5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Bangkok, Thailand

Day 1: Discover Historic Temples

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Jay Fai

Start your day with an inexpensive yet delicious plate of Khao Pad (fried rice) at this famous street eatery run by a Michelin Star chef.
Located in the old town area, you can reach it by taking a tuk-tuk.
THB 100, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Wat Pho

Explore the stunning temple housing the Reclining Buddha and enjoy a relaxing traditional Thai massage.
A short walk from Jay Fai, approximately 15 minutes.
THB 200, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Thip Samai

Savor Bangkok’s best Pad Thai from this popular restaurant which is both affordable and flavorful.
Take a short tuk-tuk ride from Wat Pho.
THB 80, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore the Grand Palace

Marvel at the architectural masterpiece and the Emerald Buddha inside the Grand Palace complex.
Just a 20-minute walk from Thip Samai.
THB 500, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Stroll through Sanam Luang

Relax and enjoy the open park space adjacent to the Grand Palace, perfect for people-watching.
Right next to the Grand Palace.
Free, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at Roti Mataba

End your day with delicious Malaysian-style roti and curry at this local darling.
Take a short walk or tuk-tuk to this restaurant.
THB 100, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Retail Therapy and Culture

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Enjoy a traditional Thai breakfast of rice porridge with a side of crispy fried dough.
Take a BTS train to Surasak station and a short walk.
THB 65, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market

Visit one of the largest markets in the world, offering plenty of bargains and culture.
Take the BTS to Mo Chit station and follow the signs to the market.
Free (shopping varies), 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Chatuchak

Grab some street food from one of the market stalls, with options like fried chicken, noodles, and desserts.
Eat within the market area to save time.
THB 50, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Jim Thompson House

Explore the beautiful home of the silk entrepreneur filled with beautiful art collections.
Take the MRT to Sukhumvit and then a short walk.
THB 200, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Relax at Lumpini Park

Enjoy a leisurely walk or rent a paddleboat at this peaceful urban oasis.
Take the MRT to Lumphini station.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Pad Thai Thip Samai

Indulge in another epic Pad Thai dinner before calling it a day.
Take a short MRT ride back to the previous Thip Samai location.
THB 80, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Culinary Delights and History

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Start your day with a flaky Thai coconut pastry from a nearby bakery.
Find a local bakery walking distance from your accommodation.
THB 40, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Cooking Class

Take a budget-friendly cooking class to learn how to make classic Thai dishes and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Pre-book a local cooking class in the Banglamphu area.
THB 700, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Or Tor Kor Market

Sample some of the freshest and most delicious Thai street food available at this local market.
Take a short taxi from the cooking class to the market.
THB 70, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit the National Museum

Explore Thai history through exhibitions showcasing artifacts from prehistoric times to the modern era.
A short taxi or tuk-tuk ride from the market.
THB 200, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Wander around Khao San Road

Experience the bustling backpacker area filled with shops and street vendors.
Take a 10-minute walk from the museum.
Free (shopping varies), 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Sam's Fried Rice

Finish the day with casual dishes like fried rice or noodles in this laid-back eatery.
Take a short walk from Khao San Road.
THB 70, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore the Modern and the Markets

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy a simple breakfast of toast and coffee at a charming local café.
Find a nearby café using Google Maps.
THB 50, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Center

Admire contemporary art exhibitions at this innovative cultural space.
Take the BTS to National Stadium station.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Explore MBK Center

A paradise for bargain hunters, this shopping mall offers all sorts of items from fashion to tech.
Walk from the Art Center to MBK (about 10 minutes).
Free (shopping varies), 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at MBK Food Court

Choose from a variety of cheap Thai dishes at the food court for the ultimate street food feel.
Inside MBK Center.
THB 80, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Erawan Shrine

Pay your respects at this popular Hindu shrine known for its beautiful architecture and live dance performances.
Take a BTS train to Chit Lom station.
Free, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Shopping at Central World

Explore one of Thailand's largest shopping complexes offering a wide range of goods and entertainment.
A short walk from Erawan Shrine.
Free (shopping varies), 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at The street food stalls near Central World

Dig into some tasty local dishes available at the bustling street food stalls around the shopping area.
Just outside Central World.
THB 100, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Last Day of Exploration

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at a Local Market

Try a bowl of traditional Thai noodle soup from a friendly vendor.
Visit a nearby local market.
THB 60, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit to the Bangkok Butterfly Garden

Marvel at various species of butterflies in this beautifully landscaped garden.
Take the BTS to the Mo Chit direction.
THB 50, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Wang Lang Market

Dive into local snacks and street food while enjoying riverside views of the Chao Phraya River.
Take a ferry from Phra Athit to the market.
Free (food costs vary), 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Wang Lang Market

Sample some of the local specialties at this market for a delicious and cheap meal.
Stay within the market area.
THB 80, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Wat Arun

Cross the river to visit the iconic Temple of Dawn, famous for its stunning porcelain decoration.
Take a ferry from Wang Lang Market.
THB 100, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Last Minute Shopping in Chinatown

Discover unique souvenirs and sample street food.
Take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Chinatown.
Free (shopping varies), 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Final Dinner at T&K Seafood

Experience the flavors of fresh seafood in one of Chinatown's popular restaurants.
Walk within Chinatown to reach the restaurant.
THB 200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability