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More than 16 million travelers visit Thailand every year, making it the primary vacation destination in Southeast Asia. It is no surprise that the country appeared in 11th position in the 2018 Travelers' Choice of Top 25 Destinations on the planet as it is one of the world's most impressive destinations with so much to offer. From beautiful tropical beaches to an amazing culture to flourishing vegetation and the most delicious dishes – there is something for everyone in Thailand. With the magic that comes with exploring this fine destination, people believe that it has to be expensive. But travelers can visit this country on a limited budget and still experience its charm. Here is how you can explore Thailand on a budget.
What Is The Cost Of Exploring Thailand?
The many tourists that visit Thailand go with different goals and expectations. Some people visit for camping or backpacking, and others simply enjoy luxury. So, the amount of money one would spend on a Thailand vacation depends on why they are traveling. An average cost of accommodation is $32, food $31 per day, transport $12, entertainment $18, and about $3 for tips every day. In a place like Thailand, visitors will find luxury accommodation right next to a budget-friendly one – like hostels and some five-star hotels along the same street. Crazy, right? That's Thailand! And they're actually sold by the same vendors!
Saving On Accommodation While Exploring Thailand
Staying in Thailand on a budget is possible, and there are many options readily available. All one need to do is conduct some research first and opt for more affordable neighborhoods during their stay.
Couch-surfing is one method of saving on accommodation. Not familiar with this? Couch-surfing is a website that connects travelers with the locals to stay in their residences for free! This allows visitors to cut costs, engage with the locals, and build beautiful memories in Thailand.
Another way of saving on accommodation costs is staying in the hostels rather than hotels. While hostels are mostly used by backpacking kids across the country, they're a perfect option for visitors staying in Thailand on a budget. They are not only cheap; the hostels allow travelers to have an authentic Thailand tour experience. One can always make up for the lacking amenities in the hostels by having an amazing experience of Thai culture and meeting new people.
- Price of hostels in Thailand: an average of $3 per night
One doesn't have to share rooms with other sweaty travelers, even though it helps to cut more costs. Tourists can have access to a bunch of private rooms at an average price of $30 for every room. Also, other hotels and guest rooms in Thailand charge $5 or less per night, and there is space for bargaining if one is planning to stay in one place for a week or a month.
Another cheaper, perhaps the cheapest option, apart from couch-surfing, is staying in a monastery. Most people don’t ever think about this when traveling to Thailand, but it is one perfect way of cutting travel costs. And one doesn’t have to be a Buddhist to stay in these monasteries since they are always open to visitors. As long as travelers can obey all the rules governing the monasteries and maybe help with some chores, they are welcome to stay as long as they need to.
Where To Eat On A Budget
Travelers can save a lot by eating the local foods from the street stalls and restaurants. Good news? Thailand is full of quirky food stalls and can save travelers some dollars when traveling on a budget. Of course, there are a bunch of luxurious restaurants and sit-in spots that may entice tourists, considering how they look, but one can only enjoy Thailand's authentic food along with the street stalls and food eateries. Of all the authentic eats to enjoy Thai local food, Pad See Eiw is the most popular one – and is like spaghetti served with meatballs and other yummy delicacies. Other authentic foods in Thailand's streets are; Kluay Tod, a delicious snack made of small bananas and coconuts; and Khao Kha Moo, a yummy pork dish.
Budget-Friendly Vacation Activities
Engage In Free Concert At Lumpini Park
One can have a vacation experience of a lifetime free of charge at Lumpini Park. Travelers can catch the popular Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, a beautiful performance, which occurs amidst Lumpini Park. Sometimes called “the Concert in the Park,” this brilliant performance happens every Sunday – and is best experienced while on a picnic or a mat, perhaps in a group.
- Location: Lumpini Park, Lumphini, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand
- Cost: Free
- Time to visit: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Explore The National Museum
The National Museum is an ideal spot for history lovers looking to stay in Thailand on a budget. With some of the best arts and artifacts collection that reflects the beautiful Thailand culture, this place guarantees an amazing historic tour experience of the country. Dating back to the 18th century when it was established, the National Museum displays numerous Thai arts and has different rooms featuring different historical moments. Isn’t that enough to offer a lifetime experience? This place is truly magical to visit, especially when looking for some historical information.
- Location: Na Phra That Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
- Cost: 200 Baht
- Time to visit: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Experience The Thailand Nightlife At Koh Phangan
On a budget tour to Thailand, one cannot afford to miss witnessing its nightlife, and the best one can experience is at Koh Phangan. Regarded as Thailand’s party hotspot, Koh Phangan is a famous spot for hosting different party spaces, bars, and clubs, making the whole island one of the most vibrant destinations for a budget vacation. At this point, numerous bars and party spots are offering free entries to travelers.
- Location: Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani, Thailand
- Cost: 500 Baht
- Time to visit: 6:30 pm to 7:00 am
Visitors have several options for going on a Thailand vacation on a budget. Other than the mentioned places to explore, travelers can still go snorkeling at Koh Tao – thanks to the wide range of beautiful marine life to explore. One can also experience Thailand’s stunning nature parks, including Kaeng, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, and Kaen Krachan National Park.