Bangkok on a Dime: Top 10 FREE Things to Do & Experience

Bangkok is one of the most heavenly places to visit in the world. So, it’s evident that anyone wants to spend much time over here. But it will be possible for many because of the adoring places you can enjoy even with no budget. So, here we have put together 10 no-budget exciting activities for the Thai capital. Read on to find out more about these places.

1. Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park is one of the largest spaces to enjoy greenery in central Bangkok. It is home to various flora and fauna found in the 1920s by King Rama VI. Since then, it’s been a place for gatherings, workouts, jogging, aerobics, etc. Other onsite facilities include playgrounds, paddleboats, basketball courts, etc. Sometimes, In late Sunday afternoons, you can enjoy classical orchestra.

If wandering foot through the park is kind of your thing, follow the maze-like pathways within the area to overlook the garden, artificial lake, and picnic areas. Or spend some peaceful time with yourself doing meditation or reading books. It is also a great option to visit if you are with children. You can see several playgrounds on its borders. Also, grab some street food and enjoy a picnic in the grass.

Location: Rama IV Rd, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Opening Hours: Daily from 4.30 am to 9 pm

2. Wat Arun

One of the most cherished landmarks of Thailand is Wat Arun which you can’t escape from your travel list. Visiting inside the temple will cost you some baht, but the divine sight of the landmark is free of cost. You can watch evident better scenes during Sunset due to the fading lights illuminating the temple’s towers with the view of the sun dipping into the sea.

You’ll better enjoy the scene from the opposite side of the river. Take a boat to the Chao Phraya river and close out a day fantastically. The view of sunshine is also similarly stunning as the first drop of the sun into the river looks stunning.

All of the beauty added by nature to the temple’s glance makes it popular with the name Temple of Dawn.

Location: Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

Opening Hours: 24*7 (better view during sunrise and sunset)

3. Erawan Shrine

Erawan Shrine is one of the famous shrines that attracts hundreds of people looking to pay their respects in downtown Bangkok. Hundreds of yellow flowers and incense sticks surround the statue of Than Tao Mahaprom (Brahma God). One of the highlights of the place is the graceful dance of a group of Thai folk dancers to offer thanks to the god.

It is strategically located in one of the city’s busiest corners; this is the reason behind its popularity among locals and tourists. This may be the most significant breakthrough from shopping to the nearest malls. You can also admire the classical dresses of Thai culture.

Location: Ratchadamri Rd, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Opening Hours: Daily from 6 am to 11 pm

4. Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

One of the small things with the treasure of happiness is nature. Bangkok Garden and Insectarium shelters about 500 species of butterflies, greenery of ferns, and exotic flowers inside the glass dome. Walk around the dome and you’ll be surprised by the beauty of butterflies roaming around waterfalls and the little gems.

It is also full of information if you want to know about the lifestyle of those insects. No other place is better than the indoor display as you can watch them at every stage. For a more romantic environment in the belly of nature, head to Queen Sirikit Park just some steps away.

Location: Rot Fai Gardens, in close proximity to Chatuchak Market

Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm; closed on Monday

5. Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat is one of the largest monastic orders located in Thailand’s headquarters. It is also of great value because it is an important center to study Buddhism and meditation. Moreover, it is a popular place to learn Vipassana Meditation(Insight Meditation). Most of the programs are organized in Thai, but some classes are held daily from 7 am to 10 am, 1 pm to 4 pm, and 6 pm to 8 pm with English Speaking monks. Time for practice may vary, though.

You can have a peaceful experience during that few hours of the session. It is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. Another mystery about this wart(temple) is you can have your fortune told inside it.

Location: 3 Maha Rat Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Opening Hours: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm

6. Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)

Pak Klong Talad is one of Bangkok’s largest wholesale and retail fresh flower markets. You can find multiple florae and popular flowers like roses, lilies, forget-me-nots, orchids, etc, in this market. The market is cheap as you can get packs of 50 to 100 flowers in less amount. It is located in the old town near the Saphan Phut (Memorial Bridge).

The best time to visit here is around 4 AM when carts and trucks arrive to unload bundles of fresh flowers. It will be an amazing experience to walk around the flower market a little later to see the displays of variant flowers with their breathtaking fragrance.

Location: Pak Klong Talad, Memorial Bridge to Khlong Lord, Chak Phet Rd, Bangkok, Thailand

Opening Hours: 24/7

7. Baan Silapin Artist’s House

Baan Silapin Artist’s House is a house from centuries before that later turned into a gallery in Thonburi. You’ll pass through shops, cafes, restaurants, and a temple on the pathway to the gallery. You can also spot multiple unusual or human-sized statues of variant colors sitting by the water.

The building has plenty of traditional masks, paintings, and statues. The main popularity of this place is the traditional puppet shows. Artists manipulate the intricately designed puppets wearing black dresses. This show is displayed on a small stage made with wood daily at 2 PM except on Wednesday.

Location: Soi 28, Wat Kuhasawan, Thonburi, Bangkok Thailand

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm

8. Chinatown

Among the top tourist attractions in Thailand, Chinatown is one of the best. You can hang out there with your loved ones and a close circle to explore the local flavors. It is the place where you can meet and greet locals and spend quality time with your dear ones within the Thai local surroundings.

It is the oldest part of Bangkok found in the 1780s. Chinatown is a high-energy place where shops, stalls, and food vendors line up to sell everything from trifles to traditional medicines.  Also, you’ll see the temple of the golden Buddha and historic buildings as 17% of buildings there carry historical landmarks.

Location: Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khwaeng Chakkrawat; Khet Samphanthawong, Bangkok

Opening Hours: 24*7

9. Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre

The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) is the hub of developing art scenes that presents you with a wide range of contemporary, and modern arts, designs, music, theatres, and movies in the town. It is within walking distance of National Stadium BTS Skytrain station and frequently hosts Thai and international art exhibitions. You can watch different displays like modern art, photography, and film all in one fantastic building with free entry charge.

Location: 939 Rama I Rd, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm (closed on Mondays)

10. Wat Rong Khun

Wat Rong Khun is a unique temple decorated with white color and pieces of glass in plaster. All of its decoration and the white color make it more alluring and sparkling in the sun. The white color of it represents the purity of Buddha and the glass on it represents wisdom and Dhamma from the Buddha’s teachings. Chalermchai Kositpipat is a famous Thai visual artist behind this electrifying construction.

Location: Off Highway 1 (Phahonyothin road) 15 kilometers South West of Chiang Rai town

Opening Hours: 24*7