Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles” and is the only country in Southeast Asia that was not colonized by European countries. Thailand has easily become one of the favorite tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. A country known for its street food and a place where you can visit a lot of temples. Visiting Thailand wouldn’t be complete if you did not visit their temples and eat street food.

What's Included?

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Booking Flight to Bangkok

We’re able to book our flight in Cebu Pacific during their seat sale. You can wait for the seat sale or use Skyscanner to compare plane tickets from different airlines. We got our tickets on seat sale for just Php 6,000++. Normal plane tickets depending on the airline are around Php 15,000 to Php 20,000 or more.

There are two major airports in Bangkok, the Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK).

The Suvarnabhumi Airport is Bangkok’s largest and newest international airport handling most long-haul international flights, short-haul domestic and international flights. If you’re flying with Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and other major airlines, you’ll probably land here.

Don Mueang Airport is older and smaller than BKK which handles more domestic flights and some international flights. You’ll probably land here if you’re flying with Air Asia and other low-cost airlines in Southeast Asia.

Visa Requirement

Philippine passport holders can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days visa-free. If you’re staying for more than 30 days, you can apply for a Tourist Visa at a local Thai Embassy or Consulate.

If you’re from a different country, make sure to check the Thai E-Visa Official Website or Thailand Tourism Website to know if you need a visa.

Travel Requirements

Travel requirements change from time to time so make sure to always check with the airline you’re flying with.

During the time of our travel (September 5-10, 2022), the only requirements were:

• Passport
• Certificate of Vaccination which you can get at VaxCert PH or negative Pro ATK / RT-PCR test result, issued within 72 hours before departure
• Travel Declaration Form – we got this from the Cebu Pacific Website
• Roundtrip Ticket
• Hotel Booking
• Travel Itinerary
• Travel Insurance – this is not required but we got one from Pacific Cross just in case
• Certificate of Employment – the Immigration Officer did not ask for this but we prepared it just in case

On our way home, we just filled out the One Health Pass before checking in at the airport.

Best Time to Visit Bangkok

The best time to visit Bangkok is between November to March since the temperature during this time is usually cold. This is also their peak season so, expect a lot of tourists during these months.

If you don’t want to go to Thailand during their peak season, you can visit during the months of May to October, as we did. Take note that this is also the rainy season in Thailand especially from July to October. So, make sure to check the weather before your flight so you can adjust your itinerary accordingly. For example, you don’t want it to rain if you’re going for a dinner cruise or going to Chatuchak Market. Some areas can also get flooded in Thailand during these times so, make sure to check that as well. The low season is also the best time for budget travelers since a lot of airlines offer seat sales, and you can book hotels and tours at a lower rate.

On the other hand, if you’re planning to visit the beaches in Thailand, the best time would be from April to June. It can be very hot during these times and you may just want to chill under the sun on a beautiful beach.

Going Around Bangkok

Most of the time, we used GrabCar or the BTS Skytrain during our trip. We also used the ferry twice. Once going from Anantara Riverside Bangkok (a lot of hotels are offering free ferry rides to different destinations so, check that with your hotel) to Siam Mall and the other time from Tha Tien Pier to cross the river going to Wat Arun.

GrabCar – make sure to download the GrabCar app if you’re planning to travel to Bangkok to avoid being billed higher than usual. This is also the easiest way to avoid getting lost and miscommunication with the driver.

BTS Skytrain – the fastest, and cheapest way to go around Bangkok. Fare ranges from 16 to 59 baht depending on where you’re going.

Ferries – riding ferries are also much cheaper and sometimes faster than booking GrabCar or riding a taxi.

Tuktuk – riding TukTuk in Thailand is generally more expensive since it became a tourist thing so, we avoided riding this. But if the experience is what you want, go for it!

To know where to go and what to ride, don’t forget to have your Google Maps handy! No need for additional applications to download as Google Maps are pretty much precise.

Exchanging Currency

Thai Baht (THB) is the currency used in Thailand which is around Php 1.55 or 0.026 USD. You can get the best currency exchange with Superrich. You can either bring US dollars or Philippine pesos to exchange at the airport. Note that currency exchange at the airport are higher so, exchange just a few dollars or peso for you to be able to go around Bangkok on your first day. Money changers are available near the Airport Rail Link, BTS Skytrain stations, and malls. Check the one nearest you!

Another way to get money is by withdrawing from ATMs. Exchange rates are almost the same and they just charge a withdrawal fee. Make sure that your ATM is supported by Visa or MasterCard to be able to withdraw. The withdrawal fee costs 220 baht based on the machine but when I checked my transactions, I was only deducted Php 204. Exchange rates and fees may vary from bank to bank.

Staying Online

The most affordable way to stay connected is by buying a sim card. Buy a sim card using Klook and get it at a cheaper price compared to when you get it at the airport. You can choose where to pick up the sim card on the Klook app so make sure to choose the right one. You can also buy sim cards in malls, directly on the network provider. Different networks offer various packages depending on how many days you’re going to stay in Thailand. For example, the one we got is offering a 16 GB mobile date for 16 days, since we’re just staying for 6 days, my friend and I just shared and it lasted for us until we left.

Applications/Websites to Use

Skyscanner to book the most valued flight.

Booking.com or Agoda for booking your hotel.

Klook to get the best deals on almost everything from sim cards, tours, and even hotels.

Google Maps to roam around Thailand whether you’re traveling via GrabCar, BTS Skytrain, or ferry.

Thai’s Do’s and Dont’s

1. Thailand isn’t known as the Land of Smiles for nothing. Everyone we encountered was nice and soft-spoken so make sure to be nice to them as well.
2. Temples are sacred to them. If you’re going to temples, make sure not to wear shorts, sleeveless shirts, and slippers. Dress conservatively. Underarms and knees should be covered. Also, avoid making loud noises so as not to disturb others.
3. Talk nicely when bargaining at the Chatuchak market.
4. Try to learn a few basic phrases in Thailand like “ka“ and “kub”. “Ka” is used for females while “kub” is for males. For example, when you say “thank you” you say “kap khun ka” if you’re talking to a female, and “kap khun kub” if you’re talking to a male. You can also use “chai” for “yes”, and “mai” for “no”. Lastly, the most famous is “sawadee ka/kub” which is used to greet someone in Thailand.

Buying Souvenirs

Pack light so you’ll have space for your souvenirs when you go back! The Chatuchak Weekend Market and grocery shops are the best places to get your pasalubong. Make sure to include weekends on your travel to be able to visit Chatuchak to buy clothes, souvenirs, art & handmade crafts, home decorations, and even plants. Chatuchak Market is open from Friday to Saturday but the best time to go there is on weekends as more stalls are open compared to Fridays.

If you can’t include weekends on your travel or your itinerary does not allow you to visit the Chatuchak Market on weekends, another place where you can buy pasalubong is at the Platinum Mall as suggested by my friend living there.

To buy local food, it is best to research which food you want and buy it at the grocery. That way you can get it as how locals do or if you’re lucky, you can score buy 1 get 1 deal or on sale items. Another favorite souvenir from Thailand is the Chatramue, well if you love tea/milk tea! Buy it from the store itself at the mall or grocery. They also have this at the Chatuchak market but they are priced a bit higher since they’re a reseller.

6 Days and 5 Nights DIY Bangkok Itinerary

Our 6 days and 5 nights DIY Bangkok Itinerary was made to have a chill trip, rest, and visit our friend who is currently working there. We don’t want to feel like having another vacation after a vacation so this itinerary is not packed and has a lot of rest time but I listed down other famous attractions in Bangkok for your reference.

Day 1: Arrival & Rest at Hotel

• 5:10 AM – Departure from Manila
• 9:00 AM – Arrival in Bangkok
• 100:00 AM – Breakfast at Airport Street Food (Level 1)
• 11:00 AM – BTS Skytrain to Phayathai and GrabCar to Anantara
• 1:00 PM – Check-in at Anantara Riverside Bangkok
• 2:00 PM – Lunch at 7/11 (in front of the hotel) and rest
• 8:30 – Dinner at Xing Fu Kitchen (besides Mr. Joe’s Crispy Pork)
• 9:30 PM – Back to hotel

Day 2: Food Trip at the Hotel & Icon Siam Mall

• 9:30 AM – Breakfast buffet at the hotel
• 11:30 AM – Chill at the pool & rest (again)
• 4:00 PM – High Tea at Maa Laa Cafe at the hotel
• 6:30 PM – Boat ride to Icon Siam Mall
• 8:00 PM – Dinner at Kub Kao Kub Pla at Icon Siam Mall
• 10:30 PM – Back to condo (my friend’s condo)

Day 3: Open House & Dinner Cruise

• 2:00 PM – Open House at Central Embassy (Late Lunch)
• 6:30 PM – Travel to Asiatique The Riverfront
• 8:30 PM – Dinner Cruise
• 10:30 PM – Back to hotel

Day 4: Central Ladprao, House of Illumination & Victory Monument

• 12:00 NN – Lunch at Central Ladprao & pasalubong shopping
• 3:00 PM – House of Illumination at CentralWorld
• 5:30 PM – Famous Boat Noodles at Victory Monument
• 7:00 PM – Back to condo & ordered dinner at KFC

Day 5: Jay Fai, Wat Arun, Chatuchak Market, Chang Green Party Foodie Market

• 12:30 PM – Arrival at Jay Fai
• 2:45 PM – Ordered and seated at Jay Fai
• 4:00 PM – Food was served
• 5:00 PM – Bill out
• 6:15 PM – Wat Arun
• 10:00 PM – Chatuchak Market
• 12:00 PM – Dinner at Chang Green Party Foodie Market
• 1:00 AM – Back to condo

Other tourist spots nearby:

• Giant Swing
• Wat Saket
• The Grand Palace
• Wat Pho
• Fish Temple

Day 6: Departure & Airport Food Trip

• 5:30 AM – Travel to airport/food trip at the airport
• 9:05 AM – Flight to Manila
• 2:00 PM – Arrival in Manila

Other tourist spots you can visit:

• Ayutthaya Day Tour
• Khao San Road
• Floating Market

Bangkok Budget for 6 Days and 5 Nights 

Pre-travel Expenses

• Round trip ticket from Cebu Pacific (seat sale) – Php 8,630
• Additional baggage allowance – Php 1,300
• Pacific Cross Travel Insurance – Php 513
• Travel Tax – Php 1,620
• Dinner Cruise – Php 939

6 Days Expenses

Food & Transpo – 4,000 baht
Entrance Fee (Wat Arun & House of Illumination) – 450 baht
Pasalubong – 2,000 baht
Sim Card – 250 baht

Accommodation was excluded since I slept at my friend’s condo and stayed at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort for 1 night only.

ESTIMATED TOTAL EXPENSES: Php 22,000

Note: Information on this blog may change over time so, make sure to double-check requirements before flying to Thailand.

Planning to go elsewhere? Check out these travel guides!