Backpacking Across Bangkok- A Comprehensive Guide

Khao San Road, a thriving hive of activity and culture, is a favourite backpacking destination. Here, you'll discover classic hostels like Mad Monkey Hostel and NapPark Hostel, both recognised for their vibrant atmospheres and social attitudes, which are ideal for meeting other travellers. Private rooms near Khao San start at around INR 1400–1500, but if you walk ten minutes outside of Khao San, the price will drop by a few rupees.

You can find dorms starting at INR 1000 per person per night in prime locations such as Phra Nakhon and Siam. Most of the dorms have moderate-level facilities such as WiFi, a comfortable bed, good food and a chance to bond with fellow travellers. Chana Songkram is a fantastic route to get affordable accommodation; it is only a five-minute walk from Khao San and offers tonnes of budget hostels.

For those searching for a calmer experience, the Old Town Hostel in the historic neighbourhood offers a more laid-back ambiance while still being accessible to key sites like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.

Lub d Bangkok Siam and Hostelworld The Yard Hostel in the Ari neighbourhood is an excellent alternative for travellers seeking modern amenities and a young, fashionable atmosphere. These hostels provide trendy rooms and fantastic community spaces, encouraging a pleasant and engaged environment.

If you're touring the Silom region, Smile Society Boutique Hostel provides a friendly atmosphere with a strong emphasis on cleanliness and comfort.

Regular buses would cost around 8 Baht (18 INR) and Expressway Buses would cost around 10 Baht (22 INR). Buses are another low-cost mode of transportation, with a vast network that covers the whole city. Although navigating the bus system might be difficult for first-timers, it is an excellent opportunity to see local life.

The Skytrain and Metro are inexpensive and convenient modes of transportation. Taxis in the city start at 35 Baht (79 INR) for the first 2 kilometers, and it increases to 2 Baht per kilometer, but make sure your driver puts the metre on.

The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are the backbones of Bangkok's transit system, offering fast and air-conditioned access to vital districts. These trains are great for escaping the city's renowned traffic congestion, linking important areas such as Sukhumvit, Silom, and Chatuchak.

The Chao Phraya River Express boats offer a picturesque and cost-effective ride. These river taxis offer breathtaking views of Bangkok's skyline and transport passengers to landmarks such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.

Tuk-tuks, or classic three-wheeled vehicles, provide a more daring means of transportation. While they may be more expensive than other alternatives, bargaining is usual, and they are ideal for short trips.

If you're going alone and don't want to take public transportation, consider the famed motorbike taxis; they're affordable, especially during rush hour. Apps like Grab come into good use.

Bike rentals and walking excursions are ideal for discovering Bangkok's hidden beauties at your own leisure. Backpacking in Bangkok is simple and inexpensive because to the variety of transportation choices available.

Thai cuisine is an integral component of the journey, providing an explosion of flavours that are both inexpensive and diverse. The city's street food culture is famed, with various vendors providing delicious foods around the clock.

Begin your day by visiting local street food booths or markets to sample iconic delicacies such as Pad Thai, Som Tum (spicy papaya salad), and Moo Ping (grilled pig skewers). These booths may be found throughout the city, with prominent places such as Khao San Road, Yaowarat (Chinatown), and the busy Chatuchak Market offering an abundance of alternatives.

Bangkok has various budget-friendly eateries that deliver hefty meals at reasonable costs. Visit restaurants such as Krua Apsorn, famed for its savoury Thai curries and stir-fries, and Thip Samai, famous for its legendary Pad Thai. These eateries provide a more relaxed eating experience without exceeding your budget.

Food courts in shopping malls such as MBK Centre and Terminal 21 are also good options for budget-conscious travellers. These food courts provide a broad range of Thai cuisine, including hot Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup) and sweet Mango Sticky Rice, all at moderate costs.

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, or Wat Pho, is a revered landmark in the centre of Bangkok and is well-known for its enormous historical and cultural significance. Wat Pho, one of Thailand's biggest and oldest temples, is a reminder of the nation's rich Buddhist past.

The majestic 46-meter-long, gold-leafed Reclining Buddha statue is the temple's most well-known attraction. This magnificent image, which symbolises the Buddha's ascension into Nirvana, is a potent representation of serenity and enlightenment. Gazing at this magnificent monument, visitors frequently experience a profound sense of respect and tranquility.

Wat Arun, popularly known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok's most recognisable monuments. The temple, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, is well-known for its beautiful architecture and riverside setting. Wat Arun dates back to the Ayutthaya period but was extensively repaired and expanded under King Rama II's reign in the early nineteenth century.

Damnoen saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi is one of the most popular floating markets in Thailand. Every day, many Thai and foreign tourists travel here to shop, eat, and absorb the atmosphere of Thailand's water markets, which have been like this for over 100 years. Klong Damnoen Saduak Damnoen Saduak is the straightest and longest canal in Thailand. The canal was built on royal initiative, as King Rama IV of Thailand wanted to link the Mae Klong River with Chinese riverways to support transportation and trade. It took over 2 years to dig and was eventually finished under the reign of his successor, King Rama V. The canal is 32 kilometers long and has more than 200 branches. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market's popularity grew to new heights in 1971–1973, when the river was full of farmers on their boats selling their wares. And that is the way trade has been performed in this area until today.

It is the Thai house of James H. W. Thompson, the American soldier who initiated Thai silk industry in Thailand. Jim Thompson House is a Thai teakwood house which he bought from the former owner of the house. The parts of each house were delivered to the area. The Thai house was completely built in 1959. Inside, the room is decorated in Thai style with Thai furniture, ornamental plants and flowers, including Jim Thompson's collections. They are mainly painted potteries, such as Chinese painted potteries since Song dynasty to the ones in B.E. 19. 

• Stay Hydrated: Bangkok's tropical environment may be hot, so keep a water bottle on hand at all times.
• Use Public Transportation: Save money by taking the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, or river taxi. They are efficient and cover the majority of tourist destinations.
• Learn basic Thai phrases: Simple sentences like "hello" (Sawasdee) and "thank you" (Khop Khun) may greatly enhance your trip experience.
• Beware of frauds: Be wary of popular frauds, such as tuk-tuk drivers providing extremely low-cost excursions that lead to tourist traps.
• Dress Modestly for Temples: To show respect, visit temples wearing modest clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.

Bangkok, as a city, has so much to offer, from centuries-old temples to its amazing nightlife. And backpacking across the city is an experience that will make your trip worthwhile. Overall, you can see spending about 1500 Baht (approximately INR 3400) in a day for your transport, food and accommodation, which is relatively inexpensive compared to other cities. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head out to this beautiful city with a blend of tradition and modern architecture.