Thailand on a Budget: 7 Ideas for Thrifty Travelers
April 11, 2025
Thailand has been attracting travelers for years with its rich culture, beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine. But did you know that it is possible to visit this fascinating country without spending a fortune? In this article, we'll give you 7 proven ideas for cheap travel in Thailand that will allow you to enjoy everything the country has to offer without straining your wallet. From inexpensive hostels to tips on how to save on transportation and food, these tips will help you plan an unforgettable yet budget-friendly trip to the Land of Smiles. Whether you're a backpacker or just looking for ways to have a frugal vacation, these ideas will make your Thai adventure not only exciting, but affordable. Get ready to discover how you can experience the magic of Thailand without ruining your budget!
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Underpriced accommodation in northern Thailand
Start our journey from the north of Thailand, where you'll find some great options for affordable accommodations. The first is 'HostelBed @ Phitsanulok', located in the city of Phitsanulok. This hostel, with a rating of 4.3, offers not only affordable prices, but also a unique atmosphere. Guests praise it for its atmospheric location by the river and beautiful views. The owner, Sunny, is often cited in reviews as an extremely helpful and hospitable person, which makes the stay even more enjoyable. The hostel is clean, well-maintained and offers everything a traveler on a budget needs.
Moving north, you'll find 'Lanna Hostel' in Chiang Mai. With a rating of 4.2, this hostel offers great value for money. Guests praise the cleanliness of the rooms, comfortable beds and helpful staff. The location is also a plus - close to the center, yet in a quiet neighborhood. The hostel offers free bottled water and coffee, which is an added plus for frugal travelers.
For those looking for something even cheaper, a 'trekker camp' in Chiang Mai may be the perfect choice. With a rating of 4.0, this hostel offers basic amenities, but at a very attractive price. Guests praise the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to meet other travelers. The owner is helpful in organizing excursions, which can be a plus for those who want to explore the area.
Comparing the three options, 'HostelBed @ Phitsanulok' seems to offer the best balance between price and quality, with the highest rating and many positive reviews. 'Lanna Hostel' is a good choice for those who appreciate a location in a larger city, while 'trekker camp' is the cheapest option, ideal for backpackers looking for basic accommodation and the opportunity to meet other travelers.
It's worth noting that prices at these hostels can fluctuate depending on the season, so it's always a good idea to check current rates before booking. Regardless of your choice, each of these hostels offers you the opportunity to significantly reduce the cost of your accommodations while traveling in northern Thailand, saving you money for other attractions and experiences.
Budget accommodation in central and eastern Thailand
Continuing our tour of Thailand, let's take a look at cheap accommodation options in the central and eastern parts of the country. In Bangkok, the capital and heart of Thailand, we find the 'PLOY Hostel'. Despite its low 2.6 rating, this hostel offers some of the lowest prices in the city. However, it's worth bearing in mind that the lower price comes with some inconveniences. Guests complain of a lack of hot water, uncomfortable beds and a general lack of cleanliness. Still, for travelers on a very tight budget who plan to spend most of their time exploring the city, this may be an acceptable compromise.
Not far from Bangkok, in the Phra Nakhon district, is the 'Tuk Tuk Hostel', with a rating of 4.2. This hostel offers a better standard than PLOY Hostel, while maintaining affordable prices. Guests praise the comfortable beds and good location. However, it is worth noting that some complain about the lack of windows in some rooms, which may be a problem for those who appreciate natural light.
Moving east, in Rayong you will find 'Ban Phe Hostel' with an impressive rating of 4.1. This hostel stands out for the extremely hospitable atmosphere created by the owner, Naam. Guests often mention feeling as if they were at home rather than in a hostel. As an added bonus, bicycles can be rented, allowing guests to explore the area inexpensively.
Comparing the three options, 'Ban Phe Hostel' seems to be the best choice, offering excellent value for money and a unique atmosphere. 'Tuk Tuk Hostel' is a good alternative for those who want to be closer to Bangkok's attractions, while 'PLOY Hostel' should only be considered by travelers on a very tight budget who are able to accept a lower standard in exchange for a low price.
It is worth noting that prices at these hostels can vary depending on season and availability. For example, as of 2023-11-15, prices at 'Ban Phe Hostel' start at around 200 baht per night for a dormitory, making it an extremely attractive option for frugal travelers.
Remember, when choosing cheap accommodation, it's always a good idea to carefully read the latest reviews and check current prices. Sometimes it's worth paying a little more for better conditions, which can make a significant difference in the comfort of your stay. Regardless of your choice, each of these hostels offers the opportunity to significantly reduce the cost of your accommodations, allowing you to save for other activities and experiences during your Thai adventure.
Budget accommodation in Thai islands and additional tips
Finishing our tour of budget accommodation options in Thailand, let's take a look at options on popular islands and additional tips on how to save while traveling.
On the island of Koh Samui is the 'Monkey Samui Hostel' with a rating of 3.0. Although not the highest rating, this hostel offers some of the cheapest accommodations on the island. Guests praise the friendly atmosphere and helpful staff. However, it's worth bearing in mind that some complain about the lack of cleanliness and uncomfortable beds. For travelers on a very tight budget who plan to spend most of their time on the beach, this may be an acceptable compromise.
In Bangkok, though already mentioned, it's worth highlighting again the 'BRB Hostel Bangkok Silom' with a 4.0 rating. This hostel offers a good standard at an affordable price. Guests often praise the cleanliness and good room facilities. The location in the Silom district is a plus for those wishing to explore downtown Bangkok.
Comparing the two options, 'BRB Hostel Bangkok Silom' seems a better choice in terms of overall comfort and standard, while 'Monkey Samui Hostel' may be considered by those who prioritize a low price and an island stay.
Additional tips for frugal travelers:
- transportation: use local transportation, such as buses or trains, instead of cabs or private transfers. For example, in Bangkok use the BTS Skytrain or subway - they are cheap and avoid traffic jams.
2 - Food: Try local street food - it's not only delicious, but also much cheaper than restaurants. Popular dishes such as Pad Thai or Som Tam can be found at street stalls for a fraction of the restaurant price.
3 Attractions: Many temples and parks in Thailand are free or have very low entrance fees. Also check the days when museums offer free entry - this often happens on certain days of the month.
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shopping: Haggle at local bazaars, but do so with respect and a smile. Remember that for many vendors this is their main source of income.
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Internet: Instead of buying local SIM cards, use the free Wi-Fi available in many hostels, cafes and shopping malls.
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Water: Always carry a refillable water bottle with you at hostels or restaurants. You'll avoid buying expensive bottles in touristy locations.
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Reservations: Try to book accommodations in advance, especially during high season. You can often find better rates and promotions when booking early.
Keep in mind that prices and availability can change, so it's always a good idea to check current information before booking. For example, prices at 'BRB Hostel Bangkok Silom' can start at around 300 baht per night for a dormitory (as of 2023-11-15), but can vary depending on the season.
Traveling in Thailand on a budget is not only possible, but can also be extremely rewarding. It allows you to immerse yourself more deeply in the local culture and meet many interesting people. Remember, saving on accommodations and transportation will allow you to spend more on unforgettable experiences and adventures that you will remember for years to come.
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