Frugal Travel Tips For Bangkok, Thailand

With currency exchange, it is not difficult to find frugal attractions in Bangkok, Thailand. However, there are some suggestions to make the travel dollars even better and improve the travel experience.

The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Yes, there is an entry fee (200 variety, roughly $ 6 US) but this view is a must see for any visitor to Bangkok. It hosts a range of Thai architecture.

Temples and other national monuments have a strict dress code. No shorts, sleeveless top or request dress. This is true of most religious sites around the world but in Thailand, travelers should not wear open heel sandals (there should be a strap behind the heel).

Thai Customs

Which leads to some Thai customs that the savvy travelers see.

Shorts are considered suitable only for children and lower class.

The head is considered sacred (closest to the sky) so do not touch. Do not really try to touch the local people.

Foot care is also to be taken. To point one's feet at a person is considered a serious insult and to sit with the soles exposed is extremely rude (especially in religious places). Sit with the feet resting under the body.

No public display of affection. Keep it for the privacy of your room.

Most countries, but particularly Thailand, do not criticize local government or monarchy.

This may sound like a lot of rules, but the most applicable is that in almost every country a traveler is a guest.

Also Thai people 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 the information kiosks), there is plenty to choose from. This is a place to perform hag. Never take the first offer. Be very wary of fakes (fake antiques, fake jewelry, etc.) and pickpockets (keep a few small bills in an easily accessible pocket and hide the wallet).

What to buy Almost anything, especially handicrafts. My mother is an elephant lover and Thailand, with reverence for the animal, was the ideal place to take teak carvings (beware of wood drying and cracks when you return home).

Wat Pho (Temple Revival Temple)

Another very, very cheap entrance fee (20 par excellence), Wat Pho is the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Undoubtedly, there is a 46 meter tall, gold-covered reclining Buddha. However, the buildings and orchids I found were also notable.

Bangkok is a bargain hunter's paradise. Attractions, food and shopping are affordable.