Cheap Hotels in Bangkok

Look beyond the sea of corporate high rises and set your sights on street-level Bangkok. This is where you’ll find the city's ancient heritage—and its modern pulse. From temples of faith to floating markets, Bangkok’s vibrant street life is one of its major attractions. Serving up an array of authentic street food, the city’s countless food markets will give you a taste for local life without breaking the bank. One thing’s for sure: travelers on a budget will get a lot for their Baht in this bargain-hungry city.

Things to see in Bangkok

Gain an insight into Bangkok’s Buddhist roots, free of charge, at Wat Ratchabophit. Adorned with Chinese porcelain, this hidden gem provides a more peaceful experience than the city’s more famous temples, and is the final resting place for many members of the Thai Royal Family. For less than USD$5, check out the Jim Thompson House, named after the American silk exporter whose priceless collection of Asian art is on display in his former home. Skip the smog and heat of downtown with a wander through leafy Lumphini Park, a popular hangout with lawns and a lake—watch the locals practicing t’ai chi and maybe catch an open-air concert. Be sure to visit at least one of Bangkok’s photogenic floating markets—the largest and most famous is Damnoen Saduak, but you’ll find more local flavor and fewer tourists at Amphawa, as well as some great places to eat freshly and cheaply.

Cheap hotels in Bangkok

This cosmopolitan city has plenty to offer when it comes to budget hotels. Many cheap hotels in Bangkok provide no-frills facilities for travelers who just want somewhere to recharge their laptop while they party through the night. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a hotel in Bangkok that won’t stretch your budget but offers more than just a bed for the night, check out the all-inclusive riverside resorts featuring on-site dining, recreation, and entertainment. Or go for self-catering options and save money by creating your own twist on Thai cuisine using fresh produce from the street markets.

Where to stay in Bangkok

For cheap hotel rooms in Bangkok with bags of character, try the area around Thanon Khao San Market in Banglamphu. Here you will find charming older-style properties converted into unique hotels that offer surprisingly competitive rates. Siam Square is a great central location if you’re on a flying visit and want to pack in as much as possible in a short time—check into one of the many cheap and cheerful Bangkok hostels and save your cash to splash in the shopping malls. Choose a budget hotel room in lively Silom to be close to the exotic buzz of the night market and enjoy refreshing walks through Lumphini Park by day.

How to get to Bangkok

Most visitors to Thailand arrive at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, a busy hub for the world’s major airlines. The city’s second airport, Don Mueang, is served by low-cost carriers and handles domestic flights. The simplest way into central Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi is by the Airport Rail Link (ARL), offering a direct ride to Makkasan station where it connects with the MRT metro. Once you’re in the city, hail a quirky motorized tuk-tuk to get from A to B. Bangkok is also accessible by bus, with Mo Chit, Ekamai, and Sai Tai Taling Chan stations serving destinations in the north, east and south of Thailand.