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Bangkok, Thailand - Grand Palace and Wat Arun temples cover photo

28-Day Bangkok for Off-the-Beaten-Path Explorers

⚖️Balanced Mix💎Hidden Gems & Local Spots
28 dayswinter

Discover Bangkok like a local with hidden gems, secret viewpoints, and neighborhood treasures away from the crowds. Immerse yourself in authentic culture and local vibes this winter.

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Our #1 travel tip

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Bangkok, Thailand, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Day 1Orientation & Local Discovery
Morning
Free Walking Tour

~3 hours

Join a free walking tour starting around Sathorn or Silom area to meet local guides who know hidden gems away from crowds. Focus on non-touristy alleys and secret murals.

You'll typically stroll through bustling markets, quiet sois, and along riverside paths, sampling street food and seeing temples up close while learning stories about daily life and history. Local guides often point out architectural details, cultural customs, and the best spots for photos, making the experience lively, informative, and easy to navigate for first-time visitors.

Book FREE walking tour
Afternoon
Explore Talad Noi neighborhood

~4 hours

Discover Talad Noi by wandering its quiet lanes off Charoen Krung Road. Look for graffiti art, old shophouses, and tiny cafes favored by local artists.

View details, tips, opening times & more
Evening
Find a local bar in Thonglor

~3 hours

Head to Thonglor to find an underground bar frequented by Bangkok creatives. Search along Thonglor Soi 10 and nearby sois for hidden speakeasies.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Thai iced tea
Breakfast~30 THB

Find a roadside vendor near your accommodation or Sathorn area offering Thai iced tea with a side of freshly made Thai sweet roti pancakes. The roti is crispy on the outside and soft inside, a popular quick breakfast.

Thai iced tea
Som tam
Lunch~40 THB

Look for a local eatery in Talad Noi serving fresh Som tam (spicy green papaya salad) with sticky rice and grilled chicken. This dish is a spicy, tangy, and very popular Thai street food.

Som tam
Pad Thai
Dinner~60 THB

Find a casual restaurant or bar in Thonglor area and order a plate of Pad Thai, Thailand's famous stir-fried noodle dish with tamarind sauce, peanuts, and lime.

Pad Thai
Use BTS Skytrain to Sathorn or Saphan Taksin station. Walk or take short taxis (Grab app recommended) between hidden spots. Taxi rates about 0.5 THB/km. Thonglor is best accessed by BTS Thong Lo station or a quick taxi ride.
Hotel in Sathorn (central business district close to river and BTS stations)
$20-30/night

It's well connected by BTS and close to both the old town and trendy neighborhoods like Thonglor, perfect for exploring hidden gems without long travel.

taxi30 minutes

Taxi from Sathorn to Riverside area is convenient and affordable. Use Grab for reliable service with fare about 150-200 THB.

Day 2Riverside & Hidden Courtyards
Morning

Chao Phraya River

Chao Phraya River

Start your day with a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River from Sathorn Pier to Thonburi side. Take the local ferry for a cheap and authentic experience, and enjoy sights of riverside temples and communities.

4.4(5k reviews)~3 hours
Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more
Afternoon
Visit a hidden courtyard cafe in Samphanthawong

~2 hours

Explore Samphanthawong neighborhood and find a quiet hidden courtyard cafe, often tucked away behind old shophouses near Yaowarat Road. Look for artisanal coffees or Thai iced tea in these charming tucked-away spots.

Evening
Night Street Food Tour

~3 hours

Join a street food walk from the Chinatown area focusing on lesser-known local vendors and dishes loved by locals rather than the tourist-heavy spots. Try to find stalls on narrow sois off Yaowarat Road for authentic flavors.

Experience sizzling street stalls, buzzing night markets, and a melting pot of bold flavors that make sampling local food an exciting evening pastime. You'll typically taste a variety of dishes from different vendors, learn about ingredients and flavor combinations, and enjoy a lively, communal atmosphere. Local guides often point out popular stalls, explain preparation techniques, and help you navigate busy lanes so you can focus on tasting and chatting with friendly vendors.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Nam manao
Breakfast~THB 30

Find a local market near the river and try Nam manao, a refreshing Thai limeade, paired with sweet sticky rice snacks or simple fried eggs on rice for a hearty start.

Nam manao
Som tam
Lunch~THB 50

Look for a casual eatery in Samphanthawong serving fresh Som tam, a spicy green papaya salad, alongside grilled chicken or sticky rice for a light, traditional lunch.

Som tam
Foi thong
Dinner~THB 60

On the night street food tour, try grilled meats, satay skewers, and finish with a sweet treat like Foi thong, a golden egg yolk dessert thread specialty.

Foi thong
Get around using river boats and local buses for the best local vibe. Use Grab or Bolt taxi apps with fares around THB 0.5 per km for convenient short rides.
Bed & Breakfast in Bangkok Old Town (historic district near riverside)
$25-40/night

This area keeps you close to the Chao Phraya River and hidden courtyards, making it easy to explore local gems while staying in charming, authentic accommodations.

taxi20 minutes

Take a taxi or Grab from Bangkok Old Town to the Quiet Temples and Views area. Book your ride using Grab for reliable pricing and easy booking.

Day 3Quiet Temples and Views
Morning
Explore Wat Saket

~2 hours

Arrive early to beat the crowds and climb the Golden Mount. The temple offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its rooftop. It's a peaceful spot mainly visited by locals, located on Soi Phu Kao Thong.

View details, tips, opening times & more
Afternoon
Find a neighborhood garden in Ari

~3 hours

Wander through the Ari neighborhood, known for its quiet streets and small green spots. Look for the hidden community garden near Soi Ari 1 where locals grow herbs and vegetables. This is a great place to relax away from tourist hubs.

Evening
Try a rooftop bar in a local neighborhood

~3 hours

Head to a rooftop bar in Ari or Phahon Yothin area. These bars are popular with Bangkok locals and offer views of the city skyline without the tourist crowds. Ask a local for recommendations or look for a modest rooftop with craft beers or cocktails.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Thong yip
Breakfast~0.8 THB

Find a local street vendor near Wat Saket and try Thong yip, a sweet flower-shaped egg yolk dessert delicate in flavor.

Thong yip
Som tam
Lunch~3 THB

Look for a small cafe or eatery in Ari that serves som tam, the famous spicy green papaya salad, perfect for a refreshing lunch with local flavors.

Som tam
Thai iced tea
Dinner~50 THB

Dine at a rooftop bar in Ari where you can enjoy pizza or grilled chicken alongside Thai iced tea, a sweetened milk tea with strong black tea flavor.

Thai iced tea
The best way to get around this day's area is using the BTS Skytrain, especially the Ari station, paired with walking short distances. Use Grab or inDriver for affordable taxis at roughly 0.5 THB per km.
Hotel in Ari (residential neighborhood with great local vibes and easy BTS access)
$20-30/night

Ari’s central location is perfect for exploring local gems and quiet neighborhoods on Day 3, with easy transit connections to other parts of Bangkok.

BTS Skytrain and short taxi ride30 minutes

Take the BTS from Ari station to Mo Chit station, then a short taxi to Chatuchak Market area. Book taxis through Grab for reliable options.

Day 4Local Markets and Artisan Crafts
Morning

Explore Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market

Explore Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market

Arrive early at Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market to enjoy the freshest local produce and handmade crafts. Look for stalls selling tropical fruits and unique Thai desserts. This market is less touristy than others so you can soak in an authentic local vibe on its canals.

4.3(11k reviews)~3 hours
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Afternoon
Visit a local art studio in Phra Khanong

~3 hours

Head to the Phra Khanong neighborhood to find a tucked-away art studio showcasing contemporary works by emerging Thai artists. Search near On Nut area for hidden courtyards and galleries that locals support. It’s a creative hub away from crowds.

Evening
Find a jazz bar with live music

~3 hours

Seek out a jazz bar with live music in one of the lesser-known neighborhoods around Ekkamai or Thonglor. These spots have intimate atmospheres loved by locals where you can unwind with a drink and enjoy talented musicians performing on stage.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Thai iced tea
BreakfastAround 60 THB

Find a street-side vendor near the market serving Thai iced tea with crispy spring rolls, a savory start to your day with a refreshing drink and crunchy snack.

Thai iced tea
Som tam
LunchAbout 80 THB

Look for a small restaurant near Phra Khanong offering Som tam, a spicy green papaya salad, paired with grilled chicken skewers.

Som tam
Dinner
Find a cozy eatery near a jazz bar offering international fusion dishes like tapas or gourmet sandwiches alongside craft beer selections to complement the live music experience.
Approximately 150 THB
Use the BTS Skytrain for quick transfers between Khlong Lat Mayom area, Phra Khanong, and Ekkamai/Thonglor neighborhoods. For shorter trips, bikes or motorbike taxis are great. Use Grab or Bolt for affordable taxis, roughly 15 THB per km.
Hotel in Sukhumvit (vibrant area with excellent transport and nightlife)
$20-40/night

Staying in Sukhumvit keeps you centrally located for exploration and offers a range of accommodations and easy BTS access.

BTS Skytrain20 minutes

Travel from Sukhumvit to the older central neighborhoods for Day 5 by BTS. Buy a Rabbit Card in advance for convenience on multiple trips.

Day 5Local History and Neighborhoods
Morning

Museum of Siam

Museum of Siam

Explore this interactive museum in the Rattanakosin area to understand Thailand's cultural history through engaging exhibits and multimedia presentations. Arrive early to enjoy a quieter visit before the afternoon crowd.

4.5(8k reviews)~2 hours
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Afternoon
Explore Bang Rak neighborhood

~3 hours

Walk the charming streets of Bang Rak, known as the 'Village of Love,' seeking out hidden courtyards, street art alleys, and local temples on Surawong and Charoen Krung roads. Look out for quaint coffee shops where locals gather off the tourist path.

View details, tips, opening times & more
Evening
Find a local street food market in Bang Rak

~2 hours

In the evening, venture to one of the smaller street food markets around Bang Rak, such as the one near Sri Satha Rd. Focus on stalls busy with locals for authentic flavors and daily rotating specialties.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Thong yip
Breakfast$1.5

Find a local café in Rattanakosin and try Thong yip, a sweet flower-shaped dessert made from egg yolks and sugar, paired with Oliang, a Thai iced coffee that’s strong and refreshing.

Thong yip
Som tam
Lunch$2.5

Look for a traditional Thai eatery in Bang Rak and order Som tam, a spicy green papaya salad that balances sour, sweet, and salty flavors. Complement it with Nam manao, a refreshing lime soda to cool down.

Som tam
Tom yum goong
Dinner$3

Explore street food stalls at the night market and order Tom yum goong, the famous hot and sour Thai shrimp soup that’s aromatic and comforting on a winter evening.

Tom yum goong
Use the BTS Skytrain to reach Surasak station, then explore Bang Rak on foot. For off-the-beaten-path spots, grab a Grab or Bolt taxi under 2 km for just about 1 THB (~$0.03) per km fares which is cheap and convenient.
Hotel in Bangkok Old Town (historic center near the Grand Palace)
$20-30/night

Staying here places you close to cultural sites like the Museum of Siam and gives a charming, historic vibe perfect for exploring local neighborhoods on foot.

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Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$20
Food / day$8
Transport / day$5
Activities / day$7
Daily total$40
Trip total$1,120

Accommodation is budget-friendly at around $20 per night. Food costs include a mix of street food (~$0.8) and meals (~$3), averaging $8 per day. Transport includes public transit use and occasional taxis, estimated at $5 per day. Activities budgeted at $7 for entrance fees and local experiences.

Good to Know

Hidden Courtyards: Explore lesser-known local courtyards in neighborhoods like Ari and Phra Khanong for authentic ambiance.
Secret Viewpoints: Visit rooftop spots off the tourist path like Sky Train Viewpoint at Bang Wa and Wat Saket at sunset.
Local Food Scene: Try street food stalls favored by locals in markets such as Or Tor Kor and Soi Ratchada for authentic flavors.
Public Transport: Use BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway, and boats to access local neighborhoods efficiently and affordably.
Best Taxi Apps: Use Grab, Bolt, or inDriver for reliable and cheap local transportation.
Safe Drinking Water: Tap water is not safe to drink; always use bottled or filtered water.
Vaccinations Needed: Ensure vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis before travel.
Mosquito Protection: Carry mosquito repellent to prevent bites, especially in outdoor and less urban areas.
Power Plugs: Prepare adapters for plug types A, B, C, F, O to charge your devices.
Internet Speed: Bangkok offers good internet speeds (~40 Mbps), suitable for digital nomads and connected travelers.

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