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You probably know at least one person by now who has vacationed in Thailand. And you've probably wondered how they could afford a vacation that looked so luxurious. For anyone looking to travel to one of the world's most beautiful countries on a budget, I've got some good news for you. With a little bit of planning, budgeting, and saving, you can have a memorable vacation in Thailand.
Thailand is generally considered an inexpensive destination once you arrive. Accommodation, food, transportation, and activities are often affordable, especially compared to Western countries. However, prices can vary depending on the region and the type of experience you're seeking. Generally, budget travelers can find plenty of options to keep costs low while still enjoying their time in Thailand.
choosing your travel dates
Choosing your travel dates is key to sticking to your budget. You can score major deals if you choose flexible dates and do a little research on the cheapest times to visit Thailand. You may find that the cheapest times to visit Thailand are during May/June to October because it's Thailand's rainy season. Don't discount traveling to Thailand during the rainy season, though. The rain can be torrential; however, downpours are usually short and sharp. If you travel to Thailand during the rainy season, the weather will still be warm, and you may save a lot of money on airfare.
I rely on Google Flights to monitor flight prices so I know when I should travel. While Google Flights is a great resource for finding cheap airfare, keep in mind that it does not include every airline in its search (for example, Southwest is not on Google Flights). You can check out my 7 secrets to finding cheap flights for more tips on how to guarantee you're getting the best prices on your flights.
choosing what airport to book from
Your flight prices will also vary depending on which airport you depart from. Whenever you travel, a good rule of thumb is to check flight prices from airports in surrounding areas to see if they offer the same flight for a better price. I only book travel out of airports in different cities if it saves me at least $100, I don't have to stay a night in a hotel, and I don't have to drive more than 2 hours to get to a nearby airport.
You can also book multiple round-trip flights to keep costs down. While this option requires a lot more research (and patience), it can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare. One way to do this is to look for tickets on discount airlines, such as Allegiant, Spirit, Jet Blue, Sun Country, or Frontier, to other major destinations in the United States that offer cheaper international airfare prices.
Depending on prices and flight departure and arrival times, booking two separate round-trip tickets may save you money. Be aware that this option may mean you will spend more time traveling since you have to allocate extra time for customs, airport transfers, etc. If you choose this option, you may also have to spend a night in a hotel, which can add to your travel expenses. Again, if you're not saving at least $100 on the total cost of your flights, it may be best to save the extra time and book your round-trip flight from an airport near where you live.
pinpointing your locations
Southern Thailand is undoubtedly a beautiful place, so it can be hard to decide exactly which places and islands you want to visit. If you're looking to see the best beaches, crystal-clear water, and limestone cliffs in Thailand, my favorite way to find locations is through Instagram. Here is a list of some Thailand travel Instagram accounts to get ideas from.
Some great island and locations to consider are: Phuket, Phi Phi Islands, Ko Lanta, Ko Samui, Khao Sok National Park, and Phang Nga Bay.
choosing your accommodations
If you're not looking to stay at adults-only resorts or other lavish hotels, scoring cheap hotels and Airbnb apartments in Thailand is easy. Sites like Priceline, Booking.com, and Hotels.com are great sites to use to find deals on hotels in Thailand.
If you prefer Airbnb properties, you may find that some locations in southern Thailand don't have many options or that the options are very expensive. The Phi Phi Islands are among the country's most popular beach destinations, which can make staying on the island a little more expensive than on some of the other islands. You may find that in the Phi Phi Islands, staying in hotels costs less than staying in an Airbnb.
in-country transportation
If you only plan on visiting a few islands while in southern Thailand, then you may not spend much on in-country transportation. It's best to fly in and out of some islands, like Koh Samui, because of their proximity to other popular islands you may want to visit. You may also need to take a ferry to different islands, which is an inexpensive option. This flexibility in transportation options allows travelers to efficiently explore multiple islands without significantly impacting their budget.
Ferry rides to and from islands are also inexpensive. Typically, there's no cost-saving benefit to booking online ahead of time. There are plenty of ferry tickets available each day, minimizing the chance of not getting one at the departure pier. The best approach is to check the ferry schedule online, arrive about 30 minutes before departure, and purchase your ticket at the pier.
Taxis are also very affordable in Thailand and offer a safe mode of transportation around islands. Since you'll likely be using taxis to and from airports and piers, it's wise to allocate funds for this type of transportation in your budget.
dining while in Thailand
Thai food is known for being both cheap and delicious. Night markets are a must-visit, offering cheap, authentic Thai dishes and the chance to try local delicacies. Restaurants often display menus and prices outside, helping you decide if it fits your budget. Street food is generally more budget-friendly than restaurants, saving you money. Don't miss out on refreshing treats like smoothies or iced coffee!
all the extras
One of my rules for international travel is to never expect everything to go according to plan. If you've traveled before, you know that your original plan will get altered somehow, and that may include spending additional money you weren't planning on. Missing the last ferry off the island to your next destination or forfeiting your accommodation at your next destination are examples of some costs you may incur while traveling. It's always a good idea to leave a little room in your budget for unexpected expenses.
Need help with or more advice for planning for your next vacation? Get in touch with me today!