Thailand (2024) FAQs
Please note that the following FAQs are based solely on my personal experiences from my trip to Thailand in January 2024. For more general information about Thailand, I recommend checking online resources.
How much did the entire trip cost, and what was the daily budget?
The entire trip to Thailand cost about ₹1,30,000, which covered air tickets, accommodation, and some shopping. For two people over seven nights and eight days. The flights cost approximately ₹32,000. We were able to save on the visa, as Thailand had recently waived visa fees, making the trip even more affordable. The flights were also around ₹25,000 cheaper than those to Vietnam, as we found a direct flight from Guwahati to Bangkok, which contributed to a more economical trip. However, flight costs can vary seasonally. Accommodation in Bangkok was slightly pricier than in Vietnam, averaging around ₹2,000 per night, while food prices were close to what one might spend in India. Overall, the total budget for the trip amounted to around ₹1,30,000.
Which month did you travel, and what was the weather like?
We traveled to Thailand in January 2024. The weather was warm and tropical, similar to Hanoi. Bangkok was warm, and Pattaya, a beach city about 150 kilometers south of Bangkok, was also humid with temperatures around 30–32°C.
Did you travel independently or book a tour package?
We traveled independently, as I prefer planning my own trips. This allows me to create raw, unfiltered vlogs without rigid schedules. While I make a general itinerary, I avoid detailed plans to allow for spontaneous exploration and adventures.
What are the must-visit places in Thailand?
Since I don't travel like a typical tourist, I don’t have a set list of "must-see" places. In Bangkok, we explored local temples and visited Khao San Road, known for its vibrant nightlife and street food. We also went to Pattaya, famous for its beaches and nightlife, and Lopburi, a town 150 kilometers north of Bangkok known for its monkey population. If you’re interested in offbeat places and more details, you can check out my travel vlogs or travelogues.
Where did you stay, and what was the cost of accommodations?
In Bangkok, we stayed at Tim Mansion, which served as our base throughout the trip. The cost per night was around ₹2,000, offering excellent value for a three-star hotel. In Pattaya and Lopburi, we found budget accommodations for 500 Baht (around ₹1,200) per night. Hotels in Thailand tend to be cheaper than those in India, so you can find comfortable rooms for much less.
What was the best way to get around Thailand?
The best way to get around was by renting a motorbike. I rented a 300cc bike, which allowed us to travel outside Bangkok to Pattaya and Lopburi, costing around ₹1,800 per day. A 150cc bike, restricted to within the city, costs about ₹800–900 daily. Alternatively, Bangkok has options like buses and a metro system, though we didn’t use them.
Were there any language barriers? How did you manage?
While English is slightly more commonly spoken in Thailand than in Vietnam, the language barrier still exists. Google Translate was a great help, especially as locals often use it too. In tourist areas, many vendors speak broken English, so you can manage without Google Translate in these zones.
What local dishes did you try?
Unlike Vietnam, where we found distinct dishes like pho and banh mi, Thailand’s food options were less distinct by name. We mostly had noodles, rice, and Thai curry, but one unique dish recommended to us was mango sticky rice, a combination of sweet sticky rice and mango. For an adventurous experience, we also tried exotic foods like bugs and crocodile. For more on these experiences, check out my vlogs or travelogues.
How safe did you feel while traveling? Did you encounter any safety concerns?
I didn’t encounter any safety issues during our stay in Thailand. While Thailand’s vibe felt less friendly than Vietnam’s, I had no safety concerns in Bangkok, Pattaya, or Lopburi.
Were there any unexpected costs or hidden fees during the trip?
We didn’t face any unexpected costs, except for a bike repair on the way from Pattaya to Bangkok, where we had to replace a faulty battery, costing around 6,500 rupees. However, the bike rental shop reimbursed us for this expense when we returned the bike.
How did you handle currency exchange, and what was the exchange rate like?
We exchanged Indian Rupees for Thai Baht directly before leaving India. I carried 40,000 Thai Baht, which cost approximately ₹1,06,000, including a ₹6,000 exchange fee. This amount was more than enough for the trip, and I didn’t need to withdraw cash or exchange currency in Thailand.
How does Thailand compare to India in terms of cost?
Thailand is about 10–15% more expensive than India for food and experiences, while accommodation costs are lower. Similar to Vietnam, Thailand offers cheaper hotels compared to India, often at half the price for similar quality.
What advice would you give to first-time travelers visiting Thailand?
Bring Thai Baht with you if possible, rather than US dollars, to avoid exchange hassles. Bargaining with cab drivers is also advisable. Since I’m more of a spontaneous traveler, I don’t have specific tourist tips, but feel free to reach out with any particular questions on Instagram, and I’ll be happy to add more Q&A's to this list if they’re interesting.