Thailand Budget Travel Guide

How To Get Around Thailand For Cheap

Domestic Flights
Air Asia and Nok Air are two budget airlines that offer flights all over Thailand for as low as 30$. It’s often cheaper to fly from Bangkok to Southern Thailand than to go by train. But be sure to book in advance for the cheapest fares. Check out the Best Budget Airlines In Southeast Asia.
Trains
Thailand has a relatively reliable and extensive rail network. Although it’s more expensive than the bus, it’s loads more comfortable. The cheapest way to get a ticket is to book directly at the train station. Check out How To Get From Bangkok To Ko Pha Ngan.
Busses
Going by bus is almost always the cheapest option. You can get an over night bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani for as little as 320 baht/11 dollars. To book a ticket head directly to Bangkok’s southern bus station, Sai Tai Mai.
Boats
Although Lomprayah ferry company is the fastest, it’s also the most expensive. To travel to the islands for cheap look into more local ferry companies like Raja and Seatran.
Hitchhiking
Although pickup trucks and cars will stop for you, they’ll also want to charge you money. However, if you tell them you’re on a budget, many will give you a smile and a ride anyways. It doesn’t hurt to speak a bit of Thai.

Street Food
The cheapest way to eat in Thailand is at local street stalls. The cheapest stalls are those a little outside of town or off the main streets. Sticky rice with mango, pork or chicken on a stick, a plates of Pad Thai cost around 30 baht/1$.
Night Markets
Thailand is famous for is day and night markets. Here, all the best street stalls are gathered in one place to form a chaotic collision of cheap and delicious food.
Off The Land
Thailand’s tropical climate means mangos, papayas, rambutri, and pineapple grow in abundance. If you can pick it, you can eat it!

Bungalows (300 Bhat/9$)
Thailand is full of cheap and relaxing beach side bungalows. Budget bungalows can be found on every beach and cost around 300 baht/9$ a night. Deluxe bungalows with A/C usually go for around 600 Baht/ 20$.
Hostel Dorm (100 Baht/3$)
With the amount of budget hotels and bungalows, Thailand doesn’t have a big hostel scene. But there are of course a few in each big city and dorms can be found between 100/150 baht or 3 to 5 dollars a night.
Budget Hotels (300 Baht/9$)
Whether you’re in Bangkok or on an island, budget hotel rooms can be found for as low as 300 baht/ 9$ a night.
Beach Hotel (Free!)
No one will stop you from sleeping on the beach or setting up a hammock between two palms. Local Thai’s and passed out tourists do it all the time.

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