Travel Bangkok

How to Travel Bangkok on $20 a Day

Bangkok doesn’t just beat to the rhythm of tuk-tuks and temple bells—it dances with color, spice, culture, and unbeatable value for money. For travelers who think a big city demands a big budget, think again. With insider planning and smart choices, you can travel Bangkok on $20 a day and still enjoy rich cultural experiences, delicious food, and clean accommodation.

In this realistic, easy-to-follow guide, you’ll discover how to make your dollars stretch in one of Asia’s most electrifying cities—without missing the magic.

🛌 Sleep Cheap: Where to Stay Under $7/Night

If you think $20 a day doesn’t include accommodation—think again. Bangkok offers a wide variety of clean, safe, and central hostels and guesthouses that start as low as $5.

🎯 Budget Stays by Neighborhood:

• Old Town (Banglamphu & Khao San): Backpacker-friendly and walking distance to major temples.

Example: [Khaosan Art Hotel] — Dorms from $5.20/night

• Ari: A trendy, less-touristy neighborhood with boutique hostels.

Example: [The Yard Hostel] — Beds from $6.30/night

• Sukhumvit: Great for connectivity via BTS Skytrain.

Example: [Bodega Party Hostel] — Around $6–7/night

💡 Tip: Look for hostels that include free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and lockers to save even more.

🍜 Eat Everything: Thai Food for Less Than $5/Day

Bangkok is paradise for food lovers—and better yet, it’s cheap. You can eat three full meals on the street for less than $5 total.

🥣 Street Food Must-Trys:

• Breakfast: Jok (rice porridge) or Thai iced coffee from a vendor – ฿25–40 ($0.75–$1.20)
• Lunch: Pad Krapow (basil stir-fry with rice) – ฿40–50 ($1.15)
• Dinner: Noodle soup + Thai milk tea – ฿60–70 ($1.80–$2.00)

And don’t ignore 7-Eleven, the unsung hero of budget dining:

• Toasties: ฿25–35 ($0.70–$1.00)
• Ready rice meals: ฿30–50 ($0.85–$1.40)
• Bottled water: ฿10 ($0.30)

📌 Daily Food Budget: Around ฿160–180 ($4.50–$5.10)

🚍 Move Smart: Transportation That Doesn’t Cost Much

In Bangkok, you don’t need to rely on taxis. Between Skytrain, subways, and river ferries, it’s easy to get around quickly and cheaply.

🚆 Best Budget Transport Options:

• BTS Skytrain/MRT Subway: Clean, safe, and reliable. Rides cost ฿16–52 ($0.50–$1.50).
• Chao Phraya River Boat: Offers a scenic route to major temples for just ฿15–30 ($0.40–$0.90).
• Public Buses: Incredibly cheap at ฿8–10 ($0.25).
• Walking: Many key attractions are within walking distance in Old Town.

🚫 Avoid unmetered tuk-tuks unless it’s for the experience. They often cost more than your daily budget!

📌 Transport Budget for the Day: Around ฿60–80 ($1.70–$2.30)

How to Travel Bangkok

🕌 See the City: Free & Low-Cost Activities in Bangkok

Bangkok is bursting with things to see and do that cost little to nothing. Here's how to fill your day with amazing sights and experiences without overspending.

🌿 Free Experiences:

• Lumphini Park – Watch locals do tai chi at sunrise.
• Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) – Eat, explore, and take in vibrant street life.
• BACC (Bangkok Art and Culture Centre) – A free air-conditioned break with rotating exhibitions.
• Erawan Shrine – Famous spiritual site near the shopping district.

🏯 Budget Attractions:

• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) – ฿100 ($2.85)
• Wat Saket (Golden Mount) – ฿50 ($1.45)
• Museum Siam – ฿100 ($2.85)
• Jim Thompson House – ฿200 ($5.60)

📌 Daily Activity Budget: Pick 1–2 low-cost attractions/day = ฿100–150 ($3–$4.50)

🧾 Sample $20/Day Budget Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of how a typical day in Bangkok can look:

🗓️ 3-Day Sample Itinerary (Under $60 Total)

📅 Day 1: Temples & Local Eats

• Visit Wat Pho & Golden Mount
• Walk along the river
• Dinner at Soi Rambuttri night market

💰Cost: ฿200 (~$5.60)

📅 Day 2: Art & Shopping

• BACC + Jim Thompson House
• Window shop at Siam Square
• Night market snacks at Ratchada

💰Cost: ฿250 (~$7.00)

📅 Day 3: Markets & Nature

• Ferry to Wang Lang Market
• Walk through Lumphini Park
• Explore Chinatown at night

💰Cost: ฿190 (~$5.30)

📱 Tips to Save Even More in Bangkok

• Use apps like Grab to avoid tourist-priced taxis.
• Stay in hostels that offer free tours or events.
• Drink tap-filtered water at hostels—skip buying plastic bottles.
• Buy a local SIM card for cheap data and directions.
• Avoid Western restaurants if you're sticking to $20/day.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Is It Really Possible?

Yes, it’s more than possible—it’s enjoyable! Bangkok rewards budget travelers with unforgettable experiences, flavorful food, and welcoming locals—all for a fraction of the cost you'd spend elsewhere.

With a little planning and the right mindset, you can absolutely travel Bangkok on $20 a day—and return home with a million memories and zero regrets.