Hotels in Thailand

How to Save on Hotels in Thailand

Thailand is an excellent budget travel destination. While "cheap" does not necessarily equate to subpar accommodation, with many budget hotels still being available across the country despite rising standards.

From November to March, accommodation and transport costs surge during Europe's summer period; however, there are ways to limit these expenses.

1. Book in Advance

While it may seem counterintuitive, reserving your hotel early is one of the best ways to save on hotels in Thailand. Rates tend to increase during high season (November to February), making last minute deals harder to come by.

One effective strategy for saving on hotels in Thailand is booking outside the main town center. In cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, 4 star hotels may be found for $50 a night or less if you are willing to be further from the action.

If you have a credit card with travel rewards, using cashback sites like DeeDee Cashback may help save on accommodation. On average, these websites typically save 5% to 8% when making hotel bookings!

2. Avoid the High Season

Thailand offers an irresistibly alluring mix of affordable travel experiences, cultural attractions, easy transport options and tasty but cheap cuisine that make it a popular budget travel destination. However, due to such attractive financial offers it's essential that travelers remain mindful when managing their spending in Thailand.

From November to March, accommodation costs in most of the country rise in line with European summer holiday prices, making this period the busiest one to visit - so beware of large crowds at attractions!

Plan a quieter trip at an affordable cost by scheduling it during April-May or September-October shoulder season trips. Monsoon rains are still present, though usually limited to brief afternoon storms rather than daylong downpours that interfere with island access and boat services.

3. Travel in the Off Season

Thailand is an ideal travel destination for budget-minded tourists, offering budget-minded travellers exciting travel experiences coupled with delicious, spicy cuisine, easy transport options and cost-effective lodging solutions.

Thailand hotels are best avoided during the off-season period from November to February when prices are at their lowest and crowds are reduced significantly.

Prices during Thailand's high season tend to reach their peak and finding hostels and guesthouses with open beds can be more difficult. Furthermore, it's important to remember that rainy season begins around June and lasts on and off until October; though this can make travel somewhat uncomfortable at times, many travelers opt for this sacrifice in exchange for significant savings as well as being treated to breathtaking landscapes of lush green scenery and experiencing different sides of Thailand.

4. Take a Night Train or Bus

Hotels in Thailand often provide special walk in rates that are significantly cheaper than online listings; arriving with clean clothes and proper manners allows guests to haggle with the proprietor for an even lower rate. It is key, however, to familiarise yourself with your prices in advance before trying your luck at haggling Thai hotel proprietors successfully. It is key that they always remain courteous.

Bus and night train travel is another cost-cutting measure that offers great views of Thailand's countryside, making for an inexpensive means of accommodation. Be mindful, however, as theft is common on these vehicles. Furthermore, buses are among the most dangerous forms of transport with more people dying on buses than planes or trains combined.

5. Stay in a Guesthouse

Thailand is filled with affordable guesthouses and bungalows that cater to travellers. These budget accommodations range from purpose built properties to converted houses that typically provide affordable rooms with shared bathrooms.

Many of these hotels are situated outside of the main town center, taking advantage of cheap transport in Thailand to cut costs on accommodation while still experiencing all that a destination offers.

When staying at a guesthouse, always negotiate and act politely. Most people won't expect you to haggle but by showing that you are willing to haggle you may get better prices. Also remember if arriving dressed nicely (pressed clothes, polished shoes and clean shaven) the staff may give you an attractive "business rate".