I was a little apprehensive about being a backpacker in Bangkok after hearing mixed reviews. Some people loved it, others thought differently. For me, after spending three nights in this incredible, chaotic city, I can safely say that I love Bangkok. It’s carnage in the best possible way, and the famous Khao San Road is a backpackers dream! So, let me share my favourite things to do in Bangkok… and a few of the other tips I learned along my way!
Things to add to your Bangkok bucket list
Eat the street food
Bangkok is street food heaven for any backpacker, and trying some out is one of the first things you need to do in the city! You’ll soon spot a man with a pad thai food truck on wheels that doesn’t look like it would pass UK health and safety regulations… but trust me this is where you’ll find some of the best food. Not to mention the best value for money.
Be prepared to pay a little more when you go into restaurants or cafes. I mean, everything is low cost compared to UK prices, but when you’re on a backpackers budget, every baht helps.
Visit The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace is an essential stop for anyone visiting Bangkok for the very first time.
As the city’s most famous attraction, expect to be in awe of the elaborate splendour and intricate decoration on the stunning Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.)
Trust us, this really has to seen to be believed: surfaces are covered with intricate mosaics made from colourful glass and mirrors – which look particularly stunning when they catch the sun in the right way. Oh, and don’t forget to look up – you’ll see hundreds of mythical creatures adorning the buildings and ceilings.
Top backpacker tip:
Expect to cover up when in these places – and if you’re hoping to wear a spaghetti strap top, take something to hide your shoulders out of respect!
Scarfs are available to rent for around 50 baht with a 100 baht deposit at Wat Arun, but it’s just unnecessary money which could be better spent.
Wat Pho Temple
Not far from the Grand Palace is the beautiful Wat Pho: one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. It’s also home to the renowned, 46 meter long, golden reclining Buddha which is definitely a must see if you want to be in awe – not to mention the biggest collection of Buddha imagery in the whole country.
Enjoy a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River
Not only is a trip along the stunning The Chao Praya an interesting insight into a time when Bangkok was considered the ‘Venice of the East’, it’s a really good commuting option in a particularly gridlocked city.
As the local’s travel method of choice, this memorable boat ride is a truly beautiful way to see this city of old and new. Enjoy the juxtaposition of the traditional riverside houses, temples, modern skyscrapers and rainbow coloured long tail boats as you ride down the river – trust me, you’ll love it!
Climb Wat Arun
Wat Arun, also known as ‘Temple of the Dawn’ is just on the other side of the Grand Palace, and is also a stunning sight that really has to be seen to be believed.
It’s a super steep climb, there’s no denying that, but if you can brave the burn, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most gorgeous view over the river – so make sure your camera is charged for this one!
Discover Bangkok’s history at the Museum of Siam
If this is your first time backpacking around Bangkok, you’ll definitely want to add this to your list of things to do in the city!
Here you can discover everything you need to know about Thailand’s colourful history, art and culture – and even learn more about Buddhism before visiting the temples! Using fun exhibits to give you all the information you need in easy-to-digest bites, this entertaining museum is really brought to life by being in a beautiful heritage building itself.
Check out the view from the Sky Bar at Lebua
With the film ‘The Hangover’ putting this beautiful bar on the map, it’s definitely a must see in Bangkok. Seeing this stunning city at night from 64 floors up is pretty amazing, but it’s not very budget friendly with cocktails coming in at £22 each, (a full day’s budget for backpackers such as ourselves.)
That said, you can get a beer for £9, so there are options if you’re just after that Instagrammable photo for your socials!
The bar is on Silom Road, which I’d also recommend as a really nice area to stay in if you think Khao San is a little daunting.
Dress up at the Unicorn Café
Some days you visit beautiful, cultural places… and some days you just need to dress up as a unicorn, eat pretty unicorn foods and be surrounded by unicorn things.
At Unicorn Café, Bangkok, they understand this – which is why they cater for your inner child. So, if eating princess waffles in a unicorn onesie is up your street, then head to Bang Rak. I’ve got be honest, this was one of my favourite things to do in Bangkok by far!
Top tips for visiting bangkok
So, now you know what things to add to your Bangkok bucket list, here are some top tips to get the most out of your trip….
Get a traveller sim card in the airport
You can buy a 30-day sim card for 459 baht (about £13) in Bangkok airport with free unlimited 4g and 500 baht call credit – which I’d say is a pretty good bargain!
As well as the comfort of knowing O2 aren’t going to hit you with a massive bill when you get home, Google maps and the internet are an absolute god send when you’re trying to work your way round a foreign city.
However, if you’re kind of looking forward to being cut off from the world for a little bit and want to stick with your current sim, free Wi-Fi is practically everywhere anyway.
Maps.me is also a fab offline version of Google maps so you don’t need internet. Every backpacker is on the Maps.me bandwagon.
Don’t expect the traffic to stop for you on a zebra crossing
After trying to cross a road for a good ten minutes I realised zebra crossings are more of an optional possibly privilege in this country.
A good old fashioned game of chicken with the traffic is how you should handle this one. Or just wait for a Thai person to cross the road and follow them, they know what they’re doing they got this! Death by tuk tuk likely.
Take the free bus
Forget the Arriva bus with free Wi-Fi or the comfy bus from back home. Lookout for a shaggy looking red bus that looks like it’s about to fall apart. These buses go all over the city and best of all, they’re free! Completely within budget. Just tell the driver where you want to go and he’ll tell you what number to get. You could even ask a Thai person at the bus stop. Strangers have been so helpful and they love a chance to practice their English.
Bangkok Backpacker saving tip: the river taxi is way cheaper than the tour boat
The river taxi is one of the quickest and easiest ways of getting around Bangkok if you’re a backpacker, not to mention the most picturesque. They operate up and down the river frequently costing around 10 baht depending on the length of the journey. There are also smaller ferries to cross the river setting you back a measly 3 baht (7p like seriously). The tour boats cost around 30 baht and basically do the same route only you have a tour guide talking you through everything so it depends what you’re looking for. You can get to the main temples via river taxi including Wat Arun and the Grand Palace.
Bangkok Backpacker saving tip: Don’t be afraid to barter
Thai’s can tell a tourist a mile off which is a perfect money making opportunity when a fresh, vulnerable backpacker first hits the streets having little experience in this environment before. Don’t get me wrong, don’t be going into restaurants trying to barter them down for a set of spring rolls, but when your shopping or getting transport like taxis and tuk tuk this is where you hustle. In my experience, depending on your bartering skills they will usually cave for possibly at least half the price they first propose. Barter that shit!
If a taxi doesn’t have a metre, ask a price before you get in
It’s a standard procedure of getting ripped off in first taxi you get in a new country as you haven’t yet managed to get the gist of the currency and prices yet. Usually taxis will have a metre but I have heard of them pretending it’s broken or covering them up. If this happens just ask a price and barter that shit if you feel it’s too much.
Tuk Tuks try and rip you off
When you tell the driver where you want to go he’ll say a price. This isn’t a fixed price and he’s more than open to negotiating. Depending on the price I would possibly start the bartering at half the initial price and work your way up. Taxis are cheaper but it’s so much fun flying home from Khao San Road at 3am in a tuk tuk.
Learn to use the bum gun
If you don’t know what a bum gun is don’t be afraid, it’s not as violent as it sounds. It is however an art after a few buckets on Khao San Road and not coming out looking like you’ve wet yourself.
Basically, the sewers in Thailand can’t handle shit like ours can at home, literally, so they have a small shower head type thing on the wall of every toilet, to rinse yourself off after you’ve done your business.
You’re then supposed to dry yourself with toilet paper that’s never there, put it in the bin and pour a bucket of water down the toilet after. It will take a few goes of getting drenched and blasting your bits too hard before you get the hang of it.
All part of the experience, lol.
Bangkok Backpacker dare: Try a fried insect
Cremated scorpions and other insects on sticks will be getting shoved in your face left right and centre. For the sake of £1, it’s worth it for the dirty picture opportunity if nothing else. Very Instaworthy.
FOR MORE TRAVEL TIPS CHECK OUT OUR OTHER GUIDES HERE.
Liverpool based Skin Care specialist offering Facials, Dermaplaning and Chemical Peels.
Follow on Instagram @illuminate_skin
