Budget-Friendly 20 Things to Do in Bangkok

Table of Contents

• Explore Bangkok’s Culture and Temples
  • Visit Wat Saket (Golden Mount)
  • Discover Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat)
  • Browse Museum Siam on Discount Days
• Experience Local Life
  • Take a Public Boat on the Saen Saeb Canal
  • Walk Through Banglamphu Neighborhood
  • Try a Thai Massage
• Eat Like a Local for Less
  • Eat Boat Noodles at Victory Monument
  • Try Pad Thai at Thipsamai 
  • Order Gai Tord Jae Kee (Fried Chicken)
• Markets, Parks & People Watching
  • Chill at Saranrom Park or Lumphini Park
  • Explore Sampeng Market in Chinatown
  • Take a stroll at Khlong Ong Ang Walking Street (Weekends)
• Snap Bangkok for the ’Gram
  • View from Yodpiman River Walk
  • Snap photos with Giant Swing
  • Instagram hidden alleys near Talad Noi
• Try Unique Experiences
  • Hop on the MRT or BTS to New Neighborhoods
  • Try Thai Iced Tea from a Street Vendor
  • Explore Bangkok’s Street Shrines and Spirit Houses
  • Visit Bangkok’s Local Libraries (e.g., TCDC)
  • Ride the Bangkok River Ferry Like a Local
• Getting Around Bangkok Without Blowing Your Budget

You don’t need deep pockets to enjoy Bangkok. With just a few hundred baht in your pocket, you can explore ancient temples, eat like a local, and discover hidden gems tucked between skyscrapers and street stalls. This is Bangkok we know and love—not just dazzling shopping malls and rooftop bars, but the vibrant life lived out on sidewalks, in parks, and along the river.

As TAGTHAi, we’ve explored Bangkok from top to bottom to put together this guide for ‘20 budget-friendly things to do in Bangkok’. First-timers will get a fresh perspective on the city, and returning travelers might just discover something they’ve missed. We’ve done all of these ourselves and promise they’re worth your time (and baht)!

Explore Bangkok’s Culture and Temples

One of the best ways to understand Bangkok is by diving into its spiritual and cultural landmarks. Temples aren’t just places of worship here; they’re community anchors, historical museums, and architectural marvels all in one. You don’t have to spend much to access these meaningful spaces, and each one tells a different story about Thai identity and values.

1. Visit Wat Saket (Golden Mount)

We climbed the winding staircase up Golden Mount, one of the classic Bangkok Thailand tourist spots, for panoramic views of old Bangkok. The entry fee is 100 baht, and the peaceful golden stupa at the top is worth every step. Along the way, we passed rows of bells and gongs, and many locals stopped to ring them for good luck. It’s a must for anyone interested in the spiritual side of the city.

• How to get there: Take the MRT to Sam Yot Station, then grab a tuk-tuk ride or walk 15 minutes.
• Nearby tip: Drop by Ban Bat, a quiet alley where artisans hand-make alms bowls for monks. This is one of our favorite things to do in Bangkok

2. Discover Wat Ratchanaddaram (Loha Prasat)

This temple’s metal spire pagoda is unlike any other in the world. The entrance fee is only 20 baht. We loved the peaceful vibe, especially when reaching the top floor and looking out over the rooftops of the old town. The architecture here is truly distinctive, clean, symmetrical, and visually stunning.

• How to get there: Located near Democracy Monument, it’s walkable from Wat Saket or accessible via a short tuk-tuk from Khao San Road.
• Nearby tip: Visit Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu for a flavorful modern take on the Thai classic. And go check out Mahakan Fort Park just down the road—chill spot with river views and giant banyan trees. Another serene option among the many things to do in Bangkok.

3. Browse Museum Siam on Discount Days

Museum Siam is interactive, modern, and fun. Entry is normally 100 baht, but often free on national holidays and special holidays. The exhibits break down Thai identity in creative ways, from traditional customs to contemporary quirks. It’s air-conditioned, educational, and a perfect mid-day stop.

• How to get there: Take the MRT to Sanam Chai Station; the museum is right next door.
• Nearby tip: Swing by Pak Klong Talad, the 24-hour flower market, for a sensory explosion. It’s one of those photogenic, fragrant things to do in Bangkok that many people miss.

Experience Local Life

To truly understand Bangkok, you have to slow down and live like a local. We skipped the sightseeing rush and followed the rhythm of everyday life. It wasn’t the landmarks, but the everyday encounters that brought Bangkok to life.

4. Take a Public Boat on the Saen Saeb Canal

If you want to see Bangkok from a local’s point of view (literally), hop on a public boat along the Saen Saeb Canal. We tried it on a weekday afternoon, and the vibe was electric—school kids with backpacks, office workers clutching iced coffee, and temple-goers heading home. It’s fast, breezy, and takes you through Bangkok’s secret side—gritty walls, hidden shrines, and old wooden houses hugging the canal. All for around 10–20 THB.

• How to get there: Board the boat at Hua Chang Pier, located just behind the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (a short walk from BTS National Stadium). 
• Nearby tip: If you hop off at Phan Fa Pier to explore the Golden Mount or Loha Prasat nearby. This water route is one of the best-kept local things to do in Bangkok.

5. Walk Through Banglamphu Neighborhood

Skip the touristy chaos of Khao San Road and explore Banglamphu, one of Bangkok’s most historic and soulful neighborhoods—and a hidden gem among the lesser-known attractions in Bangkok. We wandered through narrow lanes past colonial-style houses, local tailors, and family-run shophouses with faded paint and golden spirit houses at the door. We even stumbled into a tiny jazz session outside a guesthouse one Friday night—totally unplanned and totally magical.

• How to get there: From Khao San Road, walk west toward Phra Athit Road. If coming from the MRT, get off at Sanam Chai Station, take a tuk-tuk or taxi, and ask for Phra Sumen Fort, it’s the heart of Banglumphu.
• Nearby Tip: Grab a book and Thai iced tea at Passport Bookshop then sit at Phra Sumen Park for peaceful river views.

6. Try a Thai Massage

Our tired legs found heaven at Wat Pho’s massage school, one of the most iconic places for the Best Thai massage Bangkok has to offer. For under 300 baht, we got an authentic Thai massage that stretched, twisted, and rebooted our entire body. The pressure was firm but rhythmic. Our therapist used thumbs, elbows, and even knees to stretch every tight muscle. We walked in groaning and walked out feeling taller.

• How to get there: Take the MRT Sanam Chai Station. Walk toward Wat Pho along Maharat Road. The massage school has its own entrance near the southern gate of the temple
• Nearby Tip: After your session, grab some coconut ice cream at Tha Tien Pier, just 3 minutes away. Then hop the ferry across the river to Wat Arun for a dreamy sunset stroll. Massage + riverside = one of the most blissful things to do in Bangkok

Eat Like a Local for Less

Let’s be honest—food is the main reason we’re all here, right? And when it comes to affordable deliciousness, Bangkok delivers big. From legendary noodle joints to sizzling fried chicken on the sidewalk, these are the things to do in Bangkok that your stomach will thank you for.

7. Eat Boat Noodles at Victory Monument

We went for lunch and stayed for the noodle stacking challenge. At Victory Monument, several long-running shops serve boat noodles in tiny bowls for about 20 baht each. Why so small? So you can try multiple variations: beef, pork, tom yum, dark soy, with or without liver. We each had several bowls, and it became a game—can you stack your empty bowls higher than your friend's?

• How to get there: Take the BTS to Victory Monument Station. Walk along the skywalk toward the canal, you’ll spot signs for boat noodles everywhere.
• Nearby Tip: Walk off your food coma at the monument circle. The overpass offers a cool angle for photos and lets you take in the heartbeat of the city. Noodle stacking has never been more satisfying—it’s one of the most fun things to do in Bangkok.

8. Try Pad Thai at Thipsamai

Yes, it’s on every “must-eat” list, and we’re here to confirm it lives up to the hype! Thipsamai, a longtime recommended restaurant in Bangkok, serves Pad Thai cooked over charcoal flames and wrapped in a paper-thin omelet. We went full classic: shrimp, tofu, dried shrimp, and crushed peanuts. Watching the cooks move in sync, flipping flaming woks and plating each dish like art, was a show in itself. The taste? Sweet, sour, smoky, and just chewy enough. Expect the line, but it moves fast.

• How to get there: Take the MRT to Sam Yot Station, then walk about 15 minutes along Maha Chai Road or take a tuk-tuk straight to Thipsamai.
• Nearby Tip: After dinner, stroll across the road to the Giant Swing, one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. Perfect for night photos. This is one of our most satisfying things to do in Bangkok.

9. Order Gai Tord Jae Kee (Fried Chicken)

We’d heard whispers about this legendary fried chicken stall in Pratunam, so of course, we had to try it. The smell hit us before we even saw the queue. Gai Tord Jae Kee serves up crispy wings, thighs, and drumsticks with sticky rice and spicy dipping sauce. It’s crunchy, salty, just a little sweet—and utterly addictive. Locals grab takeaway boxes on their lunch break. We stood on the sidewalk and devoured ours in minutes.

• How to get there: Take the MRT to Lumphini Station, then walk about 10 minutes into Soi Sanam Khli.
• Nearby Tip: Head to Baiyoke Sky Hotel and visit the 77th-floor observatory for epic views of Bangkok—entry is affordable and the skyline shot is totally worth it. A delicious, high-low experience that’s one of the tastiest things to do in Bangkok.

Markets, Parks & People Watching

After all the temples and food, it’s time to chill. Whether you want to sip iced drinks in the shade or wander through a buzzing alley of bargain stalls, Bangkok’s got you covered. Some of the most memorable things to do in Bangkok involve nothing more than being still and watching the city move.

10. Chill at Saranrom Park or Lumphini Park

Sometimes, the best thing you can do in a city this alive is… take a break! We started our morning at Saranrom Park, near the Grand Palace. It’s a peaceful, colonial-era golden with fountains, benches, and locals doing Tai Chi under banyan trees. Later, we joined joggers and lizards (yes, real ones!) at Lumphini Park. There were paddle boats, open-air gyms, and kids feeding turtles in the lake. It was hot, but the vibe was relaxed.

• How to get there:
  • Saranrom Park: Take the MRT to Sanam Chai Statin, then walk 10 minutes toward the Grand Palace’s east gate.
  • Lumphini Park: Take the MRT to Lumphini Station or Sala Daeng Station, with multiple entrance points around the park.
• Nearby Tip: At Lumphini around 6 PM, join in or watch the public aerobics classes by the clock tower. The music pumps, the locals dance, and it’s totally free. Park life is easily one of the healthiest, cheapest things to do in Bangkok.

11. Explore Sampeng Market in Chinatown

If you're the type who thrives in controlled chaos, Sampeng Market is your playground. While not your typical Thailand weekend market, it delivers a raw, electric energy all its own. We dove into narrow, jam-packed alleyways filled with fabrics, costume jewelry, phone accessories, and random wonders we didn’t know we needed (or what they were). You’ll brush shoulders with locals and shopkeepers doing real trade—not touristy souvenirs, but stuff used in daily Bangkok life.

• How to get there: Take the MRT to Wat Mangkon Station. Walk straight down Yaowarat Road, then turn into Soi Wanit 1—that’s the heart of Sampeng.
• Nearby Tip: After shopping, walk 5 minutes to Yaowarat Soi 6 for a cold chrysanthemum tea or grilled pork satay. Chinatown’s blend of commerce and culture makes this one of the most exciting things to do in Bangkok.

12. Take a Stroll At Khlong Ong Ang Walking Street (Weekends)

Friday to Sunday, Khlong Ong Ang transforms into one of Bangkok’s coolest new hangouts. We got there around sunset and were greeted by glowing lanterns strung over the canal, acoustic guitarists playing Thai love songs, and food vendors dishing out everything from grilled squid to rolled ice cream. The murals along the canal walls make for fun IG shots, and you can even rent a kayak and paddle right through the middle of the old town. It’s laid-back, artsy, and just far enough from the tourist trail.

• How to get there: Take the MRT to Sam Yot Station, then walk 3 minutes north on Charoen Krung Road. Look for the canal walkway on your left—just follow the crowds.
• Nearby Tip: Come early to explore Ong Ang Art Alley, a hidden stretch of street art and quiet corners before the main crowd rolls in. Easily one of the most photogenic and authentic things to do in Bangkok.

Snap Bangkok for the ‘Gram

If you didn’t post it, did it even happen? Bangkok is packed with spots that are equal parts stunning and soulful. We skipped the selfie sticks and went searching for places with stories, not just good lighting. Here are our favorite photo-worthy things to do in Bangkok.

13. View From Yodpiman River Walk

After wandering through the colorful chaos of the flower market, we stepped onto the breezy boardwalk at Yodpiman River Walk and just exhaled. The view here is like a living postcard: ferries crossing the Chao Phraya, Wat Kalayanamit in the distance, and orange-robed monks boarding boats. The boardwalk is lined with colonial-style buildings, cafes, and open terraces. We grabbed a mango smoothie and watched the sun go down behind the river. Peaceful, breezy, and totally free.

• How to get there: Take the MRT to Sanam Chai Station, walk 10 minutes through Pak Klong Talad to the riverside. The walkway begins at Yodpiman Flower Market and stretches north.
• Nearby Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for golden-hour lighting, then have dinner at one of the riverfront restaurants. Sunset sipping is one of the chillest things to do in Bangkok.

14. Snap Photos With Giant Swing

You can’t miss it—literally. The towering red frame of the Giant Swing stands proudly in front of Wat Suthat, and it’s one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. We came early in the morning to avoid the crowds and got perfect shots of the swing against blue skies and temple roofs. The swing was once used in Brahmin ceremonies but now stands as a symbol of the city. It’s majestic, a little mysterious, and very photogenic.

• How to get there: Take the MRT to Sanam Chai Station, walk 10 minutes through Pak Klong Talad to the riverside. The walkway begins at Yodpiman Flower Market and stretches north.
• Nearby Tip: Walk across the street to grab toast and sweet milk at Mont Nomsod. It’s a local dessert institution and a great refuel spot after all the swinging around one of the must-snap things to do in Bangkok.

15. Instagram Hidden Alleys Near Talad Noi

If you love street art, Talad Noi is your dream come true. We wandered aimlessly through tiny alleys lined with graffiti, car parts, and Chinese shrines. It’s got a raw beauty that’s become a favorite for photographers and creative souls. Don’t miss the “Mother Roaster” café inside a former auto-parts warehouse. We sat there, sipping drip coffee, while watching creatives shoot fashion editorials outside.

• How to get there: Take the MRT to Hua Lamphong Station, then walk 10-12 minutes along Charoen Krung Soi 22 toward the Sieng Kong Zone.
• Nearby Tip: Go early in the morning or just before dusk for the best light. This whole area feels like an open-air art gallery.

Try Unique Experiences

There are some things to do in Bangkok that don’t quite fit into any box, and that’s exactly why we love them! These quirky, offbeat experiences gave us surprise smiles, deeper insight into Thai culture, and moments we never expected.

16. Hop on the MRT or BTS to New Neighbourhoods

We grabbed our Rabbit cards, hopped on the BTS, and played a little game: get off at a random stop and explore. That’s how we discovered Ari, full of hip cafes and cool bookstores, and Phra Khanong, with its artsy markets and riverside restaurants. When it comes to transportation in Bangkok, the train system is a game-changer—clean, cheap, and perfect for diving into neighborhoods tourists often skip. Each stop feels like its own little city.

• How to get there: Just choose a line, BTS Sukhumvit or Silom Line, or MRT Blue or Purple Line, and go! Fares range from 17–80 baht depending on distance.
• Nearby Tip: Try Ari for coffee hopping, or Bang Son MRT for chill vibes by the canal.

17. Try Thai Iced Tea From a Street Vendor

No Bangkok trip is complete without cha yen—that orange, milky, magical drink that cools you from the inside out. We brought ours from a cart tucked under a tree on a blazing afternoon, and it was pure bliss. Sweet, strong, icy, and served with a smile.

• How to get there: Street vendors selling Thai iced tea are everywhere.
• Nearby Tip: Try pairing your Cha Yen with deep-fried banana (Kluay Tod) from the next door vendor.

18. Explore Bangkok’s Street Shrines and Spirit Houses

All around Bangkok, you’ll find colorful spirit houses and tiny street shrines glowing with incense, flower garlands, and sometimes offerings like Fanta in glass bottles. We made a game of spotting them while walking through the city. Some are humble and tucked into corners. Others are grand, like the famous Erawan Shrine, where we watched locals praying and dancers performing classical blessings.

• How to get there: For a famous example, take the BTS to Chit Lom Station and follow the signs to the Erawan Shrine (right outside CentralWorld).
• Nearby Tip: Want a peaceful corner? Visit the small Ganesha Shrine across from CentralWorld. Watching locals offer marigolds and candles at dusk is one of the most calming things to do in Bangkok.

19. Visit Bangkok’s Local Libraries (e.g., TCDC)

Need a break from the heat and crowds? We slipped into the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC) and found a quiet, air-conditioned heaven with the entrance fee only 100 baht. The design library has architecture books, art zines, and comfy chairs by the window. Plus, the building itself, a renovated Grand Postal Building, is gorgeous. The contrast of old structure and modern design is peak Bangkok.

• How to get there: Take the MRT to Sam Yan Station, then walk 12–15 minutes or taxi to Charoen Krung Soi 32.
• Nearby Tip: Pop over to Warehouse 30 next door—a row of creative studios and art cafes.

20. Ride the Bangkok River Ferry Like a Local

We wrapped up our day with one of the simplest and most underrated ways to see the city—riding the Chao Phraya River ferry. Locals use it for commuting, but for us? It felt like a scenic cruise for the price of a snack. We boarded the orange-flag boat and rode past glittering temples, old Portuguese churches, stilt houses, and towering malls. The breeze was refreshing, the river was busy but beautiful, and every stop felt like a new adventure.

• How to get there: Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin Station, Exit 2, then walk into Sathorn Pier. Look for the orange-flag boats (14 THB flat fare) going north.
• Nearby Tip: Hop off at Tha Chang Pier for access to the Grand Palace, or Wang Lang Pier for local snacks at Wang Lang Market.

Getting Around Bangkok Without Blowing Your Budget

Navigating Bangkok can seem chaotic, but trust us, it’s easier than it looks, and way more affordable than you’d think. Here’s how we got around without spending much:

• BTS / MRT: Clean, efficient, air-conditioned, and wallet-friendly. Great for covering long distances.
• Saen Saeb Canal Boats: Fast, gritty, and perfect for avoiding rush hour. Just bring coins.
• Buses: Slower but scenic. Fares start at 8 THB!
• Tuk-Tuks: Fun for short rides—just agree on a price first.
• Grab: Handy for late nights or AC comfort.
• Walking: Honestly, our favorite way to find hidden gems.

TAGTHAi Tip: Use the TAGTHAi Pass to unlock discounts on attractions, transit, massages, drinks, and more. It’s an all-in-one QR code that covers many of the places we’ve recommended and saves you cash. It makes trying all these things to do in Bangkok even easier.

Bangkok on a Budget, Memories for a Lifetime

We hope this guide proves what we’ve always believed—you don’t need to spend big to experience the best of Bangkok. Whether you’re eating boat noodles at a canal-side shop, wandering temple rooftops, or catching sunsets from a river pier, the most memorable moments often cost next to nothing.

 

With these 20 local-approved things to do in Bangkok, you’ll get a real taste of the city’s charm, creativity, and everyday magic. And if you want to make the whole experience even smoother, we recommend grabbing a TAGTHAi Bangkok Premium Pass. It’s your all-in-one travel companion, offering access to attractions, food, massage, or a river ride. All in one app, in one QR code.

Enjoy Bangkok the way locals do—spontaneous, flavorful, and full of surprises. We’ll see you out there!