26. Patravadi Dining Theatre
Studio 9 at the River is a fabulous place to have a romantic dinner while being entertained by trained dance artists. Riverside scenery, live entertainment and cheap (good) food. Great combination and excellent value for money!
27. Cheap Charlies
Famous among 'farang' (foreigners) cheapskates, Cheap Charlies is allegedly the cheapest 'watering hole' in Bangkok. The drinks menu is extensive - plenty of excuses to lift the elbow very high. Again and again. For a morning-after cure, let us know what you heard...
28. Bangkok's Tallest Building
If you feel exuberant and just don't know what to do with all that excess energy, you could always run up the 2,060 steps to the top of Bayoke Tower. Or ride the elevator to the glass viewing deck on the 77th floor. Up to this point it is free. If you want to enter the outdoor revolving deck on the 84th floor, adults pay 120 and children 50 baht.
29. Cheap City Tour by Bus
By no means the fastest or most convenient, travelling by bus is the way to get an authentic city tour almost for free. See all those things not charted on the tourist trail. Excellent adventuring if you have loads of time on your hands and don't mind getting terribly lost - without a tour guide!
30. River Taxis on the Chao Phraya River
If buses are Bangkok's cheapest way to cover ground, the equivalent on water are river taxis. Hitch a ride for as little as 3 baht for a refreshing sojourn across the River of Kings, pauper-style. The Chao Phraya Express Boat Company offers a Day Pass for 75 baht with departures every 30 minutes from Sathorn Pier.
31. Trade Fairs & Exhibitions: Freebies Galore!
These events are great to see what's new, hot and happening. They're also great for picking lots of free goodies like promotional items (pens, peak caps, stickers - even T-shirts and umbrellas). Take a look at our trade events calendar to find out what's happening at main exhibition venues like Impact, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre and BITEC.
32. Fishing
We can't help you with tackle and bait, but as far as places to cast a line, no problem. Permits are not required to fish anywhere along the Chao Phraya River (as far as we know), but you can expect to be somewhat of a spectacle. We've never spotted a tourist fishing, but then there's always a first.
33. Free Internet
There are loads of free wi-fi spots all over town, most notably at coffee shops like Starbucks outlets everywhere and Coffee Society in Silom Road. Just take your laptop along.
34. Art Galleries
If you appreciate good art, you'll love Bangkok's many galleries. They're a showcase not only for established and emerging talent, but artists from across Thailand, Asia and the world are featured.
35. Second-hand and Vintage Clothing
Buying and wearing second-hand clothing (especially vintage ensembles) are considered very 'nouveau' and in 'vogue'. Pick up some interesting and rare pieces at Chatuchak Weekend Market, the Sapan Poot Market or Lad Prao Night Market.
36. Luxury Brand Fittings
Ever wondered what it feels like to slip into a pair of 6-inch, USD 1,500 Jimmy Choo shoes or be wrapped in the supreme luxury of a six-digit Chanel creation? You can find all the world's most expensive luxury brands at Bangkok's many top-end malls, and its free to try on whatever you like. Just pretend that you can afford it.
37. Free Make-Overs
Many department stores will give you a free (basic) make-over, or at least a make-up demonstration or skin consultation. Just go when it's quiet and let them kill time by fussing over you. Many of the shop attendants and consulants are 'katoeys' (ladyboys), incidentally, who can give you the best possible advice to camouflage dreaded flaws.
38. Fragrance Testers
Department stores have free testers of the world's most divine fragrances. Just make your way there in between sight-seeing to smell like a million dollars and disguise the odd odour that comes complimentary with the sweltering heat. Make sure to select a different department store every time (you don't want to be caught out).
39. Party Gate-crashing
There's always something happening in Bangkok, be it a product launch, promotion or celebration of some kind. If you see a crowd gathered somewhere, check it out. Head for the registration desk with confidence and conviction (that your name is on the guest list) and sign in. It's worth a try because there will normally be loads of free food and drinks.
40. Free Capoeira Lessons
Capoeira is a unique, 500-year old art form that blends self defence with acrobatics, dance, music and song. It is an expression of the African slaves' fight for freedom in colonial Brazil. Learn to do it right here in Bangkok, and for free. The place to head to is Benjasiri Park next to The Emporium (Sundays at 16:30).
41. Free Dance Classes
At Fogo Vivo (a Brazilian Restaurant in the President Tower Arcade next to Gaysorn) there's free salsa lessons every Friday night between 21:00 and 22:00. And at La Rueda (BTS Asok) you can learn to tango for free (Mondays from 20:00 to 21:00). They also have salsa classes for beginners every Friday and Saturday at the same time.
42. Free Art Movies
The Goethe Institute in Sathorn and Japan Foundation often host free screenings of artsy international movies. Check out their websites for more information about this and other free cultural activities. Movies at the Japan Foundation don't always have English subtitles - make sure before you go.
43. Siam Society
Its beautiful historical buildings and lush garden is worth a visit alone (and free). For a nominal fee you can also attend interesting lectures that cover a wide range of Thai-cultural topics.
44. Cheap Eats
Work your way through our list of 100 Eating Experiences in Bangkok for some amazing and very cheap dining pursuits.
45. BTS & MRT Travel Passes
Everyone knows that Bangkok's Skytrain (BTS) and underground (MRT) are possibly the most convenient, fastest and cheapest way to get around. But many people don't know that there are various kinds of travel passes available that make it even more affordable!
46. Shopping: Sales & Promotions
There's always a sale on somewhere. Big department stores like those found at The Emporium and Siam Paragon often have midnight sales when prices on some goods are slashed by up to 70%.
47. OTOP Shops & Fairs
OTOP - One Tambon (province) One Product - is a government initiative to preserve and promote the unique skills and craftsmanship of the different regions of Thailand. There are several OTOP outlets in Bangkok and a big OTOP Fair is held twice-annually at Impact Muang Thong Thani. It's a great place to pick up processed foodstuffs, arts and crafts, at prices than can best be described as a steal!
48. Train Trip to Ayutthaya
A day-trip to the ancient Siamese capital with its spectacular ruins counts among one of the best experiences to have. Travel there by train (about 150 baht return) for a really 'local' experience. In Autthaya, make sure to sample 'roti sai mai' - strings of sugarcane wrapped in a pancake, and a delicacy Ayutthaya is known for. (Hualamphong, Bangkok's main station, can be reached with the MRT.)
49. Fun Stuff for Kids
The global 'edutainment' trend has caught up with Bangkok too, and in a big way. The finest examples can be found at TK Park at CentralWorld (admission 20 baht) with lots of interesting play-and-learn experiences for little ones, and Bangkok's Children Discovery Museum (entrance 50 baht). Both these places are just as much fun for grown-ups to explore.
50. Affordable Silk
You can't leave Bangkok without having purchased at least one silk item, one of the most famous products of the Kingdom of Thailand. The better the quality, the more expensive the silk. At the Pahurat Textile Market, close to Chinatown, you can get some great bargains in all the colours of the rainbow. The smoother the texture of the silk, the better the quality.
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Now that you've saved up some baht, we have a great idea for you to blow it again... Hotels in the Thai capital - even five-star luxury retreats - count among the most affordable in the world. This is your chance to indulge in unashamed pampering fit for royalty. Experience legendary Thai hospitality in sumptuous surroundings. Rest your head in style on a down feather pillow with a 300 thread-count cotton pillowcase. Feast your eyes on sweeping cityscapes or riverside vistas. Tantalise your taste buds with gourmet grub prepared by Michelin chefs... It's much more within your reach in Bangkok than any other big city in the world!
Luxury Hotels: Bangkok's Best
Or have a look at our Hotels Section for some unbeatable deals in all categories, the best locations!
Click here to check out the first 25 things you can do in Bangkok that cost a pittance or less! |
