Thai Money Saving Tips

Thailand is an incredibly cheap country to vacation in. Accommodation, food and transport costs are low, so it’s an ideal place for backpackers and travelers on a budget. From personal experience and from friends, family and fellow travelers I’ve picked up a bunch of tips that I thought I’d share to help you out whether you’re looking for cheap flights to Thailand or ways to save once you get there. And if anyone has anymore moneysaving Thailand tips to share, I’d love to hear them!


Flights

For most travelers the most expensive part of their trip is the flight, especially when you’re flying long haul. If you’re looking to book your flights and accommodation separately, aim to book your flights around 6 months before you plan to fly. This is when new tickets are released and fares are at their lowest – prices only increase at the last minute.

Another tip is to search using online flight specialists. Their fares can often be lower as they are online businesses with lower overheads so can pass these savings on to consumers. Check out companies that specialize in long haul trips like DialAFlight who are currently offering cheap flights to Thailand from London for £455 return this coming June.

From the airport

The chances are you’ll be landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport. There are a few ways to get into Bangkok from here, but the cheapest and most convenient is by taxi – just don’t join the taxi queue at arrivals! You’ll be charged a taxi surcharge and have to queue forever. A little trick is to hop up to departures on the top floor and grab a taxi that’s just dropped someone off – taa daa! No extra surcharge and no queuing in the heat.

Food

If you really want to save money in Thailand, just eat like the locals do. Local markets sell cheap local produce, and make the most of street food – you’ll find delicious, authentic Thai food from as little as 20 baht per meal.

Water

I save myself money on water by buying a large bottle and then refilling it at one of the many water machines dotted around the cities. You can refill for 6 baht – much cheaper than buying another bottle of water.

Accommodation

If you’re staying in Thailand for an extended period, by far the cheapest accommodation option is to rent an apartment rather than booking a hotel. You can get a small apartment on the outskirts of Bangkok for as little as £40 per month! As a general guide, accommodation up north is much cheaper than accommodation in Bangkok or on the islands.

Getting around

Taxis might be convenient, but if you want to save cash and live like a local you better get to know your bus routes. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority site has everything you need to know to plan your journeys. They’re incredibly cheap and run all over – you can travel for as little as 8 baht per journey – just don’t expect air con.

Taxis are useful but can be expensive on the islands especially. If you do catch taxis, make sure the driver uses the meter rather than trying to negotiate a price – you’ll always get a better deal going by the meter, and it’s illegal for drivers to carry passengers without using one.

Language

My last tip? Learn as much Thai as possible. Speaking Thai means you’re far more likely to get the Thai price, not the western tourist price…



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