English
French
Spanish
Italian
Thailand is undoubtedly a legendarily cheap backpacker destination, so every visitor coming here always spends their money unreasonably and easily bursts their budget with the first few weeks in Thailand.
How to travel to Thailand on a student budget. (Source: Unsplash)
While there are plenty of luxurious options, the best way to see Thailand is the cheap way or on a student's budget. Let’s see all the wonders of Thailand on a student budget to help you find out how to spend carefully in this Southeast Asian country.
Tips: Download an exchange rate app to keep track of exchange rates; it’ll help keep prices in perspective. Or figure out how much $10 is in Thailand (352 baht) and memorize that.
Thailand is affordable for anyone with a little bit of savings tucked away, but this is also why a budget is a necessity. The affordability is overwhelming compared to the West, so it’s easy to lose your way with the budget. It seems like everything is so inexpensive, so you buy or do it all, and before you know it, your savings are gone.
Figuring out how much spending money for Thailand is necessary requires identifying your budget tier. Are you a budget backpacker or a flashpacker?
Figuring out your budget for Thailand. (Source: Shutterstock)
A backpacker budget of 800-1058 baht ($20-$30) a day is perfect for ultra-savers. This will cover basic accommodation, street food dinners, budget transportation, and free or cheaper activities.
For a little more luxury, like a few drinks or some shopping, a daily budget of 1058-1764 baht ($30-$50) will cover regular massages, slightly nicer accommodation or a private room, alcohol, and more expensive attractions, like elephant sanctuaries or adventure parks.
Long-term explorers should save up enough to cover at least $30 per day, adding extra for incidentals like insurance and bigger excursions. For example, a budget for two months in Thailand would work out to $2000.
Read more: Things to know about Thailand's currency: The Thai baht
Flights are always the most major chunk of any budget. Booking as early as possible will do the trick.
Flying to Thailand on a reasonable budget. (Source: Freepik)
For bargain-basement prices, avoid traveling during the school holidays or visit during Thailand's off-season, which runs from May through October. The first time I came was in the wet season. Of course, the days of rain are intensive, but somehow I fell in love with the spirit. The weather defines everything: plans follow the mood of the sky, and that makes everything magically unpredictable.
If you’re a student, scour student travel sites for deals and discounts. Be flexible with your dates to find cheaper flights.
Tips: Booking overnight trains and buses when changing cities will save you a night’s accommodation.
Bus routes spread throughout the country like a spiderweb, connecting nearly every town and city with double-decker sleeper buses. So, tackling Thailand on a low budget means getting familiar with buses.
Best affordable transportation in Thailand. (Source: Shutterstock)
Although often a little less comfortable for long-haul journeys than the trains, there is no cheaper way to get around the country unless you want to drive on a moped for days on end. Pay a small premium to travel on cozier sleeper buses with large reclining seats and free snacks.
The railway networks of Thailand are in focus for big cities to connect the towns with cities and towns again on long tracks, operating all day and night also.
Overnight coaches rank high in popularity among backpackers during overnight journeys, thanks to the bed conversion option of the seats.
When in Bangkok, traveling in the north or south directions, you should choose an overnight train instead of a bus; the latter is cheap but a great deal away from comfort. Go for the bottom bed for maximum comfort and breathtaking views of the jungle whizzing by as the morning sun rises.
Best affordable transportation in Thailand. (Source: Shutterstock)
Bangkok is very pedestrian-friendly, so prioritize walking to keep your daily budget low. On sweltering days or for longer hauls, hop onto Bangkok’s subway system or the BTS Sky Train.
With fixed prices for single journeys and air conditioning, the well-connected network is the most convenient way to zip around Bangkok on a budget.
The best way to travel between islands in Thailand is by boat. Typically, speedboats are slightly more expensive. Though they’ll get you there slower, booking a slow ferry is a great budget-saver, and there is less risk of seasickness!
Avoid buying snacks on the boats, though. Vendors and onboard shops increase the prices since you’re a captive audience. Buy everything you need at a 7-11 before boarding.
Tips: If you have to take a metered taxi, double-check that the driver has turned on the meter before starting the journey. Keep a close eye on it while following the Google Maps route.
Unless you want to break the budget on the first day, don’t take a taxi directly from any airport in Thailand. Instead, book a taxi through Grab, Asia’s version of Uber. They offer fixed rates, often working out cheaper than local taxi companies.
Best affordable transportation in Thailand. (Source: Shutterstock)
If you need to get around the city or a waterfall is calling your name, hopping in a local taxi or tuk-tuk is doable. Make some friends and book in groups to split a bargain price. And confirm the price before getting in and then again before setting off.
Don’t be afraid to haggle; it’s the norm. Grab is the exception, though. Like Uber, the price is set once the booking is confirmed.
Most travelers seeing Thailand on a budget will opt to rent a motorbike or scooter. As long as you drive carefully and wear a helmet, there is no better way to see everything this country offers.
Try to plan and book it for longer periods to get a lower deal. Most vendors’ daily prices drop dramatically for travelers renting for weeks or months at a time.
A budget car rental in Thailand is a little harder to find, especially on the islands where cars are less common and more expensive to hire. It’s an affordable option if sharing with friends to split the costs. Rent for longer periods to negotiate the best price.
For the cheapest options, stick to tradition and bunk down in a hostel dorm room. In exchange for cheap drinks, diverse company, and the best travel stories, you’ll come in under budget while forming bonds that last a lifetime.
Find bargain accommodation in Thailand. (Source: Freepik)
Many hostels, especially those run by ex-travelers and expats, will happily exchange a few hours a day of volunteering for a few nights or weeks of free accommodation and meals.
The hostel culture can be a bit overwhelming, yet so easy to get by due to the essence of warmth in sharing. Never force it if it doesn't come naturally.
Most visitors love hopping between hostels, guesthouses, homestays, or super cheap Airbnbs still within the budget of a backpacker. Filter in conditions to bias the system to go for properties farther away from the city or town's center for cheaper places.
Tips: The only way to visit Thailand on a budget is by adopting the local cuisine. Don’t submit to your stomach’s homesickness. It will slash your budget to ribbons.
Thailand’s street food is globally famous for a reason. And it’s the cheapest way to eat while backpacking.
Dodge the risk of food poisoning by sticking to stalls with the longest lines. In addition, find the most affordable restaurants by exploring lesser-known parts of each location you visit. The main tourist high streets will always be more expensive. You should find out the best spots hidden down side streets or a couple of blocks away from the main tourist sites.
Look for affordable and safe food. (Source: Shutterstock)
Also, believe it or not, shopping mall food courts have incredible food at a fraction of the cost of fancier restaurants.
Your Thailand adventure begins in Bangkok, yet with low-budget hostels, delicious street food, well-maintained parks, and active markets, such as Chatuchak.
Take an overnight train northward to Chiang Mai, which is cheap and has great food, hence perfect for backpackers. Take the time for excursions to places around like Chiang Rai and Pai, with beautiful sceneries and low prices for activities.
Go south to less noisy islands such as Koh Tao and Koh Lanta. To spare your budget, avoid the more expensive islands such as Phuket and Koh Samui.
A student budget doesn’t mean a bad one. Luxury travel looks lovely, and maybe it is, but it’s unnecessary. A budget trip is the best way to see this magical destination. You’ll meet more locals, sample delectable local dishes, and make memories that last a lifetime. Seeing Thailand on a student budget is an unforgettable experience with Asia King Travel.
Read more: Thailand Tours 5 Days
