5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Bangkok, Thailand

Day 1: Explore Ancient Temples

Bangkok, Thailand

7:30AM

Breakfast at Jay Fai

Start your day with a delicious bowl of crab omelette at Jay Fai, known for its street food and Michelin-starred cuisine.
Located in the Old Town, easily reachable via BTS to MRT.
THB 100, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Wat Pho

Explore the stunning Wat Pho, home to the famous Reclining Buddha and a tranquil temple atmosphere.
Walk from breakfast spot to Wat Pho, about 15 minutes.
THB 200, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Grand Palace

Next, head to the Grand Palace, a historical complex that showcases stunning architecture and rich history.
15-minute walk from Wat Pho.
THB 500, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Thip Samai

Enjoy some of Bangkok's best Pad Thai at Thip Samai, a famous eatery adored by locals and tourists alike.
Take a short tuk-tuk ride from the Grand Palace.
THB 90, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Khao San Road

Spend the afternoon wandering the vibrant Khao San Road, filled with shops, street performances, and budget accommodation options.
Walk about 15 minutes from Thip Samai.
Free entry, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Roti Mataba

Savor some delicious roti with curry at Roti Mataba, a gem less traveled by tourists.
Short walk from Khao San Road.
THB 60, 1 hour

6:30PM

Visit the nearby Animation Museum

Post-dinner, take a stroll to the Animation Museum to see impressive works from local artists.
10-minute walk from dinner spot.
THB 50, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Local Markets and Parks

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at On Nut Market

Start your day with fresh fruits and local snacks available at On Nut Market.
Take BTS to On Nut station.
THB 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Dive into the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market for shopping and people-watching in this massive hotspot with over 8,000 stalls.
BTS ride from On Nut to Mo Chit station.
Free entry, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Market Stall

Grab authentic Thai street food at one of the stalls inside Chatuchak, try the pork satay!
Within Chatuchak Market, choose any stall.
THB 80, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lumphini Park Visit

Wander over to Lumphini Park for a refreshing escape from the bustling markets with natural beauty and local wildlife.
Take a taxi or tuk-tuk for a quick ride.
Free entry, 2 hours

3:30PM

Coffee Break at Ristr8to Lab

Take a coffee break at Ristr8to Lab, famous for its artistic latte art.
A short ride from Lumphini Park.
THB 100, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Jim Thompson House

Explore the lush gardens and silk house that tells the story of Jim Thompson, an influential American who helped revive the Thai silk industry.
Walk or take a tuk-tuk to nearby Jim Thompson House.
THB 200, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Boon Tong Kee

Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner featuring delicious Hainanese chicken rice at Boon Tong Kee.
Short walk from Jim Thompson House.
THB 90, 1 hour
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Day 3: Art and Local Neighborhoods

Bangkok, Thailand

8:30AM

Breakfast at Khao San Road

Fuel up with pancakes and coffee in the lively atmosphere of Khao San Road.
Within walking distance from your accommodation.
THB 80, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Explore contemporary art exhibitions at this vibrant hub that showcases local talent.
Take BTS to National Stadium station.
Free entry, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Som Tum Nua

Savor delicious green papaya salad at Som Tum Nua, famous among locals.
Approximately a 5-minute walk from the art centre.
THB 80, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Erawan Shrine

Next, head to Erawan Shrine to experience traditional Thai rituals and a peaceful atmosphere.
BTS ride to Chit Lom station.
Free entry, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Sukhumvit Soi 38 Street Food

Explore Sukhumvit Soi 38 to enjoy a variety of authentic street food options.
Take a short tuk-tuk ride from Erawan Shrine.
Budget around THB 100 for multiple dishes., 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Terminal 21 Shopping Mall

Wander through the uniquely themed Terminal 21, each floor representing a different city around the world.
Very close by, walk from Sukhumvit Soi.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Foodland Supermarket

Enjoy affordable and wholesome Thai food at the Foodland Supermarket in their ready-to-eat section.
Easy walk from Terminal 21.
THB 70, 1 hour
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Day 4: Riverside Adventures

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel or nearby cafe

Start your day with a simple breakfast of toast and coffee at a nearby café for a budget-friendly start.
Look for local cafes within walking distance.
THB 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Take a Boat to Wat Arun

Take a scenic boat ride across the river to visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, and enjoy its stunning architecture.
Ferry boat from Tha Tien Pier.
THB 50, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Thonburi Canals

Join a guided boat tour through Thonburi's canals, experiencing local life along the waterways.
Opt for a boat tour available at Wat Arun.
THB 250, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Savor a lunch of traditional Thai curry at a local eatery along the river.
Available on the boat tour or nearby.
THB 120, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Museum of Contemporary Art

Spend your afternoon at the Museum of Contemporary Art, showcasing diverse works from Thai and international artists.
Take a taxi or tuk-tuk from lunch location.
THB 200, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Chatuchak Park

Unwind at Chatuchak Park, an ideal place for some peace amid nature.
Short tuk-tuk ride from the museum.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Watthakhan Market

Dine at Watthakhan Market, where you can find diverse street food options for dinner.
Take a bus or tuk-tuk back to the market area.
THB 80, 1 hour
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Day 5: Cultural & Historical Immersion

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at a local bakery to kickstart your last day.
Find a bakery close by, ideally on the way to your first destination.
THB 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit National Museum

Immerse yourself in Thailand's history at the National Museum, displaying artifacts from ancient times.
Take a tuk-tuk or bus to the museum.
THB 200, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kuang Seafood

Indulge in fresh seafood at Kuang Seafood, a local favorite for Thai-style dishes.
Short ride from the museum.
THB 100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Chinatown (Yaowarat)

Spend your afternoon exploring the bustling streets of Chinatown, known for its vibrant energy and delicious snacks.
Take a bus or tuk-tuk to Yaowarat.
Free entry, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Wat Traimit

Visit Wat Traimit, home to the Golden Buddha, an impressive sight you can’t miss.
A short walk from Chinatown.
THB 100, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at T&K Seafood

Conclude your Bangkok adventure with a feast of seafood at T&K Seafood in Chinatown, a popular dining spot.
Walking distance within Chinatown.
THB 120, 1 hour
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