Why Visit Thailand? – Travel & Tours

Thailand is the travel hub of Southeast Asia. Most people coming into the region fly into Bangkok and make that their base for doing the circuit around the region. With its lush jungles, famed beaches, world-class diving, amazing food, and cheap prices, Thailand attracts visitors from all walks of life. You can find cheap guesthouses and $10,000 a night resorts in this country – sometimes even next to each other. Travel through Thailand is really easy. The country is a well-worn destination on the backpacking trail and everything is convenient and easy. Though well on the map, there are still good destinations to visit away from the tourist masses and prices. Overall, Thailand speaks for itself. It’s so well-known around the world that when you hear the name, you already think about beaches, beauty, jungles, and food. And your thoughts are dead on.

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 USD per night in cities and $4 USD per night in the countryside. On the islands or for a nicer room with air-con, expect to pay $17 USD and up per night. Basic bungalows cost the same. Hotels start at around $40 USD per night and go up from there. Big resorts on the islands start at $50 USD per night for a bungalow on the beach. Suk 11 Guesthouse (Bangkok), Chada Guesthouse (Bangkok), Julies (Chiang Mai), Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai), Pooh’s (Ko Lipe), Greenhouse (Khao Yai) are the best companies to use for accommodations.

Food – Food is really cheap in Thailand. Street food costs as little as $0.65 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. Isao Sushi (Bangkok), Catalana Tapas (Bangkok), Om Ganesh Indian (Ko Phangan) are my favorite restaurants.

Transportation – Like everything in Thailand, transportation is also cheap. Local buses cost as little as $0.25 USD per trip, the Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost $0.50-1.50 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-class 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 USD. Elephant Nature Park (Chiang Mai), Sairee Hut Diving (Ko Tao), World Divers (Ko Tao) are the best tour companies.

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