Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Thailand

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in backpacker hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared bathrooms

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Street food stalls, local markets, food courts, occasional casual restaurants

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public buses, songthaews, local trains, walking, occasional tuk-tuk for short distances

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free temples and beaches, hiking, occasional budget tours, local markets, self-guided sightseeing

Eat at local markets and street stalls instead of tourist restaurant areas - typically 60-80% cheaper for similar quality food

Use public transportation like buses and trains instead of taxis - can save 70-85% on daily transport costs

Stay in local neighborhoods rather than prime tourist zones - accommodation typically 30-50% cheaper

Book domestic transportation in advance and choose slower options - trains vs flights can save 40-70%

Visit temples and beaches which are free or very low cost rather than paid attractions - can reduce activity costs by 50-80%

Buy snacks and drinks from convenience stores rather than tourist areas - typically 200-400% markup in tourist zones

Travel during low season months for accommodation savings of 20-50% compared to peak periods

Taking taxis and private transport for all trips instead of learning public transport - can triple daily transportation costs

Eating exclusively in tourist areas and hotel restaurants - typically adds 100-300% to daily food budget

Booking accommodation and tours last-minute during peak season - can increase costs by 50-150% compared to advance booking

Not researching free activities like temples, markets, and beaches - paying for attractions when many cultural experiences cost nothing

Exchanging money at airports and tourist areas instead of local banks or ATMs - can lose 5-15% to poor exchange rates