Thailand forum

hey fix,

unless there is a specific place you want to stay, it usually isn't necessary to book your room ahead of time. there are a few times of the year where booking ahead is a good idea, like around new year's or certain Thai holidays, but that doesn't apply to your schedule so you should be okay.

i typically don't book ahead except for maybe the first night or two arriving in a big city (like Bangkok) and, like i said above, if there is a specific place i really want to stay. otherwise, just have an idea of two or three places that sound decent (hopefully not too far apart) and give them a look when you arrive. the smaller the city, the easier it usually is to find something decent within your price range. you'll also find that quite a few places - and particularly the less expensive ones - don't take reservations anyway.

finally, i think i have only stayed in a hostel one time in Thailand. hostels and hostel-style dorm rooms are available, but you can usually find a good room with private bath and maybe even aircon and cable TV in Thailand for less than a dorm bed elsewhere. cheers.

Fixman, no need to pre-book rooms. Every place in Thailand which draws tourists has tons of cheap and mid-range rooms, guesthouses, bungalows, etc many of which don't appear on any website and can't be pre-booked anyway. I'd only be pre-booking if it was my honeymoon or other short-term package where a higher standard of comfort is required. Budget backpackers meanwhile can just wing it, leave your agenda more flexible (half the fun!)

agree no need to book ahead just turn up we did this loads in high season and only struggled once when we landed at phuket town at 10pm! plus might get a better deal if you shop around