CHEAP TRIPS: Bangkok, Thailand
Welcome to Bangkok!
Okay, so let's say you planned a trip to Bangkok and you did not make any plans or have any idea how to save cost while you're here. You wonder -- How can I enjoy Bangkok on a budget? You think about where to go, what to eat, and what to do without spending all your allowance on your first few days. But hey - I got you buddy!
Below are the list of things that I think would help you while you're in Bangkok. I might miss a few things but I'll make sure to include the most important ones and post more tips in the future!
Sim Card
If you're the type of person who likes to post a lot of Instagram or Facebook stories and updates and want to stay online while you're traveling, you will need a sim card that you can use anytime you need.
In my opinion, here are the top three providers that you should consider when buying a sim card:
- AIS
- dtac
- True
I personally use dtac and the connection I get is great, but I heard most people choose AIS due to its better and wider coverage. When buying a sim card, make sure to pick one that has enough data for you to use. There are travel sim cards that are only usable for a week or more, depending on how long you'll be in Bangkok.
You can find the sim card shops in several parts of the airport, but they're usually at the arrival area. Or if you want, you can also book for a sim card online using Klook, and just present the QR code and your passport when claiming the item.
Money Exchange/Currency Exchange
There are multiple currency exchange stalls at both airports, but I usually use SuperRich, the orange one. I mentioned orange because there's another SuperRich that's green in color. In my opinion, SuperRich has good rates and with them, it's easy to change from one currency to another. Please note though that they check the bills properly and they don't accept bills that have drawings and writings on them, and torn parts.
You can find the orange SuperRich almost everywhere, but mainly at train stations and malls. Just open your Google maps and type SuperRich and you'll find the nearest branch.
Important Note: There are some currencies not exchangeable in Bangkok and even in other countries. One of them is Cambodian Riel. So if you're coming from Cambodia, make sure to change all your riels to US Dollars or to Thai Baht at the airport in Cambodia before flying to Thailand.
Airport Transfers (Airport >>> City)
Bangkok has two airports - Suvarnabhumi Airport, and Don Mueang International Airport.
Some people usually take a taxi as it's more convenient, but if you want to save cost, you have two options:
>>> Grab app
>>> Bus/Airport Link
First of all, you need to know where your hotel is. This is very important as you need to know which train station or bus station you need to go to.
From Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city:
[] If you will come from this airport between 5 or 5:30 a.m. and 12 midnight, you can use the airport link which is connected to the other train stations in the city. From the arrival area, there is a direction to the airport link. You can buy tickets from the machine and also from the ticket counter. The ticket doesn't exceed US$2.
[] If you want a cheaper taxi or a car, you can book through Grab application. You can connect this app to your debit/credit card so you don't have to use cash when paying. The pickup point will be at the arrival area once you exit. Each door has a number. Make sure to note that when you book a ride. You can book anytime.
[] If you want to use a normal taxi from the taxi stand, please note that they will not use meter and will just give you a fixed price. If you're a foreigner, there is a big change they will double and even triple the price. The line for the taxi is usually long and inconvenient as well. I don't recommend using this.
From Don Mueang International Airport to the city:
[] The cheapest way to go to the city from this airport is the A1 Bus. When you exit the airport, you will see a sign that will show you where the bus stop is. The stop where you need to be is BTS Mo Chit. This is the train station connected to the city lines. Please note that the line is usually long and the bus can get really full and crowded sometimes.
[] You can also use Grab app from this airport. But due to the traffic in this area, sometimes it takes time to get a driver and the cost is usually high.
The good thing about using Grab is, you can put the exact location of your hotel and you don't have to worry about transferring from one train station to another. But please note that there are peak hours where Grab becomes slightly more expensive. But if you like adventure and you don't mind a bit of walking, using the trains and buses will be better. Just make sure to use Google maps to check which BTS, MRT, or Airport Link station is closest to your destination.
Cheap Thai Food
Well, well, well. When you travel to Thailand, you obviously need to try Thai food, otherwise what's the point, right?
When you're in Bangkok, you'll realize how many restaurants there are around. But the thing is -- how do you know which ones are cheap but good, and which ones are not worth the price at all?
Well I've got a place for you -- Terminal 21. And no, this is not a terminal at the airport. This is a mall situated at Sukhumvit/Asoke area. If you want cheap Thai food at a comfortable and airconditioned place, this is the spot for you. Inside the mall at one of the top floors, there is a food court. That is where you need to be.
Terminal 21 Foodcourt has a variety of shops offering Thai food. This is where most people go when they want to try Thai food at a good price. One of the advantages of eating here is, you can point whichever food you want without having to speak Thai. You can also use your phone to take a picture of the meal that you want and show it to them.
You can't pay cash. You need to buy a card from the counter and just tell them how much you want, for example 300 baht, and you can refund the remaining balance after. When paying, you just need to give the card to the cashier and they will give you a receipt where you can see the card balance.
Can you handle Thai spiciness? If not, you better tell the cook not to put chili. Otherwise, they will put all the chilis they think you need.
Another place I'd like to recommend is Jodd Fairs Night Market in Rama 9. This is a very big night market where you can eat Thai food, go shopping, and even go drinking! Some of the food you need to try are:
- BBQ Pork ribs;
- Seafood bucket;
- Banana Roti;
- Smoothies;
- Spicy pork ribs soup; and
- basically everything you'll see there.
Lastly, Yaowarat / China Town. This is a great place if you love Chinese food too. This place has both Thai and Chinese street foods and restaurants. It's a place worth visiting!
Best time to visit: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from 6pm onwards.
Just be informed that it can get super duper crowded most especially on Friday nights. It's not advisable to take a taxi to go to this area as the streets can be very packed with people, food stalls, and other vehicles.
Easiest way to get there in my opinion is the MRT. Just get off at MRT Wat Mangkon. From there, you can walk to the main street of China Town.
Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/i5uqRtgYdqjivcQKA
Cheap Drinks
If you're looking for Happy Hour where drinks are cheaper for a few hours, I have some places for you too!
[] KOSMO Resto & Bar inside W District :
Mon. to Fri. HH: 4pm to 7pm
Sat. and Sun. HH: 12nn to 7pm
https://goo.gl/maps/ThFhDTPvykuB9PW48
[] JODD Fairs Rama 9:
6pm onwards
That colorful shop in the middle without chairs.
https://goo.gl/maps/A2UGDdhwg8WAg32W6
[] Ratchada Train Night Market
4pm onwards
https://goo.gl/maps/HBhHZYHiEJ6HAavWA
[] W District
4pm onwards
No happy hour and would only take cash, but the price isn't bad.
https://goo.gl/maps/esZjeKH2FiJbQFdj7
These are just some of my favorite spots and I'm sure there's more of them. But don't worry, I'll post again when I discover them.
These are just few of the things I can help you with. I would definitely love to write more about Bangkok and other places. So don't forget to follow me on my journey and to save this post for when you travel to the City of Angels.
Thank you!
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