Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
I first started visiting Bangkok when I was in my early 20s.
I was living in India at the time and earning a relatively modest salary, in rupees.
This meant that I had to work with humble means.
Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand.Credit:Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
Those early experiences turned out to be great training.
Heres how I keep costs to a minimum.
Be strategic with international flights.
Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, Thailand.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
Getting to Bangkok will probably be your single biggest expense.
Rely on public transportation when possible.
As an added perk, motorbike taxis can usually get through traffic much more quickly than taxis.
Bangkok, Thailand.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
Choose budget options and book ahead.
As its name implies, the 10 rooms at this family-run inn have a bicycle theme.
Complimentary nighttime bicycle tours and loaner bikes provide a free and fun alternative totuk-tuksand motorbike taxis.
Bangkok, Thailand.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
Eat on the cheap.
Theres also a canteen at Exim Bank in the Ari neighborhood with meals that start from 35 baht.
Save on sightseeing.
Street food in Bangkok, Thailand.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
However, many of Bangkoks temples are inexpensive or free to visit.
Want to get away from the metropolitan madness?
you’re free to also rent a bike or walk and relax while seeing nature.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
