10 DO-IT-YOURSELF THAILAND: 4D/4N TRIP ITINERARY AND EXPENSES

Initially our plan is to do Thailand-Laos backpacking since I guess it is now becoming mainstream when going out of the country. As they say, hitting two birds in one stone.

However it ended up just Thailand and decided to visit the nearest province as replacement to Laos. We know Thailand is one of the most favorite places to visit in the world. Like the Philippines, people here are friendly and have the purest smile of happiness. And of course, the cost of living is affordable.

Here are the full details of travel itinerary and estimated expenses. I don’t feel like calling it as suggested itinerary but rather I’d like to call it sharing our trip itinerary and expense. It's up to you how you make your own but you can use this as reference for your do-it-yourself.

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1:

We arrived at Suvanabhumi Airport past 12MN and checked in at the hotel near Petchaburi Road around 2AM. After all the papers processed at the hotel lobby, we found ourselves deeply asleep while snoring. We were so drained flying from Manila for almost for hours.

I have set my alarm to 8AM to catch breakfast at the hotel. We need to have the full energy to start our first day in Thailand.

8:00 AM	Call time – Prepare for breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 AM	Depart to Grand Palace Take the BTS from Phayathai to Siam (Bearing End). Interchange to Sathorn/Saphan Taksin/Central Pier (Wong Wian Yai end). Take the boat with Orange or Green Flag and alight at Tha Chang (Pier N9).
12 Noon	Lunch
1:00 PM	Visit Wat Pho (right behind the Grand Palace)
3:00 PM	Visit Wat Arun (short walk towards Tha Tien Pier N8) by crossing the river.
4:00 PM	Head to Asiatique Riverfront. From Central Pier, take the free shuttle boat.
6:00 PM	Explore Silom Road/Pat Pong From Sathorn/Saphan Taksin/Central Pier, take the BTS to Sala  Daeng (National Stadium end).
9:00 PM	Head back to hotel.
EOD	Return to the hotel for a good night rest.

DAY 2:

Woke up early for another hotel breakfast and scheduled to depart at 9AM en route to Pattaya. This is one of the most famous beach roads in Thailand which is about 2 hours away from downtown City. After our cramped ride from Minibus, we arrived at the beach city past 12 NN. Since we do not have the hotel to stay yet, we decided to walk on the beach road searching for affordable inn. We were positive that we can find one because Pattaya is one of the most visited places in Thailand for some beach bumming and of course, life afterdark. XD

When everything was settled, we found ourselves sitting at the beachfront watching the sunset while drinking beer. Although we drink discreetly because it was holiday when we arrived and we don’t know about it that drinking or any kind of partying is not allowed. But it was still relaxing!

9:00 AM	Depart for Pattaya Take the cab/BTS from Phayathai to Victory Monument. After which, take  the van from Victory Monument to Pattaya.
12 Noon	Lunch – Arrival to Pattaya Look for accommodation.
1 PM	Free Time – Lounge at the beach, drink and party. Optional – Island hop to Koh Larn.

DAY 3:

Scheduled to depart in downtown Bangkok but we still have the morning time to go around Pattaya City. We actually decided to swim by the beach early morning but ‘twas low tide. That’s why we ended swimming at hotel pool located at the rooftop. Perfect point indeed with overview of the whole Pattaya City.

We left the beach City around 11AM.

After 2 hours of bus ride we arrived in Ekkamai terminal, near Ekkamai BTS Station. And instead of going back to hotel, we decided to go straight to Chatuchak, the biggest weekend market in Thailand to buy souvenirs and explore the place with the most affordable items.

After two hours of rambling at the market, bought some souvenir items for friends and loved ones back home, we decided to go back to hotel for a needed rest. We have things to do still at night.

By 6PM, with only two hours rest, we decided to explore Khao San Road. We needed to have a quick break with beer session plus food trip. There we found ourselves hanging out with other foreign visitors and intermingling with the locals. 

8:00 AM	Breakfast and prepare for departure to BKK
11:00 AM	Depart to BKK
1:30 PM	Arrival in BKK Lunch Time Hotel Check-in – Pratunam Pavilion Hotel
2:00 PM	Chatuchak Weekend Market Take BTS from Pratunam to Mo Chit Station (Sukhimvit Line)
4:00 PM	Head back to Hotel
6:00 PM	Depart for Khao San Road

DAY 4:

Our last day in Thailand! Whoa I hate to say goodbye but yes, my piglets are waiting for me back home. We woke up early to visit the famous Terminal 21 Mall in Bangkok. This mall is situated near Asok BTS Station, and what make this mall unique to others? It’s the world’s mall, not because this is the biggest but each floor has a unique theme with the famous cities in the world. Though the prices are not really affordable but yet you gonna feel arriving and departing around the globe at the same place.

Next, we headed to Platinum Fashion Mall.

This mall is situated near Petchaburi where we stayed. Platinum Fashion Mall has the variety of different items, from clothing, to shoes, men and women’s apparel. Any-thing! Prices are affordable; it’s within your budget so I guess I spent all my money left buying clothes and other items. The entire 6th floor as well occupies the food center, so if you wish to crave an authentic Thai cuisine, you can also find it here. 

8:00 AM	Hunt for Brekky
9:00 AM	Terminal 21 Mall to shop for Pasalubong
12 Noon	Lunch
1:00 PM	Platinum Fashion Mall/Pantip Plaza IT Mall Free shuttle from hotel.
3:00 PM	Head back to hotel and prepare for the flight back.
6:00 PM	Early Dinner (Pratunam Area)
7:00 PM	Depart to Airport
12:00 AM	Flight back to Manila

EXPENSES:

I hope my memory serves me right. Please see below figures for the expenses during our tour in Thailand. First figure is fixed price. Second figure is the estimated expenses for transportation, food, drinks, and souvenir items. During our tour, exchange rate was 1 PHP = 1.36 THB but I converted it to 1.50 THB so the excess will be mine an additional money for souvenirs.

ACTIVITY	THB	PHP
Airfare (Cebu Pacific promo fare roundtrip)		3,800.25
Taxi from Airport to Hotel (400THB/3 persons)	133.00	200.00
Hotel Bangkok 2nights	1,200.00	1,800.00
Minivan going to Pattaya	100.00	150.00
Hotel Pattaya 1 night	700.00	1,050.00
Bus from Pattaya back to Bangkok	124.00	186.00
Hotel Bangkok 1 night	600.00	900.00
Rabbit Card for BTS Transportation	300.00	450.00
Wat Pho Temple	100.00	150.00
TOTAL		8,686.25 PHP

ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE (ESTIMATED ONLY)	THB	PHP
Transportation	1,000	1,500
Food/Beer	1,000 – 1,500	1,500 - 2,250
Souvenir Items	1,600	2,400
TOTAL:		6,150.00 PHP
OVERALL TOTAL:		14,836.25 PHP

I hope by sharing our DIY would help you plan and execute your trip to Thailand. You have something to comment or suggest, appreciate if you would post it in the comment section.