Posted 25 Sep 2009

Adventurers counting their pennies for a gap year in Thailand could find that their expenses do not run up too far during a visit to the country’s bustling capital Bangkok.

A survey conducted by Virgin Money Travel Insurance found that Bangkok is the cheapest major city frequented by travellers in terms of getting around, renting accommodation and eating, but excluded the cost of flights.

Dublin appeared in second place, while Prague, Stockholm and Sydney came in third, fourth and fifth respectively.

At the other end of the spectrum, however, New York, Milan and Moscow were deemed to be locations that place particular strain on a travellers’ pocket.

"While going further afield might feel more expensive, tourists can recoup a lot of extra expense because of the value for money in cities once you arrive," explained Grant Bather from Virgin Money Travel Insurance.

Another place those on a gap year in Thailand may want to visit along the way is the sleepy village of Fark Ta in Uttaradit, where 38-year-old Suang Puangsri has been attracting visitors from afar.

The former street food seller currently resides in a house with around 4,600 scorpions.

Category: Asia