7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Bangkok & Pattaya, Thailand

Day 1: Explore Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Street Food Breakfast

Start your day with a delicious Thai breakfast at a local street vendor, enjoying dishes like jok (rice porridge) and fresh fruit.
Find a street vendor near your accommodation.
THB 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Grand Palace Visit

Explore the magnificent Grand Palace, home to the Emerald Buddha and stunning architecture.
Take a ferry across the river to the palace.
THB 500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Thip Samai Pad Thai

Savor the best Pad Thai in Bangkok at Thip Samai, a local institution known for its flavorful dishes.
A short walk from the Grand Palace.
THB 100, 1 hour

1:30PM

Wat Pho Exploration

Visit Wat Pho, home to the famous reclining Buddha and traditional Thai massage school.
A 10-minute walk from Thip Samai.
THB 200, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Riverside Relaxation

Take a relaxing stroll along the Chao Phraya River, soaking in the sights and sounds of the city.
Walk along the riverfront near Wat Pho.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Night Market

Enjoy affordable local dishes at a nearby night market, meeting locals and fellow travelers.
Take a short taxi or ride on public transit to the night market.
THB 120, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Visit Khao San Road

Experience the vibrant backpacker scene on Khao San Road, grabbing drinks and mingling with travelers.
Quick taxi ride or a 30-minute walk from the night market.
THB 100 (for drinks), 2 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Start your day with a traditional Thai breakfast at On Lok Yun, enjoying rice soups and local desserts.
Walk from your accommodation.
THB 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Jim Thompson House

Tour the stunning Jim Thompson House, a museum and former home showcasing traditional Thai architecture.
Take the BTS to National Stadium station.
THB 200, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Explore the vast Chatuchak Weekend Market for shopping, food, and unique finds.
Take the BTS to Mo Chit station.
Free to enter; shopping costs vary., 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chatuchak

Try a variety of delicious Thai dishes from street vendors at the market.
Eat at one of the many stalls within the market.
THB 80, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Lumphini Park

Walk off your lunch with a stroll or bike ride through the peaceful Lumphini Park.
Take a taxi or public transport to the park from Chatuchak.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Bang Krachao

Rent a bike and explore the 'Green Lung' of Bangkok, enjoying the serene landscapes away from the city buzz.
Take a ferry from Bang Na to Bang Krachao.
THB 50 (bike rental), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Boat Noodles Alley

Sample various flavors of boat noodles at this famous alley, where you can try multiple bowls cheaply.
Return to the mainland and head to the alley.
THB 150, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Shopping & Relaxation

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Khao San Road

Grab a quick breakfast of pancakes or omelets from a local café on Khao San Road before starting your day.
Walk to a nearby café.
THB 60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shopping at MBK Center

Spend your morning exploring the MBK Center, known for affordable clothing, electronics, and souvenirs.
Take the BTS to National Stadium station.
Free to enter, shopping costs vary., 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at MBK Center Food Court

Enjoy a variety of affordable Thai dishes at the MBK food court.
Grab lunch inside MBK Center.
THB 100, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Erawan Shrine

Experience the serenity of the Erawan Shrine, renowned for its four-faced Buddha and cultural significance.
Take the BTS to Chit Lom.
Free; donations welcome., 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Terminal 21

Enjoy the unique shopping experience at Terminal 21, themed around different global cities.
Next to Asok station on the BTS.
Free to enter; shopping costs vary., 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Afternoon Café Stop

Re-energize at a coffee shop with a local brew and sweet treat.
Choose a café in Terminal 21 or nearby.
THB 70, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Som Tam Nua

Indulge in the famous Green Papaya Salad at Som Tam Nua, packed with flavors and local ingredients.
A short taxi or walk from Terminal 21.
THB 120, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Evening at Asiatique Riverfront

Take a stroll along the Asiatique Riverfront night market for shopping and entertainment.
Take a ferry from Saphan Taksin station.
Free to enter; shopping costs vary., 2 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Pattaya

Pattaya, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Cafe

Savor your last Bangkok breakfast at a local cafe before heading to Pattaya.
Walk to a café near your accommodation.
THB 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Pattaya

Catch a bus to Pattaya for a scenic ride to the beach city.
Head to the Eastern Bus Terminal.
THB 130, 2 hours

12:00PM

Check-in to Accommodation

Check in to your budget hotel or guesthouse in Pattaya.
Located in a central area.
THB 600 (per night), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Pattaya Beach

Grab a quick bite at one of the beachside eateries serving fresh seafood and Thai dishes.
Walk to the beach from your accommodation.
THB 100, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon soaking up the sun at Pattaya Beach, swimming and relaxing.
Relax on the beach, close to restaurants.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at the Beachfront Market

Enjoy dinner at the Pattaya beachfront market, tasting local specialties and fresh seafood.
Walk along the beach to the market.
THB 150, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Walking Street Exploration

Experience the nightlife of Pattaya by strolling down Walking Street, filled with bars, clubs, and entertainment.
A 10-minute walk from the beachfront market.
Free; drinks and entertainment costs vary., 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Adventure in Pattaya

Pattaya, Thailand

7:30AM

Breakfast at a Local Eatery

Start your day with a hearty breakfast from a local eatery, featuring Thai and Western options.
Nearby your accommodation.
THB 80, 1 hour

9:00AM

Coral Island Day Trip

Take a budget-friendly boat trip to Coral Island, known for its beautiful beaches and water activities.
Book a tour at the beach near your accommodation.
THB 900 (including boat and lunch), 6 hours

3:00PM

Return to Pattaya

After a wonderful time at Coral Island, return to your accommodation to refresh.
Boat back to Pattaya; walk back to your hotel.
Included in boat trip cost., 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Art in Paradise

Enjoy immersive 3D art exhibits at Art in Paradise, where you can take fun photos.
Take a taxi to the museum.
THB 400, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Thepprasit Night Market

Feast on delicious Thai street food at Thepprasit Night Market, known for its lively atmosphere.
Take a tuk-tuk to Thepprasit.
THB 120, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Pattaya Beach Night Walk

Enjoy a relaxed evening walk along Pattaya Beach, taking in the night views.
Walk back from Thepprasit Night Market.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nature & Culture in Pattaya

Pattaya, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Cozy Café

Indulge in breakfast at a cozy café, enjoying fresh coffee and pastries.
Close to your accommodation.
THB 70, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Explore the beautiful Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, known for its stunning landscapes and cultural shows.
Take a taxi to Nong Nooch.
THB 500 (entrance fee), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Nong Nooch Café

Grab a quick lunch at the café inside Nong Nooch Garden.
Eat at the garden premises.
THB 150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Pattaya Floating Market

Visit Pattaya Floating Market for shopping and tasting local delicacies from the canals.
Take a taxi to the floating market.
THB 200 (entrance fee), 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Your Accommodation

Take some time to relax and recharge at your accommodation before dinner.
Return to your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Early Dinner at La Baguette

Enjoy a delightful early dinner at La Baguette, featuring delicious Vietnamese sandwiches.
A short walk from your accommodation.
THB 150, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Visit Sanctuary of Truth

Explore the stunning Sanctuary of Truth, a wooden temple filled with intricate carvings and cultural significance.
Take a taxi to the sanctuary.
THB 500, 2 hours
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Day 7: Return to Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Last Breakfast in Pattaya

Have one last breakfast at a local spot, enjoying your favorite Thai dishes.
Close to your accommodation.
THB 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel Back to Bangkok

Take the bus back to Bangkok, reflecting on your trip during the ride.
Return to the Eastern Bus Terminal.
THB 130, 2 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at Bangkok Hotel

Check in to your budget accommodation in Bangkok for your last night.
Choose a central location.
THB 600 (per night), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Street Food Stalls

Fill up with lunch from the street food stalls near your new accommodation.
Walk to the street food area.
THB 80, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shopping at Pratunam Market

Shop for affordable clothing and souvenirs at Pratunam Market, known for its bargains.
Take a short taxi ride to the market.
Free to enter; shopping costs vary., 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at T&K Seafood

End your Bangkok journey with fresh seafood at T&K Seafood in Chinatown, a popular dining spot.
Take a taxi to Chinatown.
THB 200, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Relax at Your Hotel

Spend your last evening relaxing, reviewing your trip and packing for the journey ahead.
Walk back to your hotel.
Free, 2 hours
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