Sometimes, we all loathe the fact that travelling would cost us a bomb!
But, did you know you don’t necessarily have to spend a huge amount of money to learn about a place you are visiting?
With some creativity and research, it is in fact possible to absorb and learn about the people and the culture of a place by doing all the free things that it has to offer. Sometimes it could also probably be the best way to discover a city!
If you get the chance to visit the bustling and culturally rich city of Bangkok, here are some things worth doing – absolutely free!
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1. Experience the world’s greatest cities at Terminal 21
There is no way that travelling to many cities would be free, but it is possible at Terminal 21.
This shopping complex boasts 9 floors of airport-themed shopping mall that features different cities on different levels, complete with a network of escalators, electronic display boards of flight information and staff donning an air hostesses’ uniform at the concierge.
In one visit, you’ll be able to visit Paris, London, Istanbul, San Francisco and even the Caribbean!
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily
Address: 88 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
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2. Refresh and destress at Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park is the place to be if you love nature. Its lush tropical greenery surrounds a big lake, making it one of Bangkok’s larger parks. There is also a 2.5km jogging track, basketball hoops and outdoor gym equipment to enjoy. Free aerobics classes are held in the early evening and free classical and jazz concerts performed by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra are available during the cool season from November to March.
Opening hours: 4.30am – 9pm daily
Address: 139/4 Witthayu Rd, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand
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3. Brush up your knowledge at Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
The beautiful Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is nestled under a glass dome sanctuary that houses the natural habitat of various species of butterflies and insects.
Shady ferns, wild flowers and waterfalls adorn the landscape of the garden, making it a perfect spot for family picnics, cycling and butterfly spotting.
Opening hours: 8:30 - 16:30 (Closed on Mondays)
Address: Rot Fai Gardens (near Chatuchak Market)
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4. Go on a vintage hunt at Rod Fai market
If you fancy hunting for vintage and old-school stuff, head on the eastern outskirts of Bangkok to visit the Rod Fai market. Well, even if you don’t intend to shop for anything, you will definitely be amazed by the whimsical setups of the shops displaying retro adornments. Don’t be surprised to find a 1950s Cadillac hanging around the hood.
Opening hours: 5pm – 12am (Friday to Sunday)
Address: Srinagarindra 51 Alley, Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok 10250, Thailand
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5. Go eco-friendly at the Siam Green Sky
Siam Green Sky is Bangkok’s largest urban rooftop garden initiated by the Chulalongkorn University as an agricultural project. If you are into eco-friendly and organic stuff, you will enjoy learning about growing your own vegetables and even making organic fertiliser to nourish them.
There is also a Green Market with free workshops and food sampling every 3rd weekend of the month, so do plan ahead!
Opening hours : 10am – 6pm every Wednesday and Saturday
Address: Siam Square One Shopping Center, 254 Phayathai Rd, Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand
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6. Watch a traditional shadow puppet show at the Khlong Bang Luang Artist Village
Finding this little hidden gem can be quite a challenge, but if you love traditional art and culture, this place is really worth it.
The Artist’s House is more than 200 years old but has been beautifully restored with quirky eye-catching features like red human statues chilling on its façade.
The puppet show is held on a small wooden stage in front of a white stupa, with intricately designed puppets being played by artists dressed in black. It usually tells the story of Thai folklore, one that involved mythological creatures and deities.
There is also a café and a shop selling stationeries, postcards, paintings and puppets.
Opening hours: Artist’s House(9am – 6pm daily), showtime (2pm daily except Wednesday)
Address: 315 Wat Tong Sala Ngam Alley, Soi Phet Kasem Rd, Pa Si Charoen,, 28 Phet Kasem, Khwaeng Nong Khaem, Khet Nong Khaem, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10160, Thailand (landmark: Wat Kuhasawan)
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7. Stop and smell the flowers at Bangkok Flower Market
Flowers are lovely things and always a good idea, what's more when you get to see them for free! If you enjoy looking at beautiful flowers and smelling their heavenly scents, head on to the 24 hours Bangkok Flower Market to have a great time gawking at dozens and dozens of beautiful flowers.
Prices are relatively cheap too, so if you feel like buying some for your loved one(s), why not just go ahead?
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, best at night time
Address: 116 Chakphet Rd, Khwaeng Wang Burapha Phirom, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
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8. Get your adrenaline pumping – watch some Muay Thai action at MBK Shopping Center
A visit to Bangkok is not complete with some Muay Thai action, a Thai traditional kickboxing martial art that is very popular in the country. Watching the pros could cost you some money, but watching the junior fighters at the MBK Shopping Center every Wednesday during their MBK Fight Night is memorable and free too!
Bask in the energetic atmosphere and feel your adrenaline pumping with every kick!
Opening hours: 6pm – 9pm every Wednesday
Address: 444 Phayathai Rd, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Pathumwan 10330, Thailand
Location: <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3875.564795625251!2d100.5279597149016!3d13.744778301159226!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x30e29edf9306e14f%3A0xdd80595a21d12a78!2sMBK+Center!5e0!3m2!1sen!2smy!4v1477564882343" width="100%" height="300" frameborder="0" style="border:0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
9. Feast your eyes and window shop at the huge Chatuchak Weekend Market
Everyone knows that Chatuchak weekend market is a must-go whenever you are in Bangkok, and it is also possible to do if for free (as long as you stick to window shopping that is!).
Sprawled over 35-acres, Chatuchak houses more than 8000 shops selling almost everything that you can ever imagine. From clothing to food to art and even antiques, you can easily spend at least half a day scouring through this huge market.
Opening hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 9am - 6pm, and Fridays 6pm – midnight
Location: 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand
Tips on getting there: Use the BTS and alight at Mo Chit station, then take exit no. 1 until you find an entrance into the clothing section
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10. Meet the last steam engines of Bangkok at Siriraj Bimukhstan museum
If you look closely at the railway map of Bangkok, you will notice that there is this station named Thonburi Railway Station. It is in fact a new station, but there is an older one that has a bit of secret if you know where to find it.
Located near Siriraj Hospital and east of the new Thonburi Station, the old station is now converted into a parking lot and houses a little museum called Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum.
Here you will get to witness the superb steam engines that were used in Bangkok during the steam engine era. They are quite fascinating to look at and admirably kept in a mint condition.
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm daily, closed on Tuesdays and public holidays
Address: 2 Wanglung Road Khwaeng Siriraj, Khet Bangkok Noi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10700, Thailand
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There you go, quite many things to fill your itinerary for sure!
Now who says you have to be a millionaire if you want to discover the world?
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