Sightseeing
Can’t miss Grand Palace when you are a first timer in Bangkok. This place boast the grand architecture that Bangkok has, it is a home to the Emerald Buddha, Reclining Buddha and different temples. In the vicinity, you can also go to Wat Pho to get an authentic Thai massage. Going here is relatively easy, the cheapest I know is getting off from Sapan Takshin BTS station and a 10-15 boat ride to take you to Grand Palace stop and walk your way there, other means are taxi/grab/uber though you might have to endure Bangkok traffic jam. On your way back to Sapan Takshin, you can also see the Wat Arun Temple. Personally, I have never set foot at this temple but just admire it from the boat which is already enough for me as I have already seen a lot of temples already.
Since you are already in Sapan Takshin station, you may want to visit Asiatique River (6 pm onwards) to see the city view from the river and admire those lights from different hotels and establishments. Asiatique river has a ferris-wheel ride and different restaurants which serve Thai cuisine, Japanese cuisine among others. You can also do some shopping but I do recommend Pratunam and Chatuchak weekend market as these is cheaper. 20Baht is the fare back and forth to Sapan Takshin station for a boat ride but you can also take land transportation (taxi/uber/grab) if you’re tired from eating and walking.
If your stay in Bangkok is more than 3 days, you can go ahead and a lot 1 day to go to Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya is the previous capital of Thailand and is one of the Unesco World Heritage sites. You can rent a car to go here or ride a train (2 hour) and just rent a tuktuk from the train station to go around in this place. Personal tip: this place is big so I don’t recommend to use a bicycle or else you’ll get tired easily. Also get a map so you have an idea on which places to go. Some of the things we did is to ride an elephant, visit the ruins ( headless Buddhas and a Buddha head which is enclosed within a tree trunk) and visit other temples.
Hotel
In Bangkok, your only option is a hotel since Airbnb is not allowed here. No worries, since there are a lot of cheap accomodation and going in/out from your place is easy because of the developed transportation system.
For websites, you can check Agoda.com, Hotels.com or book directly from the hotel of your choice.
In choosing your accomodation, make sure its near to any BTS station. A good example is Mecure Hotel which is just beside the National Stadium.
Eats
Food in Thailand is relatively cheap and delicious. For the cheapest and decent meal, you can go to Terminal 21 mall in Asok BTS station. Your 100 Baht has a long way to go, believe me that you’ll still get a change after having your meal, drinks and dessert as the food is really cheap.
To get discounts from different restaurants, you can use Eatigo. This is an app where you can get discounts at a certain date and time, from hotel buffets to Michelin stars restaurants among others! The last time I checked this, you can get upto 50% discount in Sofitel which is really a good deal.
If you want different varieties of cheap cooked food, you can go to Central Chidlom in Chitlom BTS station. The grocery store 1F houses food from the Blue Elephant, fresh seafoods, sushi, fresh juices, pastries and others. Personal tip: go here 7pm onwards or later to get cheaper deals as they offer big discount since it’s nearing closing time already. You can also eat all your purchased items on the tables found near the bakery/pastry shop.
Shopping
Megabangna & IKEA
Megabangna is a mall which has different mid-end brands. You can find unique sale items here which are most likely sold out in other branches. You can also find the only IKEA in this mall. If you need some DIY and house stuff or even just for meatballs, go ahead to this place. Going here, you can take the BTS and get off in Udom Suk station then head off to Exit 5. In front of 7-11 store, wait for the IKEA free shuttle bus, schedule is every 30 minutes from 8AM to 11PM.
Pratunam Market
The cheapest place to do shopping is in Pratunam Market. This is in front of the Platinum Fashion Mall. Going here can be tricky as you have to go to the small alleys to get yourself in the center where you can find the clothes. From the outside, it appears close and creepy as it looks deserted but if you just keep on walking, you’ll find yourself in the busy crowd of clothes.
Platinum Fashion Mall
This is an air-conditioned version of Chatuchak Weekend Market but is pricier. You’ll see similar items from different stores so make sure to compare prices before buying. Same with the other ‘tiangge’ stores, you can’t fit clothes here so you have to estimate your size or you can buy the clothes first then fit and ask for a different size after.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
This is only open from Sat-Sun. I recommend to visit and shop at this place since it is the 2nd cheapest shopping place I know. There could be a thick crowd here so you have to wear comfortable clothes and hydrate yourself. No need to bring water since there are a lot of stores selling fresh juices, water to refresh you. Getting here, you can take the MRT station and get off to Kamphaend Phet station, just find the exit and viola, you’re already in the Chatuchak Market!
Siam Paragon
For food souvenirs, you can go to Gourmet Market in Siam Paragon. There is a section there that houses Thai specialties. You can also shop for Western products here.
Massage
There are plenty of spas in Bangkok from 250/hr up. I personally prefer Swedish/oil massage than Thai massage as it is more relaxing for me. Having a Thai massage, I felt that I have gone to the gym after and suffers body aches since its more of stretching and joint massage. I can’t recommend a place to go to since there are a lot offering this service and it is often a hit and miss. J Health Land is one of the place you can check out but you have to set an appointment earlier since it can be full at times.
Money Exchange
Based from experience, Super Rich bank offers the best exchange rates when in Bankok. I always bring US dollars with me and exchange it to Baht. For 50-100, exchange rate is higher than lower USD bills.
Transportation
Buy a rabbit card to ease yourself from the hassle of lining up. Vending machines only accept coins so if you don’t have, you have to line up to have it changed to coins (cashier do not sell single tickets) then line up again to buy a single journey ticket.
Going around in taxi is relatively cheap but make sure to specify to the driver that you use the meter. Most of the taxi drivers do not speak English so make sure know some of Thai words especially for the Soi #s. To save you from talking/explaining, you can book via Grab or Uber though taking these can take up your time since Bangkok is known for its traffic jams.
Discounts
Eatigo
To get discounts from different restaurants, you can use Eatigo. This is an app where you can get discounts at a certain date and time, from hotel buffets to Michelin stars restaurants among others! The last time I checked this, you can get upto 50% discount in Sofitel which is really a good deal.
Tourist Discount – Siam Paragon/Em Quartier/ Gourmet Market
In department stores, just ask the cashier about the Tourist discount. They don’t ask questions and just deduct 5% from the total price (even you don’t have the card). If you have a special card, your discount may reach up to 10% or depends on the stated discount in your card, it is also applicable in the grocery stores ( Gourmet Market) but you have to show the card. You can get the Tourist discount card from hotel freebies and some of the Gourmet Market outlet (Terminal 21) for free.
Visit WhereOnSale website or download its app so you’re aware on the on-going sale.
VAT Refund
Being a foreigner grants you an advantage of a tax refund. Usually you have to consume 2,000 Baht and up to get a VAT refund. Just look for the Tax Refund sign to know if the store offers a tax refund. Personal Tip: Even in the grocery, you can apply a tax refund for food.
To know more about Bangkok, visit Expat Living in Bangkok article. http://happypilltrip.com/2017/02/27/expat-living-in-bangkok/.
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