Thailand on a budget

My trip to Thailand was the most wonderful experience of my life. It was the first time I had ever left Europe, my first long haul flight and the first time I truly learned about and embraced different culture. In Thailand I island hopped, partied until sunrise at the infamous Koh Phangan Full Moon Party as well as explored cities and rainforest too. It is a trip which I will never forget. The vibrant, beautiful ‘land of smiles’ truly lived up to its name and the expectations I had created for it from hearing many other people’s south east Asia Travel stories. The majestic, breath taking temples and pristine waters which look like a filtered photograph are truly amazing.

Preparing for my trip:

I found all of my flights on Skyscanner.com and all of my accommodation on Booking.com but the links to each individual accommodation I stayed at will all be below. I booked all of my internal flights before I left for Thailand. However, I booked all of the boats around the islands in the hotel where I would be leaving from. 

When to visit Thailand?

The best time of year to visit Thailand is in the dry season which comes from November to April. The days are slightly cooler and clouds are virtually non-existant.

I went from June to August which is the Rainy Season in Thailand. I can safely say we saw 4/5 rain shows whilst being there, however they came out of nowhere so you can't be guaranteed a dry day. Coming from Ireland I thought that no country could be more prepared for rain however this opinion was clearly changed when I saw just how quickly street sellers were able to pitch plastic tents to prevent rain from damaging their stall. During the rainy season the temperatures are higher as is the humidity. We had average temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius with very intense levels f humidity. 

An advantage of travelling when I did was the reduced number of tourists bustling around and cheaper flights and accommodation.

What to Eat:

Pad Thai:

This is a world-famous noodle dish which is served as street food but it can however be found in restaurants too. It’s a staple within Thai cuisine and one of the most delicious food they have to offer.

It can be bought at a street stall for around 50THB or in a restaurant for approximately 150THB. I found that the best stalls for Pad Thai were found in Bangkok, however every small and large town and city has Pad Thai stalls so you can decide for yourselves

Khao Pad:

Thai fried rice has to be the most popular dish after Pad Thai. They fry up jasmine rice with vegetables as well as a meat or fish such as chicken or shrimp.

It can be bought at a street stall for around 50-70 THB and at a restaurant for 100-150THB.

Mango Sticky rice:

This traditional Thai desert is made from sticky rice, coconut milk and mango which is freshly cut. It is DELICIOUS!

7/11 Toasty:

This may sound like an odd one but anyone who has travelled Thailand has had the luxury of tasting this culinary delight! For 25THB you can purchase a toasty which you won’t ever forget! They became a staple for me when I was travelling Thailand! They are varied in their fillings – ham and cheese, tuna and cheese and for more adventurous foodies there are many more traditional Thai fillings.

Where to go:

Bangkok:

How to get there:

I flew into Suvarnabhumi International Airport with Qatar Airways, but most major international airlines fly to Bangkok. It’s the main hub in Thailand. 

Where to Stay:

Dang Derm

The interior is based on traditional Asian design with very comfortable mattresses placed on the floors as is traditional in Asia. Mahogany coloured wood lines each room and the mahogany coloured shutters emulate Asian design. Also check out their rooftop pool and bar which has an amazing view of Bangkok. Its located in the backpacker area of Bangkok and all tourist sites are only a tuk-tuk ride away.

Location: Khaosan Road                          

Accommodation: Basic

Price: $

What to do:

• River boat tour: I took a long boat up the Chao Phraya River which allowed me to get a better glimpse of the neighbourhoods in Bangkok. I went through the affluent parts and the poor parts seeing each Buddhist monument lining their gardens along the way.
• The Grand Palace: The amazing and breath taking grounds and buildings show the colourful nature of this country and the intricacy of the architecture which decorates this nation. It’s a wonder for the eyes.

Chiang Mai:

How to get there:

I flew from Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai international airport which took around 1.5 hours and cost me €30 including my check in luggage. There is also the option of a train or bus which is cheaper however it may take up to 13 hours. 

Where to Stay:

Rainforest Boutique

The interior was basic with 4 single beds per room, the two beautiful pools and the amazing restaurant were spectacular. The staff were lovely and they had a free shuttle service to the Night Market each evening as well as a permanent tour guide whose bus you could rent out and he would show you the best attractions in the area.

Location: Wat Ket

Accommodation: Basic

Price: $

What to do here:

• Elephant Sanctuary: I have always loved elephants and getting the chance to feed them, wash them and swim in the river with them was something I will forever cherish. I spent half a day in the sanctuary with the elephants and lunch was provided for us all by the staff.
• Night Market: Hundreds of stalls line the main street in Chiang Mai as well as in the night market building. Trinkets, fakes and food can all be bought here. Remember to barter or you will be robbed of your money as the next stall may sell the exact same item for half the price.

Phuket:

How to get there:

I flew from Northern Thailand to Phuket in 2 hours for €135. Bear in mind turbulence on the way into Phuket can be quite bad but this is normal for this flight route.

Where to stay:

Patong Beach Hotel

This luxurious resort boasted beach front location, multiple swimming pools and restaurants, large rooms with massive beds and luxury bathrooms. It was quiet when I went as I travelled during their off season but I can imagine this resort is bustling during the peak of the dry season. 

Location: Patong Beach

Accommodation: Luxury

Price: $$

What to do here:

There wasn’t much to do in Phuket and it has to have been my least favourite location in Thailand by far. I got a Thai massage whilst here for 200THB for an hour which was fabulous but other than that there was nothing much to be done.

Koh Phi Phi: 

How to get there:

The only way to get to Koh Phi Phi Don is by boat. The boat departs from Phuket twice daily and costs 600THB (17). It takes two hours and has beautiful views of stone structures the whole journey. It is also possible to tan on the back of the boat but make sure you are well creamed up! Upon mooring each person aboard the boat has to pay a 20THB fee to enter the island to cover the cost of protecting its marine life.

Where to stay:

PP Charlie Beach resort

The infinity pool overlooking the ocean is what sold me on this resort. No matter where you stay in Phi Phi Don, you won’t be more than a 5 minute walk from the centre of the other side of the island. It’s a one street wonder this town. But that said it was my favourite location on this trip.

Location: Phi Phi Don

Accommodation: Mid-range

Price: $

What to do here:

• Full day trip to Phi Phi Leh. Through the hotel it was possible to experience a full day on the uninhabited island which the film ‘The Beach’ was filmed on. The trip was hosted by a Thai Family who provided all of the equipment and food for the day on their speedboat. Whilst Maya Bay is closed for tourists from May to October I still go to snorkel in the area, in a lagoon, snorkel in a cave, visit shark cove and land on Monkey island to watch the interactions between these small creatures and humans.
• I also took a trip up the viewpoint, walking up over 1,000 steps in the 35 degree heat and immense humidity, but it was utterly worth it for the amazing view which I was greeted with at the top - a view that looked like a fake postcard image.

Koh Samui:

How to get there:

I took a boat to the main land, a bus across the width of Thailand and the a boat to Koh Samui. This was a package deal which was offered by the boat company for 1100THB (€28).It was a long trip of 8 hours but there is no shorter way. It is possible to fly from coast to coast of Thailand but the time spent on the boats tot he main land and then at the airport and on the plane is actually longer than the bus and there is no guarantee of making the boat at the other end either.

Where to stay:

Ark Bar Beach Resort

This resort was built with young backpackers in mind, between the complex like apartments which overlook the sea and the 3 pools they have to offer which blast music all day. The bars which line the pools and the restaurant also scream youth backpackers. At night this beach turns into a club with fire breathers and DJ's. It’s an amazing experience and preparation for the full moon party which is soon to follow on the neighbouring island.

Location: Chaweng Beach

Accommodation: Mid-range

Price: $$

What to do here:

Much like Phuket there is not much to be done here. However this a far was nicer place to lie on the beach and enjoy the DJ's and drinks offered by this resort.

• We got our nails done here for next to nothing!

Koh Phangan:

How to get there:

Traveling from Koh Samui is a mere 40 minute ferry ride which costs 400THB. Once again it’s possible to sunbathe on this trip as the upper deck has no seating, its a viewing point.

Where to stay:

Tommy Resort

This was by far the nicest accommodation we had but it was also the most expensive. The resort consists of beach huts with bamboo roofs dotted around the large pool which overlooks Haad Rin beach. The location is also the main entrance to the Full Moon Party.

(Bear in mind that if you are paying for accommodation on the week of the full moon party you will have to pay for 5 nights’ accommodation, prices are higher around the week fo the Full Moon Party and it books out months in advance).

Location: Haad Rin

Accommodation: Upper mid-range

Price: $$$

What to do here:

This island exists for the Full Moon Party and nothing much else goes on here.

• The night before the Full Moon Party is the Jungle Experinece, which as you can probably guess happens in the middle of the rainforest on this island. It lasts all night long and hosts thousands of people. Get a motorbike up and back or if there is a large group of you tuk tuk's are also around to bring you up and waiting outside to bring everyone home.
• Full Moon party: This massively well-known beach party starts at Tommy Resort and the beach becomes lined with stalls selling buckets, doing luminous face paint, fire attractions and so much more. It's like no party I have been to before. It attracts people of all ages from young backpackers to 60 year olds as well as families with young children. Whilst I think the Jungle party was actually more fun and the Full Moon Party was slightly anticlimactic, it was such a fun experience and it’s something I can say I have been at and would recommend to anyone travelling to this amazing country. 

Can't wait to share my next adventure with you all!!

Iseult x