Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Ayutthaya

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared facilities

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Street food stalls, local markets, small family-run eateries, convenience store meals

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public buses, walking, bicycle rentals, occasional tuk-tuks for short distances

Activities

$5-15 per day

Temple visits, self-guided historical park exploration, free walking tours, cycling around ruins

Eat at local markets and street stalls instead of tourist restaurant areas (typically 60-70% cheaper)

Use public buses and walk between nearby temples rather than taking tuk-tuks everywhere (saves 70-80% on transport)

Visit temples and ruins independently rather than booking guided tours (saves $20-40 per day)

Stay in accommodations slightly outside the main historical park area (typically 30-50% cheaper)

Buy snacks and drinks from local shops instead of tourist areas (usually 50-60% less expensive)

Rent a bicycle for temple-hopping instead of hiring transport (saves $15-25 per day)

Book accommodation directly with properties rather than through booking sites to avoid commission fees

Taking tuk-tuks for every short journey instead of walking or cycling (can triple your transport costs)

Eating only in restaurants near major tourist temples (typically 100-150% markup over local areas)

Booking last-minute accommodation during peak season without comparing options (often 40-60% more expensive)

Paying for guided tours of every temple instead of exploring independently with a guidebook (unnecessary expense of $30-50 per day)