Thailand is one of the world’s best countries for budget backpackers. Whether you want to become a Buddhist, see a ping-pong show in Bangkok, get a massage, or simply relax in a beach side bungalow, you can do it and do it all for cheap. And with a plethora of delicious BBQ’d things on sticks and coconuts in countless forms, you can eat cheap as well.
As a result, Thailand is visited by a massive number of backpackers and holiday makers each year. But despite the tourists, you can sill escape the crowds and experience the real Thailand from any one of it’s secluded beaches and tourist-less towns. For all this, it’s no wonder it was given a perfect score by the top 100 world travel experts.
Overview
Official Name: The Kingdom Of Thailand
Capitol City: Bangkok
Population: 67,700,000
Main Language: Thai
English Ability: High
Budget Backpacking Rank: 5.0 out of 5.0
Budget
Currency: Thai Baht
Exchange Rate: $1 USD = 31.1 THB (Oct 2014)
Comfortable Backpacking Budget: 24 USD/Day
Budget Bungalow: 300 THB/9 USD
Pork On A Stick: 30 THB/1 USD
Plate Of Pad Thai: 30 THB/1 USD
650 ml Chang Beer at 7/11: 50 THB/1.80 USD
When To Go To Thailand
Although anytime of year is a good time to go to Thailand, it’s best to go during the low season. At this time, it’s easier to find cheap flights and all prices can be haggled down.Thailand has two low seasons that coincide with it’s rainy seasons. Note that the amount of rain varies significant’y between the north and south and from coast to coast. The seasons below best represent Bangkok and Southern Thailand.
Low Season #1 April-June
This season is best characterized by afternoon showers. However these showers are often intermittent, and you can often go 2 or 3 days without rain at all. Not that April tends to be the hottest month throughout Thailand, and by hot I mean so hot and humid you won’t want to do anything.
Low Season #2 August-November
This season is the best time of year in terms of prices and weather. It ranges from late August to Early November. These showers originate from monsoonal storm systems so it tends to swing between a few days of rain and a few days of sun.
Visa Requirements
Below you’ll find visa information specific to US, CA, AU and most EU citizens. To find out if you need a visa, refer to Thailand’s Ministry Of Foreign Affairs.
Visa Type: Exempt
Price: Free
Duration: 30 Days
Notes: Visa is reduced to 15 days if entering by land. Overstaying your visa results in a 500 Baht/day fine on departure.
How To Find Cheap Flights To Thailand
From North America
Currently, Norwegian Air offers the cheapest flights to Bangkok from both New York and Ft. Lauderdale for around 400-500$ one way.
From Europe
Again, Norwegian Air remains the cheapest option with direct flights as low as 200$ from Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm to Bangkok.
From Oceania
If you’re coming from New Zealand or Australia, the cheapest tickets to Bangkok are with Air Asia. Flights average between 175$ and 300$ depending on the season. Be sure to book in advance.
How To Get Around Thailand For Cheap
Domestic Flights
Air Asia and Nok Air are two budget airlines that offer flights all over Thailand for as low as 30$. It’s often cheaper to fly from Bangkok to Southern Thailand than to go by train. But be sure to book in advance for the cheapest fares. Check out the Best Budget Airlines In Southeast Asia.
Trains
Thailand has a relatively reliable and extensive rail network. Although it’s more expensive than the bus, it’s loads more comfortable. The cheapest way to get a ticket is to book directly at the train station. Check out How To Get From Bangkok To Ko Pha Ngan.
Busses
Going by bus is almost always the cheapest option. You can get an over night bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani for as little as 320 baht/11 dollars. To book a ticket head directly to Bangkok’s southern bus station, Sai Tai Mai.
Boats
Although Lomprayah ferry company is the fastest, it’s also the most expensive. To travel to the islands for cheap look into more local ferry companies like Raja and Seatran.
Hitchhiking
Like much of Asia, hitchhiking in Thailand isn’t as common as it is in Europe. Although pickup trucks and cars will stop for you, they’ll also want to charge you money for a lift. However, if you tell them you’re on a budget, many will give you a smile and a ride anyways.
How To Sleep Cheap In Thailand
Bungalows (300 Bhat/9$)
Thailand is full of cheap and relaxing beach side bungalows. Budget bungalows can be found on every beach and cost around 300 baht/9$ a night. Deluxe bungalows with A/C usually go for around 600 Baht/ 20$.
Hostel Dorm (100 Baht/3$)
With the amount of budget hotels and bungalows, Thailand doesn’t have a big hostel scene. But there are of course a few in each big city and dorms can be found between 100/150 baht or 3 to 5 dollars a night.
Budget Hotels (300 Baht/9$)
Whether you’re in Bangkok or on an island, budget hotel rooms can be found for as low as 300 baht/ 9$ a night.
Beach Hotel (Free!)
No one will stop you from sleeping on the beach or setting up a hammock between two palms. Local Thai’s and passed out tourists do it all the time.
How To Eat Cheap In Thailand
Street Food
The cheapest way to eat in Thailand is at local street stalls. The cheapest stalls are those a little outside of town or off the main streets. Sticky rice with mango, pork or chicken on a stick, a plates of Pad Thai cost around 30 baht/1$.
Night Markets
Thailand is famous for is day and night markets. Here, all the best street stalls are gathered in one place to form a chaotic collision of cheap and delicious food.
Off The Land
Thailand’s tropical climate means mangos, papayas, rambutri, and pineapple grow in abundance. If you can pick it, you can eat it!
Top Adventures & Destinations In Thailand
Full Moon Party On Ko Pha Ngan: Ko Pha Ngan is 1 of 3 islands in the gulf of Thailand. It’s got some incredible beaches, cheap bungalows and a great backpacking scene. But it’s main draw is The Full Moon party, an unrivaled beach party. For more info, check out, A Backpackers Paradise: Ko Pha Ngan.
Diving On Ko Tao: Ko Tao is just a short ferry for Ko Pha Ngan and is known for it’s excellent diving. It’s also one of the cheapest places, after Honduras, to get a diving certificate.
The Limestone Giants Of Railay: Railay is just a 150 Baht boat from Krabi. It’s a spectacular little town surrounded by majestic lime stone cliffs that seem to defy gravity. When you think of Thai paradise, this is one place you’ll find it. Check out, How To Hike To The Secret Lagoon In Railay.
Long-term Living In Chang Mai: Chang Mai is known for it’s jungle treks and buddhist temples. It’s also known for it’s huge expat community. If you’re looking for fast internet speeds and want to live long term, you can do it in Chang Mai for cheap.
The White Temple Of Chang Rai: Wat Rong Khun is a remarkable all white temple in the north eastern city of Chang Rai. Definitely worth a visit if you’re up not.
Buddhist Retreat’s In Ubon Ratchathani: Ubon Ratchathani is know for having a couple of Buddhist temples offering week and month long silent meditation sessions.
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