Bangkok’s old town (Rattanakosin) is famous for temples, the Grand Palace, and Khao San Road. But if you know where to look, it’s also one of the best areas in Bangkok for affordable food and drinks without sacrificing quality.
The secret? Skip the tourist traps on Khao San and walk a few blocks deeper into neighborhoods like Samsen. That’s where the locals eat — and where prices drop dramatically.
Cheap Cocktails in Bangkok Old Town
Here’s the thing about cocktails in Bangkok: near tourist hotspots like Khao San Road, you’ll pay 200–350 THB for a basic mojito. Walk 10 minutes to the right neighborhood and that same cocktail drops to 150 THB.
Samsen Center — 56 Cocktails at 150 THB
Samsen Center, on Soi Samsen 2, has one of the most extensive cocktail menus in old town Bangkok — 56 cocktails, most priced at just 150 THB. That’s cheaper than a cocktail at most Khao San Road bars.
Cocktail highlights:
Classic Cocktails (150 THB):
- Mojito, Margarita, Pina Colada, Daiquiri
- Gin & Tonic, Whisky Sour, Moscow Mule
- Cosmopolitan, Long Island, Screw Driver
Tropical & Thai-Inspired (150 THB):
- Mai Tai, Singapore Sling, Blue Hawaii, Blue Lagoon
- Sex In The Jungle, Zombie, Matador, Paradise Surprise
Coffee Cocktails (180 THB):
- Espresso Martini, Irish Coffee, Cappuccino Cocktail
Mocktails (120 THB):
- Virgin Mojito, Virgin Pina Colada, Spring Mocktail, Summer Mocktail
Shots (180–200 THB):
- B52, B53
Beer starts at just 90 THB (Chang, Leo) and goes up to 100 THB (Heineken, Singha, Tiger).
📍 Baan Panthom, Soi Samsen 2, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
📞 098-868-2554
⏰ Daily 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Budget Thai Food Near Samsen Road
Samsen Center also offers a full Thai food menu alongside the cocktails, with most Thai rice dishes between 150–280 THB:
Affordable Thai Classics:
| Dish | Price (THB) |
|---|---|
| Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) Chicken | 150 |
| Rad Na Mee Krob (Crispy Noodles) Chicken | 150 |
| Satay Rice Chicken | 180 |
| Pad Kee Mao Seafood Shrimp | 180 |
| Rice with Panang Chicken | 180 |
Signature Pineapple Series:
| Dish | Price (THB) |
|---|---|
| Pineapple Pad Thai Shrimp & Chicken | 280 |
| Pineapple Green Curry Beef | 280 |
| Pineapple Red Curry Duck | 280 |
| Pineapple Fried Rice | 300 |
Western Options (if someone in your group isn’t feeling Thai):
- Burgers: 140–220 THB
- Sandwiches: 120–180 THB
- Pasta Salmon: 380 THB
Bangkok Old Town Budget Comparison
Here’s how Samsen Center stacks up against typical old town prices:
| Item | Khao San Area | Samsen Center | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocktail | 250–350 THB | 150 THB | 40–57% |
| Beer | 120–180 THB | 90–100 THB | 25–44% |
| Pad Thai | 100–200 THB | ~180 THB* | Comparable |
| Green Curry | 200–350 THB | 280 THB | 20% |
| Burger | 200–350 THB | 160–220 THB | 20–37% |
*Samsen Center doesn’t have basic pad thai on the current menu, but their Tom Yum Pad Thai (280 THB) is a unique fusion alternative.
Late Night Dining in Old Town
One of Samsen Center’s biggest advantages: they’re open until 1 AM. In Bangkok’s old town, this is rare. Most restaurants close by 9–10 PM, leaving late-night eaters with only 7-Eleven and street food.
If you’ve been exploring temples all day or partying on Khao San, having a sit-down restaurant open until 1 AM with both food and cocktails is a game-changer.
A Perfect Budget Day in Bangkok Old Town
Here’s a sample itinerary that keeps costs low:
Morning (7:00–9:00 AM)
- Breakfast at Samsen Center — American Breakfast, Avocado Toast, or Egg Benedict (open from 7 AM)
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM–12:00 PM)
- Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (500 THB entry)
- Walk to Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha (300 THB entry)
Lunch (12:00–1:30 PM)
- Pineapple Fried Rice at Samsen Center (300 THB) — 10-minute walk from Wat Pho
Afternoon (2:00–5:00 PM)
- Explore the National Museum Bangkok (free or low entry)
- Wander around Samsen Soi 2 and the neighborhood
Dinner & Drinks (6:00–10:00 PM)
- Cocktails and Pad Kee Mao at Samsen Center (150 THB cocktail + 150 THB noodles = 300 THB)
Late Night (10:00 PM–1:00 AM)
- More cocktails, or try the Salty Chili River Prawn (380 THB) if you’re feeling indulgent
Total estimated food & drink cost: ~1,000–1,500 THB per person for the full day
Getting to Samsen Center
- From Khao San Road: 10-minute walk (head east toward Samsen Road, turn onto Soi Samsen 2)
- From Grand Palace: 15-minute walk
- From BTS Saphan Taksin: Take Chao Phraya Express Boat to Phra Arthit pier, then 10-minute walk
- From MRT: Blue line to Sanam Chai station, then 15-minute walk or short tuk-tuk ride
Why Samsen Over Khao San?
Khao San Road is fun for a night out, but for food and drinks:
- Better prices — 40–50% cheaper cocktails
- Better food — proper restaurant kitchen, not backpacker bar food
- More relaxed — no touts, no scams, no crowds
- Longer hours — open 7 AM to 1 AM vs. most Khao San spots closing at midnight
- Real locals — you’ll see Thai people actually eating here, which is always a good sign
→ See the full menu and cocktail list | Get directions | Read about specific dishes: River Prawn | Pad Kee Mao | Pineapple Series