Bangkok’s allure is irresistible to anyone who’s been bitten by the travel bug. It is a nation scattered with contrasts. There is an old-world charm which includes the temples, the river and floating markets, while the glitz and glamour of modernity are visible along Orchard Road, shopping malls and ritzy restaurants. Is it possible to travel to Thailand on a budget? The short answer is yes! Now, it's time for the long answer!

The good news is that Bangkok is full of many types of accommodation. A good rule of thumb to follow is to find accommodation close to a lot of attractions including nightlife. You can look for serviced apartments in Bangkok. Places like the Oakwood Studios Sukhumvit Bangkok provide easy access to a lot of local landmarks and attractions. You can book your hotel or apartment well in advance to save on last-minute price hikes.

Bangkok is a tropical country, and you can expect hot and humid weather all year round. The coolest months are between December and January while the hottest month is April. The peak season to travel to Bangkok is from December to March. But, if you’re looking to travel on a budget, you can make travel plans for the months between July to October. There might be a bit of rain on and off during this period. But, as long as you’re well-prepared, you can have a good time exploring Bangkok.

Bangkok is a haven for foodies. You’ll be surrounded by plenty of scrumptious food options. Eat like a local to save your money. Go to old-fashioned street stalls and food markets to feast on delicious and authentic Thai food. Just follow the Thai crowd and join the lines. You can get a plate of Pad Thai for just 40 Baht. Try some fruit shakes, egg rolls and BBQ dishes. These are some of the cheap yet mouthwatering local food you can buy. Cocktails and wine can be expensive. Hence, stick to Thai beer to save on beverage expenses.

While some attractions in Bangkok charge you a fee, some under-the-radar sites are free of charge. Here are some of the best places to visit for free or at a low cost in Bangkok.

• Chinatown is full of intriguing sights and sounds from food stalls to souvenir shops and pretty décor. Entrance is free.

• Jim Thompson’s house is a beautiful garden and museum. American entrepreneur, Jim Thompson is often credited with re-establishing the Thai silk industry. You can explore his former house for just 5 USD.

• Wat Arun is a beautiful temple adorned with recycled Chinese porcelain. The temple puts on an ethereal appearance, especially at night. You can enter it for just 2.5 USD.

• The Wat Suthat Temple is home to ‘t\The Giant Swing’ and a splendid traditional roof, age-old murals and intricately hand-carved teak panel doors. It is in fact a complex of temples with courtyards. The entry fee is under 1 USD.

• Lumpini Park provides a break from the busy city. It is where locals go to relax, engage in light workouts or simply be. You’ll find great spots to read a book or even meditate. There is no entrance fee.

Fortunately, Bangkok’s public transport system is cheap and efficient. You can buy a Rabbit travel card to use the BTS Skytrain, which covers Sukhumvit and Silom. The Rabbit travel card offers multiple trips at a flat rate. The MRT is a bit slower compared to the Skytrain but just as useful. There are 54 MRT stations across Bangkok and those are easy to spot.