Where is it cheaper to relax in Thailand. Where is it cheaper to relax in Thailand, and where is it better? High and low holiday season

In anticipation of the season, HotLine.travel publishes comparative reviews of resorts in Thailand

One of the most popular destinations the coming winter promises to be Thailand . Despite the fact that this direction is successful with Russian tourists for many years, not everyone understands which resort in this country is best suited for them. In this article we will tell you where it is better to go to families with children, youth companies or those who dream of silence and solitude. Let's figure out when the season is on the islands and the mainland, and when you risk falling into the rainy season and storms; where, and where is more expensive; where is more fun, and where is calmer.

Pattaya - a classic of Thailand

Traditionally popular among Russian-speaking tourists, the direction of beach and resort holidays in Thailand is rest on the mainland of the country. This is, first of all, the world famous Pattaya and the less popular Cha Am and Hua Hin. All of these resorts are located about one and a half to two hours from Bangkok's Suwanapumi Airport, but in opposite directions.

Pattaya - "the city that never sleeps", "city-sex resort". Both titles are true. Yes, indeed, whoever seeks will find. Easy and fast. But this does not mean at all that you cannot go to Pattaya with children, small and older. The current mayor of the resort city took control of the situation, and everything became more decent and modest than before. Even on the local "Arbat" - Walking Street, a cheerful street of nightclubs, bars with live music and entertainment, it is quite possible to go out for a walk with the whole family, because there are the best restaurants with seafood, the open terraces of which go directly to the sea. It must be admitted that the reviews of tourists about beaches of Pattaya not the best. The purity of the water leaves much to be desired. The beaches of Pattaya are completely occupied by paid sun loungers, but Wednesday is declared a free day, there are no sun loungers, on Wednesday - lie down and sunbathe wherever you want.

Very large plus of Pattaya is its relative cheapness, a huge number of all kinds of entertainment, the presence of hotels of different price categories, located both in quiet and in very busy areas of the city. For travelers who appreciate the clear sea, trips to the nearby island of Koh Lan are offered, just half an hour by shuttle boat or 10 minutes by speedboat, or by beautiful beaches in the vicinity of the city. In Pattaya itself and around it, there are many interesting and diverse excursion routes, including for families with children, in particular, petting zoos and farms (with fascinating shows of elephants, crocodiles, tigers and other animals), a dolphinarium, a recently opened park water activities, tropical garden Nong Nooch with a colorful national performance and an orchid section, and much, much more. Therefore, this resort can be safely recommended to young people, families with and without children, and newlyweds.
Conclusion: Pattaya - inexpensive resort for variety and active rest suitable for tourists with the most different levels income and preferences.

Hua Hin or Cha am?

Hua Hin is rightly called royal resort, since there are indeed two residences of the royal family of Thailand. Accordingly, Cha Am and Hua Hin are more relaxed and fashionable and, as a result, more expensive places recreation. For comparison, renting a sun lounger on the beaches of Pattaya is on average 50 baht, in Hua Hin - from 100 baht. These resorts are the oldest in the country, therefore they are of interest in terms of historical architecture and original buildings. IN in large numbers excursions to these towns, their environs and neighboring provinces are offered, some of them really deserve attention. The advantage of these resorts are wide and not too crowded beaches and a fairly clean sea, which is rare for the mainland.

Conclusion - Cha Am and Hua Hin offer a relaxed family beach holiday for not the most economical travelers.

The concept of seasonality of rest in all these resorts is relative, travelers from all over the world come all year round, but still in April and May the hottest time is here, and from the middle of the calendar summer the rainy season begins, which reaches its peak in September and ends at the end of October - beginning of November. However, these warmest tropical showers occur mainly at night, and if it rains during the day, then, as a rule, for a very short time. But traditionally, the most successful time to visit the mainland is the period from November to March.

Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Chang

Perhaps, best resorts Thailand - Phuket and Koh Samui. Phuket is considered the most expensive resort, but perhaps nowhere else in this country you will find such clean and beautiful beaches. Phuket is surrounded by many islands with idyllic scenery and clear water for which trips are organized. These are, for example, the Similans or James Bond Island. There is also something to see on the island itself.

Koh Samui last years very actively developed tourist destination, rest there is also not cheap, but life here is more calm and leisurely than in Phuket. The island has several beautiful waterfalls. Around is the national marine park Ang Thong of 42 islands, including Koh Phangan, where the famous Full Moon Party is held on the full moon, is a kind of Thai analogue of Ibiza.

Perhaps Phuket can be recommended to all categories of travelers with an above-average travel budget. On Koh Samui is better to go to the newlyweds and those who are looking for peace and solitude. But do not forget about Koh Phangan - this is for those who want to have fun!

Perhaps lovers a relaxing holiday will be to your taste and small, cozy and completely inexpensive island Koh Chang, which is also surrounded by marine reserve with dozens of inhabited and uninhabited islets. The season of rains and storms in Phuket is from May to September, on Koh Samui - from October to December, on Koh Chang - from April to October.

Choose not direct, but connecting flights, which are almost always cheaper. Browse airfare search sites daily and. Very interesting offers from, and others often appear on them. It is quite possible to save on a flight and find for $ 250 one way.

For some dates, especially in the off-season, it is more profitable to go.

Choose the right time and place to travel

Most high prices for flights and accommodation - from November to May. The peak falls on Catholic Christmas And New Year. If you want to have a cheap vacation in Thailand, then you should go to low season- from June to mid-October. This is especially true for remote ones, where there are very few tourists and housing prices are noticeably declining. We observed this on, and in other places. In addition, on these islands, sometimes you can get a whole beach at your disposal, since few people go to Thailand in the summer.

Don't overpay for a hotel

If you are traveling for more than 10 days, then it will be cheaper to pay for a hotel not by the day, but to rent an apartment in an inexpensive guesthouse for a month. For example, in, one day stay in a guesthouse with air conditioning costs from 500 baht. That is, for 15 days you will pay at least 500x15=7500 baht. And in the same guesthouse, the same room costs 5,500 baht per month. True, they will ask for a deposit of 3000-5000 baht in a month, but they will give it when you leave.

Choose places with inexpensive food

To save on food, you can buy ready-made food in large hypermarkets, Tesco Lotus, etc. A serving of rice with scrambled eggs costs 12-14 baht there. You can also buy food at mobile macaroons, where a bag of rice costs 10 baht and the same portion of chicken.

Another option is food courts, which are available in almost all shopping centers. Prices there are comparable to inexpensive Thai cafes.

Finally, if you're here for a few weeks, you can buy a small rice cooker and cook your own food (or even bring an electric stove from home).

Don't be fooled by excursions

If you want to have a cheap vacation in Thailand, then do not overpay for excursions: never take them at hotels, you will also overpay in most Russian travel agencies. Especially high prices for tour operators who send tourists to package tour and upon arrival, they insistently ask you to buy excursions from them. In fact, it's cheaper to borrow from a local agency on the street.

Many of us are interested in looking for great deals: for products, services, equipment, clothing and, of course, travel! How to have a cheap vacation in Thailand? - a question that many are now puzzled. After all, no one added salaries, but you still want to relax! Today we will tell and tell you how and where it is cheaper to relax in Thailand.

Cheap to Thailand: travel agency or independent travel?

First you have to compare the prices offered by tour agents, and then compare the cost self purchase ticket, hotel reservation, insurance and transfer. There is no universal answer as to how it will be more budgetary. Sometimes it turns out cheaper by 20-30% to fly by yourself, sometimes it is the tour agencies that offer the best prices.

As a rule, if you are thinking about a trip at least 2-3 months in advance, then most likely it will be cheaper independent travel. Further, it turns out that the closer to the departure date, the easier and better it will be for the wallet to buy a ready-made tour.

By the way, the economic situation oars its own adjustments to the tour industry. And in 2016, you can forget about last-minute tours, it is unlikely that when you come to a tour agency 1-2 weeks before the expected departure date, you will be offered a tour at an adequate cost.

What can save you a lot

First of all, a flight with a transfer and a simpler hotel can save the budget (you can find very good 3 stars instead of 4, or choose a hotel on the second line). By choosing connecting flight, you can already save about 25,000 rubles. for two.

Where is it cheaper to relax in Thailand

Traditionally, the most affordable is (the flight there is cheaper, and hotels cost less). You can choose a more expensive one or to Koh Samui, where the flight and. But if you choose not the most popular beaches and hotels, you will be in the black.

More budget holiday you can consider the province of Krabi, where food prices alone are significantly lower than in Phuket and Koh Samui, as well as more beautiful nature And pure water than in Pattaya.

High and low holiday season

It is worth familiarizing yourself with the holiday season in Thailand, because in the low season, even at the very expensive resort you can save 20-30%. Now you know how to have a cheap vacation in Thailand. It remains only to work out each option in more detail and make a choice. By the way, there is such an interesting video guide that tells about all the intricacies of planning a holiday in Thailand. click

The cheapest way to relax in Thailand is in the "off season" ( tourist language– “low season”). At this time, prices for many hotels, services and meals are significantly reduced. Due to the outflow of tourists, the cost of travel to the country from almost any destination is also decreasing.

In Thailand, the "low season" begins in June - at this time, the country is often hit by heavy rains. At the same time, the air temperature rarely drops below 28 ° C. Prices during this period begin to gradually decline. Most cheap vacation it will work if you go late autumn, between October and early December. Rains at this time happen less often, but tourists are not yet very active. The new holiday season starts before Christmas.

Main items of expenditure: flight and accommodation

Some travelers are sure that you can relax in Thailand almost at any time of the year. The main thing is to reduce the cost of the flight. To profitably get to your destination, carefully track Special offers airlines. This will save on travel from 10 to 40%. Another economical option is to purchase a ticket for a charter 2-3 days before departure.

It is better to book a hotel or hostel in advance. It is cheaper in Thailand if you just choose a bed in a common room. On average, the cost of such housing will be about 2000 - 3000 rubles for 10 days.

If you prefer more comfortable conditions (a private room with a private bathroom), accommodation will cost at least 7000 - 8000 rubles per room for the same period of time. You can save money by searching for unique offers / promotions that are often put up by Internet portals for booking.

Some travelers prefer to look for accommodation upon arrival. This allows you to better navigate the terrain, inspect the room and the proposed conditions. This maneuver is not very suitable for budget travel: Urgent check-in may cost more than early booking.

How to save money in Thailand

If you are traveling on your own, your guide and transfer to your hotel will not be waiting for you upon arrival. You will have to get to the chosen place from the airport on your own. The best option for a budget holiday local buses. Directly from the airport they pick up tourists and deliver them to popular resorts. For example, travel from Bangkok to Pattaya will cost by express - from 150 baht, for regular bus- from 100 baht (but taxi drivers can request from 1500 baht).

Inexpensive vacation it will work if you can get used to Thai food. It's cheap, but not to everyone's taste. If it's just a matter of spiciness, feel free to ask restaurants not to use spices. For lovers of European products, the cost of the latter will hit the budget hard.

The ability to bargain will help you save on daily purchases and services. Sometimes the price can be brought down almost twice. However, this should be done correctly: be sure to smile and do not be aggressive. Experienced travelers they assure that the Thais will never yield to a gloomy man.

Suppose that you have completed the first and main point of saving - you bought a package tour in ChipTravel. No matter how they arise independent tourists, a ready-made package of services is often cheaper than flying on your own. Especially to Thailand. In this case, you do not waste your time and nerves.

So, there are tickets and hotel reservations, suitcases are packed, the budget is planned. It remains only to read our tips and remember how to save money in Thailand.

Save on public transport

1. No - taxi, yes - songteo (tuk-tuk). Songteo is a pickup truck with 2 rows of seats. It's not exactly a tuk-tuk: at the transport large capacity up to 10 people, and it moves along a certain route. The price of a songteo in Pattaya is 10 baht per person. At the same time, you will pay 300-400 baht for a taxi, depending on the route. It is better to get into a songthaew where several people are already traveling and not ask the driver about the route - otherwise he will perceive this as an attempt to rent a vehicle entirely. When you need to get off, just press the button and the transport will stop. Find out the songthaew routes around the city in advance to save on travel.

2. If you are going to travel a lot around the city, it is better to rent a bike. Rent pays off even if you come for a week. An additional plus is that you do not depend on the transport schedule.

3. Hotels often offer a free shuttle service to large factories or shops - take advantage of this! Good way drive for free to the place you need. See which store shopping mall or factory are near your destination. Book a transfer, walk there for 10 minutes (without buying anything!). Say that you will drive back yourself, and go about your business.

We pay less for food

4. If you have not bought a tour yet, then choose a ticket without meals. There is no problem with food in Thailand - fresh, tasty and inexpensive food is prepared right in the markets in front of you. In addition, paid breakfasts at the hotel make you get up in the morning on schedule.

5. Lunch and dinner at Thai cafes. Establishments designed for Europeans offer food at an inflated cost. One dish per European cafe costs about 90-150 baht, in Thai - up to 40. Plus - in local cafes they usually cook tastier, and the portions are larger.

6. Do not go to Russian cuisine restaurants: the prices are high, the quality is dubious. If you miss homemade food, it's better to go to a supermarket (for example, Tesco). In the food court, you can buy the usual french fries with fried meat or a salad with cabbage. And then again take on Thai shrimp and fruit juices.

7. Order one serving for two. By Thai standards, a serving of food should resemble a basin. It is enough for two adults to eat. You can not order fruits in a cafe - they are often brought just like that, as a gift.

8. Don't buy anything on the beach. Move 100 meters further and buy the same thing, but half the price. On some Phuket beaches there are no markets and supermarkets nearby - then it is better to take food with you or not to dine on the beach.

10. Good to buy in the market local fruits, greens, fresh seafood, fish. But it is better to look for potatoes, carrots and meat that are familiar to us in supermarkets - it is cheaper there and the quality is better.

Save on shopping and entertainment

11. Ask hotel guide O free tours from the tour operator. Often given as a gift for the tour sightseeing tour around town. Can offer a tour crocodile farm in Pattaya. Why buy when you can get it for free?

12. Buy sightseeing tours from local travel agencies. Most often, they all have the same program, but the price is lower than the hotel ones. Just make sure that the guide is Russian-speaking.

13. If you are taken to a factory or gift shop on your way to a tour, do not buy anything there. Here the same goods as in supermarkets or markets, but at inflated prices.

14. If you are three or more, you can ask for a discount - it is considered a "bulk purchase". The advice does not apply to supermarkets and shops with fixed prices.

15. Save on water - take your soft drinks on excursions. In places where tourists are taken, water is sold at the price of expensive whiskey.

16. You can bargain in Thailand. Feel free to name your price - for souvenirs and products, you can reduce the cost by 2-3 times. Especially when it comes to merchants who offer you something themselves. On the beach, for example. But remember, this is not Egypt or Turkey - you should not squeeze all the juice out of the seller and try to bring down the price by 10 times.

17. Advice for massage lovers and anyone who wants to try it. In Thailand price Thai massage about the same - about 200-300 baht per hour. But an hour is too long and tedious for most, half an hour procedure is enough. Arrange with massage therapists for a 30-minute session for half the price. Not every salon agrees, but it's worth a try.

Currency exchange

18. When you need to exchange currency, use the rule of "five exchangers". Look for 5 exchange points, compare rates and choose the most profitable one. So the likelihood that there is an exchange point nearby with a more favorable rate will be minimal.

19. Bring $50 or $100 with you. In exchangers they are changed on their own favorable exchange rate. In stores, it is better to pay with debit cards rather than credit cards - they are more profitable for currency conversion and there is no commission.

20. Withdraw as much money as possible from ATMs. Most often, banks in Thailand charge the same commission for withdrawing any amount.

Tell us about your ways to save money in Thailand. If you have something to add to the article - write to us in groups in