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How to Book a Trip to Thailand

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Thailand

Plan your November escape to Bangkok and the islands by spreading the cost over fifteen months without interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $3,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $213.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $3,200 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

November is when Thailand finally cools down. The rain stops, the humidity drops, and the night markets in Bangkok actually feel pleasant. You can spend your days island-hopping in the south or eating your way through Chiang Mai. It is the peak time to go for a reason.

A trip like this usually runs about $3200 once you factor in flights and stays. We can handle that cost by using the Discover it® Cash Back (Discover). It offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, which lets you pay for the trip in smaller pieces while you are already back home.

This plan only works if you pay the full balance before the 15 months are up. If you still owe money after that window, the standard interest rate kicks in on whatever is left, making your trip much more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your region

    Decide between the Gulf of Thailand or the Andaman Sea. In November, the west coast like Phuket or Krabi usually has better weather. Stick to one side to save on local flight costs and travel time.

  2. 02

    Track flight prices

    Set up alerts for Bangkok or Phuket three to four months out. Look for mid-week departures to shave a few hundred dollars off the total. Booking early keeps the monthly payments predictable.

  3. 03

    Use the 15-month window

    Put the big expenses on your Discover it® Cash Back (Discover). Since it has a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, you can divide that $3200 into 15 payments of $213.33. This keeps you from draining your savings all at once.

  4. 04

    Book small-scale stays

    Skip the massive international chains. Boutique hotels and local guesthouses in Thailand offer better service for a fraction of the price. You get a more authentic feel for the neighborhood without the resort fees.

  5. 05

    Bring a backup card

    Thailand is still a cash-heavy society for street food and markets. Use your card for the hotels and flights, but keep a debit card handy for the ATMs. Just watch out for the local machine fees.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

When is the best time to visit Thailand?

November to February is the dry season. The weather is cooler and you avoid the monsoon rains that can ruin beach days.

Is Thailand expensive for travelers?

The flight is the biggest cost. Once you arrive, food and transport are very cheap compared to the US, though high-end resorts still charge Western prices.

Does Discover work in Thailand?

It is accepted in many major hotels and malls, but not everywhere. It runs on the UnionPay network there, so look for that logo at the register.

What is 0% intro APR?

It means the bank does not charge you interest on your purchases for a set time. It is a tool to delay payment, not a discount on the actual price.