The exotic shores of Thailand have long been making their siren call to travellers from around the world, seeking adventure and the thrill of the unknown in South East Asia. If you’re not one to lay down every last dollar on travel, or you don’t want to be down to your very last buck in the middle of Bangkok, a little thrifty planning could be in order.
Is is expensive to travel in Thailand?
Budget travellers and backpackers rejoice, for Thailand is one of the less expensive Asian destinations you could choose to voyage to. One of the great things about the country is that you always have options when it comes to accommodation, from hostels and backpackers where you can have a spot to sleep for a few dollars a night, to luxury resorts with any amenity you could imagine within arm’s reach.
It’s important to remember that you get what you pay for, so don’t expect anything fancy if you aren’t willing to fork out the cash for it. That being said, accommodation is still pretty affordable here, so you don’t need to worry about your room cost burning through your travel funds.
As you can expect, average room prices tend to drop the further north you travel, making places such as the idyllic Chiang Mai inexpensive to stay.
- Night in a mixed dorm room at Bangkok’s Centaur Inn: AU$6
- Night in a mixed dorm in Chiang Mai’s The Green Oasis: AU$5.
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What will I be spending my money on?
The consensus amongst many nomads is that you can get by on as little as US$30-$50 a day, all up, about the equivalent of between AU$40 and AU$70. How long you can make your money last will depend on your plans, or lack thereof.
If you only have a few days in each destination and you’re dashing about trying to squeeze in every attraction, your budget will need to be able to accommodate this. Take your time and you may find you get more bang for your baht.
Thailand has a lot to offer the dreamy-eyed traveller in terms of entertainment, from trendy bars to out-of-this-world nightclubs, which have the potential to slim down your wallet in no time. Don’t miss a night out at Ku De Ta’s glamorous Club Lounge, where the entry is free, except on nights with featured international DJs. In addition, the equally as impressive Levels club provides some of the best dance music in town and is also free to enter.
However, it’s important to enjoy your time in Thailand, so don’t restrict your budget so tightly that you can’t have the occasional night out or a gourmet meal. You’re on holiday after all!
- Beer in Thailand: 100 baht, approx?imately AU$4
- Getting into Ku De Ta or Levels clubs: FREE (excluding Ku De Ta’s DJ nights)
- Half day at the Chiang Mai Elephant Jungle Sanctuary: 1,700 baht, approx?imately AU$65
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