If you’re like most people planning to visit the Land of Smiles, you’ve probably wondered “is Thailand cheap to travel?” So let’s get right down to it. Is travelling to this Southeast Asian country economical? Or is it the other way around?
Whether it’s for business or for leisure, knowing the answer to is Thailand cheap to travel is crucial. Nothing ruins a whole trip more than unexpectedly finding yourself out of money. Make sure you follow along to settle the issue once and for all.
Is Thailand Cheap to Travel? Here’s the Real Deal
For starters, visiting the Land of Smiles is not going to be expensive at all. Sure this may sound too good to be true at first, but believe me, it can be done. You just have to keep a few key things in mind during your stay to avoid blowing your budget unknowingly.
And don’t worry about a thing because your trip is going to be as fun and exciting like you’ve planned it. The only difference is you won’t be running out of cash the least you expect it. So if you’re looking to make the most out of your trip to Thailand finance-wise, keep these in mind.
Simple Tips and Pointers that Will Help You Save Money During Your Visit to Thailand
#1: The early and resourceful bird gets the cheap flight.
Sure you may have already heard that flights to the Land of Smiles can be a bit expensive. And they can, too, because of a number of reasons. Examples of these are the time of the year and the particular airline you’re booking a flight with.
If you’re still having a tough time scoring a cheap flight to Thailand, you’ve come to the right place. Simply having the following tips and pointers in your checklist will help you snag big discounts on airfare almost immediately:
- Look for deals with low-cost airline companies. The next time you’re browsing for plane tickets to Thailand, make sure you include low-cost airline companies in your online search. Examples of these include Air Asia, Thai Smile, and Nok Air.
- Book your flight way ahead of the peak season. Don’t buy your plane tickets to the Land of Smiles a week or so before schedule. If you can do it months ahead, you’re guaranteed to score some pretty nice deals.
- Avoid the months between November and March. The biggest surge in tourists looking to spend their vacation in Thailand typically happen during these months. This is also the time when the price of plane tickets tend to balloon due to high demand.
- Make your schedule flexible. Although this sounds somewhat tricky to pull off, having a bit of flexibility in your schedule is going to help you save a lot on airfare. It’s not uncommon that airline companies will offer big discounts to passengers from time to time.
#2: Have a bank account that lets you withdraw money from Thailand minus the high transaction fees.
The quickest and most convenient way to get cash when you’re in the Land of Smiles is through the ATM. However, some banks tend to have additional transaction fees that they tack on the amount you’re withdrawing.
Before you even think about planning your itinerary or buying your plane tickets, make sure you check a few things. Determine if your bank lets you withdraw cash abroad and find out how much the exact transaction fees are. Ignoring these fees is a very big mistake.
The lesser these transaction fees are, the better. It’s even better if there are none. See, these fees tend to pile up each time you withdraw cash from the ATM. And the accumulated amount can get rather expensive, too. You could have used the cash as extra for your trip.
#3: Go for budget-friendly accommodation.
While there are many accommodation options to choose from when you’re spending a holiday in Thailand, choose one that’s economical. Mind you, there are lots of cheap yet more than decent options in the Land of Smiles.
One of the best possible picks that you can go for is a hostel. There are lots of these in Thailand, especially in places where tourists tend to converge like Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok. Staying in a hostel will only cost you a fraction of the price of a hotel room.
Besides helping you cut down your accommodation expenses, staying in a hostel also lets you meet new friends. You’re sure to expand your social network in no time.
#4: Satisfy your appetite the cheap and delicious way.
One of the things that the Land of Smiles is known for is its lineup of gastronomic delights, Make sure you check the prices first before ordering food in Thailand. It also helps if you confirm them with the server just to be extra sure.
If you’re looking to save money and enjoy tasty food at the same time, follow where the locals are going. Sure they’re probably heading to a street stall or some mobile food cart, but you are in for a surprise. If it’s popular with the locals, then it’s going to be delicious.
While we’re at it, avoid restaurants that don’t clearly put the price of their food and drinks on the menu. There is a big possibility that you may be overcharged.
Just a quick reminder, though. There will be times when you will encounter strange foodstuffs along the way. Just remember this quick tip: if it looks tasty, make sure you have a bite.
#5: Use the “happy hour” to your advantage.
Although it is alright to treat yourself to a drink or two when you’re in Thailand, be conscious with prices. Beers and cocktails can be a bit costly, especially when you drink them in bars and similar entertainment venues.
The best way to get around this is by taking advantage of the “happy hour.” This is typically the time when an establishment charges lesser than usual for alcoholic drinks and appetizers. You get to drink more while spending less. It’s a win-win situation.
What’s even more interesting is that bars in the Land of Smiles tend to have different happy hours. This means you can hop from one bar to another while you’re at it. Just don’t forget to drink moderately. Remember, you’re there for the experience and not the booze.
#6: Buy a local subscriber identification module (SIM) card.
If you’re looking to stay connected to the worldwide web for less, you’re better off buying a local SIM card. Relying on your main network to do so while you’re in Thailand can mean extra fees on your end.
A more than decent local SIM card will only take you back less than $9. And it will work for as long as you’re in the country. Besides using it to call or text, you can also connect to the Internet with the same.
And given that the Land of Smiles has excellent Internet, you’re sure to be online without a fuss. Just don’t let your web activity distract you from your vacation, alright? Thailand has simply a lot of cool offerings that you can’t miss out on.
#7: Grab a map of the area you’re in.
Having a map of the place you’re in means you can easily determine which areas can be reached by walking. It’s not uncommon to see tourist attractions in the Land of Smiles grouped within a few hundred meters or so. Take the temples in Chiang Mai, for example.
Knowing which spots you can simply walk to means saving money on tuk tuk rides or some other mode of transportation that costs money. In case a physical map of the place is not available, you can use a virtual one using your smartphone.
#8: Don’t overspend on souvenirs.
While buying souvenirs is not bad at all, spending too much money on them can significantly affect your overall budget. If you’re looking to grab some souvenirs, make sure you go for items that you can actually use.
These include shirts, scarves, umbrellas, and similar things that you can make good use of. Keep clear from shot glasses, ornaments, quirky toys, and sand in a bottle. Besides the possibility of being damaged during transit, chances are you won’t use them back home.
#9: Start your trips early.
Exploring tourist attractions as early as possible when you’re travelling in Thailand has two key benefits. First, you can choose to walk all the way if it’s just near because you won’t be competing with crowds.
Second, you won’t be tempted to buy a cold refreshment while you’re on your way because the weather’s just right. Try travelling around Bangkok or Phuket during the midday and you’ll understand why this is important.
#10: Take the public transportation.
Sure they may give you a lot of comfort getting around, but taxis in Thailand can cost a pretty penny. If your destination can’t be reached by walking, go for public transportation like buses and the MRT. They’ll still take you to where you need to go, but only cheaper.
Moreover, it’s easier to get familiar with the place you’re in if you take public transportation. This is because the routes are going to be the same each time. Unlike taxis that can take different roads to avoid traffic, buses always ply the same routes.
#11: Shop for local brands.
When shopping for necessities in the Land of Smiles, choose local brands instead of the ones you use back home. Apart from being significantly cheaper, Thai brands are known to be high-quality, too.
This tip can be applied to soaps, toothbrushes, emergency underwear, socks, and even beers. If you’re unsure which one to grab, ask the attendant what’s the best seller and buy that.
#12: Do a bit of research first.
Prior to checking out tourist destinations, make it a point to find out if they have a free entrance. While most historical landmarks and temples in Thailand charge entrance fees to foreigners, some venues like galleries and museums don’t.
You can either look them up using your favorite search engine or ask your hostel’s receptionist.
#13: Pack reliable walking shoes.
As you may already know by now, getting around Thailand is much more practical—and economical—when you walk. This means you’d have to grab a pair of reliable walking shoes to get the job done.
You don’t need an expensive pair for this, too. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when buying a pair of walking shoes for your Thailand adventure:
- Slip-ons are much better when it comes to negotiating the streets of the Land of Smiles. Their lace up counterparts can become cumbersome, especially when entering religious sites that require you to take off your footwear.
- Choose a pair that have thick yet soft soles. You will be walking for quite a while and rigid soles can be uncomfortable after some time. Avoid walking shoes that have wooden-like soles because they can potentially cause blisters.
- Grab a pair that’s your size, but make sure that they don’t hug your feet tightly when you wear them. Walking shoes that are too tight can make your feet sore before you know it.
- Buy cheap walking shoes that have decent quality. You don’t need a signature brand to stroll around. You need a pair that can endure the constant walking while keeping you feeling comfy at the same time.
And before we move on to the final pointer, keep in mind to always wear socks when using your walking shoes. Besides acting as a protective layer against dust, pebbles, and similar irritants, having socks on also helps prevent smelly feet.
#14: Plan a budget and stick to it.
The best way to really save money when you visit the Land of Smiles is to decide on a specific budget and follow it faithfully. Remember that you don’t need a lot of cash to enjoy your Thailand vacation. However, it’s also nice to have money to spare in certain situations.