How to plan a cheap Bangkok holiday?
No travel list is complete without Bangkok in it. Thailand’s capital is a bustling and beautiful place with countless attractions for tourists. The best thing about this place is that it caters to all types of tourists. Whether you are looking for luxury or cheap Bangkok holidays, the city has got you covered.
While splurging has its perks, not everyone can afford it. And if you are among those that like to keep things within their pocket, this guide is perfect for you as it discusses some practical tips to help you plan a cheap Bangkok holiday.
7 tips for planning and executing a cheap Bangkok holiday
If you hold a British passport, good news. You don’t need a visa for Thailand and you can stay in the country for up to 60 days. With that sorted, let’s explore the other tips.
1. Pick off-peak season
The average cost of a Bangkok trip greatly depends on the time you select for traveling. If you are going in the peak season that runs from December to February, you will encounter high prices. But things change drastically in the shoulder season or rainy season. The windows from March to May and September to November are ideal for a cheap holiday. Even the tour operators reduce the price of their Bangkok holiday packages during these times. You will not only find the city relatively quiet but the prices of flights and hotels are also low.
2. Book flights wisely
When the goal is a cheap holiday, flights are the biggest expense. Here are a few things that will help you book affordable flights.
- Don’t go for big names like Thai Airways or Bangkok Airways while booking your flight. Instead rely on airlines like Scoot, Norse or others that offer indirect routes.
- Book at least a couple of months before your departure date so you don’t end up paying more for last-minute deals.
- Spend a lot of time on platforms like Google Flights and Skyscanner to find cheap tickets for different possible departure and arrival combinations.
- Low-cost flights often charge a lot for checked luggage. It is better to pack light and go with a carry-on.
3. Opt for cheap but safe accommodation
Bangkok’s hotel scene is quite diverse and there are plenty of options for every budget. Hostels are the best option for the backpackers as you can find a very good place that offers a comfortable bed for as little as five to ten pounds.
The city also offers cheap hotels for couples that start at twenty pounds a night and go up to sixty pounds. Airbnb is also another amazing option where you can find self-service options with prices starting from twenty pounds a night.
The cheapest accommodation options in Bangkok are in neighborhoods like Sukhumvit or Khao San Road. They are outside the main city center but offer extremely low prices. The only drawback is that you have to travel more to reach the tourist spots or the city center.
4. Stay away from fancy eateries
There are more than 30 Michelin-starred restaurants in Bangkok. This gives us the feeling that food is very costly in the city. Things are not like that; the street food is also amazing and there are plenty of options.
In fact, if you want to taste the real Thai cuisine, then local food is the right choice. You know what’s great about the local food scene in Bangkok? The cheap options are not only limited to streetside stalls but there are many small shops cum restaurants as well.
The best street food is available in areas like Chinatown, Talat Noi and Suan Phlu. When selecting your food, go to a place that is crowded. You might have to wait a bit longer but it will surely serve fresh and tasty food.
5. Use public transport
Bangkok has the honor of having one of the best local transport systems in the world. The buses, commuter trains, BTS skytrain and MRT networks are spread like a web around the city. Use them as much as you can instead of private taxis or the aesthetically famous tuk-tuks as they are highly costly.
If using a taxi is a must, always go with Grab as the prices are fixed and you don’t have to worry about negotiating the prices. Grab’s bike rental is also a time-saving and cost-effective option for solo travelers.
6. Be careful with entry fee
Another important tip to consider for planning and executing a cheap Bangkok holiday is to carefully pick the tourist attractions you want to visit in the city. Places like the Grand Palace have a high entry fee and it will make a serious dent in your overall budget.
But you don’t have to worry about it. Famous temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho have a low entry and you will only be spending around 2 pounds each. Plus, Bangkok’s night markets and parks are all free to access.
7. Shop carefully and smartly
Bangkok’s markets are a haven for tourists looking to shop smartly while staying within their budget. The iconic train market is a great place to start your shopping spree for souvenirs and local goods. Chatuchak Weekend Market is a great place as well. The shopkeepers usually ask high prices, so make sure you bring out your A game while negotiating prices with them.
Final words: Is a cheap Bangkok holiday possible?
A big yes. Bangkok is an ideal place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, first-timers may find it difficult to execute one. They can take help from a professional travel agency like Virikson Holidays and make their trip more convenient with affordable Bangkok holiday packages.