Backpacking in Bangkok: Essential Tips for Your First Adventure

We still remember our first approach to the chaotic streets of Bangkok. We hated it! It was too much, and I hoped never to get back to the Thai Capital. Fast Forward three years later, we went to Bangkok and passed by several times until we based ourselves for two months straight.

That’s life. We learned to love Bangkok, even though I still hate the tuk-tuk horns at all hours of the day and night.

As budget travellers, we’ve used Bangkok as our Southeast Asia hub. If it’s your first approach to the continent, you’ll likely be one of the many backpackers in Bangkok, too.

In this guide, we have gathered our fair share of hard-earned wisdom. Sharing personal anecdotes, mistakes and great moments, for sure, this is the Backpacker’s guide to Bangkok we wish we had before landing.

First-Timer Tips from Our Bangkok Blunders

We’ve made plenty of mistakes (which we’ll happily share), discovered hidden gems, and developed a deep affection for this energetic city that most backpackers merely pass through.

But our initial days in Bangkok were definitely overwhelming. We stumbled off the plane, directly into Bangkok heat. Puzzled with the airport to find our Grab and reach our Khao San guesthouse.

To avoid dealing with wi-fi at the airport (terrible), get an e-sim. You’ll be connected on landing; we use Airalo as it is cheap.

If you are staying longer, grab a local SIM Card. AIS worked for us all over the country.

ATM withdrawals are tricky in Bangkok, especially in shady places. Avoid Khao San Road at all costs Khao San Road, and take money out only on banks. Our preferred one is Krungsri, which allows you to take up to 30,000 THB at a time.

How we adapted to food when we first arrived

On our first few days, we only ate at Khao San restaurants. It was easy and cheap (by our European standards), and a lot of people ate there. We went back there a couple of years and some more experience later, and there are still good deals.

A few days after our arrival, a friend took us around. Dave was certainly more accustomed to Thai food than us. We had the best introduction and learned the processes, ingredients and spices.

That experience forever changed our Thai food game! If you have a friend like Dave, ask for help on your first experience as a backpacker in Bangkok. We wish we had tried street eats straight away instead of wasting cash on subpar Western fare.

But the best tip a veteran backpacker can give about Thailand is to eat at 7/11. For quick lunches, 7/11 has great sandwiches in the cold section.

Grab a sandwich for less than $1, pay at the cashier, and they will warm it up for you. You can even get other products microwaved or toasted. I’ve made large use of 7/11, with coffee, morning quick breakfast and snacks for long trips.

When to Visit Bangkok (Lessons from Multiple Trips)

Honestly, it’s always a good excuse to get a one-way ticket to Thailand. However, there are some things about seasons you must know. When we first arrived in Bangkok, it was November. Yes, the weather was great, but it was the beginning of the touristy season.

Prices were higher, places were packed, and scarcity of finding attractions tickets. We were lucky enough to have everything planned at least 4 months ahead of the trip.

Over the years, we’ve returned to Bangkok during every season. It has given us a unique perspective on when the city truly shines. While February offers ideal weather, it’s not ideal if you are on a tight budget and are a more relaxed backpacker.

Our absolute favourite time to visit has been during the Loy Krathong Festival, when the city transforms as locals release decorated baskets with candles onto the water. We did it, and it’s memorable.

If you’re looking to balance good weather with lower prices, consider the shoulder seasons (March-May, September-October). During our September/October visit, we caught the tail-end of monsoon season.

Still remember our walking tour of Chinatown, just coming short because of heavy rain. A lovely owner of a cafe in Talat Noi hosted us. Anyway, less crowds are friends of any backpacker in Bangkok. You’ll discover more, better and pay less.

How Many Days Backpacking Bangkok?

Most backpackers spend at least 2 full days exploring Bangkok, but to truly experience everything this electrifying city has to offer, we’d recommend 4 to 5 days.

This will give you time to see the top sites like the Grand Palace, Wat Po, and Wat Arun while also leaving room for getting lost in Chinatown’s maze of markets, sampling street food in Banglamphu, pub crawling on Khao San Road, and taking a river cruise at sunset.

How Much Does it Cost to Backpack Bangkok?

Bangkok can be done very cheaply if you’re savvy. While it’s not as inexpensive as other parts of Thailand (Chiang Mai costs 30% less), you can comfortably get by on a backpacker budget of $25-40 USD per day. If you are experienced, we have travelled through Bangkok about six times on a $50 per day as a couple.

Here’s a rough breakdown of typical daily costs:

• Accommodation – $5-15 for a hostel dorm bed / Account $20/25 for a double room
• Food – $5-10 for cheap street food and basic restaurant meals
• Transportation – $2-5 for buses, trains, taxis
• Attractions – $5-15 for entrance fees to temples, parks and museums (Most temples are free or very cheap)
• Drinks – $2-5 for beers at backpacker bars
• Sim Card – $10 for 8GB data plan

So you’re looking at spending around $1000-$ 1500 for a whole month backpacking Bangkok. However, if you follow our money-saving tips below, you can stick to a tight budget without sacrificing fun!

Bangkok Backpacking Tips to Save Money

Follow these handy tips from our experience backpacking Bangkok over multiple trips to save money and make your budget stretch further:

Eat street food and local restaurants: Avoid expensive Western-style restaurants and eat like a local at street stalls and small family-run restaurants to save money on meals without sacrificing taste or quality. Pad Thai is just $1-2 from a street cart!

Stick to public transportation. Bangkok has plenty of super-cheap bus, train, boat, and metro options. Tuk-tuks and taxis are convenient but often overpriced, so use them sparingly.

Get a tourist SIM card: Having mobile data is essential for maps and research. SIM cards with data plans start around $10.

Book affordable accommodation outside the city centre. Staying in backpacker districts like Banglamphu and Phra Khanong will save you tons compared to fancy hotels downtown. Khao San Road Hostels are cheap, but you must book in advance.

Visit free temples and parks: Entrance fees add up, but many of Bangkok’s best landmarks, like Lumpini Park, are totally free.

Take an overnight train/bus for long trips – This saves on accommodation and transport costs for places like Chiang Mai. Read our guide on taking the sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Drink at backpacker bars: Khao San Road and Soi Rambuttri offer the cheapest drink deals. Or buy from 7-Eleven instead of bars.

Best areas to stay on a Backpacker’s Budget

Bangkok has no shortage of affordable accommodation, with quirky hostels and guesthouses galore. Here are the top neighbourhoods for backpackers to stay on a budget:

Khao San Road & Banglamphu

The iconic backpacker district! Khao San Road and the surrounding Banglamphu area have the highest concentration of cheap hostels. It is convenient to explore major highlights like the Grand Palace, too. But it is very touristy. Dorm beds start around 200 THB.

Phra Khanong

A cool, up-and-coming neighbourhood with quirky bars, cafes, and art galleries, it has more of a local vibe than Khao San, but it still has excellent budget digs and transport links.

Sukhumvit (Sois 1-8)

Great budget nightlife and lots of cheap guest houses located just off the main Sukhumvit Road. It’s not as atmospheric as Banglamphu but super connected by BTS Skytrain.

Siam Square 

Siam Square is centrally located near malls and BTS Skytrain lines. The area is modern and less noisy than Banglamphu. Expect to pay 400+ THB for dorm beds.

Pratunam & Petchaburi

Haven’t you heard of it? That’s what keeps prices low! But it’s right next to the famous Pratunam Market and Platinum Mall, with some ultra-budget hostels.

Best Hostels in Bangkok for backpackers

We choose hostels offering chill vibes, sociable common spaces, and solid amenities for budget-friendly prices. After staying at dozens, a few favourites stand out from the pack.

MAD MONKEY // To meet fellow travellers, we bunk at social spots like Mad Monkey Bangkok. Their poolside hangout area sets a laid-back tone. And daily events like beer pong battles make kicking it with new friends easy.

Samseen Hostel // A fantastic hotel with bunk beds, a pool with open-air cinema, and more perks is Samseen Street. It has dorms and private rooms with balconies. Our last stay in Bangkok was fantastic, and the rates were cheap. CHECK THE AVAILABILITY.

YARD HOSTEL // Seeking style on a shoestring budget, we frequently opt for The Yard Hostel’s minimalist design. Their rooftop bar overlooking Old Town provides amazing sunset views with our Chang beers, too!

Where to stay in Bangkok for the first time

If it is your first time in Bangkok, it is overwhelming trying to decide where to stay. Well, we came to the rescue and answered that question many times. Our top recommendations are Khao San Road, Silom, Soi Samsen, Ratchathewi and Sukhumvit, 

Khao San Road and Soi Samsen Area

The vibrant backpacker area around Khao San Road is a classic place to stay for Bangkok newbies. It’s central, budget-friendly, and puts you right in the thick of things with lots of fellow travellers.

The downside is that it can be noisy and overwhelming. If you want to stay away from the buzz, stay in Soi Samsen, as it is quieter and quieter but within walking distance of Khao San Road and the Cha Prha River boat stop.

Sukhumvit

For a more modern and upscale area, try Sukhumvit. You’ll find lots of nice hotels, restaurants, nightlife options, and shopping malls. It has a Skytrain line running through it, making getting around easy. The vibe here is less chaotic than Khao San Road.

Silom

Silom offers another great central option, with a mix of luxury hotels and budget guesthouses. It has a business district feel but also attractions like Lumpini Park. Public transport is convenient, with the MRT subway and river ferries nearby. It’s calmer than other tourist zones.

Getting Around Bangkok on a Backpacker’s Budget

Bangkok has one of the world’s best public transport systems, making getting around extremely affordable. Here are the best budget transport options:

Walk

Unfortunately, Bangkok is a big city, and you must organise your transportation to visit everything. We thought that staying at a hotel on Khao San Road was perfect and central, but the truth is that you must rely on taxis, tuk-tuks, or public transport to get around. If you want to walk, you can do it locally.

BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway

Bangkok’s metro and elevated train systems are modern, efficient, air-conditioned, and crazy cheap, at around $0.50-1 per ride. They are perfect for covering longer distances.

Public Buses

Bangkok buses go everywhere. Rides start at less than $0.30. There is no AC, but it is a true local experience.

Boats

Hop on the Chao Phraya Express boats for $0.30 per ride, or take the Saen Saeb canal boats to get across town fast for just $0.70.

Tuk Tuks

Perfect for short journeys where buses don’t go. Bargain hard and pay no more than $1-2 per ride.

GrabBike and Motorbike Taxi

Locals mainly use these motorbike rideshares and taxis. Cheap but not the safest option for tourists.

Grab Bolt and InDrive for taxis

One of the most affordable and hassle-free ways for us to get around Bangkok was by taking a Grab. However, the TaxiApp isn’t always the cheapest way to commute within Bangkok.

In fact, if it’s your first time in Southeast Asia, we suggest downloading Grab, Bolt, and InDrive before landing.

With these three apps, you are always on top of transportation everywhere, in Thailand or in other countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Drivers in Thailand are super friendly, and booking a taxi through the App allows you to state the location of drop-off without problems. However, not all drivers speak English, and you might encounter communication issues with taxis.

Also, considering that Taxis with Metres are rare in Bangkok, we waited over 30 minutes to get a taxi with metres, so we gave up and started to walk to a nearby station. Well, this was before we had a data connection.

Pro Travel Tip

Get an Airalo E-Sim or purchase a tourist SIM Card with unlimited data and use Google Maps for navigation and Grab/Bolt to order a taxi.

Getting From Bangkok Airport To Khao San Road

The cheapest ways to get from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to the Khao San Road backpacker area are by airport rail link, public bus, or local taxi. You can check the train Schedule here and also purchase the ticket in advance. Below, you will find details for every form of transportation from Bangkok International Airport.

Suvarnabhumi Airport To Khao San Road 

Local Bus: Take the airport rail link to Phaya Thai BTS Station, then local bus #59 to Banglamphu (Khao San Road). The total total cost is around 35 THB.

Private Transfer: Pre-booked private taxi or minivan service. Prices are around 300-500 THB.

Airport Rail Link: Take the train to Phaya Thai station, then taxi or local bus #59. The total cost is around 50+ THB.

Taxi: Metered taxis take 30-60 minutes to Khao San Road. Estimate 400-500 THB total fare. Agree on fare before getting on board.

Things to do in Bangkok on a budget

Every time we are back in Bangkok, there is something else to see, from attractions to new pop-up bars and stores. As one of Asia’s most thrilling cities, Bangkok offers seemingly endless attractions and activities. Here are top picks you can’t miss, especially if it is your first time in Southeast Asia.

Visit The Grand Palace

This stunning palace complex with golden spires is Bangkok’s most famous landmark. Don’t miss the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Go early to avoid crowds. Entry fee 500 THB.

Reclining Buddha (Wat Po) 

Located next to the Grand Palace, Wat Po Temple is home to Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha, which measures a staggering 46 metres long and is covered in gold leaf. The entry fee is 100 THB.

Check Out The Markets

Markets are the best affordable way to eat in Thailand, not only in Bangkok. Also, consider that it is the best experience to see the local life. Explore Bangkok’s chaotic street markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market, Chinatown’s maze of food stalls, and Patpong Night Market. Bargain hard for deals on everything from clothes to souvenirs.

Public boat on the Chao Phraya River

If you are on a budget, one of the cheapest ways to get around is taking the public boat that docks on the Chao Phraya River. It is easy to get on board with fees starting from 16THB, paying only in cash at the entrance.

Stop at spots like Wat Arun, Chinatown, Talat Noi and the flower market.

Wat Arun

The most impressive temple in Thailand, located on the Chao Phraya River, is beautiful but most suggestive at sunset. This Buddhist temple is renowned for its massive 82-metre-tall porcelain-encrusted central tower, which sparkles radiantly in the sun. The entry fee is 50 THB.

Food Tour

Take a guided nighttime food tour of Yaowarat Road through Bangkok’s Chinatown district to feast on authentic street eats like chicken rice, noodles, and traditional sweets. Prices are around 900 THB. Check out this food tour, the best in town.

Lumpini Park

Escape the city chaos with a leisurely stroll through downtown Bangkok’s largest park. Spot locals doing tai chi, jogging, and slacklining. Afterwards, rent a paddle boat on the lake. Entry is free!

Khao San Road  

Known as the backpacker’s street in Bangkok, it is impossible to omit from your itinerary. Soak up Bangkok’s legendary backpacker scene on this iconic street packed with guesthouses, bars, clubs, shops, tattoo parlours, and street food stalls that buzz with energy 24/7.

It’s a must-do Bangkok experience! Even if you are planning a quick one-day itinerary in Bangkok, you can’t miss it.

Partying in Bangkok’s Backpacker’s Hoods

Khao San Road’s nightly carnivalesque atmosphere entices backpackers seeking to rage hard on the cheap. Its neon-lit sois (side streets) host rowdy clubs like Brick Bar and live music joints like Jazz Happens. We kick off nights on Khao San before migrating to more chilled nearby ‘hoods.

Down a side street off the top of Khao San, Soi Rambuttri offers a happening yet less hectic scene.

Reggae bars like the legendary Sunset pump bumping island vibes onto the street. Chill hostel bars like Viva & Aviv pour cheap Chang beers ‘til late.

Best Markets in Bangkok

At weekends, we rise early to beat the crowds and heat at Chatuchak Market. Walking around over 8,000 stalls selling everything under the sun overwhelms your senses! But scoring handmade hill tribe bracelets, vintage Thai rock band tees, custom leather sandals, and quirky home decor make it worth braving the chaos.

Pratunam’s warren of shops and stalls also satisfies our inner shopaholics. We sharpen our bartering skills to get the best deals on impossibly cheap clothing and accessories.

At night time, head to the “Night Train Market Ratchada”; make sure you are visiting this one as there are many with the same name but not the same feeling. We loved this buzzing market and went back every time to Bangkok.

Take A Cooking Class

Learn to cook authentic Thai dishes like pad thai, tom yum soup and green curry for just $30, including ingredients and recipes to take home. Book your cooking class here!

Get a Thai massage

Recharge those travel-weary muscles with a foot or Thai massage from $5-10 an hour.

Bangkok 3-day itinerary for backpackers:

Day 1: Old City

Start by visiting the iconic sites of the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun, one of the most instagrammable places in Bangkok. Have a traditional Thai lunch at a restaurant near Wat Pho, then check out some of the museums like the National Museum and Museum Siam. Finish with dinner at a night market and drinks on Khao San Road.

Day 2: Markets and Shopping

Spend the day exploring Bangkok’s famous markets, such as Chatuchak Weekend Market, Pratunam, and Pahurat Textile Market. Haggle for souvenirs and clothes.

Refuel with street food as you go. End the day relaxing at Benjasiri Park and then a rooftop bar.

Day 3: Explore Chinatown 

Wake up early and take the river ferry to explore the narrow alleyways of Chinatown and Talat Noi. Visit Wat Traimit and its golden Buddha, then wander down Yaowarat Road for Chinese snacks and temples. Have an authentic dim sum lunch and check out Song Wat Road.

See the colourful flower market in Pak Khlong Talat, then take the Skytrain to the Asiatique night market for shopping, entertainment, and dinner by the river.

Optional Activities:

Is Bangkok Safe for Backpackers?

Bangkok is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, and locals are extremely friendly to foreigners. However, petty theft (especially smartphones) and scams do occur targeting tourists.

Follow basic precautions, such as avoiding quiet, dark streets at night, not taking tuk-tuks down deserted alleys, and keeping valuables secure in hostel lockers. Also, be wary of strangers approaching you to chat, especially around major tourist sites.

Use hotel safes, don’t carry all your cash at once, and watch for snatch thieves and bag slashers in crowded areas.

Get travel insurance and a spare debit card in case the worst does happen. We use HeyMondo Annual Insurance for all travels and SafetyWing for specific trips.

Stay Hydrated: Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

Among the safety tips we want to give in this guide, carrying a water bottle with you is one of the most important. Given Bangkok’s steamy climate, we constantly crave cold beverages. Buying plastic water bottles everywhere proved pricey and harmful to the environment, so we switched to packing refillable bottles and hydrating smarter.

Now, we fill up for free at hostel water stations, temple fountains, or convenience stores. Not only is lugging a bottle economical and eco-friendly, but having water on hand provides peace of mind in Bangkok’s oppressive heat. You can buy one once arrived in Bangkok – Chinatown Market has cheap and big enough bottles.

Cost per day to travel to Bangkok

If you’re backpacking Bangkok on a tight budget, plan on spending 700-1,000 THB ($20-30 USD) per day. This daily budget includes accommodation, food, transportation, and attractions. 

You can reduce costs by staying in hostel dorms for 200-300 THB per night, eating street food and cheap noodle shops for 30-60 THB per meal, getting around by foot, using public transit and rideshare apps, and visiting free temples and parks.

We covered all our expenses, with a breakdown for transportation, accommodation, food and activities, to explore Southeast Asia comfortably. Read our Southeast Asia Budgeting Guide.

Where To Eat In Bangkok

As a backpacker’s paradise, Bangkok is filled with thousands of cheap eats on every corner. Here are some favourites:

Cheap Eats In Bangkok

Street food: Bangkok’s famous street food offers meals like pad thai, green curry, and noodle soups for 30-60 THB. Find stalls along Yaowarat Road in Chinatown.

Food courts: Mall food courts serve huge plates of rice and stir fry dishes for around 50 THB. MBK and Terminal 21 malls have great options.

Night markets: Temple of Dawn and Patpong night markets have lots of street food stalls with meals averaging 50 THB.

Western Food In Bangkok: Khao San Road is filled with Western comfort foods, such as burgers, pizza, pasta, and sandwiches, for 80-150 THB. Cheap breakfasts are also available.

Backpackers areas in Bangkok for a beer

Khao San Road and Sukhumvit offer lively nightlife, with cheap beer and cocktails for 50-150 THB each. Rooftop bars offer happy hours with stunning city views.

Behind the popular Koh San Road, in the direction of the bus stops, you will find an alternative market, still lively. The Chang here costs a few baht less than the parallel road.

Where to go after Bangkok

After exploring Bangkok’s sensory overload, head north to Chiang Mai to experience Thailand’s laid-back vibe and trek through lush jungle scenery dotted with glistening temples. Or journey south to the island paradises of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao for world-class diving, beach parties, and the ultimate in tropical relaxation.

Venturing further down, we suggest checking into Phuket. This is a popular seaside city on the biggest island of Thailand. We stayed in the old town, with the Sino-Portuguese houses making the perfect scenery. Well, we must say Phuket is instagrammable like no other.

If you are travelling for a long, we get you; a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia is tiring. We have done it before you, and it was time to spend a few weeks relaxing in Hua Hin, where prices for condos are cheap. We had this amazing place for less than $20 per day in a Residence with a pool, Gym and co-working area.

Where You Can Fly from Bangkok

As Southeast Asia’s major air hub, Bangkok offers tons of affordable flights across the region and Asia on low-cost carriers like Air Asia. From Chiang Mai to Krabi’s gorgeous beaches, we’ve jet set affordably in Thailand and beyond via Bangkok flights.

Major airlines also connect Bangkok to destinations worldwide. We’ve scored deals on direct flights home to Europe and North America, plus budget-friendly hops to Australia, the Middle East, and more.

Final Tips for an Epic Backpacking Adventure in Bangkok

And that wraps up all our insider tips for an awesome budget trip to Bangkok!

Here are a few final pieces of advice to save money and make new friends on your backpacking journey:

• Talk to other travellers for the best local tips and latest deals
• Pack light to stay mobile on public transport
• Always bargain prices for taxis, tuk-tuks and souvenirs
• Consider volunteering or working away to save money on accommodation.
• Travel slowly and leave time for spontaneous adventures.

We hope this Bangkok backpacking guide gets your trip off to an amazing start.