Free things to do in Bangkok

With Bangkok being home to some of the world's most luxurious (and expensive) hotels, it's easy to get the impression that the capital city of Thailand is a pricey place to visit. While there are certainly plenty of places in the vibrant city of Bangkok that are willing to take your money, the city also offers a large number of fun and interesting things to do that don't cost a dime. 

Top five free things to do in Bangkok

1. Visit one of the city's free museums - Bangkok offers a number of free museums. Among them the most interesting are the Royal Elephant Museum, the Corrections Museum housed in a former prison, and the Bangkokian Museum which explores Thai art, music, architecture, dance and culture.

2. Explore the bustling streets of Chinatown - Bangkok's Chinatown district is the oldest section of the city, with parts dating back to the late 18th century. The narrow, winding streets here are lined with restaurants and shops selling everything from medicinal herbs to carved statues to textiles.There is even a free crocodile habitat in the heart of the neighborhood. Make sure to stop at Wat Traimit Temple to see its 700-year-old 5.5-ton Buddha.

3.

Immerse yourself in the quirky culture of Khao San Road - Located just north of the Grand Palace, Khao San Road is the heart of the city's "backpacker ghetto." Here, you'll find a number of ultra-cheap hotels and hostels as well as food stands, crafts stores, pubs and street entertainers.

4. Stroll among the butterflies at Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden - Located within Rot Fai Park, the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden is home to more than 500 species of butterflies.The area is entirely covered in nearly invisible mesh to keep the beautiful creatures in the protected area.There's also a popular weekend market just outside of the park that features more than 5,000 stalls with vendors selling an array of vintage and collectible goods. It's fun to browse, even if you aren't buying.

5. Relax at the Lumpini Park - A serene oasis in the heart of the city, Lumpini Park is popular with locals and tourists alike. Sit and relax under a tree, run along the 2.5-mile jogging track or take part in one of the park's free Tai Chi classes. There are even free classical and jazz concerts in the park from November through March.

Enjoying the many wonders of Bangkok doesn't have to break your travel budget. Avoid running out of funds by taking advantage of the city's many free museums, strolling through one or more of Bangkok's interesting neighborhoods and relaxing in the park.

Find out more about how you can experience Bangkok

By Sajda Latif