Thailand is a dream destination with its landscapes, culture and cuisine. But even if the cost of living remains relatively affordable, a poorly prepared trip can quickly make the bill climb. Flights, accommodation, transport, meals… here are some tips to reduce your expenses without sacrificing your comfort or your experiences on site.
This article contains a commercial collaboration, but as always, advice and recommendations are based on my experience and remain independent.
1. Leave at the right time to save money
The choice of travel period directly impacts the budget. The high season (November to February), marked by a dry and pleasant climate, logically attracts more tourists, which leads to an increase in the prices of flights and accommodation.
To take advantage of more advantageous rates, try mid-season (April-May, September-October), when the climate can remain pleasant depending on the region and despite a few showers.
April, for example, remains a pleasant period in the south, while in the middle of the month you can witness the thai new year, Songkran, also known as “water festival”.
Overall, the low season (June to October), although marked by the monsoon, can be an interesting option if you are flexible on your dates and ready to face some tropical rains. The north of the country, especially in July/August, is then green and the rice fields are well filled, offering incredible palettes of green.
2. Book your flights and parking wisely
The plane ticket represents one of the biggest expenses of a trip to Thailand. To get the best prices, the ideal is to book several months in advance and to favor departures in the middle of the week. Comparing prices on platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights allows you to have an overview and to identify the best opportunities.
On the other hand, once you have found your interesting flight, it is best to book directly on the airline's website. This avoids complications in the event of a need to change or cancel your flight (check the conditions carefully before paying).
An often overlooked point: if you are going to the airport by car, remember to plan your parking… Airport parking can be expensive if not booked in advance. For a departure from the PACA region, for example, book a parking at Marseille airport allows you to benefit from reduced rates while guaranteeing convenient access to your terminal.
A great way to start your trip without stress and without extra costs.
3. Administrative formalities and health: anticipate to avoid unnecessary costs
For a stay of less than 60 days, no visa is required for French travelers. This leaves some leeway, but if you wish to extend your trip, you will need to plan for a visa extension or an exit from the territory for a renewal. Finding out in advance avoids unpleasant surprises and unforeseen costs (I am talking about this in particular in this article).
Health-wise, some vaccinations are recommended: hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, and depending on your itinerary, hepatitis B or Japanese encephalitis. Making an appointment at a tropical medicine center several weeks before departure helps avoid higher last-minute costs.
Depending on family history (fragile health, allergies, age of travelers, etc.), this step is not essential. Doctors regularly recommend anti-malaria treatment for Thailand, even though the risk is very low and the side effects of the treatment are restrictive.
4. Find accommodation without breaking the bank
In Thailand, there is something for every budget. Hostels and guesthouses offer rooms between €5 and €15 per night, while mid-range hotels or Airbnb rentals range from €20 to €40. To save money, choose booking platforms with free cancellation and keep an eye out for promotional offers.
In my case, I always recommend the references:
- Agoda, particularly complete in choice of hotels in Thailand: see here to book
- Booking , same group, but which will sometimes have better options and discounts: see here to book
For those who want a little more comfort without breaking the bank, some local chains offer good value for money, with air conditioning and sometimes a swimming pool for around thirty euros a night or even less.
A concrete example is the Hop Inn chain, a sort of Thai Campanile offering modern but inexpensive hotels, sometimes out of the way but often well located too.
5. Eat local to spend less and eat better
Thailand is a destination where eating well does not necessarily cost a lot. Street markets and small local restaurants allow you to enjoy authentic dishes from just €2 to €3. In Bangkok, Chiang Mai or on the islands, food courts in shopping centers are also an interesting option with affordable prices, good hygiene and a wide choice of Thai specialties.
Avoid overly touristy restaurants where prices are inflated and opt for places frequented by locals: this is often where you make the best culinary discoveries!
6. Anticipate the budget for activities and visits
Many travelers underestimate the budget needed for on-site activities. Finding out about tour prices before you leave helps you avoid unpleasant surprises and adjust your budget accordingly.
In Thailand, some attractions remain very affordable, while others can cost more than you might think, such as national parks, popular tourist sites or some excursions. Not to mention the unexpected increases or free sites becoming paid (even I on the site can't always keep up with the changes).
Some points to check before your trip:
- Temples and historical sites : most are free or less than €2, but places like the Grand Palace in Bangkok cost 500 baht (~€13).
- National parks : entrance often around 200 to 400 baht (~5 to 10 €) for foreigners, sometimes more with a compulsory guide.
- Excursions and activities : a snorkeling trip or trek can quickly exceed 1 baht (~€500). Booking in advance or comparing on site can help avoid inflated prices.
- Hidden fees : some places impose additional fees (boats to access an island, compulsory donations in certain temples, etc.).
Tips for paying less:
- Check the local rates vs foreign rates (double pricing). Some sites offer reduced rates if you present a work permit or a long-term visa.
- Prioritize excursions booked on site rather than online, where prices are sometimes higher.
- Use platforms like klook ou GetYourGuide to compare offers and find discounts.
7. Travel at a lower cost
Transportation in Thailand is varied and accessible. For long-distance travel, trains and overnight buses are often more economical than internal flights. In the capital, use the metro (MRT) and the Skytrain (BTS).
In other cities, depending on your location, you can use apps like Grab or Bolt to avoid scams from unmetered taxis, especially around the ultra-touristy areas (Khao San Road at the top and around the Grand Palace and the entire old town for Bangkok).
The latter have a practical aspect in terms of ease of management of support and the destination is displayed directly on their GPS, so there is less confusion possible on the route to be taken.
Note however that if you take a honest taxi WITH meter, it's cheaper than taxis with apps. But depending on where you are staying, it is sometimes complicated to find one, in Phuket or Samui, the metered taxi is an endangered species…
I end this section with two-wheelers. Renting a scooter is a common option to explore the islands and small towns, but pay attention to the rental conditions and insurance to avoid hidden costs in case of problems (I refer you to my article about driving in Thailand to fully understand the issues).
Take a good look around the vehicle, with photos and videos if necessary to avoid unpleasant surprises on your return and, above all, choose agencies with a good reputation (in Phuket, for example, you have Nina's Car in Phuket or even Jungle Wheels in Ko Samui).
8. Final tips for a budget trip
- Travel insurance : even if it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to avoid high medical costs in the event of an accident or unforeseen event. I recommend for example Heymondo, with which you have thanks to my link here, a 5% discount 😉
- Withdrawals and payments : choose a bank card with no fees abroad to avoid commissions on each withdrawal or payment (only the local bank tax, normally 220 baht, is unavoidable, so you might as well make larger withdrawals). The Revolut card is a good option for this, or Wise for transferring funds (especially for those who want to stay in Thailand for a long time). Prefer reputable exchange offices like Superrich to benefit from the best rates.
- Bargaining : in markets and with certain service providers, negotiating is possible to lower prices, but on condition of remaining respectful.
To conclude: A well-planned trip, with strategic bookings and a few local tips, allows you to fully enjoy Thailand without blowing your budget.
By anticipating the costs of flights, parking and accommodation, and opting for a local immersion in terms of catering and transport, you can have a great experience without breaking the bank.
Have a nice trip !
