Expenses
I stayed in four different places during my two week trip in Southern Thailand. It was my first time in the region, but I've been to Bangkok during a short trip before. I joined quite a few tours to other islands so I ended up spending more. I was traveling by myself so going to certain islands by myself would cost more, and joining tours would be more practical. If I failed to find companions to come with me, for an introvert like myself, it was a difficult task (harhar). You can also reduce your expenses by renting a motorcycle during your stay. I have never ridden one as a driver (I was always the passenger), and I frequently saw bruised and bandaged backpackers walking around, I figured they were first time motorcycle riders that got into accidents.
*Everything's in Baht
Krabi
915 - Pak Up Hostel dorm for 3 nights
1000 - James Bond Island Tour
400 - Island Tour
450 - Van & ferry combo to Ko Samui
688 - Food & drinks
110 - Ao Nang beach songthaew ride round way
200 - Tiger Cave Temple songthaew round way
55 - Miscellaneous
3818 - Total
Lamai Beach, Ko Samui
Ko Samui585 - Buddha Lounge dorm 2 nights
720 - Samui Hostel dorm 3 nights
450 - Island Tour
790 - Transportation costs
1318- Food & drinks
45 - Miscellaneous
600 - Bus & ferry combo to Phuket
4508 - Total
Karon Beach, Phuket
Phuket580 - Fin Hostel dorm 2 nights
517 - Food & drinks
210 - Transportation costs
350 - Ferry to Ko Phi Phi
1657 - Total
Ko Phi Phi
500 - La Mamita dorm 2 nights
550 - Island Tour
300 - Ferry to Krabi
418 - Food & drinks
100 - Maya Bay fee
20 - Ko Phi Phi island fee
1888 - Total
I spent somewhere around $25 to $28 per day during this two week trip in Southern Thailand. You can significantly reduce your spending (by around $10 or more, it's possible), if you don't frequently join tours like I did and knowing how to ride a motorcycle is a definite money saver. I didn't want to cost cut on tours and entertainment, since I wanted to enjoy my trip and not go the cheapest way possible all the time. It was also my first time in these places so I wanted to see and do a lot on this trip. I know others have spent less than what I've spent per day, but I would pay more for more comfort and better food. Although I stayed in dorms and mostly ate in food stalls or cheap restaurants, what increased my spending was the day trips. You don't have to do a lot of day trips, you can just chill by the beach or pick one that you really wanted to do.
Itinerary
My trip to Southern Thailand started in Krabi then to Samui, then Phuket, then the last stop was in Phi Phi before heading back to Krabi in transit to Bangkok on an overnight bus. Krabi and Phi Phi are the two cheapest places to stay in during my trip, while Phuket and Samui were the most expensive. Krabi gave better value for money for the places to stay and eat. Most of the travelers I met found Krabi boring, but I liked Krabi. I liked the town's laid back vibe and provincial feel. It's unlike the provincial towns in the Philippines. Back home, provincial towns are less developed, in Krabi there are better hotels, restaurants, and more development.
While in Krabi I went to the Tiger Cave Temple, the 4 islands tour, and a trip to James Bond Island. In Samui, I took the island tour, and just went to the beaches. I didn't do anything in Phuket other than bum around the beach and eat pancakes. I went to Phi Phi to see Maya Bay and Bamboo Island by joining one of the many tours available. It was monsoon season in Phi Phi, Krabi, and Phuket, while it was summery in Samui. I was in this region of Thailand during late June to early July.
Southern Thailand reminded me so much of the many islands back home. It was so eerily similar at times. Whenever I see foreigners fawning over an island, I would often think to myself 'I've seen the same or even better back home'. Comparisons aside, I loved my trip around Southern Thailand.
