Frugal Travel Tips for Bangkok, Thailand
With the currency changing, it’s hard not to find frugal attractions in Bangkok, Thailand. However, there are some tips to make your travel dollars go even further and to enhance the travel experience.
The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Yes, there is an entrance fee (200 baht, approximately $6 USD), but this sight is a must-see for any visitor to Bangkok. It houses a variety of Thai architecture.
Temples and other national monuments have a strict dress code. No shorts, sleeveless tops, or risque clothing. This is true in most religious places in the world, but in Thailand, travelers should also not wear open sandals (there must be a strap behind the heel).
thai customs
Which leads to some Thai customs that savvy travelers observe.
Shorts are considered appropriate only for boys and the lower class.
The head is considered sacred (closest to the heavens) so don’t touch it. In fact, try not to touch the locals at all.
The feet should also be treated with care. Pointing your feet at a person is considered a serious insult and sitting with the soles of your feet exposed is extremely rude (especially in religious places). Sit with your feet tucked under your body.
No public displays of affection. Keep it for the privacy of your room.
As with most countries, but especially Thailand, don’t criticize the local government or the monarchy.
This may seem like a lot of rules, but most of them apply to almost every country a traveler is a guest in.
Also, Thais are extremely polite, so they are unlikely to express their disapproval.
Chatuchak Park Weekend Market
This is where frugal travelers buy their souvenirs. With over 15,000 stalls (pick up a free map at information kiosks), there’s plenty to choose from. This is a place to haggle. Never accept the first offer. Also be very careful about counterfeits (fake antiques, fake jewelry, etc.) and pickpockets (keep a few small bills in an easy-to-reach pocket and hide your wallet).
What to buy? Almost anything, especially crafts. My mother is an elephant lover and Thailand, with its reverence for the animal, was the place to pick up teak carvings (watch out for dry, cracked wood when you return home).
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
With another very, very cheap entrance fee (20 baht), Wat Pho is the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. The highlight is, of course, the 46-meter-long, gold-covered Reclining Buddha. However, the buildings and orchids that I encountered were also noteworthy.
Bangkok is a paradise for bargain hunters. Attractions, restaurants and shopping are cheap.
