Is it cheaper to fly or take the bus?

Buses and trains are almost always cheaper, especially when you factor in the money saved on a night of accommodation.

How much should I tip?

Tipping is not culturally required in Thailand. Rounding up to the nearest 20 baht for good service is appreciated but never expected.

Thailand on a backpacker budget

To travel Thailand on a backpacker budget, plan to spend $35–$45 per day. Prioritize street food, local trains or overnight buses for travel, and dorm-style hostels in the $10–$15 range to keep costs low.

Book transport in advance. Use 12Go.asia to compare prices for trains, buses, and ferries. Booking a second-class sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is significantly cheaper than flying and saves you the cost of one night in a hostel.
Eat like a local. Avoid 'tourist' restaurants. Stick to street food stalls or food courts in shopping malls (like Terminal 21 in Bangkok). A meal should cost between $1.50 and $3.00. Drink bottled water or use refill stations, not hotel-provided minis.
Master public transit. Avoid tuk-tuks in major cities; they are often overpriced for tourists. Use the MRT/BTS in Bangkok, the Grab app for transparent ride-sharing prices, and Songthaews (red trucks) in Chiang Mai for $0.60 rides.
Choose your islands wisely. Skip the expensive private islands. Head to mainland coastal areas like Krabi or Koh Phangan during the shoulder season (May–June) when accommodation prices drop by 30-40%.

Is it cheaper to fly or take the bus?: Buses and trains are almost always cheaper, especially when you factor in the money saved on a night of accommodation.
How much should I tip?: Tipping is not culturally required in Thailand. Rounding up to the nearest 20 baht for good service is appreciated but never expected.