Our very own SEO Executive, Ben – a self-proclaimed cheese toasty connoisseur – has just returned from a week and half soaking up the sun and culture across the best areas of Thailand to visit. 

Naturally, we had to grill him for the details on his epic Thailand holiday. From the viral trends of Bangkok to the hidden gems and backstreet eats found further south, here is his curated guide to inspire your next adventure.

Budget things to do in Bangkok 

Bangkok is brimming with exciting things to do on a budget. Here’s just a few of Ben’s favourite bits and pieces from his time in Thailan’s capital. 

Enjoy the 7-Eleven cheese toasty ritual

Ben’s first mission upon landing? Stocking up on his absolute favourite 7-Eleven cheese toasty. This humble, toasted-to-perfection snack only costs 37 Baht (around $1.60 AUD) and packs a serious punch in the flavour department. In fact, we’ve decided to use this as our official metric for the rest of the trip – it’s now known as ‘Ben’s Currency’ around these parts. 

• Cost: 1 toasty.

Meet Butter Bear at EmSphere

At this point, Butter Bear is basically Thailand’s unofficial mascot. This adorable character has a total cult following, and it’s easy to see why! Head to the basement floor of the trendy EmSphere mall to hunt down the viral Butter Bear cookies and cakes. The centre also holds Butter Bear events, but you must book ahead as tickets sell our quick!

• Cost: 100–150 Baht (around $4.40 – $6.60 AUD) or about 3 to 4 toasties.

Get sweet treats at B Bake

Ben is a firm believer that the fruit smoothies at B Bake are in a league of their own. Beyond the drinks, this impressive four-storey bakery and café serve up a literal banquet of fresh pastries and TikTok-worthy treats. It’s a must-stop for anyone looking to escape the Bangkok heat with something sweet.

• Cost: 100 Baht (approx. $4.40 AUD) or 3 toasties.

Visit Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen

This temple is home to a jaw-dropping, 69-metre-tall seated golden Buddha – a truly magical sight that dominates the city’s skyline. While you’re there, make sure to visit the white stupa next door. The top floor features a glowing emerald glass pagoda set beneath a psychedelic, hand-painted ceiling that feels like stepping into a cosmic portal.

• Cost: Entry is free, but you can snag prime photo ops from 20 Baht (around half a toasty). 

Experience local vibes at Udomsuk Walk

If you want to swap the Sukhumvit tourist crowds for authentic, local energy, Udomsuk Walk is the place to be. This isn't your typical souvenir market; it’s a social hub perfect for grazing on pan-Asian street food, grabbing a cold drink, and catching live music.

• Cost: Ben spent around 1,000 Baht (about $44.00 AUD) on a massive feast for four  — or 27 toasties.

Sights to see in Southern Thailand 

Want to escape the bustling streets of Bangkok? Here’s Ben’s must-do things if you’re heading to the southern areas of Thailand including Khao Khram and Ao Nang Beach. 

See Thapom Klong Song Nam (Khao Khram)

Tucked away in Krabi, this hidden gem is where crystal-clear freshwater springs meet the salty sea. An elevated 700-metre boardwalk winds through a lush mangrove forest, leading you to turquoise swimming holes nestled among tangled roots. It’s the ultimate eco-friendly escape for a dip in nature’s own infinity pool.

• Cost: 100 Baht (approx. $4.40 AUD) for foreigners, or 3 toasties.

Be amazed by Nong Nooch Gardens

Sprawling across 500 acres near Pattaya, Nong Nooch is a world-class botanical wonderland. From the manicured French Garden to the life-sized prehistoric residents of ‘Dinosaur Valley,’ the scale is simply staggering. You can also catch vibrant cultural shows that celebrate the best of Thai tradition.

• Cost: 800 Baht (around $35.15 AUD) for foreigners, or 22 toasties.

Relax in Pak Nam (Krabi Town)

Pak Nam is Krabi’s vibrant riverside heart. It’s home to the famous mud crab sculpture and a breezy promenade that’s made for sunset strolls. With local markets and the central pier nearby, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere before your next island hop.

• Cost: Ben grabbed another incredible smoothie here for 95 Baht (approx. $4.20 AUD) or 2.5 toasties. 

Wander through Nakhon Si Thammarat

As one of Thailand's oldest cities, this southern province offers a soulful, slower-paced look at Thai life that most travellers skip. Whether you’re exploring the sacred Wat That Noi temple site or the lush greenery of the countryside, the authenticity here is unmatched.

• Cost: Ben tucked into a delicious backstreet lunch for four people costing around 600 Baht in total (about $26.40 AUD) or roughly 16 toasties. Bonus: salads are free in Thailand! 

Island hop from Ao Nang Beach

Ao Nang is the high-energy gateway to Krabi’s coastline. While the beach is free to roam and great for people-watching, the real magic starts when you hop on a longtail boat. These iconic wooden vessels are ready to whisk you away to the limestone cliffs of Railay Beach or hidden turquoise lagoons.

Cost: Free to walk; around 200–400 Baht (about $8.80 – $17.60 AUD) for boat transfers, or 5 to 10 toasties.

Converting AUD to THB 

Sadly, you can’t use cheese toasties as currency – one can dream though! Before heading to Thailand, it’s essential to convert your Australian Dollars to Thai Baht (AUD to THB) as physical cash is still used frequently, especially in more rural areas, providences and at small vendors. 

Just pop into your local Travel Money Oz store or order online to grab all the Thai Baht you need. While you’re at it, grab yourself a Currency Pass travel card and load Thai Baht directly on it to use where card is accepted across Thailand.

^Disclaimer:

^{This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. Travel Money Oz has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication (May 11th, 2026). Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money Oz accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog.}