I’m not averse to luxury but there is a frugal side to my nature that says going economy is sometimes better than paying through the nose even when you can afford it.
I’ve lived in Bangkok, Thailand nearly all my life and take frequent road trips to play in gaming events in the provinces. I’d like to tell you about a recent trip to a tournament in the south of the country in the hope that it might inspire you.
I set off by car on a Sunday – rental cars are easily available in Bangkok – with my first stop at Petchaburi about 120 kms away. My destination the following Friday was the pearl of the Andaman, 820 kms south, where I was booked to stay at a 4 star hotel in Phuket.
In Petchaburi (that translates as diamond city) I stayed in what the Thais call a “resort”. Sounds fancy, but they are actually extremely budget motels dotted about the country.
They are the most excellent way of getting from A to B allowing the traveller to visit out of the way places on a shoestring and are always priced in the US10-15 dollar range.
You’ll get a room or bungalow with bathroom, air-con, hot water, clean towels and bedding and a friendly reception. And of course a place to park your car or bike right outside.
And you’ll get a good night’s sleep. In Petchaburi I went to the summer palace and tried to avoid the monkeys.
Next stop was another excellent resort on the outskirts of Chumphon. I decided to spend two days there as I found a beautiful beach restaurant to while away a couple of hot days eating some delicious seafood, including the classic Kaeng Kalee or crab curry that you must try.
Leaving Chumphon don’t head on the main road south to Phuket – do the scenic route via Ranong, a bucket list item for Thailand road travel. It’s slower and far more adventurous and interesting. You pass places where you can have a bath in the hot springs and see beautiful waterfalls.
Again there are many resorts to choose from along this 150-200 kms stretch. I hunkered down near Rayong town, an interesting staging post for Myanmar filled with Burmese and mystery. I also visited Khao Lak that was once devastated in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. In town budget places $40, out of town resort $10 – great option if you have your own transport and still on a lovely beach.
With the great experiences I’d had on the way – and a feeling that money was in the bank too – I then resorted (pardon the pun) to a hotel in Phuket with the best pool and pool bar on the fabulous island.
Near the Jungceylon shopping centre where my tournament was held, it proved to be a luxurious ending to an economy trip.
Contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand for the latest events happening all over this great country.
