Explore beautiful beaches on a budget trip in Thailand. Picture: Pexels
Thailand has scrapped the planned THB300 (R150) tourism fee for international air travellers.
According to travel management company, Flight Centre South Africa, the government hopes this decision will encourage more spending in other sectors and boost the local economy.
Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa said that Thailand remained a firm favourite holiday choice, and was in the top three international destinations that South Africans travelled to in 2023, with bookings increasing by a staggering 108% compared to 2022.
“The South African rand is significantly stronger than the Thai baht and there’s no visa required for stays of up to 30 days. This makes Thailand an affordable and convenient destination, with the perfect mix of sun, sightseeing, and culture,” she said.
Since the government has ditched the idea of the tourism fee, travellers have an extra R150 to spend on a Thai holiday.
Here are seven things to do with the extra change on a Thai visit.
Visit Erawan National Park
Located in the Kanchanaburi Province in western Thailand, this national park is best known for its Erawan Falls, a seven-tiered waterfall with emerald-green pools.
It also has several caves, some deeper in the park and some accessible by road, and forests full of wildlife including crab-eating macaques, wild boars, barking deer, gibbons, and approximately 120 bird species.
Entrance to the park is is 300 baht (R150) for adults and 150 baht (R75) for children, and you can rent a motorbike or a car for an extra 20 or 30 baht (R10 – R15), respectively.
Explore the ruins of Ayutthaya Historical Park
Once the capital of the Siamese Kingdom, Ayutthaya, a few kilometres north of Bangkok, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive ruins of temples, palaces, and statues.
Entrance to the park is free but some temples charge around 50 baht (R25) separately for entrance.
Since the complex is so big, consider renting a bicycle from one of the locations inside the park for between 50 and 100 baht (R25 – R50) for the day.
Take a Muay Thai class
Why not learn the basics of this traditional Thai martial art in a local gym? Classes and private lessons typically cost around 300 – 700 baht (R150 – R350) and are a great way to get a workout while experiencing Thai culture.
You usually don’t need any previous martial arts experience and many Thai trainers welcome children too.
Get a Thai massage
Thai massage incorporates elements of yoga, acupressure, and assisted stretching – the perfect way to get rid of pent-up tension.
You definitely won’t struggle to find a spa offering an hour-long Thai massage in the realm of 300 baht (R150). Just be sure to do your research before booking – not all spas are created equal!
Spend a morning at the Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
This spectacular white temple is unlike any other you’ll find in Thailand. Located just a few kilometres southwest of Chiang Rai town, it has an all-white exterior with glass mosaics that glitter in the sun.
The temple’s colour is believed to represent Buddha’s purity and wisdom and was designed by famous Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat – in fact, it’s still under construction, with a total of nine buildings planned.
Entrance costs just 50 baht (R25) for both adults and children, and there are souvenirs, coffee, and snacks available on the grounds.
Explore the Tham Lod Cave
You’ll find this cave just a few kilometres outside of Pang Mapha town. Here, you’ll admire impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, meet thousands of bats (it’s best to plan your visit for the late afternoon to watch them swooping out of the caves), and adventure through three main caverns on board a bamboo raft.
Keep an eye out for the ancient teakwood coffins carved by the Lawa tribespeople.
You can book a guide with a lantern for groups of up to three people for just 150 baht (R75), and a bamboo raft from just 300 baht (R150).
Visit the Doi Inthanon National Park
And finally, located in northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai Province, Doi Inthanon National Park is home to the country’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon Mountain, the iconic Two Chedis, as well as over 500 bird species, various bats, and the endemic Chiang Mai newt.
It also offers several waterfalls with the best flow from May to November, viewpoints for sunrise/sunset watching, the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail (closed June-October), and remote villages – and you definitely don’t want to miss the Siamese sakura blossoms in late January/early February.
Entrance is 300 baht (R150) per person and an extra 100 baht (R50) if you’d like to visit the Two Chedis.
“Remember to explore Thailand packages for much bigger savings on your trip – many of these deals include ‘fly and stay’ offers with ‘bonus’ nights from as little as R17,480 per person for a week-long holiday.
“There’s no doubt that a Thailand getaway can be an absolute steal, especially if booking at least three months in advance,” said Turner.