Bangkok travel experience for beginners: What to eat, where to go, what to buy that is "cheap but good"?

If there is a city that can make you laugh at the simple things and also make you stunned by the strange moments, it is definitely Bangkok. No need to have a thick wallet, no need for a complicated schedule, traveling to Bangkok always brings a feeling of leisure but still has many interesting experiences. With just a cheap flight ticket or a budget tour, a few short days off, you can eat famous delicious dishes, wander through the colorful markets, take pictures in front of the gilded palace or quietly relax on a small boat in the middle of the poetic Chao Phraya River.

Việt Nam•21/07/2025

Bangkok’s destinations are a strange blend of tradition and modernity, of formality and vibrant street life. And it is this contrast that creates a unique identity, making this city never boring even for those who have come here for the third or fourth time. So, on your first (or not-so-first) trip, where should you start? The answer is always: eat first!

1. What to eat in Bangkok? Discover the paradise of delicious, nutritious, and cheap street food

Night markets in Bangkok are a spectacle of vibrant atmosphere and unique culture, from lights, sounds and scents, bringing the flavors of local culture and countless delicious dishes. (Photo: Collected)

No trip to Bangkok is complete without spending at least one afternoon strolling through the crowded streets, where food carts always give off fragrant aromas whether early in the morning or late at night. Bangkok is truly a “street food paradise”. Here, eating is not just about filling your stomach, but also a way for you to understand more about the culture, lifestyle and personality of the Thai people.

Start with a plate of Pad Thai, fragrant with shrimp, egg and roasted peanuts. The soft and chewy rice noodles are stir-fried in a large pan with sweet and sour tamarind sauce, and just a little lime juice is enough to awaken your taste buds. You can easily find Pad Thai in every corner, but the most delicious and authentic ones are still in Yaowarat (Chinatown) or Khao San – where the vibrant life does not sleep all night.

Next, if you are brave enough to experience the spicy taste of Thailand, try the legendary spicy and sour shrimp soup, Tom Yum Goong. The hot broth is made from coconut milk, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, fresh chili and tiger prawns, and it will warm your stomach in the hot and humid Bangkok. Usually, small stalls around Chatuchak Market or Silom area will have the "famous without a sign" bowl of Tom Yum, where locals line up every noon.

After the main course, mango sticky rice is a dessert not to be missed. The sweet taste of ripe mango, combined with sticky rice and rich coconut milk will make you “melt” from the first bite. A portion of mango sticky rice is usually only about 50-70 baht, just enough for you to feel “pampered” without worrying about your wallet.

Don’t forget to visit areas like Ratchada Night Market, Rod Fai or Asiatique Pier at night. There, snacks like coconut ice cream, grilled meat skewers, Thai fried chicken, spicy noodles with dried shrimp are always ready to satisfy your stomach after a day of walking around. The experiences of eating and playing in Bangkok always start with surprise and end with full satisfaction.

And the best part is: you don’t need to go to a fancy restaurant to enjoy these flavors. All you need is a folding table, some low plastic chairs, and most importantly, a spirit of exploration, and you can eat “like a Thai” in the heart of Bangkok.

2. Where to go in Bangkok? Destinations that are both ancient and incredibly vibrant

Bangkok is a modern capital city rich in culture and tradition. (Photo: Saga Sang)

If cuisine is the “first door” to open the world of Bangkok, then the journey to discover the highlights of this city will help you understand more deeply about the pace of life, culture and unforgettable “contrasting” beauty. The special thing about Bangkok tourism is the perfect intersection between the past and the present, where you can start the day in an ancient temple and end with bustling footsteps in a bustling commercial center.

One of the must-see destinations is the Grand Palace . This is not only the place that has been the center of power for centuries, but also a symbol of the solemnity and profound Buddhist spirit of the Thai people. Whether you come here early in the morning or at noon, the golden roof tiles, the elaborate carvings and the Emerald Buddha statue are enough to make you speechless. Note: when visiting the Grand Palace, you need to dress modestly and respect the sacred space.

Not far from the Grand Palace is Wat Pho, home to an impressive 46-meter reclining Buddha statue. The atmosphere here is quiet, a far cry from the hustle and bustle outside. In addition to admiring the architecture and Buddha statue, you can also experience a traditional Thai massage right on the temple grounds. This activity is both relaxing and a true “local” experience of having fun in Bangkok.

If you love modernity, you should spend time visiting the ICONSIAM shopping mall on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, where you can enjoy the river view while taking an afternoon boat ride, then immerse yourself in the shopping, dining and entertainment space in a luxurious yet intimate setting. There is a "floating market" area here that simulates a traditional floating market, helping you learn more about the river life in Central Thailand without having to leave Bangkok.

Apart from the iconic spots, another lovely option is Chatuchak Market on the weekends. This Bangkok tourist destination is like a real “maze”, with tens of thousands of stalls selling everything from fashion, accessories, to antiques, bonsai and even pets. Strolling around the market, shopping, people-watching, sipping a cold milk tea or enjoying fried fish balls with spicy sauce… is the perfect definition of the phrase “having fun in Bangkok”.

Don’t forget Khao San Road, especially at night, when the street lights come on and the music from the bars open next to each other is when tourists and local Thais join in the street rhythm. This is where you can stroll, listen to live music, try fried grasshoppers or drink a cold Chang beer at a super cheap price.

In Bangkok, every place you visit has its own color. A little nostalgia from ancient temples, a little modernity from shopping malls, and a lot of energy from street life… all create a symphony that only when you truly immerse yourself in it, you can feel the full "essence" of Bangkok tourism.

3. What to buy in Bangkok? Travel to Bangkok to discover the "shopping paradise" with super cheap prices

Thailand's old electronics market - Pantip Plaza Bangkok is the "boss" of all IT stores in Thailand. (Photo: Collected)

After having a full stomach and wandering through the iconic places of Bangkok, you will surely start to look for interesting items, both as gifts and to keep a little "Bangkok flavor" in your luggage. And true to its reputation, traveling to Bangkok cannot be without shopping. Because this is one of the rare cities where you can find everything from cheap goods, traditional handicrafts to international brands in the same day, at incredibly affordable prices.

If you love the bustling shopping atmosphere, Chatuchak Market is the place to spend at least a few hours exploring every weekend. Walking among thousands of tiny stalls, you can find everything from unique graphic T-shirts, handmade leather goods, hand-painted paintings, herbal scented candles to even... mini cactus plants. The fun of shopping at Chatuchak Market is not only bargaining for good prices, but also chatting with the sellers. Most of them are very funny, enthusiastic and extremely friendly. This is the "art of shopping in Bangkok", where a smile can get you an extra 20 baht off!

Want to find youthful, trendy fashion but still affordable? Platinum Fashion Mall is the mecca for shopping enthusiasts. This shopping mall is almost “tailor-made” for fashion lovers, with a variety of women’s and men’s fashion, accessories, and shoes clearly divided into tiers, with affordable prices, especially if you buy 2-3 items or more. You can spend a whole day here without getting bored, especially when every few dozen meters there are milk tea shops and fragrant cakes to “recharge your energy”.

If you want a more luxurious space, go to ICONSIAM or Siam Paragon. This is where international luxury brands gather, and there are also areas displaying handicrafts and Thai domestic cosmetics with very good quality, beautifully packaged as gifts. In particular, ICONSIAM also has a simulated floating market, where you can buy souvenirs and try local dishes right in the shopping center space, very convenient and interesting for days when you are afraid of the sun or want to " have fun in Bangkok " in a more gentle way.

If you like to be unconventional, try visiting Siam Square, where local Thai brands reign supreme. The youthful, unconventional, one-of-a-kind designs will surprise you. Sometimes, you can even find super cool outfits for the price of... a Pad Thai meal. In this area, you can also easily meet young Thai people dressed extremely cool, taking check-in photos on every street corner - it is worth your time to explore, especially if you want to feel the "young and cool" energy of Bangkok.

More than just a city for fun, shopping in Bangkok is “a real pleasure”. And whether you are a planned shopper or just strolling around, the city has a way of making you happy to open your wallet. The important thing is: you will never feel like you are wasting your money in Bangkok. Because every item, every experience here encapsulates a part of the colorful soul of Thailand.

4. Tips for having fun and shopping without spending a lot of money in Bangkok

China Town - Chinatown in the center of Bangkok. (Photo: Bich Phuong)

You will never run out of things to do in Bangkok, but to make your trip "good yet cheap", the following tips will definitely help you save money and enjoy every moment of your trip to Bangkok.

First of all, don’t hesitate to try street food instead of going to restaurants. In fact, it’s the small roadside stalls, nameless carts or night markets that truly preserve the flavors of Thailand . A portion of Pad Thai or Tom Yum Goong at Chatuchak Market may only cost 1/3 of the price of a restaurant, but the deliciousness is sometimes “beyond standard”. Moreover, sitting on plastic chairs and chatting with friendly Thai vendors is also a typical Bangkok experience that you will remember forever.

In terms of transportation, instead of using taxis or tuk tuks throughout the journey, try taking the BTS Skytrain, MRT or a boat on the Chao Phraya River. Not only are they cheap and punctual, these public transportations also help you avoid traffic jams – an indispensable “specialty” in Bangkok during rush hour. In particular, taking a boat along the river at sunset is a very chill way to see Bangkok from a very different angle, very peaceful and very beautiful.

When shopping in Bangkok , don’t forget that most flea markets and shopping areas allow bargaining. The trick is to always keep a cheerful attitude, smile when asking for prices and offer to reduce the price. You will be surprised to see how comfortable Thai people are in negotiating, as long as you are not too “rigid”. In areas like Platinum or Chatuchak, buying 2-3 items at the same time almost always results in an automatic discount, so don’t be afraid to ask your companions to “group orders”.

Also, always carry small change. Many small shops only accept cash, and having small change on hand will make your purchases quicker and more convenient. If you need to exchange money, avoid the airport (the exchange rate is not good) and instead go to reputable exchange counters in the Pratunam or Silom area.

Finally, one of the most important tips when traveling to Bangkok is to... keep an "open mind". Enter this city like a friend, without being too cautious, without too many expectations, you will see that the surprises, the small alleys you accidentally turn into, or the strange-tasting dishes you try out of curiosity... are what will make you linger forever.

Whether you come to Bangkok to eat, play, or simply buy some souvenirs, this city still has its own way to make you fall in love with it. And if someone asks: " What's interesting about traveling to Bangkok? ", you will definitely answer with a smile full of aftertaste, because the journey here is never just about traveling, but about feeling a lively and close Bangkok like an old friend.