Accommodation: Thailand is very cheap, though the north is far cheaper than Bangkok and the islands.You can find cheap guest houses for as little $7 per night in cities and $4 per night in the countryside.On the islands or for a nicer room with air-con, expect to pay $17 and up per night.Basic bungalows cost the same.Hotels start at around $33 USD per night and go up from there.Big resorts on the islands start at $50 per night for a bungalow on the beach. Food: Food is really cheap in Thailand.Street food costs as little as $.65 USD per meal and if you eat local food you can eat for around $3.50-5 USD a day! Western dishes cost between $5-10 USD, and upwards. Transportation: Like everything in Thailand, transportation is also cheap.Local buses cost as little as $.25 USD per trip, the Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost $.50-1.50 USD per trip, and cab rides are usually $1.75-3 USD.Tuk-tuks are more expensive and cost $3-7 USD.Train service around the country is cheap – day trains cost as little as $7 USD.Night trains start around $17 USD for second-cla without air-con.Boats to the islands cost $7-14 USD.It’s often better to get a bus/boat package then pay for them separately. Activities: Day tours cost $17-35 USD per day.Trekking costs $30-50 USD per day.A PADI dive certification course (very popular in Thailand) costs around $300.Money Saving Tips Go localSpeaking of street food, don’t be afraid to eat it.It’s safe- even safer than a restaurant.If it wasn’t, the Thais wouldn’t be packing the stalls each day.You’ll find the best of Thailand’s food on the street and it will cost you a fraction of what you pay at a restaurant. Take advantage of Happy Hour – Thailand’s many happy hours have half-priced drinks and 2-for-1 specials. Buy beer at 7-Eleven – Buying beer at Thailand’s ubiquitous 7-Elevens and drinking outside will save you quite a bit on your bar tab.Top Things to See and Do Explore Bangkok – The heart of Thailand, this crazy city is a must-see.Most travelers don’t like it right away but it grows on you.Explore temples, palaces, amazing markets, shops, one of the craziest nightlife scenes in the world, and of course, amazing Thai food.At first, I didn’t like this place but it grew on me.Now, I love this city and return frequently. Find Adventure Around Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai is an old city ringed with temples and surrounded by jungle.It’s a good launching pad for jungle treks into the area; there is a nearby elephant sanctuary, and the Chiang Mai night market is a place for some of the best deals in the country. Hike in Khao Yai National Park – Located three hours north of Bangkok, this park is an excellent place to hike, swim, and find wild elephants.It’s not very crowded so you’ll have the jungle to yourself.Stay at the Greenleaf Guesthouse for the best tour/accommodation deals in the area. Visit Khao Sok National Park – Located down south, this is considered one of the best parks in the world and the best in Thailand.You’ll find caves, jungles, rivers, lakes, and tall limestone kyrsts here.It’s not a common stop but if you are in Thailand for awhile, you should make the effort to go. Hop the Ancient CapitalsIf you really want to see what Thai life is like outside the big cities, visit Isaan.Isaan is the name for the northeastern part of Thailand and is extremely rural.This area contains small farming villages that hardly see any tourists.Life here hasn’t changed much in a long time.Often considered a “backwater”, I think it’s one of the most interesting places in the country. Take the day trainBetween April 13th to 15th, the Thai celebrate Thai New Year by holding an enormous, three-day water fight.Songkran, as it’s known, is meant to wash away the old and begin the year anew.It’s an amazing festival, and an unforgettable experience! Here’s a preview:
Help the Elephants – Sure you can come to Thailand and ride an elephant, but so many of them in this country suffer from abuse.An even better way to get up-close-and-personal to the animals is to volunteer at the Elephant Conservation Center near Chiang Mai. Admire Wat Doi Suthep – This stunning Buddhist temples lies in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, 10 miles out of Chiang Mai.A tram or a trek up 300 steps will take you to the summit of Doi Suthep, where the glittering gold temple spire awaits you.The temple dates back to the 14th century, and really is too beautiful to mi.
