Bangkok in Thailand has so much to offer. But it’s also pretty overwhelming, no matter if it’s your first visit or you’ve been here before.  Even on a short layover, you can easily see a lot in Bangkok in 3 days<7a>. Maximise your sightseeing by doing a Bangkok tour. Here are the best ones for under 50 USD.

**** This post isn’t sponsored but contains affiliate links. If you book anything from them, this doesn’t cost you anything but might give me a little commission to help keep this free blog full of more travel tips and me fuelled with chocolate to keep writing. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ****

Pin me!

Bangkok Activities for under 30 USD

A Thai massage is a must when in Thailand. It might not be the most gentle thing to have but it really gets those knots and tenseness out. Totally worth it! Why not plan your very own treatment to welcome you after your long flight?

Nearly 3000 people have tried and loved the massages of the award-winning Let’s Relax Spa Treatments in Bangkok. Choose from various treatments, such as 4 hands Thai massage, Herbal Compress Thai Massage and aroma therapy massage, all for under 30 USD. Save your spot in advance here.

Are you into celebrities? Bangkok too has a Madame Tussauds with 8 museum zones. You can meet One Direction, the Queen of England, Barack Obama and many more international personalities.

Some areas are interactive and you will also learn how the wax figures were made.  If you are lucky, you can even get 40% off via Klook and pay less than 20 USD. Check deals here.

Sports fan? Why not witness an authentic Muay Thai Match at Rajadamnern Stadium up close? The ancient Thai sport is quite the experience and the stadium is actually one of the oldest and greatest boxing stadiums in Thailand. Choose your preferred seat here.

• 

• 

Bangkok Shows for under 30 USD

One of the most iconic shows in Bangkok is Siam Niramit. Breathtaking aerial acrobatics, enchanting dances and mesmerizing costumes make for a spectacular performance. It’s a great way to learn more about Thai culture and see traditional costumes in a modern show.

The 150 performers will introduce you to Buddhist and Muslim customs, village celebrations and the mystical netherworlds Hell and Himpaan. You can even combine your ticket with a tasty Thai buffet and pre-show entertainment. Book your seat here.

Another well beloved event is Nanta Show in which three cooks are training a newbie in a high pressure setting. The show brilliantly combines dance and percussion in an interactive show. Not surprisingly, Nanta Show has won quite a few awards. Reserve here.

• 

• 

Cruises under 50 USD

Bangkok has public transport and you can get around the main districts (and especially shopping quarters) via Skytrain. (You can get a day pass here.) If you want to get to less accessible areas, which also includes the famous palace and temples in Bangkok, you need to either take the bus, a taxi or go on the water.

Luckily, there are plenty of local boat tours and cruises to include several Bangkok sights in one day. Plus, it’s less crowded, airy and very pretty especially at night.

You can book a two hour cruise along Chao Phraya River at night. While you listen to live music from the 80s and 90s, you can take in the view of the illuminated Emerald Buddha Temple and Grand Palace. Choose between sitting inside or standing on the deck in the fresh breeze.

As suited for a Chao Praya Princess Cruise you will be treated to a gourmet buffet with both Thai and international delicacies. This isn’t just an ordinary buffet, you will feel all luxurious with the elegant interior design and attentive staff. Book your cruise here.

An alternative but equally luxurious cruise is the Grand Pearl Dinner Cruise. On a futuristic pink and white boat underneath a starry sky even on the inside, you can dig into a delicious menu. While feasting on your Thai and international buffet dishes, you can enjoy a classical Thai dance show and live music.

To reserve a seat it’s good to book in advance. But if you want to be spontaneous, you can make a quick reservation and show the receipt on your phone as well. Check available dates here.

If just cruising isn’t your thing, why not combine a cruise with on land sightseeing? Join a professional guide on a visit to Visit Grand Palace, Wat Pho and lunch at Wang Lang Market. Reserve your place here.

• 

• 

Bangkok City Tours

One way to do some serious Bangkok sightseeing that is popular is by hiring a private tuk tuk. Get a private driver and explore the historic temple Wat Saket and enjoy the views from the hilltop. After that, a trip down Chao Phraya River is in order to the reclining Buddha of Wat Pho. Join the tour here.

Are you an early riser? Why not book yourself into a Bangkok Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew morning tour? This way you can see Bangkok’s main attractions, such as the Emerald Buddha in Wat Phra Kaew or the Grand Palace. View the multi-lingual tours here.

If you only have limited time in town and since Bangkok is so huge, you could join a half day tour. This is great if you prefer walking rather than cruising as you can join a professional guide. Check times here.

• 

• 

Bangkok Day Tours

Should you have some more time on your hands or you want to get out of the city, the area around Bangkok is well worth a visit too.  Whether it’s a trip up North to Ayutthaya and its many esteemed historical temples or to a nearby floating market, there are many options.

To see as much as possible in Ayutthaya, combine your Bangkok day Tour with a sunset boat ride. This way, you have a guide tell you more about the history and you can tick off the most important temples in Ayutthaya, including Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Lokayasutharam. Book here.

Are the local markets in Bangkok more your thing? You will stop by Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Lao Tukluck Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market with the Classic Bangkok Tour by AK. Book here.

Other floating markets are included in the Thailand Floating Markets Day Tour. Visit Amphawa Floating Market, which is an authentic and local market. It’s not so crowded and touristy as Damnoen Saduak.

The ocean isn’t too far from Bangkok. Spend a day in Pattaya, where you can ride an Amphibious boat to Pattaya floating market and relax by the beach. If you like photography, you will love the 3D murals in Pattaya. Book here.

• 

• 

Cooking Classes

Are you a fan of Thai food? First, try local dishes at authentic markets and soup kitchens. But then learn a thing or two about how to recreate them at home! That’s one memorable souvenir. Tackle a five course Thai meal. Reserve your spot at the Silom Thai Cooking School.

Another Silom school you can learn Thai cooking at is Sompong Thai Cooking Class, where you can create Thai curry paste. Also, you will learn more about the culinary history of Thailand. Leftover food you can take home with you. Book here.

A third option is a class at the Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy. Choose between 5-6 dishes from a set menu and then shop at a local market. The food you get to prepare from scratch in a fully equipped kitchens with experienced chefs. Check availability here.

Tell me: Which of these Bangkok Tours would be right up your alley?

More from the Thailand blog

• How to see Bangkok in 3 days
• Where to find the red lotus lake in Thailand
• Spending a day on Puket island
• Visiting a historical park with ancient stones and local lore
• Is the white temple in Chiang Rai worth the visit?
• Where to find waterfalls in Chiang Mai
• Planning a day trip to Doi Inthanon
• Do you know these floating markets around Bangkok?