragon

Browse luxury shops at Siam Paragon; even if you don’t buy anything, the window shopping is enviable.
Walk to the shopping center from the shrine.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Som Tam Nua

Feast on mouthwatering Thai green papaya salad at Som Tam Nua, a favorite among locals.
A short walk from Siam Paragon.
THB 120, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Jim Thompson House

Return to Jim Thompson House to take a guided tour to learn more about Thai silk and its production.
Use the BTS to National Stadium Station.
THB 200, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Relax at a park

Unwind at Lumpini Park, soaking in the greenery and watching locals exercise and relax.
Take a short walk to the park from Jim Thompson House.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at local market

Head to a local night market for more delicious street food options.
Take a taxi to the night market.
THB 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Last Hurrah

Bangkok, Thailand

9:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before heading out for the day.
Prepare your things for check-out.
THB 100, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Wat Arun

Spend your morning visiting Wat Arun, known for its stunning riverside location and magnificent architecture.
Take a ferry across the river.
THB 100, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a cafe

Refuel at a riverside cafe with a view of the temple, savoring a delicious Pad See Ew.
Walk back to the riverfront for lunch.
THB 150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Shopping at MBK Center

Head to MBK Center to browse through countless shops at this famous local shopping mall.
Use the BTS to National Stadium Station.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Last-minute sightseeing at Khao San Road

Take a stroll down Khao San Road, absorbing its vibrant energy one last time.
Take a local bus or taxi.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant

Cap off your Bangkok adventure with a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant, enjoying stunning views of the skyline.
Walk to the nearest BTS station to reach a popular rooftop.
THB 600, 2 hours
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