There is such a large price range when it comes to everything available in Thailand. You can pay a lot for a designer dress in Siam Paragon or walk into Siam Square and find a chic dress for a lot cheaper. This range makes it possible to backpack through the country on very little money. Here are some ways you can get as much value as you can out of every last Baht…
Food
It’s easy to save money on cheap food in Thailand. Eat at small, family-run Thai restaurants or off the street vendors as often as you can. Western food can easily be three times the price of Thai food and, more often than not, is very disappointing.
Learn some basic Thai words:
- khao phat (fried rice)
- som tam (papaya salad)
- pad krah pow (meat fried with basil)
- pad see ew (noodles, meat and vegetables in soy sauce)
- gai (chicken)
- moo (pork)
- tow hoo (tofu)
- mai sai neung sat (no meat)
Food on the islands can be particularly expensive. Try to eat away from the beach and more into the towns. To keep water prices down, buy larger containers and fill up smaller bottles. Find a water refill machine which are usually located at convenience stores and along main roads.
Travel
Try to use public transport whenever possible, it’s usually the cheaper option. If you take a taxi, make sure the taxi driver uses the meter – in popular tourist areas, they will try to charge you a flat rate higher than the meter price.
Riding on a tuk-tuk can be quite a thrill for the first couple journeys but they are not the cheapest option (or the most comfortable!). Tuk-tuk drivers almost always charge more than a taxi meter will. You’ll soon find that air-conditioned transport is a lot nicer than breathing in exhaust!
You do not need to travel first class on buses or trains. A first class sleeper ticket to Chiang Mai from Bangkok costs 1,353 baht but a second class sleeper with fan costs 531 baht. Try to buy tickets directly from the train or bus stations, instead of through travel agents who will take a cut.
Accommodation
At most bus, train and boat stations/ports, there will be people trying to solicit for a particular guest house. These guest houses are generally not the best available, a good way to go about finding a room is to consult a guide book or chat to other backpackers.
Check out a handful of guesthouses until you find something in your price range. Always ask if there are cheaper rooms available, the more expensive rooms will usually be offered first. Make sure to see the room first to check that it’s clean and safe. Sometimes the price can be negotiated, especially if you are planning on staying for a few days.
Activities
When backpacking on a shoestring in Thailand, it is important to occasionally spend money on non-essentials like fun activities. Pick activities wisely and shop around for the best prices. If you choose to do a lot of scuba diving, consider taking a course which will make each dive much cheaper. Also ask for discounts, especially if you are with a group of people.
If you really want to enjoy backpacking in Thailand, don’t forget to take out your cheap backpacker insurance as soon as you book your trip. It is important that you remember to check that your backpacker insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your trip before you buy it.