[Travel] Thailand Backpacking Guide - Travel Across Thailand on SGD$700/ month
Hey friends,I've been back from a 2-week backpacking trip to Thailand not too long ago. I presume it 3 weeks isn't too long since my Southeast Asian tan has yet to wear off. HAHAHA It was a lovely, relaxing place that I'll definitely come back to! I'm so eager to share my adventures with y'all! For more depth, I will first go into the costs of living.
Thailand, the travel hub of Southeast Asia. No matter what kind of a traveler you are, Thailand seems to always have something to offer - from the luxurious to the tight budget, from crazy party beaches to the peaceful temples. The Thai Baht may have appreciated quite a bit in recent years but Thailand remains fairly inexpensive.
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| Exploring the Wats (temples) of Chiangmai Yes, this is a temple! |
Note: The exchange rate of SGD to THB is 1 SGD : 25 THB as of January 2015.
Costs of Living in Thailand
Most people start their backpacking trip in Southeast Asia, especially Thailand where the cost of living is not high, pretty safe and easy to get around. Northern Thailand is the cheapest and it gets more expensive as you go down, from Bangkok to the Islands.It is easy to overspend if you convert everything to your own currency and compare it to standards back home. To live like a local, put that calculator down and try adapting to local standards. You'll be in for a surprise.
Accommodation Costs
There is abundance of accommodation choices in Thailand, costs usually depends on which part of Thailand and the facilities of your room/ place. It is cheaper to look for a place after getting there than booking way ahead of time. Most local guesthouses and hostels don't list themselves online, and the ones online probably charge cheaper rates if you go directly to them.
- Bangkok
Hostel Dorm: 250-350 THB / bed (SGD 12)
Hotel Rooms: 1300~ THB / room (SGD 50 onwards) - Chiangmai
Guesthouse, private double room ensuite: 250-300 THB / room (SGD 10) - Pai
Resort: 500-750 THB / hut (SGD 20)
Hostel Dorms: 120-150 THB / bed (SGD 5)
Food
Food here is so cheap that you can even make food tasting a hobby! Especially if you're travelling, eating out seems to be your only option. If you want to save get a more local experience, go for the local rather than the Farang (foreigner) food.
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| Pad Thai |
A local main dish starts from 35-40 THB (SGD 1.50) in both street stalls and restaurants. Most street vendors also have tables and chairs for dining.
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| Fried Quail Eggs |
It is easy to overeat if you snack on street food, without realizing! HAHA but everything becomes no biggie when you remind yourself that you're a tourist. Just try everything! They have a lot of grilled meat-on-stick for 5-10 THB (SGD 0.40) and if you're feeling really generous, get the entire fish/squid for 60-200 THB (SGD 3-8).
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| Sushi YES, for 5 Baht! (SGD 0.20) |
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| 1 Baht each! (SGD 0.04) |
International cuisine is more expensive, but they compensate in all other areas - in quality and quantity.
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| 2 set meals for 170 THB (SGD7) |
Nightlife
We went to the bars of Pai, it was a interesting first-time experience. Most people drink beer, not too much of the fancy cocktails or other drinks. Go for the local Chang beer, it is the cheapest, from 45-50 THB (SGD 2) in the bar/pub (and only 35-40 THB if you get it from 7-11!)
The fancier clubs/pubs/bars in Bangkok, especially central Bangkok is likely to be more exorbitant.
Cafes
Coffees and Smoothies are from 20 THB (SGD 0.80) .
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| "Jiejie, I can study in cafes here EVERYDAY!!" Matcha and Strawberry Smoothies- 25 THB each (SGD 1) |
Transport Costs
Bangkok
We notice that the Thai locals usually take the bus and the motorbike taxi instead of the other options. The BTS trains are too expensive for Thai standards (Singapore price) and most of their routes are comprehensively covered by buses.
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| Destinations are written on the buses in Thai/ English. |
While it is harder for tourists to know the routes of the buses, we usually just pop in the nearest 7-11 to ask or the locals at the bus stop. The Thai people are really hospitable and will go out of their way to help others.
We have heard scary stories by the other tourists we've met so we didn't take the Taxis/ Tuk-tuks. The fear remains unfounded, Heh but Bangkok has simply changed so much since our last trip.
- BTS/MRT train system 15-52 THB, 130 THB for a day pass.
- Buses Fares start from 6 THB, not depending on distance but the service provider. Small aircon buses tend to be charge more (12 THB).
- Motorbike Taxis you can recognize the drivers with their yellow/red shirt
- Taxis as a rule of thumb, it is generally more sound to get the driver to turn on the meter
- Tuk-tuks
Chiang Mai
Expect little transport options when you're out of Bangkok. In Chiangmai, people here usually get around with Songthaews, Tuk-tuks or motorbike taxis, we didn't even get to see a taxi in sight, no buses, no fancy train systems.
Songthaews work like Tuk-tuks, just that they fit more people together. Same principle, the more people you have, the less you pay per pax. It is better if you have too much people to fit inside a Tuk-tuk.
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| Red: Songthaew, Right: Tuk-tuk |
Out of the Cities
You're unlikely to see a Songthaew or Tuk-tuk, it is rare to even spot motorbike taxis. Most people rent a motorbike / scooter to get around from 200 THB/ day (SGD 8) or hitchhike.
You can rent a bike in Thailand without a license, but travel insurance companies probably won't cover any accidents in this case. Some travelers that you meet (usually in hostels) might be willing to let you hitch a ride.
Across Cities/Towns
There are 3 main ways to get around, (1) by plane, (2) by train or (3) by bus. Also ranked according to duration and price. HEH If you're pressed for time, go for the flights; they are fairly inexpensive. But if you've got some more time and would like to save some money, hop on a train or bus.
Plane
If you plan your trip way in advance, it is possible for you to get a one-way flight across Thailand at really competitive rates. They have a lot of domestic carriers and also the budget airline, AirAsia.
Train
I prefer sleeper trains since (1) you can save a night on accommodation while traveling, (2) not waste a day, (3) and enjoy a smooth and peaceful night.
It was pretty inconvenient not being able to buy train tickets online, we had to pay a double visit to the train stations, the first time to buy the tickets. If your travel plans are not too flexible, there are also some ticketing agents online that charge a service fee for helping you purchase your tickets.
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| Chiang Mai Railway Station |
The Man in Seat 61 has helped us lots in understanding the train schedules and types. The second upper class (double bunk with aircon) is the most preferred train class and fares for overnight sleepers are around 790-880 THB. (SGD 30)
The lower bunk is 880 THB, 100THB (SGD 4) more expensive than the upper bunk as it is a little more spacious and has the windows. The express trains are higher in price (not too much) and worth it for more time, but some trains show you more daylight scenery. I would suggest taking the slower train (train 13) if you've not seen the views yet.
If you're really tight on budget, you can go for the second lower or third classes, fares from Bangkok- Chiangmai are only around SGD10. However, these trains are usually older and less clean. Day trains are also available (pretty cheap too) where you can see locals boarding and alighting.
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| Bangkok Hualamphong Train Station |
Bus
Planes and trains are usually used by tourists who travel to and fro Bangkok/ Chiang Mai. For exploring the Mae Hong Son loop (or back to Bangkok), private bus companies depart from Chiangmai Arcade Bus Station frequently.
If you prefer to drive/ bike there yourself (which is not too hard, it is a one way road up the mountains), many bike/car rental companies offer vehicle-returns at the next city/town.
Shopping
This is obviously subjective to individuals, I don't expect many backpackers to shop unless you're shipping the loots back home. This is the part that chews up the most money! From experience, vendors that display their prices are usually more reasonable than those who don't. Sellers who have a clear pricing system are a time saver as you save effort bargaining. I only bargain if I buy in bulk (3 or more). Most clothes are manufactured in China but they are cheap enough. Thailand is awash with fake designer goods, if you must, please buy them with caution. (Since some may not get through the customs)
Best shopping places in Bangkok: Chatuchak; Chiangmai: Sunday Walking Street.
- Thai Harem Pants 100 THB (SGD 4)
- Men's Printed Tee 100 THB (SGD 4)
- Women's Sleeveless Basics 25 THB (SGD 1)
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| Stall from Chatuchak Weekend Market |
Activities/ Attractions
- Thai Massages 120-250 THB /hour (SGD 8)
- Salon Hair Washes 150 THB (SGD 5)
- Eyebrow Waxing 150 THB (SGD 6)
- Cave Lodge Activities 600 THB (SGD 25)
- Chiang Mai Zoo Admission 150 THB (SGD 6)
- Hot Springs 100 THB (SGD 4)
- Klong Boat Tour (Bangkok's floating market) 250 THB /boat /hour (SGD 10)
Misc
- SIM card, 100 THB call credit; unlimited data 30 days 350 THB (SGD 14)
- Laundry 20-40 THB/ kg (SGD 2)
Overall Cost
Guess I've shocked many with the prices. HEH
Thailand may be more slightly more costly than its neighbours but it is not expensive. Just stay away from the touristy areas, erhem, the islands and maybe spend more time in Northern Thailand. Thailand is definitely a place where you can live comfortably even with a string-shoe budget.
Minus the shopping bit, me and my sister only spent around SGD 700 for 2 weeks. YES, in total of everything listed above and lots of activities. If you're settling for some time, rent a house and car and you can save even more on accommodation and transport! Expats in Chiang Mai can live on about SGD$300-400/month.
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Most Singaporeans don't travel beyond Bangkok. Many just fly to Bangkok for a few days, stay in lavish hotels and return back after the shopping and nightlife. This contributes to destructive tourism which affects the lives of the locals. I certainly don't remember drunk foreigners along the streets during my first trip to Bangkok in 2003. And like everyone else, I hate change. It pains me to see how Thailand has evolved to cater to the tourism industry and mass tourism has eroded the Thai culture.
To get an Thailand experience unlike any other typical tourist, you'd have to stop distinguishing yourself as a tourist. Please try to embrace the culture and respect the locals when you're there. It'll be a wonderful experience living like a local and maintain its exoticism.
This backpacking trip was indeed life-changing and eye opening. I'll continue to share snippets of this awesome trip on this space!
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