How to experience Bangkok properly on 1,500–2,000 THB per day — without sacrificing quality.
Khao San Road hostels 250–400 THB dorm; Banglamphu guesthouses 500–800 THB private; book a week ahead for best prices.
Street food three meals: 250–400 THB; sit-down local restaurants: 60–150 THB per dish; avoid anything in tourist areas with English menus prominently displayed.
BTS/MRT for longer journeys (15–59 THB); motorbike taxis for short hops (30–60 THB); Grab over metered taxis for predictable pricing; river boats 15–40 THB.
Most temples cost 0–200 THB; parks are free; Lumphini has no entry fee; free museum days exist — check schedules; cooking classes and day trips are worth the splurge.
Bangkok rewards those who eat local, avoid tourist zones, and use public transport — doing this, you live well on 1,200 THB/day.
