Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Khaoyai

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared facilities

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Street food, local markets, simple Thai restaurants, occasional convenience store meals

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Local songthaews, public buses, motorbike taxi for short distances, walking

Activities

$5-25 per day

National park entry fees, self-guided hiking, free viewpoints, occasional budget tours

Eat at local markets and street stalls instead of hotel restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use public songthaews and buses instead of private taxis (usually 70-85% savings on transport)

Visit during weekdays when accommodation rates are generally 20-40% lower than weekends

Book accommodation directly with properties for potential 10-25% discounts versus booking platforms

Pack your own snacks and water for national park visits to avoid 200-300% markup at park vendors

Choose guesthouses outside immediate tourist centers for typically 30-50% lower rates

Take advantage of hotel breakfast included rates rather than paying separately (usually 40-60% savings)

Relying solely on taxis and private transport instead of learning public options (typically 3-5x more expensive)

Eating exclusively in tourist-focused restaurants near main attractions (generally 100-200% markup over local spots)

Booking accommodation at the last minute during peak periods (usually 50-150% premium over advance booking)

Not researching free activities like hiking trails and viewpoints before paying for guided tours

Exchanging money at hotels or tourist areas instead of banks or proper exchange counters (typically 5-15% worse rates)