Thailand is one of those places you go when you’re already on a tight budget and wanting to duck out of your 9-5 for two weeks.
You are taunted with package deals every other week and you’ll be staring out your office window wishing you were reclined in a wooden canoe that was weaving between limestone islets (called Ko Ta Pu in Thai) through a dark blue lagoon.
But don’t worry you don’t have to spend big on a trip to Thailand! Below are a few strategies that will ensure you can visit Thailand without breaking the bank
What Can You Get For Your Dough?
You can easily live off 800฿ – 1100฿ per day (which is around $20USD) which will mean you’re well fed, you get a bed, public transport (or a bike), and that you enjoy some activities, like swimming, hiking, site seeing and some paid ones, like river rafting or a canoe trip, or a night out (or five).
Go In The Off Peak Season
The driest and travel friendly season is between November and March so flights, transport and accommodation prices all shoot up for around that time to match up with the demand.
To score cheaper deals try going in the winter time. Thailand’s wet season is between July to September, so while some ferry routes and summer tourist activities will be closed, resorts, villas, hotels and flights will be significantly cheaper and you’ll find there won’t be as many tourists which makes for a more private and coastful experience.
Accommodation also drops around the fall and spring shoulder seasons, which is also a good time to skip the wet season. But you’ll notice, when you do get those cheap package deals to Phuket, or Bangkok, it’ll be around the middle of the year.
House Sitting In Thailand
You’d be surprised at the amount of house sitting opportunities available in Thailand all year round
The stays can be anywhere from three nights to six months – it really just depends on the assignment. And the animals can vary from a cat to three dogs to maybe even watering some plants around the home.
House sitting is a great option because you don’t have to pay for accommodation and you essentially get a free vacation. All you have to do is care for their home and/or pets.
This is an excellent option because you have a whole home to yourself, which means you can cook and wash your clothes at home (which can also help keep costs down when travelling) You also don’t have to deal with deposits and pesky housekeeping kicking you out at 10am.
Be Savvy When You Go To Touristy Areas
You shouldn’t avoid ‘touristy’ areas altogether – after all, some places like the floating water markets are a great spot to visit but you just need to just be aware of what’s happening around you.
Stay At Trusted Hostels and Homestays
To avoid getting yourself in a sticky or expensive situation, it’s a good idea to stay at places where you can speak the language and that has good reviews.
For example, I had a great time at Shira Lea in Koh Samui because the bar and reception staff were all from England and we got on.
I even got a few free drinks, a wild birthday free cake for my birthday!
Take Cheap Transport Options
Avoid expensive transport options like the taxis right outside the airport, internal flights and tourist minivans. Give Thailand’s public transport system a go, it’s a lot cheaper and their train and bus infrustructure is well equip.
Don’t bother renting a car in Thailand, especially if you’re not used to highly congested roads. They’re about 800฿ a day, whereas a motorbike is easier to get around the country and it starts at about 150฿ – 300฿ a day.
Taxis and sŏrng·tăa·ou are a viable option as well instead of tuk-tuks. Tuk-tuks start at about 30฿ – 60฿ for locals and 60฿ for tourists.
To get to the islands, the ferry is a viable option and cheaper than a plane. Prices vary, and it’s basically a scenic route.
See you can easily visit Thailand on next to nothing and live like a king or queen. Just implement a few of these tips and you’ll be able to visit without racking up credit card debt!
