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Thailand Travel Tips

Thailand is the travel hub of Southeast Asia. Most people coming into the region fly into Bangkok and make that their base for doing the circuit around the region. With its lush jungles, famed beaches, world class diving, amazing food, and cheap prices, Thailand attracts visitors from all walks of life. You can find cheap guesthouses and 10,000 dollar a night resorts in this country- sometimes even next to each other.

Travel through Thailand is really easy. The country is a well worn destination on the backpacking trail and everything is convenient and easy. Though well on the map, there are still good destinations to visit away from the tourist masses and prices. Overall, Thailand speaks for itself. It’s so well known around the world that when you hear the word, you already think about beaches, beauty, jungles, and food. And your thoughts are dead on.

Typical Costs in Thailand

• Accommodation: Thailand is very cheap, though the north is far cheaper than Bangkok and the islands. You can find cheap guest houses for as little 200 Baht per night in cities and 125 baht per night in the countryside. On the islands or for a nicer room with air-con, expect to pay 500 baht upwards per night. Hotels start at around 1,000 baht per night and go up from there. You can get a luxury 5 star hotel for as little as 2,500 baht per night. Resorts on the islands start at 1,500 baht per night.
• Food: Food is really cheap in Thailand. Street food costs as little as 20 baht per meal and if you eat local food you can eat for around 100-150 baht a day! Western dishes cost between 150-300 baht upwards.
• Transportation: Like everything in Thailand, transportation is also cheap. Local buses cost as little as 8 baht per trip, the Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost 10-40 baht per trip, and cab rides are usually 50-100 baht. Tuk-tuks are more expensive and cost 80-200 baht. Train service around the country is cheap – day trains cost as little as 200 baht. Night trains start around 500 baht for second-class without air-con. Boats to the islands cost 200-400 baht. It’s often better to get a bus/boat package then pay for them separately.
• Activities: Tours cost 500-1,000 baht per day. Trekking costs 900-1,500 baht per day. A PADI dive course (very popular in Thailand) costs around 9,000 baht.

Money Saving Tips for Thailand

• Go Local. The easiest way to save money in Thailand is to simply live like a local. Take local buses, eat street food, and drink local beer. The average Thai lives on a less than 7,000 baht per month in Bangkok, even less in the country side. If you stay at cheap guesthouses and eat the street food, you can spend as little as $10 USD per day.
• Eat the street food. Speaking of street food, don’t be afraid to eat it. It’s safe- even safer than a restaurant. If it wasn’t, the Thais wouldn’t be packing the stalls each day. You’ll find the best of Thailand’s food on the street and it will cost you a fraction of what you pay at a restaurant.
• Take Advantage of Happy Hour. Thailand’s many happy hours have half-priced drinks and 2-for-1 specials.
• Buy Beer at 7-Eleven. Buying beer at Thailand’s ubiquitous 7-Elevens and drinking outside will save you quite a bit on your bar tab.

Top Things to See in Thailand

• Bangkok – The heart of Thailand, this crazy city is a must see. Most travelers don’t like it right away but it grows on you. Explore temples, palaces, amazing markets, shops, one of the craziest nightlife scenes in the world, and of course, amazing Thai food. At first, I didn’t like this place but it grew on me. Now, I love this city and return frequently.
• Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai is an old city ringed with temples and surrounded by jungle. It’s a good launching pad for jungle treks into the area, there is a nearby elephant sanctuary, and the Chiang Mai night market is a place for some of the best deals in the country.
• Khao Yai National Park – Located 3 hours north of Bangkok, this park is an excellent place to hike, swim, and find wild elephants. It’s not very crowded so you’ll have the jungle to yourself. Stay at the Greenhouse Guesthouse for the best tour/accommodation deals in the area.
• Khao Sok National Park – Located down south, this is considered one of the best parks in the world and the best in Thailand. You’ll find caves, jungles, rivers, lakes, and tall limestone kyrsts here. It’s not a common stop but if you are in Thailand for awhile, you should make the effort to go.
• Ancient Capitals - Between Chiang Mai and Bangkok are Thailand’s three ancient capitals: Sukhothai, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya. Visiting them on your way north makes for a unique way head from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. You’ll get to learn about ancient Thailand and see rural life at its best. My favorite capital is Ayutthaya.
• Tropical Islands – Thailand has a million and one beautiful tropical islands. Some are overdeveloped, some only have a bungalow on them. You’ll find everything here. Some of the best islands here are: Ko Samet, Ko Taruato, Ko Lanta, Ko Chang, Ko Tao, Ko Jum, the Similian Islands, and Ko Samui.
• Full Moon Party – If you like partying, there’s no better party in the world than the famous Full Moon Party. It’s 20,000 people partying until sunrise on a beach on Haat Rin, Koh Phangsn. Sure, it is super touristy but that doesn’t mean it’s not a lot of fun and it’s as much a part of Thailand as anything else.
• Jungle Trekking – There is some great jungle trekking in northern Thailand. Be sure to go on a multi day hike. The shorter hikes aren’t as good and the hill tribes you visit are like visiting Disney world. The biggest leaving points are Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
• Scuba Diving – Scuba diving here is a popular activity. The cheapest place to learn is on the island of Kao Tao, which caters specifically for dive trips. Most people don’t go there if they aren’t diving. While you can dive all over the country, Ko Lanta, the Surin Islands, and the Similian Islands offer the best diving. If you are going diving, check out my guide to world travel and receive TWO FREE DIVES!
• Learn to Cook – Thai food is one of the most delicious types of food in the world and its relatively easy to cook. All over the country you’ll find places to teach you though the best are in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Even if you don’t plan to cook back home, at least you get to spend a day making and eating food.

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