Just having read another post here - obscene amounts of money are being mentioned for hoidaying in LOS I thought it was about time for this thread - I'll start with the most important ones, then maybe others would like to add their own experiences - prices mentioned applly to beach areas such as Phuket, Krabi, Samui etc = can't speak about Pattaya though - never been!

Maybe useful for long holidays or those who fancy living in LOS - of course if you want to live it up for two weeks in style ignore below

House/ Bungalow rental - 7 to 10000/month
+ electric 250, water 30/month approx
(similar rates can often be negotiated in guesthouses)


Motorbike rental - 2 to 3000/month

Laundry Service - 5 to 700/person/month - unlimited

Drinking Water - 10 baht/4? gallon bottle
(+ 1 time 100 deposit for plastic bottle

There are many other stupid things which can add up to a fortune if you are not careful - I for example drink lots of coffee in the day = a kettle for 400 is a sound investment rather than 30 baht a cup ( you can always sell or donate when you go home)

Plus if you are thinking of living in LOS for a while, buy motorbike etc instead of renting - it will pay for itself in a year & you can still sell it later. Remember there is also always someone selling all their wordly goods(usually very cheaply) either because they are skint or heading home.

Some also mentoned plans for holidays in June/July = remember Phuket etc are low season - everything is much cheaper then - even restaurants offer discounts up to 20%

I lived on Koh Samui for 2 years and brought a Honda Sonic 125cc (about a year old when i got it) and sold it 2 years later for the same price, So have look about before renting a bike if your planning to stay a while.

Cheers Mark.

When Sumol and I are in Thailand we mostly eat at the street vendor stalls which provide some fantastic dishes, when you find the right ones. (Always leave the selection to the wife). These stalls are so cheap it is unbelievable.

This leaves us a lot more money to pay for our nights out and excursions.

Living in your own home whilst there also saves money.