Thailand is one of the first countries I visited in 2008. It is the tourist center of Southeast Asia. Most travelers who come here are landing in Bangkok and make it their base for exploring the region. With its lush jungles, beautiful beaches, diving spots, its excellent food and low prices, Thailand attracts travelers from all backgrounds. Here you can find both discount room that resorts to 8 € at night, sometimes right next to each other.
Traveling in Thailand is very easy. This is what country I recommend for a first travel backpack. Beyond that, there are still unspoiled places to visit away from the hordes of tourists. Thailand is faithful to the image that one is done. Moreover, it is so well known around the world as soon as you hear his name, you think of paradise beaches, dense jungles and food.
Before going further, I recommend you take a look at the article ” Arriving in Bangkok, my tips for a successful first approach “! You’ll find all the advice you need to prepare your arrival but also suggestions for the first few days in the capital!
BUDGET FOR A TRIP TO THAILAND
HOUSING
Thailand is not expensive, although the North is really cheaper than Bangkok and the islands. You can find cottages for € 5 per night in cities and 3 € per night in the countryside. On the islands, count € 13 for a nice room with air conditioning, same price for bungalows. Allow a minimum of 25 € for hotels. The big island resorts cost more, is 35 € per night in a bungalow on the beach.
FOOD
The food is cheap. In the street, you can eat a meal for only € 0.50 and if you eat only local food, count between € 2.5 and € 4 per day to eat! Western dishes are more expensive, between 4 and 7 €.
TRANSPORT NETWORK
Like everything here, transportation is also cheap. Local buses cost € 0.20 each way. Bangkok’s underground train costs between € 0.35 and € 1 ticket and taxis start at € 1.5-2. The tuk-tuks are more expensive and cost between € 2 and € 5. The train is cheap, count € 5 per ticket. Night trains starting at 13 € for a ticket in 2nd class without air conditioning. Boat trips to and from the islands cost between 5 and 10 €. It is generally cheaper to take a combined bus / boat rather than paying the tickets separately.
ACTIVITIES
trips cost between 13 and 25 € per day. Allow between € 22 and € 40 for a day’s trek. For the PADI certificate (very popular in Thailand), count at around 200 € and like to spend his diploma plunged!
TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY IN THAILAND
DO EVERYTHING AS LOCAL
The best way to save money is to live like a Thai. Take the local bus, eat in the street and drink beer in the country. The average Thai lives on less than € 160 per month in Bangkok , much less in the countryside. If you sleep in cheap rooms and eat in the street, you can spend only 8 € per day!
EATING IN THE STREET
Do not be afraid to eat in the small shops, you may absolutely nothing. This is where you will find the best meals and it’s much cheaper than eating out.
ENJOY HAPPY HOUR
Drinks are half price then.
BUY BEER AT 7-ELEVEN
Rather than going to bars, buy beer at the 7-Eleven and drink in the street.
EATING IN THE STREET
Council Sanukthaifood.com Kevin’s blog: The cheapest I’ve found is 10 baht bowl of Pranakorn restaurant located in the building “Center one” 2 steps from the Victory Monument station.
FINDING LOCAL FRIENDS
Council Sanukthaifood.com Kevin’s blog: In addition to discovering little known places of other travelers, you will have the opportunity to discover the true face of Thailand for really cheap. That’s how I was able to enjoy a stay in the company of sinners in the family of my friend.
IF OFFSET TOURIST STREETS
It’s impressive how 2 or 3 streets near the prices can collapse. It’s the same for taxis. Avoid drivers to outputs of tourist and walk a few meters.
NIGHTCLUBS
Some nightclubs like Insomnia commissionnent taxis per head. So you will not need to pay the fare.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THAILAND
EXPLORE BANGKOK
The heart of Thailand. This city is a must see. Most travelers do not appreciate it at first. Explore the temples, palaces, markets, shops, restaurants and enjoy the lively nightlife of the city. At first I did not like Bangkok.
It took me a while to appreciate its true value.