Tropical beaches, majestic mountains, and bustling city streets – the Travel Guides got to experience it all on their budget Thailand holiday. 

If the latest season of The White Lotus has you daydreaming of a Thailand getaway, then this week’s episode of Travel Guides might be just the nudge you need! And the Guides showed that you don’t need to splurge to soak up everything ‘the Land of Smiles’ has to offer.

Did you know? Travel Money Oz Currency Pass is the official currency card of the Travel Guides, so we’ll be tagging along in the Guides' wallets to recap their trip highlights. 

Keep scrolling to find out what the Travel Guides got up to in Thailand, how much you need to budget, and our top Thailand travel tips. 

 
What Currency Do I Need in Thailand? 

First things first, let’s talk money. 

The official local currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB)It is a necessity to have in your wallet when visiting. Whether you’re grabbing some street food or searching for treasures at the Chatuchak Market, many vendors, markets, and rural areas only accept cash. 

Lucky for you, we have all the Thai Baht you’ll need. Just pop into one of our Travel Money Oz stores or _id=B36B3C9557CC4ABE8563D55CEF195BE5&_z=z">order THB online! 

Travel Guides’ Budget Thailand Holiday Highlights 

To set the scene, the Travel Guides were given a set budget of $100 to spend per adult, per day. So, if you're hoping to visit Thailand on a budget, you're sure to find some inspiration from their itinerary below! 

Save Money by Staying in a Hostel 

First on the Travel Guides’ Thailand itinerary was a stay in the capital city of Bangkok. 

To save their precious pennies, the Guides opted to stay in a hostel. Now, you’re probably shuddering at the thought of a hostel…but hear us out! 

The Travel Guides stayed at the Prince Theatre Heritage Stay, a rustic and quirky hostel with both dorm rooms and private suite accommodation options. 

If you’re still not convinced, the show's “snobs”, Kevin and Jannetta, were delightfully surprised by their $140-per-night private suite and wish they’d known about it sooner! 

COSTS: 

• Dorm rooms start from around ฿275 (approx. $14 AUD per night)
• Private suites cost from about ฿2751 (approx. $140 AUD per night) 

Catch a Muay Thai Fight 

Looking for some action? Catch a Muay Thai fight and be immersed in local culture from the safety of the ringside. 

The Guides popped into Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium to witness the 800-year-old martial art firsthand. While sceptical at first, the unique experience had the Guides joining in the competitive spirit to back up their fighter. 

COSTS: 

• Ringside seats start from about ฿1375 (approx. $70 AUD per person)
• General admission seats start from around ฿1650 (approx. $84 per person)
• VIP box section seats start from about ฿3223 (approx. $164 per person) 

Visit the Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok

Did you know? There are 45,000 Buddhist temples across Thailand! One of those is the Wat Pho Temple, built in the 16th century, making it one of the oldest and largest temple complexes in Bangkok. 

It’s also home to the iconic Reclining Buddha statue, measuring in at 15m high and 46m long! The Guides were blown away by the golden beauty and enjoyed learning more about its history from one of the Buddhist monks.  

COSTS: 

• Wat Pho Temple entry starts from around ฿275 (approx. $14 AUD per person)  
• Guided tours start from about ฿687 (approx. $35 per person) 

Experience the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Next on the list, the Guides headed one hour West of Bangkok to check out the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Floating markets are a 100-year-old tradition in Thailand, and a unique experience to get amongst the locals. 

Once there, the Guides hired boats to row past the market stalls, stopping in to grab traditional Thai dishes to enjoy onboard. Floating buffet? Yes please! 

Expert Tip: Make sure to have Thai Baht cash in your wallet as stall holders typically don’t accept cards! 

COST: 

• Classic paddle boat hire costs about ฿589 (approx. $30 AUD) 

Catch an Overnight Sleeper Train to Chiang Mai 

The Travel Guides left the big smoke of Bangkok and trekked into the misty mountains of Chiang Mai! 

To get there, they boarded an overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, trying out both the second-class carriages and first-class cabins. 

If you want to save money on accommodation and transport, and don’t mind a bit of a bumpy sleep (red eye flight, anyone?), then the overnight train is an economical option. 

COSTS: 

• No. 13 special express Bangkok to Chiang Mai train second-class tickets start from about ฿1454 (approx. $74 AUD per person)
• No. 13 special express Bangkok to Chiang Mai train first-class tickets start from about ฿1690 (approx. $86 AUD per person) 

Get Traditional Thai Messages in a Prison

Yes, you read that right! 

Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Centre runs a vocational training program to help inmates gain qualifications as traditional Thai massage therapists. The initiative, also called Naree Spa, is regulated by the Thai Ministry of Public Health and helps prepare the women for a better life and career outside of prison. 

The Guides compared the Thai massages to some of the best they’d ever had and encouraged other tourists to support the initiative. 

A spa day with a fantastic cause? Sign us up! 

COST: 

• One-hour massages at Naree Spa start from about ฿216 (approx. $11 AUD per person) 

TukTuk Around the Chiang Mai Countryside 

After their frugal spending on the trip so far, the Travel Guides had room in the budget to treat themselves to an all-day TukTuk experience! 

After picking up their wheels, the guides meandered their way through the Chiang Mai countryside, past villages and rice fields. The Guides enjoyed taking in the lush surroundings and getting a firsthand glimpse into the communities that reside in the mountains. 

And if you don’t feel confident driving the TukTuk yourself, you can get a chauffeur option and be a passenger princess. 

COST: 

• The TukTuk Club full day tours start from around ฿5051 (approx. $257 AUD per person)

Experience Tropical Bliss at Koh Samui Island 

The last stop on the Travel Guides’ budget-buster Thailand holiday was to the island of Koh Samui. 

After catching a budget flight via Singapore, the Guides landed in Koh Samui to soak up the picture-perfect beaches, tropical vibes, and cocktails. 

They stayed in another hostel, this time at Lub D Samui Chaweng Beach, and were pleasantly surprised by the experience. With a hotel beach club, beer pong, and stunning views of the island, the Guides relived their youth! 

COSTS: 

• Lub D dorm rooms start from around ฿393 (approx. $20 AUD per night)
• Lud D Seaview rooms start from about ฿2358 (approx. $120 AUD per night, inc. breakfast)
• Lub D Islander Hub rooms start from around ฿2672 (approx. $136 AUD per night, inc. breakfast)

Go Island Hopping Around Koh Samui 

To get the full tropical paradise experience, the Travel Guides boarded a charter boat to hop around the smaller islands near Koh Samui, including Mu Ko Ang Thong. 

The Guides enjoyed kayaking, relaxing on the beaches, and dolphin spotting. While sailing the seas, Matt and Brett were even blessed to spot a rare white dolphin, adding to the magic of the trip! 

The charter boat hire is a little on the pricier side, but the experience is worth it if you want to tick multiple Thai islands off your bucket list. 

COST: 

• Oceana Samui Charters start from around ฿3930 (approx. $200 AUD per person)  

Climb to the top of Pha Jun Jaras Viewpoint

If you’re up for some cardio and magnificent views of the islands, then Pha Jun Jaras Viewpoint is the perfect challenge. 

While on the charter boat, the Guides popped over to the island of Ko Wua Ta Lap to head up the Pha Jon Jaras nature trail, a 500-metre uphill hike. 

The Travel Guides found it a steep climb, but the views were worth the workout. But, if the very top is a bit out of reach, there are lower viewpoints along the way with just as stunning views of the surrounding islands! 

COST: 

• Pha Jun Jaras Viewpoint entry costs about ฿300 (approx. $15 AUD per adult) 

Top Thailand Travel Tips 

Already booking your flights to Thailand? Before you take off, we've rounded up some of our top Thailand travel tips to help you on your way: 

• As we’ve mentioned above, it’s important to take both Thai Baht cash and a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass with you! Markets and rural areas may only accept cash.
• Thailand's climate is hot and humid, so make sure to pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
• Remember to also take some modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for when visiting temples and sacred sites.
• Always remember to invest in travel insurance to avoid any hefty medical bills if an accident were to happen.
• The tap water is not drinkable! Stick to bottled or filtered water only.
• Always respect cultural customs, including no shoes inside homes or temples, and avoid touching anyone’s head (it’s considered sacred).
• Learn a few Thai phrases before you go! Even a “sawadee ka/krub” (hello) goes a long way with locals. 

Want more Travel Guides in Thailand? 

Curious about what else the Travel Guides got up to on their budget Thailand holiday? Watch the latest episode on 9Now to get their full itinerary.

Check out our Travel Guides recap blogs: 

• The Travel Guides Tour New York City
• Travel Guides Recap: Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
• Travel Guides Recap: Best Things to do in Tahiti and Moorea Island
• The Travel Guides get a Taste of Spain and Portugal
• The Travel Guides Cruise to New Zealand

Tune in next Sunday at 7:00 pm AEST on Channel Nine or 9Now to watch as the Travel Guides head to the home of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco! 


^Disclaimer:

^{This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. Travel Money Oz has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication (First Published July 7, 2025). Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money Oz accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog. Daily Cost: All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors. Daily Budget: Costs are estimated per person and do not include accommodation. Terms and conditions apply to Best Price Guarantee, Rate Guard and Cash Commitment. See travelmoneyoz.com for more details.}