I did Bangkok on a tight budget from Lahore — here's exactly what it cost in rupees

I am a final-year student, so when I decided to visit Bangkok I had one rule: keep it cheap without making it miserable. I flew from Lahore, spent five days, and came back convinced that Thailand is one of the best-value destinations a Pakistani on a budget can pick. Here is how the money actually broke down.

Getting there

I booked a one-stop ticket via a Gulf hub about two months ahead and paid roughly PKR 165,000 return from Lahore. Direct on Thai Airways was tempting but pricier; the connection saved me real money and I did not mind the layover. The trick was being flexible on dates and comparing options on flight search until a good fare popped up.

Where I slept

I stayed in a hostel near Khao San Road. A clean bed in a shared dorm cost about THB 400 a night (≈ PKR 3,200), and for one night I splurged on a private room for THB 800. Khao San is loud and touristy, but it is cheap, central for the old-city temples, and full of fellow travellers. Five nights of beds cost me around PKR 17,000 total.

Eating for almost nothing

Street food kept me full and happy. Halal options were easy enough — I made day trips over to the Nana area for biryani and otherwise stuck to halal-marked stalls and food courts. A typical day of eating cost me THB 300–450 (≈ PKR 2,400–3,600): noodles for THB 50, a rice plate for THB 60, fresh fruit and a mango sticky rice to finish.

Getting around on the cheap

I bought a stored-value card and lived on the BTS and MRT — most rides were THB 20–50. For temple-hopping along the river I used the public express boat, which costs almost nothing and doubles as a free city tour. I only used Grab a couple of times when I was tired; even then a ride was under THB 150.

The full tally

What I'd tell my past self

• Change money at the city exchange booths, never the airport — the rates are far better.
• Walk away from any tuk-tuk driver pushing a "special temple tour" — it is a gem-shop scam.
• Buy a tourist SIM at the airport so Grab and maps just work.
• Carry your hotel name in Thai for taxis.

For a little over PKR 200,000 all-in, I got temples, markets, river boats and a week of brilliant food. If you are a student or just watching your spending, Bangkok absolutely belongs on your list.