Under $100: Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a chaotic city with more to see and do than a day will allow. If that’s all you’ve got, though, then you can still hit some of the most important sites without breaking the budget.

Wat Arun © Juliengrondin | Dreamstime

Begin the day at Wat Arun on the bank of Chao Phraya River and discover the tower made of locally donated ceramic tiles. Admission is free, so you’re off to a good start.

Next, grab breakfast from a nearby street vendor. The prices for eating out in Bangkok exceed every other city in Thailand and reach Western prices, so avoid sit-down restaurants if you can. Street vendors sell great food for just a couple of dollars.

Wat Phra Kaew, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha © Petch Janto | Dreamstime

After breakfast, head to the Grand Palace and The Temple of The Emerald Buddha. The admission fee here is normally 500 baht, which translates to roughly $14. Except to spend the day exploring the palace grounds and seeing the famed jade Buddha statue in Wat Phra Kaew.

Next, head to Siam Square to do some shopping, if you so desire, and grab a little lunch. It’s easily accessible through the metro, which costs between $1 and $2 per ride. Here, you’ll find alleys and streets lined with boutique shops and megamalls so you’ll have no trouble finding a place to eat.

Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market © Aaa187 | Dreamstime

In the afternoon, it’s time to head to Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market. It may not be the famed Damnoen Saduak floating market the city is known for, but that one will set you back $50, whereas this one only costs about $20 and isn’t as much as a tourist trap.

As the evening begins, if you’re lucky enough to be here on the weekend, head to the Chatuchak Weekend Market to check out the handmade goods being peddled by the locals. It’s free to explore, but expect to throw down around $20 on souvenirs and knick-knacks.

Khao San Road © Ioana Grecu | Dreamstime

Afterward, make your way to Chinatown where you can enjoy shopping and a dim sum dinner that should cost you somewhere around $10 if you’re given a fair price.

If you’re looking for a party you can end the night along the popular Khao San Road, where travelers and backpackers go to cut loose and get a little wild.