tour cost of thailand

• Travel Planning Guide

The Prices of Tours to Thailand

• Package Tour Options
• Typical Tour Costs
• The Best Tours
• Budget Tours
• Luxury Tours
• Three-Day Tours
• Other Types of Tours

Are group tours to Thailand worth it?

Is a group tour cheaper than solo travel to thailand.

• Group Tours vs. Indepenent Travel in Thailand

How far in advance should I book my tour to Thailand?

How many people are in group tours to thailand, how much time do i need for a group tour to thailand.

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You'll be surprised at the array of tours in Thailand, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.59 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 18 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 9 days, with tours ranging from 2 to 29 days long. For physical activity , you'll find tours classified as easy, moderate, relaxing, serious, and heart-pumping, with most of them being easy. And for travel styles , you can choose between family, romantic, and honeymoon, with most of them being family. With our thorough analysis of 387 tours, we've found the best. So rest assured that Thailand has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

• The length of tours range from 2 to 29 days.
• The maximum group size of tours range from 4 to 99 people.

The tour packages are also categorized as follows:

• Moderate (58)
• Relaxing (37)
• Serious (14)
• Heart-pumping (1)
• Coach / Bus (9)
• Family (237)
• Romantic (2)
• Honeymoon (2)
• Tours Available 387
• Average Rating 4.59
• Average Group Size 18
• See More See Tours in Thailand

How much do organized tour packages to Thailand cost? Are tours expensive?

Looking at the entire list of available tours, there's a world of exciting options for travelers. Considering the financial aspect, the average daily price for tours in Thailand stands at a surprisingly affordable $174 per day . Analyzing the comprehensive data gathered from 387 tours, the overall average cost of all tours is calculated to be $1,765 . Delving further into the pricing details, the cheapest tour starts at an attractive $55, while the most luxurious experience tops out at an impressive $5,471. So, whether you're looking for a wallet-friendly adventure or aiming to pamper yourself with opulence, Thailand boasts an array of tours that cater to diverse preferences and ensure an unforgettable experience.

• Tours to Thailand range in price from $55 to $5,471, based on data from 387 tours.

How much should I pay for a tour through Thailand?

This table shows the range of guided, organized, and all-inclusive tour prices that visit, start in, or end in Thailand. If you're trying to figure out how much you should pay for an organized tour, this table breaks down the costs by price range.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. Price costs can also vary by group size, amenities offered, transportation type, promotional sale prices, and addons not inlcuded in the base prices.)

Prices for the Best Tours to Thailand

What are Thailand's top rated tour packages? And how much do they cost? These tours are the highest rated tours by previous guests.

Looking at just the highest rated tours (the top 25%), the array of tour options available in Thailand is diverse. The average daily price for the highest-rated tours stands at a very reasonable $152 per day . Drawing from an extensive analysis of 97 tours, we've determined that the overall average cost of all tours is a modest $1,685 . It's worth noting that among these options, the cheapest tour can be enjoyed for as little as $55 per person, while those looking to splurge a bit more can opt for the most expensive tour at $4,238. The popularity of these tours speaks volumes, with an average guest rating of 4.93 out of 5 stars, showcasing the satisfaction and appreciation expressed by previous customers.

What are the best tours to Thailand?

These are the highest rated tours from previous customers.

Royal Thailand Experience - 6 Days

Backpacking thailand (21 days), total thailand (14 days), prices for the best budget tours to thailand.

By only looking at the budget category of tours, in Thailand you'll discover plenty of fantastic budget options. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised, as the average daily price in this category is an affordable $117 per day . Furthermore, the overall average cost of all tours stands at a reasonable $1,152 , based on data from 52 available tour options. Now, for the overall price range: the cheapest tour available comes in at a pocket-friendly $55, while the most luxurious option reaches a maximum of $3,131. What's more, visitors can rest assured that these tours are well liked, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.64 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore Thailand and embark on an unforgettable journey that will make the memories of a lifetime.

What are the best budget tours to Thailand?

Exotic thailand in 13 days - bangkok / kanchanaburi /…, marvelous northern thailand in 8 days - kanchanaburi/ chiang rai…, ultimate thailand in 10 days - ayutthaya / khao sok…, 15+ bangkok highlight beach, river wai, biking, kayak, prices for the best luxury tours to thailand.

Looking at just the luxury tours, visitors will find a wide range of terrific options when choosing a tour to Thailand. The average daily price for luxury tours to Thailand is a remarkably economical $170 per day , with the overall average cost of all tours being $1,671 (based on data from 252 tours). The cheapest tour is $105, and the most expensive tour is $5,471. Also, visitors tend to love all of these tours because the average guest rating is 4.54 out of 5 stars.

What are the best luxury tours to Thailand?

Prices for the best 3-days or less tours to thailand.

Looking at only the 3-days or shorter tours, in Thailand you'll discover plenty of fantastic 3-day options. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised, as the average daily price in this category is an affordable $167 per day . Furthermore, the overall average cost of all tours stands at a reasonable $490 , based on data from 32 available tour options. Now, for the overall price range: the cheapest tour available comes in at a pocket-friendly $55, while the most luxurious option reaches a maximum of $1,029. What's more, visitors can rest assured that these tours are well liked, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.65 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore Thailand and embark on an unforgettable journey that will make the memories of a lifetime.

What are the best 3-days or shorter tours to Thailand?

3 day tuk tuk mountain adventure with driver, tuk tuk and hill tribe adventure - 3 days, phuket 3 day tropical beach and snorkeling adventure (private &…, back street of bangkok china town, prices for family tours to thailand.

When analyzing this category of tours, in Thailand you'll discover plenty of fantastic family options. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised, as the average daily price in this category is an affordable $178 per day . Furthermore, the overall average cost of all tours stands at a reasonable $1,700 , based on data from 237 available tour options. Now, for the overall price range: the cheapest tour available comes in at a pocket-friendly $55, while the most luxurious option reaches a maximum of $3,847. What's more, visitors can rest assured that these tours are well liked, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore Thailand and embark on an unforgettable journey that will make the memories of a lifetime.

What are the best family tours to Thailand?

Treasures of thailand 8 days - chiang mai to south,…, prices for in-depth cultural tours to thailand.

When we look at this type of tour, Thailand has you covered with an array of fantastic options. You'll be thrilled to know that the average daily price for in-depth cultural tours is a very economical $181 per day . Looking at the bigger picture, the overall average cost of all tours comes in at a reasonable $1,825 , based on data from 140 incredible options. The cheapest tour available is a great deal at just $80, while the most lavish option reaches up to $3,847. Rest assured, these tours have captured the hearts of visitors, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.58 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore Thailand and its amazing destination, and prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with awe-inspiring experiences.

What are the best in-depth cultural tours to Thailand?

Prices for active adventure tours to thailand.

For these tours, the array of tour options available in Thailand is diverse. The average daily price for active adventure tours stands at a very reasonable $169 per day . Drawing from an extensive analysis of 77 tours, we've determined that the overall average cost of all tours is a modest $1,737 . It's worth noting that among these options, the cheapest tour can be enjoyed for as little as $60 per person, while those looking to splurge a bit more can opt for the most expensive tour at $5,471. The popularity of these tours speaks volumes, with an average guest rating of 4.63 out of 5 stars, showcasing the satisfaction and appreciation expressed by previous customers.

What are the best active adventure tours to Thailand?

Andaman to gulf, small group tour, 11 day tuk tuk adventure in thailand - with driver, prices for historical tours to thailand.

When analyzing this category of tours, a wide range of terrific options in Thailand are offered. Based on data from 71 tours, the average daily price for historical tours to Thailand is a remarkably economical $180 per day , and the overall average total price is $1,655 . The cheapest tour is $105, and the most expensive tour is $4,820. Also, previous customers have mostly enjoyed these tours because the average guest rating is 4.41 out of 5 stars. If you're looking for a historical tour to Thailand, these are some terrific options.

What are the best historical tours to Thailand?

Classic thailand - west coast, prices for beach tours to thailand.

Looking at this type of tour, visitors will find a wide range of terrific options when choosing a tour to Thailand. The average daily price for beach tours to Thailand is a remarkably economical $138 per day , with the overall average cost of all tours being $1,635 (based on data from 62 tours). The cheapest tour is $164, and the most expensive tour is $4,239. Also, visitors tend to love all of these tours because the average guest rating is 4.53 out of 5 stars.

What are the best beach tours to Thailand?

South to north - 15 days, prices for sightseeing tours to thailand.

For this specific type of tour, a wide range of terrific options in Thailand are offered. Based on data from 24 tours, the average daily price for sightseeing tours to Thailand is a remarkably economical $167 per day , and the overall average total price is $1,626 . The cheapest tour is $329, and the most expensive tour is $4,239. Also, previous customers have mostly enjoyed these tours because the average guest rating is 4.65 out of 5 stars. If you're looking for a sightseeing tour to Thailand, these are some terrific options.

What are the best sightseeing tours to Thailand?

Tailor-made best thailand tour with phuket, daily departure, prices for island hopping tours to thailand.

When analyzing this category of tours, Thailand has you covered with an array of fantastic options. You'll be thrilled to know that the average daily price for island hopping tours is a very economical $109 per day . Looking at the bigger picture, the overall average cost of all tours comes in at a reasonable $1,349 , based on data from 15 incredible options. The cheapest tour available is a great deal at just $540, while the most lavish option reaches up to $2,039. Rest assured, these tours have captured the hearts of visitors, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.56 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore Thailand and its amazing destination, and prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with awe-inspiring experiences.

What are the best island hopping tours to Thailand?

Thailand island hopper - 9 days, thai island hopper west (standard, 8 days), prices for bicycle tours to thailand.

For just this category, the array of tour options available in Thailand is diverse. The average daily price for bicycle tours stands at a very reasonable $229 per day . Drawing from an extensive analysis of 14 tours, we've determined that the overall average cost of all tours is a modest $2,250 . It's worth noting that among these options, the cheapest tour can be enjoyed for as little as $1,190 per person, while those looking to splurge a bit more can opt for the most expensive tour at $3,695. The popularity of these tours speaks volumes, with an average guest rating of 4.57 out of 5 stars, showcasing the satisfaction and appreciation expressed by previous customers.

What are the best bicycle tours to Thailand?

Cycling chiang mai to bangkok, cycle southern thailand, prices for hiking & trekking tours to thailand.

Considering these specific tours, a wide range of terrific options in Thailand are offered. Based on data from 11 tours, the average daily price for hiking & trekking tours to Thailand is a remarkably economical $126 per day , and the overall average total price is $892 . The cheapest tour is $259, and the most expensive tour is $1,687. Also, previous customers have mostly enjoyed these tours because the average guest rating is 4.57 out of 5 stars. If you're looking for a hiking & trekking tour to Thailand, these are some terrific options.

What are the best hiking & trekking tours to Thailand?

Chiang mai temples, bikes & whitewater rafting, prices for coach / bus tours to thailand.

When we look at this type of tour, visitors will find a wide range of terrific options when choosing a tour to Thailand. The average daily price for coach / bus tours to Thailand is a remarkably economical $226 per day , with the overall average cost of all tours being $2,262 (based on data from 9 tours). The cheapest tour is $818, and the most expensive tour is $4,239. Also, visitors tend to love all of these tours because the average guest rating is 3.7 out of 5 stars.

What are the best coach / bus tours to Thailand?

Experience thailand 6 days, small group tour (english only), treasures of thailand 4 days, small group tour (english only), prices for sailing tours to thailand.

For this specific type of tour, Thailand has you covered with an array of fantastic options. You'll be thrilled to know that the average daily price for sailing tours is a very economical $285 per day . Looking at the bigger picture, the overall average cost of all tours comes in at a reasonable $1,769 , based on data from 9 incredible options. The cheapest tour available is a great deal at just $949, while the most lavish option reaches up to $4,766. Rest assured, these tours have captured the hearts of visitors, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore Thailand and its amazing destination, and prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with awe-inspiring experiences.

What are the best sailing tours to Thailand?

Sailing thailand - phuket to ko phi phi, phuket sailing adventure, prices for health, spa & wellness tours to thailand.

For these tours, in Thailand you'll discover plenty of fantastic health, spa & wellness options. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised, as the average daily price in this category is an affordable $208 per day . Furthermore, the overall average cost of all tours stands at a reasonable $1,731 , based on data from 5 available tour options. Now, for the overall price range: the cheapest tour available comes in at a pocket-friendly $426, while the most luxurious option reaches a maximum of $5,076. What's more, visitors can rest assured that these tours are well liked, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.25 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore Thailand and embark on an unforgettable journey that will make the memories of a lifetime.

What are the best health, spa & wellness tours to Thailand?

15 day natural detox with yoga, fitness & hiking, 8 day natural weight loss, fitness & yoga trip, prices for volunteering tours to thailand.

Looking at this type of tour, a wide range of terrific options in Thailand are offered. Based on data from 5 tours, the average daily price for volunteering tours to Thailand is a remarkably economical $99 per day , and the overall average total price is $1,583 . The cheapest tour is $969, and the most expensive tour is $2,795. Also, previous customers have mostly enjoyed these tours because the average guest rating is 4.9 out of 5 stars. If you're looking for a volunteering tour to Thailand, these are some terrific options.

What are the best volunteering tours to Thailand?

Hill tribes of northern thailand: environmental conservation, education, and elephant…, real thailand experience.

Crafting an independent journey in Thailand is an option, yet the country's unique planning challenges and intricate transportation options often mean that booking a tour is a more convenient choice. Given these considerations, many travelers find that booking a tour is a better choice. Entrusting travel professionals to manage transportation, lodgings, activities, and meals ensures a relaxing and enjoyable experience, allowing you to embrace the trip fully.

Depending on the tour's destinations, level of luxury, and length, tours in Thailand can sometimes be more affordable compared to independent travel. It's important to note that each tour and independent trip is unique, so it's not always fair to make a direct comparison of prices. Tour providers often offer comprehensive packages at competitive prices, which are usually on par with independently planned trips of similar luxury. The average daily cost of a package tour in Thailand is $174, but many tours are priced below this average. The price range for tours in Thailand varies from $55 to $5,471. When comparing these tour costs to independent travel, consider that guided organized tour packages generally include transportation, knowledgeable guides, accommodations, food, entrance tickets, and more. While it may be challenging to compare tours and independent travel for every individual, ensure you understand the inclusions of a tour package and thoroughly research the costs of independent travel in Thailand to make the best comparison for your needs.

Group Tours vs. Independent Travel in Thailand

When deciding how to travel in Thailand in 2024 or 2025, many travelers face the dilemma of choosing between organized tour packages or independent planning. The availability of enticing deals and discounts makes organized tour packages an appealing option. These packages typically offer comprehensive inclusions, encompassing accommodations, transportation, tickets, meals, and other travel essentials, thereby providing excellent value. Moreover, the presence of knowledgeable guides and the convenience of not having to plan every detail in advance contribute to the allure of guided tours. Conversely, independent travel offers the advantage of greater flexibility and control over one's itinerary, allowing for adjustments to schedules and budgets as necessary. Additionally, it facilitates a closer immersion into local cultures and the exploration of off-the-beaten-path destinations typically not covered by tour packages.

What are the benefits of a package tour to Thailand?

There are numerous benefits to choosing a tour for your travels. The convenience of planning cannot be overstated. With transportation, accommodations, and activities pre-arranged, you can simply relax and enjoy the journey. The hassle of finding suitable accommodations, planning logistics, and potentially missing out on key attractions is eliminated. Furthermore, most tour prices are all-inclusive, providing transparency and allowing you to budget accurately for your trip. By choosing a tour, you can have peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the destination. Tour benefits include

• fixed budget
• comfortable amenities
• not having to plan
• reliable service and schedule
• knowledgeable guides
• meeting other like-minded travelers
• eliminating risks

What are the benefits of independent travel in Thailand?

Independent travel offers numerous benefits, such as freedom, control, and flexibility. By traveling on your own, you gain the freedom to choose your accommodations, explore the sights that interest you, dine at your preferred times, and navigate the destination at your own pace. This independence also allows you to have more control over your budget, schedule, itinerary, and the level of comfort you desire throughout your journey. Other benefits include:

• flexible budget
• flexible schedules
• in-depth cultural opportunities
• off-the-beaten-path destinations

When planning your tour to Thailand, it is advisable to make your booking well in advance, preferably a few months ahead or even earlier. While it is common for many individuals to secure their tours up to a year in advance, our experience suggests that reserving your spot around 6 to 9 months prior to the departure date is enough time. It is crucial to note that many tours tend to fill up quickly, so booking early ensures that you have a guaranteed place on the trip. Additionally, booking early often comes with the added benefit of significant cost savings, as tour companies frequently offer early booking sales and discounted prices. On the other hand, some tour companies may occasionally provide last-minute discounts for tours that have available spots. However, waiting for such discounts carries the risk of not securing a place on a fully booked tour.

In Thailand, tours can accommodate varying numbers of individuals, with group sizes typically ranging from 4 to 99 people. On average, a tour consists of 18 participants. It is important to note that the quality and price of a tour are not necessarily determined by its group size.

To fully explore Thailand, it is recommended to plan for about 9 days, which is the average duration of organized tour packages. The length of tours in Thailand can range from 2 to 29 days, or sometimes even longer. Although longer tours may have a higher price tag, their cost per day tends to decrease. Furthermore, longer tours provide the advantage of visiting multiple destinations at a leisurely pace, offering a more rewarding experience.

Where do group tours go in Thailand?

Thailand has many diverse tours that visit a number of locations in the country. Popular stops include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, and Khao Sok National Park.

What tour and travel companies offer packages to Thailand?

The most popular tour companies offering trips in Thailand are Destination Services Thailand , Intrepid Travel , G Adventures , On The Go Tours , and Agate Travel . While some are large international operators, others are smaller and only operate in the country or in local areas. Larger companies often have solid reputations, provide consistent service, and rarely cancel trips. Smaller companies can also provide excellent service while also giving you a local perspective and in-depth knowledge of the destinations. All of these companies have positive reviews from previous guests, too.

More Information

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand , The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand , The Best Historical Tours in Thailand , The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand , The Best 3-Day Tours in Thailand , The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand , The Best 3-Week Tours in Thailand , The Best Extended Trip Tours in Thailand, One Month or Longer , The Best River Cruises in Thailand , The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Thailand , The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand , The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand , The Best Eco Tours in Thailand , The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Thailand , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand , The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand , The Best Music Tours in Thailand , The Tours for Animal Lovers in Thailand , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand , The Best Safaris in Thailand , The Best Budget Safaris in Thailand , The Best Nightlife Tours in Thailand , The Best Religious Tours in Thailand , The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand , The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand , The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand , The Best Budget Tours to Thailand , The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand , The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand , or The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Bangkok , The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket , The Best 3-Day Tours from Chiang Mai , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chiang Mai , The Best 10-Day Tours from Bangkok , The Best 2-Week Tours from Bangkok , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Chiang Rai for more package tour options.

And for more information on Thailand, see Thailand Travel Costs and Thailand Hotel Costs .

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Thailand Trip Cost – Budget Tips and Prices in 2024

• Last Updated: January 17, 2024

Read on for a detailed breakdown of what it costs to travel to Thailand, whether you’re a budget traveler or looking to splurge. 

Before travelling to Thailand many travellers find themselves asking, “Is Thailand cheap?” or “What does a Thailand trip actually cost?” or “What are the best tips for saving money in Thailand?”

These are all valid questions and hopefully this article will answer them!

Thailand is a very affordable country to visit. Though it isn’t as cheap as its Southeast Asian neighbours, like Laos or Cambodia , Thailand is still a very affordable travel destination. 

Budget travellers can easily have an incredible time exploring Thailand cheaply.

Mid-range accommodations and restaurants allow travellers to treat themselves a bit more without spending a fortune, and there are lots of affordable activities to enjoy in Thailand as well. 

For those that want the real luxury travel experience, Thailand has that too, and it isn’t even out-of-the-question expensive.

But for the average traveller, who wants to have an amazing cultural experience without spending an entire years’ worth of savings, Thailand is the perfect country to visit. 

With this post, you’ll learn about what things actually cost in Thailand, and how to break down the cost of a trip. 

Of course, the actual cost of a trip to Thailand will depend on the individual traveller and their personal preferences. 

But for those looking for a general idea of a Thailand travel budget, this is the article for you!

While discussing prices in Thailand, I’ll be using USD. Because this is such a universal currency, hopefully, the prices will make more sense than if I list them in Thai Baht. (1 USD equals roughly 30 THB)

Table of Contents

Backpacker Budget: Average daily budget: $25-50 USD

Mid range budget: average daily budget: $60-100 usd , luxury traveler budget: average daily budget: $200-400 usd, getting to thailand by air, getting to thailand by land, public transport in thailand, long journeys, short journeys, street food, buying groceries, local restaurant, tourist restaurant, fancy restaurant, drinking in thailand, guest house/cheap hotel, mid-range hotel, luxury hotel, activity cost breakdown in thailand, thailand budget travel tips, thailand trip cost: how much does it cost to travel to thailand.

Wondering how much does it cost to travel to Thailand? Considering the information presented in this post, creating a Thailand travel budget can be quite simple. 

Think about whether you want to travel on a backpacker budget, a mid-range traveller budget, or a luxury budget. You can even mix-and-match, penny-pinching at times and splurging here and there. 

Formulating a Thailand travel budget is all up to the individual, but this breakdown of an average Thailand trip cost should help you get an idea of what you’ll spend. 

* Attractions vary greatly by personal interest and can be the same at any level of budget

If you live the backpacker lifestyle and always pick the cheapest options while travelling around Thailand, it is very easy to explore Thailand on a budget. 

There are plenty of free attractions to see, like temples, street markets, waterfalls, beaches, and viewpoints. 

Some popular attractions may have entrance fees, but they are usually close to nothing. 

A budget traveler in Thailand would have average daily expenses that may look something like this:

• Hostel dorm bed: 10 USD
• Fruit smoothie: 2 USD
• Temple entrance fee: 2 USD
• 2 street food meals: 8 USD
• Taxi ride: 2 USD
• 1 beer from 7/11: 1 USD
• Total Cost: 25 USD

But make sure you aren’t so stingy with money that you miss out on special experiences!

You can book activities with the cheapest companies and pack a few fun day trips into your schedule. 

Book a half-day island snorkelling tour for 30 USD, take a local cooking class for 30 USD, or hit up a Thai boxing match for 15 USD. 

Take cheap buses around the country, avoid drinking too much, and hang out with the locals. 

A budget traveler should have no problem enjoying themselves in Thailand!

If you’re willing to spend a bit more money than the average backpacker, you can upgrade your Thailand travel budget to include more fun things. 

Visit all the best attractions, even if they cost a bit more. 

Treat yourself to some nice cocktails on the beach here and there. Book a one-hour Thai massage, or maybe throw in a full-day scuba-diving trip. 

Stay in affordable hotel rooms and eat a wide range of foods that include cheap street food and some nice restaurant meals. 

An average day may look like this:

• Budget double room in a hotel: 22 USD
• Lunch in a restaurant: 6 USD
• Cocktail: 5 USD
• Street food for dinner: 4 USD
• Souvenir shopping: 5 USD
• Cabaret Show: 15 USD
• Taxi ride: 3 USD
• Total Cost: 60 USD

On a mid-range budget, you can dish out more money on the things that matter to you the most. 

You can pay for more day trips if you want to explore more, or you can treat yourself to more food and drinks if you like eating out. 

Whatever you choose, you can still have the trip of a lifetime without completely breaking the bank. 

If you really decide to lash out on a luxury vacation to Thailand, you’ll be surprised at how affordable it is. 

If you’re willing to spend lots of money, you can also pay for all the best activities. 

You can book guided temple tours, incredible speedboat island-hopping tours, spa and massage treatments, private cooking lessons, and everything else under the sun. 

You can indulge in all the best food and drinks, and stay in five-star accommodation. 

For those who dream of a vacation like this, but don’t think they can afford it, Thailand is a relatively cheap place to live like a king or queen, so take a look at this average daily budget breakdown. 

• Luxury suite in a nice hotel: 150 USD
• Private temple tour: 50 USD
• Thai cooking lesson: 30 USD
• Lunch in a tourist restaurant: 10 USD
• Drinks on the beach: 30 USD
• Spa treatment: 20 USD
• Dinner in a nice restaurant: 30 USD
• Total cost: 320 USD per day

Though most travellers won’t be living the luxury lifestyle in Thailand, it is interesting to see the actual costs. 

Probably the most rewarding way to travel Thailand is by using a mid-range budget. 

You can still kick it with the locals, eat street food and drink cheap local beer, but spend a bit of money on amazing activities and nicer accommodation. 

Backpacking Thailand is also a really fun and character-building experience. 

You’ll learn a lot from navigating public transport and deciphering foreign menus. While staying in hostels, you’ll also meet lots of incredible people. 

So a Thailand travel budget does not have to send you into bankruptcy. 

Travel with a frugal attitude, an open mind, and positive energy and you’ll have an unforgettable trip!

Breakdown of Thailand Costs

With a general overview of the Thailand costs at various budgets, below you will find information to help you navigate specific budget items.

These will include costs of:

• Transportation (to and around)
• Accommodation

I’ll also end the article with some budget travel tips. If you’re looking to save money, these tips will help you enjoy Thailand for cheaper.

Cost of Transportation in Thailand

Wondering how much does it cost to get around Thailand? Here is a breakdown of the costs of getting to Thailand, and getting around within the country. Local transportation is affordable here!

READ MORE: Check out my other guide on transportation in Thailand for a better idea of how to get around.

The cost of flying to Thailand depends on where you are travelling. 

If you are travelling from the Americas or Europe, chances are your flight will be very long and quite expensive. 

However, there are certain budget travel tips to keep in mind that will help you find the cheapest flight to Thailand. 

• Plan your trip to Thailand during the off-season (April through October) 
• Check websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights that show you the cheapest departure dates for an entire month
• Don’t be afraid to take weird layovers; the prices may be cheaper!
• Consider changing your departure airport if possible (For example, flying from NYC to Bangkok is cheaper than flying from Boston to Bangkok).

Use these same tips no matter where you are flying from, and you should be able to score a reasonably priced flight to Thailand. 

If you’re travelling to Thailand overland, your travel will most likely be incredibly cheap. 

The most affordable way to get to Thailand from bordering countries is by bus. 

Countless different bus companies travel to Thailand from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, and the journey will usually cost around 20-40 USD. Depending on where you are starting your trip to Thailand, it may be cheaper to travel by land.

Once you arrive in Thailand, you’ll be using public transport to get around the country (unless you rent a car). 

The typical traveller’s route in Thailand starts in Bangkok , then goes up to the north to Chiang Mai , Chiang Rai , and Pai , then goes down south to the islands. 

So you’ll probably be travelling long distances within the country, and luckily these journeys can be very cheap.

Here is a general idea of what different local transportation options cost when you visit Thailand:

Here is the average cost of travelling long distances around Thailand via local transportation. 

Flights 

For covering long distances around the country, flying local budget airlines is the best option. You can get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, or from Bangkok to the islands, in just one hour. 

Using budget airlines like Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Air Asia, Thai Airways, or Thai Vietjet, the average cost of a one-way domestic flight is between 30-50 USD. 

Keep in mind though that if you want to fly, your Thailand trip cost will go up.

Bus or Train

A long bus or train journey through Thailand, say from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, costs on average about 20-50 USD on local transportation. 

So the average price for buses or trains is very similar to flights, but they can take up to 12 hours instead of 1. 

If you’re a fan of slow travel and seeing the countryside, buses or trains are the way to get around on your trip to Thailand. 

But it is much quicker and just as cheap to catch a flight, so that’s probably the easiest way to travel long distances in Thailand. 

The best deals for internal ground transport in Thailand are on 12Go.asia .

For getting around one city or general area, here is a breakdown of the transport costs. If you’re in a big city like Bangkok or Chiang Mai, there are plenty of options to travel within and around the city.

Smaller towns have fewer options, but still should at least have the following:

These red-pick-up trucks serve as collective taxis, and they are the cheapest and easiest way to take day trips to a certain city or island of Thailand. 

If you wait for the whole truck to fill up, everyone can split the cost and the ride becomes cheaper. 

If you’re travelling 5-20 minutes within a city, your journey shouldn’t cost more than a couple of dollars. 

If you’re taking a long day trip and the drive is an hour, the whole journey may cost about 50 USD. But split between 10 people, you’re still only paying about 5 USD for a long trip. 

For travelling quick distances within a city, taxis are the second cheapest way to travel. 

Only use taxis that have meters, and your quick journey won’t cost more than 5 USD. 

These motorized, three-wheeled scooters are a fun way to travel in Thailand, but the drivers tend to overcharge tourists. 

It is common for a tuk tuk ride to cost up to 10 USD, which seems cheap but is definitely overpriced for local transportation in Thailand. 

Ask locals what a specific tuk tuk journey should cost and make sure you clarify it with the driver before you go so he doesn’t rip you off. 

For travelling through the Thai islands, you’ll have to take ferries. 

There is usually only one route to get from one island to the next, and the cost of the journey is in the same range regardless of which ferry company you take. 

An average ferry journey costs around 20 USD, give or take a bit depending on how long the ride is. 

Cost of Food in Thailand

Thailand is truly a foodie’s paradise. 

There is so much delicious Thai food and it is all very affordable, so food won’t take up a big portion of your Thailand travel budget.

Here is a summary of the different types of places to eat in Thailand and how much they cost. 

Eating at street markets is the cheapest way to eat in Thailand. 

You can get full plates of food for as cheap as 1 USD, and little snacks like fruit platters and spring rolls cost less than 1 USD each. 

This is also where you’ll find the most authentic local Thai food, so street markets are the way to go regardless of your budget. 

If you plan on cooking your own meals, street markets are still the best places to shop. 

Big western-style grocery stores are rare in Thailand. Occasionally you’ll find little markets or 7/11s that sell staples like rice, noodles, snacks, and processed foods. 

But for buying produce, meat, seafood, and spices, the street markets have the freshest and cheapest food. 

Produce costs barely anything; you can buy a bag full of fruit for only a couple of dollars. 

Cooking is a great way to save money, but honestly, street food in Thailand is so cheap that you might as well just eat the food cooked by the locals.

For eating out in a restaurant, the cheapest option is eating at a small, humble, local joint that only has a few menu items. 

A full meal in a restaurant like this can cost between 40 and 100 Baht, which is roughly 2-4 USD. 

In touristy areas of Thailand, you’ll find lots of restaurants geared towards foreigners. 

This is where you’ll find western-style food like pizza, burgers, and European food in addition to classic Thai meals. 

A meal in a tourist restaurant generally costs between 100 and 200 Baht, still only 3 to 6 USD. 

Even in upscale restaurants, the price of food is very cheap. 

A full meal in a super high-quality restaurant can cost a few hundred Baht, and it is rare to find something that costs over 30 USD. 

So Thailand is an awesome place to treat yourself to the nicest restaurants and still spend much less than you would at home!

The cost of alcohol in Thailand varies. 

Beer is the cheapest beverage, whereas wine and liquor are often imported so they are pricier. 

If you buy your beer from a convenience store like a 7/11, it will only cost 1 or 2 USD. 

Ordering a beer in a bar or restaurant is a bit more expensive, but is still the cheapest drink, costing only about 3 USD. 

As for liquor, a mixed drink or cocktail can cost between 3 and 6 USD depending on the venue.

So though drinking in Thailand isn’t expensive, one of the best tips for saving money in Thailand is to just cut down on drinking in general and saving your cash for food and activities. 

READ MORE: Make sure you know all of the best foods to eat in Thailand !

Accommodation Costs in Thailand

There are plenty of places to stay during your trip to Thailand for any type of travel budget. 

Accommodation tends to consume the majority of a Thailand travel budget, but it is still very affordable compared to other destinations around the world. 

The Thailand cost of living is cheap too, so if you plan to stay here for a while you can probably secure somewhere affordable to stay long-term.

The cheapest form of accommodation in Thailand is a backpacker hostel. 

The average cost for one night in a dorm room is between 8 and 15 USD. The $8 hostels will be more basic, whereas the $10-$15 hostels will be much nicer. 

Even though the cost is cheap, all of Thailand’s hostels are generally very well-kept and full of great facilities. 

Thailand has lots of guest houses that are like small, simple, and cheap hotels. 

You can find a basic budget double room for anywhere between 20 and 30 USD per night. 

If you’re travelling as a couple, it may be cheaper to split the cost of a budget double room in a cheap hotel rather than paying for two hostel dorm beds. 

Make sure you book your hostels ahead of time on Hostelworld if you want to get the best ones, as they often sell out.

Even a mid-range Thailand hotel can be very cheap compared to western standards. 

A beautiful hotel with a pool and lots of amenities can cost as low as 20 USD per night, though the average cost is anywhere between 30 and 60 USD per night. 

If you’re looking to treat yourself to the finest hotels and resorts in Thailand, there are so many amazing options. 

Especially when travelling in the islands, you can find stunning beachfront suites that will cater to your every need. 

True luxury hotels in Thailand can cost anywhere between 100 and 300 USD per night. 

There are a few rare finds that cost even more, such as renting an entire ocean view villa for thousands of dollars, but chances are most average travellers won’t be looking for places like that. 

After paying for all the necessities, like food, transport, and accommodation, you can start planning your budget for the fun stuff!

There are endless opportunities for adventure in Thailand, and you should at least participate in a few fun activities during your stay. 

Tours and activities in Thailand vary in terms of price and quality. Some tour companies are more upscale and established, so their tours cost more. 

The quality of your tour just depends on how much you are willing to spend. 

Here is a quick cost breakdown of some of the most popular tours and activities in Thailand that you may be interested in trying. 

The actual price will vary depending on the location and the company you book through, but here is a general idea of the average prices. 

• Island Hopping day trip: 30-100 USD
• Diving or Snorkeling day trip: 50-150 USD
• Thai Massage: 5-15 USD per hour
• Muay Thai Boxing Match: 10-20 USD
• Ladyboy Cabaret Show: 15-25 USD
• Cooking Class: 30 USD-60 USD
• Guided Temple Tour: 20-70 USD

READ MORE: Be sure to check out these incredible things to do in Thailand !

To summarise all the information throughout this post, here are some of the best budget travel tips for Thailand that will help you save money throughout your trip.

• Travelling during the off-season to enjoy cheaper flight prices
• Fly budget airlines to save money and time when travelling long distances in Thailand
• Try to share songtaews with other travellers so everyone pays a cheaper price and you can all limit transportation costs
• Don’t let tuk tuk drivers rip you off! Secure a fair price before you get in the vehicle
• Eat street food whenever possible. Not only is it super cheap, it’s authentic and delicious.
• Drink local beer when going out; it’s the most affordable option for alcohol in Thailand.
• If you’re a solo traveller, you can score a bed in some epic hostels for less than 10 USD per night.
• If you’re travelling as a couple, it may be cheaper to split the cost of a private double room in a guesthouse or hotel, rather than paying for 2 dorm beds.
• Treat yourself to a nice room in a hotel at least once in Thailand! Even if you’re on a backpacker budget, you can find some incredible deals.
• Take advantage of all the free activities in Thailand, like hiking, exploring temples, and visiting the beach.
• Attractions in Thailand are usually very affordable, so definitely spend a bit of money on some fun things like cooking classes, boxing matches, massages, or snorkelling tours.
• Spending money on experiences in Thailand is almost always worth it. Book tours with reputable companies and enjoy every minute of Thai culture!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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I am looking to travel to Thailand as well!!! I am apprehensive about travelling alone. I am 56 female and looking for an adventure: it will be my first time travelling over that way. I have done the Caribbean islands before. .

thanks for the tips,im 65 and would like to find a travelling companian that would like to say go from phuket to chang mai any sights that i can look on that you know of,thanks for your time.

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Thailand Trip Costs 2023 – How Much

Will it cost per day.

Thailand trip costs are going to vary quite a lot in terms of the place or places you’re planning to stay and various other factors….

There are so many variables in regards to the person (do you booze and party…or have a glass of wine with a meal?), places (cities more options – Islands less), visiting various places or primarily one, and many others that it’s tricky to give an exact amount of travel expenditure required, but an estimate always helps.

I thought it best to keep it simple and then include within other articles more specifics based on destinations and touristic things to do. Whatever your plan there are always great options and value for all budget types in Thailand – from the backpacker to those wishing to have an extravagant holiday.

Three weeks is probably the most common amount of time tourists spend in Thailand that I have met and makes sense in terms of seeing, doing, and relaxing plenty after and before returning on a long-haul flight.

Budgets based on three weeks it is then!

All figures will be in USD as it’s the most stable and common currency, at the moment. 100 THB is around 3 USD and 1000 THB – 30 USD which is approximate based on rounding it off and today’s exchange.

Alcohol & Cigarettes- Partying & Ladies

For some visitors to Thailand there primary purpose is to enjoy drinking, partying or the lady bar scene. If that’s the plan Stan then Thailand surely provides the right setting and conditions to fulfill this purpose in style. This is a separate budget on it’s own, and the sky is the limit on what cash can leave your wallet….and it can leave in abundance.

Alcohol Costs

• Wine: Wine is expensive usually as it’s imported, a bottle 1200 THB (36 USD) + or 250 THB (7.5 USD) + a glass.
• Beer: Anything from 80 – 150 THB (2.5 – 4.5 USD) for small bottles of local beer (i.e., Leo, Singha, Tiger, and a couple of others).
• Spirits & Cocktails: From 80 – 300 THB (2.5 – 9 USD) a glass. If you’re going out to nightclubs it pays to order a bottle and just pay for mixers if there is a group of you. At some places especially the beer gardens you can take your own bottle or buy theirs and order mixers and ice (check for corkage charge though).

A quick mention about cigarettes…they’re cheap as chips. Approx 40 – 120 THB (1 – 4 USD).

Nightclubs require an entrance fee that differs for each venue and you might find offers may be available. If you’re a boozer and on a budget the nightclubs are going to sting you for cash that are worth avoiding or at least limiting. Even mixers are expensive so there’s no way of budgeting.

For those sensible people that drink 2 or 3 drinks and dance for a couple of hours or so then you can get away with spending about 1000 THB (30 USD).

GoGo and Lady Bars

Drinks are more expensive in the lady bars and it’s polite to buy a hostess a drink (an extra 100 THB on top of the normal price), but you don’t have to buy drinks for hostesses unless you wish. Many of them will ring you dry if possible. Happy hours are the best times to go to save on cash.

Drink costs for small bottles of local beer and spirits are anything from 80 – 250 THB (2.5 – 7.5 USD) and buying a bar girl a drink will cost you about 160 – 350 THB (5 – 10 USD).

Guys taking a lady out for the night from the bar will cost them a bar fine (charge for the lady not continuing to work that night) of 300 – 700 THB (7.5 – 21 USD). The lady in question has her evening charge for her company which could be anything from 1500 – 2500 THB + (45 – 90 USD).

You were told Thailand is cheap to booze right? Not so, but some places are still reasonably priced. If you’re a happy hour person you’ll save quite a few baht. Visiting beer gardens is also budget-friendly.

I can drop most of the dollar converting out now….you’ve probably got the idea if you’ve followed so far.

Food, Rehydration & Eating Out Budget

In Thailand, you can buy a meal from 45 THB – 500 THB +. Really good deals on the food in Thailand. Even fine dining and 5-star buffets can still be value for money compared to the UK, my home country, Europe, and beyond.

Three meals a day, rehydration drinks and snacks are going to cost around….

• Low budget backpacker 400 THB or less.
• Budget friendly but still not too tight 600 THB +/-.
• Mid range 600 THB and above.

For a budget day without being tight you can still spend 100 THB for breakfast, 100 THB for lunch, 250 THB for an evening meal, and 150 THB for rehydration and cheap snacks, totaling 600 THB for the day. Take advantage of the street stalls selling fruit, coconut water, sweetcorn, and other great healthy snacks that are cheap.

Of course, you could eat three 45 THB meals a day, have a couple of snacks and bottles of water which may cost a person 200 THB, but it’s not most people’s idea of a fun holiday.

Hotels, Guesthouse & Resort Costs

Backpacker & Budget: Hostels and guesthouses are the main option that attracts those on a tighter budget. The hostels have dorms like many other countries. Dorms cost from as little as 100 – 350 THB. Budget room with a fan only and shared bathroom 300 – 600 THB. Budget room with air con 600 – 900 THB.

Budget to Mid Range: Hotels within the price range of 900 – 1500 THB. Once you get over the 1000 baht mark rooms become much nicer and the facilities. Around 1300 THB I have found great places to stay without breaking the bank.

Mid Range: Mid-range of 1300 – 3000 THB is the best option for most people for a good room and facilities. Really nice and peaceful resorts start to become available after the 1800 THB level.

Top Range: From 3000 ++. The resort and hotel world of Thailand is your oyster.

Most places in Thailand have lush and lavish accommodation options at reasonable rates, great mid range hotels at good rates and super budget friendly shacks and guesthouses or dorms. It really is open to all budgets.

Transportation Costs

Transport costs are fairly cheap across the board in Thailand, although there are differences in various places. Every place has their own main modes of transport and options.

Taxis, motorbike taxis, tuk tuks, songthaews, buses, or the Bangkok subway (MRT) and skytrain (BTS) will cost anything from 10 THB – 300 THB, although certain places and situations could cost a bit more (always research the place and route you’re taking). More about transport in Thailand here.

Examples of Transport Costs

You can use the below examples as a good transport estimated guide if traveling a bit further south to Krabi or Phuket and other places. Other islands like Samui cost more, although there are other options (e.g. fly Bangkok – Surat Thani then Bus then Boat) you may consider.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai

• Flight: Minimum 85 USD with hand luggage only and 150 USD return flight with 20 KG checked baggage. The domestic flights all have baggage restrictions (Bangkok Airways allows 32 KG) and costs that you must check before booking.
• Train: Second class overnight train 1050 THB each way. There are many other train ticket options to Chiang Mai but the overnight is popular. More about Thailand trains here .
• Bus/Coach: The long 10 hour journey to Chiang Mai on the bus costs around 450 THB.

Add a bit more on top for transport costs to and from airports or other transportation hubs.

Boat Trips & Island Hopping

There are many boat trips and island hopping options in Thailand and different costs, with speed boat trips and better services costing more. Approx costs 700 – 2500 + THB.

Activities & Sightseeing

Activities and sightseeing can bump up costs and they’re not always that revealing at first to the budget plan. Visiting temples in Bangkok or any other tourist attractions will stick another 100 – 500 + THB on the days budget, for entrance fees.

If you like your jet skiing, banana boating, paragliding, snorkeling, or diving…….or any other water, air or land sports then you will need to add an extra 500 – 2500 THB + for each activity.

Gifts & Shopping

Buying gifts for others and personal shopping is the same as shopping anywhere else in the world. including our home countries. You can buy cheap or expensive gifts in Thailand and it’s particularly good for those that buy copies. In terms of clothing and other brand stuff buying back home in the UK is much cheaper, but the duty free is good.

You will need to add to your spending budget the amount you’re willing to spend on shopping as there are too many variables to give anyone a reasonable clue to how much it’s going to cost.

Three Week Trip – 21 Day Guides

This is a basic guide for three budget levels. Budget, budget with some luxuries and closer to mid-range or above. These exclude alcohol, partying, shopping and smokes.

Accommodation 10’000 THB – 300 USD

Food – Eating Out 8400 THB – 250 USD

Transport 9000 THB – 270 USD Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Bangkok + Bangkok – Phuket (train and bus) + boat trip – Bangkok + local transport estimates

Activities/Sightseeing 5000 THB – 150 USD  

Total 32’200 THB – 972 USD Now you will need to add as required alcohol, nightlife, cigarettes, and any gift shopping that you may need. This is fairly budgety on the food front that you may need to increase if you wish to eat at better restaurants and the same in regards to accommodation that’s based on fan-type rooms and dorms.

Budget to Mid Range

Accommodation 25’200 THB – 760 USD

Food – Eating Out 18’000 THB – 540 USD

Transport 15’000 THB – 450 USD Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Bangkok + Bangkok – Phuket (flights) + boat trip – Bangkok + local transport estimates

Activities/Sightseeing 10’000 THB – 300 USD  

Total: 68’200 THB – 2’060 USD While this is budget to mid-range in estimates you get really good value for money, eating well, good accommodation, and just enough of visiting places and activities. For the average drinker and room to budge with cash – 3’000 USD would provide a great holiday.

Mid Range and Above

Accommodation 42’000 THB – 1270 USD +

Food – Eating Out 21’000 THB – 635 USD +

Transport 15’000 THB – 450 USD Bangkok – Chiang Mai Bangkok + Bangkok – Phuket (flights) + boat trip – Bangkok + local transport estimates

Total Costs 88’000 THB – 2’660 USD + At the mid-range level, Thailand really ups its game in terms of accommodation and restaurant-quality that’s value for money. You can go anywhere above this range but the above guide is a good baseline.

Average drinker with room to spare ‘in terms of cash’ I would go along with 4’000 USD + and it would be a luxury vacation and possibly cash left over for duty-free gifts.

Pace Yourself

Taking it easy on the spending budget the first week in Thailand is a smart move, especially when you have never visited before. Thailand can seem very cheap and it is in many ways, however, before you know it a travel budget can drop drastically within a blink of an eye.

Keeping the budget a bit tight the first week or few days will help you get familiar with the costs here. Keeping it tighter the first week could enable the last week of your stay to be spent in much more luxurious accommodation before heading home, by being smart the first week.

I’m Jonesy. The one responsible for whole lot of things including having this Thailand site up and running. I first arrived in Thailand in 2008 and being a web developer it made sense to create a website and write some stuff about my second home. Enjoy your travels!

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Lists by Lukiih 🍀

Practical travel guides with less fluff

• 💰 My 2024 Thailand Trip Cost: A Budget Breakdown

Thailand, a country famous for its Buddhist temples and flavorful cuisine, can be visited with a  budget of $35 to $80 a day.

My nearly two-week trip to Thailand cost a total of $1,138 . In this post, I share:

• 💰 Expected travel costs
• 💡 Budgeting tips
• 💵 How much cash to bring
• ✈️ My trip’s costs by category
• 📍 My trip’s costs by destination

Planning a trip? Here’s what to know about Thailand .

• Is Thailand Expensive?
• How Much Is a Trip?
• Thailand vs. Vietnam Costs
• About My Trip
• Cost Breakdown
• Daily Budget: $77
• Flight: $218
• Accommodation: $211
• Transportation: $233
• Entertainment: $381
• Bangkok: $170
• Chiang Mai: $392
• Krabi/Ao Nang: $357
• Withdrawing Cash
• How Much Cash To Bring
• Credit Card Places
• Tipping Etiquette

Lists By Lukiih is readers-supported. If you buy through an affiliate link on this post, I may earn a small commission. Thanks!

Is Thailand Expensive To Travel To?

Thailand ranks as  one of the most affordable  destinations in Asia. It has a relatively low cost of living, a wide range of accommodation options that fit different budgets, and a lively, cheap street food scene.

Along with Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, Thailand is often considered an inexpensive destination  in Southeast Asia.

💰 Trip Daily Budget for Destinations in Asia

For comparison, I visited these countries in Asia within a year of visiting Thailand, and here’s how much I spent per day at each one:

*My Cambodia daily budget is high because I splurged on accommodation.

See all my daily budget for each destination I’ve visited .

How Much Is a Trip to Thailand?

This section covers estimated trip costs depending on your travel style. I share my actual travel expenses further below.

🎒 Budget Traveler – Thailand Trip Cost

Budget travelers can expect to spend approximately $35 per day or $245 for seven days of travel in Thailand, excluding flights.

Here’s what a budget traveler’s cost breakdown can look like:

Traveling Thailand on a Budget

To travel to Thailand on a budget, here are some things you’ll need to do:

• 🏠 Accommodation – For the cheapest option, stay at a  dorm-style hostel for as low as $5 a night . You can also stay at homestays where you can stay with a local family for about $12 a night.
• 🚗 Transportation – Take local buses, which can cost less than $1 per trip, or $2 songthaews, which are red passenger trucks that are common local transportation.

In Bangkok, public transportation (e.g., the MRT and BTS Skytrain) can cost less than $2 per ride . The city’s train is convenient for getting to and from Bangkok International Airport.

• 🌶️ Food – Eat at night markets and try local food at street stalls for less than $4 per meal. I ate six times at night markets in Chiang Mai and Krabi and averaged $5 per meal without trying to budget.

Tap water is generally unsafe to drink in Thailand, so you can also stock up on drinks and water at convenience stores instead of paying for them at restaurants or touristy places.

• 🐘 Entertainment – Visit free temples and monasteries instead of the famous ones with entrance fees (e.g., the famous Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace in Bangkok have a ~$15 fee). In tourist areas, you can negotiate tour prices in person instead of booking them ahead. This is especially true if you’re booking a guided tour for the next day (I did this in Krabi for the Phi Phi Islands tour, which saved me $20).
• ☀️ Travel Season – For the best deals on accommodations, travel to Thailand during the low season, which runs from April to May and July to September. April to May are the hottest months, and July to September is the wet season.

💰 Mid-Range Budget Traveler – Thailand Trip Cost

A mid-range budget traveler like myself can expect to spend approximately $80 per day or $560 for seven days of travel in Thailand, excluding flights. I break down my trip expenses by travel category below.

Is Thailand or Vietnam More Affordable To Travel To?

People often compare Thailand to Vietnam, as they are Southeast Asia’s most popular and affordable destinations .

Thailand is, on average, slightly more expensive to travel to than Vietnam. However, affordability and cost of living vary by region within each country. Still, Thailand is a more developed country, and Vietnam’s cost of living is lower than Thailand’s.

For tourists, Thailand’s cost per day is, on average, higher than Vietnam’s. Below is a rough daily budget comparison for a mid-range budget traveler.

For a seven-day trip, you can expect to spend roughly $455 in Vietnam and $560 in Thailand.

About My Thailand Trip

To give context to the expenses below, here’s what you need to know about my trip:

• Bangkok: 3 days
• Chiang Mai: 5 days
• Krabi (Ao Nang): 4 days
• ☀️ High season – I visited Thailand in November, which is considered the high season.

Thailand’s peak season runs from November to February, when the weather is drier and cooler.

• ✌️ Group travel – I traveled with one other person, so we were able to split some costs, such as housing.
• 💰 Mid-range budget – I consider myself a mid-range budget traveler, and these expenses reflect that. I don’t aim to travel on a budget, but I’m thoughtful about how and where I spend.
• 🍀 Self-funded – My trips are self-funded, so I paid for everything listed below. None of my excursions or experiences are sponsored.
• 💵 US dollars – All costs listed in this post are per person and in US dollars, converted from Thailand’s local currency, the Thai baht.

The exchange rate was $1 USD = ฿ 35 at the time of writing.

Thailand Trip’s Total Cost: $1,138

My nearly two-week trip to Thailand cost a total of $1,138 , including flights.

See the highlights of my trip in this  Thailand itinerary .

💰 Cost Breakdown for Thailand

Here’s a quick overview of my expenses by travel category:

🗓️ Daily Budget in Thailand: $77

My Thailand trip cost $77 per day , excluding my flights from Vietnam and to Cambodia.

A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend $80 per day in Thailand. This generally means staying at accommodations that cost about $40 per night, eating a mix of street and restaurant food, and going on several non-private guided tours.

✈️ Flight Cost to Thailand: $218

I usually take round-trip flights from the United States, but I flew into Thailand from Vietnam and out to Cambodia for this trip. Here are my flight costs:

A round-trip flight between the US and Thailand that costs under $750 is considered cheap; international flights typically cost over $850.

Be aware of bag weight limits on budget airlines that hop around Asia. I flew AirAsia and VietJet Air, and both had a combined carry-on and checked-bag limit of 7kg (about 15 lbs). If you pass this limit, you’ll have to pay an extra checked bag fee. I paid $14 per bag, but some fees were as high as $45.

🏠 Accommodation Cost in Thailand: $211

My average cost of accommodation in Thailand was $18 per day. I was able to split accommodations with one other person at all times.

Here are the accommodations I stayed at and how much I paid for each:

Accommodations in Thailand are incredibly affordable. You can stay at a mid-range hotel for as low as $15 per night . A private room costs as low as $10 per night at a budget hotel. Even luxury hotels, which start at $150 per night , are relatively inexpensive.

🌶️ Food Cost in Thailand: $95

My average cost of food in Thailand was $8 per day.

A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend about  $15 per day  on food in Thailand.

Cheapest Meals in Thailand

Here are the most affordable meals I ate during my trip:

Food in Thailand is extremely affordable. You can easily eat meals for $5 or less every day if you go to local restaurants, night markets, and street food stalls.

Most Expensive Meals in Thailand

Here are the most expensive meals I ate during my trip:

I recommend going on a food tour early on your Thailand trip. This is the easiest and best way to discover authentic, delicious food and restaurants you can try throughout your trip.

🚗 Transportation Cost in Thailand: $233

My average cost of transportation in Thailand was $19 per day.

My average cost of transportation is high because I took two domestic flights to travel long distances within Thailand. Had I not taken any domestic flights, my average cost of transportation would have been $8 per day.

Here are the transportation methods I took and how much I paid for each:

Grab rides are almost always more affordable than flagging down a taxi or tuk-tuk in Thailand. Pro tip: use Grab prices as a baseline for negotiating with taxis or tuk-tuks when they’re more conveniently available.

🐘 Entertainment Costs in Thailand: $381

My average cost of entertainment in Thailand was $32 per day. This total includes a 5% to 15% tip at certain places.

A typical mid-range traveler in Thailand can expect to spend about  $35 a day on entertainment.

Here are all the activities and attractions I paid for and how much each cost:

Learn how to choose ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand.

Cost Breakdown by Destination in Thailand

Below are my trip expense breakdowns for  Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Krabi (specifically the Ao Nang area) . Bangkok and Chiang Mai are often featured in first-timers’ travel itineraries.

🏍️ Bangkok Trip’s Total Cost: $170

During my three-day trip to Bangkok, I averaged $57 in daily travel expenses.

I stayed at a mid-range budget hotel and was able to split accommodation costs with one other person. During my trip, I did a unique and memorable food tour, visited Wat Pho, and was impressed with the city’s aquarium.

Despite being the capital city and one of the more expensive places in Thailand, Bangkok is still incredibly affordable . A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend $55 per day in Bangkok. You can find mid-range accommodations for less than $20 a night, eat for less than $5 a meal, and take advantage of public transportation to get around.

🐘 Chiang Mai Trip’s Total Cost: $392

During my five-day trip to Chiang Mai, I averaged $78 in daily travel expenses. Excluding my flight ticket from Krabi, my total cost was $304, and my average cost was $61 per day.

I split an Airbnb with someone and did quintessential Chiang Mai activities (e.g., visited an ethical elephant sanctuary , talked to monks , and attended a cabaret show).

Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand and is affordable. A mid-range budget traveler can expect to have a daily travel budget of $60 , similar to Bangkok.

🚤 Krabi/Ao Nang Trip’s Total Cost: $357

During my four-day trip to Krabi/Ao Nang, I averaged $89 in daily travel expenses. Excluding my flight ticket to Krabi from Bangkok, my total cost was $307, and my average cost was $77 per day.

I split an Airbnb with someone and did activities like a Phi Phi Islands day tour (which included stops at the beautiful beaches of Koh Phi Phi, Ton Sai, and Bamboo Island), outdoor rock climbing at Railay Beach, and an informative and delicious northern Thailand food tour .

Krabi is less popular than Phuket in terms of Thailand beaches. But it’s still one of the pricier destinations where a mid-range budget traveler can expect to have a daily travel budget of $60 .

Do You Need Cash in Thailand?

Thailand’s economy is largely based on cash transactions , especially in non-tourist areas, so bring some cash. I needed to use cash almost everywhere when I visited.

Below are tips on bringing and using cash in Thailand.

💵 1. Withdraw cash in Thai baht.

Thailand’s local currency is the Thai baht (฿), and the US dollar is not widely accepted.

ATMs are readily available in many tourist places in Thailand, but if your debit card doesn’t reimburse your ATM fees, you’ll want to withdraw a higher amount less frequently to save on fees.

🏧 2. Carry about $40 to $50 worth of cash per day in Thailand.

On a typical day, a mid-range budget traveler in Thailand will need  at least $40 in cash  to cover food, transportation, and attractions. A daily cash expense breakdown can look like this:

• $15 at restaurants and cafes
• $20 for tipping and entrance fees
• $5 for transportation and other miscellaneous spending

I keep my cash in my crossbody bag , but if you want extra protection against pickpocketing , carry it in a hidden money belt instead.

💳 3. Very few places in Thailand take credit cards.

Being able to use a credit card in Thailand is the exception, but below are some places that accepted credit cards during my trip:

• Touristy restaurants – This was especially true in Bangkok.
• Established massage places – However, the places typically had a 3% credit card fee.
• Grab app rides – You can also tip through the app, so you don’t need cash for these.
• Malls and attractions within them – Many stores inside a mall will take cards. The Bangkok Aquarium also accepts cards.

💰 4. Tipping is not customary in Thailand.

Tipping is often appreciated in Thailand, but it’s optional. Tipping is most often expected from tourists and businesses that serve visitors.

• Tours – Tour guides will gladly accept 10% to 15% tips, especially those serving Americans.
• Dining – When eating out, you can leave behind some of the remaining change.
• Drivers – You can tip through the Grab app at about 5% to 10% if you like.
• Other service workers – Given how affordable massages are in Thailand, consider leaving a 20% tip since it won’t be that much money for you, but it can make a difference to the masseuse.

See other essential travel tips for Thailand before visiting.

Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below .

Thailand Travel Guides

• 🇹🇭 Planning A Trip To Thailand: 11 Practical Things To Know
• 🏝️ 10 Epic Days in Thailand: An Active & Unique Itinerary
• 🐘 10 Best Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai
• 📿 Monk Chats in Chiang Mai: How To & Firsthand Tips

Lists by Lukiih is Readers-Supported

If you find my travel tips helpful, say thanks with a bubble tea 🧋!

Thank you, Lukiih. I’m glad I found your review. I’ll be arriving in BKK on 3/30 for 18 days solo. Planning on spending time in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin (maybe Joe Tien).

One of my main concerns was about credit cards and you’ve answered that fully. I’m planning on bringing $3K cash with me – I’m not a partier or fine diner but I do want to explore. Since I will need to convert $ to TB, where do you recommend doing this? The first opportunity will be in the airport. Aside from converting at the airport what I’ll need for a few days, would I get a better exchange rate at a bank?

Thank you for you help.

Hi Tom, glad you found this review helpful. I didn’t have to exchange USD for THB in Thailand, so I don’t have any firsthand tips other than the exchange rates at the airports are generally terrible.

I’m not comfortable carrying a large sum of cash when I travel, so I withdraw as I go. I have a debit card that will reimburse my ATM fees and provides a good exchange rate, so I rely on ATMs. Good luck exchanging money and enjoy your trip!

Dear Lukiin Thanks for your article, very interesting. I will fly to Tailand in one week time whit my husband and two sons 6 and 16th years old. We will stay 3 days in Bangkok, 3 days Krabi, 2 days Phi Phi Island, 2 days Raylay beach, 3 days Chiang and finely 3 day Chiang Rai. I aredy paid 3 flights between Bangkok, Krabi,, Cĥiang Mai, and from Chiang Rai back to Bangkok, also some of the hotes also payd.

Do you thin I can manage to leve for 100€ a day for 4 of us for food ets?

Hi Olga, glad you found this article helpful. I can only speak about my experience, but I think 100€ to 120€ per day is sufficient for the four of you, especially because one of your sons is so young. All of your destinations are tourist hot spots, so prices might be a tad bit higher, but Thailand is overall very affordable.

Hi there, I found your article really good so thank you. I am leaving in 1 week for a month long trip to Thailand with my 2 teenage children (lucky them right). I have only pre booked all my accommodation (pay when I arrive) and have booked all 2 internal flights and paid for them already. I have run out of time unfortunately to get a travel wise card which after much research am bummed about as seems this is the best way to avoid all the bank transactions fees. I don’t really want to carry enough cash for 4 weeks as that would be an extreme amount to take for 3 people. Do you have any advice for me or am I just going to have to use ATM machines and pay the extravagant bank fees 🙁. I am happy to use my debit card to pay for my accommodation when I arrive which will be in 5 destinations. Looked at getting a Wise Travel digital card as can get instantly and they have much lower atm fees, pretty sure most places wouldn’t have contactless ATMs or payment options being Thailand right as it’s the same as using Apple Pay (tap to pay). We are going to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Railay. Regards 🙂

Hi Sarah, glad you found this article helpful! I can only speak about my experience: – I also never carry too much on me (about $100 at most) – Yes, Thailand heavily relies on cash, so I wouldn’t depend on credit, debit cards or any tap to pay technology. – I had no trouble finding ATM machines around Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Railay. I didn’t go to Phuket, but it’s one of the most tourist-heavy destinations, so I can’t imagine them not having ATMs. – I have a debit card with zero transaction fees AND it reimburses my ATM fees, but I do remember the fees being high (about $6 for every withdrawal). The fees do suck, but Thailand is also so affordable that the fees feel like a reasonable sacrifice (e.g., you might have to pay a $6 fee every time you take out money, but your meals can also be as cheap as $3 depending on where you go). Or you might have to consider just taking out more than you’re comfortable.

Have a great time with your two lucky teens! 🍀

Very helpful article.

We’re going to Thailand for 15 days just over 2 weeks from now! As retirees with a budget that can afford comfort, we’re on a group tour for 10 days, taking a cooking class in Bangkok before our tour, and staying at a resort hotel in Phuket a few nights at the end. Our itinerary also includes overnights in Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai. Hotels and transportation are prepaid. Breakfast every day and some dinners are included, as are excursions and attractions on the tour, except for some free days. I assume the Phuket resort will accept credit card.

So I’m trying to determine how much cash we need for the two of us for the non-included meals (ranging from street food to sit-downs), attractions on our free days, and souvenirs and gifts. I’m leaning toward 50,000 Thai Baht (between $1400-$1500 US). That’s $90-$100 per day. You’re recommending $40 per day per person ($80 total), so it seems like I’ve got that plus a cushion. Do you agree? Or suggest we carry less?

Hi Ken, glad you found this article helpful.

You’re going to be in three of Thailand’s most expensive destinations: Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok, so I don’t think it hurts to bring a bit extra per person. At the same time, a lot of your trip is already covered (e.g., transportation, some meals), so I don’t think you’ll need much outside of tipping, buying small souvenirs, dining out, etc, which can all be very affordable by US’s standards.

My $40 per day estimate also includes massages, which can be very cheap in Thailand, but you might be going to nicer places. Overall, you seem to be doing a nicer trip than what I did, so roughly $80-$90 per day per person sounds right.

If you end up using significantly more or less cash after your trip, feel free to shoot me a note. I’ll be curious as to why :). Enjoy your trip!

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Thailand Tours & Vacations

Thailand is an idyllic paradise, where jungle-covered karsts plunge into aquamarine waters and the sand is sugar white.

But no matter how clichéd the fantasy, Thailand delivers in spades. The water around Krabi and Ko Tao really is that deep, cool shade of blue. Phi Phi’s limestone karsts really do look like some alien world. And the food? Let’s just say your local Pad Thai has nothing on Chiang Mai’s street stalls or the floating markets of Amphawa, where little old ladies do things with fish sauce and chili you never thought possible. From the waterfalls of Erawan to a homestay with the hill tribes of the Golden Triangle, these adventures go beyond the tourist traps. Buckle up.

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Type C (European 2-pin)

Learn more about Thailand

Best time to visit thailand.

Thailand's climate is generally hot, humid, and at times (like other South East Asian countries) monsoonal. The seasons differ from coast to coast, so depending on which areas you're visiting, the weather can vary.

Thailand's mainland region is great to visit from November to February when the weather is cooler and dryer.

If you are planning on visiting the Gulf Coast (east), avoid the northeast monsoon that brings rain from October to January. For destinations like Phuket on the west side of the peninsula, the best time is November to April to avoid the other monsoon which causes Thailand's wet season from May to October.

Read more about the best time to visit Thailand

Culture and customs

Often considered the epicenter of Buddhism, religion permeates daily life in Thailand. Sprinkled throughout the country are thousands of golden temples, where you’ll find Buddhist monks in orange robes walking the streets. Young men are expected to spend some time as a monk as it bestows honor on their families. Visitors should be respectful of monks and dress modestly when visiting a temple (cover your knees and shoulders and remove your shoes).

Like other Asian nations, the concept of ‘saving face’ is important. This means avoiding conflict or embarrassment in order to preserve social standing, dignity, and honor. Thai people will go out of their way to avoid ‘losing face’. Losing your temper or raising your voice are surefire ways to lose face and can be perceived as volatile or rude.

Eating and drinking

Thai food has everything from spicy dishes packed with chilis to milder coconut-based curries. With street stalls and night markets all over the country, it's really easy to pick up a snack wherever you are in Thailand. On many Intrepid trips, you'll be given the opportunity to have dinner with a local family – this offers a great chance to see how meals are prepared and learn more about the local culture. Go a step further on our 8-day Thailand Read Food Adventure to watch, eat, prepare, and present tasty and traditional Thai cuisine.

Things to try in Thailand

1. Pad Thai (Phat Thai)

A well-known dish but for good reason. This delicious plate of stir-fried rice noodles garnished with peanuts is full of flavor and can be served with fresh prawns, chicken, tofu, or vegetables.

2. Tom Yum (Tom Yam)

Usually prepared with stock, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili, this soup is widely available in Thailand and has been popularised around the world. 

3. Green curry

One of many curries that Thais do so well. Green curry consists of chicken, Thai eggplant, and chilies bathed in a coconut milk-based sauce.

4. Som tam (green papaya salad)

This northern dish of shredded raw papaya, cherry tomatoes, and green beans is a tantalizing mix of sweet, spicy, and sour flavors.

5. Coconut water

For a super fresh thirst quencher, try coconut water straight from the husk.

6. Tropical fruit

Fruit shakes and fresh fruit juices are widely available from markets and restaurants – make the most of all the tropical fruits of Thailand.

Geography and environment

Sharing borders with South East Asian neighbors  Cambodia ,   Laos ,   Malaysia   , and   Myanmar   (Burma), Thailand's natural environment varies greatly from region to region. From the steamy jungles and misty highlands in the north to the white sand beaches and picturesque islands of the south, Thailand's everchanging landscape has been fascinating and entertaining travelers for centuries. 

The capital, Bangkok, is a heaving, urban jungle with skyscrapers, street vendors, markets, cars, tuk-tuks, bicycles, and masses of people all competing for space. Despite this, there are pockets of quiet beauty to be found with parks, temples, and traditional shop fronts scattered throughout the city. 

Rural areas in the north are typically quieter, with locals living a more traditional way of life; the frenetic pace of the city giving way to a more slow-paced, agricultural-based lifestyle. Houses are simple, there's more space and less of the modern conveniences. Jungles, rivers, bamboo huts, and teak houses are more commonly seen here, and birds and other animal life are more abundant.

History and government

Early history.

Communities based on agriculture (such as rice growing) inhabited Siam (Thailand) as early as the 6th century. In the following centuries, Siam came under the influence of the Khmer, Dvaravati, and Malay cultures, with some temples and monuments in modern-day Thailand showing evidence of this influence. In the 13th century, the city of Sukhothai in northern Thailand became an important capital. The ruins of the Sukhothai Historical Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site) feature remnants of the royal palace, temples, and other buildings and highlight the artistic and architectural features of the era. 

Ayutthaya rose to prominence as the new capital in the 14th century and was considered a powerhouse of South East Asia as one of the most important centers of trade in the world. Enduring many battles, invasions, overthrows, and coups, Ayutthaya's far-reaching trade with other regions ensured a flourishing influence of art, weaponry, religion, and cuisine. Much wealth was generated by this enormous empire, with grand palaces, ornate buildings, and huge temples featured throughout the city. All this came to an end when the Burmese invaded in the 18th century, bringing the kingdom to ruin and resulting in the loss of many artistic and cultural treasures. Despite this, the ruins of the city are still standing, have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, and are a great day trip from Bangkok. See the sights of ancient and recent Thai history during a 3 day River Kwai and Ancient Thai Kingdoms tour.

Recent history

Thonburi was established as the capital of Siam by General Taksin in the late 18th century, yet this didn't last long with Taksim being deposed and executed not long after. Bangkok was then named capital by General Chakri, who became Rama I - the first king of the Rama Dynasty.

Over the years, Siam (Thailand) remained the only South East Asian country to remain free from European colonization. In 1932, the Siamese Revolution resulted in a constitutional monarchy being formed, and in 1941, Thailand invaded French Indochina, overpowered the French, and claimed Laos.

In the last thirty years, Thailand has seen political power change hands many times, often due to coups, revolutions, and protests. Despite this, Thailand’s economy continues to grow due to its strong tourist industry. Enduring all this, the much-loved King Rama IX has reigned as the Head of State since 1946 - claiming the title of the longest-reigning monarch in the world and providing Thai people with a stable figure to rely upon.

Top 10 iconic Thai landscapes

Whether you're traveling by tuk-tuk through the crazy streets, cycling along backroads, or taking a longtail through the khlongs, the journey in Bangkok is definitely half the fun. Drop into the stunning Grand Palace, see the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and wind your way through floating markets.

Start and finish an incredible 30 day South East Asia Loop in the exciting epicenter that is Bangkok.

2. Chiang Mai

This northern capital is overflowing with experiences. Temple-hop through some - or all - of its 300 temples, take a cooking class to learn the secrets of Thai cuisine, and explore the Night Bazaar for delicious food, designer goods, and a foot massage to die for.

Experience the magic of Chiang Mai on our 4 day Chiang Mai Adventure

If you ever wondered what was below Thailand's turquoise waters, this is the place to look. Learn to dive or pull on snorkeling gear to discover the fish and reefs that call this coastline home. Shark Island is close by for adrenaline seekers.

Choose your Ko Tao adventure on a 10 day Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Ko Samui tour.

4. Hilltribe Country

Thailand's north is home to many of the country's minority groups. A hike along buffalo tracks will take you through colorful H'mong, Karen, and Lisu villages. Spend a night as their guest for a unique insight into their life.

Spend a night as their guest for a unique insight into their life on our 5 day Thailand Hilltribe Trek.

5. Ayuthaya

Modern meets ancient in Ayuthaya. The current city intertwines itself with the remnants of what was once one of Asia's great capitals. Walk the streets in search of clues to its imperial past and hire a bike to ride through the countryside, exploring the area's ruins.

Enjoy this historical park for yourself during a 10 day Highlights of Thailand tour.

6. Sukhothai

This former capital is a history buff's heaven. Nicknamed the 'Dawn of Happiness', Sukhothai still recalls Siam's golden age with its superb statues, marvelous monuments, and lotus flowers in full bloom. A trip to the night market is a real eye-opener; try everything from fried rice to fried bugs.

Stop by Sukhothai on our 8 day Explore Northern Thailand adventure.

The waters surrounding Krabi are dotted with hundreds of limestone karst islands. Kayakers and rock climbers will love exploring them, while others can travel to the nearby floating villages or just relax on one of the region's perfect beaches.

We've made sure to stop by Krabi on our incredible 28 day Bangkok to Bali adventure - you'll thank us later.

8. Golden Triangle

The area where the Thai, Laotian, and Burmese borders meet has long been associated with colorful cultures and illicit opium trade. The opium may have gone but the color hasn't and the markets offer all sorts of amazing local handicrafts.

Set your sights on this incredible part of the world on a 3 days Chiang Mai and Golden Triangle.

9. Khao Sok National Park

For a real jungle experience, spend a couple of days in Khao Sok National Park. Thick rainforests, limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and mountains make a wild playground.

Hike, swim, explore caves, and sleep to the sounds of exotic birds and animals during our 8 days Essential Southern Thailand trip.

10. Kanchanaburi

This tranquil town is the jumping-off point for visits to the infamous Hell Fire Pass and River Kwai. Be sure to take a ride along the tracks of the Death Railway and reflect on the atrocities of war at the Jeath War Museum.

Take a reflective walk through the history of Kanchanaburi on a 15 day Beautiful Northern Thailand tour.

Top places to visit in Thailand

1. chiang mai.

Visit a park that provides a sanctuary for elephants – many of which have been rescued from the cruel practices of the elephant riding industry.

Add our 3 day Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience to your Thailand trip to learn about these incredible animals.

Spot schools of colorful tropical fish as you snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Ao Nang.

Finish off a 9 day Cycle Southern Thailand tour on the stunning limestone cliff beaches of Krabi.

Dive into the warm waters of Phuket and experience a little bit of paradise.

Spend a couple of days exploring all that Phuket has to offer on a 9 day Thailand Beaches: Bangkok to Phuket adventure.

4. Erawan National Park

Cool off in the waters of Erawan National Park or simply stand back and watch the idyllic waterfalls.

Enjoy the beauty of Erawan National Park on our 12 day Premium Northern Thailand tour .

Follow the scent of chili and lemongrass to one of Bangkok’s many delicious food markets.

This city is the perfect place to start an incredible 22 day Epic Bangkok to Singapore tour.

Pedal around ancient temples and ruins built as early as the 13th century at the World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Historic Park.

Walk through one of Thailand's first capital cities on our 17 day Classic Thailand East Coast adventure.

7. Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is perhaps one of Thailand's most recognizable gems. Kayak around the green waters, admiring the sheer limestone karsts that jut dramatically out of the sea.

Coast through the must-see sights of Phang Nga Bay on our 8 day Phuket Sailing Adventure.

Bustling street markets filled with colorful vendors selling an assortment of goods can be found in small villages and large towns throughout the country. Luxurious, multi-level shopping malls that rival those in European cities are increasingly popping up. 

The Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is perhaps the largest and most extensive market in the world. Here vendors sell everything you can think of, from ceramics to Thai silk to vintage clothing. Bartering is expected at markets and most small vendors. As a rule of thumb, if the price isn’t listed, it’s negotiable. But remember, Thais appreciate friendliness and a sense of humor. The more aggressive you are in trying to get a deal, the less likely you are to get one.

Things to buy in Thailand

• Vibrant fabric cushions, tablecloths, and hammocks
• Silver jewelry (look for reputable stores) 
• Handcrafted umbrellas or parasols
• Thai silk scarves, ties, wraps, and clothing
• Colorful Celadon ceramics
• Tailor-made clothing

Festival and events

Loy krathong (festival of lights).

During the 12th lunar month, people across the country gather around lakes, rivers, and canals to symbolically let their worries float away in the most magical way – by releasing colorful lotus-shaped rafts holding candles, incense, and flowers onto the water.

Yee Peng (or Yi Peng)

At the same time that Loy Krathong is taking place, Chiang Mai also celebrates Yee Peng. Religious events, cultural activities, and street parades all mark this Buddhist tradition. But what makes this festival truly spectacular is the release of thousands of sky lanterns that illuminate the sky.  

Songkran (Thai New Year)

What happens when New Year’s Day falls during the height of summer? It morphs into a giant water fight. Some towns celebrate just on the day (April 13), while others stretch it out for several days of concerts, ceremonies, and other wet festivities.

Chiang Mai Flower Festival

Flowers are used in ways you never thought imaginable at this colorful three-day event in February. Come for the parade of impressive floral floats, and stay for the tasty Thai street food, music, and performances.

Similar destinations

Thinking about traveling to Thailand but still browsing other destinations? Or, maybe you've already traveled and looking for somewhere similar? Check out tours to neighboring locations:

Vietnam tours

Vietnam vs Thailand: where to travel next?

Cambodia tours

• Indonesia tours

Still keen on Thailand?

We have a variety of similar destinations, trips, and routes that you could consider! Tie another trip into your holiday, or see how we can help you get from A to B.

We have tours departing from a variety of locations around Thailand. The option below may be of interest:

• Tours from Phuket
• Tours from Bangkok
• Tours to Bangkok
• Bangkok to Phuket

Further reading

Thailand travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

Travelers with passports from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States are exempt from a tourist visa if they are traveling for 30 days or less. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry to Thailand.

If you plan on staying longer as a tourist, or if you are traveling for a reason, such as study or business, you may need a visa.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 02/11/2023

Is tipping customary in Thailand?

Tipping isn’t customary in Thailand, but feel free to leave restaurants, drivers or service workers a small tip if the service has been particularly good. It’s always appreciated.

What is internet access like in Thailand?

The Internet can be accessed at hotels and internet cafes in large cities and tourist areas but is limited in rural and remote areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Thailand?

Cell phone coverage is generally good in Thailand’s urban areas, but may not be available on some of the islands and in more remote areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.

What are the toilets like in Thailand?

Squat toilets are most common in Thailand, although western-style flushable toilets can be found in larger hotels and some tourist areas. It’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they are not always provided.

What will it cost for a…?

• A market fruit shake = 25 THB 
• Bottle of local beer = 100 THB
• Market stall meal = 40 – 100 THB 
• Sit-down dinner at a nice restaurant = 350 – 1000 THB 

Can I drink the tap water in Thailand?

Drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Thailand. Avoid drinks with ice and make sure to peel fruit before eating it. Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Your leader or hotel can tell you where to find filtered water.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Thailand?

Credit cards are usually accepted by hotels, large retailers and tourist sites but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors and family-run restaurants in rural areas. Market stalls and street vendors will not accept credit cards. Always carry enough cash for smaller purchases in case credit cards are not an option.

What is ATM access like in Thailand?

ATMs are widely available in larger cities but are less common in small villages or rural areas. Make sure you have enough cash before leaving urban areas.

What public holidays are celebrated in Thailand?

1 Jan: New Year’s Day

26 Feb Makha Bucha Day

8 Apr: Chakri Day

16 Apr: Songkran Festival (Thai New Year)

1 May: Labour Day

6 May: H.M. King's Coronation

22 May: Visakha Bucha Day

3 Jun: Queen Suthida's Birthday

29 July: King Vajiralongkorn's Birthday

22 July: Buddhist Lent Day

12 Aug: Queen’s Birthday

14 Oct: Anniversary of the Death of King Bhumibol

23 Oct: Chulalongkorn Day

5 Dec: King’s Birthday

10 Dec: Constitution Day

31 Dec: New Year’s Eve

Please note: Thai public holidays may vary

Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Thailand?

No vaccines are required in order to enter Thailand but some are recommended for protection against disease. Visit your doctor or travel clinic for advice and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.

Is Thailand a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

As a whole, Thailand is a hassle-free destination for LGBTQI travelers. Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket all have fairly prominent gay scenes. Be aware that Thais typically do not engage in public displays of affection, regardless of sexual orientation.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.

What's the transport like in Thailand?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators, and are more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Thailand, you may find yourself traveling by Songthaew.

Get to know the locals as you share a ride in these converted pick-up trucks. Snagging a seat on the ‘two benches’ (the literal meaning of songthaew) is a popular way of getting around South East Asia.

See Thailand from the ground level on a Saamlaw, the three-wheeled wonder. Sometimes motorized but usually pedal-powered by a local, it’s a fun way to get from A to B or see a new city's sights.

What's the accommodation like in Thailand?

Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodations as unique and traditional as possible.

When traveling with us in Thailand you may find yourself staying in a Homestay.

Experience friendly Thai hospitality while staying with a local family living a traditional way of life. Make new friends, pick up some local lingo and leave smiling.

The ultimate room with a view - spend the night on a floating bamboo raft house. Enjoy the seclusion, soak up the serenity and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Does my trip to Thailand support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Thailand directly support our foundation partner, EcoThailand Foundation . 

EcoThailand Foundation is on a mission to educate and empower local communities, on the tourist Islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Paluay, about environmental issues like climate change, waste management, nature appreciation, conservation and sustainable lifestyles. Donations from our trips help EcoThailand's environmental guardianship education program for children in local state schools.

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

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Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

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How Much a Holiday in Thailand Costs

Traveling around Thailand can cost as little or as much as you want it to. This is a country that covers all budgets, where you can stay in 250 THB dorm rooms or 30,000 THB luxury resort suites. Dig into street food for pennies or dine on gourmet dinners for hundreds. Relax on free beaches and visit inexpensive attractions or take expensive tours where your every need is catered to.

There’s something for every budget here in Thailand.

Thailand is a cheap country to live in and travel around. I usually spend very little money here. But that changed when my friends came, and why that changed is important for anyone planning to come to Thailand.

How much does it cost to travel around Thailand?

Your Thailand costs will vary greatly depending on the kind of traveler you want to be. I’ve been visiting the country for over a decade and I’ve seen it change a lot. Here’s how much you can expect to spend and how to save money in the country.  

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Thailand?

On a recent visit to Thailand with my friends, we traveled for 24 days and I spent 47,888 THB or 1,995 THB per day (around $55 USD per day). Here’s the breakdown (all prices are in Thai baht):

• Accommodation (cheap guesthouses, nice beach bungalows, luxury jungle huts) – 13,565 THB
• Flights around Thailand – 4,200 THB
• Transportation (public buses, trains, taxis) – 1,470 THB
• Ferry to, around, and from the islands – 1,875 THB
• Diving in Ko Tao – 800 THB
• Hiking in Khao Sok – 1,200 THB
• Movie and popcorn (Sherlock Holmes 2—don’t see it!) – 320 THB
• Misc. (bug spray, toothbrush, etc.) – 363 THB
• Drinks (it was the holidays!) – 10,115 THB
• Jim Thompson House (museum in Bangkok ) – 100 THB
• Medicine (I popped my eardrum scuba diving!) – 1,890 THB
• Food (street food, seafood dinners, amazing international meals in Bangkok) – 11,000 THB
• Web stuff for work – 890 THB
• Water – 100 THB

Total spent: 47,888 THB

For Thailand, that’s a lot of money. But my friends had never been to the country before so we traveled a little faster than normal and stayed at nicer places than I normally would on a budget.

I love Thailand in part because traveling here is so affordable; backpacking around Thailand usually costs 800-1,125 THB per day, depending on how much alcohol you consume and how many days you spend on the islands, where costs are higher.

But when your time is limited and this is one of your two big trips all year, you don’t want to scrape every penny. Vacations don’t need to cost a fortune, but if you aren’t traveling all the time, staying in the cheapest place to make your money last becomes less of an issue. You want nice things.

You travel faster. You take planes, not 12-hour trains. You cram more activities into your day. You pamper yourself more. You eat nicer meals.

And my friends definitely wanted all of the above.  

How Much Do You Need to Travel Thailand?

If you’re backpacking Thailand, plan to budget between 800-1,125 THB per day. This range gets you your own room (fan only) with a shared bathroom (or a dorm room on the lower end), food from the street stalls, a couple of drinks per day, a few tours here and there, and local transportation. If you’re spending more time on the islands where things tend to be more expensive, budget towards the higher end or even upwards of 1,450 THB a day.

On a budget of around 1,750-2,700 THB per day, you would be able to fly between some destinations, eat more delicious seafood dinners and international meals, do more tours and activities, sleep in air-conditioned rooms, and drink more.

If you’re looking to stay in Western hotels or expensive resorts, eat mostly Western food in tourist areas, drink a lot, do a lot of tours, and fly a lot, you should budget 4,000-6,000 THB per day. After that, the sky is the limit.

While all the money-saving tips mentioned on my website can be applied to any style of trip (saving money is universal), how fast you travel on a vacation dramatically changes how you spend money. We could have saved a lot of money getting around Thailand if we’d skipped the flights and taken the train, but my friends didn’t have the time to spend 12 hours on a train. We flew, which is expensive during peak season. Naturally, our costs went up accordingly.

How to Save Money and Lower Your Thailand Costs

• Get off of the tourist trail – The easiest way to save money in Thailand is to live like a local. Take the local buses, eat street food instead of standard restaurant food, and drink beer instead of other (more expensive) alcohol. In Bangkok, average Thai citizens live on a less than 8,000 THB per month. In the countryside, the average person lives on even less. Try to follow their example. Visit less touristy cities and islands, and you’ll save big.
• Book tours when you arrive – Want to take a cooking class, try zip-lining, or head out on a jungle trek? Or maybe you want to try scuba diving near the islands. No matter what you’re looking to do, wait until you get into Thailand to book. Travel agencies are located everywhere so they are easy to find. These people are extremely friendly and easy to negotiate with, too. When it comes to tours, the general rule is that the more you buy, the better discount you can get. Grab a group of friends and sign up for tours together to increase your discounts. If the first travel agent won’t negotiate with you, move on to another one. Sure, you could just purchase these tours online before you arrive, but you’ll be paying a lot more. Wait until you arrive and you’ll save a lot of money. For some estimated costs, jungle trekking costs 2,000-2,685 THB per day, cooking classes are 1,000-1,300 THB, and seeing a Muay Thai fight is around 1,500 THB.
• Eat at the street stalls – Everyone agrees that the food from street vendors in Thailand is the best food in the country. Plus, it’s ridiculously cheap. You can easily find a bowl of soup or noodles for under 50 THB. Street stalls line every block, making them a simple and cheap option for any meal.
• Skip the Western food – Western food venues are always more expensive when compared to Thai food, costing at least 170-340 THB for a main dish. Since some of the ingredients need to be imported, you should expect the prices to be higher than any Thai food you’ll find. And since most Western food places also pale in comparison what you get back home, it’s best to just skip it altogether and enjoy the delicious local food.
• Negotiate with tuk-tuk drivers – Unlike taxis, the tuk-tuks do not have meters. This means you need to agree on a price before you take off. If you don’t, they’ll be able to jack up the price on you. Drivers are always friendly but if you’re going to act like a clueless tourist they will definitely take advantage of you and charge you a few extra bucks. While I generally try to avoid tuk-tuks, they are fine for short distances (and you need to try them at least once!).
• Limit your drinking – You can save a lot of money by limiting how much alcohol you drink. Alcohol in Thailand can be quite expensive, so go for water if you’re on a budget. If you are going to drink, be sure to take advantage of happy hour deals when you can and stick to beer instead of cocktails. To save even more money, buy your beer at 7-Eleven as it will be much cheaper than at the bar.
• Use a hospitality exchange website – Sharing economy platforms like Couchsurfing allow you to stay with locals for free while giving you a local perspective on the destination. There are plenty of hosts here, both locals and expats, so be sure to check out to not only save money but get an insider experience.
• Bargain hard – When you head to the markets you’re going to have to bargain hard. Never take the first price and don’t be afraid to walk away if you feel like you’re getting ripped off. If you can, ask a local what prices you should expect to give you a point of reference. Just remember to bargain hard but don’t be a jerk!
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Thailand, where the tap water isn’t potable. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw , which has built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too).

In the rush to see everything, you can spend a lot of money before you even realize it. I’ll admit that the budget traveler I normally am went out the window on this trip. I would normally never fly around Thailand , stay at expensive resorts, or eat as much international food as I did with my friends.

A three-week vacation in Thailand might not be as cheap as a three-month backpacking trip, but it can still be inexpensive as long as you watch where your money goes and don’t forget about keeping to a budget in your quest to see everything.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Thailand: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

• Bloom Cafe & Hostel (Ko Lipe)
• Julie Guesthouse (Chiang Mai)
• Mad Monkey Hostel (Bangkok)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Thailand? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Thailand for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Budget Tours & Trips to Thailand

Explore a varied offer of budget Thailand adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Bangkok and Koh Phangan. Each affordable tour will provide you with memorable experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market. Explore the best  budget trips  around the world with TourRadar!

75 Budget Thailand tour packages with 406 reviews

Thailand 11 Day/10 Night Group Tour | ULTIMATE

Unglaubliche Erfahrungen, schöne Tour, sehr gute Planung und die allerbeste Tourguide die man sich nur vorstellen kann :)

• €35 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

Total Thailand

So far the tour has been absolutely unreal, Whiskey was a brilliant guide he always put us first without a second thought!! Anywhere we needed to go or anything we needed to do he would have took us there personally to make sure we got there & safe, and always looked after us on nights out. Total credit to Trutravels and really made the trip most enjoyable :) thank you Whiskey!

Ultimate Thailand in 10 Days - Ayutthaya / Khao Sok / Phuket

It was great to have an organized trip. The office of PrestigoAsia kept in touch with me, guides and the hotels all the time. Whole trip went well, very organized, a good flow in the schedule. Especially Russamee K. is a pearl ???? on their staff! She knows how to be flexible on situations (weather, surrounding, customers wishes) and gave me a good insight of culture, life and the way, Thai people are thinking. The destinations were very well chosen for getting to know Thailand. I especially liked the 'Rock & tree house' in Khao Sok. 3 things for further customers: ➡️ transfers are a bit early, I was already sitting at the airport since 4.33 pm - check-in was not even open before 6 o'clock, my flight to Bangkok leaves at 7.55 pm Even if they say, it's meant to be considerate because of the raining season, this seems to me a bit over the top. ➡️ most of the guides speak English, but very simple. They can not answer or react to answers beyond their program (this is why I liked to be with Russamee in Bangkok, her English was perfect and she was very well informed, even beyond the borders of Thailand ????????) ➡️ I didn't like the 'Kata breeze beach resort' in Phuket. This is a family hotel for especially Russian families. The staff speaks rarely English, the tourists don't. Since I usually travel alone this didn't feel good for the last 3 days. Also, my first room on June 2nd was moldy (curtains, mattress). I had an asthma attack in the middle of the night. Reception was really helpful of changing the room immediately. But it was behind half of the roof & the other half was a view on the parking lot - not very welcoming. And I had to stay there for the next 3 days. (Room on May 30th was great, but I think by accident - was a higher category). Even if I know that there was a Thai holiday on Saturday, I think toilets/facilities at the pool could be cleaned anyways. Yesterday & today it was fine, on Saturday it was disgusting. I also send this to PrestigoAsia to think about for the future.

• Island Hopping

Thailand Island Hopper 16 Day Group Tour | ULTIMATE

The tour was really amazing. We saw the many faces of Thailand and interacted with more locals than I could have imagined. The food, the group and the stops were all part of the overall great experience. Due to the Corona Virus it was a little difficult to find places to party, but we still got a few really nice party nights in. Obviously we have to thank our boss Yui for being an amazing leader and a trustworthy friend. So if you wanna see Thailand, go for it, cause this right here is a great choice

• Health, Spa & Wellness

8 Day Natural Weight Loss, Fitness & Yoga Trip

Absolutely amazing definitely recommend, food is super healthy staff was very kind

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing

15+ Bangkok highlight Beach, River wai, Biking, Kayak

It's a wonderful trip. I impress about explore Thai culture, history, and Natural Attraction. the guide was very friendly and good service. cool!

Thai Experience - 9 Days

8 Day All Inclusive 'Full Body Reset' Detox, Yoga & Wellness Holiday

Das Konzept ist ausgezeichnet. Gesundes Essen kombiniert mit ausreichenden und interessanten Aktivitäten. Das Team ist unglaublich bemüht und reagiert sehr flexibel mit Alternativprogrammen wenn zb das Wetter mal nicht passt. Außerdem unterstützen sie immer wenn man selbst was unternehmen möchte mit Rat und Tat. Der einzige Minuspunkt: Die Anlage ist leider recht laut. Verkehr, nahegelegene Lokale und am schlimmsten - die lauten Klimaanlagen die tlw. die ganze Nacht laufen. Und von Schallisolierung odgl. hat man in Thailand ohnehin noch nie was gehört.

Marvelous Northern Thailand In 8 Days - Kanchanaburi/ Chiang Rai / Chiang Mai

Very smoothly run with comfortable vehicle door to door for every point of interest. Learnt alot about Thai history. Good lunches included. You visit places tourists typically don't get to go to. Hotels were all fine.

Treasures of Thailand - 13 Days

4 Day Bangkok City Break including Amphawa Floating Market & Erawan National Park

• Hiking & Trekking

Umphang Wildlife Explorer

Full Moon Party Pack

The full moon party pack was a nice way to experience the full moon party and also see more of what Ko Phangan has to offer. Gogi was great and managed a large group of about 25 people while keeping everyone on track. He even stayed out with us until sunrise and made sure everyone was safe.

Panoramic Travel to Thailand - 10 Days

• Volunteering

Wildlife Rescue Volunteer in Thailand

What people love about budget tours in thailand.

Jay Jay and Morgan were great tour guides! My husband and I requested private accommodations the first day of the tour (for a separate upgraded cost, of course) and they made those arrangements for us seamlessly. They also had numerous recommendations for food and activities on the days we had free time, which was very helpful. We loved this tour and enjoyed our time immensely!

This was my first trip with Tru Travels and first ever group tour in general and I had the best time! Can’t thank Mickey enough for making sure we were all happy, going above and beyond to provide all the information we needed and making sure we had the time of our lives even through the lows. You can tell he really loves his job and is somehow always happy! I loved the combination of doing the north and south of Thailand, there was always a good balance of having lots of activities to do and things to see as well being able to wind down and relax. I’ll never forget my time in Thailand and all the amazing people I got to meet! Would 100% book another tour with Tru Travels.

Still thinking about my trip to Thailand with them. I am not afraid of traveling solo anymore because the staff made me feel secured and taken care the whole time. Even you're considering a trip solo, definitely pick Prestigo Asia.

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Mastering Your Budget in Thailand 2024: Prices and Tips

How much does a trip to Thailand really cost? Plane tickets, accommodation, food, transportation, activities... The budget can quickly escalate. Fortunately, with a few tips, it's entirely possible to visit Thailand without breaking the bank!  In this article, discover all the tricks to optimize your budget and find the best prices for your stay, so you can fully enjoy this fascinating destination.

1. How to Properly Plan Your Travel Budget in Thailand?

2. budget for a trip to thailand, 3. prices for a two-week trip to thailand, 4. example itinerary for 15 days, 5. practical tips for budget traveling.

Bear in mind: The baht is the only legal currency in Thailand. Thus, it's advisable to exchange some currency in your home country before coming to Thailand and avoid using airport exchange services. Bank-operated centers, such as Kasikorn Bank, often offer poor exchange rates. Instead, consider using services like Super Rich or Dee Money , which can be found in many malls in Bangkok (Emporium, Icon Siam, Siam Paragon,...) or at Nana Soi 8.

1.1 Understanding Daily Expenses

Your daily expenses in Thailand will largely depend on your choices of accommodation, dining, and activities. Your budget will quickly inflate if you choose high-end establishments aimed at tourists. Similarly, certain activities like diving or excursions can be costly. You should also budget for nightlife, which is very developed in Thailand but can quickly blow your initial estimates. Luckily, you can find food cheaply.

1.2 Choosing Your Destination

Trips to the islands, though paradise-like, are often more expensive. everything must be transported by boat, leading to additional costs passed on to tourists. with high island rents, merchants raise their prices. conversely, you can choose the northern part of the country (chiang mai, pai) for a more budget-friendly stay. even within a city, less touristy neighborhoods are more affordable. .

1.3 Choosing the Timing of Your Trip

The ideal time to travel to Thailand in terms of weather is from December to April, with optimal sunshine. However, it is also the high season, marked by high prices. It is important to note that the very high season is from late March to late April, especially in 2024, due to the overlapping holidays of two major holidays, Chakri Day and Songkran.

If you plan to travel between June and October, you can enjoy lush landscapes and great rates on accommodation and activities. However, this period also corresponds to the low season in Thailand due to rain, leading to limited activities on the islands. Some activities, such as sailboat and yacht rentals, may be closed during this time. Friendly reminder: The peak season is from late March to late April, especially in 2024 when Chakri Day and Songkran holidays overlap.

Do you know Songkran 2024   is coming close? Let's discover this biggest festival of Thailand!

2.1 Plane tickets

Airfares to Thailand vary depending on the season. The most expensive periods are from mid-November to mid-February (peak season) and in July-August (school holidays). To find reasonable prices, book several months in advance. Expect an average of $750-$1200 for economy class departing from Europe. Choose the low-season months to get discounts of up to 50%.

2.2 Accommodation

When people ask how much it costs to go to Thailand, they understand that where you stay and the type of accommodation you choose make a significant difference. In Thailand, travelers have a wide range of accommodation options at various prices.

Nowadays, many reputable websites specialize in online hotel booking, such as Booking and Agoda, which regularly offer attractive monthly discounts. However, it's essential to note that after making an online reservation, it's recommended to call the hotel or send them an email to confirm the booking information.

This small precaution will avoid any confusion and ensure that you have a room reserved upon arrival, thus avoiding being without accommodation during your stay abroad.

2.3 Local Transportation

In Thailand, you have a variety of popular transportation options to explore the country's golden pagodas: BTS, MRT, buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, boats, moto-taxis, and car rentals. Fortunately, traveling by public transport in Thailand is relatively affordable.

Here's an estimate of prices for some common routes:

• Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: approximately $28 to $30
• Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (2nd class): approximately $27 to $59
• Ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta: from $27 to $54
• Ferries from Koh Samui to Koh Tao: $19

Advice:  Ferries are tricky in the rainy season, as the sea can be treacherous between Koh Samui and the mainland or Koh Tao. It's better to fly if you can, but flights to Koh Samui are pricey and only Bangkok Airways operates them. A cheaper option is to fly to Surat Thani and take a ferry from there, but be careful of the waves. 

Taxi in Bangkok: approximately $1 per kilometer (To avoid taxi scams, always use the meter and don't hail a taxi on the street. Find a taxi stand near a shopping mall or ask your hotel to call one for you. It's cheaper and safer this way.)

Car rental: $11 per day.

For other means of transportation such as tuk-tuks, the metro, Grab, expect about $4 to $9 per day. Bangkok has two types of metro: the BTS Skytrain and the MRT underground. The BTS Sukhumvit line takes you to major attractions like Siam Paragon, Terminal 21, and Emquartier. You can switch to the Silom line at Siam Paragon and then to the gold line at Krung Thon Buri to reach Icon Siam. The MRT is faster and better for places like Chinatown. Grab can be expensive at peak times, so try other apps like Lineman Taxi or Bolt.

These prices are indicative and may vary slightly depending on the season and demand.

2.4 Food Budget

Thailand is truly a culinary paradise, offering a dining experience ranging from street food delights to the refinements of Michelin-starred restaurants. The price of a meal depends on the place you choose, and food costs in Thailand can also vary depending on cities and tourist regions.

Street food, in particular, is very affordable in Thailand. You can enjoy a huge portion of fried rice from a street vendor for only 60 baht(approximately $2). And if you prefer something other than fried rice, no worries, you can opt for Pad Thai, Khao Soi, or fresh fruits, all for less than 100 baht(about $3). Basically, most Thai dishes will cost you around $2-$3.

Local Restaurants: Prices slightly above street food, ranging from $3 to $9 for individual dishes.

Nara Restaurant (Bangkok & Chiang Mai): Mid-range favorite, with locations in Siam Paragon, Central World, Emquartier, and One Nimman Complex.

Fancier Restaurants:

Nahm: $52.5-$105 per person, known for innovative and traditional Thai flavors.

Bo.Lan: $63-$126 per person, celebrated for delicious, sustainably prepared food.

Chiang Mai:

• Ruen Tamarind: $21-$42 per person, offers scenic ambiance with traditional Northern cuisine.
• The Service 1921 Restaurant and Bar: $26.25-$52.5 per person, combines historical ambiance with exquisite food.

• Pru: $84-$157.5 per person, famous for its farm-to-table dining experience.
• Blue Elephant Phuket: $31.5-$63 per person, known for traditional Thai cuisine and classic ambiance.

To discover in detail the best dishes to try, check out our following article: Top 10 Thai Dishes to Try Right Away!

2.5 Cost of Activities in Thailand

Estimating the cost of activities in Thailand can be tricky, as it depends on the places you plan to visit during your trip. Some activities are free, but major attractions usually have entrance fees. Here are some examples of prices for must-see sites in Thailand:

•  Grand Palace: 500 baht (approximately $14)

•  Wat Pho Temple : 200 baht (about $6)

•  Safari Park: starting from 750 baht (around $21)

•  Wat Arun: 100 baht (about $3)

•  Wat Pho Temple: 200 baht (around $6)

For free entrance, you can visit Erawan Shrine in Bangkok at Ratchaprasong, near the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel and Central World but a merit package will cost you 400 THB. It is very revered and there is an ancient belief that this temple is sacred to all Thai people.

No trip to Thailand is complete without a traditional Thai massage. Thailand is one of the best countries in the world to find high-quality massages at low prices in every city.

Here are 3 popular kinds of massages found all over Thailand and their price breakdowns:

• Traditional Thai Massage:

Price Range: 200 to 400 Thai Baht (approximately $5 to $11 ) for 1 hour.

• Foot Massage:

Price Range: 200 to 350 Thai Baht (approximately  $6 to $10 ) for 1 hour.

• Aromatherapy Massage:

Price Range: 400 to 700 Thai Baht (approximately $11 to $19 ) for 1 hour.

If watching Muay Thai has sparked your interest in trying Thai boxing, you're in the right place. Thailand has some of the most prestigious training camps on the planet, and their value for money is surprisingly good! You can expect to pay from $10 to $26 for a class session.

If you've been wanting to learn diving for a while or if you want to get your PADI Open Water certificate, Thailand is one of the most cost-effective places to learn diving. Diving courses range between $245 and $466 depending on the qualification and duration of the course.

Traveling on a Budget  

If you're on a tight budget, opt for budget accommodations like hostels or homestays. For meals, choose street food and local restaurants. Move around on foot or by train and bus to limit your transportation costs.

• 1 night in a 2-star hotel: from $26 / night.
• 2 meals per day per person: from $11 to $21.
• Transportation: about $11 per day per person.
• Activities: about $11 per day per person.

Comfortable Travel

With a moderate budget, you can explore the country more comfortably. Alternate between mid-range hotels and more refined restaurants. Thus, the cost of a two-week trip to Thailand should not exceed $1836 per person if you travel as a pair (excluding airfare). If you opt for private car travel and guidance from a local guide, this will allow you to visit more distant places and discover the unique culture of the "Land of Smiles". For these additional services, budget around $43 to $54 per day.

• 1 night in a 3-star hotel: from $47/ night.
• 2 meals per day per person: from $21 to $32.
• Transportation: about $32 per day per person.
• Activities: about $11 to $16 per day per person.

Luxury Stay

Finally, if you have a higher budget, stay in luxurious hotels and savor refined gastronomy. Opt for a personalized luxury tour with a French-speaking guide and air-conditioned private car. The estimated budget for a two-week trip to Thailand will start from $2700 per person (based on at least two participants):

• 1 night in a 4 or 5-star hotel: from $105 / night.
• 2 meals per day per person: from $32.
• Activities: about $21 per day per person.

These figures are estimated based on the actual costs of many visitors who have traveled to Thailand. They are provided as indicative.

• Day 1: Bangkok – Arrival
• Day 2: Bangkok – City Tour
• Day 3: Bangkok - Damnoen Saduak - Floating Markets - Kanchanaburi
• Day 4: Kanchanaburi – Erawan Park – Ayutthaya
• Day 5: Ayutthaya - Historical Park - Bang Pa In - Bangkok - Flight to Chiang Rai
• Day 6: Chiang Rai – Doi Mae Salong - Mae Sai – Chiang Saen - Golden Triangle - Chiang Rai
• Day 7: Chiang Rai - City Tour - Chiang Mai
• Day 8: Chiang Mai - City Tour
• Day 9: Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon National Park – Chiang Mai
• Day 10: Chiang Mai - Elephant Nature Park
• Day 12: Chiang Mai - Phuket
• Day 12 > 14: Phuket and its beaches
• Day 15: Phuket – Bangkok – Departure

With this itinerary, you can explore the complete panorama of Thailand, from the lively capital of Bangkok to the mountainous regions and dreamy islands. The cost of this itinerary will entirely depend on your choices regarding accommodation, means of transportation, etc.

Discover Thailand without breaking the bank! Here are some tips for an economical trip to this popular country for international tourists:

•  Travel during the low season between June and September to enjoy discounts on airfare and hotels.

•  Eat at local stalls and restaurants to taste delicious street food at low prices.

•  Stay in hostels or homestays to save money.

•  Walk or use public transportation in cities instead of taxis or tuk-tuks. In cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, motorbike taxis are a quick transportation option, available through the Grab app or at taxi stands. Their fares in USD start from about $1 to $2.

•  Book activities in advance online to benefit from discounts on certain tourist sites. Negotiate the price of tuk-tuk rides to avoid excessive fares. However, Tuk Tuks don't travel long distances in Bangkok. For example, going from Thonglor to IconSiam is too far and expensive. Use Tuk Tuks only in old areas like the Grand Palace or downtown Sukhumvit.

•  Avoid unnecessary expenses in shopping, spa, or bars by setting a reasonable budget.

•  Withdraw money from ATMs rather than exchanging at the currency exchange for better rates.

•  Contact specialized local agencies to develop with you the most economical itinerary and the one best suited to your budget.

Our Final Words,

Thailand remains a budget-friendly destination, offering options for all budgets. You'll find a wide range of activities, restaurants, and accommodations there. I hope this information will be helpful in preparing for your trip. For a serene and leisurely journey, fulfilling all your desires, consider booking a custom-made organized trip with our team to explore Thailand. 

>>> Every month, everything you need to know about Thailand

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>>>Continue your trip with our articles: 

• Phang Nga Bay: A Guide to the Stunning Sea Destination
• Koh Tao, Where Nature and Adventure enchant your senses
• A Local's Guide to Udon Thani in 2024
• Discover the Heartbeat of Chinatown Bangkok - A Local's Perspective

Quiz: Do you really know about Thailand?

Chiang Rai is famous for its iconic temple called Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. This temple stands out for its unique, all-white architecture adorned with intricate details.

In Thailand, the currency used is the Baht. The currency unit is usually symbolized by the symbol "฿" or abbreviated as THB (Thai Baht).

Thailand is officially known as the "Kingdom of Thailand". Previously it was called "Siam", but the country changed its name in 1939 to the Kingdom of Thailand, reflecting its national and cultural identity.

Songkran, also known as the Water Festival, is celebrated to mark the Thai New Year by the Buddhist calendar. This traditional celebration takes place every year from April 13 to 15 throughout Thailand.

The smile, mainly a symbol of joy and sympathy in the West, carries various meanings in Thailand. In addition to felicity, it can be used for thanks, to make amends or to end heated discussions.

Isan, sometimes spelled Isaan, is a region located in northeastern Thailand, sharing its borders with Laos and Cambodia. The life and culture there are particularly interesting, as it is influenced by the Laotian and Cambodian neighbors. There is a unique blend of cultures, cuisines, etc., giving Isan a very different look from other parts of Thailand.

Pad Thai is an emblematic dish of Thai cuisine (national dish), appreciated for its mixture of spicy, sweet, salty, and sour flavors.

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2-Week Discovery of Northern Thailand's Hidden Gems

This 2-week Thailand tour promises unforgettable experiences, blending adventure, cultural exploration, and relaxation. You'll uncover the country's hidden gems, beginning with a visit to the vibrant capital of Bangkok, where majestic temples await. Then, you'll journey to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, nestled amidst the lush green mountains of the north. Finally, you'll conclude this enriching adventure with a coastal retreat in Phuket, a tropical paradise located in the southern part of the country. Here, you can bask in the sun, explore crystal-clear waters through diving, and unwind on world-renowned beaches.

A 21-day adventure through Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

Experience an extraordinary 21-day tour through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, meticulously crafted for nature and culture aficionados. Discover the most captivating landscapes, delve into rich cultural tapestries, and savor delectable cuisines. Amidst these adventures, indulge in moments of luxury and relaxation, ensuring an unforgettable escapade.

Best of Northern Thailand in 10 Days

Explore a 10-day adventure in Thailand, discovering Bangkok's lively heart, Ayutthaya's history, and Chiang Mai's enchanting north. Journey further to find the beautiful sights of Chiang Rai, Pai's relaxed vibe, and Mae Hong Son's calm beauty. Dive into the cultures of diverse hill tribes, making the region rich in culture. Taste unique local foods from each tribe, each with its delicious dishes. Experience the traditions and history while enjoying the stunning northern scenery.

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Experience the captivating beauty of Southeast Asia during this 21-day odyssey. From the tranquil countryside of Chiang Mai to the vibrant floating markets of Thailand, immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes and cultural gems of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Discover the serene charm of Chiang Mai and the bustling energy of Thailand's floating markets, making this journey a feast for the eyes and soul.

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THAILAND TRAVEL COST: PRICES + DAILY BUDGET

Withdrawing & paying at the real exchange rate, without extra fees, thailand travel cost: prices + daily budget.

Thailand is an incredible country to explore, renowned for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. It's no wonder that Thailand attracts millions of travelers each year. Despite its popularity, Thailand remains an affordable destination. You'll find an abundance of inexpensive street food, budget-friendly hotels and hostels, and most attractions can be enjoyed for just a few dollars.

In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive overview of the expenses you can expect during your journey through Thailand. Whether you're looking to backpack on a tight budget or indulge in a more luxurious trip, the Land of Smiles accommodates all travelers. We'll cover costs for flights, food and beverages, accommodations, tours and attractions and transportation. To wrap it up, we'll provide an average daily budget. For your convenience, we'll mention all prices in dollars, although you'll be using the Thai Baht while in Thailand. Currently, $1.00 USD is approximately equivalent to 36 Thai Baht.

Costs for flight tickets to Thailand

The costs of flight tickets depend on several factors. On average, a round-trip economy class ticket from major U.S. cities to Bangkok can range from $600 to $1,200 USD or more. Flights tickets from major European cities to Bangkok generally cost a little less, between $400 and $900 USD. Keep in mind that prices tend to be higher during peak travel seasons, so booking well in advance or during promotional periods can help you secure more affordable fares. Direct flights may be more expensive than those with layovers.

Costs before traveling to Thailand

If you plan to stay in Thailand for a maximum of 30 days, many nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for a 60-day visa. The costs are around $30 to $40 USD for a single entry, allowing you to enter Thailand only once. For instance, you can't make a trip to Cambodia within those 60 days and re-enter Thailand afterward. If you need multiple entries, the cost is higher. A multiple-entry visa costs between $150 to $250 USD, allowing multiple entries into Thailand within six months, with a maximum stay of 60 days per entry.

While there are no mandatory vaccinations for entry into Thailand, we recommend getting certain vaccinations. It's best to consult health organizations in your country for advice. The vaccinations for Thailand are also recommended for many other destinations.

To ensure you've covered everything for your trip to Thailand, check out the Ultimate Thailand Packing List  for a convenient overview!

Costs for food and drinks in Thailand

It's hard to find a place where you can eat as cheaply and deliciously as in Thailand. At the numerous street stalls, you can get a local dish for around $1,50 to $2 USD. These stalls often offer a wide variety of dishes, allowing you to try something different every day. Even when dining in local restaurants, prices remain low, averaging around $3 to $4 USD per dish. Western food tends to be slightly more expensive, starting at around $7 USD, but prices can vary depending on the location. At coffee shops, various types of coffee cost between $1,50 and $2,50 USD. Additionally, Thailand offers delicious fruit juices and smoothies available at around $1 USD from street vendors to $2,50 USD at coffee shops.

Accommodation costs in Thailand

Accommodation in Thailand is affordable. If you're looking for budget travel, outside of the peak season (November-February), it's easy to find a double room with a private bathroom for between $10 and $20 USD in most places. A room in a slightly better hotel often ranges from around $20 to $30 USD. Staying in a hostel can start from $5 USD and even cheaper in some very economical hostels. For solo travelers, we recommend choosing a friendly hostel without compromising too much on quality, as hostels are the best places to meet new people. Enjoying a bit of luxury during your vacation is also reasonably priced in Thailand. Between $50 and $100 USD, you can find some real gems, staying in well-designed boutique hotels or charming bungalows.

Costs for tours and attractions in Thailand

The entrance fees to popular attractions in Thailand are often low, despite the influx of tourists. Thailand is well-known for its stunning Buddhist temples. Most temples have free entry, but donations are appreciated. The more popular temples, such as Wat Pho in Bangkok and Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai , charge a small admission fee, typically around $3 to $6 USD.

When traveling to popular destinations in southern Thailand, many expensive tours are offered. On almost every corner, you'll find shops offering tours for island hopping, snorkeling, diving, and jungle treks. These tours are often considerably more expensive than arranging them yourself. For instance, you can get boat tickets to islands independently or use Grab (the Southeast Asian alternative to Uber) to reach a national park for a jungle trek. The advantage is more freedom and lower costs, but it may require a bit more planning and research. A good alternative to dealing with the aggressive sellers at tourist shops is booking a tour through GetYourGuide . These tours are often cheaper (or at least equally priced) compared to purchasing them on the street, and you can comfortably review all the details in your own language before booking. Additionally, almost all tours include hotel or hostel pickup, which is great!

Transportation costs in Thailand

Thailand is a large country, and distances between popular destinations can be substantial. Fortunately, Thailand boasts a good network of trains and buses connecting all these places, and domestic flights are also affordable. One of the longest journeys you might undertake during your trip in Thailand is from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, which takes about 10 to 14 hours by bus or train, costing roughly between $20 and $30 USD. A flight ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can be acquired for approximately $40 to $70 USD, depending on your luggage.

Additionally, traveling within Thailand is cost-effective with Grab, the alternative to Uber in Southeast Asia. For a 15-20 minute ride, you'd pay around $2 to $5, depending on the city, time, and route. Songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) and motorbike taxis are even cheaper, often costing just $1 to $2. Tuk-tuks tend to be pricier than taxis, but with good bargaining skills, you might secure a more affordable ride.

Renting a scooter is also budget-friendly in Thailand, typically around $6 to $10 USD per day, depending on the location and rental duration.

Average daily budget for Thailand

The daily budget for a trip in Thailand greatly depends on the choices you make.

If you're traveling on a budget, staying in hostels and enjoying street food, you can manage at around $30 to $35 USD per day. For those wanting to explore more, stay in better hostels or hotels, and occasionally indulge in more luxurious or Western meals, the budget can range between $40 to $60 USD per day. Of course, you can tailor it to your preferences. Especially in Bangkok and the southern regions, you'll find plenty of luxury hotels, expensive restaurants, and upscale nightclubs.

In summary, Thailand offers options for every budget. Costs for local food, accommodation, and attractions are generally low, allowing you to adjust your expenses based on your preferences. It's a country that caters to various types of travelers, providing ample opportunities to explore this beautiful land.

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• There are loads of types of vacations in Thailand and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $407; Family vacation $352; Romantic vacation $468; Luxury vacation $526; Budget vacation $263.

Why should you book a vacation package to Thailand?

You have many choices for where to explore on your next Thailand vacation. The most well-trafficked tourist towns include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket Island, with many domestic flights facilitating easy transport between tourist hot spots.

When should you book a vacation package to Thailand?

The best time to visit Thailand is from November to March when the weather is moderate and the shoulder season makes prices more affordable. Some of the most popular cultural festivals include the Ghost Festival, Lantern Festival, and Monkey Banquet.

Where should you stay in Thailand during your vacation?

For any vacation type in thailand:.

Mai Samui Beach Resort & Spa provides the beach vacation of your dreams with a commitment to Asian architectural styles, food, and customer service. It's located on the island of Samui, so the most convenient way to get there is via a connecting flight from Bangkok International Airport to Samui Airport, after which you can transfer via rental car for the duration of your journey to the hotel.

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit is a classic cityscape hotel featuring a rooftop pool, tasteful modern décor, and easy access to public transportation. The BKK Airport Bus is an invaluable asset when transferring between public transportation options to your downtown hotel.

For family vacations in Thailand:

ibis Styles Bangkok Khaosan Viengtai is the perfect economy design to save you money while you travel without sacrificing any of the adventure! This urban chic hotel is easily reached by taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Grande Center Point Hotel Ratchadamri provides you with all the urban comforts, including a resident lounge, pool, fitness center, and onsite restaurant. The friendly staff is eager to help you arrange an airport shuttle pick up for stress-free travel to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

For romantic vacations in Thailand:

The Hotel Solo Sukhumvit is a private boutique hotel that boasts a rooftop pool and bar for added ambiance. To explore other popular cities in Thailand, consider renting a car from Suvarnabhumi Airport so you can set your own travel itinerary.

Renaissance Koh Samui Resort is an island oasis tucked amidst manicured gardens and white sandy beaches. There are several options for reaching the island, including a connecting flight from Bangkok Airport or a 6 hour ferry journey to Koh Samui port.

For luxury vacations in Thailand:

The Shangri-La Hotel lives up to it's regal name with opulent furnishings and awe-inspiring architecture on the vibrant Chao Phraya River. Private airport pickups are available when you pre-book your Thailand vacation package online.

Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach is a 5-star hotel awash in lavish amenities including infinity ocean pools located on a cliff facing the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea. The easiest way to reach this hotel is via taxi from Phuket International Airport.

For budget vacations in Thailand:

Ibis Bangkok Riverside offers bright, clean accommodation with an outdoor pool, spa services, and 180 degree views of the waterfront. The hotel also offers a free shuttle to Krungthonburi BTS Skytrain Station.

The Ambassador Hotel Bangkok is located in the trendy neighborhood of Sukhumvit with its many bars, restaurants, and cultural attractions within easy walking distance. Times Square is just across the street. Free parking gives you the added bonus of being able to rent a car to further explore this sprawling city.

Where to stay in Thailand

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16 tips for a budget visit to Thailand

Oct 28, 2023 • 10 min read

These top budget tips with a guide to daily costs can help you keep your spending under control on a trip to Thailand © Chadchai Ra-ngubpai / Getty Images

Travelers looking for adventures on a shoestring flock to Thailand .

With its heady blend of pocket-friendly travel experiences, cultural surprises, easy transport, spicy-not-pricey food and one of the world’s friendliest backpacker scenes, Thailand could well be the perfect budget travel destination.

However, the cost of a trip can vary wildly depending on where you go and the levels of comfort you're looking for when you get here. Spend too much time in Bangkok, take lots of tours and drink lots of bottled beer, and you're looking at spending a whole lot more.

Here are our top tips for traveling further for less in Thailand.

1. Places to stay are cheaper in the low season

Prices for accommodations and transport shoot up from November to March, coinciding with the driest weather and travel-friendly temperatures. The July to September low season is the rainiest time of year; some ferry routes and island resorts close down completely, but accommodation prices drop significantly. Hotel rates also dip during the spring and fall shoulder seasons , which can be a rewarding time to visit without the winter crowds. 

2. Air travel into Thailand can be surprisingly low

Bangkok is one of Asia’s cheapest destinations to reach by air, particularly if you come with Qatar Airways, Etihad or another Gulf carrier, but prices creep upwards during the peak winter season. If flights to Bangkok are looking costly, investigate flights to Singapore , Kuala Lumpur and other Asian hubs, and see if you can find a cheap connection to the capital on Air Asia or another budget carrier.

Alternatively, connect to Bangkok by train . Regular trains run from Johor Bahru – just over the causeway from Singapore – to KL, Butterworth (for Penang) and north along the isthmus to Bangkok for around US$80 one way. It’s one of Asia’s most enjoyable rail journeys. 

3. Resist the taxis at the airports

Most new arrivals fly into Bangkok’s busy Suvarnabhumi International Airport, 30km (19 miles) east of Bangkok, though a few budget carriers still use Don Mueang International Airport near Chatuchak Weekend Market . At either hub, eager agents will try to talk you into expensive airport taxis.

Instead, take public transit; Suvarnabhumi has Airport Rail Link trains that connect with the downtown Skytrain and MRT network, and a free shuttle bus to a local transport terminus with cheap city buses into the center. Don Mueang has regular overground trains and slow but inexpensive local buses to the middle of Bangkok. 

At airports all over Thailand, you can often find a cheap taxi ride by flagging down a cab on the highway outside the airport-terminal complex, avoiding airport charges. Just remember to check if any highway tolls apply for the journey into town.

4. Stay in homestays or hostels

Accommodation prices in Thailand have been climbing steadily for years, in line with rising standards. Many backpacker places are edging into boutique-hotel territory, with cafes, bars, wi-fi and pools, and the US$5 box rooms of old are a dying breed.

To keep a lid on costs, sleep in dorms; rates start around 250B. For not too much more, you can find basic rooms and bungalows with shared bathrooms and fans rather than A/C (or central air-conditioning instead of a unit in every room). If you're traveling with friends, sharing triple and quad rooms can be a great way to save money.

Camping can be astonishingly cheap, with rates at many national parks starting from 30B per person. Homestays are another inexpensive option in rural areas; rooms tend to be rustic but comfortable, and you get authentic home cooking and cultural immersion in the bargain. Also, look out for discounted rates at hostels and budget hotels via booking sites such as Booking.com and Agoda.

5. Skip internal flights and tourist minivans for local buses and trains

Even if you stick to budget airlines, flying internally in Thailand and making use of those oh-so-convenient tourist minivans will jack up your travel costs. Instead, use public buses or travel in second or third-class carriages on the trains. 

If you don’t mind sleeping in a reclining seat, you can save the cost of a berth (and a hotel room) by taking a slow overnight train or overnight bus. Buy tickets directly from bus and train operators to avoid travel agent fees.

Buses run by the state transport company Baw Khaw Saw (BKS) are usually cheaper than private buses. Most bus stations have ticketing halls where all the companies advertise their destinations so that you can compare fares. Ordinary and express buses are cheaper (but less comfortable) than VIP buses or luxury VIP24 or VIP32 buses, named for the number of seats on board. 

6. Take taxis or a  sŏrng·tăa·ou  instead of tuk-tuks

For local trips, regard tuk-tuks (motorized rickshaws) as a travel experience rather than a serious means of transport. Prices are routinely hiked for tourists,  and trips often involve detours to commission-paying souvenir shops and other establishments. Sǎamláw – three-wheeled pedicabs – also work on a bargaining system, but they’re not too expensive for short hops. 

A metered taxi is usually a more stable bet – just be aware that traffic jams can make even a short journey slow and expensive. Rideshares can be summoned through Grab and other apps, but you’ll often pay more than you would for a regular taxi. For trips around town (or from town to nearby villages), by far the cheapest option is the sŏrng·tăa·ou – a pick-up truck with benches that operates like a local bus.

7. It's cheap to rent a motorcycle or scooter, but ride carefully!

Renting a scooter or motorcycle is a remarkably cheap way to get around in Thailand , particularly for local exploring. In most traveler centers, you can pick up a ride for as little as 150B per day, and petrol costs around 40B per liter. Thailand has a shocking rate of traffic accidents, so ride cautiously and slowly and make sure liability insurance is included as part of the hire. It may not be enough to rely on your own travel insurance.

8. Eat at street stalls and night markets

If you find restaurant dining is eating through your stock of baht, look to street stalls and wandering hawker carts that are always gratifyingly inexpensive. Stick to busy stalls and avoid uncooked fruit and veg.

As dusk falls across Thailand, street corners, parking lots, boat jetties and station forecourts transform into bustling night markets, where some of the best food in town can be had for low prices. Indeed, grazing from pàt tai noodle stall to sà·dé (satay) stand to ðôm yam soup vendor is one of Thailand’s great pleasures. For a real bargain, seek out the food courts attached to bus stations and other transport hubs, where bowls of noodle soup and other tasty local snacks can be had for penny prices.

9. Expect a high tax on alcohol

Going out in Thailand can be surprisingly expensive because of the taxes on alcohol. Knocking back the bottles of Singha or Chang beer can easily double your meal bill, so sip slowly or do as locals do and share a bottle of Thai whiskey or rum (usually enjoyed with ice and soda or cola). If only a beer will do, Chang is usually cheaper than Singha.

10. There's rarely a cover charge at live music bars

For inexpensive evening entertainment, a trip to a live music bar gives a lot of bang for not many bahts. There’s rarely a cover charge, and most venues have a rotating line-up of bands playing technically adept covers of popular songs. 

11. National parks have entry fees, and activities can be costly

Entry fees to Thailand’s many national parks are not too onerous – typically 200–300B – but they can add up. The big costs are usually associated with transport into national parks and organized activities such as guided hikes , boat trips and scuba diving. If you’re looking to save money, competition between operators keeps prices down at Khao Sok National Park and Khao Yai National Park . 

Accommodations at national parks, on the other hand, are very reasonably priced, with bungalows going for 350-500B and tent spaces costing from 30B (US$0.90) per person. Tents are often available for rent for around 150B. Most national parks with accommodations also have basic canteens offering simple Thai dishes at budget prices.

12. Thailand’s minor monasteries are often free to visit

Thailand’s most famous monasteries – including Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok – charge pricey entry fees for tourists. If you’re watching the pennies, smaller monasteries are often completely free to visit, and they are arguably more interesting because of the absence of photo-snapping crowds. In any town you pass through, ask a local for tips on the most interesting wát in the area – there’ll always be something intriguing to see.

13. Hot spring treatments are cheaper than spas 

Thailand’s spas are world-famous, and the sky is the limit when it comes to prices at the luxe end of the market. However, you can find therapeutic treatments for a song at dozens of natural hot springs dotted around the hills of northern Thailand. 

Chiang Mai in the north is ringed by government-run hot spring complexes, where therapeutic baths and other treatments come at highly agreeable prices. At Pha Daeng National Park , access to the pools costs just 100B, and you can camp for 30B per person; entry prices are similar at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs.

14. Seek out economical Thai massages 

Having a vigorously relaxing Thai massage is de rigueur on a trip to Thailand, and you can pay the earth at posh hotels and luxury spas. At the other end of the spectrum, you can enjoy a pocket-friendly pummeling from former convicts at Chiang Mai’s Vocational Training Centre of the Chiang Mai Women's Correctional Institution and Lila Thai Massage , where many graduates work full-time. 

Alternatively, head to the massage pavilions on the grounds of Thai monasteries, where massages are performed by people trained in traditional Buddhist massage, as taught by the monks of Bangkok’s Wat Pho , the spiritual birthplace of Thai massage.

15. Thailand is one of the cheapest places to learn to scuba dive

Budget travelers can breathe easy – Thailand is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to scuba dive. An open water dive certification course on Ko Tao will cost around 10,000B, and dives start from 1500B if you go in off the beach. While Ko Tao is the cheapest dive hub, other inexpensive spots include Ko Lanta and Ko Phi Phi .

16. Bring your own gear for free experiences

Every imaginable adrenaline activity is possible in Thailand, from canyoning and kiteboarding to bungee jumping, zip-lining and jungle trekking. However, prices can be steep, particularly for organized, tourist-oriented trips that include transport. If you want thrills at minimum cost, head to Railay near Krabi, Thailand’s favorite rock climbing playground, where epic limestone routes start right off the beach. There’s no charge to climb with your own gear (or it can be rented cheaply), and budget rooms are available at Hat Ton Sai. If you've got your own snorkeling gear, you can see the underwater world for free at beaches across Thailand .

A guide to daily costs in Thailand

• Basic guesthouse room: 500–1000B (US$15–30)
• Market/street-stall meal: 40–100B (US$1.20–3.00)
• Bottle of local beer: 80B (US$2.40)
• Organized tour or activity: from 1500B (US$45)
• Motorbike or scooter hire per day: 150–300B (US$4.50–9.00)

This article was first published February 2022 and updated October 2023

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• Perfect 3 Weeks in Thailand: 3 Itineraries with Costs 2024

Three weeks are enough to have a well–rounded exploration of Thailand, from the top highlights to the hidden gems.

Planning a 3–week trip to this Southeast Asian gem could be an exciting endeavor. To make the most of your time, we have thoughtfully crafted three diverse itineraries. Additionally, we'll give the costs associated with a 3–week adventure in Thailand.

• Where to Go in 3 Weeks
• Itinerary #1: 3–Week In–Depth Exploration of Thailand
• Itinerary #2: 21–Day Thailand and Vietnam Adventure Tour
• Itinerary #3: 3–Week Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
• Costs for a 3–Week Trip to Thailand

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Where to Go in Thailand in 3 Weeks

For first–time Thailand travelers, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and an island are must–visits.

• Bangkok is the bustling Thai metropolis with historical landmarks like the Grand Palace and the traditional floating market.
• Chiang Mai , a cultural hub, offers interactions with elephants, the enchanting Sky Lantern Festival, Thai massages, and cooking classes.
• Thailand boasts picturesque tropical islands/beaches with a wide range of water sports. Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi are popular choices.

Beyond these well–known spots, you could also consider Kanchanaburi for wartime sites & a unique floating house to stay in, Chiang Rai for the mysterious Golden Triangle, Sukhothai for a deep dive into history, and Khao Sok National Park for a jungle adventure.

More often than not, those with 3 weeks to spend in Thailand consider multi–country travel to other Southeast Asian countries, like Vietnam and Cambodia. You could take a slow–paced Thailand–Vietnam combo or a diverse exploration of Thailand–Cambodia–Vietnam.

Check more details about how to plan a trip to Thailand.

Itinerary 1: 3–Week In–Depth Exploration of Thailand

A 3–week Thailand itinerary promises you both bucket–list activities and off–the–beaten–path adventures.

If you are visiting Thailand for the first time, you would have plenty of time for a thorough experience of all of the highlights plus vibrant local life, colorful temples, mouthwatering Thai food, interesting interactions with elephants, thrilling jungle adventures, and breathtaking beaches...

The suggested schedule is listed below:

• Days 1 to Day 5 in central Thailand: Bangkok (3 days) and Kanchanaburi(2 days)
• Days 6 to Day 11 in northern Thailand: Chiang Rai(2 days) and Chiang Mai (4 days)
• Days 12 to Day 21 in southern Thailand: Phuket (3 days), Koh Samui(4 days) and Khao Sok National Park (3 days)

Discover more details below.

Days 1–3: Bangkok

After touching down in Bangkok, Day 2 unfolds with iconic tours to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, spiced up by a thrilling tuk–tuk ride and a breezy longtail boat journey —immersing you in the local buzz.

On Day 3, dive into the vibrant Maeklong Railway Market and the lively Damnoen Saduak Floating Market . Capture the vivid chaos with your camera and savor street food delights. At night, you could have a sunset drink/dinner at a rooftop restaurant and enjoy a uniquely–Thai ladyboy show .

Days 4–5: Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi, famed for wartime history and serene landscapes, awaits you. On the Day 4 morning, you would take a 4–hour private transfer to Kanchanaburi. Then you could take a 1–hour train ride along the Death Railway . In the late afternoon, relish a peaceful sunset from your floating house .

On the following day, you would have a scenic walk in the Erawan National Park and the chance to admire its waterfalls.

Day 6: Return to Bangkok and Fly to Chiang Rai

Savor a leisurely morning at your own pace before heading to Bangkok airport for your afternoon flight. Chiang Rai has a laid–back atmosphere and is ideal for those who want off–the–beaten–path experiences. You could have a foodie adventure at its bustling night markets.

Days 7–8: Chiang Rai

Day 7 brings the unveiling of the mysterious Golden Triangle and the enchanting Mekong River through a captivating boat ride . You'll be also amazed by the rural scenery and local markets of the hill tribes .

On the next day, you would see its character–filled temples: the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and the Black House (Baan Dam).

In the late afternoon, drive for about 3 hours to Chiang Mai.

Days 9–11: Chiang Mai

Your first day in Chiang Mai promises a panoramic view from Doi Suthep Mountain , followed by a rickshaw ride through bustling streets and ancient temples. More impressively, visit a local family, pick some vegetables, create Thai dishes with your host, and then taste them together.

The adventure continues with an exciting visit to an elephant sanctuary . During the program, you would walk elephants, feed them, and bathe them in their natural environment. If you like, pay some extra for a photographer to capture the memorable moments

On Day 11, enjoy a free day after an energetic week's travel. You could pamper yourself with a private spa, explore the old town, and engage in friendly chats with locals. If you're traveling in November, be sure to build in a day to join in the Sky Lantern Festival, releasing your sky lanterns to symbolize your best wishes.

Day 12–14: Phuket

In the morning, you would fly to Phuket and start your relaxing beach time. You could choose an adult–only beach resort or a special tree house nested in the jungle.

On Day 13, get ready for an exhilarating adventure to the Phi Phi Islands . Hop on a private speed boat, immerse yourself in snorkeling/kayaking/ swimming in the Maya Bay, and explore the wonders of Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island and Viking Cave.

On Day 14, you would have a free leisure day . Or if you want more adventures, consider the jungle zip–lining experience and Muay Thai training classes.

Day 15–17: Khao Sok National Park

On Day 15 morning, Elephant Hills would pick you up and transfer you to Khao Sok National Park. Three hours later, you would take a jungle couldoe trip down the Sok River and encounter the elephants. Conclude your day with an overnight stay in a luxury tented camp at one of the Elephant Hills camps .

On Day 16, your adventures would mainly comprise a longtail boat ride across Cheow Larn Lake and a jungle hike in the world's oldest rainforest . At night, you would change into the rainforest floating house at an Elephant Hills camp.

On Day 17, start the day with wildlife spotting on a guided couldoe safari in the little channels and side arms of Cheow Larn Lake. After lunch, transfer to Koh Samui.

Days 18–21: Koh Samui

Koh Samui is all about pristine beaches, wellness, and luxury. Before you leave, treat your loved one(s) to yoga retreats, private spas, or simply chill in a beach villa for some quality time together.

Itinerary 2: 21–Day Thailand and Vietnam Adventure Tour

In this 3–week tour, you would travel to the 2 most popular destinations in Southeast Asia: Thailand and Vietnam. Tailored for adventurous couples , the itinerary strikes a perfect balance between history, cultural immersion, and natural wonders.

Over three weeks, you would explore the rich history of the dynasties of northern Thailand and the local culture of Vietnam via a less–crowded route . Besides that, indulge in outdoor fun with activities like hiking in Doi Inthanon National Park and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay .

Brief itinerary:

• Days 1–11 in Thailand: Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Sukhothai – Lampang – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai
• Days 12–21 in Vietnam: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City

Check out more details below.

Days 1–2 in Bangkok

• Days 1–2 in Bangkok (arrival and a classic city tour with iconic temples and the Palace)

Upon arrival in Bangkok, you would discover landmarks like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun alongside your local expert on Day 2.

Days 3 to 7: Private Road Trip from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai

• Day 3: Transfer to Ayutthaya , exploring majestic Ayutthaya Historical Park and Bang Pa-In Summer Palace.
• Day 4: Ayutthaya to Sukhothai — Stop at Lopburi to discover Phra Prang Sam Yot and Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park.
• Day 5: Sukhothai to Lampang — a morning cycling tour in Sukhothai Historical Park and an afternoon Lampang city tour by horse-drawn carriage
• Day 6: Lampang to Chiang Rai — a morning visit to Wat Phutthabat Sutthawat in Lampang and a night market tour in Chiang Rai
• Day 7: Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai — a guided city tour of must-see temples in Chiang Rai and a transfer to Chiang Mai

Embark on a 5–day road trip from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai on Day 3, immersing yourself in rural scenery.

The first stop is Ayutthaya, the Ancient Siam capital. Wander in the royal summer retreat, Bang Pa–In Summer Palace and unveil the story behind the ancient temples and Buddhas in the Ayutthaya Historical Park.

Then bike through the medieval ruins of a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sukhothai. Soak up the sights and sounds of Lampang's historic streets on a horse-drawn carriage . Continue the journey to Chiang Rai, where vibrant night markets and colorful temples await.

Days 8–11 in Chiang Mai

• Days 8–10: Chiang Mai tour (a day exploration of the city, a day tour to Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, a day hiking tour to Doi Inthanon National Park)
• Day 11: Depart from Chiang Mai and fly to Hanoi

The last 4 days in Thailand are dedicated to exploring Chiang Mai, Thailand's mountainous cultural capital. In addition to the city tour and elephant sanctuary, you would take a scenic hike to the Doi Inthanon National Park . You are flexible to choose a half–hour light hike or a 3–hour trekking.

Days 12–14 in Northern Vietnam(Hanoi & Halong Bay)

• Day 12: Hanoi city tour, including a walking and cyclo tour of the Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, and a private water puppet show at a local family's home
• Days 13–14: Halong Bay cruise

In Hanoi , you could immerse yourself in the local life of the Old Quarter. Take a leisurely cyclo ride and wander through its bustling streets, savoring local delicacies along the way. For a deeper cultural experience, visit the Temple of Literature and enjoy a private water puppet show in a local house. If you like, create your own show with your loved one(s).

Follow this with a mesmerizing two–day cruise through the stunning Halong Bay . Capture the stunning karst seascape, which is particularly vibrant during sunrises and sunsets, and swim and kayak in the crystal-clear water.

Days 15–17 in Central Vietnam(Hue & Hoi An)

• Day 15: Hue city highlights — including the Imperial Citadel, Emperor Tu Duc's tomb, and a boat ride for a performance of traditional Hue music
• Day 16: Drive from Hue to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass and enjoy an evening food walking tour.
• Day 17: Hoi An — a fishing life experience and a cooking class

Next, fly to the central region. In Hue , take a guided tour of the Imperial Citadel and Emperor Tu Duc's Tomb , and conclude your day with a night cruise with a folk song performance. Then drive towards Hoi An, via Han Van Pass.

In Hoi An, take an evening foodie tour in the ancient town, experience fishing life via a basket boat ride and casting nets , and cook Vietnamese dishes in the serene countryside.

Days 18–21 in Northern Vietnam(the Mekong Delta & Ho Chi Minh City)

• Day 18: Hoi An – The Mekong Delta — Transfer from Hoi An to Da Nang and fly to Can Tho for the Mekong Delta.
• Day 19: The Mekong Delta — Ho Chi Minh — Cai Rang Floating Market, a leisurely sampan ride in Cai Be, and a transfer to Ho Chi Minh City
• Days 20–21: Ho Chi Minh City tour with the Cu Chi Tunnels and city landmarks

The last leg of your trip takes you to the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City. Fly to could Tho to see the disappearing Cai Rang Floating Market and take a leisurely sampan ride through picturesque couldals.

Then drive to Ho Chi Minh City for the war sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels and French–colonial sights, including the Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral . A coffee break with a brief language lesson is also a great way to see the daily life of a Saigonese person.

This itinerary didn't include any beach time, but if you would like some tailored in, don't hesitate to contact us with your ideas for a dream tour of Southeast Asia.

Itinerary 3: 3–Week Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour

This itinerary promises the multiple facets of Southeast Asia in one trip at a comfortable pace.

Here is the brief itinerary for your inspiration.

• Days 1–9 in Vietnam: Hanoi (2 days), Halong Bay cruise (2 days), Hoi An (2 days), Ho Chi Minh City (1 day), Mekong Cruise (2 days),
• Days 10–12 in Cambodia: Siem Reap (3 days)
• Days 13–21 in Thailand: Bangkok (2 days), Chiang Mai (2 days), Khao Sok National Park (3 days), Phuket (2 days)

Apart from the iconic highlights in Thailand and Vietnam, you would travel deep into the Mekong Delta aboard a private charter sampan in Vietnam and extend to Cambodia for the splendid wonder of Angkor Wat .

To unveil the beauty of Angkor Wat, you could take a walking tour with a Khmer scholar , bike to the less-known temples, and take a sunset balloon ride for a panoramic view of the temple complex. Besides, you could drive an ATV bike for idyllic sunsets in the rural area.

If you're interested in this itinerary, see our 3–Week Best of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam Couples Tour .

The Cost of a 3–Week Thailand Tour

If you're looking for a premium journey without breaking the bank, Thailand is an ideal destination.

You would likely pay US$200–250 per person per day for private transfers, private guides, local experiences, 4/5–star hotels and internal flights. The peak price usually comes with the best time (the dry season, from November to April), while you could enjoy low–season benefits (fewer crowds and lower costs) from May to October.

Elevate your travel experience with us — where premium meets personalized perfection . Skip the planning hassle and let your 1:1 expert tailor-make your dream journey. Explore Thailand authentically with private guides, private drivers, meaningful local interactions, and our exclusive activities.

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Jessie was amazing ! Everything from her level of English to her understanding of what we valued .

We had a good time exploring the city with Selinda!

Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip.

Our guide for Beijing was super knowledgeable and experienced and able to help us to achieve as much as we wanted within the time given. We had a fun time guided by him as he is also super humorous and you can see how he interacts with the vendors and people whom he comes by. Thank you for a very enjoyable time in Beijing and accommodating to all our needs!

Our China Highlight guide. Michael, was attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. He narrated many interesting historical events about Chengdu while touring around the city and having afternoon tea with us. He was thoughtful to provide us with snacks during long hikes at Leshan or walks around the city.

She was very flexible and added extra time when we needed it and we felt extremely well taken care of. She also chose the best restaurants for us,

Our tour guide Helen, was excellent, she was very kind, professional and passionate for her work and she also loves Pandas! She will take you to take the best panda photos and to know more about Chengdu city. Our tour was great, she took us to all our destinations always with the best spots: Temples, pagodas, famous streets, theaters, pandas...you name it! Everything was great.

He picked up our pre-booked boat/other excursions tickets so we were able to avoid all the long lines and chaos. He is knowledgeable of the places we visited, courteous, fun to travel with and well-versed in Chinese classics.

Tom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.

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Thailand Travel Cost – How Much to Budget

Thailand lures travellers and paradise-chasers to its beautiful shores and mainland with its gorgeous beaches, lush jungles, intricate temples and friendly locals. However, aside from the beautiful scenery and welcoming culture, a huge appeal of the country is the enticing affordability and low travel costs in the ‘Land of Smiles’. Empty out your piggy-banks and grab a spreadsheet and pencil, it’s time to work out what a holiday in Thailand will cost.

Is the cost of living high in Thailand?

Fortunately, not only is the cost of living in Thailand very low compared to international standards but it is also relatively low even by the standard of other Southeast Asia countries. Although due to the steady influx of tourism, prices have increased in recent years, Thailand’s travel costs per day are cheaper than Myanmar and pretty similar to Vietnam, Cambodia and India especially if the more touristy areas are avoided.

For travellers who like to knock back a few frosty ones, beer in Thailand is quite pricy comparative to the cost of living with 7/11 offering the best value for money. Backpackers on strict budgets will be delighted to hear that accommodation and street food in Thailand is very affordable even for those who are determined to save as many bucks as possible. While many of the countries in Southeast Asia are known worldwide as being some of the best destinations for travel bargains, this is especially true of Thailand’s Chiang Mai. This culture-rich, creative and artsy city is a great destination in Thailand for those looking to make the most of the daily budget.

Getting an idea of prices in Thailand

In order to give you a better sense of what prices to expect, the travel expenses in Thailand will be broken down into transport, food, Thai tourist visas and accommodation.

Transport in Thailand – short distance

Not only are transportation expenses relatively low in Thailand but getting around individual cities and even intercity commuting is surprising comfortable, easy and reliable. In stark contrast to Thailand’s neighbouring Myanmar with its unkempt, old roads and somewhat shabby public buses, Thailand is a well-developed tourism and travel hub.

Getting around while exploring individual cities will mostly be via tuk-tuks or motorcycle taxis for short distances; and taxis, buses or the BTS/MRT (elevated and underground train), for longer distances within the various cities.

Tuk-tuks and taxis are scattered throughout Thailand in chaotic abundance and are surprisingly, perhaps as a result of the tourist-novelty factor, often slightly more expensive than regular taxis.

Regular taxi rates start at an affordable THB 30 and if using a metered taxi shouldn’t get too pricy at all. For budget conscious travellers, it’s essential to insist on the meter before stepping into the cool, air-conned interiors; as taxi drivers (especially in Bangkok), frequently try to charge far more than the metered rate to unknowing tourists. Motorcycle taxis are great for short distances or at times when traffic is congested. Most rates are between THB 50 – THB 150 depending on distance, location and time of day.

In Bangkok a handy and affordable means of exploring the city is via the BTS and MRT, with tickets costing between THB 8 to THB 22 depending on the length of the journey.

In other parts of Thailand, excluding the bustling capital, it is also a great idea to rent a scooter or motorcycle for the day or week and explore the city or town you’re in independently. This is often a great way to save some pennies and to travel freely without time restraints or without the hassle of bargaining and haggling. Many islands hire scooters out for around THB 200 a day, although it can cost as much as THB 350.

Transport in Thailand – long distance

Travelling longer distances within Thailand is fortunately both cheap as well as comfortable. There are an abundance of air-conditioned day buses and minivans , as well as over-night buses that transport locals and foreigners between the various cities. Bus tickets between Bangkok and Chiang Mai or Bangkok and Krabi cost around THB 400 and most journeys shouldn’t cost over THB 700. Travellers will have the option of deciding between the trade-off of comfort versus expenditure; with bus tickets ranging from regular, to first-class, to VIP.

Travelling to other Thai cities or travelling to other bordering countries is also possible via Thailand’s rail services and in recent years the trains and the train tracks have seen much improvement and infrastructure development. Train tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, or Bangkok to Phuket, in a comfy overnight sleeper train, should cost between THB 650 and THB 1000 and take around 11 hours.

Due to the profusion of Thailand’s exquisite islands, ferries and long-tail boats are frequently a means of transportation for the majority of travellers. Due to the there being a number of ferry companies fortunately means that prices are competitive and reasonably affordable. Depending on distance a ferry ticket shouldn’t exceed THB 700 but can start as low as THB 200 for shorter travelling times.

Air Asia also offers very well-priced plane tickets between the cities for those who are short on time and usually range from around THB 700 and THB 2000 depending on distance and time of year. Occasionally the assorted airlines have dirt-cheap promos that you will be able to snag if you book a while in advance.

Food prices in Thailand

For foodies out their wondering how much to budget on meals and drinks, Thailand offers 5-star dining opportunities with western pricing, as well as a copious amount of cheerful, cheap street food vendors and market grub.

Food is spicy, tasty and similar in price and affordability compared to other Southeast Asian countries. In lower-end restaurants an average meal will cost between THB 50 and THB 120 but any meal off the street will only set you back a very low THB 20 – THB 50. Cha Yen (sweet, iced tea) or iced coffee from a street vendor usually rings in at a refreshing THB 20. Cha-Ching!

Cost of a visa to Thailand

There are two primary ways for tourists to enter Thailand and as expected the requirements will vary for the citizens of different countries. By and large, for those coming from developed countries, there will be two predominant methods of entry available for travellers.

The majority of travellers will usually opt for the 30-day free stamp which is offered as an exemption stamp upon arrival into Thailand and is completely free of charge. This is generally a hassle-free and easy affair if you have flight tickets or e-booking confirmation proving that you have a flight out of Thailand within 30 days of arriving. Travellers can also extend their stay an additional 7 or 30 days – depending on your passport – at a Thai immigration centre for THB 1,900.

The other option is a tourist visa valid for 60 days that needs to be organized and approved in advance. This visa is generally payable in your local currency as it’s arranged prior to departure and will therefore vary in price from country to country. It costs THB 1,000 for 60 days and can be further extended for another 30 days at a Thai immigration office for THB 1,900.

Accommodation prices

Thailand’s accommodation options vary according to wallet size, taste and locations but as a general rule, accommodation prices are very reasonable and affordable for travellers. From pricy and luxurious hotels to shabby beach huts to basic, grubby dorm rooms; all budgets are well catered for. Expect to pay around THB 200 per person for a dorm, THB 600 – THB 1000 in a simple chalet/guesthouse/hotel and around THB 3500 and much higher for a double room in an upmarket hotel.

How much to budget

The total Thailand travel cost per day for those on a budget but not living ridiculously frugally, can easily be under THB 1000 (USD30), excluding major expenses such as long distance transport. This includes basic accommodation, low-key restaurants and street food, one or two beers at dinner, transport and tourist attractions on the cheap. For those on shoestring budgets who are determined to save every penny and are not too perturbed with comfort, you could almost certainly get this daily budget down to THB 700 a day.

To give you a better understanding of the prices and expenses for travelling in Thailand, here is a rough break down of the daily budget of under THB 1000 a day.

• Accommodation – THB 200 to THB 400 per night for a dorm room or per person sharing
• Food – a simple meal in a restaurant with a drink – THB 140. Street food and a drink – THB 60
• Drinks – Local Thai beer bought from a bar or restaurant – THB 80. A beer from 7/11 – THB 40.
• Bottled water – THB 10 – THB 30
• Metered taxis or tuk-tuks – THB 80 – THB 300 depending on distance
• Souvenirs – THB 50 to THB 1000
• Entrance fees – THB 100 – THB 300
• Long distance buses or trains – THB 650 – 1000
• Ferries – THB 200 – THB 700
• Domestic flights – THB 700 – THB 2000

While Thailand, especially Bangkok, definitely has first-class restaurants and plush, swanky hotels, for those wanting to do this multi-faceted country on a budget, Thailand travel costs are pretty affordable and traveling around the country offers decent value for money. Travel budgeting is possible for those willing to sacrifice luxury for adventure; eat local, street food; stay in basic, fan-rooms or dormitories; and forgo frequent cocktails and massages. A bit of research and planning ahead of time will also allow you to save on any domestic flights and allow you to be fully informed on what things should cost and how to cut costs. Thailand is a stunning destination with outstanding natural beauty; rich culture and tradition; smiling locals; and the best part of all of it – it really doesn’t need to break the bank.

How Much Money Is Needed for a Trip to Thailand

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"How much money will I need for Thailand?"

It's perhaps the number one question that Southeast Asia travelers always want to know. Unfortunately, there is no easy, cut-and-dried answer. But we can look at some average expenses in Thailand so that you can produce a more educated estimate.

Traveling in Thailand can be very affordable. How much money you spend in Thailand obviously depends largely on what you do (will you be diving a lot or enjoying craft cocktails with every sunset?), how much luxury you demand, and which parts of the country you plan to visit.

Budget travelers and backpackers can often get by in Thailand for US $25-$30 per day. They leverage smart budget travel techniques to save money because they'll be away from home for a long time.

Others travelers on shorter trips with higher budgets and expectations could easily spend double that on dinner and drinks. But that's the beauty of traveling in Thailand: the infrastructure happily accommodates all budgets — and often finds a way to break them!

Note: All prices are in Thai baht. Your current exchange rate may affect prices, and you'll always find exceptions for these daily living expenses in Thailand.

Understanding Daily Expenses

Finding the best prices and spending less in Thailand is ultimately up to you. Patronizing upscale restaurants and hotels that cater only to tourists will obviously cost more, as will doing more activities (e.g., scuba diving , taking tours, etc) and paying entrance fees to tourist places.

All jet ski rentals aside, many long-term travelers brave enough to track daily expenses in an honest fashion typically discover an ugly truth: they spent more on partying and socializing than activities, transportation, and food!

Many people tend to socialize — and ultimately drink more — while on vacation. Thailand is infamous for providing enough nightlife opportunities to send daily expenses soaring past your original estimates. Eating can be cheap and delicious, but those drinks add up.

Location Matters

Plain and simple, the islands cost more. You've got to pay to play in the sun.  Plan to spend slightly more while in the islands on food, basics, and accommodation.

Totally worth it! Islands cost more for a reason: everything must be brought to the island from the mainland either by boat or plane. Rent for businesses is invariably more expensive near the sea, so they have to increase prices to make ends meet.

Chiang Mai and destinations in Northern Thailand such as Pai are relatively less expensive than Bangkok and the islands. If you're on a shoestring budget, you'll get more for your money in Chiang Mai and northern destinations in Thailand.

Location affects price down to the local level. You'll often find better prices depending on the neighborhood in which you are staying. "Local" neighborhoods with fewer services for tourists are usually the cheapest.

You'll nearly always find better prices in Thai neighborhoods farther away from tourist areas, but being a foreign visitor matters. The subject is hotly debated and controversial. Dual pricing in Thailand is common. Farang (foreigners) are often expected to pay higher prices. Tourists may be considered "rich."

By default, the Sukhumvit area in Bangkok is the most expensive; Silom is considered pricey as well. Meanwhile, the Khao San Road and Soi Rambuttri neighborhood — once famous as a hub for backpackers — in the Banglamphu area of Bangkok can be cheaper. Although some of the old "weirdness" still exists near Khao San Road, many of the surrounding streets are now lined with chic and boutique guesthouses.

A small bottle of beer in the more expensive Silom or Sukhumvit areas of Bangkok will cost 90 – 180 baht, while you can find a large bottle in the Khao San Road area for 60 – 80 baht during happy hours or 90 baht during regular hours. Which of the top three Thai beers you choose also matters.

Unless prices are fixed (e.g., inside of minimarts) you can often negotiate for a better deal. Fair, friendly haggling is a part of Thai culture but do it correctly. You should not try to negotiate for consumables such as water, snacks, and street food.

When You Travel Matters

Traveling during the high season in Thailand will cost a little more as people are less willing to negotiate. Hotels and guesthouses stay full enough that they don't need to offer discounts and specials.

Traveling during the low season in Thailand (roughly June to October) may require ducking in from afternoon thunderstorms — the monsoon season keeps scenery green — but you can find more discounts.

Traveling immediately before or after major festivals and holidays in Thailand such as Songkran and Chinese New Year will cause flights and hotels to be more expensive.

Potential Expenses in Thailand

Here is a list of common expenses for your trip in Thailand along with the potential impact on your budget:

• Bottled water: low
• Laundry service: low
• Accommodation: medium-high
• Ground transportation: low
• Domestic flights to different regions: medium-high
• Shopping: medium
• Alcohol and socializing: high
• Tours and activities: high
• Entrance fees (foreigners often pay more than double): medium
• ATM fees (as much as 200 baht per transaction): high
• Unexpected scams: low
• Motorbike/scooter rentals: low

Accommodations

The cost of your accommodation depends largely upon how much luxury you expect. Remember, with such an exciting country waiting outside, you'll probably only be at the hotel to sleep!

Avoiding the large Western hotel chains and staying in local, independently owned places will nearly always save money. Cute boutique options abound throughout popular places to travel in Thailand.

Moving around frequently adds to the cost of your trip. If you intend to stay in a place for a week or longer, try negotiating for a better nightly rate. You may get a better deal — particularly during the slow season.

You'll find backpacker guesthouses in Thailand for $10 a night (320 baht) and less, as well as five-star accommodation where the sky is the limit and staff are willing to do anything to please guests.

If your trip is short and you don't mind spending more on accommodation, you'll be able to enjoy much higher levels of luxury for cheaper prices than you would find in hotels at home.

As is often the case in Asia, eating in Thailand is relatively inexpensive — assuming you enjoy Thai food. Western food nearly always costs more than Thai food in restaurants.

Street carts and simple, open-air restaurants will always be cheaper than eating at your hotel or in air-conditioned restaurants. Adding seafood or shrimp to traditional dishes increases the cost. The default meat served with nearly every meal is chicken; beef and pork are common options.

The average cost of a basic Thai meal in a restaurant is 90 – 150 baht. Seafood invariably costs more. A plate of noodles in a basic restaurant in Sukhumvit is around 100 baht. Thai portions are often smaller, so you may end up eating an extra meal or snacking during the day!

Tip: If you find yourself near the Asok BTS stop in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok, check out the food court at the top of Terminal 21. Although the mall is home to some posh stores, local residents head to the food court to enjoy good food for street prices in the area.

The Cost of Pad Thai in Thailand

Since many people enjoy pad thai noodles in Thai restaurants at home, the menu item makes a great benchmark for comparing food costs! Spoiler: the much-loved noodles are way cheaper in Thailand.

A basic meal of pad thai noodles with chicken or tofu can be found at street carts and from simple restaurants for 30 to 40 baht (around US $1), particularly outside of tourist areas. The average cost for pad thai in tourist places is around 50 baht per plate. One of the famous Thai curries can be enjoyed for 60 – 90 baht; sometimes an additional 20 baht is added for rice.

Water and Alcohol

The tap water is unsafe to drink in Thailand; hot temperatures will have you drinking far more water than you do at home.

A 1.5-liter bottle of drinking water from any of the ubiquitous 7-Eleven shops found all over Thailand costs around 15 baht (less than 50 cents). To cut down on plastic, look for free water refills in some hotels. Also, you can find water-refill machines on the street that cost only a few baht per liter.

In the islands, a fresh drinking coconut can be enjoyed for around 60 baht. A nostalgic, glass bottle of Coke costs around 15 baht.

A large bottle of Thai Chang beer can be found in restaurants around Khao San Road / Soi Rambuttri for under 90 baht. 7-Eleven price for a large bottle of beer is usually less than 60 baht. Other beers such as Singah and imports will cost at least 90 baht and up, depending on the venue.

A small bottle of Sangsom (the local Thai rum) costs around 160 baht in minimarts; there are cheaper brands (Hong Thong is one) if you're brave enough.

A night out in an establishment with band or DJ will always cost more than a night of socializing in a restaurant or somewhere quieter. Unless you're attending an organized event or special party with DJ, cover charges aren't common.

Transportation Expenses

You'll find no shortage of offers for transportation from taxi and tuk-tuk drivers. Hailing a taxi on the street is best; always make the driver use the meter! If the driver refuses and tries to name a price, simply pass and wait on the next taxi. You'll eventually find an honest driver willing to turn on the meter.

The prices for taxis from Suvarnabhumi airport are always changing. These are literally controlled by a sort of local transportation "mafia." You're better off taking a train closer and then hailing a taxi. There are sometimes minivans running from the ground floor of the airport to Khao San Road for 150 baht.

Although riding in tuk-tuks is a fun experience, you must first negotiate a price before getting inside. In the long run, taking a sweaty, exhaust-choking tuk-tuk is rarely cheaper than going somewhere with an air-conditioned taxi. Times have changed. Taking a tuk-tuk is more about the experience than saving money.

TIP: Beware of tuk-tuk drivers who offer to be your dedicated driver for the day! This is one of the oldest scams in Thailand.

Ferries running the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok can get you around the city for far cheaper than a taxi. Depending on the destination, a single ride averages 30 baht. You can also purchase an all-day ticket for 150 baht to make unlimited hops. Don't be intimidated: it's a great system for getting around Bangkok's consistent traffic!

The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway in Bangkok are cheap and modern ways to move around the city . The fare rarely exceeds 30 baht. An all-day ticket can be purchased for 150 baht.

Night buses and trains are a good way to move across Thailand; both save a day on your itinerary and double as accommodation for the night. Overnight buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can be booked in travel offices for 600 baht or less. Trains cost more than long-haul buses but offer a more comfortable experience.

If you don't have baggage to check, flying domestically in Thailand can be very cheap with local low-cost carriers such as Nok Air. The fees for baggage and other add-ons are what make flying cost more.

Other Expenses

• A pack of Western-brand cigarettes costs 100 to 140 baht in Thailand, depending on the brand.
• Outside of luxury hotels and nicer restaurants, tipping is not expected in Thailand.
• Using any ATM in Thailand requires paying a steep bank fee for each transaction.
• Laundry service is very cheap in Thailand. Coin-operated laundromats can be found in the cities.

Your Trip to Bangkok: The Complete Guide

Phuket International Airport Guide

Where to Stay in Bangkok

The Tuk-Tuk (Auto Rickshaw)

What $100 Can Get You in Southeast Asia

Getting Around Thailand: Transportation Options

Khao San Road in Bangkok

Bangkok's Lumpini Park: The Complete Guide

How to Travel From Chiang Mai to Bangkok by Train, Bus, and Plane

Chiang Mai International Airport Guide

Suvarnabhumi Airport Guide

Nightlife in Bangkok: Best Bars, Clubs, & More

Getting Around Bangkok: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train, Bus, and Plane

Getting Around Chiang Mai: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Plan a Vacation in Thailand

The Cost of Travel in Thailand: My Detailed Budget Breakdown

I’ve spent more time travelling in Thailand than any other country in the world.

When you consider I’ve been on the move for more than 13 years at this point, you might get some idea of just how much I love this country.

I’ve spent years of my life in Thailand, travelling across the country from top to bottom and east to west. I’ve ventured out on an epic 1000-mile scooter road trip around the little-visited provinces of the north, spent six months living in Chiang Mai, partied my way around Bangkok, and hit up dozens upon dozens of Thai islands — some of which didn’t even have electricity!

If there’s a place in Thailand that you’ve set your sights on, odds are I’ve already been there. And if I have, I can definitely tell you how much it costs to visit.

I’ve been recording every single dollar, peso, and baht that I’ve spent on my travels since 2011 (I now have  over 70 budget breakdowns on the site !), aiming to give you an in-depth picture of how much you can expect to spend in every country around the world. Thailand is no different: I have years of receipts and records from my travels in this country, covering every type of expense you could ever conceive of.

The good news is that the costs involved in visiting Thailand in 2024 are still relatively low. This is still one of the cheaper destinations of the world — even post-pandemic — so you’ll always feel as though you’re getting good value for money here.

Backpackers can experience the joys of Thailand for as little as $30 a day while luxury can be scored for just $100 a day . Most travellers will fit somewhere in-between those two numbers, depending on the destinations visited and quality of accommodation required.

(For my European readers, the equivalent prices here are €28/£24 a day for budget travellers and €92/£80 a day for a luxury trip.)

Don’t worry — I’ll be going really in-depth here, sharing every possible expense you’re likely to encounter, all to help you create an accurate budget for your time in Thailand.

Let’s get started.

What’s Included in This Guide

This budget breakdown covers how much I’ve spent on accommodation, transportation, activities, food, and other miscellaneous items while I was in Thailand. I’ve not included my flights into and out of the country, as this will vary based on where you’ll be travelling from.

Most expenses are listed in Thai Baht, then converted into U.S. Dollars, Euros, and British Pounds, simply because that’s where the vast majority of my readers hail from.

I strictly don’t accept comps, freebies, press trips, or sponsored activities, so rest assured that absolutely everything listed in this guide is something I paid for with my own money.

Additionally, I travel anonymously to ensure that service providers treat me the same as they would anybody else; I don’t want to receive special treatment by being a travel writer, as it means I can’t review experiences with accuracy.

All photos are mine and all experiences are based on my own travels in Thailand. I have never, and will never, use AI on Never Ending Footsteps.

As a result, this guide does contain affiliate links. What that means is that if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links in this article, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Your support is what helps keep me on the road and Never Ending Footsteps sponsor-free.

Okay — let’s get started with these expenses.

The Cost of Accommodation in Thailand

I’ve stayed in over 50 different properties in Thailand, spending anything from $2 a night (€1.80/£1.60) for a bungalow with holes in the wall with a bed that appeared to be made from concrete to a $100 a night (€92/£80) luxury villa with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. I’ve stayed in high-rise condos in the centre of Bangkok ( $19 a night , or €15/18) and rented an apartment in Chiang Mai for six months ( $8 a night , or €7/£6).

In other words, I’ve stayed in practically every form of accommodation you can imagine in Thailand, spread out across every budget imaginable.

Let’s start with the cheapest properties available and then work our way up.

If you’re going to be backpacking Thailand on the tightest budget imaginable, hostels will allow you extend your trip by months rather than days. You’ll find dorm rooms all over the country and they’re one of your best options for saving money and making friends.

As you work your way through my article, you’ll soon come to discover that the prices in Thailand are broken down into two distinct groups: the mainland and the islands. And the mainland is so much cheaper than the islands — sometimes as much as 50% cheaper. Because of this, I’ll be giving mainland and island prices separately throughout the guide.

So in terms of hostels on the mainland , you can score yourself a bed in a dorm room for $2.50 a night (€2.30/£2), but I actually recommend increasing your budget to $5-7 a night (€5-6 or £4-5 a night). On the higher end of that spectrum, you can find a spot in a clean, cosy, highly-rated property. Two of my favourite budget hostels in this part of the country are Time Sabai 32 in Bangkok at $7 a night and Tangmo House in Chiang Mai for $6 a night .

If you’re more of a flashpacker and would prefer to stay in the best hostel in a city, there are plenty of modern, higher-end options to suit your needs for $10-12 a night (that’s €9-11 and £9-10). In Bangkok, I’m a huge fan of the Yard Hostel ( $12 a night ), which is located in my favourite neighbourhood of Ari (hipster vibes; excellent food), while About a Bed ( $11 a night ) in Chiang Mai is the definition of bright, light, and airy.

All of those prices above are for dorm beds, but if you’re more of a private room person (I know I am!), prices are still affordable; roughly double the cost of a single dorm bed. For a double bed in a private room in a hostel, you’ll be looking at $17 a night to $25 a night (that’s €16-23, or £13-20 a night) depending on whether the hostel is aimed at backpackers or flashpackers.

But what about the budget options on the islands? Now, hostels are more of a rarity on the Thai islands. They do exist and they are the cheapest options out there, but some people — especially couples — will opt for a basic wooden bungalow on the beach instead; they’re usually priced similarly.

Still, when hostels do exist, you’ll be looking at paying a minimum of $8 a day (€7/£6) for a dorm bed for a cheap hostel that isn’t rated terribly. To give a few examples: Aforetime House on Koh Samui comes in at $8 a day . The 10 Club Hostel on Koh Phangan is $11 a night while Aha Lanta Cozy Hostel on Koh Lanta is $11 a day .

When we move into the flashpacking realm of accommodation (so looking at the best hostel on an island), you’ll be up for $17 a day (€16/£13). Some of the places I know and love in this price range include the View Hostel on Koh Phi Phi for $18 a day , Blessings Hostel on Koh Phangan at a price of $14 a day , and Wonderland Jungle Hostel on Koh Tao for a price of $18 a day .

When it comes to private rooms, I’d actually recommend avoiding staying in hostels and instead suggest looking at budget guesthouses and bungalows on the islands. Reason being: there’s usually dozens of guesthouses in comparison to a handful of hostels, so you’ll have more options. The guesthouses are often cheaper than private rooms in hostels, and tend to be much quieter. You’ll be looking at $20-35 a night for a budget guesthouse on a Thai island. That works out at €19-32 and £16-28 per night.

The prices I’ve given above are for the more popular Thai islands (which you’re more likely to be visiting); these are places like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan. There are cheaper Thai islands out there (where prices are around 60-80% cheaper than the more touristy islands), like Koh Chang, so you could cut prices by visiting some of the less popular islands in the country, too.

To summarise, here’s what you can expect to pay for accommodation if you’re visiting Thailand on a budget:

There’s also a few options for totally free accommodation in Thailand.

If you’re on a  really  tight budget, you can stretch out your  baht by making use of some of the free accommodation options in the country. Couchsurfing has been a backpacking staple for over a decade now, and there are  thousands of hosts  scattered across Thailand. If a host agrees to let you stay with them, you’ll be able to gain an insight into life in Thailand that’s always going to be tough to experience when staying with other travellers in hostels.

Housesitting is another option if you’re going to be trying to save as much money as possible but want to stay in high-quality accommodation. Take a look at  Trusted Housesitters , where there are always a dozen options up for grabs in the country. Housesitting allows you to stay in somebody’s house for free, usually while taking care of their pets, and is a fantastic way to spend more time in Thailand without breaking the bank. I have friends who have housesat villas on private islands and castles in Europe before!

Finally, when it comes to free accommodation, you could also check out  WorldPackers . You’ll receive free lodging and food in exchange for helping to teach English, working on a local eco sanctuary, or even caring for sick turtles. You’ll likely make tons of new friends, learn a new skill, and see a side of Thailand that few travellers get to experience. Readers of this site get a $10 discount for  WorldPackers  with the promo code  neverendingfootsteps .  WorkAway  is a fantastic option in Thailand — similar to WorldPackers — that’ll net you a free stay in exchange for a more diverse choice of work (think: volunteering for elephant sanctuaries, rescuing sick animals, and helping a local artist with their sculptures).

In Thailand, I don’t recommend even looking at Airbnb. Prices are typically sky-high, and most of the time, it’s guesthouses that are listing on there anyway — at higher prices than they do  on Booking .

With all of the budget accommodation options now covered, it’s time to look at what you can get in Thailand on a mid-range or high-end budget. This is one of the true joys of travel in Thailand; receiving tons of value for your money and getting to splurge on some truly incredible properties.

Over the past three or four years, I would describe myself as a mid-range traveller to Thailand. I’m not looking for budget bungalows and basic guesthouses anymore. No, now I appreciate access to A/C, a beautiful swimming pool, quiet surrounds, a desk to work at, and a comfortable bed. The good news is that you can achieve all of that with a budget that’s between $40 and $60 a night, which is €37-55 or £32-48 per night.

If you’re a luxury traveller in Thailand, the sky’s the limit here. If you’re accustomed to stayed in five-star hotels, you’ll find them to be very reasonably priced. To give a handful of examples of five-star properties in the country:

• 137 Pillars Bangkok (best pool in the city!): $141 a night
• Melia Koh Samui (super luxurious): $151 a night
• Zeavola Resort Koh Phi Phi (great for honeymoons): $173 a night
• Intercontinental Phuket (the best hotel in town): $350 a night
• Four Seasons Chiang Mai : $633 a night
• Six Senses Koh Yao Noi : $620 a night

Those final two properties are my two wishlist properties for Thailand, by the way. I’ve been wanting to stay at both of them for over a decade now! If you have the budget to splurge, they both look absolutely incredible.

Otherwise, you can see that it’s possible to snag a stay in a five-star hotel for as little as $150 a night in Thailand!

The Cost of Transportation in Thailand

There’s no end of transportation up for grabs in Thailand and almost all of it is a delight to experience. From tuk-tuks to songthaews to longtails to moto-taxis, if you’ve got somewhere to be, there’s undoubtedly a fun method of transportation to take you there.

The good news is that it’s all very inexpensive, so you shouldn’t find yourself spending much at all.

The easiest way to save money on transportation is to avoid taking the flights and speedboats, but even those can be plenty affordable. I’ve rarely spent more than $50 on a domestic flight in Thailand, for example, thanks to the existence of Air Asia , so if you’re short on time, you’re not going to be mad at the prices here.

One thing I love about Thailand is how the transportation process is the definition of seamless; it feels like magic at times.

As an example, I once wanted to travel from the island Koh Yao Noi to Phuket Airport. I spoke to a travel agent on the island, gave her some money ( $18 ), and she handed me a white piece of paper seconds later. With that single “ticket”, I was able to travel from my bungalow to the airport via multiple methods of transport.

A tuk-tuk collected me from my front door and took me to the dock, where I then transferred on to a ferry to take me to Phuket. Once I arrived back on the mainland, a minivan was waiting for me at the ferry terminal to drive me straight to the airport.

The fact that all of those moving parts were able to co-ordinate with each other so seamlessly — based on a single piece of paper that a travel agent scrawled a handful of words on — is something that’s always been so impressive to me!

Needless to say, this is a country where moving from place to place is one of the simplest tasks you could conceive of. Trust me: if you’re nervous about travelling around the country, you absolutely shouldn’t be.

So let’s talk about costs.

When it comes to getting between destinations, and travelling long distances as you do so, it’s always going to be cheaper to travel overland.

Minivans, buses, and ferries — or a combination of the three — can take you anywhere you need to go in Thailand. It’s true: even if you want to visit somewhere really off-the-beaten-track, there’ll always be someone who’s willing to take you there.

The easiest way to travel across the country is by utilising the travel agents that are found on practically every street in tourist destinations. They’re easy to spot as they’ll have a list of destinations and prices displayed on a board outside. Head inside, tell them where you need to go, and you’ll usually have a ticket in hand within a couple of minutes.

For spontaneous travellers, you’ll be happy to hear you can nearly always book transportation for the following day through travel agents, making it easy to craft an itinerary on the fly.

I personally use the website 12Go Asia when I travel in Thailand. It provides the same service as the travel agents, but you’re booking online instead. It’s sometimes a little more expensive than going in person, sometimes a little cheaper, but it’s definitely more convenient! Being able to read reviews of the different buses and being able to book far in advance has helped make it my go-to in this part of the world.

One thing you could do is check out the prices online through 12Go and then head to a travel agent in person to compare the rates. That way, you’ll have a maximum price that you’re willing to pay for the journey.

When travelling around the mainland, it’s always going to be most expensive to fly, followed by taking a minivan, bus, and then (if it exists), the train.

For example, to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai:

• By plane: $35
• By minivan: $26
• By bus: $15
• By train: $7

Or from Bangkok to Phuket:

• By minivan: $30
• By bus: $21

Or from Bangkok to Koh Samui:

• By plane: $60
• By minivan+ferry: $40
• By bus+ferry: $30
• By train+bus+ferry: $19

It sounds like overland travel is going to be the best option when you’re looking at the prices, but you’ll also want to take into account the journey duration as well. For example, the flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui takes one hour while the bus and ferry takes as much as 14 hours! The journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes one hour to fly while the minivan takes 8 hours and the train takes 12 hours!

Overnight trains and buses do exist, and make for a good option if you’re trying to maximise your daylight hours in Thailand. Don’t underestimate the effect they’ll have on your sleep, though! My overnight train ride from Chiang Mai to Bangkok ( $7 ) essentially vibrated us all the way down the country, only breaking up the shaking with a horn that emitted a deafening bellow every 10 minutes. I was exhausted afterwards and slept much of the next day away!

If you’re on a tight budget and have an abundance of time, though, you likely won’t stress over these long travel days. If you only have a limited number of days in the country, you might want to fly.

One of my favourite aspects of travel in Thailand is the island-hopping . I return to this country each and every year with the sole goal of exploring a brand new chain of islands. Getting between the islands involves taking some form of boat, whether it’s a speedboat (twice as fast; more expensive than the ferries), a ferry, or a longtail .

I tend to always use the ferries when getting from one island to the next; to me, the speedboats don’t offer that much more value for me to be able to justify paying a higher price. Not to mention I also suffer from seasickness and the increased speeds on the speedboats always make for a bumpier ride! Finally, while the speedboats seat around 20 people, the ferries hold more like 100 people; the larger size and slower speeds means you can walk around and sit out on the sundeck.

I’ll usually only hire a longtail (a narrow wooden boat with a propeller affixed to the back) if I can get from one island to the other in less than an hour. I do adore travelling by longtail, as it always has me feeling like ~I’m in Thailand~ but these watercraft are loud, polluting, and offer no shelter from the sun. I wouldn’t want to be sat on board one for four hours straight!

Let’s take a look at the prices I’ve paid for a ferry while island-hopping in Thailand, along with the equivalent rates for a speedboat or longtail, when either is an available option. Again, I book my boat journeys online through 12Go Asia .

Phuket to Koh Phi Phi:

• By ferry (two hours): $12
• By speedboat (one hour): $17

Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta:

• By ferry (one hour): $12
• By speedboat (30 minutes): $19
• By longtail (90 minutes): $35

Koh Samui to Koh Tao:

• By ferry (two and half hours): $16
• By speedboat (90 minutes): $19

Koh Chang to Koh Kood:

• By ferry (three hours): $20
• By speedboat (two hours): $33

We’ve covered how much you’ll spend on getting from one location to the next, but what about when you get to your destination? How much can you expect to spend on transportation within the cities, towns, national parks, and islands? Let’s start with Bangkok.

Not only is the capital home to the only mass transit system in the country, but it’s actually home to two different ones! The MRT operates mostly underground while the BTS runs aboveground; combined, they have over 100 stations spread out across the city. They also provide the fastest, cheapest, and easiest way to get around. Unfortunately, the MRT and BTS are run by two separate companies, so you can’t travel on both with the same ticket; in reality, though, it’s not a big deal to switch from one to the other.

If you’re only going to be in Bangkok for two or three days, I recommend just buying single journey tokens for the MRT and BTS. On the BTS, you’ll pay between 17-62B for a single ride; on the MRT, you’ll pay 14-43B for a single ride. Google Maps is great for public transportation in Thailand and can provide you with an accurate breakdown of which trains will get you to your destination.

The MRT and BTS can’t get you everywhere there, so taxis — and mototaxis (sitting on the back of a motorbike) — are another great option. Download Grab and Bolt (the equivalents of Uber) before you arrive in Thailand, as you’ll likely be using them often. Bolt is usually cheaper, but Grab has more taxi drivers using it, so start with Bolt.

In terms of cost, it’s all very inexpensive. For a 10 minute, 1.5 mile (2.5 km) journey, like from Khaosan Road to the Grand Palace, you would be looking at 80B ($2.20) for a Grab taxi or 40B ($1.10) for a mototaxi. You can expect to spend double that price on the islands, like on Koh Samui. Note that some large islands, like Koh Lanta and Koh Chang don’t have Grab/Bolt or public taxi services, so it’s best to double-check before you arrive.

One of the worst-value ways of making your way around Thailand is by tuk-tuk. It’s mostly the tourists that use this method of transport, but it is an exhilarating way to explore a new place. I always recommend that visitors taking a tuk-tuk once, so that you can have that new experience. After that, though, I’d stick with the taxis. Expect to spend around $5 to travel for a mile or two by tuk-tuk, in comparison to $2.50 for Grab or Bolt.

One of my favourite methods of exploring Thailand is by scooter, but I have to stress that if you don’t have experience riding a motorbike, this is one of the most dangerous activities you can undertake. One of my friends died in a scooter crash in this country, so I’m speaking from personal experience. If you don’t have riding experience, please be careful — and please don’t drink and drive.

Keep in mind, as well, that if you don’t have a motorbike driving license, you won’t be covered by travel insurance if you get in a crash. I’ve seen so many GoFundMe’s from injured travellers in Thailand who are now facing a six figure medical bill to get home.

Fortunately, my partner has a motorbike license and has racked up thousands of miles in Southeast Asia on two wheels, so I feel safe and happy sitting on the back of his ride in Thailand. And this is an incredible way to explore the country. While I’d recommend skipping riding a scooter on the mainland (lots of traffic), it’s so much fun to cruise around the islands this way.

Expect to pay $7 to hire a scooter for a day, or $5 a day for a week; $4 a day for a month.

The Cost of Food in Thailand

Thai food is some of the best in the world.

In this country, it’s truly a delight just to eat — it’s an activity in its own right! — and you’ll discover so many incredible dishes beyond pad thais and green curries. What’s even better is that some of the best food in Thailand is found on its streets, accessible and cheap, and costing just $2 a meal .

Trust me: you’re going to eat extremely well here.

Before I jump into more specific pricing details, I want to quickly address any worries you may have around food hygiene. After all, if street food isn’t common in your home country, it’s understandable that you’d be concerned about food poisoning.

Well, as somebody who has suffered from food poisoning in Southeast Asia more than a dozen times, let me tell you that I’ve never fallen unwell from eating street food. As long as you follow my four simple rules (only go to a popular food stand, with locals in the queue, with a high turnover, and nobody handling money and food with the same hand), you’ll be safe to eat on the streets.

The times when I have fallen sick have been after venturing inside a restaurant that’s serving international cuisine. Just don’t do it!

So let’s talk about prices. If somebody tells you that you can travel in Thailand while only spending $1 per meal, you can assume their information is outdated. That was the case when I was there in 2014, for sure, but in 2024, prices aren’t quite that low.

That’s not to say that they’re anywhere near expensive, however. In fact, eating in Thailand is still very affordable — as long as you’re happy to eat Thai food .

If you wanted a really rough ballpark for food costs, I’d suggest that budgeting $10 a day for food in Thailand is a great place to start.

If you’re going to be on the tightest of backpacker budgets, eating only local food from street food carts, you could cut that down to $6 a day without too much difficulty. If you’re looking to occasionally splurge and eat inside restaurants, then $20 a day is a good estimate.

It’s probably easiest if I give you a rundown of different Thai dishes and the average prices you can expect to pay for them:

• Khao soi with chicken: 100B ($2.75/€2.50/£2.20)
• Pad krapow with pork: 80B
• Pad Thai with shrimp: 80B
• Tom Yum soup with vegetables: 120B
• Green curry with beef: 140B
• Penang/Red/Massaman curry with chicken: 130B
• Chicken fried rice: 90B

As you can see, the vast majority of Thai dishes come to between 80B and 150B ($2.20-4.12) per meal. You can find slightly cheaper prices at night markets and restaurants that are set up for locals. You’ll pay 20% more for food on the islands.

If you were thinking about straying from Thai food for any of your meals, it’s most likely going to be for breakfast.

This is a country where the locals will opt to eat the same food at breakfast as they would for any other meal. And I don’t know about you but I’m never particularly excited by the prospect of a fiery curry for breakfast.

The good news is that the vast majority of destinations in Thailand are home to hipster cafes and bakeries, serving up more Westernised breakfast options. Don’t expect it to be as amazing as you’d get at home — and the bread is nearly always alarmingly sweet — but you can usually find some excellent options, even on the small islands.

Pancakes are usually great in Thailand (the popular backpacking route in Southeast Asia isn’t named the Banana Pancake Trail for nothing!) but you can also easily get omelettes, bagels, waffles, and toast, too. In general, you can expect to spend between 50 and 250B for breakfast, depending on how hungry you are. That’s a range of between $1.50 and $7 , so you’ll save quite a bit of money if you can get by with toast and jam instead of a huge Full English!

• Toast with butter and jam: 50B
• Bagel with cream cheese: 90B
• Banana pancakes: 120B
• Avocado toast: 140B
• Ham, cheese, and mushroom omelette: 140B
• Toast with bacon and eggs: 180B
• Smoked salmon eggs Benedict: 220B
• Smoothie bowl: 220B
• Full English breakfast: 250B

When it comes to international options, keep in mind that the quality is often not quite what you might be expecting (although reviews on Google Maps should help you choose a highly-rated spot) and the prices are much higher. Think: a pizza for 300B ($8), a cheeseburger for 250B ($7), or nachos for 280B ($7.50).

Overall, expect to spend $2 a meal if you’re eating cheap local food and visiting night markets, $3 a meal if you’re eating local food predominantly in restaurants, or $5 a meal if you’re going to be mixing things up with some international options every now and then.

Now, I can’t write about travel in Thailand without discussing alcohol. After all, this is the country that invented the Full Moon Party! If you like a drink, you’ll be thrilled to uncover an multitude of methods for developing a hangover.

Beer is cheap in Thailand, averaging out to 100฿ for a large bottle (620 ml) in restaurants, so thats around £2, or €2.50/$2.80. It’ll be a little cheaper on the mainland (80฿) than on the islands (140฿), and more expensive in a fancy bar or restaurant (180฿). The big three beer brands in Thailand are Chang, Leo, and Singha; in my opinion, Singha is the only one that’s drinkable, but Chang is usually the cheapest.

Down on the Thai islands, you’ll come across buckets aplenty. It is, as you can probably guess, an excellent way to get drunk. You can expect to pay roughly 300฿ for a bucket of coke, whiskey, and Red Bull. Make sure you watch the vendor make the bucket, so you have some idea of how much alcohol is in it! I’ve seen some places pour in two shots and some as many as eight! The average is around five shots.

I usually recommend steering clear of wine and cocktails in Thailand, unless you’re visiting a specialty wine bar or cocktail bar.

The rooftop bars of Bangkok are a great-but-pricey place to go for a high-end drink, especially at sunset — you’ll be looking at 350B ($10) for a cocktail or glass of imported wine there (don’t even try the local wines!).

On the islands, the wine is usually terrible and the cocktails are sometimes made using spirits of dubious origin. I definitely have felt like I’ve been poisoned by Ethanol before, so check the reviews of anywhere you visit! The alcohol is similarly priced, however: around 350B for a cocktail at a beach bar.

To save money on alcohol, you’re best to head to a grocery store to pick some up. The typical prices at 7-Eleven are:

• 320 ml bottle of Singha: 40B
• 330ml of Corona: 70B
• 750ml bottle of imported wine: 350B
• 300 ml bottle of Thai whiskey (Songsam): 150B

That’s not to say that a holiday in Thailand has to revolve around alcohol. I’ve island-hopped around this country while remaining completely sober at times and still had an incredible time (and saved lots of money by doing so)!

The tap water isn’t safe to drink in Thailand and I suspect that several of my upset stomachs were caused by me brushing my teeth with the water. Do take precautions here and try to avoid getting water in your mouth while showering or brushing your teeth. The ice in drinks is totally safe, however, so you don’t have to worry about ordering yours without.

Because of this, you’ll likely be regularly hitting up the 7-Eleven to buy some water; your plastic consumption is going to be high in this country. I travel with a GRAYL now and recommend it to everyone I talk to. It’s a water bottle that filters tap water and makes it safe and drinkable! I’ve tested out and used it to drink the tap water in countries like India, Mozambique, and the Congo and never fallen unwell. It’s a good way to cut down on your plastic bottle usage while also saving a bit of money.

Here are some of the costs for buying non-alcoholic drinks in Thailand, in 7-Eleven grocery stores:

• 600 ml of water at a 7-11: 7B
• 1.5l of water at a 7-11: 20B
• 150ml of red bull: 10B
• Small can of coffee: 16B
• Bottle of Coke/Sprite/Fanta: 19B

And from restaurants or street food stalls:

• Fresh fruit smoothie: 40B
• Espresso: 60-80B
• Flat white: 70-100B
• Honey lemon tea: 50B
• Coke/Sprite/Lemon soda: 40B

The Cost of Activities in Thailand

The good news about somewhere like Thailand is that you can save a lot of money on activities. If you’re planning to spend the entirety of your trip on the islands, you won’t need to spend much on activities at all: lying on the beach is totally free!

Likewise, on the mainland, simply wandering the streets and people-watching is a free activity and one that’s always interesting. The temples of Thailand — the wats — are almost always free to enter and interesting to explore. Every traveller to Thailand hits Wat Burnout at some point, though: they’re well and truly templed out .

Entrance fees to museums and attractions are rarely expensive; these are the main sites you’re likely to visit on your trip:

• Wat Pho, Bangkok: 300B
• Wat Arun, Bangkok: 100B
• The Grand Palace, Bangkok: 500B
• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai: 30B

Thai food is such a big part of travelling to Thailand that most visitors end up jumping on a food tour or cooking class at some point. I recommend taking the food tour in Bangkok and the cooking class in Chiang Mai. I’m a huge fan of the Backstreet Bangkok food tour ( $60 ), which lasts four hours and includes 15 tastings around the city. For a cooking class, I recommend the half-day cooking class ( $23 ) that takes you out of Chiang Mai into the countryside to cook your meals on an organic farm.

The other thing that every visitor to Thailand does is visit an elephant sanctuary! It’s not quite as simple as it sounds, however, as the vast majority of these experiences are harmful and abusive to the elephants. If an experience includes elephant-riding, becoming a mahout for the day, or any form of elephant show, that’s one to stay away from. This is a topic that’s close to my heart, as a friend of mine worked with abused elephants for several years in Thailand.

I’m a fan of the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary ( $85 to spend a morning with the elephants) and Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai ( $70 to spend a morning/afternoon with the elephants).

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Thailand?

At the end of my budget breakdowns, I always like to give an estimate of exactly how much you can expect to spend in a country. Here’s what I recommend for Thailand:

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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I went in 2013 and the islands I visited were Koh Lanta and Koh Yao after reading your blog. I am counting down the days I get to go back to this amazing country!

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Best Thailand Tour Packages in 2024

Thailand holiday package.

Thailand tour packages are immensely popular worldwide and the reasons are not hard to understand. Thailand is known as a Land of Smiles and offers several natural attractions, adventure, offbeat experiences and a lot more. Thai baht - THB is the currency of Thailand. Naturally, there is a growing demand for Thailand packages  that combine some of the country’s best destinations. So, what are the places to visit in Thailand that you should include in your Thailand tour ?

• Railay Beach :- Railay Beach is always the mainstay of Thailand tours   that covers Krabi. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the province and you will love the white sands and crystal-clear waters. You may take a boat from Krabi town or from Ao Nang for accessing this gorgeous beach. It makes for an experience worth adding to romantic Thailand honeymoon packages   as well. The place is ideal for rock climbing and also for kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving among other adventure activities. Diamond Cave is another attraction that conventional  Thailand tours  may overlook. So, keep this lovely trail and cove in mind.
• Koh Phi Phi:- Thailand tour packages  are synonymous with trips to the popular Phi Phi islands . If you’ve included it in a 7 day Thailand tour package   or any other  Thailand holiday package , then you can expect plenty of sun and sand along with gorgeous views. Monkey Beach is one of the famous spots here along with Maya Bay, Long Beach and more.
• The Grand Palace:- Most cheap Thailand packages   include Bangkok and you should not miss the stunning Grand Palace. It offers awe-inspiring architecture and is steeped in history and culture. Explore the Wat Phra Kaeo here along with the other temples and halls. You should keep a few hours in hand for doing justice to this marvelous attraction. You can also access the Wat Arun and Wat Po nearby.
• Sunday Walking Street, Chiang Mai:- Many  7 days Thailand tour packages  usually have provisions for including Chiang Mai. Once here, explore the famous Sunday Walking Street. Feast on the most sumptuous local food here including chicken Satay, sweet rotis, bananas and a lot more. You can also pick up souvenirs, instruments, oils, textiles, soaps and many other exciting items here.
• Pai:- Thailand holidays  can also be delightfully offbeat and relaxed. Visit Pai in the northern part of the country. It offers lovely natural terrains and delectable local cuisine. You will definitely appreciate a trip to the Pai Canyon and also the Buddhist temples here.

While planning your Thailand tour packages , make sure that these destinations are included in the same. After all, selecting the best Thailand holiday packages  depends on what you want out of your trip, i.e. relaxation, comfort, sightseeing, adventure and so on.

Plan your Thailand getaway with MakeMyTrip! Easily convert THB to INR for our holiday packages. Explore Thailand hassle-free with our convenient currency conversion feature. Book now and embark on your dream trip!

Adventure Activities to Try in Thailand

Various Thailand tour packages are available with something for literally every type of traveller. Many travellers choose Thailand packages for bingeing on the tasty local delights while some opt for Thailand holiday packages that promise the sun, sand and the sea. Some also go for 7 days Thailand tour packages that are all about sightseeing. Yet, there are some who thrive on adventure and excitement. These are people for whom every Thailand holiday package is an opportunity to indulge in thrilling adventure activities. Are you one of them?

There are several adrenaline-pumping activities that can be included in Thailand tour packages . Some of them include the following:

• Going scuba diving with the sharks:- Undoubtedly,  Thailand holiday packages  get a whole new level of adventure with this activity. You will find this activity in several Thailand tourism packages, especially for those travelling to the Similan Islands or Surin Islands. Imagine scuba diving with the fearsome predators of the sea. The good part is that these whale sharks are not known for attacking humans. You will love swimming beside them amidst the cool waters. This activity is possible between the months of February and April.
• Rock climbing in Thailand:- What are Thailand tour packages without some good old rock climbing? If you are on a  Thailand tour package 3 days 2 nights , you should venture to Chiang Mai as well. This is where you can take part in rock climbing indoors and also enjoy the outdoors with artificial walls. These experiences are available in Bangkok as well. For the real action, head to Ton Sai or Railay. Krabi is also a great place to participate in such activities.
• White Water Rafting:- Thailand has numerous rapids which offer thrills for rafters. This adventure activity is a special part of many Thailand tours and you can do this in Pai and Chiang Mai. The views along the route promise to be equally enchanting, to say the least.
• Kiteboarding:- Kiteboarding is also one of the best Thailand tour  It offers a unique experience, where you navigate a surfboard and hold onto the massive kite which flows above. For  cheap Thailand packages  that include Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui, this is a great activity to opt for.
• Wakeboarding:- This activity should be included in all Thailand holidays  by adventure junkies. Venture to Koh Phangan or the Rayong Province in Bangkok. Try wakeboarding on a lake and then in the sea. The Taco Lake and Thai Wake Park are good places to start.

If you were seeking Thailand tour packages  with adventure activities included, then do take a look at the above-mentioned options.

Famous Restaurants to visit in Thailand

Are you planning to browse through attractive Thailand tour packages? You are not alone; a leading chunk of global travellers prefer Thailand holidays for several reasons. Most Thailand tours are synonymous with gorgeous beaches, rock formations, natural splendor, lovely views and more. There are also numerous Thailand holiday packages which offer fascinating combinations of food, night markets, shopping and more. However, several Thailand tour options can be customized to fulfill your culinary desires. Yes, we’re talking about serious foodies here!

If you are a foodie who’s already checking out a   holiday package, like a 7 days Thailand tour package  or any other cheap Thailand packages , then you will find great restaurants at top locations. Make sure you include them in your Thailand tour packages  and you will be sorted.

• Anchan:- Thailand tourism  is known for its tantalizing local cuisines. Anchan is one such place in Chiang Mai that you should not miss. A must-include for all Thailand packages , this one serves up fabulous vegetarian fare with fresh ingredients. These are organic and seasonal and add a special touch to the dining experience. The restaurant has a charming atmosphere as well with its cute balcony and street views.
• lan:- If you were looking for some unique restaurants to add to your Thailand tour packages , then this is it! The restaurant has a striking interior décor theme with authentic dishes from Thailand. Feast on the bevy of flavours, complete with a healthy touch.
• Blue Elephant:- A famed eatery, this is three decades old and lies in Phuket. You will love the mansion that houses this joint, along with its delectable food. Traditional techniques of cooking weave a tempting taste here, with the seafood options being top draws. Do not miss the steamed sea bass with lime, lemongrass, chilli and garlic.
• Eat Me:- Eat Me started its journey in 1998 and is famous for its cocktails, wines and crème brulee. Of course, you’ll find several other attractive dishes on the menu as well.
• Gaggan:- It won’t be long before Thailand tour packages  have a dedicated pit-stop for Gaggan. The Indian connection is robust with Chef Gaggan Anand’s incredible journey being part of India’s contemporary culinary folklore.

If you ‘ve been looking at Thailand packages from Delhi or Thailand packages from Mumbai , then you should also make a list of your must-visit dining destinations in the country. The above-mentioned list will serve you well in this regard.

List of the Best Shopping Destinations in Thailand

There are many Thailand tour packages that combine both Bangkok and Phuket. These are arguably two of the country’s biggest shopping hubs. Here is a guide on where you should stop by for picking up some fabulous stuff during your trip.

• Weekend Market :- This market is massive with its open and covered sections. You will find great bargains on accessories, shoes, watches, bags and a whole lot more. You should visit this market only on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Jungceylon Shopping Mall :- A key draw for visitors, this is a great place for high-street retail, restaurants, pubs, cafes, entertainment, movies and more.
• Walking Street :- Walking Street is a fantastic destination for buying souvenirs to carry back home. You will also love feasting on a variety of dishes here.
• Central Festival:- If you are a true shopaholic, then you will love exploring 120+ outlets here! It is one of the biggest shopping hubs of Phuket.
• Central World:- Find 500+ stores here over seven floors with fabulous fashion accessories, books, gadgets and other items up for grabs.
• Chatuchak Weekend Market:- Including this destination in your Thailand holiday packages is a must! You will love the numerous shops here with great bargains on accessories, ceramics, handicrafts and more. Try the lip-smacking street food on offer in this market.
• Chinatown:- Chinatown’s market is one of the best places to go crazy, shopping for souvenirs, trinkets, flowers, clothing, sandals and what not!

Best Time to Visit Thailand

Thailand is one of the most happening places throughout the year. However, it is ideal to visit the country anytime between November and March. This is the dry season and is perfect for exploring the country and enjoying adventure activities. So, make sure you consider these months while comparing some of the best Thailand tour packages .

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A magical week in phuket & bangko..., frequently asked questions about thailand tour packages, ques. how much does a thailand trip cost.

Ans. You can book your Thailand tour package at a reasonable price, depending on your needs and preferences. There are multiple options available online for travellers. For example, a 5 nights and 6 days package will cost you approximately ₹ 47,644 per person, covering Phuket and Krabi. Similarly, a 4 nights and 5 days package for Bangkok and Pattaya will cost you around ₹ 38,198 per person. Thailand has options for every budget.

Ques. How much should I budget for a 3-day trip to Thailand?

Ans. You will easily find a suitable 3-day Thailand tour package that covers your preferred cities/destinations. While budget estimates vary depending on the location, choice of accommodation and other activities, you can go by estimated costs. A three-day Thailand trip will require approximately ₹ 45,000-50,000 per person, including accommodation at a good four-star hotel, transfers, sightseeing costs and food.

Ques. Is Thailand a visa-free destination for Indians?

Ans. While booking your Thailand tour package, you should note the visa requirements with care. Indian citizens will need visas to enter the country. However, if you are visiting only as a tourist, then you can get a visa on arrival, provided your stay does not exceed two weeks. Foreigners should always carry their passports in the country along with a photocopy.

Ques. How to plan a budget Thailand trip?

Ans. It is possible to book a Thailand tour package at an attractive price, provided you compare available options online and go for the best deals on flights and accommodation. Once that is done, there are a few other tips that will help you enjoy the multifarious delights of the country on a budget: Avoid taking taxis from the airport. You can save money with the Airport Rail Link trains that connect to the MRT and Skytrain networks. There are shuttle buses (free) which link to affordable city buses alongside. Do not take domestic flights to access various destinations in Thailand. Instead, choose public buses or train rides. You can take overnight buses or trains to reach several destinations too. BKS (Baw Khaw Saw) buses are readily available and more affordable for tourists. Skip the Tuk-Tuks and take local taxis or pickup trucks instead to save more money on shorter jaunts. Remember that ride sharing may be costlier than what you are used to. You can affordably rent motorcycles/scooters for higher savings too. Eat delicious local food at the night markets and street-side stalls. This will help you save on trip costs like no other! You will find various bustling markets and food stalls throughout the day and evenings across the country. Feast on the choicest Thai meals and snacks at unbelievably low prices. Many smaller monasteries are free to visit, while hot springs in Chiang Mai are more affordable than spa treatments. Thai massages are also available at affordable rates across Thai monasteries, vocational training institutions and more.

Ques. What is the best time to visit Thailand?

Ans. Make sure you book your Thailand tour package anytime between the months of November and April. This is the peak tourist season in the country, with lower humidity and comforting sunshine. The evenings are breezy and pleasant for travellers during this period. The off-season is the period between April and May and July to September. The former is when there is scorching heat to contend with, while the latter stretch witnesses heavy rainfall.

Ques. What is the cost of a Thailand visa from India?

Ans. Arranging the visa is an integral part of your Thailand tour package. Here are some of the approximate charges that you can expect, depending on the visa type and category: e-Visa- ₹ 7,499 (validity up to one month, with a stay-period of 15 days and processing time of 2-3 days) e-Visa Express- ₹ 11,999 (this has a faster processing time of 24 hours, with the same features as the regular e-Visa) Thailand Tourist Visa (Sticker Visa)- ₹ 11,999 (validity up to 3 months with a stay period up to 60 days and processing time of 3-4 days) Thailand Business Visa (Sticker Visa)- ₹ 11,999 (validity up to 3 months with a stay period up to 90 days and processing time of 3-4 days)

Ques. Where should I go for the first time in Thailand?

Ans. If you are booking a Thailand tour package for the first time, then there are several destinations that you may consider for your trip. These include the following: Bangkok- It is one of Asia’s most famous cities, popular for its plethora of cultural landmarks, delicious food, shopping opportunities and a lot more. Krabi- A soothing and serene part of Thailand, it offers proximity to several famous islands and destinations via ferries, along with excellent dining, shopping and natural beauty. Phuket- A nightlife hub, this beachside destination is immensely popular with tourists looking for fun and merriment.

Ques. Which part of Thailand is best to stay?

Ans. Those booking a Thailand tour package often wonder about the best places in the country for their accommodation. The best places to stay in the country include the following: Bangkok Chiang Rai Chiang Mai Krabi Koh Lanta Koh Samui Phuket These are some of the top destinations to find quality accommodation on your trip. They each offer something unique to travellers.

Ques. What is the best currency to take to Thailand?

Ans. Sort out the currency requirements while booking your Thailand tour package. The local currency is THB or the Thai Baht . You should exchange at least some Indian rupees into Baht upon your arrival in the country. Keep denominations like 50, 100 and even 20 Baht to pay for smaller transactions and tips. You can exchange your money into THB across currency exchange centres and banks in Thailand, along with the airport.

Ques. Can I use Indian debit cards in Thailand?

Ans. If you are planning to book a Thailand tour package soon, then you should know about the ways of making payments in the country. You can use Indian debit cards in Thailand and withdraw money from local ATMs if you wish. However, your card should work in the country (confirm this with your bank before departure) and ATMs will charge you for the transaction. Most ATMs in the country usually charge 200 Thai Baht for each withdrawal. It is best to carry as much cash as possible, after exchanging Indian rupees into the Thai Baht.

Ques. How many days are enough in Thailand?

Ans. You can cover all the main attractions of Thailand in 6 days. Here is a suggested plan for your Thailand trip in 5Nights/6Days, giving a good mix of leisure and sightseeing: Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok airport and transfer to Pattaya by road. Attend the Alcazar show at Night. Day 2: Coral Island tour. Day 3: Leisure day; you can relax on the beach or go shopping or get a massage. Day 4: Transfer to Bangkok. Evening dinner cruise on the Chao Praya river. Day 5: Half day Temple and City Tour in the morning, with time for shopping afterwards. Day 6: Departure day.

Ques. What is the cheapest time to travel to Thailand?

Ans. The months from May to October are when you will find the cheapest rates for Thailand.

Ques. How much money do I need for 7 days in Thailand?

Ans. The amount can vary depending on the kind of hotels you choose. However, you can have a fairly good trip one-week trip to Thailand in about Rs 50,000.

Ques. Do Indians need a visa to travel to Thailand?

Ans. Yes, Indians need a visa for Thailand but can get one on arrival.

Ques. How much should I calculate for food expenses in Thailand?

Ans. You should budget approximately Ans. Rs 5000-6000 for a 5-night trip to Thailand, for meals for one person.

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When is Eid al-Fitr 2024 and how is it celebrated?

The three-day festival celebrates the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan by Muslims across the world.

As a new moon was not sighted on Monday evening after Maghrib prayers, Muslims in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries will fast one more day, completing 30 days of Ramadan. The first day of Eid will then be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10.

The first day of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon marking the start of the month of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.

Keep reading

A ramadan no palestinian will ever forget, the cost of a ramadan iftar meal around the world, ramadan 2024: where do your dates come from, in washington, dc: celebrating ramadan, protesting israel’s siege of gaza.

Lunar months last between 29 and 30 days so Muslims usually have to wait until the night before Eid to verify its date.

Other countries follow independent sightings.

When the sighting has been verified, Eid is declared on television, radio stations and at mosques.

How do Muslims celebrate Eid?

Traditionally, Eid is celebrated for three days as an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries. However, the number of holiday days varies by country.

Muslims begin Eid day celebrations by partaking in a prayer service that takes place shortly after dawn, followed by a short sermon.

On their way to the prayer, which is traditionally held in an open area, Muslims recite takbeerat, praising God by saying “Allahu Akbar”, meaning “God is great”.

It is customary to eat something sweet before the prayer, such as date -filled biscuits known as maamoul in the Middle East. This particular festival is known as the “sweet” Eid – and the distribution of sweets is common across the Muslim world.

Muslims usually spend the day visiting relatives and neighbours and accepting sweets as they move around from house to house.

Each country has traditional desserts and sweets that are prepared before Eid or on the morning of the first day.

Children, dressed in new clothes, are offered gifts and money to celebrate the joyous occasion.

Girls and women in many countries decorate their hands with henna. The celebration for Eid begins the night before as women gather in neighbourhoods and large family gatherings for the application of henna.

In some countries, families visit graveyards to offer their respects to departed family members right after the morning prayers.

It is common for Muslim-majority countries to decorate their cities with lights and hold festivities to commemorate the end of the fasting month.

Eid amid the onslaught in Gaza

For some 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza this Eid, this will be the first Muslim religious holiday after more than 33,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks. With little food aid, and very limited water, Gaza’s Eid al-Fitr will be mired in destruction amid the continuing attacks.

What are common Eid greetings?

The most popular greeting is “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) or “Eid sa’id” (Happy Eid). Eid greetings also vary depending on the country and language.

The video below shows how people say Eid Mubarak in different languages around the world.