5 Must See Attractions in Bangkok

Bangkok is the gateway to Southeast Asia and a dream destination for budget travelers. With its affordable prices, friendly people, amazing food and diverse attractions, the city appeals to all kinds of travelers—whether you're a backpacker exploring the world or a luxury seeker on a shopping spree.

Many visitors pass through Bangkok on their way to Thailand’s southern islands, but the capital itself is well worth a few days of exploration. From breathtaking temples to bustling markets, here are the top five must-see attractions in Bangkok.

1. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

One of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, the Grand Palace has been the official residence of the Thai Royal Family since its construction in the 18th century. While visitors cannot enter the palace itself, they can explore its stunning grounds and admire the intricate architecture.

Within the palace complex lies Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Thailand’s most sacred temple. The temple’s ubosot (main shrine) houses the revered Emerald Buddha, a national symbol of Thailand.

• Entrance Fee: 250 Baht ($7.80) (Includes access to the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and selected museums)

2. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Located near the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple complexes. Built in the 18th century, it is most famous for its gigantic Reclining Buddha, which measures 45 meters long and 15 meters high. The statue is adorned with gold leaf and features intricate Mother-of-Pearl inlays on its feet.

Wat Pho is also regarded as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and visitors can experience an authentic Thai massage on-site.

• Entrance Fee: 50 Baht ($1.60)

3. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most picturesque temples. Construction began in 1809, and the temple is best known for its central prang (tower), which is adorned with colorful porcelain and intricate sculptures. Visitors can climb the steep steps of the prang to enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline.

• Entrance Fee: 50 Baht ($1.60)

4. Chatuchak Weekend Market

For shopping enthusiasts, Chatuchak Weekend Market is a paradise. One of the largest open-air markets in the world, Chatuchak offers a mind-boggling array of goods, from clothing and souvenirs to antiques and street food. The market is so vast that it’s easy to get lost, so be sure to allow plenty of time for exploration.

• Getting There: The market is easily accessible by train if you're staying in the Sukhumvit area. From the Khao San Road area, a metered taxi costs around 100 Baht.

5. Floating Markets

Bangkok’s floating markets offer a unique and lively shopping experience. Vendors sell fresh produce, souvenirs, and street food directly from wooden boats, creating a vibrant scene on the water. While some floating markets have become quite touristy, they still provide an excellent glimpse into Thailand’s traditional way of life.

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid the crowds

• Getting There: Take a bus, boat, or taxi, or book a guided tour from one of Bangkok’s main piers.

How to find cheap flights

Flights are often the biggest expense when traveling, especially if you’re a budget traveler or a backpacker trying to explore the world without breaking the bank. While airline prices fluctuate due to fuel costs, demand, and other factors, there are plenty of ways to score a great deal on flights. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you find the cheapest airfare possible.

1. Book in Advance (But Not Too Far)

Waiting until the last minute to book a flight is a surefire way to pay more than you need to. Airlines often release their cheapest seats early, so booking a few months in advance can help you snag the best prices. However, booking too far ahead (more than six months) can sometimes mean missing out on price drops and special sales. The sweet spot for domestic flights is usually 1-3 months before departure, while international flights are best booked 3-6 months in advance.

2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

One of the easiest ways to save money on flights is to be flexible with your departure and return dates. Even shifting your trip by a day or two can save you hundreds of dollars. Flights are generally cheaper on weekdays (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays), while weekends and holidays tend to be more expensive. Use flexible date search options on flight comparison sites to see when fares are at their lowest.

3. Compare Prices on Multiple Platforms

Never settle for the first price you see. Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, Kayak, and Momondo to check for the best deals across multiple airlines. Sometimes, booking directly with the airline can be cheaper than through third-party websites since you avoid extra booking fees. Always double-check before purchasing!

4. Consider Alternative Routes and Airports

Instead of booking a direct flight, check if flying into a nearby city and taking a budget airline or train to your final destination saves money. Many major cities have secondary airports where budget carriers operate, often offering significantly lower fares than main hubs. For example, flying into Brussels Charleroi instead of Brussels Airport or Milan Bergamo instead of Milan Malpensa can lead to big savings.

5. Sign Up for Airline Newsletters and Alerts

Airlines and travel websites frequently offer flash sales and exclusive discounts to subscribers. Signing up for newsletters and price alerts can give you early access to promo fares before they sell out. Consider using apps like Hopper, which predicts the best times to book and alerts you when prices drop.

6. Use Frequent Flyer Programs and Travel Points

If you fly often, signing up for frequent flyer programs and airline reward credit cards can help you accumulate miles that can be redeemed for free or discounted flights. Many airlines are part of global alliances (such as Oneworld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam), allowing you to earn and use points across multiple carriers.

7. Clear Your Cookies or Use Incognito Mode

Some travelers believe that airlines track your searches and increase prices when they see repeated interest in the same flight. While this isn't always confirmed, it doesn’t hurt to search for flights in incognito mode or clear your cookies to avoid potential price hikes.

Final Thoughts

Flights can be one of the biggest travel expenses, but with the right strategies, you can save hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars. A little research and flexibility go a long way in securing cheap flights, leaving you with more money to spend on unforgettable experiences at your destination. Happy travels!

Society and possessions - Travel is easier than you think

Traveling the world is a dream that so many of us have, but never get to fulfill. The reasons that so many people never achieve this dream is because it doesn't fit into "society's plan", they are too scared to travel, and also because most people think that they just can't afford to travel. The truth is that traveling doesn't have to be as expensive as you think. If you do your research you can travel all around the world on a budget. Some destinations cost more than others, for example traveling in Asia is a lot cheaper than traveling in Europe. But it doesn't matter where you go, there is always a way to save money to make your dream of traveling around the world a reality.

Image from moneymax.com

The first thing you need to do is work out your finances. If you are like most people living in western society, you will probably be in some sort of debt, and will spend your money on buying "things". It is these "things" that generally cause you to go into debt in the first place, and do you really need these things? Or do you just think that you do because everyone else around you has them? The fact is that things can't make you happy if you are not living your dreams. Instead of buying "things" you could be putting your money towards fulfilling your dreams, to traveling the world, experiencing new cultures, meeting new people and just truly living and loving life. There is no better feeling in the world than achieving your dream.