If you have time, for the best value I tend to book my first few nights and then scour the area for the best fit and price for a longer stay !

HOSTELS – Hostel dorms cost between 5-10 CAD per night, depending on location, conveniences. There are usually private rooms also available. These are a great choice for those that want to be social and still have their own space.  Most hostels offer free wifi and lockers. Breakfast is offered in some packages but free coffee is offered at most! It’s important to check inclusions and policies found on the booking sites. I’ve found a ton of super cool hostels around Thailand. The most social option.

AIR- BNB – A great option to stay in local neighborhoods and save some cash verses hotels! I’ve stayed in some great places and gotten a bit pampered. Be forewarned that peoples private homes are comfortable and have amenities according to the local way. For those like myself that love being immersed in all things local and developing longer term routines…this is the way to go.  Even for short stays it broadens your location options and gives your experience more depth. Private rooms in shared homes start at $20 CAD and whole apartments can be found for $40 CAD.

Hotels – I use booking and agoda for most of my stays in Thailand. There is a HUGE range of accomodation options for all budgets. You can find a stand along beach bungalow for $15/night or you can spend $200 on a swanky resort.

The trick to keep your budget on track is to avoid private car rentals if at all possible. You pay a premium, are subject to possible scams AND the car sits most of the time as you explore the areas. Buses are definitely the cheapest for under $1 CAD per ride. Shared ride services are the best way to get around the city. Bike taxis are the cheapest and can be $1-2 per ride. Ferries and boat taxis vary but are also very reasonable. $25 will get you all the way from Bangkok to Koh Samui and area.  Sleeper trains can be even less but take longer. Flights can be as low as $50 one way within the country but prices rise and seats do sell out if you leave it last minute.

Thai food is some of the very best in the world. Not only is it a taste sensation, it is super affordable. It’s the only place I’ve ever been that each and every meal (especially in the North) surpassed any expectations I ever had. The only place in the world you can order uber eats from Michelin star restaurants for $2. You read that right. Travellers can eat like kings on a budget. The street markets offer the best values and most authentic experiences. Eating where the locals ate was my #1 goal this past trip and many times noone spoke English and I wasn’t 100% about what I was getting but it blew my mind every time. Of course you can also find higher end restaurants and those they inflate their prices for tourists but eating well on a budget is easy in Thailand.

There are so many cool activities and experiences to be had in Thailand ! If you stick to guided tours and experiences you will be paying a premium. I recommend not booking anything in advance and negotiating a price directly with the vendors.  A half day excursion including lunch will run you $15-25 CAD while full days adventures are $70 CAD and up .  I find you can do alot on your own to keep the costs down. There are a ton of free activities that you can enjoy that cost nothing.

Thailand rules not only for food but also beverages or any kind. My personal favourites are the endless fresh fruit smoothies which are $1-2 dollars and and the best thing on a hot summer day. That said alcohol is also readily available and quite inexpensive in Thailand. In fact on some islands, they sell drinks by the bucket complete with your own mickie for less than $10 CAD/

f you stick to the local beer and and go to the super markets that are fully stocked with all you need, costs can be even less.  Thailand is the perfect place to try alll the drinks you’ve ever wanted. Others warn of not drinking anything with ice but I’ve never found it a problem.