travel expenses in thailand

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!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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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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"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

Getting Around Chiang Mai: Guide to Public Transportation

Suvarnabhumi Airport Guide

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

Getting Around Bangkok: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Plan a Vacation in Thailand

Nightlife in Bangkok: Best Bars, Clubs, & More

How Much Money to Travel in Myanmar

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Home » Southeast Asia » Thailand » Travel Expensive

Is Thailand Expensive For Travel? (How Cheap Is Thailand In 2024)

If you haven’t heard the jokes about Bangkok or Phuket, where have you been hiding? Lewd wordplay aside, Thailand is legendary as a holiday destination and for good reason. With delicious thai food, banging beaches, insane nightlife, and awe-inspiring temples, this country is unrivaled when it comes to fun and thrills.

With so much to see and do, you might wonder how much money you would need to put down to really experience all that this incredible country has to offer.

There may be some scammers intending to lighten tourists’ wallets and it could get expensive if you’re not careful, but don’t stress too much about it. This guide will help you save! You don’t need to worry if you travel safely, smartly and with a well thought out Thailand budget.

The answer to “is Thailand expensive?” is simple. No, not at all! It is the perfect destination for budget travelers. Follow this comprehensive expenses guide and you won’t need to break the bank to get the most out of your trip.

Fast Answer: Is Thailand Cheap Or Not?

Cost of flights to thailand, price of accommodation in thailand, cost of transport in thailand, cost of food in thailand, price of alcohol in thailand, cost of attractions in thailand, additional costs of travel in thailand, some final tips for saving money in thailand, so, how much does a holiday to thailand cost, affordability rating: cheap.

The good news is that Yes , Thailand is absolutely and correctly regarded as a low cost travel destination. While perhaps not as “all you can eat for a dollar” -dirt cheap as it used to be, most western travellers with powerful currencies will find the exchange rate very favourable.

Delicious street meals can be found for a $1, there are still plenty of $6 hostels available and you can even stay in Bangkok for around $10 if you know where to look. While there are plenty of well laid Thai-money traps waiting to ensnare the reckless, the travellers who do manage to blow their budget in Thailand usually do so by getting carried away searching for one too many happy endings…

Naturally, if you want to flash the cash then higher end options are available. Still, even a Michelin star restaurant in BK will set you back a fraction of what it costs in the States and if you are happy to drop a few hundred per night on your digs, then you may even bag a villa of Bond villain opulence.

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How Much Does a Trip to Thailand Cost on Average?

First things first. Let’s look at the average Thailand trip cost. Here, I’ll look at some main costs including:

• How much it costs to get there
• Food prices
• Thailand travel cost
• Prices of things to do and see
• Cost of sleeping arrangements

With that said, please note that everything laid down in this guide is based on my own research and personal experience. Thanks to the interesting economic climate we’re in, prices are subject to change. You may also decide to inflate your Thailand trip costs if you’re feeling rich so keep in mind that these are guidelines – not gospel.

All prices in this guide are given in USD. Thailand’s currency is the Thai Baht (THB). As of April 2022, 1 USD = 35.03 Thai Baht.

I’ve created a handy table for you below that outlines the cost of a trip to Thailand day-to-day, and over a two-week period. You’ll see that 2 weeks in Thailand cost very little!

2 Weeks in Thailand Travel Costs

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $113 – $550 for a round trip ticket

Usually, when looking at the costs of any international trip, the flights end up being the larger of the blows to the budget. But how large? How much does the average flight cost to Thailand?

Most of us are aware that the costs of flights differ across airlines. The main airports in the larger cities also have times of year that end up being the cheapest time to fly. This can be helpful when planning your Thailand travel budget .

The list below gives you an idea of what to expect to pay for a one-way flight ticket from some major cities during their cheapest month:

• New York to Suvarnabhumi Airport: $460-900 USD
• London to Suvarnabhumi Airport: £236-440 GBP
• Sydney to Suvarnabhumi Airport: $233- 493 AUD
• Vancouver to Suvarnabhumi Airport: $645-1341 CAN

If you don’t mind a bit of research, you can save money by looking for error fares and special deals.

It’s also worthwhile to know that Bangkok’s international airport, Suvarnabhumi is the cheapest one to fly into the country.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $6 – $120/day

Now I’ve put your mind at ease about flights, it’s time to investigate cheap places to stay in Thailand . This country, compared to other holiday destinations, has incredibly reasonable rates, whether you’re a backpacker, hostel hanger, or avid Airbnb enthusiast!

If this is your one big trip of the year, you may want to put some more money towards accommodation by staying in hotels. If you want to keep your Thailand budget tighter, hostels, beach bungalows, and Airbnbs are the way to go. Regardless, the actual location will have a big impact on price. Staying in Phuket is going to be a lot more expensive overall than staying in Koh Phangan.

Let’s take a look at a breakdown of each of these types of accommodation.

Hostels in Thailand

You’re a social animal. You’d prefer to put more money towards your Thailand experiences, food and booze than towards the bed you sleep in. That is if you even sleep! In this case, hopping hostels is the best fit for you.

Thailand is dotted with hostels across its thriving cities. You can expect to pay anywhere from $6 per night for a bed to $80 for a private 2-sleeper room.

I’ve made things easy by listing a few of my top hostels below.

• Diff Hostel, Bangkok :  Small and modern hostel in the heart of Bangkok. Literally 60 seconds away from everything you could need.
• Stamps Backpackers, Chiang Mai :  Their focus is on enhancing the social elements in your Thai adventure with great evening group activities.
• Baan Baan Hostel, Phuket :  Great value for money and feels like a home away from home. Located near restaurants, vendors, cafes, and an awesome local market.

So, how much would two weeks spend backpacking in Thailand cost? Somewhere between $84 and $1120, depending on your need for privacy and taste for Thai-massages…

Airbnbs in Thailand

If you’re more of a lone wolf than a social creature, then staying in Thai Airbnb is more your groove. Some people are also just the self-catering type, which means a flat is where it’s at.

Airbnb gives you a selection of epic places to stay, from busy city centers to quieter city outskirts. They are also reasonable and serve as the midrange cost between hostels and hotels.

That said, Airbnb prices can also vary depending on the scale of comfort you are looking for and the location. You could expect to spend between $30 and $110 per night. I have listed some affordable Airbnb choices below.

• Standard Room Rawai, Phuket:  Best Airbnb apartment for those keeping to a strict budget and wanting quality accommodation. It has a great view and is close to many restaurants.
• Riverfront Tiny House:  Right on Bangkok Yai canal, this stunning apartment offers a different and authentic side of Bangkok.
• Hipster Townhome, Chiang Mai:  This Airbnb is ideal for those looking for a quieter experience but with the upside of seeing Thailand’s Old City up close and personal.

Hotels in Thailand

Hotels are the crown jewels of expense when it comes to accommodation. But, just because they are more expensive than hostels and Airbnbs doesn’t mean they are super expensive in general.

In fact, for those who are looking for all the bells and whistles of accommodation, hotels could be first choice. Think hotels with private pools , refreshing designer cocktails, room service, and fresh towels (and ice!). A night’s stay in a Thailand hotel can range from $60 to $500 or higher.

Some top picks from my side include the following:

• Nordwind Hotel, Chiang Mai:  Just 15 minutes from Chiang Mai airport. It offers a world-class Thai restaurant and is just 10 minutes away from the popular night market.
• Rambuttri Village Plaza, Bangkok:  Located in a cultural hot-spot and close to famous temples, like Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho. Great value for money with two rooftop pools.
• Kata White Villas, Phuket:  A two-minute walk from renowned Kata Beach with the atmosphere of an island paradise. The area is great for snorkeling and close to Phuket International.

Beach Bungalows in Thailand

So, you’ve decided you want the real Thailand experience, and that includes your accommodation.

Beach bungalows offer you a tranquil space of your own. Imagine stepping outside your private room to be faced with the endless ocean. Sand softly caresses your feet and the sound of the waves.

Beach bungalows also vary in price depending on size and location. The good news is that you can book a bungalow for as little as US $22 a night. This puts it in the same league as hostels and apartments, making it a viable option for doing Thailand on a budget.

Here are a few choices that you can take a look at:

• Simple Classic Beachfront Bungalow, Ko Samui:  Ideal for a relaxing holiday with ocean views and nearby restaurants. Comfortable with great features like wifi and a double bed.
• Chill Bungalow, Tambon Wichit:  Situated on secluded Ao Yon Beach, this bungalow offers comfort and function with cozy furniture and wifi.
• Rann Chalet, Tambon Sala Dan:  Just over half a mile from Dao Beach, this bungalow embodies the Thai beach lifestyle with its own little deck and lazy hammock.

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ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $1 – $60/day

I’ve discussed the prices of accommodation, but now I need to look at travel costs to help you budget your trip. After all, we have to look at all the potentially costly elements of a trip to answer the question: how expensive is Thailand?

Luckily, this country is affordable in terms of travel prices. Many different modes of local transportation are available for tourists; even the three-wheeled Tuk Tuk !

Next up, I’m going to take a look at transport costs of the train, bus, intercity transport like taxis, as well as car rental options.

Train Travel in Thailand

The train system, the State Railways of Thailand , has extensive coverage of the country, connecting nearly all of its cities and tourist destinations. The train offers a comfortable and scenic way to travel for tourists, but it is rather slow.

Train seating is divided into different classes: first class, second class, and third class. First-class provides the most luxury while third-class gets you where you need to go (without the fancy, soft seats).

Traveling by train is affordable and pretty easy to do. A train ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai could cost you roughly US $20 – 60 (first class), which isn’t much considering the distance. The train is wonderful if you want to take in the Thai landscape over long distances, but for shorter distances, the bus or taxi is a more convenient option.

If you are visiting Thailand during peak tourist season , you may want to book your train tickets in advance. This is especially true if you are traveling routes between popular tourist destinations (like the trip between Chiang Mai and Bangkok).

Since the train is already such a cheap way to travel in Thailand, there aren’t many other ways to cut costs here.

Bus Travel in Thailand

Thailand’s bus system is highly developed. A number of the smaller cities have bus schedules that allow for long-distance travel to other cities and attractions within the country.

Traveling Bangkok is easy – it boasts the largest number of buses in Thailand. These buses are full of character and come in varying shapes and colors. Budget travelers can also choose between public and private buses, with the latter offering more comfort and better service. Most of these vehicles are in good condition – so there’s no need to stress about breakdowns or, you know, spontaneous combustion.

In terms of the cost of a long-distance ticket, when traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai you can expect to pay between $19 and $30. This makes it a cheaper alternative to train and domestic flights.

Getting Around Cities in Thailand

Unfortunately, this country has a terrible reputation for traffic. Navigating its streets isn’t the easiest of tasks, especially if you’re a newbie. This is why it’s probably best to leave the driving to those who are familiar with Thailand’s routes.

As mentioned before, Thailand has local transportation like buses and taxis. Your daily travel budget in Bangkok is going to be fine; bus prices are extremely cheap. You can expect to pay around $0.25 for bus fare.

This country’s cities also have their own unique methods for getting around. Most of these are really reasonably priced. So you won’t have to cough up too much cash to explore and experience more of the country.

Modes of intercity travel include:

• Tuk Tuks (sheltered three-wheeled bikes – a must-try!)
• Bangkok BTS Skytrain
• Songthaews (picture a pick-up truck with a passenger hold on the back)
• Motorcycle taxis

Renting a Car in Thailand

Honestly, if you really want to experience this country and its identity, I would suggest using public transport systems. Tuk Tuks and songthaews will give you a real feel for Thailand while keeping your budget intact. Also, the heavy traffic in Thailand calls for someone with a more experience at hand to do the driving. Driving in Thailand isn’t known for being super safe at the best of times.

But, if you are certain you want to go the rental route. Here are some things you need to know.

• Rental rates: Start from roughly $22 per day
• Insurance: $13 per day
• Gas: Roughly 1$ per liter

The best way to save money on costs when renting a car is to do your homework on the rental options available. I suggest opting for a smaller, economical car rather than a luxury car (it’s not about the size, remember).

Want to save some cash and explore Thailand by rental car? Use rentalcar.com to find the best deal possible. There are some great prices on the site and they aren’t difficult to find.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $4 – $25/day

Now for the part that all the foodies have been waiting for! How much is a trip to Thailand with regards to food?!

Thailand has an interesting, diverse, and acclectic array of food. There so much delicious food, it will most likely become your new favourite cuisine. The beverages are not to be sniffed at either! From refreshing iced coffees and Thai rolled ice cream to basil chicken and Panang (peanut) curry, you’ll soon be part of the Thai munch bunch. And begging for more!

Fortunately, food in Thailand is cheap. But keep in mind that if you dine out frequently, the costs will add up. Here’s a list of some of the most popular food in Thailand and their costs:

• Pad Thai noodles with chicken: around $1
• One of the famous Thai curries: $1 – $3.50
• Meal at a restaurant: $3 – $5

One of the best tips I can give you is to eat local. Western food costs more than local fare. When in Thailand, eat like the Thai! Also, selecting the seafood option for anything will ramp up the price. Stick to chicken, beef, and pork to play it safe.

Just an FYI, you don’t want to be drinking tap water in Thailand. Drink bottled water – it’s about $0.50.

Where to Eat Cheaply in Thailand

There is definitely a difference in prices when it comes to where you eat! I won’t keep it a secret from you. Here are some tips for Thailand in terms of where to go.

• Eat street food. Street food is the way forward. It might sound unsavory but the truth is you can find the most delicious food at the vibey street stalls dotted along the city streets. In addition, you’ll bask in the sounds and smells of the city. You can literally pay about 1$ for cheap street food in Thailand. For this, you can enjoy coconut pancakes and mango rice dishes! And, don’t worry about getting sick. The food is fresh.
• Open-air restaurants are also significantly cheaper than traditional sit-down restaurants.
• Food courts might sound Western, but Thailand is full of them. These are usually found in shopping centers (big and small). Food courts sell traditional Thai food like chicken satays, roasted pumpkin, pad thai and vegetarian meals. They also have the huge benefit of being air-conditioned – a welcome change to Thailand’s sometimes oppressive heat. You won’t spend more than $5 for a meal, dessert, and drink for two people.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $1.5 – $50/day

So, how much is beer in Thailand? Where booze is concerned, the tables turn. A night on the town ends up being a helluva lot more expensive than a quieter evening spent at a restaurant or cruising the night markets.

Here’s a helpful hint to keep Thailand costs down if you’re set on indulging. The cost of beer in Thailand is far affordable when you stick to local brew. Buying alcohol from the local 7- Eleven works out cheaper than buying drinks at bars. Imported alcohol is expensive so treat alcohol like you would food and stay local.

Just because it’s local doesn’t mean it’s lesser-than. Thailand has some great booze on offer. Here are two examples.

• Thai beers (Singha, Chang and Leo): $1.5 – $2.5 depending on where you get it
• Sangsom (popular rum): roughly $9 a bottle

A few nights out in Thailand would be an unforgettable experience, especially if you witness talented fire dancers and try the sweet but “dangerous” bucket drinks available at the bars.

You can still make your pocket happy by having drinks at your accommodation before your night out. You can also take advantage of happy hours at some of the local watering holes to get your buzz. And, avoid craft beer for your wallet’s sake.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $1.50 – $65/day

Thailand has earned the nickname, “The Land of Smiles” for good reason. The chances of you not having a smile on your face after a few days in this quirky country are slim. There are tons of cool temples to visit (some a bit weird, some downright spiritual), and colorful and extravagant markets. You also have to hit a Full Moon party – it’s a howl!

Here’s a list of my cost estimates for some awesome Thailand activities:

• The Full Moon party: $50-$60 (including transport and money for booze!)
• White Temple of Northern Thailand: $1.50
• Museum of Death: $6.50
• The Grand Palace: $15

Don’t feel limited by the above items. There are hundreds of awesome activities in Thailand  you can try, and many are well priced.

If you’re smart, there are a couple of ways to cut costs.

• Museum fan? Instead of buying tickets for each museum in Bangkok, see what combo tickets are available.
• Really, to risk sounding like a wet blanket, the best way to save money is to not drink. I’d recommend planning one or two blowouts during your trip. Then, stick to being a sober cobra for the rest of your Thai adventure.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

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As much as I’ve given you a general idea about the cost of a trip to Thailand, there will always be unforeseen costs. Especially if you’re that clumsy person who stubs your toe or gets cut open on the regular, you know what I mean.

Do you like to buy souvenirs in each country you visit? Well, you will want to factor that in. Need a little book with common Thai phrases in it? Then you need to plan that little extra to fork up.

I suggest setting some money aside for these types of additional expenses. A decent amount to set aside would be 10% of the total expenditures.

Tipping in Thailand

Good news on this note. Tipping is not common in Thailand so you won’t need to worry about too many forlorn faces when you put your wallet away after paying. However, it is appreciated in some situations. When buying street food, you don’t need to pay anything extra.

Restaurants, however, play to a different tune. Keep in mind that staff at restaurants can work long shifts with low pay. If you’re buying a snack and a coffee at a cafe, leaving $0.5 is acceptable. If you’re heading out to fancier places, then you can look at leaving higher tips, more in the region of 10%.

Get Travel Insurance for Thailand

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Well young Padawan, I have come this far. It’s time for us to impart some final tips for saving money in this exciting country.

• Keep an eye on how much spending money you use each day and set a daily budget for yourself: If you blow the budget on a Full Moon party one day, try and do some activities in the following days that keep you under budget.
• Travel as a local would: Use Songthaews and buses. If your destination is close enough, use your God-given feet.
• Eat and drink local: I can’t stress this enough. Become one with the Thai!
• Haggle: Don’t treat the first price you receive as the final price. Practice those haggling skills .
• Don’t be naive: There are scammers out there so leave your gullibility at home.
• Watch the locals when it comes to food and purchases: Take a look and see what they are paying for certain items and then follow suit.
• Bring the essentials to Thailand : Nothing is worse than having to spend money on something you could’ve just brought from home.
• Have a water bottle : Don’t waste money on plastic, bottled waters; carry your own and refill it in the fountains and the tap. If you’re worried about potable water, get a filtered bottle, like the GRAYL, which filters out 99% of viruses and bacteria.
• Earn money while you travel: Teaching English while traveling is a great way to make ends meet! If you find a sweet gig, you may even end up living in Thailand .
• Become a volunteer with Worldpackers : Give back to the local community and, in exchange, you’re room and board will often be covered. It’s not always free, but it’s still a cheap way to travel in Thailand.
• SIM cards for Thailand can be cheap if you shop around.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

After taking a long, hard look at vacation in Thailand costs, I’ve come to the conclusion that…No, Thailand is not expensive and is actually a great and affordable holiday destination. If you go for the more savvy choices in terms of transport and accommodation, you will have an absolute blast without destroying your piggy bank.

The best ways to save cash are pretty practical and easy to remember.

Keep it local – for everything: food, drink, transport…If you do that, sticking to a budget will be a breeze. Track your expenses and try to stick to a daily budget. Remind yourself that the daily budget isn’t a target, it’s a limit!

Lastly, the best thing you can do for yourself is moderate your drinking. Not for your liver’s health but for your wallet’s health. Alcohol (and partying with it) is one of the largest holiday expenses you’ll encounter in Thailand. I suggest planning one or two big nights and braving the rest of your trip sober (you’ll remember it better that way anyway).

So, how much money to bring to Thailand?

What I think an average daily budget for Thailand should be: $50

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Clair Cathryn

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I’ve been a frequent visitor to Thailand over the past 25yrs only last year got married out there, it’s a lovely place sadly it’s also become very expensive with price increases right across the board. Backpackers can still find reasonably priced hostels costing around 500 – 700 baht per night depending on area, would avoid Bangkok as very expensive City for nightlife and accommodation, even the alcohol twice as expensive as you’d normally pay – food can still be relatively cheap if eating in the food halls and night markets – avoid taxis in order keep costs down using local travel buses and rail – rail service excellent those seeking see around the city or area of stay may enjoy the local Tuk Tuk ( avoid local taxi motorbikes if possible ) often drunk without insurance – would advise using the baht bus there everywhere usually costing just 20 baht. If visiting the beach just a word of warning avoid jet skies at all cost especially in seaside resorts which are run by the local mafia – 99.9% will try telling you that you caused damage and seek compensation, when you argue your often confronted with groups of Thais it’s just not worth it, they’ve some wonderful attractions suitable for all age groups –

Simply put, this article is inaccurate in terms of increased costs and subjective based on “cheap”.

In terms of Aussies on vacation, there are many cheaper neighboring destinations such as Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, and Vietnam. For the UK traveler, since OP’s stated residence is between AU and UK, there are many hundreds of cheaper destinations within driving distance.

Further, the inflation rates in Thailand are staggering. In 2003, a 2 BR luxury Condo in Pattaya, a common expat destination, was hovering around 1m Baht or 30k USD. Current prices for the same unit (not an equivalent new unit) are around 6-8m Baht. Comparable to US property prices in non major cities (180k USD). Chiangmai up north is offering 2 BR apartments for 5m Baht. Not incredibly cheaper. Marginally cheaper at best. Food prices are, when shopping for fresh food and not the moldy food at some farmer’s markets, running at prices similar to the Netherlands or UK. Any city in Thailand, Chiangmai included, are not offering significantly discounted prices over highly developed countries. Similar claims that the Philippines is fun and cheap are also easily debunked by a simple visit to Manila, Davao, or Cebu. Property prices are running similarly. The days of the Vietnam war R&R destination extravaganza are also over. Increased tariffs on Alcohol, cigarettes, and “other” night trades are increasing at exponential rates. It would be cheaper and equally unsatisfying for an American to stay in America and get drunk than to fly to Thailand to do so, for example.

I won’t deny the allure of Thailand for some of it’s beauty in Nature and wonderful people. This fact cannot be argued. You would have a difficult time finding a safer destination as well, assuming you stay away from illegal activities. However, to say it remains a budget destination is a laughable falsehood. A cursory search for cheapest hostels at any tourist destination in Thailand is spitting out results for 50-100 USD per night stays. I can find the same in Houston. Or Rotterdam. Or Belgium. Or Bucharest. Or Honolulu. Often with much better quality. Air transportation within the country is no cheaper than anywhere else, and bus transportation rivals western destinations. I have noted ferry/boat transportation within country to remain low compared to neighbors but I imagine this will be corrected as well. Vehicle costs are actually much higher in Thailand than in western and nearby Asian destinations. I will give Thailand credit, circa 2023, gasoline prices are 20% cheaper than American gas prices. Comparable to EU prices.

This article could be more accurate if the title was, “I like Thailand and I miss visiting there and it feels cheaper than home”

Note, for 30 baht, I can buy cheap street food using leftover ingredients that were sold just prior going bad at the market. Or I could get higher quality food at a homeless shelter in a western country for free. for 3500 Baht, I can get a decent meal for 2 in Thailand or a decent meal in the US for 2. Simply put, globally, prices have gone up dramatically in the last few years and will continue to do so post-covid as economies attempt to recover.

Thiland for travellers still offers amazing value for money, quality and lifestyle.

My son just booked a trip from Vancouver to Bangkok it cost over 1500.00 can.

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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. When you buy with my affiliate link, 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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• 2 Weeks for Couple
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• Itinerary Ideas
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• Vietnam Travel Reviews
• Cambodia Travel Reviews
• Japan Travel Reviews
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• China Travel Reviews

The Ultimate Guide to the Trip to Thailand Cost in 2024

When considering a Thailand trip, you may want to know how much it would cost. Is it expensive? Thailand is not an expensive destination. It is a cost-effective country to travel around. For a lot of things, Thailand is very affordable. Moreover, Thailand can suit all kinds of budgets, from economical to luxury.

Here is a breakdown of how much it costs for flights, hotels, transportation, sightseeing, food, and activities.

• Cost of International Flights to Thailand
• Cost of Accommodation in Thailand
• Cost of Eating and Drinking in Thailand
• Cost of Transportation in Thailand
• Cost of Attractions/Activities in Thailand
• Thailand Trip Cost for a Private Tour  
• Tips for Saving Money

The Cost of International Flights to Thailand

Flying to Thailand from the U.S. now requires at least one layover, most of which are in Singapore, Seoul, Doha, Paris, London, Munich, and other European/Asian flight hubs.

The cost of airfares varies a lot depending on when you fly and which airline you use, from around 700 to 1,300 USD for a one-way economy trip.

A transfer in an Asian country, like Singapore, is cheaper . August, September, and October are Thailand's low season because of the rainy season. Air tickets drop by around 40% during this period.

Europe has direct flights to Bangkok - from London, Paris, Zurich... A one-way air ticket is around 600 to 1,000 GBP flying economy.

Suggested reading: How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps

The Cost of Accommodation in Thailand

Prices of hotels vary widely from city to city and from season to season.

The busiest (and most expensive) period is from November to January/February . To find good accommodation during this period, we recommend you plan and book well in advance (at least 3 months before departure).

The low season runs from July to October. Prices are lower, and there are fewer tourists.

Here is a table to show you the approximate cost for a standard 2-person room around Thailand for reference only:

Hotels are included in our itineraries and we can generally secure favorable prices. We recommend suitable hotels based on your preferred location, room specification (e.g. no-smoking room, family room for Parents and 2 -3 kids), and other requirements. Feel free to contact us .

Suggested reading: 14-Day Thailand Itinerary: Best Way to Spend Two Weeks in Thailand

The Cost of Eating and Drinking in Thailand

Thailand has a variety of delicacies and is not expensive. Many unique Thai foods, like pad Thai (Thai fried noodles) and som tam (spicy papaya salad), can be bought from roadside stalls for 1–2 USD.

A decent restaurant costs about 10–15 USD per person. Luxury restaurants cost 50–60 USD per person and upwards .

Fresh fruit juice can be found easily on the roadside for 0.5–1 USD. As for alcohol, the best deals are in convenience stores, like 7-11s. A bottle of beer costs about $2. Drinks in bars and restaurants are more expensive, costing 3–4 USD a bottle. Drinks at luxury restaurants start at 15 USD.

Suggested reading: Planning a Trip to Southeast Asia: A Beginner's Guide

The Cost of Transportation in Thailand

Flying is the fastest and most popular way to travel between cities. Airfares range from 30 to 100 USD for economy seats.

There are many airlines in Thailand with different prices and services. See our article: The 8 Best Domestic Airlines in Thailand for Tourists .

Ferry or speedboat is the main way to travel between most islands, such as Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands. See How to Get from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands.

Traveling between cities also can be done for 8 to 72 USD on trains or 6 to 20 USD on buses.

Thailand's public transportation within cities is very affordable. Taking Bangkok as an example, for 0.50–1.00 USD you can take a bus or the MRT/BTS. Taxis charge 1 USD minimum and make sure they use their meters to avoid price disagreements. Tuk-tuks charge ½–1 USD for a 10-minute walking distance - 800 m (½ a mile).  The rental car is approximately 1,000-1,500 Thai Baht ($30-$45) per day for a basic car.

Transportation on the islands is higher in cost than in the cities. Renting a motorbike is a popular way to enjoy the scenery around the islands.

Suggested reading: 2-Week Southeast Asia Itineraries for Honeymoons, Families, and More

The Cost of Attractions/Activities in Thailand

Tickets for most tourist spots in Thailand range from 1 to 15 USD, i.e. they're very affordable. The most famous Thailand attraction, the Grand Palace in Bangkok, costs 500 THB (14 USD).

Some temples and museums are free of charge, like Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai.

Some beach activities or entertainments like snorkeling, night shows, etc. cost about 15–50 USD a time.

Suggested reading: Best (and Worst) Time to Visit Thailand & When is the Rainy Season

How much does it cost for a private tour in Thailand?

A private tour is an affordable luxury in Thailand! Private service is value for money there. Here are the prices for a private tour based on a group of 2 people during the peak season, for your reference:

• On a medium budget, touring Thailand typically costs around US$150–200 per day per person (including 4-star hotels, airfares within Thailand, attractions, guides, and transfers).
• For a higher budget of US$200–250 per day per person, more comfort can be enjoyed (including 5-star hotels, airfares within Thailand, attractions, guides, and transfers).
• For a family trip (2 adults plus 2–3 children) for 2 weeks in Thailand or in Southeast Asia, it normally costs US$10,000–15,000 per family excluding international flights from/to America or Europe.

Her are some Thailand tours along with costs for your reference. The prices below are per person, based on a great-quality 2-person experience (4/5-star hotels, private transfers, guide service, etc.). 

• Example: our 12-Day Thailand Wonders Tour , from 2,829 USD per person
• Example: our 9-Day Thailand Family Tour , from 1,689 USD per person

Check out some private Thailand tours and private Southeast tours to get a general idea of the cost. We can tailor-make an itinerary based on your budget. Contact us to get a quote for your trip. 

Tips to Make Your Experience More Cost-effective

Before delving into the details of planning your trip to Thailand, let's explore some essential tips to make your experience more enjoyable and cost-effective:

• Timing Matters: Thailand experiences different seasons, and your travel dates can significantly impact your expenses. The peak tourist season, from November to February, is the most expensive. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons, like March to May or September to October, to save on accommodation and activities. The trip cost may drop by 20%–40%.
• Explore Beyond Popular Destinations: While famous destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai are popular, consider exploring lesser-known gems. Places like Pai, Koh Tao, or Sukhothai offer unique experiences with a more affordable price tag.
• Accommodation Choices: Opt for a mix of accommodation options. While luxury resorts can be tempting, Thailand offers a plethora of budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. Explore local stays for an authentic experience without breaking the bank.
• Transportation: Thailand has an extensive and affordable transportation network. Choose budget airlines when traveling around Thailand, such as Lion Air. It may save 20%–30%.
• Street Food Adventure: Embrace the local street food scene for delicious and budget-friendly meals. Thai street food is not only flavorful but also a significant part of the cultural experience. Venture beyond restaurants to savor the true taste of Thailand.
• Island Hopping on a Budget: Instead of opting for expensive island tours, consider organizing your island-hopping adventure. Public ferries and boats are available at more affordable rates, allowing you to explore Thailand's stunning islands at your own pace.

Suggested reading:  Best 3 Thailand Itineraries for 12 Days

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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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Cost of a Trip to Thailand & the Cheapest Time to Visit Thailand

The average price of a 7-day trip to Thailand is $819 for a solo traveler, $1,397 for a couple, and $936 for a family of 4 . Thailand hotels range from $23 to $131 per night with an average of $40, while most vacation rentals will cost $60 to $440 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Thailand (from all airports) are between $682 and $1,009 per person for economy flights and $2,141 to $3,168 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $21 to $43 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Thailand

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to Thailand and stay in a Thailand hotel:

• January 15th to March 25th (except the week of January 22nd)
• August 13th to December 16th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Thailand is usually mid to late September .

Average Thailand Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Thailand for a week is $660-$1,604 ($94-$229 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $21 to $43 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $333 to $895 for economy

Lodging : $30 to $42 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $56 to $68 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Thailand for a week is $1,134-$2,794 ($162-$399 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $41 to $85 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $667 to $1,791 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Thailand for a week is $2,275-$5,391 ($325-$770 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $83 to $171 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,334 to $3,582 for economy

Lodging : $60 to $85 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $83 to $102 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Thailand

How cheap can you make a vacation to Thailand? The cheapest trip to Thailand is about $74 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 22% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $16 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $19.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Thailand for a week is $517-$1,486 ($74-$212 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $10 to $21 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $19 to $23 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $44 to $74 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Thailand for a week is $928-$2,522 ($133-$360 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $21 to $41 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Thailand for a week is $1,849-$4,835 ($264-$691 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $41 to $83 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $38 to $45 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $66 to $112 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very easy to travel to Thailand cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Thailand Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Thailand.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Thailand for a week is $1,514-$8,107 ($216-$1,158 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $41 to $85 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $843 to $2,226 for first class

Lodging : $64 to $131 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $443 to $881 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Thailand for a week is $2,651-$10,928 ($379-$1,561 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $83 to $170 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,686 to $4,452 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Thailand for a week is $5,301-$19,167 ($757-$2,738 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $165 to $339 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $3,372 to $8,904 for first class

Lodging : $129 to $262 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $664 to $1,315 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Thailand Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Thailand is much lower than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Thailand due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Thailand Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Thailand hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Thailand.

Flight Costs to Thailand

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,009 average in late December to a low of $682 in mid to late September. Median flight price is $578. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Thailand our data includes thousands of originating airports, and hundreds of airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Thailand, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $327, so you can easily save about 48% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Thailand can easily cost $155 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $10 per person. Private tours can cost $311 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Thailand Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Samut Sakhon, Thailand
• Damnoen Saduak, Thailand
• Sam Phran, Thailand
• Samut Songkhram, Thailand
• Bang Khonthi, Thailand
• Krathum Baen, Thailand
• Nakhon Chai Si, Thailand
• Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
• Amphawa, Thailand
• Bang Khun Thian, Thailand

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• Nairobi, Kenya
• Lake Eola Park, the United States
• Incheon, South Korea

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

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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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• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Thailand Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Thailand?

• How much does a one-week trip to Thailand cost?
• How much does a two-week trip to Thailand cost?
• How much does a one-month trip to Thailand cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Thailand

For a trip to Thailand, you should plan for daily costs anywhere between $29 to $251. If there's two of you traveling, your daily expenses could range from $58 to $501. These price ranges are based on the average daily spending of $81 (฿2,979) per person which comes from the travel expenses of other visitors. These costs include food, accommodation, sightseeing activities, and getting around locally. Keep in mind, though, these figures can vary somewhat based on your individual travel style, level of luxury, and chosen activities. Destinations across the country, such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, might might vary somewhat from the overall average price, but they usually stick close to this range. Read on for a breakdown of travel typical expenses as well as a comparison of tour prices versus Independent travel.

If you're traveling independently in Thailand, budget travelers should plan to spend around $29 (฿1,064) a day for their trip. This includes stays at budget hotels or hostels, affordable food options, local transportation, and low-cost activities. For those on a mid-range budget, plan for around $81 (฿2,979) a day which would cover the cost of a typical hotel, normal restaurants, and a variety of major attractions. Higher-end luxury travelers should allow for $251 (฿9,185) per day, which allows for luxury hotel stays, nice restaurants, and private tour options. These price ranges are based on our extensive travel cost data for Thailand from other travelers along with hotel and tour data from travel companies.

How much does a one week trip to Thailand cost?

On average, visitors to Thailand spend between $203 and $1,754 for their week-long adventure, with the average being $569. This covers sightseeing, local transportation, food, and accommodations. With a duration of one week, you'll have the opportunity to explore one, two, or even three locations within Thailand, depending on the level of depth you desire for your visit. Some of the most popular places to consider exploring are Bangkok , Phuket , and Chiang Mai . It's important to note that these figures are averages and can vary based on personal preferences and choices. Ultimately, the goal is to create a memorable and enjoyable experience tailored to your specific interests.

How much does a two week trip to Thailand cost?

With two weeks, you should budget between $406 and $3,508 for your trip to Thailand. The average price for a two week trip is $1,138. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as Hat Yai, Chumphon, and Koh Tao.

How much does a one month trip to Thailand cost?

With a month-long trip to Thailand, expenses can be anywhere from $870 to $7,516 with the average being $2,438. The cost of travel is dependent on your overall style of travel. If you have a full month, you'll likely want to stay at a vacation rental with a kitchen during at least part of your trip so that you can prepare your own meals. Backpackers often prefer hostels for the same reason. Hostels also offer a more social atmosphere at a very affordable price range.

Hostel Prices in Thailand

With more than 690 hostels in Thailand, the average price is $10 per night for a dorm bed. Hostels are a terrific option for younger independent travelers looking to save money while staying social during their trip. With many types of hostels, it can be overwhelming to sort out the best places, though. Our analysis of the hostels in Thailand not only found the average price, but also uncovered some surprises about the overall quality, amenities, and atmosphere of hostels in the region. You can see more details from our analysis about typical hostel prices in Thailand here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Thailand.

• $10 for a dorm bed at NapPark Hostel at Khao San in Bangkok more details
• $9 for a dorm bed at Stamps Backpackers in Chiang Mai more details
• $14 for a dorm bed at Lub d Phuket Patong in Phuket more details

Hotel Prices in Thailand

You'll find a wide range of hotel options across Thailand. Below are prices for some of the destinations, and for more details see our analysis of hotel costs in Thailand .

Summit Pavilion Hotel

Phuket kata resort.

Should you do an organized tour or travel independently in Thailand?

Organized tours and independent travel are essentially the two main ways to plan a trip to Thailand. Organized tours offer a convenient and hassle-free experience, with travel experts handling all the logistical details and the added benefit of an expert guide imparting valuable insights. This option is favored by those who appreciate the convenience and ease provided by tours that often include transportation and expert guides.

On the other hand, independent travel provides a different set of advantages, allowing for greater freedom and flexibility in customizing itineraries and exploring at one's own pace. This option appeals to individuals who value spontaneity and control, enabling them to immerse themselves in local culture on a deeper level.

Ultimately, the choice between organized tours and independent travel depends on personal preferences and travel style, considering factors such as convenience, guidance, and flexibility.

Comparing Trip Costs in Thailand

When we compare the prices of organized tours to the average costs of independent travelers, we can see that sometimes the prices are fairly even.

Tours vs. independent Travel: Pros & Cons

Organized tours.

• An expert guide familiar with the culture
• Convenient transportation
• Fellow travelers to socialize with
• Well researched activities
• Efficient and thought out itinerary
• The security of have a trip leader if something goes wrong
• Limited options
• Usually not customizable
• The fast pace often means you can’t visit one place in depth
• Usually more expensive than independent travel
• There may be limited time to interact with the local culture and community

Independent Travel

• Completely customizable
• Opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Can fully immerse yourself in the local culture
• Freedom to move at your own pace
• Flexibility to change your itinerary at any time
• More affordable
• Challenging to plan an efficient itinerary
• Transportation may be challenging or inefficient
• Booking and trip planning can be a hassle
• Popular sights may sell out well in advance
• If something goes wrong, you're on your own

Are organized tours more expensive than independent travel in Thailand?

Organized tours average $180 per day in Thailand, and are generally all-inclusive with one large payment. Independent trips usually average $81 (฿2,979) per day, and include individual payments to hotels, local transportation, food, and sightseeing. When compared, organized tours and independent trips each come with their own set of challenges and benefits. It's important to understand all aspects of both types of trips to make a fair comparison. You can see our thorough analysis of tour prices in Thailand here .

Here are a few sample tours in Thailand:

• Backpacking Thailand (21 days) ($2,436) 21 days, 9 destinations more details
• Discovery Thailand The Golden Chersonese ($3,700) 15 days, 14 destinations more details
• Andaman to Gulf, Private Tour ($1,296) 6 days, 6 destinations more details
• Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Bangkok (Southbound)… ($7,649) 19 days, 13 destinations more details
• Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Bangkok (Southbound)… ($8,099) 19 days, 12 destinations more details

More for Thailand

If you're planning a trip to Thailand, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Cost of Travel in Thailand

How much does it cost to travel Thailand? In this guide, we’ll outline the cost of traveling Thailand, share Thailand hotel prices and accommodation budgets, give you our best tip for finding cheap hostels and hotels in Thailand, and help you choose the most appropriate Thailand budget for your travel style.

Note: This Thailand Travel Costs Guide includes affiliate links. That means Go Backpacking may earn a commission if you click through to purchase or price something out. It doesn't cost you anything extra and helps support this site.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Thailand Travel Costs

Cost of connectivity, how to find the best accommodation deals in thailand, sample accommodation budget in thailand, street food, sit down restaurants, sample daily food budget for thailand, getting to know thai food, cost of drinking / going out, out of bangkok, sample cost of attractions in thailand, overall cost of travel in thailand.

The cost of travel in Thailand has helped make it one of the world's most visited nations.

The friendly culture, the spectacular cuisine, the stunning beaches, and the reasonable prices that tie them all together make Thailand a world premiere destination.

Though crowds of foreigners mark some areas of the country, there are still many places that are completely off the usual travel routes, and therefore rarely visited by travelers.

Predictably, popular foreign spots in Thailand are costlier than off-the-beaten-track destinations in the country.

Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB) — 1 USD equals about 30.7 THB (as of July 2019)

Instead of buying a local SIM card when you arrive in Thailand, you can check in advance the mobile data services Keepgo offers: a 4G LTE Data SIM Card ($49) or a portable WiFi Hotspot ($99).

Their mobile data plans vary between $14 (for 500 MB) and $165 (for 10GB) and provide you with 3G coverage in Thailand as well as many other Asian countries all year round.

Cost of Accommodation

With the range of tourists that visit Thailand, there is also a giant selection of accommodation and price ranges .

• Dorm beds: $3 – $7 (100 – 200 THB)
• Double rooms with fans: throughout most of Thailand go for $7 – $10 (200 – 300 THB)
• Double rooms with air-con: usually in the range of $10 – $17 (300 – 500 THB)
• The next step up will include hotel-like conditions with cold air conditioning, fridges, and sometimes even safe boxes: $20 – $33 (600 – 1000 THB) per night for a double
• Nicer Hotels: If you are looking to splurge and go crazy, you can get very nice hotel rooms for $66 (2000 THB) per night.

The best way to find a great deal on accommodation in Thailand is to use Hotels Combined to compare prices with  Hostelworld . Hotels Combined includes Booking.com and Agoda in its price comparisons.

Most popular search engines (Booking.com, Agoda, Hostelworld , etc.) have a range of accommodation options in Thailand. However, we’d recommend you start your search with  Hotels Combined .

Hotels Combined is a meta-aggregator. It combs the other popular booking sites, finds the best price, and then lets you book with the popular hotel booking sites (like (Booking.com, Agoda, etc.). As it doesn't include  Hostelworld , you need to check that site manually.

How Much Can You Save Using HotelsCombined?

We get into the specific prices below in our  Sample Thailand Accommodation Budget . Still, we've tried to give a high-level guesstimate about the actual savings you can expect by using this technique.

We estimate a 2-week trip through Thailand will cost you between $42 and $688, depending on your travel style (from super cheap to more of a flashpacker style).

If we assume using HotelsCombined will save you an average of 7.5% on your accommodation budget, that’s savings of between $3 (a free night in Thailand) and $52 (a nice meal out or an excellent tour!).

We think that’s worth it for less than five minutes of effort!

To give you an idea of how your travel style, budget, and types of accommodation could impact the price of your trip, we’ve priced out different Thailand hostel and hotel options for a 14-day Thailand itinerary:

• 3 Nights in Bangkok
• 1 Night Ayutthaya
• 3 Nights Chiang Mai
• 6 Koh Pha-ngan
• 1 Night Bangkok (before returning home)

We priced this out based on three different travel styles: 

• On the Cheap (dorms beds & as cheap as possible, please!)
• Upscale Budget (dorm rooms in ‘boutique’ hostels)
• Affordable Flashpacker (private rooms in boutique and luxury hostels and 3-star hotels)

Of course, prices are based on the time of writing and will fluctuate based on season and other factors.

On The Cheap

3 Nights Bangkok ($15 to $18) 

• The Overstay  – $8 (245 THB) per bunk per night. Compare prices on Hostelworld and Hotels Combined .
• VX The Fifty – $5 (153 THB) per bunk per night. Compare prices on Hostelworld and Hotels Combined .

1 Night Ayutthaya ($7)

•  Il Treno Hostel – $7 (215 THB) per night, compare Hostelworld and Hotels Combined .

3 Nights Chiang Mai ($9)

• Kikie's House – $3 (93 THB) per night. Book on Hostelworld or compare on Hotels Combined .
• Mapping Hostel –  $3 per bunk, per night, check prices and availability on Hostelworld and Hotels Combined .
• Me U Hostel & Tour  – $3 per night. Check pricing and availability on  Hotels Combined .

6 Nights Koh Pha-ngan ($17.82 to $20.16)

• Echo Beach Backpackers has dorms for $3 (93 THB) per bunk, per night, book on Hostelworld , compare on Hotels Combined .
• Phanganist Hostel – $3 per bunk, per night rated 8.5/10 on Hostelworld , compare on Hotels Combined .

1 Night in Bangkok ($4 to $12)

• If you have an early flight,  Wanderlust Bangkok Hostel in Ladkrabang town, Bangkok, near Suvarnabhumi International Airport, starts at $12 per bunk per night, check them out on Hostelworld , and compare on Hotels Combined .

Total ‘On the Cheap’ Accommodation Costs for 2 Weeks in Thailand: $48 to $63

See also: The Best Hostels in Bangkok

Upscale Budget

3 Nights Bangkok ($34 to $46)

• Starting at $11, Chern Hostel  gets good reviews, 9.8/10 on Hostelworld , compare on Hotels Combined .
• The lovely  Chao Hostel  has a 9.5/10 on Hostelworld gets higher ratings, but is also pricier at $12 (368 THB) per bed, compare on Hotels Combined .

1 Night Ayutthaya ($8)

• Stockhome Hostel  has a fresh, hip look throughout and starts at $8 (245 THB) per bed per night, compare on Hostelworld and Hotels Combined .

3 Nights Chiang Mai ($18 to $21)

• For $6 to $7 (180-210 THB) per bed, per night, you can stay at So Hostel , which is well-located, clean, and has a ‘luxury hostel’ air to the common areas, with simple rooms. 7.9/10 on Hostelworld , compare on Hotels Combined .

6 Nights Koh Pha-ngan ($72)

• If you want to stay a bit away from party-focused Haad Rin, $12 (368 THB) per night, OR $23 for two people, will get you a bungalow at the well-rated Tanouy Garden .

1 Night in Bangkok ($10 to $16) 

• If you want to stay near the airport, check out  Wanderlust Bangkok Hostel. It's bright and clean, will arrange airport transfer, and has breakfast included. Compare prices on Hotels Combined .

Total ‘Upscale’ Accommodation Costs for 2 Weeks in Thailand: $143 to $163

See also: The Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

Affordable Flashpacker

3 Nights Bangkok ($30 to $132)

• 3HOWWBangkok has an airy and minimalist ‘design hotel’ vibe. Capsule rooms can be had for $10 (310 THB), with doubles (ensuite) going for $44 for a single traveler (they also have a Khaosan Road location ). 8.4/10 on Hostelworld , compare on Hotels Combined .

1 Night Ayutthaya ($23 to $26)

• Yimwhan Hostel & Cafe offers privates from around $23 (shared bathroom) to $26 (ensuite) (705 – 800 THB) and has a nice, urban design look to it (think exposed brick, polished concrete, pops of color, and an on-site coffee bar). Rated 9.1/10 on Hostelworld , compare on Hotels Combined .

3 Nights Chiang Mai ($81 to $123)

• Oxotel Hostel offers up a cool urban common space. You can get a double for $29 (shared) to $41 (ensuite) (890-1,257 THB). 9.2/10 on Hostelworld , compare on Hotels Combined .
• Nap Box  has bright and airy privates between $27 and $36. Compare on Hotels Combined .

6 Nights Koh Pha-ngan ($156)

• Most of the hostels in Koh Pha-ngan cater to budget travelers who want to party. If you want something slightly more upscale and quieter, the highly-rated  Alcove Bungalow (9/10 on Booking.com) can be booked for around $26 (800 THB). It’s worth noting that across the water on Koh Samui , some excellent deals can be found at this price point as well if you want some affordable luxury and aren’t there to party.

1 Night in Bangkok ($10 to $22)

• Repeat your stay at  3HOWWBangkok  ( Hostelworld / Hotels Combined ) or stay near the airport. If you want to stay near the airport, double ensuites at Wanderlust Bangkok Hostel near the airport are $22 (675 THB), Hostelworld / Hotels Combined.

Total ‘Affordable Flashpacker’ Accommodation Costs for 2 Weeks in Thailand: $300 to $459

Related: Bangkok City Guide

Cost of Food

Food lovers are welcomed to Thailand with open hands. Food throughout Thailand is in no short supply , and luckily, it's affordable enough to make eating out a hobby.

• For a meal on the street consisting of rice, vegetables, and a little meat on a single plate (more information on Thai dishes ), the price should be anywhere from $1 – $1.75 (30 – 50 THB)
• Big entire meals of street food with a selection of dishes and whole fish: $2 – $7 (60 – 210 THB) per person
• Indoor Thai food restaurants with air conditioning can cost $3 – $7 (100 – 210 THB) per person.
• Full Japanese sushi buffets and other gourmet restaurants: $10 – $17 (310 – 500 THB)

Bangkok is a melting pot of various cuisines; restaurants serving food from all over the world can be found throughout the city.

1.5 L bottle of water: $0.50 (13 THB)

Let’s say you ate a free breakfast at your hostel, a street food lunch, and a restaurant meal: you can expect to pay $7 to $13 per day (205 to 390 THB).

If you stick to street food exclusively and eat three meals per day, you can each for much less: $3 to $5 (90 to 150 THB) per day.

Realistically, most people are probably going to do a combo of the two.

If you’re traveling on a strict budget, know that you can get away with paying less than $5 (155 THB) per day on food, not including any drinks (coffee, water, alcohol).

If you’re on a shorter trip and you want to enjoy different foods and dining experiences (within reason), plan to spend closer to $10 to $15 (310 to 465 THB) per day, per person on food.

Being a culinary capital, Bangkok is not a bad place to learn about Thai food through market tours, food tours, and cooking classes if you have the time and interest.

Expect to pay about $35 to $40 (1,075 to 1,225 THB) for either a Thai cooking class or a food tour if you book ahead of time online. We’ve listed some of the ones we’d like to try below.

Bangkok Food Tour

5/5 Based on 69 Reviews

Over 3.5 hours, this small-group walking food tour will introduce you to around 15 different Thai dishes and drinks at eight different venues, including food stalls, restaurants, and markets. Try fruits, teas, noodles, desserts, and more. Past guests rate this tour very highly.

Thai Cooking Class & Market Visit

5/5 Based on 42 Reviews

This 4-hour cooking class starts at the market, where you pick up the ingredients for your creations.

Take a tuk-tuk to the kitchen, and begin preparing a multi-course meal, including Thai Green Curry from scratch. Past travelers advise you arrive hungry!

The cheapest way to drink in Thailand is to purchase alcohol from a 7/11 or other convenience stores.

• A big bottle of local beer costs: 35 – 65 THB ($1 – $2)
• 1 L bottle of whiskey: 155 – 410 THB ($5 – $13)

Local or small style bars: $3 for a beer (100 THB), around $3 – $7 (100 – 210 THB) for a small shared bucket of whiskey and soda (called a bucket in Thailand)

Some of the fancier clubs can charge a cover of a few hundred THB (especially true in central Bangkok).

Related: Nightlife in Thailand

Cost of Transportation

Taxis are in abundance all over Bangkok, and the fare starts at $1 (30 THB) and goes up from there. Going to most places within central Bangkok should not cost more than $5 (150 THB).

BTS / MRT : The BTS is an elevated train, while the MRT is an underground train. The lines are not overly extensive, though they do cover the main center of Bangkok. The fare costs anywhere from $0.75 – $1.50 (20 – 40 THB) per ride, depending on length.

Buses are quite easy to use and cover Bangkok with the most extensiveness. Fares are anywhere from $0.25 – $0.75 (6.50 – 20 THB) depending on the route and what kind of bus. If you plan to take buses, I would recommend purchasing a bus map route before getting started.

Tuk Tuks : Many tourists like to take tuk-tuks for the thrill, but taxies are usually cheaper unless you know how to negotiate – upwards of $1 (30 THB) for a ride.

Motorcycle Taxis : Used for short distances or down neighborhood roads for $0.25 – $0.75 (10 – 20 THB) per ride

There are loads of options for traveling around the country of Thailand. Buses are easy and efficient, and there is a wide range of transportation classes.

Motorbikes are available for rent all over Thailand for around $7 (210 THB) per day, but be careful as there are quite a few scooter accidents .

• VIP from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (10 hours): $23 (700 THB)
• Standard class from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (10 hours): $12 (370 THB)
• VIP class from Bangkok to Krabi (12 hours): $27 (820 THB)
• Standard class from Bangkok to Krabi (12 hours): $12 (370 THB)
• The local 4-hour bus ride from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet (4 hours to Cambodian border): $7 (210 THB)
• 1st Class Sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (12 hours): $40 (1,250 THB) with own bed and air condition
• 3rd Class  train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (12 hours): around $8 (250 THB)
• If you are really on a budget, I took the 3rd class train from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani (12 hours) for $8 (250 THB)

Bookaway is an online resource you can use to buy bus and train tickets in Thailand .

Air Asia offers the most competitive prices on budget flights. Two months or so in advance, and it's possible to get a flight from Bangkok to Phuket for $33 – $50 (1,000 – 1,500 THB) one-way.

If you’re on a budget, it’s best to map out your main flights and purchase them in advance while planning your trip. That’s when you’re likely to get the best deals!

We use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flight deals. If you’re itinerary is somewhat flexible, you can use the “show whole month” function to show the cheapest days to fly on your route.

Here are some example fares on via Skyscanner, booking two to three months before traveling.

• Bangkok (Any) to – Phuket (HKT): $23 (700 THB)
• Bangkok (Any) to – Chiang Mai (CNX): $25 (767 THB)
• Bangkok (Any) to – Chiang Rai (CEI): $29 (890 THB)
• Chiang Mai (CNX) to – Phuket (HKT): $47 (1,442 THB)
• Chiang Mai (CNX) to – Koh Samui / Samui Island (USM): $144 (4,420 THB)

• Grand Palace Entrance in Bangkok: $8 (250 THB)
• Bangkok snake farm and show: $7 (210 THB)
• Thai cooking course : $40 (1,200 THB) for a day
• Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam nature park in Krabi: $2 (50 THB)
• Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi (pet tigers): $13 (400 THB)
• Thai massage : $7 (200 THB) per hour

Thailand  is not as cheap as a few other neighboring destinations in SE Asia. However, if you steer clear of real touristy areas, the cost of travel in Thailand is still quite decent.

Spending time on the country's southern islands and beaches is a sure way to rack up a higher bill than spending time in places like  Chiang Mai .

To have a good time and travel freely, the cost of travel in Thailand is anywhere from $15 – $35 per day, highly varying on where you go and what activities you choose to do.

I live in Thailand, with an apartment in Bangkok, and spend $220 – $300 per month (and I eat like a king!).

Last Updated on April 20, 2021 by Dave Lee

Mark was raised in central Africa before migrating back to the U.S. for University. After graduating, he decided to continue traveling the world. On Migrationology , he shares the cultural side of travel from a slow-paced local perspective that often revolves around his love for eating all forms of food. Join him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @migrationology .

Saturday 27th of October 2018

hi there I Am looking to travel to Thailand in December 2018 for a month, it would be extremely helpful if you could list for me best places to stay, see and how to stay safe while there. As well as how to get around Thailand as to where I would go to transfer from north to south Thailand. Thank you

Thursday 25th of May 2017

HAHAHAHA $200USD could stretch out to 2 weeks. and be balling the whole time

Sunday 30th of April 2017

Will 2000 baht be enough for 1 person per day who doesn't drink

Thursday 5th of January 2017

Thank you for this post! Really helpful! Heading out there end of Feb 2017

Thursday 3rd of November 2016

hi guys! will be going to Bangkok by November 30 to December 14, anyone traveling that time to Bangkok?

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Thailand Trip Cost: A Full Expense Breakdown

How much does it cost to visit thailand.

Thailand has been the talk of the nomad world for some time now. But in the year 2000, Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie, The Beach , really catapulted the country into the limelight. You’d think with magical beaches, delicious food, and exotic cities, the country would be an expensive destination.

Yet one of the main reasons it is a popular spot for retirees, digital nomads, and backpackers is the inexpensive living costs.

With the promises of sweet digs and delicious food, all on a low-cost budget, my husband was hooked. It has been the topic of discussion for about seven or eight years now.

It was finally time to make it happen. 

We spent weeks doing research on how long to plan our trip for, what we wanted to see, where to go and how long for each stop. Research also included what scams to avoid, the best way to get around, and what types of things we needed to pack versus items to buy once we arrive. 

Being our first time in Asia, we wanted to make sure we prepared accordingly. 

Thailand Itinerary

We spent 56 nights in Thailand

• 11 in Bangkok
• 1 on an Overnight Train
• 11 in Chiang Mai
• 6 in Karon Beach, Phuket
• 6 in Phi Phi
• 7 in Koh Lanta
• 4 in Railay Beach
• 10 in Ao Nang

It was difficult to narrow down our itinerary since there are so many amazing things to do in Thailand , but we think for a first-time visit, this itinerary worked great. 

Thailand Trip Cost

We just got back from our trip and want to share how much we spent so you can plan your trip accordingly. Click here to check out the Bangkok travel journal I kept during our time in the city. 

Since Thailand has grown in popularity, we found the average cost has increased to reflect the added tourism but overall, is still a reasonably cheap destination.

And the best part is, with so many lodging options from hostels to five-star hotels, you can make it as cheap or expensive as you can afford.

First, we will break down our two-month trip and then will extrapolate those numbers into a week, two week, and month-long stays for you. 

So how much does it cost to go to Thailand? Let’s break it down!

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60 Day Thailand Visa

If you are only traveling throughout Thailand for 30 days or less, most tourists do not need a visa including Americans. And even if you want to stay for an extended period over 30 days, there are options to avoid paying for one by taking visa runs . 

To keep things simple, we applied for a 60-day tourist visa and the process was straightforward. You can apply by mail or in person at the nearest embassy.

We thought we’d avoid having to send our passports through the mail by going down to the embassy in person, but in fact, they take your passport anyway while processing the visa for a few days then mail it back.

If we knew that beforehand, we probably would have just mailed it all in instead of physically going to the embassy in downtown Chicago. 

• Download application found online here.
• Fill out information such as type of visa, date of arrival, duration, passport information, vessel or flight number, and proposed address in Thailand. 
• Provide two 2 x 2 photographs taken within the last six months, copy of bank statement to prove you have enough money to return, copy of flight itinerary and current passport. 
• Money order for $40 per person.

Travel Insurance

Fortunately, our health insurance covers us while traveling overseas but we understand that is not the case for most people.

Travel insurance is extremely important especially when traveling far from home. It protects you against injury, theft, illness, and cancellations. 

World Nomads is a trusted company used by many travelers.

Coverage includes emergency accident and sickness medical expense, emergency evacuation, non-medical emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage, rental car damage, and accidental death and dismemberment. A little somber we know, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, right?

A few things are taken into account: country of residence, how long the trip is, where you are going, type of coverage and your age. 

Average Travel Insurance Cost for Two; from the USA; to Thailand; 40 and 43 years old. 

For One Week: $140 – $220

For Two Weeks: $156 – $282

For One Month: $232 – $410

For Two Months: $400 – $600 

I searched these figures based on our particular situation, go to World Nomads website to get a free quote for your specific trip.

*DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you book through any of them, we will receive a commission at no additional cost to you.*

Transportation Costs 

Using airline or credit card points to book plane tickets is a huge savings when traveling.

We used points for this trip from our favorite Chase travel credit card which also gives us access to airport lounges.

After our full 24-hour travel day with a 3-hour layover, I don’t think I ever want to fly without that access!

If we purchased our flight round-trip tickets from Chicago to Bangkok on Korean Air, it would have been $649.32 for one and $1,298.64 for both of us.  

The two different expense breakdowns below will include and exclude the tickets so you can see the difference.

Other transportation includes an overnight train ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, airfare within the country once we got there, and ground transportation. 

Lodging Costs 

With lodging, we booked budget-friendly hotels and bungalows averaging around $50 per day. It totaled to $2,779.62 , so not necessarily “cheap” places considering there are hostels available everywhere at $7 – $10 a bed. 

Again, it all depends on the quality of trip you are looking for.

Hotels in Thailand   

• Dang Derm Hotel  – 11 Nights
• Panna Heritage Boutique Hotel – 11 Nights
• Baumancasa Beach Resort – 6 Nights
• P.P. Casita – 6 Nights
• Lanta Pearl Beach Resort – 7 Nights
• Sand Sea Resort – 4 Nights
• Wake Up Aonang Hotel – 10 Nights

Food, Alcohol, Massages, Excursions and Temples

In total, we spent $1,920 on the everyday items like food, alcohol, massages, boat trips, temple admissions and museum visits which averages out to $34 per day for the both of us. 

Food and Alcohol

The best thing about traveling through Thailand is the delicious and ultra cheap food options.

Although I was surprised to find that restaurant menus were not as cheap as I expected. Alcohol either since it is taxed heavily.

It’s comparable to fast food versus sit-down restaurants so it makes sense, but for some reason I don’t remember reading that before our trip.

Still, eating out in Thailand is overall way inexpensive compared to back home in the United States. And we ate out the majority of the time. 

Street food ranges from $1 – $3 per meal, the most expensive being in the more touristy beach areas like Phuket. 

Thai restaurant food ranges from $3 – $6 per meal. 

Western food is the most expensive at around $6 – $11 per meal.

Not that I planned on eating burgers and pizza in Thailand necessarily, but eating the same Thai dishes over and over gets a little monotonous week after week.

The hubby had no issues at all with it, but at around week six I was looking to mix things up.

A small domestic beer like Chang or Leo runs $2 – $3, a large $3 – $4.

A glass of wine $3 – $5, a bottle at the store $20 – $30. 

In the beginning in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, we were getting massages every couple of days. They ranged from $10 – $13 each for an hour long massage.

But once the hubby had a bad experience with a twinge in his neck, he stopped going with me. Then we headed south where the beaches were calming on their own, so I stopped going. We spent roughly $150 between the both of us during the whole trip. 

Excursions, Museums and Temples

If you plan a trip to Thailand, do not skimp on the excursions. My most memorable days came from these outings including one of my favorite excursions, a visit to an ethical Elephant Sanctuary (CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO).  

Our final category is lumped all together. Since almost everything but our Grab taxi’s were paid for in cash, it was hard to track our spending but here are our biggest expenses. 

• Elephant Half Day Encounter in Chiang Mai $48 per person = $96
• Cooking Class in Chiang Mai $31 per person = $62
• 4 Islands Tour in Koh Lanta $20 per person = $40
• The Grand Palace in Bangkok $16 per person = $32
•  Island Snorkel Tour in Phi Phi $14 per person = $28
• Scooter Rental in Koh Lanta $7 for a full twenty four hours
• Jim Thompson House Tour in Bangkok $6 per person = $12
• Floating Market Boat Ride in Bangkok $3 per person = $6
• Other temple entrance fees in Bangkok $30 

Totals – Is it Cheap to Vacation in Thailand?

If you’re asking yourself, how much is an average trip to Thailand, know that the answer largely depends on you. 

There are 5 main things that will determine how much your trip will cost. 

• Timing of your visit. Peak season from November to February is the most expensive. 
• Type of lodging.
• Whether or not you use points to book your flight.
• How many excursions you choose to do.
• If you will eat street food versus restaurant visits. 

All in all, our two-month Thailand trip cost came to $5,226 which averages out to $93 a day for two.

Since we weren’t traveling the cheapest or the most expensive, I feel like our trip cost is a good average for the budget-friendly traveler. Everything is relative.

When I think that $5k is what some people spend on a week long trip to Disney, I think we did pretty good! See the two breakdowns below of what we paid and what you might pay if you plan a similar trip. 

Now, for turning our numbers into figures for your future trip. Read the 7-day, 14-day, and 1-month breakdowns below. 

Thailand Trip Cost for 7 Days

For the example below, we took out the visa because it is not necessary and reduced transportation since it’s likely you’ll only spend time in one location. The other two categories are based on our daily average cost. 

If you are wondering how much money to take to Thailand for 7 days, we suggest around $600 – $800 for lodging and spending, more if you plan to shop for souvenirs. Almost every transaction including most hotels are done with cash. 

We recommend using an ATM once you arrive versus exchanging cash there to get the best rate, but only if you have an account like Charles Schwab  that has no minimum balance, no foreign transaction fees and reimburses ATM fees. 

2 Weeks in Thailand Cost

For the example below, we took out the visa because it is not necessary and kept the transportation the same as ours since it’s likely you’ll bounce around to a few locations. The other two categories are based on our daily average cost. 

If you are wondering how much money should I take to Thailand for 2 weeks, we suggest around $1,200 – $1,600 for lodging and spending, more if you plan to shop. Almost every transaction including most hotels are done with cash. 

And again, we recommend using an ATM once you arrive versus exchanging cash there to get the best rate, but only if you have an account like Charles Schwab  that has no minimum balance, no foreign transaction fees and reimburses ATM fees. 

One Month in Thailand

For those you have more time and can plan a month long stay, see the below example based on a 30-day month. 

Have any other questions about planning a trip to Thailand? Let us know in the comments below! How much did your Thailand trip cost?

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Angela E. is a travel writer from the Chicagoland area who has visited all 50 states in the US and has traveled extensively around the world. She is passionate about exploring the great outdoors and hiking in particular. Her love for nature has taken her to some of the most beautiful locations on the planet. She has written extensively about her travels on her own website, Dang Travelers, and has been published in collaboration with other travel websites and multiple visitor bureaus around the country.

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Chris Travels

Thank you, Dang Travelers, for taking the time to share so many time consuming details to help your readers/followers have an incredible vacation to Thailand, whether going for a week or two…or the nearly two months away like yourselves. You have eliminated many of the planning hassles into this one, all encompassing post.

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.

The Cost of Travel in Thailand: How to Do it on $30 Per Day

Southeast Asia, and especially Thailand , has become a hotspot for backpackers looking for adventure on a budget.

It’s become a popular destination due to its level of accessibility, with Bangkok being a major international hub and with the low cost of living in places like Chiang Mai.

I spent one month traveling through Thailand and kept track of every expense. Every bottle of water, bus ride or temple entry fee was recorded just so I could put this report together! Arduous? Yes. Worth it? I hope so.

How Accurate are These Numbers?

I spent time in more expensive cities like Bangkok but also bummed around on cheaper beaches like Tonsai. Given that prices can vary depending on location, these numbers would accurately represent a monthly approximation. You can’t expect to spend the same amount in every city, however, so a law of averages would apply.

My Spending Habits in Thailand

As a general rule, I would call my spending pattern relatively frugal. Travel in Thailand is cheap enough that I could afford to splurge occasionally, so I didn’t have to be overly tight with my spending. That being said, I wasn’t frivolous by any means and I did keep an eye on my daily budget. It’s easy to spend thousands of dollars in a month, and I’ve seen plenty of people do it, but it’s also easy to stick well within a daily budget of $30 per day!

Thai Currency & Conversions

The Thai Baht (THB) is the official currency of Thailand. The conversion rate as of November 2018 is USD$1 = THB33  (or just round down to 30 for easier math). Inversely, THB100 is about $3USD, which is easy to remember. For updated and more accurate currency conversions,  xe.com  provides the best representations.

Note: All future dollar representations are USD unless otherwise stated.

Thailand Backpacking Budget: Total Expenditures

In 31 days I spent a total of THB29,967, or just about $900 USD! I created a loose budget of $30 per day for my entire trip in Southeast Asia and, without trying too hard, I nailed that number almost exactly. My monthly total, divided by the 31 days I spent in Thailand, works out to less than $30 per day.

Not too shabby! Many people spend a lot more than that on a single month’s rent.

Which brings me to my next point: it’s a common belief that travel is incredibly expensive, and can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Of course, this depends on location and travel style, but as you can see, traveling in Asia on $1,000 per month is a very real possibility.

The numbers I have gathered serve to accurately prove that travel is attainable and, in fact, affordable. If you can learn how to start a travel blog or find live a location independent lifestyle , it can oftentimes be cheaper to travel than it would be to stay at home.

Sure, you’ll have to cut some corners and you might not live a glamorous lifestyle, but it’s all a part of the experience.

The Price of Accommodation in Thailand

Guesthouses: The price of accommodation in Thailand is very reasonable. Whereas dorm rooms in many hostels around the world can cost between $20 and $30, a private room in a guesthouse in Thailand will only cost you about $8. It’s a flat rate, no matter how many people are staying in the room, and since most private rooms have two beds, you can split with a friend for just $4 each.

Shared Dorms:  If you don’t worry too much about privacy or having your own room, and you’re happy to stay in shared dorm rooms, you can expect to pay somewhere between $3 and $6 per night, anywhere in Thailand. That being said, I’ve seen rooms for as little as a dollar per night, but I wouldn’t recommend that anybody stay there!

Airbnb: If you’re in search of something a little more comfortable, there are a wide range of accommodation options on Airbnb at various prices. It’s the best website for local home rentals in Thailand, though there are plenty of other Airbnb alternatives you can use , too!

I stayed mostly in guesthouses, often sharing rooms with travel buddies. I usually opted for more comfortable options rather than cheap dorm rooms. When it comes down to a difference of a dollar or two, I don’t mind spending that little bit extra. In 31 days I spent THB5,150 or $142 in an entire month . This works out to about  $35 per week or  $5 per day . How’s that for rent!?

The Cost of Food and Drink in Thailand

In one full month in Thailand, I spent THB7,392 on food, or about $225 . This works out to a daily average of $6.50 , or $2.20 per meal ! Many people in western countries will spend $50 on food per day from eating out; on average, I spent $46 per week ! This number does not reflect the price of alcohol, except for the occasional beer with dinner. Should you choose to drink regularly, which many travelers do, expect your number to be significantly higher.

Most meals consisted of local street food like noodles and curries. Of course, sometimes I splurged on $10 meals, which usually come in the form of western food, but that didn’t happen often. As a rule, a beer and a bowl of noodles (or plate of rice) will cost you two or three bucks. This is fairly standard pricing in Asia.

I should also point out that I drink coffee on a pretty regular basis, and those costs have been included in these numbers.

It’s important to seek out the local food, both for the sake of your taste buds and your wallet. Popular restaurants which cater to travelers and foreigners will be less authentic (read: less tasty) and will likely cost a lot more. Should you be traveling in Thailand, I implore you to get off the beaten trail, avoid Khao San Road , and find the dingy little street food stalls down that back alley.

Believe it or not, these types of places actually have the best food!

The Cost of Transportation in Thailand

Transportation is, by far, the most costly expense when traveling in Thailand . During my month of travels, I was transported by boat, taxi, truck, tuk-tuk, scooter, van, and bus! Many of these buses are overnight buses, which means the price of accommodation goes down, while the price of transportation stays the same. Win!

Of course, transportation doesn’t only include getting from one city to the next, but also getting around within your destination city. Sometimes taxis and public buses are the best bet, but oftentimes, the cheapest (and most fun!) way to explore a city is by moped/scooter, which will only cost $4 or $5 per day. You’ll have to pay gas, but that won’t cost you more than another dollar or two. Everything considered I think my average cost was pretty reasonable.

I spent THB8,920 in 31 days, or $245 . This is $61.25 per week or  $8 per day!

This number could easily be reduced by choosing to arrange inter-city transportation on your own. Many guesthouses and transportation agencies charge an inflated amount and then simply transport you to the public bus. If you arrange your own transportation directly at the bus (or train) station, expect to spend less.

Just remember, this isn’t always easy if you’re in a foreign country where everyone speaks a different language!

Budget for Activities & Entertainment

Throughout the month I also recorded my expenditures for activities and entertainment in Thailand . This included everything from temple entry fees to rock climbing to boat cruises. I visited hot springs, went trekking in the jungle, wandered through temples, drank beer on boats and got plenty of Thai massages!

Considering how much I accomplished, a final tally of THB5120, or $141 , is pretty remarkable! As it turns out, I spent the same amount on accommodation as I did on activities and entertainment: a whopping $35 per week or $5 per day!

Budget for the Essentials

There are also plenty of things that we need as people to maintain personal well-being and hygiene. SIM cards, sunblock, laundry, band-aids, WiFi, toothpaste, and replacements for broken things are all on this list. I spent THB3,385, or $93 , in total, which works out to about $23 per week or $3.30 per day .

On another note, especially if you’re traveling in Asia, travel insurance is something you really shouldn’t skimp on. Medical care in Thailand isn’t very sophisticated, so if something serious happens, you want to make sure you’re covered. I’ve had more than $12,000 in medical bills paid for over the past few years. Frankly, you never know what could happen, and one or two hundred dollars is nothing when you compare it to a five- or six-figure medical bill. I always recommend  World Nomads for complete travel and health coverage.

Other Expenses in Thailand

I did, of course, spend money on other things while I was in Thailand. For the sake of this report, though, I’ve excluded those items from the list. If one came fully prepared (which can be difficult to do if you’ve never been to a particular country before!), the acquisition of clothes , for example, wouldn’t be necessary. I however, needed to buy singlets (tank tops), shorts, swimming trunks, and sandals. To be honest, it was a lot hotter than I was expecting!

Diving is also a very common attraction in Thailand. The island of Koh Tao, in particular, is well-known for cheap scuba diving courses that are remarkably easy to complete. If you intend to get certified, a course costs $250-$300. I’m an avid diver and have been diving for 15 years, so a fun dive for those already certified costs between $25 and $30.

It’s also important to remember our friends and family members! I knew I would be returning home in time for the holidays, so I made sure to pick up lots of cool travel gifts .

Large amounts of money get spent on nights out drinking, too. While beers are pretty cheap at the convenience stores, they’re regular, Western prices in the bars. And considering how much drinking happens among the backpackers who travel through Thailand, it could be easy to spend a considerable amount.

How to Save Money in Thailand

Two words: Don’t drink.

Final Cost Analysis

For those of you who’ve been following my math extremely  closely, you’ll notice that there’s a slight discrepancy between my final number and the sum of the amounts from each category. That could be due to differences in conversion rates as well as the simple exclusion of one or two items. Frankly, I’m not going to throw a fit over a few bucks, and I hope you won’t either.

That being said, the general goal of many backpackers is to keep the cost of travel in Thailand down to $1,000 per month and, as you can see, this is a very attainable goal. Just keep your drinking to a minimum and your wallet in mind and you’ll be fine!

• How to Spend One Month Adventuring in Thailand
• 9 Scams in Thailand You Need to Watch Out For (And How to Avoid Them)
• Why You Shouldn’t Ride Elephants in Thailand
• Where to Travel in Southeast Asia for 3 Months

Thailand Travel Cost FAQs

How much does a trip to thailand cost.

I spent around $900 USD for an entire month in Thailand! Thailand is very affordable, and it’s easy to travel on the cheap.

Is $1000 enough for a week in Thailand?

Absolutely. For $1000, you can spend a pretty luxurious week in Thailand, stay in good hotels, and eat out for every meal.

Is it expensive to travel around Thailand?

Thailand is very cheap by western standards. I spent $30 per day on average for a month in Thailand.

How much money do you need per day in Thailand?

You only need about $30 per day in Thailand if you’re okay staying in shared rooms in guesthouses.

Is Thailand cheap for US tourists?

Yes, Thailand is a very affordable place to travel for Americans.

Jeremy Scott Foster

Hey man nice blog, as a travel agent I agree with a lot of it and am impressed that unlike many bloggers you didn’t go for the tightest, stingiest way of traveling in which you force locals to try and give you discounts and haggling things for so much cheaper. I think your blog is fair and a good example that people can follow by. The only thing I would add is that 1. Cost can very throughout seasons, many people may tell you they paid more or less when they meet you but may have been traveling through different periods; expect to pay a bit different for things especially during things such as festivals or activities like the full moon party. 2. The only other thing would be that many people like myself will try to only put 100 baht on top of train tickets etc which will include the pickups of the ticket. People may be able to get a train ticket for 100 baht less but if they want the ticket reserved without traveling to and from the train station (costing 160 baht minimum; also not mentioning time wasted) then buying a ticket can actually be better. Also the fact that I myself can 100% guarantee a train ticket that if you went to the station they would say is full or even if you called yourself. This can be on of the benefits of booking from an agency

Our budget was similar to yours – not as Ty says below, the ‘stingiest’ way of travelling, but budget comfortable – Asia is so cheap splurging for a little luxury really doesn’t break the bank.

“Budget comfortable.” That’s a great way to put it!

This is a great resource and I plan on using this when I budget for my trip. I hope to go at the end of this year for a week or two, since that’s the only amount of time I can allot, but I’m really excited about taking a trip there. I’m happy to know that I can travel and save money. Thanks for this post.

Fantastic! Let me know if you have any other questions!

Hi, I was wondering what the names of some of the guest houses you stayed in where? Whats the best one? And is it far from bangkok?

Hey Jeremy, I love your story. I am following your footsteps (kind of).

I hope you’re having a great time!

Amazingly detailed post and a great resource!

Thailand is increasingly getting a reputation for becoming more expensive but as your breakdown shows it’s still possible to do it cheaply. Seems that increasingly it depends on where in Thailand you go. Avoid the tourist traps (or spend more time up in the north) and suddenly your costs drop dramatically.

Though it was once cheaper, it still remains cheap. After being in Asia for so long (10 months at that point), I did find the prices to be extraordinarily high by comparison. But, that’s what tourism will do…

That being said, avoiding the tourist traps and only going local is the best way to keep things cheap and even cheaper! And you make a good point, which is that the north is much less costly than the south!

Jeremy, thanks for sharing a great level of detail on the costs of travelling in Thailand.

This is great. we are going to Thailand next week for the first time ever. How did you find the guesthouses. We will be around phuket, but I am having a hard time finding anything close to that price online.

Great post, really loved it. We went with a 1000THB per day for two of us excluding the city to city transfer when we were there, and we did manage it within that budget. But we only went to northern Thailand which is cheaper. How did u manage to keep a track of your expenses, cause you seem to have done it very well.

Thanks! There’s a great little app called Trail Wallet, which I’ll be writing about sometime soon! You should check it out–very comprehensive!

Wow Awesome images. its a really a good views and really a helpful information. Thanks for posting your views.

Great breakdown and really helpful for my upcoming trip to SEA! 🙂

Thanks! Have a great time!

Amazing! Really needed a break down like this. Thank you 🙂

You’re welcome! Have a great time in Thailand!

I will be in Thailand in October. My question is, did you pre book your accommodations or seek them out when there? Are they easy to find?

Hi Rayleen! Accommodation is quite easy to find in Thailand. In my month in Thailand, I never pre-booked once! I always found something suitable when I arrived in a new place.

sir jeremy! what visa do you have now?

thanks……..for this post.

thank you so much for this, I am from the UK and plan to go to Thailand for a month in July over my birthday, my mother will be traveling with me for 2 weeks then go home and I will continue for another 2 weeks. this has really helped me to see how much I need to save (excluding flights) so live in Thailand for a month, I will be spending a week in the elephant nature park near Chiang Mai which takes near £300 out of my budget. I plan to have saved £700 for the 3 weeks outside of the nature park so I have enough for night trains accommodation food and spending money and I would very much like to get a bamboo tattoo. I do have a couple of questions though 1) will having 2 people affect the cost of hostels/guest houses per person? 2)what would be the best route to travel around thailand if your landing and flying out from bangkok 3)can you keep your money in the bank? or is it best to keep it in cash? and how does withdrawing money work in thailand?

Fantastic! You’re going to have a great time, Lizzie!

1) Rooms in guesthouses are generally the same price, no matter how many people there are. So, if you have two people, you will pay half! 2) I spent a month in Thailand and I spent about two weeks in the south and about two weeks in the north. What this meant was that I had to go through Bangkok again on my way to the north. 3) You can, and should, keep your money in the bank. Just make sure to take out enough money at the ATMs when you get to the larger cities. Depending on which bank you have, they will probably have a partner bank in Thailand that you can use.

Hey Jeremy!! Your article was a great read, but I have a question about accommodations!! My boyfriend and I are planning to travel to Thailand for 3 weeks in February, and I am really having a difficult time with the booking hotels to stay in! I am just wondering how you found such affordable accomodation, since when I look online most hotels start at least at 45$?

Thanks for your help!!

Hey Erica! Unless you are dead set on staying in hotels, I’d consider staying in guesthouses and hostels. You can find beautiful private rooms for less than $10 per night. You probably won’t find many of these online, so I’d plan on just figuring out your accommodation as you go. There are PLENTY of accommodation options all over the country, so you shouldn’t have an issue and you won’t need to stress about it.

My recommendation would be to book your first few nights online, and then just leave things open after that!

Hey Jeremy, I have been planning to go to Thailand for a long time but somehow was never sure of the budget I should always keep in mind. then I read you blog and I must say the way you have written it has become so much easier for me to plan my trip. Next thing is booking flight ticket.

Thanks Man! Ashwin

That’s awesome! I’m really glad I could help with your trip planning. Have a great time!

Thanks for this, Jeremy. Super helpful!

Hi Jeremy, this is a great article! I am currently planning my two-week trip to Bangkok & Koh Samui in April and the figures you showed helped me a lot in my budget planning. Now Im even more excited!

Great! Glad I could help. Let me know if you have any questions!

Brilliant article. I have been to Thailand a couple of times and all of the above is pretty much spot on 🙂

Do you think that these prices will still relevant in June 2015? We have budgeted for 43$ a day. We want to travel from Bangkok–>Chiang Mai—->Pai—>Ayuttaha—>Koi Samui. We are not big drinkers or shoppers, but we want to squeeze in activities like Elephant Center in Chiang Mai, temples, hikes, massages and maybe some yoga classes. Otherwise, we are pretty frugal. We so far booked our guesthouse in Bangkok for the first two nights but are flexible otherwise. Is it best to travel with an itinerary or wing it? Thank you for your advice.

I forgot to mention, that the budget is 43$ a person, 86$ per couple a day.

Absolutely, Roy. These costs will definitely still be relevant. $43 per person per day is going to be more than enough, and since you’re splitting costs, you’ll probably even be able to do it for cheaper than I did, because you’ll be splitting accommodation costs. Don’t worry about booking accommodation in advance–you can absolutely wing it and end up with cheaper prices than booking online.

For a responsible way to see the elephants, I recommend the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai.

Thank you for your response. I will continue to read your blog as I prepare for an adventure of a lifetime!!

Elephant Nature Park is the only place that we are willing to do. We refuse to go to the Tiger Temple or the various Elephant sites that are not as legit as ENP.

That’s great to hear–I stand by ENP 100%, and I know you’re going to have a great time. Enjoy!

Hi Great blog I’m off to thailand in May for 4 weeks start in bangkok and finish in bangkok! What would the best route to travel for my trip I want to see beaches get a tan eat local food. Please could you help I will be on the same budget as you $1000

My plan will be there in a few next week, but I am just stay in Bangkok about two days. So, how much budget to around Bangkok city in two day?

nice to visit your blog 😉

Returned from a month in Thailand. This was our first attempt at testing the waters & following our dream to travel simply. We did more of a “slackpacker’s” month in Thailand as we are 47 & 48 years young & have never done this before. So we did stay in 3 star accomodation just to ease ourselves into the whole backpacking thing. Other than that, we only planned ahead a day or two, used public transport, even caught a 3 up ride down to the Soutn of Phuket island on the back of a Honda Click. We loved mixing in with both the locals & the backpackers that we met along the way. most way younger than us. We enjoyed every moment & could only pity the busloads of package tourist we saw along the way. I also keep accurate record of each sent spent on my Android phone app & it cost us around $40 each per day. Our goal over the next 2 years is to do this when ever & wherever we want.

Hii sir…i will be travelling to bangkok on 10th august for 7 days..i just want to ask 600us$ will b enough for all the activities??

At $30/day, $210 will be enough for a week in Thailand.

Hi jeremy, myself and my girlfriend are going to travel Thailand for a month I’m February. My question to you is how dangerous is it for a couple traveling around Thailand. This question is to ease my girlfriend mind as she is afraid something will happen to her over there being it her first time to leave Ireland. Cheers

Not dangerous at all. Thailand is known as “The Land of Smiles.” You two will have a great time 🙂

$30 a day is a great budget! How often did you move between places (as in from one city to another)? And how many places did you go to during your month out there? 🙂

Visited quite a lot actually, moving once every 3-4 days. Transport is quite cost-friendly in Thailand!

Hey Jeremy, so i plan to live there for a month in November, and i wanted to know if its better to just travel around Thailand and stay in guestrooms or better staying in one place. Also are there any places that you should try to avoid in Thailand? Lastly as a 19 year old who has never done something like this wants to know how safe it is to do all this as a young adult. Thank you, appreciate your time for reading this.

You should be perfectly safe in Thailand. Despite what happened in Bangkok the other day, it is one of the safest places I’ve ever been. As for whether you should stay or travel, that’s entirely up to you!

This was a fantastic reference thank you! I am planning a trip to Thailand and this really helps me with figuring what I need to bring for spending money and how to set a low daily budget.

I’m glad I could help, Elisa! Have a great time in Thailand 🙂

waow great blog, I’ve got a few questions.. I plan to do a month in Thailand, a month in Malaysia then a month in Australia so if you have any advice on the following that would be great..

1. Is buying cosmetics cheap out there? I’ve been advised to travel there with as little as possible however sometimes deodorant/shampoo etc is expensive abroad? 2. Would you recommend a backpack or suitcase? 3. Are budget flights worth the saving? 4. Is there a particular website/guidebook you would recommend to help with my to do list?

Wow thanks for that. Will make it so much easier to work out how much spending money I need to save as I have already booked and paid for flights and trek but wasnt sure how much I would need for everthing else.

Great! Glad I could help 🙂

Hi Jeremy, This was a great article. I am about to go to Thailand January and February. I will be in near Khon Kaen and wondered if you had traveled there?

I haven’t, I’m sorry 🙁

I’ll be in Koh Phangan in January and February – hope to run into you!

Jeremy Sir,

I am after some decent trekking recommendations in the North of Thailand. By that I mean not elephant/rafting combos with one measly hour of a gentle stroll. 2-3 day treks ideally. Are you able to recommend any trekking guides/companies? The ones I keep coming across on the net do not seem to meet that criteria.

Hi Andrew, Sorry, I don’t have the names of any trekking companies, but you can try asking around when you get there!

Sorry to ask you a question you’ve been asked many a times but this is one of the most up to date posts I’ve seen.

I plan to go travelling in Thailand, Burma, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia and Indonesia for 6 months, if not longer (depends if I can stretch my money).

From looking at various sites i’ve budgeted 31$ a day = $5650 I am also putting $3,350 to the side for activities, like scuba diving and the expensive stuff? From experience do you believe this to be enough? I’ll be visiting Thailand with a friend for the first month so will share accommodation most probably.

Alex, $9k should be plenty, giving you an overall budget of $50/day or $1,500/month (which is $600 per month more than I outlined here). Even the expensive activities are quite cheap–diving, for example, is about $30 USD per dive, with plenty of deals on that rate, too.

Just watch your drinking habits, because that can eat up your budget pretty quickly.

This was so helpful! How much did you find local flights within Thailand are? And do you recommend overnight bus or flight? (I’m thinking of traveling down the coast)

Also, did you find any yoga communities along the coast? Maybe a hostel that offers yoga or different studios you would recommend? Beach offered yoga?

Thanks a bunch!

Just booked my first real solo travel trip to thailand for a month and can’t wait! Rebecca

I frequent Tonsai a lot to go rock climbing, and usually i do on a budget of MYR30/day (roughly USD 10). Three things that help me on my budget best;

1) Always travel JUST after peak season. That way you still meet people, have fairly good weather, but get all the low season prices. For Tonsai/krabi, the perfect time to go is April/May/early June. Anything later than that would be seeing a lot of rain.

2) Pack a hearty breakfast. I usually always bring a bag of oats and muesli with my on my travels, that way i get an excellent breakfast to kick start the day and save the 50Bhat that i would’ve spent for the same meal. At most, i go out and purchase some fruits to go with the muesli that would cost me no more than 25Bhat, and it being a tropical location, the fruits are always fresh and super juicy.

3) Drink in moderation. Ok, this one might not apply to a lot of you, but it works for me because i don’t drink that much at all. Perhaps one drink on the night before the rest day that i’m not climbing. But really, i’ve asked a lot of climbers who travel on budgets sometimes even tighter than mine and they all say the same thing “i spend too much on beers”. Fair enough, i’m just glad it’s a cost i won’t have to include in my travels 🙂

These are great tips! Thanks!

Hi Jeremy, I am planning to visit Thailand in the month of June for a week, along with a friend and this is out first international travel.

Our budget is around $260 per person for the whole week including internal transportation.

Initially, I had planned to visit at least three places out of Phuket, Krabi, Pattaya and Bangkok. But after reading so many reviews and itineraries online, I am getting more and more confused.

Could you please suggest me the places that I should visit?

As you are very familiar with Thailand, I hope you can suggest the best ones out of the four that I mentioned, or any other good ones that I might not have heard of.

Hi Utkarsh,

I can’t tell you where to go. It depends on what you want to do 🙂 I think you should only visit two places in a week, though. You want to give yourself enough time to explore. Three places will be too much. My personal choice would be visiting Bangkok and Krabi, but that’s just me!

Thanks for the suggestion, Jeremy.

Our motive is basically to visit some of the best beaches of Thailand, we don’t want to travel to the big cities and such. And a few more things, is Krabi costlier as compared to Phuket? Are good hostels available in Krabi?

love keeping up to date with your travels. we are booking our 1 year RTW trip next week.

QUESTION FOR YOU 🙂 …How far in advance do you book accommodation while backpacking?

You must be so excited! It depends where and when, to be honest. If it’s peak season in a busy country, I always book a day or two in advance. If it’s Thailand…I usually just find something when I arrive–it’s pretty easy 😉

Hello Jeremy,

Thank you very much for this article! It’s a life saver! Like the rest of the people who read your post, I am also going to Thailand. This is my first time and backpacking solo too! I have been stressing about how much I should budget or how much it will cost me per day. I’m glad I found your blog. Looking forward to read more of your posts! 🙂

Cheers, Jeansen

Glad I could help! Have a great time 🙂

Hello! Thanks for this article! I have a question about atm fees and how did you get out money to stay on? Did you get charged each time? I’m going for 2 months in August and would hate to have these extra expenses.

If you’re an American citizen, I recommend the Charles Schwab High Yield Checking Account–you won’t pay any ATM fees anywhere in the world.

Thank you so much! I’ll see if their is a location in New York! My friend and I are going for 2 months in August and sept! This will save us $ thanks again!

Schwab is an online bank, so apply at www.schwab.com!

Thank you for replaying!! I’ll check and see if there is one in New York!

Oh perfect!! Thanks so much!!

Great article, very informative! I have a queation, did you buy bottled water on your travels or use tap? I know that bottled is recommended unless you want to get sick so I was just a wondering if you just used bottled and if so was this included in your budget?

Good question! I drink *a lot* of water, especially when I’m traveling, and I included that in my food and drink budget. A really big bottle of water costs about 50 cents at 7Eleven.

You could also opt to buy a filtered water bottle, which should make the tap water drinkable (something I should have done, but didn’t). Depending on how long you’re traveling for, and how much water you intend to buy, this could save you some money, plus it’s a lot more eco-friendly.

Hi, this was exactly what I was looking for. I am traveling to Thailand for about 10 days during new years and my budget is tight. Considering your budget plan I want to ask you that can I do 10 days in 650USD??

I want to visit Bkk Pattaya ( to see fireworks on new years eve) Chiang Mai Chiang Rai(for the white huge marble temple) Then finally Doi Inthanon

I want to visit temples, hot spring, trekking, zip lining and I want to shop.

I asked my Thai friend, she made me worried by saying that 15000 baht won’t be enough for a 10 day travel excluding air fare.

I have traveled earlier but I have been an expat, not a tourist which adds extra cost. How can I avoid and

Can you please give some advice that is mt budget ok? Please consider it’s the new years time i want to travel in.

I believe I answered this question with the entire post above…

Hi Jeremy! I’m travelling to Thailand for a month in November and I’m planning to spend 2 weeks up north and then 2 weeks island hopping. I basically am travelling up north for the yi peng festival in chiang mai. Do you recommend any parts up north that is a must see? Plus I’m not quite sure which islands to visit as I only have probably 13 days and don’t want to spend too much time on the road but more beach time My sister passed away from pancreas cancer and she wanted me to spread her ashes on beautiful beaches so I’m figuring to try to hit the most beautiful ones for her but me too! Any beaches or islands that she would love? Me too! Thanks Jeremy!

Hey Andrea,

I’m so sorry about your sister, but I think that’s a beautiful tribute. Some of the islands are a little touristy, so I might recommend that you try Koh Lanta or Koh Kood.

Up north, be sure to visit Chiang Mai and Pai—they’re a must-see!

Have a wonderful time. I’m sure your sister will, too 🙂

Thank you so much Jeremy. I’m really looking forward to it. Any other suggestions I’d love to hear them.

Thank you 🙂 really great post…. I’m heading first to Cambodia and I’m only going to have about 15-20 days in Thailand any route suggestions?

Hello! Wonderful post, very informative. I know you have answered a lot of questions but I am still quite unsure just how you found the guest home accommodations. I know you noted to wait until in the location to book but are they advertised around the towns? Is a guest home like a hotel or hostel as in do you know them when you see them or have to ask locals and around to find them? I’m just confused on how you find them! I was planning on hosteling with my boyfriend but if the guest homes are nicer and cheaper to share accommodation I would like to do that just am unsure how. Thanks in advance.

Wherever you go, there will be locals waiting for you. If you arrive on an island, they will be waiting for you at the port, trying to get you to come and stay with them. You’ll find this almost anywhere in Thailand. You can also look online ahead of time, but not every place is listed.

Wow you did fantastic staying on budget! What an informative post, thanks!

Cheers! I didn’t even really try 😮 They make it easy in Thailand.

Hello, I was wondering where you can find the guesthouses you mentioned on your page. I have been looking at some hotels on Expedia and all of them are much more pricer compared to the guesthouse price you were talking about. Thank you!

Great article! I enjoyed all the back and forth and learned a lot. Going to Thailand for 3 weeks in the fall. Chiang Mai and Bankock for sure plus an island/beach. It was suggested to me to go to Cambodia for the beach part. What’s you opinion for a more layed back less touristy but still beautiful beach? Looking forward to reading more of your stuff!

You won’t find it in Cambodia! Some Thai islands are still pretty off the radar–youll just have to do a but of research.

30$ a day!?!?!?! Thanks for sharing this, I see there are so many ways to go to Thai, it does not matter if you have a big or a little wallet, I can’t wait to go to the land of the smiles, I have a couple of friends that went there the last year and they have not stopped talking about Thailand since! so I promissed them to go .

Yep! Pretty affordable. It’s a great place to go if you’re on a budget and looking to cut the cost of travel.

Incredible! So informative! Thank you! Do you have an ideal iten you recommend or places you can go to put this together considering there’s so much to do? Where would you recommend beginning and ending? Chaing Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, others? I want to go this year Nov/Dec. 8/9 days. 1st solo trio out of the US. So much to learn!!

Thanks!! Faryn

Planning on flying to Thailand in July for trip by myself just to see the country on my own. I will fly in to Bangkok of course but have NO desire to be in a big city, I want to see the rural areas and locals. I am planning on being in the country for 2 weeks. Where should I go, I want to stay with locals and live the local lifestyle. I will probably be living out of a backpack. I don’t care about going to the elephant park – I had much rather be around the locals and learn their culture. Can you give me some direction. Thanks, David

We just got back on Feb 1 2018. Please be aware that our dollar is trending unfavorably, in mid Dec the dollar was exchanging in Chiang Mai (major Thai bank) at 32.2 for a Dollar. by late Jan the same bank in Bangkok was exchanging the Dollar for 31.4 baht. It wasn’t real painful, but in Dec of ’16 a Bank in Chiang Mai traded my Dollar for a tiny bit over 36baht.

Thanks for the update! It’s worth noting that 4 THB is about 13 cents.

That sounds like like a small amount in those terms, Jeremy, only a 11% hit on the dollar in the intervening two years, but that comes to 110 dollars on a 1000 dollars worth of exchange! Frugal travelers like my Mate and I do take notice of that….. Let’s hope for the better on our next trip later this year! BTW love your blog!

Probably need more than $1000 ….. suggested sum is $1700.00 per month See below from someone who actually resides

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBlSNwjLRX4

Living in Thailand and traveling in Thailand are two *very* different things.

Thank you so much for such a nice article. The only organization that provides CBSE, NCERT, and State wise board solutions for free, that too online. So you can get an online test series of NEET and JEE 2020 for free. CBSE solved paper

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Cost of Travel in Thailand: The Daily Expenses

We’re often asked how much it costs to travel through Thailand for a month. Not an easy question to answer, as everyone has different budgets. All we can do is give an indication of our own expenses while in Thailand. So if you want to know how much we spend on average, how we save money and what we spend too much on, read on!

Food & Drink in Thailand

Eating out for an entire month in Thailand can be really cheap, especially if you eat street food. It’s possible to order an entire meal for just 40 baht. Those meals include rice with an omelet or chicken noodle soup.

In addition, there are the tourist areas where there’s an extensive array of affordable, hip restaurants that serve both Thai and Western food. What you spend on food and drink in Thailand depends on where you eat and what you order. Which is why the prices (per person) mentioned below are generous estimates:

Western breakfast with bread, omelet, and coffee: 200 Thai Baht. Street food plus drink: 80 Thai Baht. Dinner at a good restaurant including drinks: 300 Thai Baht. Snacks at the 7-Eleven: 80 Thai Baht.

So food and drink expenses in Thailand are roughly 700 Thai Baht per person , per day.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Hotel stay in Thailand

Hotel stays in Thailand are often very cheap, especially compared to the west. Let’s assume that you would like to stay in a nice location, in a clean room that’s comfortable, though not necessarily luxurious, and that you’d like a private bathroom, a wifi connection and perhaps a couple of perks.

We usually stay in a double room that’s air-conditioned for 1000 Thai Baht per night. In the north, this amount will buy you a lot of comforts, whereas hotel prices in the south are a lot higher. A hotel on the beach can easily cost three times the average price.

Sharing a double room, we spend about 500 Thai Baht per person , per night, in Thailand.

You can stay at the Cocopalm Resort on Koh Samui from 1250 Thai Baht a night!

How much does transportation cost in Thailand?

Transportation costs in Thailand depend on the speed with which you travel. You can choose the slow, local bus or a more comfortable bus with air conditioning. The difference is about 200 Thai Baht. But if you prefer to save on time rather than money, the fast option is the best.

The fast option isn’t always the most expensive one. We regularly take domestic flights and sleeper trains that travel distances of hundreds, if not thousands, of kilometers. On the other hand, to get to that sunny island your only option might just be going by speedboat, which generally costs at least 1,000 Thai Baht. Sometimes there’s just no getting around it.

There will be days on which you’ll spend barely anything on transportation, while on others you’ll spend a little more. On average, we spend 300 Thai Baht per person , per day, on transportation in Thailand.

Additional expenses in Thailand

Additional expenses could include guided tours, entrance fees, personal hygiene, Thai massages, transaction costs when using the ATM, etc.

It’s particularly easy to save money on guided tours. It’s so much fun (and so easy!) to organize your own trips. Arrange your own transportation – there are more than enough taxis around – and decide on your own times. This is a great way to save money and be adventurous as well. That’s a great experience in itself!

It’s hard to estimate how high expenses will be, but expect to pay at least 500 Thai Baht per person , per day.

Don’t save on all guided tours though! You can’t visit Bangkok without going on a guided tour of the city by bike with Co van Kessel. Photo credit: Reisjunk.nl

Total cost of travel in Thailand

Your average daily expenses in Thailand will come to around 2000 Thai Baht per person , per day. It could be a lot more expensive, but also a lot cheaper.

And with 2000 Thai Baht you can do a ton of fun stuff. Like, for instance, go on bike tours, have dinner in a nice restaurant or an evening drink at a special place.

But you can also choose the less expensive option and live like a local. It’s completely up to you!

The south of Thailand is more expensive. Read more >>

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Former elementary school teacher, storyteller, sports enthusiast, and adventurer. Love to do the "impossible", which is usually the exact opposite of what’s expected.

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Categories Thailand

Thailand is a beautiful country in Southeast Asia and a popular destination for all types of travelers. This isn't surprising as Thailand has a lot going for it like friendly people, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and rich heritage.

If you are like me and like doing a little research before traveling to a country, you are probably interested in the approximate Thailand trip cost. Personally, I was very interested in how much money we would need to travel around Thailand.

It turned out that, despite being a tourist destination for many years, travel in Thailand is still pretty cheap! Or at least it can be, it all depends on your personal preference and choices.

You can go all out, stay in fancy 5-star hotels and resorts and go on interesting organized tours with private transport.

Or you can travel around Thailand on a budget, eat cheap (but delicious) street food and stay at budget (but quality) hotels and hostels.

Thailand trip budget

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How much is a trip to Thailand?

In this Thailand budget article, you can find all our Thailand expenses. So if you are wondering how much money to bring to Thailand for your trip, this is the perfect post for you!

During our first trip to Thailand, we spent approximately 2200THB / €60 / $67 per day as a couple. We traveled to Thailand on a backpacker budget and tried to keep our expenses as low as possible.

We've returned to Thailand several times since then, and during these trips, our budget was higher. We stayed at several 4 and 5-star hotels, did a couple of organized tours and during our most recent Thailand trip, we traveled with our kids.

I wasn't as precise in budget keeping as during our first trip, but my estimate was that our daily average was closer to 3500THB / €100 / $107.

So is Thailand cheap or expensive? It can be both, but it's up to you and the choices you make! In the infographic below you can find more detailed information about the cost of a trip to Thailand.

How to travel Thailand on a budget?

The infographic gives you a quick overview of how much (or actually how little) you can spend during your trip to Thailand.

But it's important to remember that the amount you'll spend depends on your travel style, the length of your trip, and the type of accommodation you choose.

That being said, compared to countries such as Japan , New Zealand , Canada , and Europe , Thailand is still a very affordable destination.

Are you still wondering how much money to take to Thailand for 10 days?

Generally speaking, you can travel around Thailand on a budget of $35-$70 per day (per person). As you can see in the infographic, we spent $67 per day as a couple.

It's important to note that this infographic is based on the daily budget in Thailand for our first trip (the budget backpacker trip).

Further down in the post, you can find more details about the cost of accommodation, transport, food and drinks, and activities.

Thailand travel budget: important facts and figures

• I traveled around Thailand with my husband, all expenses are for the two of us together.
• During our first trip to Thailand, we spent 10 days in the country.
• I quote prices in Thai Baht as well as Euros (€) and US Dollars ($). When we were in Thailand, €1 was around 37THB and $1 around 33THB, but as the exchange rate varies this might be a little different now. You can check the current exchange rate on XE.com .
• Thailand is one of the best cheap destinations for couples . In total, we spent 22220 THB (€600/$670) during the 10 days we were in Thailand. As such, our Thailand travel budget per day comes down to an average of 2222THB (€60/$67) and includes almost all expenses in  Thailand. Please note that flights to Thailand are not included in the budget.
• Also, as with my budget breakdowns for the Philippines and Malaysia , I excluded the costs of scuba diving on Koh Tao . I feel this would not be a fair representation of the average cost per day in Thailand. Diving is (relatively) expensive and not everyone will go diving in Thailand, therefore, I excluded these costs from the Thailand budget.

Thailand budget travel tips

When planning a Thailand budget trip, your total Thailand travel costs all depend on your way of traveling.

In general, the slower you travel, the lower your average daily costs. Street food is cheaper than European food or eating in restaurants.

Drinking alcohol will increase your Thailand budget per day. Tuk-tuks and taxis are more expensive than public transport. And so on.

This budget breakdown includes 2 flights, and even though they were very cheap flights it still increased the average daily costs.

Also, despite the fact that we were budget travelers, we spent the final two nights of our 10 days in Thailand at the luxurious Tarna Align Resort on the tropical island of Koh Tao.

This was by far the most expensive accommodation of our 5-month trip , however, it was worth every bath because we wanted to end our trip in style. And who doesn't like a semi-private pool with a beautiful view…

Daily travel expenses in Thailand

Now that you know the most important facts and figures of our Thailand budget, it's time for a deep dive into our Thailand travel expenses. Our daily travel budget can be divided into four categories:

• Accommodation: 39% of our daily travel costs
• Transportation: 20% of our daily travel costs
• Food&Drinks: 39% of our daily travel costs
• Paid activities: 2% of our daily travel costs

Plan your Southeast Asia trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Book your transport tickets (train, bus, ferry, minivan, and more) via 12Go.Asia ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours with Klook and Get Your Guide . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

1. How much does accommodation cost in Thailand?

Of the 10 days, I spent in Thailand I only slept in hotels for 8 nights. I spent one night on the boat from Koh Tao to Surat Thani and allocated these costs to transport.

On my last day in Thailand, I took a flight home in the middle of the night so we didn't have accommodation costs for that night either.

We stayed in a private room (no dorm rooms) at 5 different hotels and spent  850THB / €23 / $25,50  on accommodation on an average travel day. The total amount we spent on accommodation was 8500THB / €230 / $255.

In the table below you can find 3 of the 5 hotels, I stayed at. I only included the places I recommend, so I haven't included the 2 hotels that I wouldn't return to myself.

2. How much does transportation cost in Thailand?

Let’s take a closer look at transportation in Thailand. There are many ways to travel around the country, such as trains, buses, taxis, tuk tuks, minivans, ferries, and of course the BTS and MRT trains in Bangkok.

One of the most popular and cost-effective ways to travel in Thailand is taking a night train .

You'll save money on accommodation because you're taking a sleeper train. Plus, you'll save valuable time by covering (large) distances at night, so you can see more of Thailand.

Another budget-friendly way to travel in Thailand is by catching a local bus . Bus services are available in all of the major cities and most of the smaller towns as well.

This is a great way to explore parts of Thailand where there aren't any train tracks (such as the more rural areas of the country).

A quick note: when traveling in Thailand (and Southeast Asia in general), you need to be prepared for delays. Most of these delays will be relatively short but sometimes your train, bus or minivan can be delayed for hours (without anyone offering an explanation).

The easiest way to get from A to B in Thailand is by booking your transportation ticket via 12Go Asia . This is an online platform where you can book tickets for trains, buses, ferries, minivans, and private transfers all around Southeast Asia.

I've used 12Go Asia several times and had great experiences with both the ease of booking on the platform itself as well as their fast and friendly customer service when I needed to amend our booking.

For example, you can use 12Go Asia to book tickets from:

• Ferry tickets from Donsak Pier (Surat Thani) to Koh Samui ( check availability here )
• Train or bus tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai ( check availability here )
• Train ticket from Surat Thani to Bangkok ( check availability here )

How much did we spend on transportation in Thailand?

Our average transportation costs were 450THB(€12/$14) per day and the total cost of transport was 4500THB (€120/$140).

3. How much does food cost in Thailand?

Thailand is renowned for its delicious and diverse cuisine! The key to Thai cuisine is its balance of five essential flavors: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter.

This balance of flavors is achieved through a careful blend of herbs, spices, and other ingredients. Each dish is a unique combination of these flavors and ingredients, making Thai cuisine both complex and delicious.

Some of the best things to try are the various curries, Pad Thai, Som Tam (spicy green papaya salad), Khao Man Gai (chicken and rice), Tom Yum soup, and mango sticky rice.

How much did we spend on food and drinks in Thailand?

Good news: the food in Thailand is not only really tasty, but it’s also very cheap! That is if you eat local food at local restaurants.

Eating Western Food always triples the price of dinner when traveling around Southeast Asia.

So when it comes to food, explore the local markets to find inexpensive meals and try delicious street food whenever you have the chance.

Anyway, let’s talk numbers .

On an average day, we spent 870THB (€23,60/$26) on food and drinks. Our total costs for food and drinks were 8700THB (€236/$260).

Also read: 10 best places to eat in Maenam

4. How much do tours and activities cost in Thailand?

When you’re in Thailand, make sure to take advantage of all the free activities the country has to offer, like exploring Buddhist temples, local markets, National Parks, and pretty beaches.

Doing so will help you make the most of your vacation while still sticking to a tight budget.

When planning your Thailand trip, it's also worth looking into tour companies that offer (discounted) activities that can help you save money while still getting the best experience.

Klook is the largest tour operator in Southeast Asia, but Get Your Guide has been working really hard on growing their SEA offers as well so be sure to check out those websites as well when you're planning your Thailand activities.

Some of the most worthwhile tours and activities in Thailand are:

• Bangkok city tour with a local guide : immerse yourself in the cultural and historical heritage of Bangkok by exploring the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha Temple, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. Check availability .
• Damnoen Saduak market and Maeklong railway market (day trip from Bangkok): arrive at the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market by paddleboat and discover the vibrant atmosphere of the iconic Maeklong Railway Market. Check availability .
• Erawan National Park and Kanchanaburi tour (day trip from Bangkok): soak up Thai history on this guided day trip to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok in a climate-controlled bus. Visit Erawan National Park, the JEATH Museum, and the Bridge over the river Kwai. Check availability .
• Ayutthaya day tour from Bangkok : admire Thailand's history and cultural heritage on an exciting full-day adventure on this Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok! Check availability .
• Angthong Marine Park day trip from Koh Samui : experience the beautiful panorama view of Angthong Marine Park and snorkel at Koh Wao or Koh Tay Plow. Visit Emerald Lake, go kayaking, or hike up Mae Koh. Check availability .
• Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai : learn how to make delicious Thai food and discover the secrets behind its unique flavors and tastes. Check availability .

How much did we spend on activities in Thailand?

We did an Advanced PADI Open Water Course on Koh Tao, but as I mentioned above, I didn't include the costs of this course in this Thailand budget breakdown as most people won't go scuba diving.

Besides diving, our only paid activities in Thailand were a visit to Wat Pho, home to the famous Reclining Buddha, and going to a movie at the SF cinema.

The entrance fee for Wat Pho was 100THB per person and the SF Cinema at Terminal 21 was 160THB per ticket. We did many more activities, such as exploring Bangkok and Chiang Mai, but these were all free!

Our average activity costs per day were 52THB (€1,40/$1,50), and the total for activities comes down to 520THB (€14/$15).

5. Travel insurance costs

I didn't include the cost of travel insurance in our Thailand budget breakdown because we use our travel insurance for all our trips, not just for our Thailand itinerary.

However, that doesn't take away the fact that making sure you have proper travel insurance is super important .

It helps protect you and your belongings in the event of a mishap during your travels. Furthermore, it provides coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost or stolen items, and more.

Also, having good travel insurance will provide you peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong, you have a safety net in place.

With so much to consider when planning a trip, having the right travel insurance can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey without stressing out about things that can go wrong.

How to save money when planning a trip to Thailand

Now that you know the costs of a trip to Thailand, here are some practical tips about how to stretch your travel budget.

When it comes to saving money in Thailand, it's important to plan carefully, look for discounts, and be flexible with your itinerary to make the most of your travel budget for Thailand.

Avoid peak season (travel during the low season instead)

Start by researching the best time of year to visit Thailand as flight costs and hotel prices vary throughout the year.

The high season in Thailand is from November until February. During these months accommodation prices are at their highest.

So if you have the option to be flexible with your travel dates and able to travel during shoulder season, this is a great way to save money on your Thailand trip.

Save money on flights

You can look for the cheapest flight to Thailand on websites like Kiwi.com . Try different travel dates and see how this affects the price of your flight.

Generally, the cheapest days to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Airlines often offer discounted fares on these days, so it's worth checking the booking sites and comparing prices on different days of the week.

You’ll get a better deal by booking your flight in advance. For domestic flights 1-3 months before your trip is ideal.

That being said, I booked our tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and from Surat Thani to Bangkok last minute (only a couple of days before our flight) and still managed to find a great deal (around $25 per person including luggage).

Reputable low-cost airlines in Thailand are Air Asia, Lion Air, Nok Air, and Thai Smile. It's often cheaper to fly to Don Mueang International Airport for domestic flights than to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

For international flights, it’s best to book 2-8 months in advance. Tickets to Bangkok are pretty much always the cheapest option but keep an eye open for tickets to Chiang Mai and Phuket as well.

Lastly, you may be able to find cheaper flights if you're willing to be flexible with your departure and arrival times.

Sure, it’s not ideal to arrive in the middle of the night, but if it saves you hundreds of dollars it’s worth losing one night of good sleep.

✈️ Click here to find the best ticket deals

Book your accommodation in advance

Once you've got your flights booked, it’s time to research accommodation options. I always use Agoda and Booking to find the best value-for-money accommodation for our trips.

I recommend checking both platforms before you book to make sure you get the best deals on hotel rooms.

What's great about accommodation in Thailand is that there are so many options for any budget.

There are luxurious 5-star resorts (such as the Kimpton Kitalay on Koh Samui ), family hotels with a playground (like the Kokotel Dheva Thonglor in Bangkok), modern boutique hotels (like the Owl Poshtel in Kanchanaburi) and affordable budget accommodation (like the Au Bon hostel in Bangkok)

Please note that Agoda includes taxes in their price whereas Booking doesn't always include this. Make sure to check this before finalizing your booking.

Also, Thailand charges a hefty ATM fee and has a limit on how much cash you can withdraw per transaction. Therefore, it can be better to book with Agoda as you can often pay online with your credit card (and reduce your need for cash).

Travel cost per day in Thailand: in conclusion

I hope this post has given you an insight into the costs of a trip to Thailand. If you have any questions, leave a comment or  send me a message .

Also check out my travel budget posts for Cambodia , Laos , and Vietnam !

This post was updated in December 2022 .

Monday 2nd of October 2017

awesome information here,you go with husband , what if one go alone ,how much it will cost, thanks

Tuesday 3rd of October 2017

Thank you, happy to hear you enjoyed the post! Well, that depends if you want to stay in a private room or a dorm. If you prefer a private room you'll probably spend around €50 per day. Accommodation costs will be similar to ours, but you'll spend a little less on transport, food and activities. If you stay in a dorm I think €35-40 per day would be doable. Hope this helps! Enjoy your trip:-).

Tuesday 15th of November 2016

Its Indeed very helpful to plan my trip with your post which will start on 25th Nov 2016 for 10 nights...can you suggest few more (must try) Thai street food ...

P.S:Thank you Miss Pad Thai..hahahaaaa

Wednesday 16th of November 2016

Thank, happy to help:-). Green Curry is one of my favorite dishes, as is green papaya salad. Kai Jeow is another great dish and mango sticky rice is a divine dessert... Basically, pretty much all Thai food is delicious! Enjoy your trip!

Andrea Leblang

Monday 7th of March 2016

This is such an informative post - love it! We are headed to Thailand for a few months this spring. Definitely bookmarking this for our time there. Great tips, thanks!

I am so happy to hear that Andrea, you are very welcome:-). I wish you an amazing trip in Thailand!

You're making me miss Thailand so bad!! I loved my time there and the fact that everything was so cheap. Especially the food. Mmm... pad thai...

I know... Pad Thai! I was dreaming about Pad Thai after writing this post;-P

Sunday 6th of March 2016

I've done Thailand on a budget so many times, but now I've fallen in love with its luxury side, and the bargain prices that go with it. Thailand really is a country for every traveller.

True, Thailand is very versatile and I loved our stay at the luxurious Tarna Align:-). But my travel funds are not sufficient to stay only in high-class resorts. And I actually don't mind, I like budget travel, particularly using public transport because it's how the locals get around as well.

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:

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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Thailand Travel Costs and How Much to Budget [Infographic]

Thailand is a very budget-friendly destination and you will almost always get a lot of bang for your Baht. But what’s a good budget per day for Thailand? Well, it depends on how you’re travelling. If you’re a digital nomad living in Thailand, you can take advantage of long-term rentals and keep costs low. If you’re backpacking around Thailand for two weeks, you should expect to spend a little more to make the most of your time in the country. Read on to find out how much it costs to travel in Thailand.

Thailand Travel Budget Per Day

We’re frugal travellers and we try to find long-term rentals to keep our travel costs down. That being said, we often enjoy mid-range restaurants and an expensive coffee or two! Our Thailand budget was 883฿ per day. That’s roughly $28 or £20.

Total cot for 1 month backpacking in Thailand (for a couple):

• Accommodation in private double rooms in hostels, local guesthouses and a short-term rental — 17,048฿ / $528 / £389
• Transport (including taxis, scooter rental and bicycle rental) — 4025฿ / $126 / £92
• Eating out — 12,439฿ / $385 / £285
• Groceries for eating in — 7116฿ / $220 / £162
• Coffee — 1676฿ / $52 / £38
• Beer and other alcohol — 530฿ / $16.50 / £12
• Activities — 3150฿ / $97 / £72
• Total Costs: 54,796฿ / $1698 / £1255 (for two people, equivalent to £627.50 per person)
• Thailand Budget Per Day: 883฿ / $28 / £20 per person

Average travel costs for our trip to Thailand:

• Accommodation in private double rooms in hostels and local guesthouses — 900฿ / $28 / £20.50 per night
• Accommodation in a short-term rental — 525฿ / $16 / £12 per night
• Taxis for transport — 70฿ / $2 / £1.60 per trip
• Eating a meal out — 100฿ / $3 / £2.30 per meal
• Coffee — 45฿ / $1.40 / £1 per cup
• Beer — 70฿ / $2.20 / £1.60 per bottle

Thailand Travel Costs Breakdown

Our Thailand travel budget covers the cost of accommodation for two, three meals per day, long-distance transport, local transport and activities.

International flights are not included in the budget, as the cost of flights would be very different depending on where you were coming from. Whilst flights from Malaysia to Bangkok can be as little as £30 / $40, a flight from London or New York would be much more.

If you’re thinking about living in Chiang Mai rather than travelling around Thailand, check out our blog post on the cost of living in Chiang Mai .

Here are the average costs in Thailand and our Thailand budget per day:

Where We Travelled in Thailand

Cost of accommodation in thailand.

Budget accommodation in Thailand is easy to find. I spent a long time searching out budget options that had awesome reviews as I wanted to stay in accommodation owned by friendly locals . If you’re backpacking in Thailand, you can easily do Thailand on a budget by researching cheap accommodation. We find accommodation is our main expense when travelling, so this is an important area to pay attention to for budget backpackers.

Budget accommodation for a couple in Thailand is a double room with a fan and sometimes a shared bathroom . We always had hot showers in our rooms and sometimes had air conditioning. Our Thailand budget per day was £20 per person or £40 for a couple. We tried to keep our accommodation costs under £20 for a double room where possible. 

Private cabin by the river at Canary Guesthouse in Pai

Cost of Eating Out in Thailand

Eating Thai food is one of the best things about Thailand! All of their food is so flavoursome, spicy, sweet, sour, salty and delicious. There are street food carts, eateries and restaurants to accommodate every budget. Whilst we mostly ate in low to mid-range restaurants, we did eat street food from time to time.

Expect to pay 60-100 ฿ for a meal in a restaurant.  Traditional Thai dishes are always cheaper than Western style food. For the cheapest options, look for Thai curries and rice, stir fries and noodle dishes like pad Thai. Vegetarians should ask for the “vegetable” or “tofu” options. There’s often a vegetarian dish available in budget local Thai restaurants. Expect to pay more for pizza, pasta and sandwiches. If you’re in Chiang Mai, check out our favourite vegetarian restaurants in Chiang Mai .

You can easily eat a street food meal in Thailand for under 50฿ . You can find vegetarian street food but it’s a little more tricky. If you are vegetarian or vegan, also be vigilant about the ingredients being used in your food (fish sauce often gets thrown in!) Snacks such as mango sticky rice, grilled corn, grilled bananas and fruit smoothies are easy to find.

Beer can be bought at most restaurants. The cost of a beer in Thailand is 60-80฿ for a local beer such as Leo, Chang and Singha. Leo is the cheapest of the three. Imported and craft beers are much more expensive and prices may be comparable to what you’re used to paying at home.

Our cheapest meal in Thailand

Budget vegetable stir-fry

Cost of Long Distance Transport in Thailand

• Buses — Most of the time, we took the bus as this was the cheapest transport option. Be aware that buses aren’t always quick. Sometimes there will be delays with buses and the buses do not always run on schedule. However, buses are reasonably comfortable.
• Minivan — Another option for transport between towns is minibuses or minivans. You can take a minivan from Chiang Mai to Pai for 150 ฿ one-way. Minivans are more common on routes that go through the mountains, as the twists and turns in the road are not suitable for larger buses and coaches. Take motion sickness tablets before these journeys. Read more about our trip to Pai from Chiang Mai here . 
• Flights — Internal budget flights are very affordable — we paid £50 / $67 for a return flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mair. You can often find good deals on this flight route. Flights can also be taken to Krabi and other beach destinations in the south of Thailand.

Cost of Local Transport, Scooters and Bicycle Rental in Thailand

• MRT and BTS trains  — Bangkok is slowly but surely completing a modern subway system. We took the MRT and BTS trains whenever we could in Bangkok — it’s much better than being stuck in traffic.
• Tuk-tuks  — Tuk-tuks are common in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The price of a tuk-tuk will vary depending on the distance you are travelling and how much traffic there is at that time of day. You need to haggle for a good price with a tuk-tuk driver. Pricing is inconsistent.
• Taxis and red trucks   — Taxis are common everywhere, but taxi drivers can be difficult to deal with and again you need to barter for a decent price. In Chiang Mai, red trucks replace local taxis. It’s 30฿ for a trip anywhere inside the Old City and usually 80฿-100฿ for destinations further out of the Old City.
• Grab and Uber   — These apps are very popular in Thailand and can save you a lot of money if you do not enjoy haggling. We often take Grabs and Ubers because it’s less hassle and you can be sure you’re getting a fair price. When divided by two people, the cost can work out the same or better than a taxi or tuk-tuk.
• Bike Rental — Bike hire is 50฿ per day or 1300฿ for the month for a ‘city bike’ (that means a crappy bike that’s good enough to get around town on).
• Scooter Rental — Scooter rental is around 300฿ per day or 3000฿ for the month. If you rent for two days you can get a deal at 500฿.

A bicycle or scooter is a generally a cheaper alternative to taking Grabs, Ubers, taxis or tuk-tuks. Bikes are perfect if you’re just looking to get around town but if you want to go further afield then a scooter is better. In Chiang Mai, we rented a scooter so that we could drive out to the mountains, go on day-trips and take a weekend  road trip to Pai . Remember that if you’re stopped by the traffic police, they’ll fine you if you don’t have an International Driving Permit.

Cost of Activities in Thailand

Free Activities  

• Beach days and swimming
• Parks and green spaces, such as Lumphini Park in Bangkok
• Weekend night markets and walking streets

Free Activities in Chiang Mai:

• Free Yoga in the park  (every morning at 9 a.m.)
• Free hikes with  Doi Suthep Walkers  group
• Saturday and Sunday night markets

Popular Activities in Thailand:

• Cooking class  — 1090฿

Our favourite activity in Thailand was a Thai cooking class. Our Thai cooking class cost 1090฿ per person for the day. We went to a full day class at the vegetarian and vegan-friendly  Thai Farm Cooking School  in Chiang Mai. The instructors were lively, the produce was fresh and organic, and we cooked great Thai food. If you’re into cooking, you’ll love it! There are loads of amazing cooking classes all over Thailand, check out some of the best here .

Cooking demo

Hot chillies!

• Muay Thai class — 390฿

We had so much fun doing a beginner’s Muay Thai class at the SkyKick Gym in Chiang Mai. It’s 390฿ for a one-off class in a small group. There were just three of us in our class. The trainer was friendly and we all laughed together whilst getting a great workout. Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is an important part of Thai culture. You can book a Muay Thai class online .

• Muay Thai match — we went to a free one but these are usually ticketed

Muay Thai matches vary in quality, but they are a fun experience (despite me throwing my hands over my eyes often!) You can view listings for Muay Thai matches and book tickets in advance .

• Thai Massage — 200฿ for an hour

Thai massage is not just a way to relax. It’s thought of by the locals as an ancient healing system. Expect a very firm massage. I’m not going to lie, my massage was so firm it brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion! 200฿ is the usual price for a full-body massage, but the price can go up or down depending on how back street or high-end you want to go. Traditionally, you remain clothed for a Thai massage and may be in the same room as other people. Some less reputable “massage parlours” sell a very different kind of service.

• Temples and Wats — usually a token entrance fee of around 60฿

Temples are everywhere in Thailand. As a sign of respect, you should wear trousers or a skirt that covers your knees and wear a top which covers your shoulders. Have a scarf handy to wrap around your legs if you’re wearing shorts. Do not take photos of the monks unless they have given their permission for you to do so. Be careful not to disturb the monks, especially as many monks are not allowed to speak with women.

• Elephant Sanctuary — 2500฿

Please only visit ethical elephant sanctuaries and  do not ride elephants  in any context. We didn’t visit an elephant sanctuary, but many people recommend  Elephant Nature Park  in Chiang Mai. This activity is one you should think carefully about if your Thailand budget per day needs to be kept low. However, it’s also worth considering that this money is used to support elephant sanctuaries in protecting and caring for the elephants.

Thailand’s Markets

Thailand has some fun, vibrant markets. Some markets are more touristy than others and prices vary between them because of this. If you’re sticking to a low Thailand budget per day, enjoy ambling around, soaking up the atmosphere and snacking on street food. If you’ve got a higher budget per day for Thailand, you can support local Thai people by buying their crafts.

Markets in Bangkok: 

• Khao San Road – The backpacker hotspot in Bangkok. The market stalls there have higher prices than most other markets in Thailand.
• Chatuchak Weekend Market at Mo Chit – I loved this more local orientated market and it was unbelievably cheap. The locals we stayed with recommended this market to us. I bought most of my souvenirs and gifts for friends here. The market has everything.
• Rot Fai Ratchada Night Market  – For something a bit different, try the colourful tent clad stalls at the Rot Fai Ratchada night market. This market is a little hard to find as it’s set back behind the shopping centre. It’s popular with the younger generations who come to drink beer and listen to live music.

Markets in Chiang Mai: 

• Saturday Night Market  – The Saturday night market is popular with locals and tourists. It gets busy, but it is not usually as busy as the Sunday market. Expect local food stalls and local crafts.
• Sunday Walking Street – The Sunday night market in Chiang Mai is huge and very similar to the Saturday night market. It’s definitely worth going to for the experience. It’s busy and crowded and you may not be able to move at times.

Markets in Pai:

• Pai Walking Street  – Pai is only a small town but their night market is the best we went to in Thailand. They have excellent vegetarian and vegan street food, including an amazing Burmese tea leaf salad. Expect small trinkets and clothing, but the scale is not comparable to markets like Chatuchak .

Haggling in Thailand

You must haggle at markets in Thailand. Haggling is part of the culture in Thailand. Locals want to sell their goods for as much as possible. The sentiment is that an item is worth whatever a tourist will pay for it. Don’t ever accept the first price you’re quoted. I found that I could always knock about a third off of the original price by haggling in Bangkok’s markets. In Chiang Mai, vendors were usually much fairer on prices and I only needed to barter down 20-50฿ for most items.

Rot Fai Ratchada night market in Bangkok

Watch Your Travel Budget!

Cheap flights to thailand.

Thailand’s Bangkok international airport, Suvarnabhumi, is the cheapest airport in Thailand to fly into. It’s usually cheaper to fly here than to fly to other airports such as Phuket or Chiang Mai. If you want to fly to the south to explore the islands, it’s cheapest to fly into Kradi. You’re also more likely to be able to get a direct international flight if you fly into or out of Bangkok airport.

The cheapest month to fly to Thailand is September. From London Stansted to Bangkok in September, the cheapest flight we found was £157. We also found it was cheaper to travel early in the week. Flights leaving on Friday and Saturday were more expensive than those leaving on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Cheap Flights Tip!  We use  Skyscanner  to check prices and book our flights. When you search on  Skyscanner , select “full month” to see which dates have the lowest prices, or “cheapest month” to find the cheapest flights in the year.

Charlie Marchant

Christmas Road Trip from Chiang Mai to Pai

What’s the cost of living in chiang mai, thailand.

Katie Featherstone

Despite being super cheap Thailand is an easy country to accidental spend money without realising. It sounds like you stayed in relative comfort and still did it on a budget, so that’s impressive. I love your graphics! Very clever.

Charlie on Travel

Glad that you also reckon that Thailand is an easy place to spend money without realising! I’d definitely say we got good value for money when it comes to comfort/cost. Thanks, Katie :)

Travel girl

Yea I think things now as of September to present have really went up a lot. I have been in Samui, Phuket and now Bangkok.

Cheapest food and drinks found in rawai Street food and beer 50 Bhat each Everywhere else standard 100+ Bhat for street food Beer- 90-110 Bhat for a small one Drinks-200+ Bhat We are very budget travelers and have found accommodations to still be pretty cheap lowest was 9.00 usd for private simple accommodations but average 20-30. Cabs between 400-800 we mostly walked due to this. We wanted a budget of 924 a month for two. Which we researched an ppl said was doable However it has been closer to 1,200 UsD for two a month. Which still is cheap but we have done zero activities. Bangkok we could easily spend double that. So that has been pretty disappointing . Especially because we have had to try a lot of the same foods due to price and not do any activities. I think Thailand has went up very much. However accommodations still very cheap.

Wendy@TheNomadicVegan

Hi Charlie, Beautiful infographic! Based on my memories of travelling in Thailand a few years ago, your figures are right in line with the budget we stuck to. I know what you mean about not being into the backpacking scene but still being budget conscious. I do call myself a backpacker because, well hey, I carry all my stuff in a backpack, but I’ve definitely grown out of partying in loud and dirty hostels. Budget hotel rooms are much more my style :-)

Thanks, Wendy! That’s cool to hear that you managed to stick to a similar budget when you were in Thailand. Yeah, “backpacker” definitely has those unfortunate connotations of party hostels and cheap beers which unfortunately isn’t what most of us budget conscious “backpackers” are really all about. Ditto!

Your photography is stunning and tips invaluable. I don’t think that I will ever get to Thailand, so I’ve enjoyed reading your experiences. The colourful tops of the stalls at the Rot Fai Ratchada night market in Bangkok is very inviting!

Thank you so much! <3

Agness of a TukTuk

Nice infographic! Not so long ago, I was in Thailand, and this is still quite relevant. I was looking to compare how we did with our budget. We weren’t too far off, I’m glad!

Glad it’s still relevant, Agness! :)

tonyholidays

Thailand is indeed an affordable place to visit. :) One place that might be considered pricey is Bangkok and like you mention getting around can be a bit expensive. If you take the time to learn to travel on public buses the costs will be very low though as fares average around $0.3 to to l little less than $1 per trip. The non-air conditioned ones costs less but they are very uncomfortable .

Taking a taxi around Bangkok starts at $1 and can go up to $4 or $5 per trip. An average BTS ride is around $1 – $2.5 per trip. Tuk Tuks will charge you per trip and the price can be bargained. A lot of bargaining is recommended though as a many Tuk Tuk will overcharge foreigners.

You’re right about Bangkok. More than the taxis/transport, we found that the accommodation is really quite a lot more expensive than in other places in Thailand. Finding a budget accommodation in Bangkok is a good way to stay on budget and still enjoy yourself.

CJ Haughey | The Digital Crusader

Having done several trips to Thailand, including a stint of 3 months in Chiang Mai, I’ve realized that it’s actually NOT a cheap country. Yes, for sure it has the potential to be cheap IF you are a budget-conscious traveler but for those who get “cash-happy”, it can really get out of hand! I love Thailand but damn I wasn’t so much cash-happy as cash-delirious! Granted, Phuket and Phi Phi are much more expensive than Chiang Mai, but I managed to blow waaay more than I would have in Australia over 2 weeks. To live cheap in Thailand, it’s important to look for cheap accomm and restaurants, which isn’t always easy when that vacation vibe is so prevalent, breathing the party mode into your soul!

I put a little warning about this at the end of my post – it’s really easy to feel like everything is ‘so cheap’ and so good in Thailand that you end up paying very little attention to your travel budget and things get a bit wild. I agree that you always have to be conscious of our spending even in cheap to travel countries. We actually record our expenses daily and account for everything we spend so that we always know exactly – and we convert it into our home currency so that we have a very clear picture of what we’ve spent.

Courtney Blacher

I had no idea Thailand is this cheap. I definitely should visit it.

Yes, amazingly cheap! Definitely a country to visit.

This is a great guide. We are about to go traveling for nine months and will spend four of them in Thailand. We will live off one income for a family of three to certainly we will be looking for ways to save money. I will check out the hotel in the picture in Chiang Mai, we will be there for 5 weeks so need to have a lot of choices

That sounds like a great trip! Thailand will be a good country to spend 4 months travelling if you’re on a budget. You might also consider renting a short-term apartment if you’re going to be in the country for so long as that would be even cheaper.

Charlie, me and my wife both 57 would like to go to Thailand over 2018/19 going from Manchester, would like any help you can give us when and if you have the time Ideally fly Manchester any airlines ? don’t fancy Bangkok somewhere more beachy area Stay for around 3/4 weeks like to go around the coast say visit 4 different areas Like to fit in grabi phi phi, Phuket any other ideas maybe ko Samoa

Not in a rush but any help or advice would be appreciated

wow that’s very helpful! thanks for sharing this! I’m planning my trip to Thailand!

So excited!

Awesome, hope you have an amazing trip to Thailand!

After a bit of advice. A girlfriend’s teen is heading to Thailand with her dad and I have promised her currency for Christmas which I have yet to get. I was told not to give her too much as the other kids might be jealous. Is $30-40AUD likely to be an okay amount for her to get some souvenirs and a few bits and pieces she sees or is it going to be too much or not enough? Thanks

Hi Angeline. It’s hard to say because it depends what the money is for and how long it would need to last. 40 AUD is roughly £20 I think, so that would be fine for just souvenirs and a few bits and pieces.

Hi Max, thanks for your comment! If you’ll be here for 5 weeks, I’d definitely recommend looking for a rental in Chiang Mai as it works out cheaper than staying in a guesthouse. You can read about finding a house/apartment rental in my blog post on living in Chiang Mai – https://charlieontravel.com/cost-living-chiang-mai-thailand/ Hope that helps!

A very informative article ! Hopefully you can answer this question. I have already paid for my hotels and most tours and will be in Thailand for 16 days between Bangkok, Chang Mai, Chang Rai, and Phuket is a budget of 35 USD per day reasonable for just food /drinks/ massages/ transportation?

Hey Tarus. Sounds like a fun trip! I would say $35 is definitely enough per day if you have already paid for your flights, accommodation and activities. Meals in Thailand are cheap and massages are also very good value too. Hope you had an amazing trip!

Hi! good overview! Having recently spent a month in Thailand, I find the expenses to be quite mismatching in comparison to what we spent as a couple. Looking more closely at your “itinerary” I see you weren’t really travelling around Thailand, but rather semi-living there, visiting only few places and moving slowly from one destination to the other = your transportation costs are low. Also you did very little money on activities. A typical visitor might do much more activities and easily spend 3x the budget or more. So big kudos you managed to keep expenses so low! but perhaps not so clear in the beginning of the article that this was not the “average” trip to Thailand, but rather a budget for a slow digital-nomad style travel life?

Hey Hari, thanks for your comment. It really depends on how you travel, I think. We had an extended amount of time and tend to travel slowly. We also spend a lot of time doing free activities – free yoga in the park, free hikes on the weekends, walking around the town, visiting temples and that sort of thing. We also prefer to spend our time in only a few places rather than travel quickly between places. So, as you say, it depends on what is ‘typical’ for each traveller. Certainly if someone plans to jam-pack their trip and only spend a few days in each place and do all of the main ‘tourist’ activities in each town then they’re likely to spend more than we did. But again, that all depends on the type of activities and travel one likes to have. How did your travel expenses look for Thailand out of interest? I’m assuming that you travelled much faster and saw more during your trip?

Austevidmantas

Lovely post. I enjoyed reading it :) I must note though that haggling is not really in their culture, it depends on the area. Chiang mai is very touristy and the prices quoted may be inflated, hence we lived in bkk, where you can find a space to breathe – pun unintended :) It depends on where you go, like the Ratchada market is saturated and quite crappy compared to Rot fai market on Srinakarin road, where there is no haggling whatsoever, and it is quite offensive to do so- all prices are set aand written. Central bkk stalls and stops do charge more, but they do it to both locals and tourists :)

Really detailed and accurate post. Living in Bangkok but I was still to find a post that I can share with my friends about the cost of travelling here. Good stuff

Thaim Traveler

This is actually a great guide specially to the ones who haven’t been to Thailand. I sent this to my friends from US since they’re planning to take a month long visit here in BKK. They said that your post is so helpful

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Thailand Travel Costs: A Comprehensive Guide to Budgeting for Families

Researching Thailand travel cost? You’ve come to the right place! We spent 3 weeks in Thailand as a family of 5, and below we’ll break down where we traveled and how much we spent, plus a summary of our overall travel expenses.

Thailand is a country that’s rich in culture, cuisine, and adventure! If you’re planning a family vacation to this beautiful country, you’ll be glad you did. From the South to the North, there’s so much to explore!

You can use travel credit cards to earn points towards flights, accommodations and more. Learn more about our top 6 favorite travel credit cards here!

With so much to see and do, you might be wondering where to start and how much a trip like this might cost for your family. You can use this 3 week itinerary to plan for your trip, as it’s full of must-see destinations and activities to help you plan and know what to expect. Then we breakdown the cost for each category for you.

3 Week Thailand Family Itinerary + Thailand Travel Cost

Day 1-3: Phuket

• We highly recommend the Arinara Beach Resort in Bang Tao Beach
• Bang Tao is a very laid back town with good restaurants
• Only 30 min. from Patong Beach to Old Phuket Town
• It’s best to visit Old Town during the day with kids
• Plan to spend a couple of hours at Big Buddha and the viewing area
• Visit the Way Chalong Temple Area after coming down from Big Buddha

Click here to learn more about Phuket from our Phuket Family Travel Guide.

Cost of our Trip to Phuket

One way Flights from Sri Lanka to Phuket: $685 (5 people via AirAsia)

Ground Transportation: $62 (we used a company called No plan Phuket)

Accommodations: $74/ Day (Arinara Beach Resort, Free Breakfast)

Food: $80/ Day (5 people – Lunch + Dinner + Snacks)

Laundry: $22 (5 kilos which was most of our entire wardrobe)

Looking for a Villa in Phuket? Check out The Best Family-Friendly Villas in Phuket

Day 4-7: Phi Phi Islands

• There should be a member of your hotel staff there to help you to your place
• We recommend Saii Phi Phi Island Village , as it is a great property for families
• This will be one of your favorite activities of your entire time in Thailand
• Be sure to get a Private Boat Tour, so that you can stop when and where you want
• We found a great spot on the beach called Slinky’s to watch the show
• Most places will ask you to purchase a drink while you sit and watch
• We booked this the day of with Maiyada Private Longtail Boat Tours

Click here to learn more about traveling to Phi Phi Islands in our Phi Phi Islands Family Travel Guide

Cost of our Trip to the Phi Phi Islands

Ferry from Phuket: $75 (5 people from the Rassada Harbour)

• be sure to have some small cash for Phi Phi Ton Sai Pier when you get off the ferry

Accommodations: $47/ Day (Family Room at P.P. Maiyada Resort)

Food: $72/ Day (5 people – Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

All-Day Longtail Boat Tours: $109/ Day (5 People – Full-Day Private Boat Tour)

Day 8-11: Krabi

• We recommend the Holiday Style Ao Nang Beach right near the Night Market
• Check out the Ao Nang Night Market for dinner (this is a great way to save money)
• The boats run to and from Railay all day from Ao Nang Beach
• These tours are done best with a guide that can be booked in advance
• Allow a full day to see both, along with the Tiger Cave Temple
• The Hong Islands is another very special day that will be a highlight of your trip

Click here to learn more about traveling to Krabi with in our Krabi Thailand Family Travel Guide

Cost of Our Trip in Krabi

Ferry from Phi Phi: $70 (5 people – Ao Ton Sai Pier)

Ground Transportation: $45 (again we used No Plan Phuket to book the taxi from port and to airport)

Longtail Boat Taxi to Railay: $28 (you can pick these up at the Ao Nang Longtail Boat Service Club )

Longtail Boat Tour: $71/ Day (we rented this boat from Ao Nang Beach)

Accommodations: $63/ Day (2 rooms at the Holiday Style in Ao Nang )

Food: $67/ Day (5 people – Breakfast + Lunch + Dinners)

Did you know you can book flights for FREE? We flew to Paris as a family of 5 for just $18! Learn the exact step-by-step instructions of how we did it here.

Day 12-16: Chiang Mai

• There’s lots of great AirBnB’s in Chang Mai in the Nimman Road Area
• Here’s the exact villa that we stayed called Boxsoon Nimman 2
• Day 13: Visit Doi Suthep Temple and explore the Old Town
• We highly recommend Elephant Freedom Project
• There are some amazing waterfalls like Huay Kaew
• We highly recommend Zabb E Lee Cooking School

Click here to learn more about traveling to Chiang Mai in our Chiang Mai Family Travel Guide

Cost of Our Time in Chiang Mai

Flights from Krabi: $210 (5 people via AirAsia)

Ground Transportation: $62 (we only took a handful of GrabCar rides, otherwise we walked)

Accommodations: $ 87/ Day (4 bedroom townhome with full kitchen)

Food: $83/ Day (5 people – breakfast + lunch + dinner)

Cooking School: $85 (3 people + 2 “observers/tasters”)

Thai Massages: $7/ massage (adults only)

Nails: $40 (4 mani pedis for all the girls)

Laundry: Free (laundry at townhome)

Day 17-21: Bangkok

• We recommend the DoubleTree by Hilton in Sukhumvit or Seekers Finders Rama IV
• Sukhumvit is a great neighborhood for kids, with lots of parks and playgrounds
• Wat Pho was such a great surprise, we spent several hours there
• The girls really enjoyed the parks more than anticipated, as they are all unique
• These malls have so much to offer other than just shopping, there’s even schools
• Terminal 21 has a different famous world city theme on every level
• Day 21: Take a day trip to the ancient city of Ayutthaya or explore local markets and sample street food

Click here to learn more about traveling to Bangkok in our Bangkok Family Travel Guide

Cost for Our Time in Bangkok

Flights from Chang Mai: $175 (5 people via AirAsia)

Ground Transportation: $35 (BTS + MRT + GrabCar)

Accommodations: $75/ Day (Seekers Finders Rama IV)

Food: $98/ Day (5 people – breakfast + lunch + dinner + snacks)

HarborLand: $65 (5 people entrance fee to play for 3 hours)

Overall Thailand Travel Cost for the 3 Weeks in Thailand

A trip to Thailand with your family is a perfect way to bond and create unforgettable memories. From temple visits to water activities and awesome wildlife encounters, this trip will be a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

Thailand Travel Cost (family of five):

Flights: $1,070

Transportation: $307

Accommodations: $1,735

Restaurants + Cafes : $985

Groceries: $137

Sightseeing/ Activities: $470

Total for 3 Weeks: $4,704

More Travel Posts You May Like:

How to Maximize Your Vacation Time This Year

Just In Case Bag – What It Is & Why You Need One!

Must-Have Travel Items That Will Save You Money

What to Pack for Thailand

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