Explore Bangkok on a Shoestring Budget: 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00 AM

Street Food Breakfast

Start your day with a delicious breakfast of Thai rice porridge (Congee) from a local street vendor.
Look for vendors near your accommodation or in local markets.
THB50, 30 min

9:00 AM

Visit Wat Phra Kaew

Explore the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin, then a river ferry to Tha Chang.
THB500, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore the Grand Palace

Adjacent to Wat Phra Kaew, the Grand Palace is a must-visit for its royal history and grandeur.
Walk over after visiting Wat Phra Kaew.
THB500, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Enjoy Pad Thai or Som Tum at a nearby local restaurant.
Choose eateries along Na Phra Lan Road.
THB80, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Wat Pho

Home of the famous Reclining Buddha, this temple is a serene escape not far from the Grand Palace.
Walk to Wat Pho; it's about a 10-minute walk.
THB200, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at Lumphini Park

Take a stroll or rent a paddleboat in this urban oasis to unwind after a busy day.
Take a river taxi back to Saphan Taksin, then ride the BTS to Silom.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Chinatown

Explore Yaowarat Road for a mix of Thai and Chinese street food, including grilled seafood.
Use the MRT to Hua Lamphong Station and walk to Chinatown.
THB150, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Market & Culture

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy a simple breakfast of toast and coffee at a nearby café.
Find a local café in your area.
THB60, 30 min

9:00 AM

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Wander through one of the world's largest markets, filled with unique handicrafts and delicious snacks.
Take the MRT to Kamphaeng Phet Station.
Free to enter, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Snack at the Market

Try coconut ice cream or fried bananas from the market stalls.
Grab a snack while exploring the market.
THB50, 30 min

12:00 PM

Lunch at the Market

Savor some spicy papaya salad or grilled chicken at the market food stalls.
Eat at one of the many food vendors.
THB80, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Jim Thompson House

Discover the history of Thai silk and explore the beautiful traditional house museum.
Take the BTS from Mo Chit to National Stadium.
THB150, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Explore Bangkok Art & Culture Center

Marvel at contemporary art and enjoy exhibitions highlighting Thai artists.
A short walk from Jim Thompson House.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Thip Samai Pad Thai

Indulge in the best Pad Thai in Bangkok at this famous establishment.
Take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
THB100, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day Trip to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, Thailand

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Fuel up with a simple breakfast before your day trip.
Enjoy a simple breakfast buffet if available.
THB100, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Ayutthaya

Catch an express train from Hua Lamphong Station to Ayutthaya.
Trains run regularly throughout the day.
THB300, 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

Visit Wat Mahathat

Explore the ruins and the iconic Buddha head entwined in a tree.
Rent a bicycle near the station to explore.
THB50, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore Wat Ratchabophit

Admire the beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
Continue biking from Wat Mahathat.
THB50, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Taste local specialties such as boat noodles or rice dishes.
Find a restaurant along the river or near the ruins.
THB80, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Explore the historical ruins that were part of the former royal palace.
Bike to the next temple location.
THB50, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Return to Bangkok

Catch a train back to Bangkok in the early afternoon.
Head back to Ayutthaya station.
THB300, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Raan Jay Fai

End your day with some Michelin-starred street food at this renowned local eatery.
Take a taxi from the station to the restaurant.
THB300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Modern Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy a refreshing smoothie bowl or fruit salad for a healthy start.
Find a café in the Sukhumvit area.
THB80, 30 min

9:00 AM

Explore Terminal 21 Shopping Mall

Wander through the unique themed floors of this popular mall.
Accessible via BTS at Asok Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Erawan Shrine

Experience this Hindu shrine amidst the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
Take a BTS train to Chit Lom.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Som Tum Nua

Savor authentic papaya salad and other Thai dishes at this famous spot.
Walk from Erawan Shrine.
THB100, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit the Bangkok Planetarium

Learn about astronomy through fun exhibits and shows.
BTS to On Nut Station and then a short taxi ride.
THB100, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Explore the Bangkok Butterfly Garden

Enjoy the vibrant butterfly exhibits and serene garden spaces.
Walk to the garden which is nearby.
THB50, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at a Local Food Stall

Experience various Thai dishes from street vendors around your area.
Explore local streets near your accommodation.
THB150, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Relax and Reflect

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your last day of exploring.
Enjoy a buffet or order your favorite dish.
THB100, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Bangkok's Floating Market

Experience the unique floating markets where you can shop and eat from a boat.
Take a taxi or local bus to the market location.
THB100, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art

Explore the fascinating exhibits showcasing modern Thai art.
A taxi ride from the floating market.
THB150, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Try a traditional Thai curry dish for lunch.
Find a small restaurant nearby.
THB100, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Last-minute Shopping

Wrap up your trip with shopping for souvenirs at local markets.
Return to Chatuchak or explore MBK Center.
THB0, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Dinner at Baan Khanitha

Celebrate your last meal in Bangkok with exquisite Thai cuisine.
A taxi ride from your shopping location.
THB300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability