Bangkok is one of Asia's best-value destinations. Budget travelers can live very well on $25-40/day: guesthouses near Khao San Road or Silom run $8-18, a pad thai from a street stall costs $1.50, and BTS/MRT single journey fares are $0.50-1.50. Wat Pho entry is $5, Grand Palace is $15 (worth it).
Mid-range travelers ($60-100/day) can stay in excellent hotels with pools (Bangkok has extraordinary mid-range hotel value), eat at good restaurants, and take Grab everywhere. Rooftop bar drinks are the main luxury expense at $8-15 each. Outlet malls (Central World, Siam Paragon) offer genuine brand discounts.