Travel Budget for Cities inThailand

Bangkok is Thailand's lively capital city. Many people spend little more than a night or two in this city before passing on to the cultural north or beach filled southern regions of the country. If you choose to linger in Bangkok, you won't be disappointed. This populated city offers rare glimpses into real life in Thailand. You can wander through neighborhoods and markets that are designed not for tourists, but for locals. You'll see what everyday life is really like in this country.

Those who breeze in and out of Bangkok may see little more than a dirty capital city with a gaudy nightlife, crowded streets, congested traffic, and countless touts, but those who delve a little deeper get to see Bangkok for what it really is. There are wonderful canals lined with homes and temples that peak out from every corner. While there is no shortage of glitzy and touristy temples in Bangkok, in the residential areas you'll find the more charming temples that are part of everyday life here. Definitely don't miss the markets in Bangkok where you can find unusual food options, beautiful cloths, and some great buys on souvenirs that haven't been heavily marked up. Still remember to barter, because it's still Thailand after all.

There are also some touristy neighborhoods in Bangkok as well. Some of the most popular include the Khao San Road area, which is lined with hostels and bars. It's the backpacker haven, and if you're looking for a party, this is the area to head to. The Grand Palace is a great area to explore and see the cultural side of this country. Siam Square is also a popular area for shopping and exploring.

Travel within Bangkok is an experience in and off itself. You'll find yourself taking countless tuk tuk rides and will quickly become an expert at negotiating the price. If you don't feel that the tuk tuk driver is giving a you a fair deal, wait for the next one which won't be far behind. Skytrain is Bangkok's monorail system that is most convenient when you're headed shopping in Siam Square. You do need to have coins to purchase the tickets which range in price from 15 to 40 baht. There is also a metro and, more interestingly, an express boat route that runs along the river and canals. It's a great experience and fun to just hop on to explore many of the neighborhoods and temples along the waters edge.

Bangkok is also a great city in which to enjoy some delicious Thai food. Particularly if you're missing the northern parts of the country, which are known for their cuisine, you'll want to take advantage of dining in Bangkok. Once you've headed to the touristy beach areas in the south you'll find the quality of the food drops dramatically.

Street food in Bangkok abounds and it's a great way to try some cheap pad thai and orange juice. You'll also find chicken satay and some delicious thai sweets sold by street vendors among other things. You can easily make a cheap meal out of the street food in Bangkok.

If you're looking for a splurge, dinner cruises can be a great option. They run along the Chao Phraya River and, although touristy, can also be quite fun. They often include performers and a buffet style meal.

If you give Bangkok a chance, and step outside some of the more touristy areas, you're likely to fall in love with this city.

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and perhaps its most famous. It is a popular destination for many travelers as it has many high end resorts, beautiful beaches, bars, restaurants, and a variety of activities. Phuket Town is the administrative center of the island, and you may arrive here, but most people immediately leave the city to head for the coast. There are a handful of beaches around the island, each with its own atmosphere and vibe. Chalong Bay is home to most of the yachts and also the departing point if you're planning to explore some other islands. Patong is the most popular beach resort and is most famous for its nightlife and party scene. If you're looking for a quieter alternative, head to Kamala, which is north of Patong. Karon is the second most developed beach and is also a popular destination for young visitors looking for a good time.

Weather in Phuket is hot and humid no matter the time of year, although the "hot season" is considered to be between March and May. The summer months bring on the monsoon season, but you can expect it to be clear and sunny during the mornings and afternoons. Showers are generally limited to the evening times. The temperature is its coolest between November and February. This is when the weather is the most pleasant.

It is possible to fly into Phuket as it has a popular airport. The cheaper alternative is to take a ferry and, depending on where you are coming from, a bus or train. There are various "VIP" bus services throughout the country, but beware that these services are rarely "VIP". It is hard to know what type of service you will get before you book and some travelers have complained about being left on the side of the road while they waited for their connecting bus.

There are many adventure sports, activities, and day trips you can enjoy while you're staying in Phuket. Many people use Phuket as a base for exploring Phang Nga Bay, with the famous "James Bond Island". There are many scenic caves and hidden beaches to explore in this bay. It's easy to book a tour of the area, but it is also possible to take a local bus to the nearest town and book your trip there where the prices are cheaper and the experience as little less touristy.

Other activities in Phuket include jetskiing, freediving, and parasailing. Many people spend their days in Phuket soaking up the sun and participating in any number of adventure activities, while their nights are filled with parties and drunken escapades. There are so many discos, bars and clubs in Phuket that it's hard to know where to begin.

Also don't leave Phuket without doing a snorkeling or diving trip, particularly if you aren't visiting Koh Phi Phi. You can book a tour for a cheap price, but do understand that your boat may be filled with over fifty fellow snorkelers. Gather as much information on the trip as possible before booking.

While Phuket is a wonderful place to visit, don't forget to head to the surrounding areas where you'll see some truly stunning beaches and have some wonderful experiences. A trip to Thailand is about far more than a resort vacation in Phuket.

Ko Samui is an island of the eastern shore of Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. It's a relatively large island and on of the most popular on the eastern side of the country. There are many beaches around the island and the two most popular and touristy are Chaweng and Lamai. To the north you'll find more peaceful and relaxing options including Maae Nam, Bophut, Bang Rak and Choeng Mon. The western side of the island is also relatively calm and relaxing.

You can choose to either fly into Ko Samui or arrive by boat. The airport is about a twenty minute ride from Chaweng and costs about 120 baht for the ground transportation. Flights are expensive compared to elsewhere in Thailand and you can expect to pay upwards of 4500 baht for a one way ticket from Bangkok. Flights are hourly and convenient however.

There are several ferry options to and from the island as well. Ferries vary in quality, speed and condition. Some are express boats and carry cars, while others are slower but cheaper. Boats to the mainland and frequent and convenient.

Once on the island you can travel around on either a bus, taxi, or motorbike. It is possible to rent motorbikes but make sure you are comfortable with your driving skills. If you damage the vehicle you will be expected to pay for it. Buses are actually more like pickup trucks or group taxis. You can flag them down from the road and you do need to negotiate the price to ensure that you aren't overcharged.

In addition to the beaches you'll find around the island there are also some temples that are fun to explore. Diving is also a popular option in Ko Samui. It costs less to dive on the eastern side of Thailand than off the west coast, but do realize that the diving isn't as good in general. You will pay more, but see more if you save your dives for places like Koh Phi Phi. Ko Samui is a cheap place to get scuba certified however. Once certified, you can take advantage of the opportunities elsewhere in the country.

Food in Ko Samui is delicious and obviously based around seafood. There are also many coconuts on the island which combine deliciously with the seafood. You'll also notice that the food in southern Thailand is typically spicier than it's northern counterpart. You can request your food with "no spice" if this is a problem, however it's hit or miss if they listen to you. You can expect to pay more as a tourist than locals do in restaurants. This is a common, although annoying situation. It is the expectation and the norm, so negotiating typically will not help you.

Koh Phi Phi is an island in southern Thailand on the western side of the island. It is relatively close to Phuket and many people choose to visit it as a day trip from their hotel in Phuket. It's a beautiful island, however, and it is high recommended you make this stop more than just a day trip. There are many hotels and restaurants on the island, and transportation is very easy to coordinate.

Koh Phi Phi is actually many islands, with two being the most famous. There is Koh Phi Phi Don, which is the larger island. It is the only island of the two with a population and city on it. This is where the hotels, restaurants, and tours are. Koh Phi Phi Leh is smaller than Koh Phi Phi Don, and is unpopulated. It has a very stunning beach and dramatic landscape made famous by the movie "The Beach," which shot several scenes here. You can find the movie playing in restaurants and bars throughout Koh Phi Phi Don. Koh Phi Phi Leh is a popular day trip for visitors and you are unlikely to have the island to yourself. It's also a great place to enjoy some wonderful snorkeling.

If you're a certified diver, do not skip diving while you're on Koh Phi Phi. It is definitely some of the better diving you will find in Thailand. There are many dive shops through Koh Phi Phi. They each offer slightly different dive packages, but most see the same thing. The most important thing to consider, aside from price, is the size of the group they take out, the timing of the dives, and the location of the dives. Don't be fouled by the salespeople who promise you whale sharks though. Whale sharks haven't been spotted in this area in decades, and you are not going to see them on your trip, no matter how much you pay. You will, however, see turtle, colorful fish, and beautiful coral. Also enjoy some snorkeling while you're here. If you grab a mask and snorkel and head into the water at dusk, there's a descent chance you'll see a black trip reef shark. There are also some beautiful sea snakes in the area so keep your eyes open.