AnandPatel, Author at Mark My Adventure

Minimum Amount For Bali

May 26, 2017November 19, 2018 AnandPatel2 Comments

Bali is a prime island of Indonesia. Traveling to this island is must for anyone who loves adventure and nature. Traveling to a place, the big question arises in everyone’s mind which is “Expenses“. Working in a corporate world, saving enough & traveling abroad to spend holidays can take a toll on a budget. If you are like me who wants to explore the world without breaking the bank then this post is for you. I traveled to Bali on a shoestring budget. This post will help you to complete Bali on Budget.

The expenses involved in a place depends broadly upon few factors like food, accommodation, site seeing & commutation. All the expenses fall into these categories. I will suggest the minimum amount as per my experience.

Accommodation:

Bali is divided majorly into three regions, South Bali, Capital area & northern part. South Bali is by far the most modernized & developed one among the three. South Kuta & Seminyak are known for luxury & parties; thus cost of staying there are very high compared to rest of the place. Capital part is more of a marketplace where it is easy to find budget accommodation, I stayed at Hostel Morotai, the reason being it offered me a place at IDR 60,000 per day. It was the cheapest with a great rating. I got rented motorbike from the hostel only. The north of Bali is way cheaper than South & central part. But, there is not enough development compared to rest of the Bali. Here is the list of staying options in Bali.

Food:

Bali has decent food outlets, it is easy to find McD, Pizza hut & fast food shops. The cost is same as it is around the world. The best way I found out to keep the cost of food low is through buying grocery from the supermarket & eating on streets. The average cost of a plate of veg noodles is IDR 18,000. There are lots of option to eat on street. There is no dramatic change in the taste of food.

Site Seeing:

Bali has several sites & each site has something new to offer. There are entry fees which are minimal & affordable. Entries to most of the beaches are free. The places where entry fees are valid are waterfalls, temples, zoos & rice fields. Depending upon the interests decide upon the activities you wish to take. It is not absolutely necessary to visit each & every site. Choose site as per your liking.

Commutation:

An option of Uber is available in Bali. However, the prices are very high. I would suggest to rent a motorbike & roam around the place. The places are well connected & GPS works quite well here. I did the same I rented a motorbike which costs around IDR 60,000 per day excluding petrol. The price of petrol is also low & the best thing is benzol (Petrol) is available at the local stores as well. Thus, there is no scarcity of petrol while on the roads.

Thus, the cost for a day’s living in Bali will add up to IDR 4,50,000 considering the facts mentioned in above points.

Please note that the price I have mentioned is excluding activities like scuba diving & snorkeling or any other activities. There are few guided tours like Mount Bromo & Ubud whose costs are not included in my assumption. I went to Bali in 2016. Thus, there might be some fluctuation in the costs.

Minimum amount required for a week stay in Bali works out to be IDR IDR 30,00,000 to IDR 45,00,000 for general activities.

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“There are thousands of reasons why you should not do it, but you only need one to do it”

Things To Do In Bali

May 19, 2017January 22, 2019 AnandPatel

Bali is the most famous island in Indonesia. It is best for a reason. This pocket size islands beholds the most beautiful landscapes & adventures on the planet earth. Traveling solo, I went to Bali for 8 days. There is so much to do & so much to see in this paradise that 8 days seemed to be too short. However, I tried to cover whatever I can. Here is my guide to things to do in Bali.

Things to do in Bali:

Bali is culturally very rich & can be witnessed or experienced at every corner. Let’s explore Bali.

Ubud:

Ubud is the main touristic attraction in Bali. Blessed with supreme architecture & culture vibes. This place is a must visit. This place will take you one step closer to Bali’s vibrant culture. Balinese dance & yoga shall be an experience to look for. A place to spend a perfect afternoon by enjoying the local flavor is an ideal way here. If looking for some change visit Monkey Temple to enjoy the chirpy noises of monkey’s.

Waterfalls:

I am a nature lover (I get goosebumps if I see something amazing & breathtaking). I have seen few waterfalls till date, but Sekumpul waterfall was nothing I ever came across. Imagine a jungle & water falling from a decent height it is a view to die for. The peace experienced here is unmatched. I loved the place & recommend it to everyone. Other than Sekumpul there are few more waterfalls. It is difficult to cover each & every waterfall until & unless time & money is not a constraint. However, try covering what ever is feasible.

Beach Hopping:

Bali has a perfect coastline. Move around the beaches & enjoy the horizon in a new dimension. South Kuta is very much crowded but other than that all other beaches are relatively quiet & peaceful. Each beach has something new to offer.

Adventure Activities:

From the outset, Bali looks like a place for honeymoon couple. However, shattering this stereotype. The place is covered majorly by forests. Jungles, waterfalls, mountain. There are activities pertaining to these which can be carried out.

Mount Batur trekking is a must. Experience breathtaking sunrise here. Sekumpul waterfall is by far the best waterfall in Bali.

Surfing is an activity common here. Most of the beaches support surfing & it is easy to find surfing board on rent. Hundreds of westerners visit this place only for surfing.

Scuba diving & snorkeling: Scuba diving & snorkeling sites are among the best. Padi provides scuba diving certification course here. The certification is easy to get. US wreck ship is a perfect diving site. It is hard to distinguish which is more beautiful; landscapes or water world. There is a high chance of swimming with huge size turtles if you are lucky enough. A shot a video of snorkeling through my GoPro hero 4 black edition.

Temples:

Temples are among other attraction in Bali. The facade is beautiful as it will ever get. Tanah lot is worth a visit, it is a delight to watch. Located on the sea shore this temple is beautiful, a background of never ending sea is picturesque as you will ever find. A perfect blend of temple & water is good for a half day trip. There are lots of Hindu temples in the vicinity.

Nusa Trilogy:

The group of three islands is located in the west of Bali. If tired of vibrant vibes of Bali. This place is a nice alternative. Nusa Pendia is the biggest among the three & also the most beautiful one. The place has some untouched points which are worth visiting. Motorbike is a favorable mode of transportation. Some of the points worth visiting in NusaPenida are Pasih uug (Crystal Bay) & broken island. Both these points are awesome & beautiful. Spend a peaceful evening here. Snorkeling & scuba diving are the prime activities here.

Gilli Islands:

Gilli islands are a group of three small islands. The most famous one is Gilli T, it is a backpackers place & hub for parties. The only motto of this place is party party & party. Backed with young & backpackers, this place is continuously on its dancing feets. This is perfect for few days.

Another island worth visiting is Gilli Air. It is calmer one among the three, perfect for a honeymoon couple. Book a place in front of sea & enjoy the view of mighty mountains right in front of you. Gilli Air is not a place to party. However, the peaceful evenings are what people relish here. Scuba diving & snorkeling are the major activities performed on this island. It is easy to cover the whole island on foot. Crystal clear blue water & white sand is hard to be ignored.

Parties:

Bali is also home to best party clubs, places like Kuta, Seminyak which are home to parties animals. Don your party shoes & thrive on the music. Bali beach parties can surprise everyone with its flavor.

Rides:

Get a rented vehicle & start the journey. The roads are well connected & blessed with best landscapes.Ride forever here & enjoy some of the best moments.

Rice Fields:

Rice fields are nearly everywhere. Cross them & enjoy. There is nothing new, however, it is worth a visit, the rice fields has kept its glory intact. The picture perfect site is hard to miss.

These are the list of major activities. Bali has something or other to offer. Depending upon what sort of experience you are looking for, you can bifurcate your activities in similar ways. Any number of days are appropriate here considering so many options are there to explore.

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“Destination Only Tells You When To Stop”

Bali Solo Trip

May 12, 2017October 9, 2018 AnandPatel15 Comments

Solo trip is always tricky. From boarding flight to experiencing a new adventure, everything needs to be managed alone. Traveling alone to a place the most basic question that pops up in the head is; Is Bali Safe for a Solo Trip? Here is the solo travel guide to Bali.

I am traveling solo outside India since 2015 & the first thing I search on the internet is the safety of the place. Touchwood, I have not experienced anything alarming till date while traveling solo.

Bali is among the best cities in the world. Saying so it is also one of most beautiful one. I went on a 8 days trip to Bali alone & thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Solo Traveler Guide To Bali

Bali is, in general, a very safe place to be in. However, being cautious is one aspect that should be kept in the mind while traveling to any new city. The best places in Bali are Ubud, Seminyak, South Kuta. Most of the activities happen at these places only.

Things to be kept in mind

Commuting: I rented a bike & traveled by that. There is an option for booking a cab as well. But, it is recommended to check for prices. There have been some incidents where cab drivers asked for a higher amount than the billed amount. So, clarify rates before boarding the cab. Google maps work here so finding a route is simple.

Driving License: In case, of renting a bike. It is mandatory to have an international driving license. Traffic police can stop & ask you for the papers. It is recommended to carry papers with you. I was among the lucky ones. During my stay of 8 days, I was never stopped at any point of time. But, it is better to be prepared for any contingencies.

Site Seeing: An entry fee is charged at the entry of every destination. Hence, no need to pay anything extra. There is an option to hire a guide as well.

Clubs & Pubs: Clubs & pubs are very famous in South Kuta. However, extra caution must be maintained while entering such places. There are several cases of people getting duped in drugs. There are certain people who mix your drinks with drugs & charge for that. The charges for such drinks are insanely high. This is very common at few places, it is advisable to check the pubs & clubs authenticity before entering.

Other than this there is nothing alarming about the place. It is probably among the safest cities in the world.

Keep worries aside & visit this beautiful place. It will engrave some lifetime memories in your mind.

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“Fill your life with adventures & things, have stories to tell not stuff to show”

PS: For lonely planet guide: Lonely Planet Bali & Lombok

First Impression Of Bali

May 5, 2017October 9, 2018 AnandPatel

Bali is a small island in Indonesia. A pocket size island equipped with everything; literary everything. From mountains to beaches, from jungles to waterfalls; this place is a heaven on the earth.Here is my first impression of Bali.

I am on a plane to Jakarta (capital of Indonesia). Feeling little nervous, this is my first trip of 12 days overseas, much longer than any of my previous trips. I am waiting in a queue to get my passport stamped. It is pretty boring to wait for long hours at Jakarta. Jakarta airport doesn’t have lots of shops so there are limited options to kill the time. Feeling bored I started talking to a fellow traveler about the Bali. Asked all about the place. Like where to go, how to go, what all to do etc etc, the conversation only escalated my excitement.

I boarded a flight to Bali & in another 2.5 Hours I was flying above the sea looking at an airport strip in the middle of the sea (which turns out to be Bali Airport). It is 8 pm & already dark outside. My phone is having some issue & I didn’t know where & how to reach my hostel.I enquired about the bus but the service which is not at all a good option. The only option left was booking a private cab which I did. It took me nearly one hour to reach my destination.

Human Interaction:

Bali has a decent Hindu population. People are very helpful, even though not many speaks English, but it is manageable with even a little bit of English. It is not a perfect example of Human interaction, but few instances which put a smile on my face. So, I was traveling back from Nusa Penida, I still had 3 more days to explore Bali. Left with a handful sum of amount, I was sure of going back to Bali & spend few quite days over there. However, once I landed at the dockyard. A guy came to me & asked

“Do you want to go to Gilli islands?”

I wanted to but hadn’t had any huge sum to back that up. I said nervously “Yeah”.

He said, ” I can give you the BEST DEAL EVER“.

I said, ” How?”

He said,”I can give you discounts on speedboat ticket”

I said, “How much?”

He said,”For a to & fro ticket from Gilli Islands a price of IDR 450,000″

I said,”It’s too high I don’t have this amount with me, also I need to find a place to stay as I haven’t booked anything”

He said,”Oohh! common, you come here for the first time enjoy some nature.”

I said,”Give me the best offer”

He said,”Where are you from?”

I said,”India”

He said,”Oh wow great, I know India. There is a god name Ganesha. My name is also forodo. I follow Ganesha.”

I was surprised to see his knowledge about Indian culture & Bollywood stars like Shah Ruk Khan & Mr. Amitabh Bachan.

He continued,”Just because you are Indian, I will give you best offer please don’t reject this. A to & fro ticket at IDR 400,000″

I said,”Sure good enough.”

On average the price costs IDR 600,000 per person. However, I managed to get it under IDR 400,000. So, talk to people you may get surprised 😉

Infrastructure:

Bali is a touristic destination so it is constantly crowded with travelers. Roads are fantastic to drive on. Very well constructed & maintained by local people. The only issue is the internet. The best way to use internet is through sim card; buy a sim card & access the internet without any hassle the prices are the minimum. The architect is unique & different. Most of the buildings have dark outer surface. It is easy on eyes & also looks aesthetically beautiful. A unique gate in entries is worth gate crashing ;).

The architect is unique & different. Most of the buildings have a dark facade. It is easy on eyes & is aesthetically beautiful. A unique gate in entries is worth gate crashing ;). The vintage look of buildings provides an ancient experience. A place to enjoy your holidays.

Culture:

Bali has a decent Hindu population. So, from temples to rituals there are some similarities with Hindus. Balinese people are very helpful & tourist friendly. I didn’t encounter any issue while roaming solo in the city, even in the suburbs it was pretty safe. Ubud is one of the main places to enjoy Balinese culture. The place is very charming & beautiful. There are numbers of temples, dance shows, numerous heritage site to explore. Temples are among the major attractions in Bali. So, just explore ;).

Activities:

Bali is mix & match of various things. It is easy to experience water sports, adventure sports, sightseeing, trekking, jungle trails, temples, mountains etc all on the small island to Bali.

Some of the things not to be missed is scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain trekking are some of the activities that should not be missed while holidaying in Bali. Bali is also famous for its rice fields which are a big hit among the western travelers. It is unique & good for a one time visit. The rice fields are beautiful to watch. If you are not interested in any of the activities. South Kuta & Seminyak has some of the best places to party till late night in Bali.

Here is an account of my first impression of Bali. As they say “First time is always special”.

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Minimum Amount For Bangkok

April 28, 2017October 9, 2018 AnandPatel

An overseas trip is always difficult to plan. Money is one of the major concern while traveling abroad. But, never let money define your happiness. This I learned during my trips that; money is just a catalyst in your happiness. This post is for all those budding travelers who love traveling but are doing it because of financial constraint. This is a guide to the budget trip to Bangkok & also minimum amount required for a week stay in Bangkok.

The major components of expense are accommodation, food, sight seeing & commutation. Usually, accommodation cost is pretty high in case of 2 or 3-star hotels. The best way to keep cost low is to stay in hostels. The cost of hostels starts from 125 THB for a day at a decent place.

Food: Plate of noodles cost 30 THB on streets. There are many restaurants which offer food at a nominal rate. It is easy to find bread and butter for 10 THB which can be a good breakfast. A glass of juice is 30 THB which is very fulfilling.

Commutation: Private taxis & cabs costs are usually on a higher side. On shoestring budget, it is best to use bus services. Buses are very frequent & cheapest mode of transportation. The cost of a ticket is 2 THB for shortest distance.

Site seeing: The cost of sites can not to compromised. So, pay the full amount at the sites.

If I calculate the cost for a day it will work out to be around 250 to 300 THB. This is the minimum amount as per my assumption. The rates I considered is of 2016. This cost is valid only if you spend decently.

So, for a 7-day trip minimum amount one needs to have is around 1,750 to 2,100 – THB.

I travel to different places to get the feel of the place. I live like a locale. So, I spend money decently. This is the minimum expense to be kept in the mind. There is no upper limit to expenditure.

Indonesia Visa For Indians

April 21, 2017November 21, 2018 AnandPatel8 Comments

Indonesia is one of the few countries which allow Indians a free visa. A place so much beautiful & entry is free is the cherry on the cake. Just book a ticket & explore this beautiful place. This is as simple as it sounds. Here is a guide to Indonesia visa for Indians.

I went from Thailand to Indonesia on my 2 weeks solo trip. It was hard to decide which place to chose in the budget. After searching for different countries, I chose Thailand & Indonesia & the main reason behind the same was the ease with which I can get the visa. Thailand offers visa on arrival for Indians & Indonesia offers a free visa. So, it was easy to shortlist these places. Also, these places are dirt cheap so expenses of items are not too high.

After boarding a flight from Pattaya. I landed in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia bit nervous reason being what if there were any last minute surprises. I stood in the line waiting for my turn to come. There was a counter for visa on arrival, to clear my doubts I cross checked with the representative. To my relief, he said just stand in line & get stamped.

Nervousness is always there be it. We are nervous about everything from standing in a queue to asking for a help. The best way I found out to calm the nerves is listening to music. Play some music to change the mindset. The tempo of songs can set up a mood.

I stood in a queue to waited for my turn. I handed over my passport. The guy asked me about the details of my stay & return. I replied with the answer. He checked my passport & stamped it in no time.

After collecting my passport, I went ahead with my plans.

So, as I mentioned the process is simple & hassle free. So, book your tickets & enjoy this place.

Have any doubts about the Indonesia visa process, you can contact me at [email protected]. I would be more than happy to help you.

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“Between saying & thinking most of our life is spent; don’t be that person :P”

First Impression of Bangkok

April 7, 2017October 9, 2018 AnandPatel

Tourism is one of the most important factors which contribute to Thailand’s economy. Traveling to Thailand has entered on the bucket list of thousands of travellers. One of the reasons of attracting travelers from India is its affordability & VOA (Visa On Arrival). The process is simple & cheap thus lots of Indians chose Thailand for their holidays & honeymoons. I went to Bangkok & Pattaya for 4 days on a solo trip & here is my first impression of Bangkok.

Arriving at Bangkok airport: First thing first, applied for Bangkok visa on arrival. It is a very simple process. For me, it took approx 20 mins to complete the entire process. However, during the rush period, it takes more than 2 hours of time as well.

The moment I stepped outside the Airport. The city engaged me with its charm & vibe. The best way to explore a city is by living like a locale; use public transport, eat on streets etc etc.

Human Interactions:

People of Bangkok were really very nice. They were helpful in every best way possible. From helping me understand the currencies to board the buses, they helped me everywhere. Best cities have best people to support them & Bangkok is one such example.I was traveling by bus & asked a fellow passenger to inform me when to get down, the lady was super sweet & helped me to get down at my designated destination. She also helped me in deciphering the currency. One more incident that showed the generosity of Thai people was like this.

I was searching for my home stay in Pattaya, it was hot & humid & I walked for at least an hour to find my hostel. But, I was not able to locate the address.Tired of walking, I stopped at one shop.

The shop owners asked me “What happened?”.

I said “I am lost”.

They were generous enough to call that homeowner thrice to locate the house. So, from whatever experience I had; I felt that they were super sweet to me.

Infrastructure

The city has a beautiful infrastructure & fantastic public transport system. It is easy to get around the place. Taxis are equipped with meters to avoid any inconvenience. Police are active in Bangkok & it is very easy to locate their car while on routes. But, I don’t think you will every require it. I certainly hope; that you don’t ever require it :D.

Culture:

Bangkok is a proper backpackers place. You can wear shorts & travel to most to the places & local people will hardly roll their eyes. Every place you visit, there will be some traveler accompanying you.

Once I went to China Town for a trip, I was hungry so ordered a plate of noodles & specifically told the lady to “prepare a veg noodle”. The lady didn’t know the English; hence it was difficult to communicate with her. However, seeing the lady in a problem; a local girl came to her help & told her what needs to be done.

I guess helping others is engraved in their nature.It doesn’t feel like you are traveling to a different place if you meet such helpful peoples. It is refreshing to see the energy of the city. The moment you land on the airport the pain of traveling long hours just vanishes. It is such experience which can not be captured in any amount of words.It is refreshing to see the energy of the city.

Activities:

Places in Bangkok doesn’t disappoint you a bit. It is very easy to see the pics & get excited but by the time you reach the place is opposite of what you expected (Filters effect). But, Bangkok was the opposite, the places were exorbitant beautiful. I only covered places which grabbed my attention. It is better to cover few places completely than covering all the places. One activity which needs to checked is the adult shows. Adult shows are one of the most sought of activities in Bangkok & also the most duped ones. It is better to check the place before entering these places. There are lots of stories of people getting duped here.

Overall, I would suggest everyone, to visit this place, the place is amazing; especially the Khao San Road. It is on the list of every travelers & tourist. The place gets insanely happening after the midnight. The crowd dancing to beats without any reason is epic to watch. I spent two nights there & loved every bit of it.

One thing that I loved was canal rides in speed boats. It was one of the very rare experiences for me from this trip. Just stand at the front & experience cities skyline like a movie star.

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Is Bangkok Safe To Travel Solo

March 31, 2017October 9, 2018 AnandPatel4 Comments

Bangkok attracts thousands of crowds every year & each year the number of tourists visiting this country is growing. But, a question arises in everyone’s mind.

Is Bangkok Safe For Solo Travelers?

Safety is a foremost issue which needs to be catered while traveling. It becomes much more important if traveling solo. Solo traveling has its own drawbacks & one of them is being self-dependant all the time. Late night strolls, partying at pubs & traveling to unknown locations certainly becomes unrealistic.

Like everyone, I too had a doubt of traveling solo. My first solo trip to China was a happy affair & I had the same feeling while traveling to Bangkok.

So, what can be done to ensure solo traveling is safe?

Foremost thing one can do is to read about the places beforehand. Always read about the place before going, it not only boosts confidence but also familiarizes you with the place. I read about Bangkok through various blogs & never crossed any negative reviews about the same. Most of the travelers shared their happy stories. After reading positive reviews I had a no doubt in my mind about the place.

One important part is to wear a smile while talking to people. It has a positive impact on the peoples. A smiling face is welcomed in a much warmer way. So, never forget to smile. Also, always appreciate the efforts of others by saying “Thank You” for their services.

My trip to Bangkok & Pattaya was a very safe & overwhelming experience. Bangkok is a very friendly city & people are generally very helpful to every extent possible. It was very overwhelming to see the warmness with which they greet the travelers. During my stay, I was helped by roadside shop owners, bus conductors & locals.

Bangkok doesn’t have anything alarming about it. But, keeping yourself safe & sound is necessary even in the safest of the places. There were few observations from my side which I encountered during my travel.

Careful on TukTuk Drive: TukTuk Drive is a very lucrative mode of transportation. A vehicle which can accommodate 4 to 5 people with ease just attracts you towards it. But, before boarding; make sure you ask for the rates. Clear everything before boarding, if you don’t want any last minute surprises. There are lots of Tuk Tuk Drivers who charged more than they should have. In my opinion, avoid riding TukTuk without knowing the price; no matter how short the distance is. I have heard stories of fellow travelers who were conned to pay extra by Tuk Tuk drivers because they did not check the prices before availing the ride.

The most famous activity of Bangkok is adult shows. But, it is also one of the suspicious ones. I got to know about this, through one hostel guy. The guys went to a show which was supposed to cost THB 250. But, they had to pay thousands of THB before leaving the premises that too without any major expenses. After hearing their story, I preferred to refrain from these sort of activities. Avoiding such activities could save fortunes of money for you. If you are too eager to one of such shows check with some local guys about the authenticity of the place & then go ahead. Better to be safe than sorry.

Traveling at the night was a safe affair for me. But, being careful is an important criterion to be on a safer side. I mainly used public transport & always cross checked with fellow commuters if I am going to the right destination. It is better to clarify things like destination, fares etc to avoid any last minute surprises. I was pretty high one night & took a cab from metro station to Khao San road.The cab driver dropped me safely to my destination & without charging anything extra. I was lucky during my trip, but it could have been different. Avoiding awkward situation becomes a necessity in a foreign land. So, always be aware of surroundings.

Always keep your valuable with you or at some safe location pickpocketing or losing something valuables is not a very healthy sign. However, this goes for each & every place.

I enjoyed the place like anything & would suggest everyone visit this place at least once in their lifetime. Being a backpacker in this city is bliss, the vibe is amazing, the places are amazing. Just keep few points in mind, other than that the place is rocking. In my previous post, I have written about things to do in Bangkok. So, if you are still having any doubts just shot that thought pack your bags & just experience the place.

PS: Some western travelers stays in Bangkok for 6 months on a stretch.

Traveling helps to gain a new perspective & to learn things which are not taught in any books. So, travel in your 20’s when you are physically fit & low on responsibilities.

“Traveling is a drug; I am addicted to ;)”

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Bangkok On A Budget

March 24, 2017January 15, 2019 AnandPatel21 Comments

[spacer height=”20px”]Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. The place is on the list of every traveler. Throughout crowded with tourists & travelers, the buzz of this place is amazing. When traveling to this wonderful place; it is very easy to lose an account of money. I went for 4 days & spent around 15K INR inclusive of everything. The place is dirt cheap according to western traveler & I too feel the same. Here is my guide to cover Bangkok On A Budget.

I have covered 3 countries till now (out of India) under INR 1 Lac cumulatively. When I circulate this fact, their eyes pops out.

So the big question

How I managed to keep my expenses low?

This post is the guide for Bangkok on a budget. However, the main principles to save money while traveling remains the same for each & every place.

Let’s Start

Expenses are generally bifurcated into broad headings like flight tickets, Accommodations, Activities, Food & site seeing. Out of all these expenses, the major chunk of money goes into Flight tickets. If this factor is catered, then it is easy to manage other heads.

Flights: Here is the tip, a TO & FRO Flights cost less compared to two individual flights. The prices of tickets from India to Thailand has dropped dramatically. During offer, it is easy to find flight tickets at a price of INR 3.5 K one way. Yeah!!!! Just INR 7 K from India to Thailand. But usually, the offer is from one or two airports only. In my case, I chose Chennai for my departure. I got an offer of 5K INR from Chennai. Whereas, the same flight costs me approx. 11K INR from Mumbai. Thus, I traveled to Chennai via train & boarded a flight from Chennai. This way, I was able to cut down on my flight charges. The best place to find cheap tickets is SKYSCANNER.[spacer height=”20px”]

[spacer height=”20px”]Accommodation: Staying is another factor which can pull a major chunk of money. However, as Thailand is much cheaper than western countries &hence it is easy to find good accommodation at a cheap rate. Hostels price starts from as low as INR 150 & goes up to INR 1500 for a night. I booked a hostel through BOOKING.COM & stayed in one of the best hostels at the premium location of Khan Sao Road; at a cost of INR 250 per night. I prefer hostels for two reasons; one it costs very low & second it provides an opportunity to meet new people. I made several friends while staying at hostels.[spacer height=”20px”]

[spacer height=”20px”]Food: Being vegetarian it is difficult to survive outside India. One of the best ways to eat cheap & veg food is to have food on streets. I was able to eat noodles, rice, bread & butter, juices all on the street that to at the cheapest of prices. A price of noodle plate costs INR 40; whereas the same plate cost approx. INR 120 in some restaurants. There is not a major difference in the taste but there is surely a difference in prices. There is one departmental store in Bangkok which is 7 11. It is the best departmental store I came across ever. The place is open 24 * 7 & it offers everything on an MRP. Thus, no matter where you are, you can always find a good offer in this shop. This shop is located at every corner of Bangkok. So, the best way to have anything is from this shop only.[spacer height=”20px”]

[spacer height=”20px”]Public Transport: Bangkok has a very efficient public transport system, buses, metro & waterway all have a decent connectivity. The buses run from each corner & connect major points in Bangkok. I traveled mostly through Buses & ferries. I liked ferries more as it was a nice change for me as it also gave a feeling of some movie. The prices of bus tickets are as low as INR 2.[spacer height=”20px”]

[spacer height=”20px”]Also, I have not done activities which do not excite me, I am a person who believes in experiences, so rather than doing everything; I just did the things which were interesting enough for me. This is a nice way to keep cost on a check.

All these techniques helped me to reduce price subsequently. If on a single trip one can save upto 40% of the trip cost (which is a huge cost); it is always a blessing. There will be many people who will be against such thinking, but it is ok. I am here to share my stories ;).

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Top Things To Do In Bangkok

March 17, 2017December 23, 2018 AnandPatel

Thailand is a fantastic place to be in. A true backpackers paradise, on the out-sight it is vibrant, colorful & fun loving. Crowded through the year with travelers, this place is surely on the list of everyone. I stayed for 4 days in Bangkok & Pattaya. It was a great trip, I loved the culture, the ambiance, the energy & the feel of the city. This place needs to be visited at least once in a lifetime.

So, What are the things to do in Bangkok?

Here is my take on the world’s backpackers capital & my guide of things to do in Bangkok.

*) Khao San Road: No matter from which place you come, this place is a must visit place in Bangkok. The road is famous for its roadside cafes, bars & never-ending party nights. This place is vibrant & lively. From roadside eateries to decent restaurants everything can be found here. The place is decent until 11 pm in the night. But after that, it is just a madhouse. By 12 this place is jam-packed with peoples. High music & vibrant environment is hard to be ignored & if you are YOUNG, WILD & FREE; this is THE PLACE FOR YOU. Scorpions are available like a Kabab’s 😛

*) Nana Plaza: Nana Plaza is another prime attraction of Bangkok. A red light area. The place gives a glimpse of everything :D. There are different types of outlets depending upon interests. It is visited by almost every tourist. The nights are lively & eventful.

*) China Town: Chinese have made a place for themselves in most of the cities. The place to find cheap & affordable collectibles. Known for shopping, one can find good products here. One way to cover this place is through the cycle, but I did it on foot.Food is also one of the specialties of this place. Try street food here; it’s amazing.

*) Floating Market: One of the most promoted activities in Bangkok. It is astonishing to see all the selling done on the boat; it is good for the first time. I did not find it interesting enough. However, it is very famous among western tourists. The cost of the boat is higher comparatively, but it is expected considering the hype of the place & amount of tourism it attracts.

*) Temples: Bangkok is mainly a Buddhist country. Every place there is temples of Buddha. I am from India, hence had a little interest for the temples. However, for western travelers, it is a good attraction. The Grand Palace is one of the main temples in Bangkok. The place can be reached through waterways as well as through road.

Spa:

After roaming around the places, one is always up for some refreshments & in Bangkok, there are plenty of Spa & Massage centers. Nothing best than ending your day with a perfect spa & massage. There is a service provider named Riwigo; which offer best services at discounted rates. When in Bangkok book an appointment through Riwigo & enjoy some leisure time.

This is my views of things to do in Bangkok. However, Bangkok is not all about all these; there are many other attraction like MBK (A shopping paradise for Bangkok peoples) , Wax Museum, Ayuthaya Ruins ( A city of ruins), Tiger Safari ( A place to get photo with big Cats, I chose to skip this after seeing one documentary about how owner teased big cats; It saddened my heart hence chose to skip this), Elephant Safari ( Elephant is respected in whole of a Thailand, There is safari of the same).

So, It depends on what you like, there are so many things to do in Bangkok. I stayed for 4 days but should have stayed more. But, it is the beauty of traveling, it is difficult to cover everything at a single point in time. However, I loved the experience of the city & would definitely visit it again.

Other than places, there is a factor which adds to the flavor of Bangkok is the COST. South East Asia is considered as one of the cheapest places for a holiday. On average, per day cost works out to be INR 500 (less than $10). So, no doubt why this place is topping the chart in tourism.

This is my suggestions on top things to do in Bangkok.

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