Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Fishead soup]

I heard Thailand is no longer the cheap fun vacation it used to be. Last winter I went and found it reasonable but not as good as it used to be.

[oxfordstu]

It's still cheap if you know where to go. After living there for awhile I knew where to find the cheap stuff. But if you're a tourist, then yeah --- it's definitely not as cheap as it was. Bungalows that charge 400 baht one year will renovate and charge 2000 baht the next year. This happens a lot. Now if you go places away from the tourists, then it's still pretty cheap. But if you stay in Phuket, Samui, Koh Tao, Phi-Phi, Pattaya, Krabi, Koh Chang, Koh Samet --- it's going to be expensive. Even Koh Phangan is getting expensive (although nowhere near what Phuket is). If you go up to Isaan it's pretty cheap. Also anything that isn't outlined in the Lonely Planet. There are a few islands that are still fairly uninhabited, and thus, still cheap.

[mrsquirrel]

It has got more expensive to live there, but it's not a great deal. Power bills and water bills have gone up. Petrol as well.

As a tourist you will only notice the price increase in places that have done their resort up or an area that has become more popular.

There are still a whole host of hotels in Bangkok for around 2,000B which are decent to stay in. Still hundreds at 1000B which are pretty good as well but getting run down.

You just have to know where to look and take some time searching on the internet.

It's been a long time since I have stayed in a beach hut with separate shower facilities. I used to love it but these days I prefer to spend a little more and enjoy the facilities.

[While Away]

Just the fact that the Thai Baht went from 44 / Dollar to 34 / Dollar in the last 2 years means things are about 20% more epensive (for Americans anyway).

[indytrucks]

I definitely noticed your tourist dollar didn't go as far last summer as it has done in the past, and I've been visiting that area on and off in all the ten years I've lived here. Like another poster said, avoid the really touristed spots and things are still cheapish.

Lao is still cheap, thank goodness.

[Bibbitybop]

The "Let's Go" series is much better than Lonely Planet. Too bad they don't make a Korea edition.

I stayed in Bangkok at a nice, recommended place for 550 baht a night, smack dab in the center (and the cost was split with my girl).

I stayed at Kata Beach on Phuket for around the same price. Koh Phi Phi in a bungalow away from the harbor for 250 baht. It was a wood hut with a mattress, fan, electricity and mosquito net, but I don't mind as I'm a nature lover.

Thailand is still cheap compared to Korea, Japan, even China, and when you add the natural beauty and partying, it's well worth it.

[Yaya]

Forget Phuket, I'll hit Boracay next time. Phuket was okay but way overpriced for a Southeast Asian location.

[itaewonguy]

yeah its expenisve! bangkok clubs you are looking at 5 dollars a drink in some bars! even the whores are trying to change 3000 bht hahahahahah

cambodia BABY!!!