For some travelers, having alcohol in your room is not only convenient but also a cost saving measure. Mini bar prices are often highly inflated as a result of the convenience factor and drinks at the pool bar are always sold at a premium.
You will have an opportunity to buy duty free alcohol at departure in most airports, although be mindful that there is a limit on how much you can take into other countries, for example, Thailand allows just one litre of spirits.
You may find yourself in Patong, the most popular holiday destination in Phuket, or Bangkok looking for a shop to buy spirits for a reasonable price.
I have recently encountered this issue and have a plan to share with you that helped me solve this problem.
Patong Phuket
After checking numerous Family Marts and 7 Elevens for a 1 litre bottle of Jack Daniels, I started searching online for a liquor store.
I found one close to my hotel and organized a tuk tuk to ferry me to the destination. The driver offered to take me there for 200 Baht ($15 Aud). I counter offered 150 Baht and argued it was only an 8 minute drive. The driver accepted and drove me to Patong Whisky and I purchased 1 litre of jack Daniels for 1,535 Baht.
Directions (Click Here)
Bangkok
Bangkok is quite large and easy to get lost in. Similar to Patong, convenience stores don’t sell a wide range of alcohol and the spirits they do sell are listed at inflated prices. if you want to find a large selection of alcohol in Bangkok, go to the Emporium Wine Cellar in The Emporium Shopping Centre.
Directions (Click Here)
Metered taxis are cost effective way to get around Bangkok. A 40 minute walk can be reduced to a 15 minute drive costing 50 Baht ($2 Aud). The metered taxis charge per kilometer so don’t worry if there is a lot of traffic.
For me this is an extremely low price and I value this service more than $2. I often tip the taxi driver 50 Baht because that amount doesn’t mean much to me but it can make a big difference to a person on a minimum wage in Thailand.
Don’t worry, if you are on a strict budget, the taxi drivers don’t expect a tip and they are happy for your business regardless.
Drinking at your hotel
Most hotels I have visited have signs saying you can’t bring alcohol to the rooftop pool area. My experience with these rules is that they are not strictly enforced. I was able to take alcohol to the rooftop pools without any issue. My plan was to plead ignorance and apologize for breaking the rules if I was caught. If you can avoid buying alcohol from the hotel bar you can save up to 50%.
Where to buy alcohol in Pattaya coming soon!