Cost of Backpacking Thailand

[admarlow]

I know that this is a bit of a 'how long is a bit of string question', but I am thinking of travelling around Thailand and was wondering around how much money I would need to live comfortably, (ie not in tents, not in the Hilton either?) If anybody could help that would be great, Thanks.

[hannahjo]

I went a few years ago to Koh Samet & Koh Chang, Samet was more expensive as it was more touristy back then, we paid about �14 a night. On Chang we stayed in 2 places, first a very basic but comfortable hut which was a couple of quid a night, and then we upgraded to a gorgeous newly built hut in koh chang for about �12 a night. This was before a lot of the new hotels were built on the island though, so i�m not sure if the prices have risen at all. I recommend you get yourself a lonely planet book, they have loads of info in there� or check out there website www.lonelyplanet.com if you go to the thorn tree section there�s a message board where you�ll probably get more responses.

[morg_monster]

I would bank on about �5 a night accomodation on average (less in some places, but more say in Bangkok).  About the same for food every day, it is easiest to just eat out every night as it is very cheap and cooking for yourself is a no go.  Then there's transport.  Those three things I would class as the essentials and altogether I would estimate about �10-�15 a day.  Going out and having a few drinkies is quite cheap too, maybe would add about 50p-�1 a drink (again probably more in Bangkok).  Tours and trips and things like learning to scuba dive are obviously more.  But a basic budget of �20 a day would be a good starting point, that should give you enough for eating, sleeping, getting around, a bit of sightseeing and relaxing in the evenings.  Have a look at a lonely planet to get an idea of costs for trips and other things you might want to do.  All round it is a cheap place to go.

One tip - get a Nationwide flex account with debit card, they don't charge you for taking out money abroad and you get a good exchange rate.  THis is really important somewhere like Thailand as you might only want to get a small amount like �5 or �10 out of the bank, and other banks might charge you up to �2.50 for the privilege.  This either really adds up over the course of your holiday, or you have to take the risk of carrying a lot of cash around with you.  (All the ATMS in thailand I tried accepted this card).

[morg_monster]

Crossed posts a bit. Just thought I'd clarify, my accomodation was generally huts or small rooms, with their own bathroom, always nice and clean but occasionally a bit shabby.  I was always sharing with one other.  I visited Krabi, Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, which was a little pricier but you won't be going there now :-(, and Bangkok.

[ste v]

try www.travelbag.co.uk - loads of hotels in different price ranges - also plenty of reviews on each hotel from past guests.