Bangkok is one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities and a major tourist destination for visitors from across the globe. A city that offers it all, Bangkok is particularly ideal for budget travelers and backpackers given its fun and frolicsome approach to life (not to mention its low cost of living).
Places of interest
The Anantasamakhom Throne Hall and the Ancient City are two of the most popular tourist spots in Bangkok. The former is a relic of King Rama V’s reign. Constructed during the Renaissance, its open to tourists and is a must-see.
The Ancient City, located on Sukhumvit Road, is a park just outside the city center that comprises of marvelously crafted reconstructions of historical buildings from Bangkok’s past. This is especially a great place of interest for backpackers who are interested in any aspect of Thai culture and history as it runs through various historical eras and political regimes.
For the adventure or wildlife loving backpacker, the Snake Farm is the place to be. Located on Henry Dunant Road, it’s is famous around the world for its impressive collection of snakes, which include the King Cobra and other notoriously dangerous species.
For a close-up experience of the national sport, meanwhile, the Ratchadamnoen Stadium is the place to go to see Thai kick boxers in action. Brutal and beautiful, it’s a fascinating sport that will inevitably prove for a memorable day out.
Temples
Bangkok is known for its temples, and incoming backpackers inevitably want to catch a glimpse into the city’s the breathtaking religious monuments.
The Wat Mahathat, for example, is a Buddhist temple near the Thammasat University. For a backpacker running away from the mad, chaotic world of Bangkok’s inner-city, this place is simply paradise.
If you find yourself in the Bang Lamphu area, meanwhile, you can pay a visit to the Wat Bowon Niwet, another shrine dedicated to Buddha that houses an idol of the great teacher crafted as long ago as the fourteenth century.
Shopping
For budget travelers looking for an authentic experience of a country while collecting some great souvenirs, the Weekend Market in Bangkok is basically a utopia. Shopaholics swear by this market and backpackers revel in the sheer variety of things available here. Well connected with the entire city, the Weekend Market hosts around twenty thousand shops, selling everything from local delicacies to gadgets.
Having shopped, dropped, and refreshed a bit, get going to Silom, the most happening party district in Bangkok. You can try out the rooftop restaurants and bars located here and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city over a drink (not to mention some less salubrious party joints).
Accommodation
For backpackers, the best places to lodge in are the city’s hostels. There are a number of
Youth hostels in Bangkok. One well rated place is the Niras Bankoc Boutique Hostel, which is located in the Samranrach Phra-Nakorn area, and offers great facilities at a cheap rate. Niras Bankoc Boutique gives budget travelers a taste of Bangkok’s old world charm, as it is situated in a house that is over a hundred years old (don’t worry – it’s been very well maintained!).
The Lub d Bangkok is also a one of the best
Bangkok Youth hostels. Located in the Silom area, it’s a great place to stay for young backpackers who want to enjoy Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife to the fullest.
Before settling down and becoming a copywriter for Hostelbookers, Jonny Cooper did a backpacking tour of Denmark, he checked out a variety of the country's budget accommodation.
