Bangkok, Thailand’s buzzing capital, has become a hot spot for vacationers from around the globe, especially those from Asia. There’s a plethora of places to explore in this vibrant city.
Beyond its famed nightlife and mouthwatering cuisine, Bangkok is also a shopping haven and a cultural hub. From delving into majestic ancient temples to shopping till your bags burst and tasting viral culinary delights at every turn.
What’s awesome is, you don’t need a fat wallet to soak up the city’s beauty. Bangkok offers a bunch of budget-friendly tourist spots that are still a blast and totally unique.
Got a whole day to spare? You can hit up several popular spots all in one go. These places are conveniently close to each other, including Wat Arun, Icon Siam, and Chinatown – three spots you absolutely have to hit up to make your Bangkok vacay unforgettable.
First up is Wat Arun, famous for its stunning temple that’s a big hit with foreign tourists. This temple is also steeped in all kinds of mysteries and legends from Thailand’s rich history.
Now, visiting Wat Arun isn’t complete without dressing up in traditional Thai attire, called Chut Thai, to make your photos even more gorgeous and classy. It’ll set you back around 200 baht to rent the outfit, and you’ve got loads of color options to choose from. Don’t worry, someone will help you put it on. Plus, it comes with all the bling – earrings, necklaces, the works!
There are tons of Instagram-worthy spots there, so you can snap your own shots or go for the pro photo service they offer. And guess what? Entrance to Wat Arun is a steal at just 100 baht. And if you’re up for it, you can also check out other temples nearby like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace!
After soaking in the temple vibes, hop on a boat from Wat Arun to Icon Siam for a mere 10 baht. ICONSIAM is Bangkok’s biggest mall and hands down one of the fanciest and most fabulous.
Inside, you’ll find all kinds of cool spots to take pics, like the ALANGKARN ZONE – an indoor waterfall that’s 15 meters high on the 6th floor, and River Park where you can get killer panoramic shots of Bangkok.
With a whopping 7,000 outlets in the mall, you can shop till you drop, from luxury brands to more budget-friendly ones. Feeling hungry? ICONSIAM is famous for its Sook Siam Indoor Floating Market on the ground floor. Here, you’ll find all sorts of grub, including crocodile meat – dare to give it a try?
You’ll be spoilt for choice because all the food here is top-notch, from traditional Thai goodies like mango sticky rice, Tom Yum, Pad Thai to international favorites like sushi, mixed rice bowls, and more.
As night falls, the mall gets even livelier thanks to a spectacular light show outside.
And when the sun sets, head over to one of the world’s biggest Chinatowns, where the streets are lined with all kinds of delicious food. With so many options, you’ll be scratching your head wondering what to chow down on! Instead of getting overwhelmed, here are a few must-tries.
First up, there’s Naik Ek Roll Noodle. They serve up hefty portions of Kway Chap with all the fixings. It’s tasty, with a rich broth, generous servings, and prices that won’t break the bank.
Next, there’s Yaowarat Toast Bread – it’s like regular toast but with a twist. You can pick your flavors and watch as the fillings spill out.
Lastly, for dessert, you’ve got to try Ba Hao Tian Mi. They dish out all sorts of puddings, but the standout is the Kaya Pandan Pudding. It’s creamy, sweet, with a crunchy texture – a real treat for your taste buds!