Although planning a Thailand vacation sounds exotic, expensive, and potentially out of reach, getting there is easier than you might think!
Bangkok is often ranked as the most visited city in the world for a reason: Thailand is a beautiful and affordable destination, even for two-week trips. Every year millions of travelers enjoy a Thailand vacation without spending a fortune or backpacking for months.
How much will a trip to Thailand cost?
Forget the old myth that far away places are accessible only to the wealthy or retired. A vacation to Thailand can be as inexpensive as a trip to California, Hawaii, the Caribbean, or any of the other popular destinations for Americans. It may even cost less, or at the very least, you’ll get nicer rooms and more memorable experiences for the same amount of money spent.
A large number of annual international arrivals from Thailand are backpacking budget travelers making less than US $ 900 for a month in Southeast Asia. You can opt for a little more luxury on a shorter trip. The good news is that tourism is well developed in Thailand; you have options You can find accommodation on the beach for $ 10 per night (bungalow with fan) or $ 200 per night (five-star hotel) – the choice is yours!
Airfare is obviously the highest initial cost. But reaching an agreement is possible with a little trick. Use domestic carriers to get to LAX or JFK, then book a separate ticket for Bangkok. Splitting a ticket between two carriers can save you hundreds of dollars!
Once in Thailand, the exchange rate and lower cost of eating and drinking can quickly offset the cost of airfare.
Take a tour or plan an independent trip?
Although organized tours in Asia may seem like the quick and easy solution, you can save money simply by organizing transportation and activities once you are on the ground. However, it is not necessary to reserve them online or before you arrive in Thailand for the research activities you want to undertake.
Booking excursions and day activities is very easy in Thailand. Unless you go too far, the language difference will not present a problem. Pretty good, everyone who works with tourists will speak good enough English.
You will find numerous travel agencies in tourist areas. Just walk in, tell the person behind the counter where you want to go, and minutes later you’ll have a bus / train / boat ticket. The commissions charged are trivial. The reception desk of your hotel or guesthouse will be happy to reserve tickets and activities for you.
For activities, generally someone from the agency will pick you up at your hotel the morning of your tour. Travelers are consolidated and then taken on the day trip. At the end of the day, you will be returned to your hotel, easy!
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
The climate differs somewhat between regions, but generally the driest months in Thailand are between November and April. Even during the low / rainy season in Thailand, you will enjoy sunny days. Discounts for activities and accommodation are easier to negotiate during the low season months.
You may want to schedule your Thailand vacation around one of the many great festivals. At least make sure you are aware that one is coming. Missing an exciting event for just a day or two is very frustrating!
The big full moon party every month will affect transportation to and from the Koh Samui archipelago (especially Koh Tao and Koh Phangan). Planning an itinerary around the moon phases may seem a bit pagan, but you’ll be glad you did!
Do you need vaccinations for Thailand?
Although no specific vaccines are required for Thailand, you should get the general vaccinations recommended for all international travelers in Asia.
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, and a Tdap (for tetanus) are the most common punctures for international travelers – all are good investments and provide protection for years.
You will not need vaccinations against rabies, yellow fever or Japanese encephalitis for a regular holiday in Thailand. The same applies to antimalarial drugs. There is a relatively low risk of getting malaria in Thailand, especially if you don’t spend a lot of time in the jungle.
The biggest risk in Thailand is dengue fever. Until the new vaccine being tested is available, your best defense is to do what you can to avoid mosquito bites.
Zika (another mosquito-borne disease) is not a serious threat in Thailand.
What to pack for Thailand?
With expansive malls in Bangkok and open-air markets in Chiang Mai, along with many smaller open-air street markets, you will have no shortage of cheap shopping opportunities. Leave room in your luggage – you’ll definitely want to take home some unique finds! Pack fewer clothes and plan to buy an outfit or three there.
Rather than do a lot of shopping before your Thailand vacation, plan to buy items locally to help merchants who need more income than Western CEOs. Why carry an 8,000 mile umbrella if you can buy one there for $ 2 if it rains?
There are a few things you will want to bring from home for your trip to Thailand. But beware of the biggest mistake most travelers in Asia admit to making: packing too much.
Accessing money in Thailand
ATMs are literally everywhere in Thailand; They often compete for space! This is because providing cash to travelers is business – fees have skyrocketed to $ 6-7 per transaction (in addition to bank charges).
When using ATMs in Thailand, ask for the maximum amount each time. Sometimes breaking large denominations can be challenging. Seasoned travelers know to ask for 5,900 baht instead of 6,000 baht, that way they get some smaller denominations as well.
For example, if you order 6,000 baht from an ATM, you will receive six rigid 1,000 baht bills. Breaking them in small shops and restaurants can elicit some groans from the staff. Paying with them in the carts for street food is just rude. Instead, order 5,900 baht at the machine and get five 1,000 baht bills, a 500 baht bill, and four always-useful 100 baht bills.
As usual, exchanging US dollars is an option. Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted in shopping malls and larger hotels / restaurants, however you may be charged an additional fee when paying with plastic. Identity theft is a growing problem; choose to pay cash when possible to minimize risk and transaction fees.
Haggling is a part of Thai culture, and you should playfully haggle for purchases such as souvenirs and clothing. Prices are even flexible in shopping centers. Accommodation and activities can often be negotiated, but always keep the face-saving rules in mind. Never bargain for standardized food, drinks, or items.
Tipping is not the norm in Thailand, although there are some rare exceptions. Even if your intentions are good, leaving a tip accelerates cultural mutation and inflates prices for locals. In doing so, people prefer to serve tourists (because they throw money) over locals who may be more frugal.
For large purchases made on your trip, you can request a GST refund at the airport when you leave Thailand. You will need to have receipts and documentation.
The prices shown always include taxes. At registration, you will pay the price that was displayed. Sometimes a 10 percent service charge can be added to restaurant bills.
Where to go in Thailand?
Most travelers make it to Bangkok, but there are many beautiful destinations further afield.
- The Thai Islands: No Thailand vacation is complete without visiting at least one or two of the beautiful islands. They all differ in personality and charm. The way of Thailand means choosing from some great island options in the Andaman Sea (west side) and the Gulf of Thailand (east side).
- Chiang Mai: the capital of northern Thailand is the favorite of many visitors. Life within the Old City is more manageable and easier to navigate than Bangkok. The atmosphere is indisputably different and pleasant. Good food, open-air markets, Lanna culture, and $ 6 massages are great reasons to catch a low-cost flight or train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
- Pai: Located about four hours north of Chiang Mai and surrounded by green hills, Pai has been transformed in recent years from a sleepy “hippie” town into a major tourist destination. Despite the additional visitors, Pai retained much of its riverside charm. Organic farms and food, surprisingly good nightlife, and yoga / holistic / healthy workshops are good reasons to visit. Northern Thailand also offers many other attractions in the area.
- Ayutthaya – Just two hours by train north of Bangkok, Thailand’s ancient capital is the place to enjoy culture and tour ancient temple ruins. You will often be the only person in a century-old temple!
- Railay – Thailand’s rock climbing epicenter in Krabi is no longer just for climbers. The impressive limestone landscape is unlike any other. But even if you prefer your feet on the ground, the powdery sand and insulation (Railay is only accessible by boat) will make you feel like you’re on an island.
What to Expect on a Holiday in Thailand
The tourism infrastructure in Thailand is well established. They have had a lot of practice accommodating visitors of all budgets and travel durations. But as with many top destinations, things are getting decidedly exclusive as older companies are gutted and replaced by foreign-owned chains.
Thai food is celebrated around the world for its salty flavors and spicy potential. But forget the myth that all Thai food is spicy – most restaurants (especially those catering to tourists) will ask you how much pain you can handle or allow you to add your own spice. Chili powder is generally available on all tables.
The fun nightlife is very widespread in Thailand. The cost of a large domestic beer averages $ 2-3. From epic beach parties to drinking sessions with the locals, only a few specific areas are as seedy as is often depicted on television.
Thailand is a Buddhist country. You will inevitably end up meeting monks and visiting impressive temples. Don’t expect the Hollywood portrayal of a Buddhist monk – Theravada monks in Thailand often have smartphones!
Thailand is a very safe destination. Crime, other than the usual petty theft, is rarely a problem for foreign visitors. Tourism is big business, and Thais often go out of their way to help you enjoy their beautiful country.
Enhance your trip by learning to say hello in Thai before you go. The locals are patiently tolerant, however you need to know a few dos and don’ts in Thailand to avoid being ‘that’ tourist who accidentally ruins a good thing!
Disadvantages
If planning a vacation to Thailand is that easy, there must be some downsides, right? Of course. With every international destination, there are some potential trade-offs to make. Here are some common complaints that travelers cite most often:
- Assuming you departed from North America, circling the world to Asia will consume a full day (in each direction) of your vacation time. Also, jetlag bites harder; The time difference between Eastern Standard Time and Bangkok is +12 hours.
- The main attractions get very crowded during the dry season months (November to April). Traffic in Bangkok is worse than ever.
- Although crime is not bad, there are a number of people who make a living scamming tourists.
