The Budget Travelers Approach to Sightseeing in Thailand

The Budget Travelers Approach to Sightseeing in Thailand

The most popular way of sightseeing and traveling in Thailand is the budget travelers approach, the budget traveler travels through Thailand as cheap and as fast as possible. He gets to see as many places as possible in as least time possible buying cheap sightseeing tickets and not reaping the benefits of a quality trip.

The Budget Travelers Mission

The budget traveler knows exactly what he wants to do and that’s make his money stretch further to make his travels last as long as possible, he usually comes here on a 3-12 months return ticket or on a round-the-world trip and his goal is to get to see as many famous places as possible so he can get back home and tell his friends, that he’s “Been there! Done that! And bought the t-shirt!”

Khaosan Road

However! The budget traveler’s first destination is the commercial backpacker area of Khaosan Road Bangkok and that’s where the vultures and cheap fly-by-night travel agents are waiting for him. On Khaosan Road he can pick up a 3 in 1 day tour for less than a grand which will take him to the world famous Damnoen Saduak floating market, the Bridge over the River Kwai and the Kanchanaburi Tiger Temple in 1 single day.

3 in 1 Day Tours

1 Single day! Is that really enough? An 8 o’clock start from Khaosan Road on an hour and a half long journey to Damnoen Saduak floating market takes him to 10.30 am he then firsts gets tempted into buying things he doesn’t want in a tourist trap for 30 minutes and then a 30 minute boat ride before he even gets to the market and then lingers around for an hour eating or looking at fruit and vegetables before his next connection which takes him on a 2 and a half hours journey ride over to Kanchanaburi where he realizes that he his day is nearly over and he has another two or three venues to get to.

Not a Good Day Out After All

The budget travelers way of thumb is definitely cheap and fast for sure, but it leaves you with a sour taste in your mouth, and thinking “Is this all there is to it?” and “Are Thai people just after taking me for a cheap ride?” and cramped in a cheap and small minivan with no leg room for 6 hours can do that to a person.

Western Tour Companies in Thailand

Arguably the best way to see the Kingdom of Thailand with its many historical sites and beautiful provinces is to plan your trip from the start and preferably book a private trip with a reputable company preferably a western managed tour company, and there are a few about. The benefits of travelling with one of these companies are priceless, you get to spend quality time in the best places with the best service and travel there in comfort and style in transport that was designed for the length of western legs. Other benefits are that you’re not waiting around for people on a morning or at the tour destinations and therefore not getting worked up over wasting valuable time.

When sightseeing in Thailand we also recommend a maximum of 2 destinations in 1 day or three if they are close by. Two western run company that we recommend are www.tigertemplethailand.com and www.hellfirepass.com who are very well managed with excellent modes of transport and great trip schedules.