Looking forward to vacation? After a few stressful months at work, it’s time to relax and enjoy yourself.
Just returned from a wonderful trip to Southern Thailand. I visited the islands of Samui and Kho Tao, as well as Kho Phangan. I want to share some of my insights from my own experience.
It was not a large budget, so I looked for more affordable alternatives. I’d like to share some tips with you on how to visit these islands without breaking your bank… or back! As a bit fuzzy traveler, I try to find a balance between speed, comfort and cost.
1. Discover a vacation spot near you
Who says you need to travel a long distance to enjoy a vacation? You might be surprised at how many great vacation spots you can find right in your backyard. Google will reveal a number of great vacation spots you might not have known about.
If you are from the Pine Tree State, it is time to check out the campsites available in Maine. The area is more than just rocky beach, lobsters and fictional Stephen King horror stories. It’s time to discover it.
2. Book Well in Advance
You can still save money if you are determined to go on a vacation. Book your vacation as early as you can. If you plan to travel by bus, Amtrak or plane, you should book as far in advance as you can. This can be 30 or 60-days in advance.
You can get the best prices if you buy your tickets in advance. Tickets may be being sold at a time of year when people are not interested in visiting that location. You can take advantage of a great deal that everyone else has passed up.
Traveling by Bus or Train :
I don’t think you should even consider these two options. You might save a few hundreds baht, but will have to spend a whole day travelling, which is essentially wasting your holiday time.
Since discovering low cost airlines, I’ve never looked back. You can save money by flying to Surat Thani instead of taking the train or bus. Last time I checked, bus tickets were between 800/900 THB while the train cost around 1200 THB with the ferry.
You will thank me if you read this section.
3. Avoid Resort Fees
Hidden resort fees are one of the worst aspects of many resorts and vacation spots. These fees are often not highlighted in the blurbs that announce the price of the vacation spot. By law, these fees must be in small print at the bottom of a page. You want to avoid this trap.
It is best to avoid them by not booking your vacation anywhere that insists on charging these fees. Ask the location if these fees are charged if you do not see them listed. If you insist on paying these fees, you should make sure that you are aware of the full cost.
4. Visit the museums in your area
Why not visit some of the local museums if you can’t afford to travel but want to leave the house? The museums are a natural institution and they charge fees to maintain their existence. You can still take advantage of discounts and free days at almost all museums.
Check out AirAsia deals
It is the best way to travel. It’s quicker, more comfortable, and usually cheaper. Don Muang Airport is the departure point for flights from Bangkok. During high season, there are almost one flight every hour. Here is their promotional page.
Booking 3 weeks ahead, I was able to get my tickets for only 600 THB. If you book the same day, you can expect to pay up to 1500 THB. I think it is still worth it, as you’ll arrive in Surat Thani within 40 minutes.
You can book a combined bus and ferry to any island from Surat Thani Airport. You can book your tickets at the booths located there (more information on this is in the following section).
AirAsia does not represent the only airline in Asia. Check out Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and other deals when booking your ticket.
Skyscanner is a good tool to use. It gives you the most accurate results.
5. Book a week at a State Park or National Park
There may be a wonderful state park or national parks in your area. You have probably never visited them. It’s likely that you’ve never heard of this park. Enjoy some relaxing time in the wild woods.
You may find that a nearby state or national park is the ideal place to relax and have fun. Initial entry fees and cabin rentals may be high. Once you get past the initial entry and cabin rental fees, everything else will be free or low-cost.
Ferry Ride to the Islands
You will need to find a way, once you arrive in Surat Thani, to reach the pier from where you can take your ferry to paradise.
One of the most frequently asked questions in the many travel groups I belong to on Facebook is the ferry service between these islands. Lom Prayah ferry services are the most common way to get to these islands. They’re also the most costly option. Last time I used their service, I paid about 1000 THB for a bus to the pier as well as their high-speed ferry.
There are multiple ferries that run back and forth throughout the day, so there’s no need to worry about schedules. Surat Thani’s pier is where the last ferry leaves around 4pm in the afternoon.
Songserm is the best option if you are on a tight budget. I liked their ferries, and they have much better prices than LomPrayah. They also have a booth in the airport.
Now is the time to enjoy your budget vacation
You are still entitled to an amazing vacation, even if money is a bit tight. You’ll need a bit of creativity and planning. If you are a seasoned traveler, you will not have any problems. If you play your cards correctly, then you can look back at your vacation with great satisfaction.
