trip to thailand budget

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 Feb 2, 2022 and updated Oct 28, 2023.

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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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17 Best Thailand On A Budget Travel Tips And Tricks (2024)

• Updated on January 2, 2024
• Tips and Tricks

What You Will Learn (Click to Expand)

Why thailand is such a great cost-friendly destination.

As a seasoned traveler and a Thailand local, I can assure you the Land of Smiles tops the list as one of the most budget-friendly destinations worldwide! It offers stunning value, making it an unmatched paradise for thrifty wanderers like us.

There are plentiful reasons that substantiate the affordable charm of Thailand. From heavenly yet inexpensive street food to pocket-friendly accommodations, Thailand welcomes everyone.

The affordability extends to the transportation facilities, ensuring you can explore the farthest corners without denting your wallet.

• Exploring awe-inspiring and free-of-cost temples is a favorite activity among travelers.
• Delectable street food, with dishes starting from under a dollar, promises a gastronomic adventure without breaking the bank.
• Easy-on-the-pocket night markets offer treasures to take back, with bargaining as the cherry on top!
• Inexpensive local transport services will make your journey to places like the turquoise islands or green hills as pleasant as the destinations themselves.

Indeed, by setting foot in Thailand, every globetrotter can experience its rich culture without overspending.

In this article, I’ve prepared 17 Amazing Tips and Tricks for Traveling to Thailand On A Budget.

Let’s dive in!

17 Best Tips And Tricks for Traveling Thailand On A Budget

1. travel during the low season.

The season when you travel will have the highest impact on your Thailand travel budget. Visiting during the low season can cut your cost in half.

It’s a budget traveler’s dream, with fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations and flights.

Here’s how you do it:

• Plan your trip between May and October. Do note it’s the rainy season, so expect short sun-showers almost daily. They are quick and refreshing, so it’s not a big deal, in my opinion.
• Try negotiating rates for hotels and hostels; it’s off-peak, and there are vacant rooms waiting!
• Use your charm and local language skills in bargaining. Learn a few words in Thai and be pleasant and respectful. Thrifty travel is an art, after all.
• And don’t panic about the rainfall. Some of the best Thai festivals, like Visakha Bucha and Asahna Bucha Day , happen during the low season. Even with a little drizzle, these colorful and cultural showcases are worth every minute.

With fewer crowds and lower prices, you can adventure on a budget and still have a crazy, unforgettable experience!

2. Create a budget and stick to it

Creating and adhering to a budget is absolutely crucial when planning a trip to the fantastic Thailand – the travel destination known for its affordably rich experiences!

With careful planning and smart choices, your trip can be both budget-friendly and unforgettable.

Here’s how:

• Start by defining a daily spending limit. Based on personal accounts, one can manage to traverse Thailand as low as $30 per day.
• You can use a free Spending app to keep track of your expenses and if you are leaning over or under budget.
• Save at least six months in advance to handle significant expenses before your trip commences. This lessens the burden of surprise costs.
• Not all expenses are included in your daily budget. For example, you may have to purchase some items ahead of your trip.
• Optimize your spending by embracing local experiences, such as taking local buses, enjoying street food, and drinking local beer.

Remember, the goal is to enjoy without overspending!

3. Travel to the North of Thailand

Let your wanderlust be fulfilled, and your pockets stay filled as you explore North Thailand – your one-stop destination for breathtaking views, exotic culture, and endless adventure on a budget.

• Choosing to visit the North of Thailand in cities like Chiang Mai, Pai, or Chiang Rai can cut your spending by 30-50% compared to islands like Koh Samui or Phuket.
• Start your journey in Chiang Mai, an old city known for its serene temples, vibrant markets, delectable street food, and laid-back vibes. Skip pricy tour packages: explore on foot or rent a bike for a few dollars a day.
• Venture into the jungle with affordable treks launching from Chiang Mai. Be sure to visit the local elephant sanctuary. It’s regarded as one of Thailand’s best while being remarkably cheap.
• Take in the stunning beauty of Doi Inthanon National Park, a gem not overrun by tourists. Viator.com offers top-notch tours and accommodations without breaking the bank.
• Immerse yourself in Thai culture during Songkran, the Thai New Year celebrated in April. You’ll experience unforgettable joy in this grand water fight, and it’s absolutely free!

Prepare to be captivated by North Thailand, a paradise for budget travelers.

Related Article: Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai .

4. Stay at affordable accommodations

Oh boy, isn’t traveling in Thailand a blast for your buck? From drool-inducing street food to exotic sights, every penny saved on accommodations means more adventures.

Explore a broad range of affordable options: hostels, budget hotels, and charming guesthouses.

To grab top-notch deals, and yes, they do exist, use Booking.com , which I find pretty convenient with their free cancelation options.

Want more savings? Group travels or sharing rooms can trim down costs big time! Camping and homestays in rural areas also add a zesty flavor to your cultural immersion while saving some greens.

• Budget Hotels: A social scene, rates start from as low as $10/night. Just remember to book in advance.
• Local guesthouses: Rustic, private rooms with local charm at virtually the same price as two hostel beds, a steal for couples.
• Hostels: Fun places to meet fellow budgeteers at very low prices. I use HostelWorld.com to book.

Remember, a wise traveler never compromises on experiences, only on expenses!

Hair Tools Travel Bag

5. eat at local restaurants.

Local restaurants in Thailand are a tantalizing treat for every budget traveler. Not only do they offer an affordable way to explore the country’s finest cuisine, they also serve a heaping side of authentic Thai culture with every meal.

Here’s your recipe for gastronomic success:

• Look out for bustling local eateries with a crowd of Thai patrons— that’s a sign of good food!
• Dish out your dollars for local favorites like pat tai noodles, chicken satay, and Tom Yam soup.
• Skip pricey tourist spots with Western menus. Instead, feast on local Thai dishes for just $1.50-3USD per meal at charming street stalls and tiny restaurants.
• Use apps like Eatigo for discounted meals and ask locals for hidden culinary gems.

Scour the streets, taste the local flavors, and live the Thai life– with a happy heart and fuller wallet.

6. Find free or cheap activities

Maximize your travel experience in Thailand without breaking the bank! Combine planning and spontaneity to discover a wealth of free and low-cost activities.

• Embrace the abundant free attractions such as temples, parks, and marketplaces. Not only are they a feast for the eyes, but they also allow a deeper understanding of the culture.
• Find walking or food tours on TripAdvisor; they list their entire itinerary, then just use Google Maps to navigate and do it yourself for free.
• Download local apps like Eatigo for dining discounts, Klook and Trazy for ticket deals on attractions.
• Traveling in groups? Seek out shared tours or group discounts to cut expenses on entry fees and transportation.
• Lastly, leverage the knowledge of locals for insider details on hidden gems. Check out Couchsurfing meet-ups for this purpose.

Thailand has one free activity in abundance: check out Thailand’s Best Beaches .

7. Get a local SIM card with data

Using your phone with your home network on Roamning will be very expensive in Thailand. Instead, grab a local SIM card for easy, affordable connectivity!

Hunting down a Thai SIM card with a prepaid plan packed with generous data allowances saves you big bucks. It’s an absolute game-changer!

Bagging one is simple:

• The main carriers in Thailand are AIS, TrueH Mobile, and Dtac; any of their pre-paid plans will be good.
• Bring your passport with you; they will want a copy of it.
• You can find SIM cards at the airport when you land, but they will be more expensive.
• If possible, head to a local mall, BigC supermarket, or 7-Eleven and get your SIM there. Don’t shy away; ask for their cost-effective prepaid plans.
• Ensure your phone is not carrier-locked, pop that card into your smartphone, begin the plan, and voila, you’re connected!

Stay connected and save money.

You will also enjoy My Top Thailand Travel Tips .

8. Use travel apps and book in advance

Traveling on a budget to Thailand can be a magical experience, and you can save big just by using nifty travel apps and booking in advance!

These two tricks are game-changers in managing your spending while ensuring an enjoyable trip.

• Start by downloading local travel apps such as Booking , Agoda , and AirBnb for discounts and price comparisons.
• Group travels or shared tours could slash costs on transportation and entry fees.
• Love free breakfasts? Let’s not forget to book hostels that offer them!
• For comfortable, budget-friendly commutes, use Grab , InDrive , or Bolt instead of taxis.
• If the city lacks these, ensure your taxi driver uses the meter.
• For a cherry on top, book motorbikes through Grab for fixed, non-negotiable fares, which generally save money.
• Use the Viator app to find the best deals on trips and excursions.
• And finally, book your activities in advance if possible. You reserve your spot and save money.

These tips can dramatically transform your Thai travel into a budget-friendly wonder!

9. Avoid popular tourist attractions and traps

Popular tourist activities tend to be more expensive and usually overrated. Stay off the beaten path, and you’re in for a real treat.

Tourist traps are also a sure way to empty your budget in one quick swoop, so they should be avoided.

Here are some common ones to keep in mind:

• If people approach you speaking excellent English near a popular attraction, such as the Royal Palace, telling you it’s closed, ignore them and move on. It’s usually a scam.
• Places like Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok are not hidden gems anymore, they are expensive tourist traps.
• Unmetered taxis? No thank you! Look for another cab that is willing to use the meter.
• Large group tours? Pass!

How do we avoid these places? Check their Reviews on Google and Trip Advisor. And ask locals for the real hidden gems.

Tap into insider knowledge and experience Thailand without draining your wallet.

10. Use budget transport options

Taking advantage of Thailand’s budget transport options is a surefire way to conserve money during your travel.

These cost-effective solutions allow you to immerse deeply into the local culture and explore Thailand like never before!

Let’s make travel fun and affordable with these options:

• Hop on public buses or third-class train carriages for intercity trips.
• Experience the nightlife on a slow overnight train, saving on hotel costs.
• Choose economic Baw Khaw Saw (BKS) state buses over private ones.
• For short journeys, opt for eight-seater shuttle buses.
• While in cities, use Bangkok’s BTS train line or book a Grab taxi.
• If you need to fly, use low-cost airlines like Thai Air Asia and Thai VietJet.

Remember, the slower you travel, the less you spend! Whether it’s a bustling city or a countryside foray, savor each moment.

11. Bargain with dignity with street vendors

The art of bargaining in Thailand can transform your shopping experience and stretch your budget.

Done right, it’s a great way to engage with the local culture, find fantastic deals, and make your trip more memorable.

• It’s well known that many street vendors have a price for locals and a much higher one for tourists, so haggling will help you get to the real price.
• Haggle with dignity and choose your battle wisely. If a water bottle costs 30 Bath, don’t bother trying to haggle with the vendor. Remember, their salary is about $300 per month.
• If you are buying more expensive items, such as clothes, begin your haggling with a smile. Nothing paves the way for better discounts like a friendly demeanor.
• Learning key Thai phrases, especially for numbers and bargaining, can give you an edge. By showing respect for their language and culture, vendors may be more inclined to offer discounts.
• When shopping at famous markets like Chatuchak or local spots like Pak Khlong Talat, aim to negotiate at about 50% and haggle from there. Never go too low, though. It can come off as offensive.

Some of my priceless finds here have been the result of good-natured haggling.

Remember, it’s less about winning and more about understanding the cultural dynamics at play.

12. Rent a scooter, but be careful

Renting a scooter is an affordable and exhilarating way to explore Thailand’s scenic views!

A seemingly daunting task like this can turn into the highlight of your Thailand adventure, but you have to be careful.

Here are my top tips:

• Check your bike meticulously before hitting the road; note any damage or dents to avoid trouble later. Take many pictures and even a video at the rental agency.
• Do NOT leave your passport as collateral with the rental agency. Leave a photocopy and cash instead.
• Remember, safety is paramount! Thailand has alarmingly high traffic accident rates, so always wear a helmet, drive cautiously, and have your driver’s license on you in case you get stopped.
• Brace yourself; the costs are surprisingly pocket-friendly! Gear up for a ride for as low as 150 Bath (US$4.50) per day and budget-friendly petrol prices around 40B (US$1.20) per liter.
• To ensure a secure experience, opt for reliable travel insurance. Based on my experience, SafetyWing does a commendable job!

Embrace the thrill and navigate the town on two wheels, but always put safety first!

If you want to try an epic two-wheel trip, check out the Mae Hong Son Loop in the North of Thailand.

13. Join Facebook groups to find free activities

Joining Facebook groups can unlock a trove of tips, personalized recommendations, and free activities for budget travelers in Thailand.

It’s like having an insider’s guide at your fingertips, spiced up with real-time updates and interaction with locals or fellow travelers.

Go to Facebook and search for groups with keywords like “Thailand free activities” or “Thailand budget travel”. Join the groups that seem most active and engaging.

You’ll find a cornucopia of suggestions:

• Free walking tours
• Volunteering opportunities
• Visiting local markets
• Exploring Buddhist temples
• Couchsurfing meet-ups
• Group visits to National Parks
• Beach exploring

This isn’t just cost-saving; it’s immersion at its best! Remember to engage, ask questions, and share your experiences too!

14. Local convenience stores are your best friend

In Thailand, your budget traveler’s best friend is undoubtedly the omnipresent local convenience stores.

These stores, like the popular 7-Eleven and Family Mart, are treasure troves of economic offerings.

Not only do they present an array of mouth-watering snacks like ham and cheese croissants, rice burgers, and tantalizing sweet buns, but they also fulfill your early morning breakfast cravings without burning a hole in your pocket.

But here’s the kicker – their alcohol prices! They are an absolute steal, especially for local beer brands like Singha or Chang.

And don’t forget about essentials like large water bottles – a boon in a country where tap water is not fit for drinking.

So, next time you’re in Thailand, step into a local convenience store and unveil a world of affordable delights!

15. Use travel hacks and points

Want to explore Thailand without breaking the bank? Let me enthuse you about the game-changing power of travel hacks and points!

Start by scouring the web for credit card bonuses. Websites like Nerd Wallet or The Points Guy are great starting resources.

Many credit cards have bonus signup points if you spend a minimum amount in the first few months. Apply for those credit cards, pay for your flights, and use them for groceries to meet the minimum.

With strategic planning, those points will quickly stack. Then, redeem the bonus points for free hotel stays and activities.

Here is what to look for when choosing the right Cards:

• For Credit Cards, choose Chase or Bank of America Travel Credit Cards.
• Look at the signup bonuses and choose the best one at the time.
• Ensure they do not have foreign transaction fees or yearly fees.

Trust me, with these hacks and the smart use of points, Thailand can become your budget-friendly paradise!

16. Get a bank card with no foreign transaction fees

Managing money well is crucial when you’re globetrotting on a tight budget, especially in Thailand.

Grabbing a bank card with zero foreign transaction fees is one of the smartest money moves you can make.

Thailand has an amazing banking infrastructure with QR codes and direct transfers, but without having a local bank account, we are still stuck with using Cash, so the ATM will be your best friend.

Local ATMs charge a small withdrawal fee of 220 Bath, but the foreign transaction fees and conversion fees are what will really add up.

Here’s how to avoid them:

• For Debit Cards, choose an account with no foreign transaction fees. I use the Capital One 360 Checking Account, with no monthly fees and no foreign ATM fees.
• Withdraw larger sums at a time (20,000 Bath) to minimize the ATM fee, but don’t keep it all on you. Keep most of the cash in your hotel safe and carry 1,000-2,000 Bath for daily Expenses.
• When asked at the ATM, always decline the local currency conversion. This way, your home bank will do the conversion, and you will get a much better rate. (This can save you 5-10%)

17. Make some money while you travel

When it comes to extending your vacation in Thailand, you can try to save as much as you can to make your budget last longer, or you can try to make some extra money.

I highly recommend trying the latter; it will give you a taste of freedom and working remotely, and it might turn into something bigger.

Since you are already in a beautiful place, take advantage of it to make some extra travel money.

Here are some ideas:

• Photography. Your phone is already full of beautiful pics, so why not post them for sale or licensing?
• Social Media Management. You are already sharing so much of your journey and learning about managing social media; you can do it for others and charge a monthly fee.
• Content Writing. Imagine chilling in a tranquil mountain town like Pai; why not use the inspiration and write some blog posts for a quick payday?
• Online Influencer. If you have a decent following on Instagram or TikTok, you can reach out to local hotels to create a post, story, or TikTok about your experience. Even with a few hundred followers, you can earn a free night’s stay.

With dedication and a dash of creativity, your travel expenses will take a thrilling dive!

Can you do Thailand on a budget?

Absolutely, you can indeed travel through Thailand on a budget! The beauty of a trip to Thailand lies in how flexible it can be in terms of costs.

For instance, you can opt to explore Thailand by starting your journey in Bangkok – the city known for its top attractions at pocket-friendly prices.

Then, take a night bus or train and travel north to Chiang Mai, a dream for budget-conscious travelers.

Immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy authentic Thai street food, which is flavorsome and very affordable.

Take public transport to keep costs low and benefit from the spirited, backpacker-friendly environment.

Be sure to try different experiences like visiting the local markets or the famous temples – they’re budget-friendly and give you a real taste of Thai culture.

What are the most popular budget destinations in Thailand?

If you’re on a mission to explore a paradise without breaking the bank, Thailand has got your back. It stands as a testament that the best things in life come on a budget!

• Bang on the bustling streets of Bangkok , where exceptionally cheap delights await. Food stalls sprinkle the sidewalks, offering amazing cuisine at a fraction of the price.
• Head on North, where the green hills of Chiang Mai provide an aesthetically pleasing sight without the hefty price tag. Bonus: You’ll find temples to visit without splurging!
• Down South to the Thai islands , slightly pricier but still budget-friendly. Picture turquoise waters and sublime seafood, all within means!

So, are you ready to make unforgettable memories in Thailand without rendering you penniless?

Ensure you have everything you need on your trip with my Complete Thailand Packing List .

Is $500 dollars enough for a week in Thailand?

Yes! With mindful spending, $500 is enough for an enjoyable week in Thailand on a backpacker’s budget.

Here is the breakdown:

• Average daily expenditure: $30-$40, totaling up to $280 for a week if you steer clear of high-cost excursions. This will get you a stay in a Hostel and delicious Thai street food.
• There are plenty of free activities to enjoy in Thailand: Temples, Nature Walk, Hiking and Trekking.
• Allocating $100 for entertainment activities allows you to enjoy sunset beers and even major activities such as a cooking lesson.
• Personal wellness items such as snacks, laundry, and toiletries can round up to a total of about $23 per week.
• With the remaining balance, you can opt for a dive into the local culture or maybe a spa retreat.

Conclusively, you can have a fantastic time in Thailand’s diverse offerings within a $500 budget for a week.

What are some budget accommodation options in Thailand?

Thailand is a paradise for budget travelers, boasting an abundance of wallet-friendly places to stay.

With options ranging from gorgeous guest houses to lively hostels, you’re sure to find something to suit your budget and traveling style.

• Hostels: With countless hostels scattered across Thailand, these gems are perfect for the thrifty traveler. The average price for a dorm room falls between $6 to $12 per night. Expect comfy beds and a vibrant, social atmosphere.
• Guesthouses: Ready for a touch of local charm? Guesthouses provide private rooms at affordable rates. You’re also supporting the local economy, as these establishments are usually family-operated.
• Budget Hotels: Keep an eye out for discounted rates on sites like Booking.com and Agoda! These sites often feature budget hotels that won’t break the bank.

Whether you’re backpacking or planning a longer stay, you can navigate Thailand without splurging on accommodation.

What are the best ways to get around Thailand on a budget?

Getting around Thailand on a budget is fun and easy and lets you experience the local lifestyle.

Here’s how you can make it budget-friendly and exciting:

• Opt for buses: They are the cheapest option and fine for short journeys.
• Utilize Bangkok’s BTS train line or Grab taxi: More reliable and cost-effective than traditional cabs, with fares ranging from $0.50-2.00.
• Overnight buses and trains: Perfect to save on a night’s accommodation and reach your inter-city destinations.
• Use local transport like Songthaews and Tuk-Tuks: A well-connected, authentic, and cheap way to experience Thailand.
• Travel during the Low Season: Get the best flight and accommodation deals during this time.

What are the best free or cheap attractions to visit in Thailand?

There’s no shortage of free or affordable attractions in Thailand that wonderfully reflect its vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty.

From royal palaces to lush national parks, here’s how you can maximize your experiences with minimal cost:

• Go royal at the historic Grand Palace and Wat Pho , home to a 15th-century Emerald Buddha and a monumental 150-foot reclining Buddha, respectively. Back-to-back visits can cost you less than $25!
• Hiking in the breathtaking Khao Sok National Park is a must for just $6. Make sure to check out the sunset—it’s surreal!
• Journey through the ancient capitals —Sukhothai, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya, each with its unique charm and historical tale.
• Head off to Thailand’s tropical islands. Some of them are beautifully isolated with idyllic beaches and crystal clear water. Koh Tao and Koh Phangan are at the top of the list for backpackers.

Remember, Thailand’s rich experience is more about the journey and less about the price!

Made by travelers, for travelers, check out the Barefoot Caribou Products below!

Making the most of your trip to Thailand on a budget

Related Article: The Best Places to Visit in Thailand .

Wow! What a ride it has been, taking you through the nuances of budget travel in Thailand for 2024.

This guide was packed with nuggets of wisdom to make your journey as light on the wallet as it is in spirit.

If I missed anything, be sure to add it in the comments below!

Remember, we are out to not just save but to live and enjoy the journey!

Happy traveling!

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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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30 Ways to visit THAILAND on a BUDGET

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: February 13, 2024

Visiting Thailand on a budget? As ex-pats in Bangkok, we share the best ways to save money in Thailand and plan a budget Thailand trip!

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for young people and budget travelers; it really is possible to visit Thailand for $20 a day ! It may not be as notoriously cheap as it use to be but there are still many ways you can save money and bag a bargain when traveling to Thailand. As ex-pats living in the country, we share the best ways to save money in Thailand.

Thailand on a budget

1) Travel during the Low Season – When possible, travel to Thailand between April and September to save money on airfares, accommodation, motorbike/car rentals, and even food. Prices rocket up during the high season from October through to March. However, this is the rainy season so visit in September and October to avoid the heavy rain and the heat of April. 

If you are paying for hotels and hostels on arrival, it is easier to haggle prices during the low season as many rooms will be empty around this time of the year. To plan your trip, read these tips before you travel to Thailand.

If you know the craft of haggling well, you realize that speaking in the local language can help you in getting the price you want. Learning Thai will allow you to try to get cheaper prices not just for accommodation but other useful things such as food and transport.

If you are visiting in the high season, make sure to book hotels in advance and check deals directly on the hotel websites, especially when booking a 4 or 5 star hotel.

2) Avoid Tourist Traps – The islands of the South of Thailand are still cheap compared to the rest of the world but they are expensive for Thailand. Enjoy the beautiful Thailand destinations like Koh Chang or Ko Lanta rather than the tourist spots of Phuket and Ko Samui to save money on practically everything. 

Additionally, there are touristy areas in the city that are worth staying in but staying just outside of these areas will get you better value hostels and hotels. For example, you can get cheap hostels near Khao San Road but they can be run down and dirty. Instead, book a hostel along Sukhumvit Road or even find a private room in a budget hotel in more residential areas like Thonglor and Phrom Phong.

3) Leave the Taxi – During rush hours and in certain areas of Bangkok, Taxis are known to quote high prices for a journey. Even in Bangkok traffic, it is still cheaper to use the taxi meter, which all taxis should be doing anyway. Some taxi drivers even like to take you via a friend’s tailor shop which is just a hassle!

If a taxi driver refuses to use the meter then just get out and find another taxi, chances are there will be one driving past within a few minutes. Make sure you can see the meter clearly and once in your destination, if the driver starts adding ‘extra service fees’ then just pay the meter price and leave.

Our best tip for taxi travel is to stick to using Grab. This app is very similar to Uber and is cheap, and easy to use so make sure to download it before your trip and use it to get around. 

EXTRA TIP: Another way to save money and time when traveling across the city is to find the nearest BTS or MRT stop near your chosen destination, head to that stop then get a taxi for the rest of the journey. This is especially helpful during rush hour.

4) Travel on overnight buses but get second-class tickets – Overnight buses and trains can be much cheaper than day journeys whilst also saving you money on a hotel or hostel for the night. 

Buses around Asia are now pretty comfortable (for a bus) and come with air conditioning. The bus will still stop at convenience stores on the way so you can buy hot food, drinks, and snacks. There are also plenty of options to choose from and trips rarely sell out. 

Second-class buses aren’t too different from first-class buses, with the main difference being a little more room on first-class buses as well as a reclining seat and footrest. First class or VIP buses can be faster as they often have an on-bus toilet, meaning they don’t stop as much.

EXTRA TIP: You can also compare and book train, bus, and mini-van tickets on the 12Go website, a popular choice in Asia.

5) Visit Northern Thailand – Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are considerably cheaper cities than Bangkok and its nearby cities. A night bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai costs around 900 Baht with apartments costing as little as 200 baht per month (£40 or $60!). Plus, food and transport around the city is cheaper and taking buses to nearby locations can also be found for under 500B.

In general, visiting the lesser-known, off-the-beaten-track destinations in Thailand will always be cheaper than the more popular destinations.

6) ATM Withdrawals  – Take out large amounts of cash, preferably enough for your time in that area rather than small amounts from an ATM. You will often get charged a flat rate for withdrawing money from your bank as well as an exchange rate.

7) Haggle – No matter where you are in Thailand, you will notice that items are one price for locals and another price for foreigners. Make sure you haggle the price down to what you are happy to pay (even if it is more than a local) and if the vendor doesn’t budge on price then walk away – they will often call out a decent price if they think they are losing a customer.

A general rule for haggling is if a stall doesn’t have a price listed, it is probably because they are going to give different prices. In this scenario, either be prepared to haggle or move along and find someone else who does list their prices. (see the next tip)

8) Signed stalls – When visiting food stalls and markets around Thailand, try to buy items from the stalls that clearly signpost the prices of items. In Chatuchak Market , we once saw a crepe stall selling crepes for 40 baht then went to buy one a little further up and he tried to charge us 300 baht. Needless to say, we just carried on walking until we saw another place with the price displayed.

9) Negotiate with Tuk Tuk drivers – Tuk Tuk drivers can be found in the popular cities of Thailand, particularly in Bangkok. If you are taking a Tuk Tuk, make sure you negotiate a decent price with them, finalize the price before you get in, AND make sure they take you exactly where you want to go.

10) Buy a local sim card – Like most places, if you are staying in Thailand for some time, then pick up a local sim card and make sure your phone is unlocked so you can use the sim card. True Move is a popular choice but all package deals and pay-as-you-go deals are pretty decent. These are especially helpful when booking GRAB taxis to get around the city.

11) Hunt around for accommodation – Use Agoda , booking.com , and Hostelworld to search for the best deals before you start your travels. Booking accommodation in advance is usually much cheaper and not all hostels are cheaper than hotels. In Bangkok and Northern Thailand, you will often find cheap private bedrooms in small B’n’Bs, which work out cheaper than a dorm bed if you are traveling as a couple.

12. Rent a motorbike – If you are in the small towns and cities of Thailand, rent a motorbike. These are much more fun than taking taxis and can save you a small fortune. However, always make sure to wear a helmet and avoid traveling in wet conditions when possible, especially in the mountain regions up north.

13. Free attractions – No matter where you are in Thailand, there are always temples, monasteries, buddhas, farms, beaches, waterfalls, forests, and so on, that are completely free. Do your research and spend time visiting these.

For example, Bangkok has plenty of markets that are free to explore but also have cheap food and affordable souvenirs. Bangkokian Museum is a free place to learn more about the city whilst Wat Saket is a free monstery and a picturesque place to see in the city.

14. Take the local bus – Whilst in Bangkok, it can be so much cheaper if you use the local bus system to get around the city. Half an hour trips start at 20 baht and more and more buses are being modernized; meaning you even get aircon!

15. Jump on the BTS/MRT – For fast, easy, and cheap transport around Bangkok, jump on the BTS or MRT to your chosen destination. If you are far from a stop or your destination is far from a stop, it may be worth getting a taxi or river boat to the nearest station to avoid traffic.

Either way, get yourself a Rabbit card and stick to the BTS/MRT as much as you can. You can download the BTS SkyTrain app to navigate your way around the city with ease.

16. Hand-out Flyers – In the south of Thailand, some bars are known to give you free drinks if you spend a few hours handing out their venue flyers during the afternoon. Speak to those at the bars, this is more likely to happen with bars run by ex-pats.

17. Couchsurfing – This is a website that gives you an opportunity to find free accommodation with people living in Thailand. This works particularly well in places like Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Chiang Rai where there are large amounts of ex-pats with spare rooms! Browse the hosts to find accommodation options but also check out the meet-up groups to meet other travelers in the city.

18. Avoid Western food – We all like a pizza or a Mcdonald’s from time to time but if you are trying to save money in Thailand then don’t start hitting up western chain restaurants. Head to a local restaurant or market and eat like a king for very little.

The best Thai street food on a budget : Most street food in Thailand is cheap and affordable, meaning you can try plenty of the local flavors without spending a fortune. Some of our favorites we would highly recommend are Sam Tham, Phra Kra Pro, and Moo Ping.

19. Don’t leave tips – It is not the norm to leave tips in Thailand so don’t worry about leaving tips in restaurants, bars, or cafes. However, we found the locals to be very grateful when we did.

20. 7/11 Stock up – The first thing we learned about Thailand when we arrived in Bangkok, was how cheap the beer in 7/11 is! A big bottle of beer costs around 55 baht (£1.10) whilst whiskey and wine bottles are as cheap as 250 baht (£5!). There are also these stores EVERYWHERE; ideal for stocking on water etc for your hotel room.

7/11 also has plenty of food options that they happily heat up for you. This includes local meals like green curry and Pad Thai as well as quick bites like sandwiches and toasties and western food like pasta, burgers, and burritos. This is a great way to save money when you aren’t near a food stall or fancy something a little more familiar.

21. Lotus Water – If you are staying in an area for a while, buy a big bottle of water and fill it up from the water machines outside the supermarkets like Lotus, costing 1 baht per liter. This will save you quite a bit on water bottles that normally cost 30+ baht in-store.

22. Visit the side streets – head down side streets and alleys to find the cheapest street food and often the tastiest. This is often where locals can be seen picking up food and you should follow their lead!

23. Drink the local beer – Singha, Tiger, and Leo are all considerably cheaper than imported brands so stick to them when drinking out in bars and restaurants. Also, check out the Facebook pages of western bars to find their happy hours; ideal if you are looking to save money and have a drink or two.

24. Travel by train – Trains are the cheapest way to travel long distances across Thailand but take some time and offer less comfort than buses. Compare train journeys on 12Go.Asia , with various routes, classes, and ticket prices available. You can also check out overnight train options to save even more money.

25. Skip the Guidebooks – I love a good guidebook and will always find the extra cash to buy at least one and read it from front to back and back to front before a trip. When visiting Asia, the best information I found about traveling to Thailand was online at various different travel blogs and youtube videos. Skip the guidebook for Thailand because everything you need to know can be found online.

Plus, one of my favorite things to do in Thailand is just to wander. Around every corner, there will be something unique and interesting.

26. Fly AirAsia – We aren’t big fans of the overnight buses and long train journeys and if you’re not either then check out the flights on AirAsia.com . We managed to get Bangkok to Phuket flights for just 1000 baht (£20). Don’t miss out on the beautiful islands of Thailand like the  beaches of Krabi and Koh Lanta .

As always, compare flights on Skyscanner then check prices directly on the Air Asia website. The website often does flash sales too, if you want to get very cheap flights.

27. Shopping Mall food courts – You can find shopping malls all over Thailand with so many scattered around the Sukhumvit area in Bangkok. These malls often included food courts that serve delicious meals usually including a drink for under 100 baht (£2).

28. Work – Working in Thailand

without the correct Visa is illegal but if you want to stay in Thailand for an extended period of time then you can take an online TEFL course

and bag yourself a job over there. If you speak English well and are from an English Speaking country, you could earn upwards of 50,000 baht a month.

29. Avoid Khao San Road – Unfortunately, this infamous road is no longer the cheap hub of Bangkok so avoid staying in this area or drinking in this area. Some of the pubs in this area are great for happy hours but you’ll find cheaper and better drinks in the Sukhumvit area. Also, the food stalls here are overpriced and often, of lesser quality than other food stalls in the city.

30. Take advantage of the happy hours – Most bars and restaurants in Thailand offer some type of happy hour for you to take advantage of. Wander from one bar to the next during their happy hour times and enjoy!

Most beautiful places to visit in Thailand

Budget Thailand FAQ

How much should I budget for a trip to Thailand?

If you are staying in hostels, eating local food, and sticking to free attractions in Bangkok and Thailand, you can plan to spend ฿2000 a day; $64 or £45. 

Is Thailand a cheap place to visit?

Thailand is a much cheaper destination than places in Europe and North America but visiting in the high season ca expensive (compared to other Asia destinations) when visiting the islands. 

How much does it cost for 10 days in Thailand?

When sticking to these budget Thailand trips, you can expect to spend around ฿28,000 for 10 days in Thailand (or $900). It is possible to spend as little as $600 if you are staying in hostels in Northern Thailand or the less touristy beaches. 

What is the cheapest month to fly to Thailand?

September, October and April are cheaper months to fly to Thailand with January, November and December being the most expensive time to fly to Thailand. 

What is the best airline to fly to Thailand?

Depending on where you are flying from, there are lots of different airlines to choose from when flying to Thailand. Via the UK, you can use British Airways whilst Eva Air have affordable rates throughout the year. 

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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 On A Budget: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Everything you need to know about visiting Thailand on a budget!

Thailand is truly a budget traveler’s dream.

It’s a gorgeous place, the locals are so nice, the culture is interesting, and everything is cheap!

Literally everything is cheap. Accommodation, transportation, food, drinks, tours, and anything else you could possibly need is affordable in Thailand.

So if you’re looking for beautiful and cheap countries to visit, Thailand is one of the best places to go!

This article will explain how to visit Thailand on a budget.

Even though everything is pretty cheap here, there are still ways to save money in Thailand.

But if you wanted to splurge on nice hotels and fancy dinners, you would still spend less than you would in places like Europe, North America, or Oceania.

So here are my best budget travel tips for Thailand, based on personal experience.

How To Visit Thailand On A Budget

I’ll include a brief overview of a Thailand trip cost, as well as tips for saving money on accommodation, transport, food, and more.

Thailand’s currency is the Thai Baht. 32 Baht = 1 USD.

Just to make it easier, I’ll list all costs in USD.

Read next: 50 Budget Travel Tips

How much money do I need for a trip to Thailand?

In my experience, I traveled around Thailand for one month and I spent about $2,000 USD . That includes flights, accommodation, and everything else.

My friend and I stuck to a backpacker budget, staying in hostels and eating street food often.

We also didn’t hold back on anything. We paid for lots of fun tours, the Half Moon Party, a Thai cooking class, a day at an elephant sanctuary, and even spent one night in a nice hotel.

Normally when I travel I like to do work exchanges to save money on accommodation and have a cool cultural experience.

But for this trip to Thailand, my friend and I were 100% just having fun, being tourists, and doing it all without restrictions. And $2,000 USD for everything included is pretty cheap!

Here is a quick breakdown of that 2 Grand so you have an idea of what things cost:

• Round Trip flight from NYC to Bangkok: $800 USD
• Accommodation: $300 USD (Average $10 USD per night)
• Domestic flights: $300 USD
• Food, tours, and everything else: $600 USD

This is a super rough estimate, but that’s the general idea.

Now I’ll get into the specifics for traveling Thailand on a budget!

Flights & Transport in Thailand

Depending on where you are traveling from, flights may be your biggest expense.

I’m from Boston, USA, which is super far from southeast Asia. Our round-trip flight cost around $800 USD, which is as cheap as it gets to fly to the opposite side of the globe.

Once we made it to Thailand, transport within the country was very affordable.

How To Find Cheap Flights To Thailand

How did we find such cheap flights to Thailand?

• Use Skyscanner
• Travel off season
• Fly budget airlines

First, we searched flights on Skyscanner . I’ve written a whole article about using Skyscanner because I love it so much. It allows you to keep your search open-ended, so you can see the cheapest time to fly.

Because our travel dates were flexible, we were able to plan our trip around the cheapest flight dates.

Traveling during the off season is another super important budget travel tip for Thailand.

We visited Thailand in August, which is the height of the monsoon season. Because the climate is generally more hot, humid, and rainy, tourism drops and flight prices decrease.

Peak tourist season is November – April. The weather is better and everything is more crowded.

Traveling Thailand in August was great because the crowds weren’t bad, it honestly didn’t even rain that much, and we found that super cheap flight!

Cheap Transport Within Thailand

When traveling between two destinations in Thailand, I recommend checking Rome2Rio .

This website is super helpful for comparing transport methods. Put in your start and end cities, and the website will compare cost and travel time of flights, trains, buses, ferries, driving, biking, and anything else.

That way to you can determine the cheapest way to travel around.

For traveling around the country, we booked mainly domestic flights between major cities.

Thailand has lots of great budget airlines that have domestic flights for anywhere between $20 – $60 USD. We flew from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and Bangkok to Phuket for just over $20 USD.

If you’re short on time, quick domestic flights are great for hopping from one part of Thailand to the other. Check out these budget airlines for cheap flights:

• Thai Lion Air
• Bangkok Airways
• Thai Air Asia
• VietJet Airways

Read next: How To Find The Cheapest Flights Abroad

Ground Tranportation

Most transport in Thailand, like buses, taxis, tuk tuks, songtaews, and minivans, is all cheap.

Buses are most commonly used by locals, and I didn’t even need to take any public buses during my stay.

For longer journeys, I found shared minivans to be the cheapest and most comfortable.

Songtaews are also popular. These are red pick up trucks with long benches in the back. They are like shared taxis and the more people you cram into the back, the cheaper the journey is for everyone.

Songtaews are convenient for day trips outside Chiang Mai or Bangkok, especially if you have a big group.

For transport within a city, and for traveling short distances, taxis or tuk tuks are cheap.

Obviously walking is free, so if you can try to explore on foot. But if you need to hop in a taxi or tuk tuk, you won’t spend more than a couple of dollars.

When island hopping in Thailand, you’ll have to take ferries.

Luckily ferries in Thailand run often and they’re cheap. Most ferries cost between 5 and 20 USD per journey.

You can usually just buy your ticket at the ferry station right before you travel.

There is no need to book ferry tickets in advance. But if you want to ensure they don’t sell out, just buy your ferry ticket the day before from a local tourism office.

Budget Accommodation in Thailand

When you visit Thailand, or any country for that matter, accommodation is usually the biggest expense (after flights).

But Thailand is so cheap that accommodation doesn’t cost much.

As I mentioned earlier, I spent about $300 USD on accommodation for one month in Thailand. That’s an average of $10 USD per night.

Here is exactly how to find budget accommodation in Thailand.

Stay In Hostels

There are so many incredible hostels in Thailand!

Some cost as little as 6 USD per night for a dorm bed. The average is more like 8 or 9 USD per night , and you definitely won’t have to pay more than 15 USD per night.

Private rooms cost a bit more, maybe around $20 USD per night.

But if you browse Hostelworld and choose hostels with lots of positive reviews, you’ll find some amazing places to stay in Thailand.

My friend and I met so many cool people in hostels, and they are perfect for finding other travelers to share transport and tours with.

Lots of hostels also have their own pub crawls, tours, and excursions. We stayed in 8 different Thailand hostels and had a great experience at every single one!

Do A Work Exchange

Another one of the best tips for how to travel Thailand on a budget is doing a work exchange.

Working in exchange for accommodation is an amazing way to save money. You also get to have a super cool experience living with and learning from locals.

Read more about this in my Ultimate Guide To Work Exchange !

As I said earlier, I personally didn’t do a work exchange in Thailand. But I’ve done them in lots of other countries, and this is the cheapest and most exciting way to travel in my experience.

Visit Worldpackers to view work exchanges in Thailand (and use my promo code GABBY for 10 USD off your membership.

How To Visit Thailand On A Budget: Food, Drinks, and Attractions

This next section will cover how to eat, drink, and explore Thailand on a budget.

Food and Drinks

Thailand has some of the best food in the world, and there is no better place to enjoy Thai food than right at the source.

Luckily for budget travelers, food and drinks are all cheap in Thailand. You can eat out often and party without spending too much money. I’ll now highlight some things to know about eating and drinking in Thailand.

Of course, the cheapest way to eat is to use your hostel kitchen to cook your own meals. But Thai food is so yummy that I recommend eating out at street markets or local restaurants often.

Street Food

Southeast Asia is famous for its street food. Indulge in it at every opportunity!

From fresh fruit smoothies, to meat skewers, to pad Thai, spring rolls, papaya salad, and much more, this is the best way to try all the local dishes. Street markets are also the cheapest places to eat in Thailand. A small plate costs 1 USD or less.

Restaurants

Eating out in restaurants is pretty affordable. Of course, small local restaurants out of the touristy areas will have more authentic food and cheaper prices. A meal here costs 1-3 USD .

Big touristy restaurants will serve a lot of Western food in addition to Thai food. A meal here costs closer to 5 USD .

Drinking is actually a bit pricey in Thailand. A large bottle of beer from 7-11 costs around 2 or 3 USD, the same as a meal. Imported alcohol is expensive. But in touristy towns, bars and clubs often have happy hours with cheap cocktails.

Thailand is also famous for “drunk buckets”, which are plastic colorful buckets of mixed drink or cocktail. They’re cheap and perfect for partying. Just keep your bucket on you at all times to ensure no one messes with it.

Thai Cooking Classes

Even if youre traveling Thailand on a budget, I highly recommend doing a Thai cooking class. Especially if you’re a real food lover!

Cooking classes in Thailand usually include a tour of the local market to buy ingredients, a detailed class on how to cook classic Thai dishes, and of course you get to eat all the food you make.

You’ll usually cook spring rolls, soup, stir fry, curry, and a Thai dessert like mango sticky rice or fried bananas. Definitely show up to your cooking class on an empty stomach!

Most Thai cooking classes cost around 40-50 USD , but ask at your hostel if there are any cheaper local companies. The money is so worth it, as this was one of my favorite activities from my month in Thailand.

Enjoy Free Attractions

Luckily, many attractions in Thailand are free. Stick to mainly free activities and you’ll definitely save money while traveling.

The following Thailand attractions and activities are usually free:

Temples: Most temples have no entry fee (except for some famous ones, such as the Grand Palace in Bangkok)

Waterfalls: Take a cheap songtaew to the Sticky Waterfalls in Chiang Mai , a cheap and amazing day trip!

Beaches: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and enjoy Thailand’s beaches for free

Street Markets: Of course it costs money to buy things, but just browsing the street markets is entertaining

Hiking: Excluding transport and entry to famous places like Doi Inthanon National Park , most hikes are free

Other Popular Thailand Attractions

Even if you’re trying to travel on a budget, don’t miss out on any cool experiences.

Thailand is so affordable that you can splurge on lots of epic adventures and still not spend much money.

Some popular things to do in Thailand include:

• Attend a Muay Thai boxing match
• Watch a Ladyboy cabaret performance
• Visit the Floating Market near Bangkok
• Take a boat tour in the islands
• Attend the Full Moon Party or Half Moon Party
• Go kayaking in the islands
• Rent a motorbike in the highlands
• Visit an Elephant Sanctuary

All of these adventures are part of the backpacking Thailand experience. And though they cost money, they are still very cheap and so worth it.

The most expensive will probably be visiting an Elephant Sanctuary. Because you want to visit somewhere ethical and reputable, it’s worth paying more for a good experience.

Read about my experience here: Bonding With Elephants In Thailand .

Most other activities, like boat tours, kayaking tours, and floating market tours, only cost around 30-50 USD. An equivalent tour in a more expensive country could easily cost over 100 USD.

Tickets to a Muay Thai boxing match or a Ladyboy cabaret only cost around 20 USD.

Don’t be afraid to splurge in Thailand because everything is so cheap!

Now you know how to visit Thailand on a budget!

Thanks for reading! Thailand is one of my favorite countries and the month that I spent there was absolutely incredible. Everything was affordable and I was able to do so much fun stuff for so cheap.

I’ll always recommend Thailand to any other budget travelers.

For more articles budget travel tips, check out these articles:

How To Save Money For Travel

How To Afford Traveling the World in Your 20s

Budget Traveler’s Guide to Travel Insurance

15 Travel Essentials To Always Add To Your Packing List

22 Solo Travel Tips: How To Travel The World Alone

This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about this in my About Me page!

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11 thoughts on “ Thailand On A Budget: The Ultimate Travel Guide ”

Thank you so very much for sharing information about Thailand I’m planning to visit the beginning of April.

Thanks for reading! Have an amazing visit in Thailand!

Thanks for sharing . I’m going to Thailand October . Staying in Bangkok for 2 days and going to Krabi for 12 days

Awesome!! You’ll be able to do lots of day trips to the gorgeous islands around Krabi, enjoy!

Thank you for sharing. We are going to Bangkok, this week – first time in Asia.

Bangkok was my first stop in Asia as well! Enjoy!

A quick question,

Is it easy to cook your own food in Thailand’s hostels or is it really impractical? Are hostels prepared for their guests to cook? Or, since tourists always eat street food, they don’t offer the proper conditions for cooking.

If you could give me your perspective, I’d be grateful.

Hey! It just depends on the hostel. I cooked plenty of meals in hostels during my stay in Thailand. Just read each hostel description in-depth before booking and you can see if there are kitchen facilities or not.

Thanks for your quick reply. If you were able to cook that’s all I needed to hear.

Hi Gabby, I’m interested in visiting Thailand 🇹🇭, but I have some dietary restrictions. Can you please let me know if it’s possible to find halal food there? Having this information would help me make a decision and plan my trip accordingly. Thank you so much for your help!

Hi! I don’t have any experience with halal in Thailand but I was vegetarian when I visited and found it really easy to eat with those restrictions. I would recommend looking up how to ask for halal food in Thai so you can try to communicate that with the staff at restaurants, or if you stick to touristy areas you’re more likely to find staff that speak English and can advise if the food is halal or not. Hope that helps!

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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
• $7 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 $181 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) ($2,456) 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 (Northbound)… ($8,339) 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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THAILAND TRAVEL COST: PRICES + DAILY BUDGET

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

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

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

Costs for flight tickets to Thailand

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

Costs before traveling to Thailand

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

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

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

Costs for food and drinks in Thailand

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

Accommodation costs in Thailand

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

Costs for tours and attractions in Thailand

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

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

Transportation costs in Thailand

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

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

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

Average daily budget for Thailand

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

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

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

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• Travel Destinations

Thailand On A Budget: What You Need To Know

Published: November 16, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Katee Newell

• Budget Travel
• Travel Guide
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Thailand is a mesmerizing destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant street markets, rich cultural heritage, and delicious street food. It’s no wonder that it has become a highly sought-after vacation spot for travelers from around the world. But is it possible to experience the wonders of Thailand on a budget? The answer is a resounding yes!

Thailand offers plenty of opportunities for budget-conscious travelers to explore and indulge without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a backpacker on a shoestring budget or a savvy traveler looking for affordable luxury, Thailand has something for everyone.

In this article, we will guide you through the essentials of visiting Thailand on a budget, covering everything from the best time to visit and transportation options to affordable accommodation choices, food and dining recommendations, budget-friendly activities, shopping tips, and health and safety precautions.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be armed with everything you need to know to make the most of your budget-friendly adventure in Thailand – a country that seamlessly combines affordability with breathtaking experiences.

Best Time to Visit Thailand on a Budget

Choosing the right time to visit Thailand can significantly impact your budget. The country has a tropical climate, with three main seasons: the hot season, the rainy season, and the cool season.

If you’re looking to save money and avoid crowds, the best time to visit Thailand on a budget is during the shoulder seasons. These are the periods between the peak tourist seasons when the weather is still favorable but the prices are more reasonable.

The shoulder season falls between March and May and between September and October. During this time, you can find great deals on accommodations and flights. Keep in mind that the weather can be quite hot and humid, so be prepared to stay hydrated and take breaks in air-conditioned places.

The rainy season, which occurs from June to October, can also be a good time to visit if you don’t mind occasional showers. The advantage of traveling during this period is the significantly lower prices for accommodations and flights.

However, if you prefer more pleasant weather and don’t want to deal with the rain, the cool season, from November to February, is the peak tourist season in Thailand. It offers pleasant temperatures and clear skies, but it also comes with higher prices and bigger crowds.

In summary, the shoulder seasons and the rainy season offer the best opportunities for budget travelers to explore Thailand at a more affordable cost. Consider the trade-offs between weather conditions, prices, and tourist crowds when planning your visit.

Visa Requirements and Currency Exchange

Before traveling to Thailand on a budget, it’s crucial to understand the visa requirements and currency exchange process.

Visitors from many countries can enter Thailand without a visa for a certain period of time, typically up to 30 days if arriving by air and up to 15 days if arriving overland. This is known as the visa-exemption rule. However, it’s essential to check the specific requirements based on your nationality as some countries are granted longer visa-free stays.

If you plan to stay longer or your nationality is not eligible for visa exemption, you will need to obtain a tourist visa in advance. The tourist visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, and it can be extended once for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office. Be sure to check the current requirements and process for obtaining a tourist visa from the Thai embassy or consulate in your country.

When it comes to currency exchange, it’s best to exchange your money into Thai Baht (THB) once you arrive in Thailand. Exchange rates are typically more favorable in the country compared to exchanging currency in your home country. You can do this at international airports, banks, exchange offices, or using ATMs.

It’s important to note that while credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, carrying cash is recommended for small purchases, street food, and for emergency situations in more remote areas.

Keep in mind that some banks might charge transaction fees for international ATM withdrawals, so it’s worth checking with your bank beforehand. Look for ATMs that offer zero or minimal withdrawal fees to maximize your budget.

Lastly, it’s always a good idea to notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with your card being blocked for potential fraud detection when using it overseas.

By understanding the visa requirements and currency exchange process, you can ensure a smooth and budget-friendly experience when visiting Thailand.

Transportation Options in Thailand

Getting around in Thailand on a budget is relatively easy, thanks to the variety of transportation options available. Here are some options to consider:

• Public Transportation: Thailand has an efficient public transportation system, especially in major cities like Bangkok. The most popular mode of transport is the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, which are affordable and provide easy access to many popular tourist areas. Additionally, there are buses, songthaews (shared taxis), and tuk-tuks (auto-rickshaws) available for shorter distances. Public transportation is not only budget-friendly but also a great way to experience local life.
• Motorbike Rental: If you’re comfortable riding a motorbike, renting one can give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Motorbike rentals are widely available and relatively inexpensive. Just ensure you have a valid license, wear a helmet, and follow all traffic rules and regulations.
• Long-Distance Buses: For traveling between cities or provinces, long-distance buses are a cost-effective option. There are various bus companies providing comfortable and affordable services. Tickets can be purchased at bus stations or through online platforms.
• Trains: Thailand also has an extensive railway network connecting major cities. Trains are a scenic and affordable way to travel longer distances. You can choose from different classes, including sleeper trains for overnight journeys.
• Ferries and Boats: If you plan to visit Thailand’s beautiful islands, ferries and boats are the primary mode of transportation. These can be relatively inexpensive, especially when traveling in groups or opting for slower boats. Book your tickets in advance or at the pier.

When using transportation services, it’s essential to keep an eye out for scams or overcharging. Always agree on the price or use the meter before getting into a taxi or tuk-tuk. Additionally, using ride-hailing apps like Grab can provide more transparency and help you avoid negotiation hassles. Lastly, consider using local transportation apps or asking for recommendations from locals to ensure you’re getting the best deals.

By utilizing these transportation options, you can navigate Thailand on a budget while enjoying the convenience and flexibility of exploring this beautiful country.

Affordable Accommodation Choices

Thailand offers a wide range of affordable accommodation options for budget-conscious travelers. Here are some choices to consider:

• Guesthouses and Hostels: Guesthouses and hostels are popular among backpackers and budget travelers. They provide affordable dormitory-style rooms or private rooms with shared facilities. These accommodations often have communal areas where you can meet fellow travelers, making them a great choice for socializing.
• Budget Hotels: Thailand has a variety of budget hotels that offer comfortable and clean rooms at affordable prices. These hotels often provide basic amenities such as air conditioning, private bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. Look for budget hotel chains or local guesthouses that offer good value for money.
• Homestays: For a more authentic and immersive experience, consider staying in a homestay. This option allows you to stay with a local family and experience their way of life. Homestays are often more affordable than hotels and provide an opportunity to connect with the local culture.
• Apartments and Vacation Rentals: If you’re traveling with a group or planning a longer stay, renting an apartment or vacation rental can be a budget-friendly option. These accommodations provide more space, a kitchenette, and the opportunity to cook your own meals, helping you save on dining expenses.
• Camping and Beach Huts: If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Thailand offers camping grounds and beach huts in certain areas. Camping can be a budget-friendly option, and beach huts provide a unique experience close to the ocean. Just make sure to check the availability and facilities before your trip.

When searching for budget accommodations, it’s important to consider factors such as location, safety, and reviews from previous guests. Websites and apps like Booking.com, Airbnb, and Hostelworld can provide a wide range of options based on your preferences and budget.

Additionally, if you’re flexible with your travel plans, consider booking accommodations during the low season or weekdays when prices tend to be lower. Some properties also offer discounted rates for extended stays.

By researching and choosing the right affordable accommodation option that suits your needs, you can stretch your budget while enjoying a comfortable stay in Thailand.

Food and Dining on a Budget

One of the best things about Thailand is its delicious and affordable street food. When it comes to dining on a budget, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Street Food: Street food vendors are abundant in Thailand, offering a wide variety of tasty and inexpensive dishes. From pad Thai and green curry to fresh fruit shakes and grilled skewers, you can find a plethora of options to satisfy your cravings. Just look for crowded stalls with locals, as it’s a sign of both delicious food and cleanliness.
• Local Markets and Food Courts: Explore local markets and food courts, especially in larger cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. These places offer a diverse range of affordable food options, where you can sample different dishes and flavors. Look for “hawker centers” or food areas within malls for a wide selection at reasonable prices.
• Eating Like a Local: Follow the locals’ lead when it comes to dining on a budget. Eat where the locals eat, as these places tend to be more affordable and authentic. Choose restaurants or food stalls with no-frills ambiance and simple but delicious food.
• Food Portions: Portions in Thailand are often generous, so consider sharing meals or ordering smaller portions if you’re traveling alone or have a smaller appetite. This can help you save money and avoid wasting food.
• BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle): If you enjoy a drink with your meal, keep in mind that many budget-friendly restaurants in Thailand allow you to bring your own alcoholic beverages without charging a corkage fee. Buy your preferred beverages from a local store and enjoy them with your meal.

While street food is generally safe to eat, it’s important to take precautions to avoid any foodborne illnesses. Look for vendors with clean cooking practices, ensure that the food is cooked fresh, and drink bottled water. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, communicate your needs clearly to the vendors.

Lastly, don’t forget to indulge in the wonderful array of tropical fruits available in Thailand. They are not only delicious but also a refreshing and healthy option for a budget-friendly snack.

By exploring street food stalls, local markets, and eating like a local, you can savor the mouthwatering flavors of Thailand without putting a strain on your wallet.

Budget-Friendly Activities and Sightseeing

Thailand offers a wealth of budget-friendly activities and sightseeing opportunities that won’t break the bank. Here are some recommendations:

• Visit Temples: Thailand is famous for its stunning temples, and many of them can be explored for free or at a nominal entrance fee. Visit iconic temples such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun in Bangkok, or explore the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya. Remember to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting temples.
• Explore Night Markets: Night markets are a vibrant part of Thai culture and a great way to experience the local atmosphere. Browse through stalls selling unique handicrafts, clothing, and delectable street food. Don’t forget to bargain for the best prices!
• Enjoy Nature: Thailand is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. Explore national parks, hike through lush jungles, relax on pristine beaches, or take a dip in natural hot springs. Many of these natural attractions have minimal or no entrance fees.
• Join Free Walking Tours: Several cities in Thailand offer free walking tours, led by knowledgeable local guides, that provide insights into the history and culture of the area. These tours are a fantastic way to explore the city’s landmarks and neighborhoods without spending a dime.
• Participate in Thai Festivals: Thailand is known for its lively and colorful festivals, and many of them are free to attend. From the iconic Songkran water festival to the Yi Peng lantern festival, immersing yourself in these cultural celebrations is a memorable experience.
• Discover Local Museums: Thailand has a rich and fascinating history, and visiting local museums can offer valuable insights. Many museums have affordable or discounted entrance fees and provide a deeper understanding of Thai art, history, and culture.
• Try Traditional Thai Massage: Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Thai massage. Many massage schools and spas offer affordable rates, allowing you to experience this therapeutic treatment without breaking the bank.

Remember to check for any discounts, promotions, or free admission days at various attractions. Additionally, research and plan your itinerary in advance to maximize your time and make the most of the budget-friendly activities available.

Thailand offers a wealth of experiences for budget travelers, allowing you to immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture, natural beauty, and vibrant atmosphere without stretching your finances.

Shopping Tips for Bargain Hunters

Thailand is a shopper’s paradise, and for budget-conscious travelers, it offers plenty of opportunities to find great deals. If you’re a bargain hunter looking to make the most of your shopping experience, here are some tips:

• Explore Street Markets: Street markets are a treasure trove of affordable finds. From clothing and accessories to handicrafts and souvenirs, you’ll find a wide range of items at reasonable prices. Visit famous markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok or the Walking Street Market in Chiang Mai.
• Bargain and Negotiate: Haggling is a common practice in Thai markets, especially in smaller shops or street stalls. Don’t hesitate to negotiate and ask for a lower price. Polite bargaining can often result in significant savings.
• Shop in Local Neighborhoods: Instead of sticking to touristy areas, venture into local neighborhoods to discover hidden gems and smaller shops with competitive prices. These areas offer a more authentic shopping experience and the opportunity to find unique products.
• Look for Wholesale Markets: Wholesale markets, such as Pratunam Market in Bangkok, offer bulk deals and lower prices compared to retail shops. Consider buying in larger quantities if you’re shopping for souvenirs to get a better price per item.
• Shop at Outlet Malls: Thailand has several outlet malls where you can find brand-name products at discounted prices. These malls often have sales and promotions, offering a chance to purchase quality items at a fraction of the original price.
• Consider Secondhand Shopping: Thrift stores and secondhand shops are gaining popularity in Thailand. Explore these shops for unique clothing, vintage items, and affordable accessories. You never know what hidden treasures you might find!
• Check Tax Refund Options: If you’re a non-resident in Thailand, you may be eligible for a VAT refund on eligible purchases. Look for shops displaying the “VAT Refund for Tourists” sign and inquire about the tax refund process before making your purchases.

It’s important to be aware of counterfeit goods, especially when purchasing high-end branded products at deeply discounted prices. Use your judgment, research authentic product details, and shop at reputable stores to avoid buying counterfeit items.

Lastly, don’t forget to leave some space in your luggage for all the amazing finds you’ll discover during your shopping spree in Thailand!

Health and Safety in Thailand

Thailand is generally a safe destination for travelers, but it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure a healthy and safe trip. Here are some health and safety tips to keep in mind:

• Travel Insurance: It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergencies. In the event of illness, injury, or unforeseen circumstances, having comprehensive travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection.
• Stay Hydrated: Thailand’s tropical climate can be hot and humid, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink bottled water or opt for sealed water bottles and avoid tap water. If you’re unsure about the cleanliness of local water, it’s best to stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
• Food and Hygiene: To avoid foodborne illnesses, stick to freshly cooked foods and avoid undercooked or raw dishes. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the food stalls or restaurants, and consider eating where there is a high turnover of customers. Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer before eating.
• Mosquito Protection: Thailand is known for mosquitoes, especially in certain regions. Protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever and Zika virus by using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in accommodations with screens on windows or air conditioning.
• Personal Safety: Thailand is generally a safe country, but it’s always important to take basic safety precautions. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, and use hotel safes to store your belongings.
• Transportation Safety: When using transportation in Thailand, it’s important to prioritize safety. Choose reputable taxi services, use seat belts in cars or wear helmets when riding motorbikes, and be cautious when crossing the street. Follow all safety regulations and guidelines for your chosen mode of transportation.
• Medical Facilities: Familiarize yourself with the location of hospitals and clinics in the areas you’ll be visiting. Many major cities in Thailand have reputable healthcare facilities, but it’s important to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses in case of emergencies.

It’s a good practice to consult with a healthcare professional or travel clinic before your trip to Thailand. They can provide advice on vaccinations, medications, and any specific health concerns based on your individual needs.

By following these health and safety tips, you can enjoy a worry-free and safe journey while exploring the wonders that Thailand has to offer.

Thailand is a dream destination for budget travelers who want to explore its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine without breaking the bank. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can experience all that Thailand has to offer while staying within your budget.

From choosing the right time to visit and understanding visa requirements to exploring affordable accommodations, indulging in delicious street food, and discovering budget-friendly activities and shopping options, there are ample opportunities to make the most of your trip to Thailand without overspending.

Remember to plan ahead, research the best deals, and be open to immersing yourself in the local culture. Engage in bargaining at markets, try street food delicacies, visit temples, and partake in budget-friendly activities that allow you to experience the true essence of Thailand.

While enjoying your journey, prioritize your health and safety by staying hydrated, being mindful of the food you consume, protecting yourself from mosquito bites, and taking necessary precautions. Don’t forget to have travel insurance to provide you with peace of mind throughout your trip.

Thailand has something for every type of traveler, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, or simply a memorable budget-friendly experience. With proper planning and smart choices, you can create lifelong memories while exploring this enchanting country on a budget.

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Thailand trip cost: How much should you budget for your Thailand trip?

Budget Thailand: Is Thailand cheap?

If you are planning a trip to Thailand and wondering about the cost, the first thing you need to know is that the budget for your Thailand trip needs to be personalised depending on the type of vacation you want.

Essentially, travelling to Thailand can cost as much or as little as you are willing to spend. To cut costs, you can stay in $3 USD rooms, or to pamper yourself you can luxuriate in $1,000 USD resorts; enjoy street food for cheap or splash out in gourmet restaurants.

Depending on whether you’re heading to Thailand for a weekend getaway, long spiritual trip, shopping trip, a luxury vacation or just backpacking: the budget can vary significantly!

We’ve compiled some budgeting advice to help you make the most of your trip to Thailand.

How to plan your trip to Thailand cost?

• What is a reasonable budget for your trip to Thailand?
• Thailand hotel prices
• Thailand food prices

Price of alcohol and nightlife in Thailand

Thailand trip cost: what is a reasonable budget.

Understanding price ranges for your trip to Thailand is a good place to start – are you planning a low budget, mid-range, or top-end budget vacation?

Low budget (between $35 to $49 a day) – For cheap Thailand holidays

This price range will get you a basic guesthouse room or shared dorm with a shared bathroom, street food, couple of drinks, few local tours, and public transport around town. Around $35 a day is the perfect budget for a backpacker. However, you may need to forgo any trips to the nightclubs and fancy bars or ensure you pre-drink at the guesthouse or dorm.

But visiting Thailand is an experience and if you’re spending more time on the islands where things tend to be more expensive, we recommend budgeting towards the higher end or even upwards of $40 a day.

Mid-range budget ($50 – $150 per day) – For comfortable Thailand holidays

On a mid-range budget, you would be able to experience a lot more of what Thailand has to offer, including multiple destinations, splurge on a few delicious seafood dinners and fancy meals, take in more tours and activities, and upgrade your hotel experience.

High-end budget (over $150 per day) – For luxurious Thailand holidays

If you’re looking to stay in expensive resorts, eat mostly Western food, drink a lot, do a lot of tours, and fly a lot, you should consider spending around $150–200 per day. With that kind of budget in Thailand, the sky’s the limit!

Here’s a more detailed breakdown to give you a better sense of what you will need to spend on your next visit to the land of smiles.

READ MORE: What is the best time to go to Thailand?

How to budget for Thailand hotel prices

Now, let us look at hotel costs in Thailand. Just like most countries, hotel prices in Thailand also depend on the location that you are looking at.

It is easy to find high-quality accommodation for less than 1,000 Baht ($30 USD) a night in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, but once you head to popular tourist islands like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Tao, finding decent cheap accommodation gets difficult due to higher demand.

To avoid disappointment and skyrocketing prices you should book your accommodation ahead of time in more popular areas, especially during peak times such as the July/August and December/January periods.

A pro-tip is to avoid large Western hotel chains and stay in local, independently owned places to help you save money. It will also give you a more local experience that you often miss when staying in international hotels.

To help you make a better informed decision, we have put together a simple cost structure that highlights what you can get based on your rough budget.

It is important to remember that these costs do vary depending on which city you travel to and whether or not it is peak period, but should be a very easy-to-follow guide to allow you a good idea of how much you should put aside for accommodation on your next Thailand trip.

READ MORE: What to pack for a trip to Thailand?

What to know about Thailand food prices

Food is generally extremely affordable in Thailand. Street food and open-air restaurants will always be cheaper than eating at your hotel or at a Western restaurant.

For example, 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 $1), especially outside of tourist areas.

Other delicious must-tries such as Thai curry can be enjoyed for 60 – 90 Baht (around $2-$3), and sometimes for as little as an additional 20 Baht (less than a dollar), you get some freshly cooked rice. The average cost of a basic Thai meal in a restaurant is 90 – 150 Baht (approximately $3-$5), but seafood can cost more.

However, as you explore more into Thai cuisine or experiment with the fusion dishes or fine dining options, it can exponentially increase the amount of money you should budget.

A pro-tip when it comes to food, is to make the most of the street food in Thailand, as it is delicious, cooked fresh every day and often quite a nutritious and adventurous cuisine.

Just like with the hotels, to help you set your budget for your trip and ensure you still get to experience all that the amazing Thai cuisine has to offer, we have put together a rough budget guide.

READ MORE: Thailand food – Exploring the flavoursome tastes of Thai cuisine

Your trip to Thailand can get a lot more expensive if you make the most of all the exciting nightlife opportunities.

If you’ve come to Thailand to party, make sure you have room for it in your budget! While not all night outs and parties need to involve alcohol, chances are you may like to indulge once in a while, so be prepared to spend some of your hard earned cash for an unforgettable night out.

You can buy beer and cigarettes at cheap prices from any convenience store. In bars, alcohol will cost a bit more. Small bottled beers are around 70 Baht ($2.20) and spirits are around the same price. Cocktails are made strong, and can usually be bought for 100 Baht ($3.20) per glass or around 450 Baht ($14.40) for a bucket which serves four.

Bars and clubs don’t usually charge for entry in Thailand, but if you want to attend events like the Full Moon or Half Moon party, add another $25 to your budget for a ticket.

Again, prices will vary depending on where you go – pavement bars are generally cheaper, but if you go to fancier places like the Bangkok Millennium Hilton , you should be ready to pay as much as 300 Baht ($9.60) a cocktail.

Here’s another pro-tip, do the same thing as you would back home – have pre-drinks in your room just to get the party started early and avoid paying the hefty markup at the bars or clubs. You’ll still be able to dance the night away, while staying in control of the budget.

To help you better budget your night out, we have put together this rough guide.

READ MORE: A guide to Thailand nightlife – How to make the best of your time in Thailand after dark

Overall, it is recommended to customise a budget for a trip to Thailand based on your preferences. Before your trip, think about the places you want to explore.

Chiang Mai, Pai, Chiang Rai, and other northern cities will tend to be very cheap, with costs increasing as you head south, especially to the islands. Other factors to consider are the time of year you’re visiting, the type of food you’d like to eat, and how many tours and excursions you’re hoping to take part in.

We hope our budget guide will help you make an informed decision for your next Thailand trip.

Don’t miss out on our Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide for tips on everything you need to know when planning your trip to Thailand so you can make the most of your time in the Land of Smiles!

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2024 BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget

If backpacking were a college degree, Bangkok would have to be the 101 course.

Not only is Bangkok the the most visited city in the world, it also considered the global epicenter of backpacking culture. The famed Banana Pancake Trail, perhaps Asia’s most used travel route, often starts and ends in the Thai capital. No shock there, given that it sits at the heart of mainland Southeast Asia, boasts affordable prices, serves delicious local cuisine, and is home to some of the most hospitable people you’ll ever meet. Best of all, even during the pandemic, it remains tourist-friendly.

We have just arrived from our ninth — yes, 9th — Bangkok visit, and in this article, we’ll share with you all the tips and latest updates we’ve collected.

ESSENTIAL BANGKOK LINKS

Before we dive into the details, here’s a list of links to some of our recommended hotels, tours, attractions, and other must-haves, for easy reference in the future.

Top Bangkok Hotels Find Deals on Agoda! Top Day Tours on Klook Ayutthaya Day Tour Floating Market & Railway Market Tour Pattaya Day Tour Transportation Passes BTS Rabbit Card BTS One-Day Pass Internet Connection Data SIM Card Pocket Wifi

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING BANGKOK

Bangkok is the capital and the commercial, economic, and political center of Thailand. The name Bangkok is an exonym, something that foreigners use. Thais call it Krung Thep (meaning City of Angels), short for its official name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon , which is also a shortened version of its full, ceremonial name: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

At first glance, Bangkok appears as your typical highly-urbanized metropolis, but a closer look reveals it remains very much in touch with its past. The city’s roots as the capital can be traced back to 1782, when King Rama I, after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, ordered the people to move south and establish a new center at a more militarily strategic location along the Chao Phraya River. Many of Bangkok’s most visited attractions today were built under King Rama I, including the Grand Palace complex and the other temples that will be discussed in the guide.

Here are a few more facts you need to know:

• Language : Thai. For newly exposed non-native speakers, it can be quite intimidating, especially its lengthy words. It’s also a tonal language, i.e. the meaning changes with the tone. But many road and establishment signs are also written in Latin alphabet. English isn’t normally spoken. You’ll encounter taxi drivers and vendors who cannot speak English. But most younger locals can. And what the Thais lack in English fluency, they make up for with their friendly attitude toward tourists.
• Timezone: UTC+07:00 (ICT – Indochina Time), year round. No daylight saving time observed. Same time zone as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Thailand, in general, is one hour behind the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia.
• Currency : Thai Baht (THB, ฿). TTHB100 is roughly USD 2.89, EUR 2.72, SGD 3.9, PHP 161 (as of December 2022).
• Modes of payment : Cash. Although some restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, smaller establishments prefer cash.
• Religion: Buddhism is the predominant religion, practiced by almost 93% of the population. Most others identify with Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Confucianism.

WHERE TO STAY IN BANGKOK

Best area to stay.

Bangkok is a vast city, and many of the key attractions are spread apart. Thankfully, there are also plenty of neighborhoods that are ideal places to stay. What’s best depends on why you’re in Bangkok in the first place.

• If you’re on a budget , SIAM and SILOM have a good selection of hostels and budget hotels, especially the areas around BTS National Stadium Station or MRT Ratchathewi in Siam and BTS Sala Daeng and MRT Si Lom in Silom. From any of these, most of the attractions easily accessible, ensuring savings on transportation. Cheap food spots are also scattered around these districts.
• If you’re backpacking or after Bangkok’s wild nightlife, the KHAO SAN area should be your top choice. Khao San Road is loud, but it is where backpackers from around the world congregate. The area also harbors countless hostels and other lodging options for budget travelers. It’s also easily accessible from the Grand Palace and the city’s popular temples.
• If you’re here to shop ’til you drop , the PRATUNAM and SIAM areas are ideal because of the many bargain centers and shopping malls around.
• If you wish to experience modern Bangkok, the SUKHUMVIT area has a lot of dining, shopping, and clubbing options, including many of its famed rooftop bars. It’s also where most expats are based, creating a more cosmopolitan vibe.
• If you’re a foodie , SILOM and CHINATOWN are home to some of the best but affordable food spots in the city. Silom is the business district with the Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s largest green space, at its center, ensuring a balance between quiet and chaos. The BANGLAMPHU area (near the Democracy Monument and Khao San Road) also has a great selection of Michelin-listed pocket-friendly restaurants.

All these areas are conveniently located because there are BTS/MRT stations nearby. Well, almost. The only exception is KHAO SAN / BANGLAMPHU, which is a 30-minute walk away from the nearest BTS Station (Sam Yot) . But Khao San is close to a pier, where you can board a boat to get to key attractions along Chao Phraya River. Other than that, tuktuk and taxi are the main transportation options to and from Khao San. That said, I can still recommend staying there, especially if you wish to have a taste of Bangkok’s backpacking culture.

If you prefer to stay somewhere easily accessible, the SILOM and SIAM areas are my top recommendations. Both have a number of BTS/MRT stations and offer a little bit of every thing that the other districts have to offer — good food, shopping, and nightlife.

Top Budget Hotels & Hostels in Bangkok

Here are some of the top-reviewed hostels and budget hotels on Agoda that won’t break the bank:

• Tamni , near Hua Lamphong Station & Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Daraya Hostel , Siam. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Siam Eco Hostel , Siam. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Kinnon Deluxe Hostel , Silom. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• HOSTEL URBY , Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Baan Kun Mhor Hostel , Chatuchak. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• LOBSUEK Hostel หลบศึก โฮสเทล, Khao San Area. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• VIX Bangkok @ Victory Monument. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Lub d Bangkok Siam Hostel , Siam. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Top Mid-Range/Upscale Hotels in Bangkok

If you have a bigger budget, here are the top properties on Agoda:

• Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, Siam/Silom. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Carlton Hotel Bangkok , Sukhumvit. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Bangkok , Sukhumvit. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Old Capital Bike Inn , Khao San area. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• ASAI Bangkok Chinatown . Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Ago Hotel Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Bangkok Hotels

How to get to bangkok.

Bangkok is one of the busiest and most connected cities in the world. If you’re living in a major city, chances are, there’s a direct flight from where you are to Bangkok.

The city is served by two airports:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) , the newer and bigger airport, serving most airlines, except a few low-cost carriers. It’s situated east of the city proper, roughly 1 hour away.
• Don Mueang Airport (DMK) , serving mostly AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and TigerAir Taiwan. It lies north of the city center, 45 minutes to 1 hour away, depending on traffic conditions.

Manila to Bangkok

If you’re flying from Manila, it’s easy to find direct, non-stop flights to Bangkok as multiple airlines operate this route. As of this writing, here are your options:

TO SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT (BKK)

• Philippine Airlines
• Cebu Pacific Air
• Thai Airways

TO DON MUEANG AIRPORT (DMK)

• Philippines AirAsia

Travel time: 3.5 to 4 hours.

For our most recent visit, we flew with Philippine Airlines for many reasons:

• 30 kg check-in baggage allowance. Most other airlines only provide 20kg. Although we had been to Bangkok many times before, this would be the first time we intended to go shopping here. Bangkok is a retail paradise, so bargain hunters can easily have a field day at any of their shopping centers. It turned out to be a great decision because we really did use almost the entire 30 kg.
• FREE rebooking. There were a lot of uncertainties about this recent trip. When we booked our tickets, we still weren’t decided yet on how long we wanted to stay in Thailand. It was a multi-city trip and we weren’t sure if we also wanted to visit Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. We wanted more flexibility, just in case. As of this writing, PAL doesn’t charge additional rebooking fees if the new flight is within 60 days after the original flight. (But double check first because airline policies change often these days.) Fare difference still needs to be settled, though.

HOW TO GET TO DOWNTOWN BANGKOK

Just in case you missed it, Bangkok has two airports: Don Mueang Airport (DMK) , located 25 km north of the city center, and the new Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) , 30 km west of the city center.

We’ll be creating a more detailed guide about this. But here’s a condensed rundown of the ways to get to downtown Bangkok from either airport.

Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok City Center

The AIRPORT RAIL LINK is the fastest way to get to the city proper because you’ll be dodging Bangkok’s infamous traffic jams. You can find the station at the basement of the airport’s passenger terminal. There’s a train every 15 minutes from 6am to 12 midnight (every 10 minutes within the peak hours).

It’s connected to the city’s BTS Skytrain at two stations: Makkasan (฿35) and Phayathai (฿45), the last station. Travel time: around 25 minutes.

Depending on where your hotel is located, you can switch lines.

• To SUKHUMVIT or SILOM Area: You can connect at either Makkasan or Phayathai Station. Find out the station closest to your hotel and transfer to either the MRT Blue Line at Makkasan Station (then to Petchaburi Station) or to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line) at Phayatai Station.
• To SIAM Area: Alight at Phayathai Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). Catch a train bound for Kheha. Get off at Siam Station (or whatever station is closest to your final destination).
• To VICTORY MONUMENT Area: Connect at Phayathai Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). Catch a train bound for Kho Khot. Alight at Victory Monument Station.
• To KHAO SAN Area: Alight at Makkasan Station, transfer to MRT Blue Line at Petchaburi Station, and get off at Sam Yot Station. From here, take a cab, tuktuk or Grab to Khao San.

By Taxi or Grab

If you’re a group or if you have heavy luggage in tow, consider taking a cab or book a Grab car straight from the airport (especially if you’ll be staying Khao San area). If you opt for a taxi, always insist on using the meter.

Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

TAXI RATES: Fare: around ฿400 Airport surcharge: ฿50 Highway toll fees: ฿75

GRAB RATES: ฿530 and ฿600, inclusive of toll fee or highway fee. This is based on the experience of our team.

Don Mueang Airport to Bangkok City Center

According to reports, the Don Mueang Airport was finally connected to Bangkok’s train network in August 2022. I say “according to reports” because we haven’t tried this ourselves yet.

From the airport, you can walk to the Don Mueang Station, along the SRT Dark Red Line . Board the train bound for Bang Sue and alight there, at the last stop. Transfer to the MRT Blue Line.

• To SILOM Area: Most stations in Silom are along the Blue Line, so just get off at the station closest to your hotel.
• To SIAM Area: Alight at Chatuchak Park Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line) at Mochit Station. Catch a train bound for Kheha. Get off at Siam Station (or whatever station is closest to your final destination).
• To VICTORY MONUMENT Area: Connect at Phayathai Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). Catch a train bound for Kheha. Alight at Victory Monument Station.
• To SUKHUMVIT Area: The Sukhumvit area has a lot of stations that are either along the MRT Blue Line or the BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). If the closest station to your hotel is along the Blue Line, it’s going to be easy because you’re already on the same line. If your hotel is closer to a Light Green line, alight at Chatuchak Park and transfer at Mochit Station. Then, board a train bound for Kheha.
• To KHAO SAN Area: Alight at Sam Yot Station (along the same Blue Line) and take a cab, tuktuk or Grab to Khao San.

If, for whatever reason, you do not like taking the train straight from Don Mueang Airport, you can also take the bus and the switch to BTS/MRT. And follow the steps above.

There are direct buses from Don Mueang Airport to select destinations around Bangkok.

• To MOCHIT BUS TERMINAL: Bus A1
• To BTS MO CHIT STATION: Bus A1
• To VICTORY MONUMENT: Bus A2
• To BTS RATCHADAMRI STATION: Bus A3
• To LUMPHINI PARK: Bus A3
• To KHAO SAN ROAD: Bus A4

Fare: ฿30-50 , depending on route

To see the complete list of stops, visit this page .

If you want a more straightforward journey, consider taking a cab or book a Grab car straight from the airport (especially if you’ll be staying Khao San area).

Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic Fare: around ฿540 (including ฿50 airport surcharge)

If you opt for a taxi, always insist on using the meter.

POCKET WIFI AND DATA SIM CARD IN BANGKOK

Data Sim Card

This is the cheapest and most convenient option. Klook has two main options: TrueMove and dTac. Both offer:

• 15GB data for up to 16 days
• Internet connection anywhere in Thailand
• Inclusive of FREE call credits
• Pickup at Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Muang Airport

✅ RESERVE TRUEMOVE DATA SIM HERE!

✅ RESERVE DTAC DATA SIM HERE!

Pocket Wifi

If your phone is locked to your home network or you have more devices to connect, you can rent a pocket wifi. You’ll find many wifi rental booths around Bangkok, but if you want to stay connected from the get-go, you can reserve one in advance via Klook and just pick it up at the airport, either at Don Muang Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport.

If you’re coming from Manila, you can also get one at NAIA Terminal 3. Either way, they can accommodate up to five devices at one.

✅ RESERVE POCKET WIFI – BANGKOK PICKUP!

✅ RESERVE POCKET WIFI – NAIA PICKUP!

HOW TO GET AROUND BANGKOK

The Thais have their own address system and first timers in Bangkok can be easily disoriented. Wikitravel explains it really well: “Large roads such as Silom or Sukhumvit are thanon while the side streets branching off from them are called soi. Sois are numbered, with even numbers on one side and odd numbers on the other side. Thus, an address like 25 Sukhumvit Soi 3 means house number 25 on the 3rd soi of Sukhumvit Road.”

Although it is not as sweat-free as in Hong Kong or Singapore, commuting in Bangkok is quite easy. Vehicular traffic can get crazy during rush hour though. But if you’re used to the giant parking lot that runs across Manila called EDSA, you’ll be fine in Bangkok (or any other Southeast Asian city for that matter).

Getting around via public transportation means using one or more of these four modes:

• Train (BTS Skytrain/MRT) . Bangkok’s train system is fast and reliable, and will take you to many attractions throughout the city. I always find myself taking the train most of the time because many attractions are located close to a station. Also, it allows me to bypass traffic jams especially during rush hours. Although connected at a few stations, the BTS and the MRT are completely separate systems, run by different managements and use different tickets. The fares for both are similar, ranging from 16 to 52 baht. Most stations have a counter than can break your large bills and a ticket machine that accepts bills. For a more convenient journey on BTS, use a Rabbit Card (stored-value ticket) or a One-Day Pass (unlimited rides for 1 day).
• Boat . The two boat services operating in Bangkok are the Chao Phraya Express Boat, which plies up and down the Chao Phraya River and is popular among tourists for it stops at many of the city’s most popular landmarks; and the Saen Saep Express Boat, used mostly by locals who commute to work. The Chao Phraya boat is the best option for you if you intend to visit the Grand Palace complex (at Tha Chang) and Wat Pho (at Tha Tien), and Khao San Road (at Phra Athit) within one day! Both the Chao Phraya TOURIST BOAT and the cheaper ORANGE-FLAG BOAT will make a stop at these key tourist attractions. Fare: tourist boat, ฿50 single ride or ฿180 for day pass; orange-flag boat, ฿15 flat rate.
• Taxi/Grab . If my destination is too far from a train or boat station, I would just hail a cab. A ride costs more than in Manila but nowhere near the rates in Hong Kong or Singapore. The flagdown is 35 baht and the average ride within the city is probably around 100. You might encounter cab drivers who take advantage of tourists by not using the meter and then overcharging. If the driver refuses to use the meter, just get off the vehicle. Know that all cabs in Bangkok must use the meter. Many of these drivers wait for tourist passengers at the popular attractions like temples and Khao San Road.
• Tuktuk. I didn’t even bother. They are very expensive, even more expensive than cabs, and many (not all, but it’s hard to know) are involved in scams. If you really want to try for the heck of it, just agree on the price first.

THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND BANGKOK

Before we enumerate the many attractions waiting for you in Bangkok, allow us to introduce KLOOK PASS BANGKOK & PATTAYA . This ticket will give you up to 45% discount. The pass is valid for 30 days upon confirmation.

How it works is simple. With this pass, you’ll have access to a number of attractions. You get to choose how many and what these attractions will be. The first step is to choose how many attractions you want your pass to cover and purchase the pass. Once paid, you can go to the BOOKING section or your app or account, and redeem it. Say, if you purchase a 3-attraction pass, you can book up to 3 attractions from the list. Some attractions might also require you to reserve afterwards.

Here are the attractions in Bangkok and Phuket that you may choose from:

Mahanakhon Skywalk

Siam amazing park.

• Safari World
• SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
• Madame Tussauds Bangkok
• Pororo Aquapark
• Sanctuary of Truth
• Dream World
• Frost Magical Ice of Siam
• Underwater World
• Ancient City Museum
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
• Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha
• Wat Pho & Wat Arun Walking Tour
• One More Thai Massage
• Chao Phara Princess Dinner Cruise
• Alcazar Cabaret Show
• Tiffany’s Show
• Bangkok Hop on Hop Off Bus

✅ CHECK RATES & GET PASS HERE!

How much you save depends on what you book. Regardless of the attractions you use it on, the price of the pass remains the same. So what we recommend is to use this pass on pricey attractions.

Here are examples on how you could save using this pass:

Grand Palace and Temples Tour

If you’re fit and you enjoy walking, you’ll be glad to know that many of the city’s key attractions are located within walking distance of each other. For example, Bangkok’s most popular temples and shrines, Chinatown, and even Siriraj Forensic Museum are easily accessible from the Chao Phraya River and can be easily visited in one day.

How to get there : If you’re from Silom, Siam or Sukhumvit areas, take the train to Saphan Taksin Station. Take Exit 2, and walk to the boat terminal. Buy a ticket and board a boat to either Tha Thien or Tha Chang. Boat fare is ฿50 if you board the tourist boat or ฿15 if orange-flag boat.

Here are the usual stops:

• Grand Palace. A complex of structures, pavilions, and courtyards including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The entrance fee also includes admission to “Khon: Thai Classical Masked Dance”. Boat stop: Tha Chang Pier (No. 9). Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Ticket counters close at 3:30 PM). Entrance fee: ฿500.
• Wat Arun. Probably the most recognizable landmark in Bangkok with a 70m tall spire (called prang). Boat stop: Tha Thien pier (N8) and then cross the river on a smaller boat. Opening hours: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM Entrance fee: ฿100, inclusive of bottled water.
• Wat Pho. Famed for the enormous reclining Buddha that it houses. Boat stop: Tha Thien pier (N8) and then walk up the perpendicular road to Wat Pho. Opening hours: 8:00 AM-6:30 PM Entrance fee: ฿200, inclusive of bottled water.

Dress Code : The rule is to have your shoulders, knees, and heels covered. The following are not allowed:

• Shorts, short skirts, mini-skirts, tight fitting trousers
• Torn trousers/pants
• Sando, vests, sleeveless shirts
• See-through shirts

The management used to rent out pants to inadequately dressed tourists, but perhaps because of the pandemic, they only sell those now for ฿200 apiece.

Although it’s completely possible to pull this off DIY-style, it’s still much more recommended to join a guided tour so you have better appreciation of each site. These are historic and cultural landmarks that hold so much significance for the Thai people. You can book a guided tour on Klook, which includes all entrance fees, boat transfer fee, insurance, and the service of an English-speaking guide.

✅ CHECK ITINERARY & BOOK HERE!

Floating Markets & Railway Market

Aside from its ornate spires and temples, Bangkok is also best known for its floating markets. But the truth is, these boat-navigated markets are actually located outside the capital. Two of the most accessible are:

• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi Province
• Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram

A visit entails boarding a small boat as you negotiate the market canals. Plenty of souvenir and food options around!

Another market that has been attracting throngs of tourists is the Marklong Railway Market. Yes, railway, because it’s set up along the train tracks. And when a train chugs along, watch and be amazed by how the vendors make way for it. You can also spend an hour chilling at a railway cafe.

Klook has tours that combine Maeklong Railway Market with either Damnoen or Amphawa Market — your choice. There are several departure times available so choose the most convenient for you.

✅ CHECK RATES & OPTIONS HERE!

At 314 meters tall, King Power Mahanakhon is one of Thailand’s tallest buildings, housing a hotel, residential units and tourist attractions. From the outside, it looks like a pixelated skyscraper, a design that easily captivates. Inside, a multimedia elevator will take you to the highest outdoor observation deck in the country, allowing a magnificent view of Bangkok and surrounding areas.

But most visitors are here for the Skywalk. Atop the building is an area with a glass floor that you may walk on, creating a nerve-wracking but pretty mind-blowing experience.

You need to wear the shoe covers provided onsite before you’re allowed to step on it. And mobile phones (and other loose items) are NOT allowed within the glass tray area. This means that you won’t be able to take a selfie while on the glass. If you’re after photos, best to visit with someone else. Or if you’re traveling alone, make friends with other solo visitors and just take photos of each other.

Location: 114 1 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok Nearest Station: Chong Nonsi BTS Station Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Mahanakhon SkyWalk); Entrance Fee: Mahanakhon SkyWalk (Indoor & Rooftop) – Adult, ฿836; Child (3-15 y/o), ฿250; Senior (Above 60 y/o), ฿250.

Only a limited number of tickets are sold per day, so it’s best to book in advance. You can reserve online via Klook! You can also check out other Mahanakhon experience package options and choose the one that suits your preference.

✅ RESERVE A TICKET HERE!

Bangkok Nightlife

No Bangkok trip is complete without getting a taste of its (in)famous nightlife. We already mentioned Khao San Road , the backpacker mecca. It is crowded, loud, and wild. Thunderous music from nightclubs and the delicious smell of street food fill the air, while tourists fill every vacant seat, table and corner.

Aside from Khao San, Bangkok has several other nightlife districts! Most clubs and bars are safe, but as in any other major city, not all. Scams targeting tourists do exist at some establishments. You’ve probably heard about tourists entering a bar and then not being allowed to leave without paying a hefty price for a ridiculously overpriced drink.

If you want to try Bangkok nightlife and make sure you’re in good hands, you may join a guided tour. Klook has two main options: a bar hopping tour , more like a pub crawl, and a Hangover tour , where you get to visit the bars featured in The Hangover 2 movie (including a ping pong show)!

✅ JOIN HANGOVER TOUR HERE!

✅ BOOK BAR HOPPING TOUR HERE!

Dream World Bangkok

Bangkok has its fair share of theme parks, too! And on top of that list is Dream World , a 25-hectare adventure park featuring over 40 rides, shows, and other attractions, spread around four key zones!

Some of the most popular rides are the cable car, Sky Coaster (rollercoaster), Tornado, Vikings (pendulum ride), and Grand Canyon (water rapids)!

ENTRANCE FEE

• Dream World Visa (26 rides with unlimited time per ride EXCEPT Alien, Bump Car, and Haunted House, which can be enjoyed once only): ฿600
• Dream World Super Visa (includes all the rides for unlimited time): ฿1,000
• Children below 90cm : FREE

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The schedule might change, so it’s best to check updated opening hours before going. Location: 62 Moo 1, Rangsit-Ongkharak Road (Km.7), Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani How to Get to Dream World: From Victory Monument BTS Station, take Bus No. 523 or 538 to Dream World.

Dream World is very popular even among locals, so you might want to book your ticket in advance to skip the line. You may also add transfers.

✅ GET SKIP-THE-LINE TICKETS HERE!

The Siam Amazing Park is the largest theme park in Thailand and is home to the largest wave pool in the world (according to the Guinness World Records). You can also enjoy exhilarating rides including Southeast Asia’s first suspended looping coaster with five inversions and the 7-story water slides.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The schedule might change, so it’s best to check updated opening hours before going. Entrance Fee: Adult, ฿1000; Child, ฿850; Children below 101cm, FREE. Location: 203 Suan Sayam Road, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok How to Get There: From Victory Monument BTS Station, head towards Ko Din Daeng Bus Stop via the circular skywalk, then take Bus No. 168 or 36ก to Siam Amazing Park.

Visitors must purchase their tickets at least one day in advance. You can book online via Klook! You can also choose the package — combine your ticket with an international lunch buffet or combine it with both lunch and shared transfer.

✅ GET DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE!

Ayutthaya Day Tour

Founded in the 1350s, Ayutthaya was Siam’s old capital before it was destroyed by the Burmese. Today, however, parts of its glorious past still shine through, especially at the Ayutthaya Historical Park, where four major temples stand up to this day: Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wat Ratchaburana – the Royal Palace and Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Lying about 80 km from Bangkok, it is easily accessible and can be visited on a day trip. You can do this independently by taking public transportation and then hiring a tuktuk to tour you around. (We’ll write a separate post about it.) But if you need a guide and you want someone else to take care of everything for you, you can book with Klook.

✅ SEE OPTIONS & RESERVE HERE!

Pattaya Day Tour

Pattaya is another popular day trip destination from Bangkok, thanks mainly to its proximity, just around 150 km and roughly 2.5 hours away. The closest major beach destination to the capital, it is best known for water sports, island tours, and beach activities. But it also harbors some cultural structures like Wat Phra Yai Temple and the Sanctuary of Truth.

Jump-Off Point: Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal/Ekkamai Bus Terminal or Mo Chit Bus Terminal (Bus); Hua Lamphong Railway Station (Train) How to Get to Pattaya: By bus, go to Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal, then take the bus bound for Pattaya. The travel time is about two and a half hours. The one-way fare is ฿130-200 per person. By train, go to Hua Lamphong Station and get on a train to Pattaya. The travel time is 2-3 hours, depending on the type of train. The fare is ฿30-฿300, depending on the ticket class. The train for Pattaya normally leaves early in the morning — around 6:00 AM.

If you want a convenient roundtrip transfer between Bangkok and Pattaya, you can just join a guided tour. Klook offers Pattaya Beach and Koh Larn Coral Island Full Day Tour from Bangkok. This covers roundtrip transfers, an English-speaking guide, a Sanctuary of Truth ticket, insurance, and bottled water.

✅ CHECK RATES OR RESERVE HERE!

Muay Thai Match

If you’ve ever wanted to witness a live muay thai match, there’s no better place to make that happen than Bangkok! The two common venues are:

• Lumpinee Boxing Stadium 6 Ramintra Road, Anusawaree, Bangkok
• Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium 1 Ratcha Damnoen Nok Road, Bangkok

You can secure your slot in advance and get discounted ticket by booking online through Klook!

✅ GET LUMPINI STADIUM MATCH TICKET HERE!

✅ GET RAJADAMNERN STADIUM MATCH TICKET HERE!

Other Attractions:

• Siriraj Medical Museum . Not for the faint of heart! Also known as the Museum of Death, it houses a huge collection of artifacts gathered in the 120 years of the Siriraj Hospital’s service as a pioneer in the medical field in the country. These pieces are divided into seven smaller museums dedicated to parasitology, anatomy, and forensic science among others. It’s a must-visit for dark tourism enthusiasts and those who simply wish to learn more about these fields. How to get there : Board the SkyTrain to S6 Saphan Taksin Station, take Exit 2, and hop onto a Chao Phraya Express Boat to Siriraj Pier N10 or Tha Rot Fai Pier, both on the west side of the river. Walk a couple of blocks into the hospital complex. Follow the signs to Adulyadej Vikrom Building. The museum is on the second floor. More info : Siriraj Museum
• iconSIAM . Opened in 2018, this massive shopping mall is one of the largest in Asia. It is bursting with retail shops including luxury labels and budget-friendlier options, and the first Takashiyama Department Store in the country. But it’s best known for its indoor floating market, mimicking those in nearby provinces and showcasing local products and cuisine. Nearest Station: Charoennakorn Station (Sky Train Gold Line via Krung Thon Buri BTS Station) or Saphan Taksin BTS Station (then ferry from Sathorn Pier to IconSIAM) Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
• Bangkok Chinatown . Popular for its shops, especially near Charoenkrung Road. But there are also temples around the district. To be honest, it’s not as grand or as visually arresting as Chinatowns in other countries, unless you visit during the Chinese New Year, when the district really comes to life. How to get there: Take the Skytrain to S6 Saphan Taksin Station (BTS Silom Line), take Exit 2, and walk to the boat terminal. Buy a ticket and board a Chao Phraya Express Boat. Alight at the Ratchawong Pier (N5) and make your way on foot from Ratchawong Road to Sampeng Lane and Yaowarat Road.

WHERE TO SHOP IN BANGKOK

Here are some of the best areas to satiate your inner shopaholic! We’ll be creating a separate, more detailed article about these spots in another post.

• Pratunam . Bangkok’s most popular shopping district. Between its busy alleys are even busier blocks filled with indoor and outdoor stalls selling mostly apparel and accessories. Smack at the heart of the area stand two massive malls — Platinum Shopping Mall and the Paladium World Shopping — both filled to the brim with bargain finds. Most of these specialize in wholesale, they also sell in retail quantities. How to get here : Take the MRT to Ratchaprarop Station and walk south from there. It should take around 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take the BTS Skytrain System and get off at Chit Lom Station.
• Chatuchak Weekend Market . If your visit in Bangkok falls on a weekend, squeeze this into your itinerary. This retail paradise is a labyrinth made of shops, once popular only to wholesale traders but eventually became a favorite attraction among tourists. Here you’ll find almost anything you can think of: from souvenirs to flowers to clothes to furniture to street food! Prioritize this over Pratunam. We found that most of the items in Pratunam are also sold here at a cheaper price. (That said, I think Pratunam has a much more diverse selection when it comes to apparel.) Nearest BTS Station: Mo Chit Station, take exit 1.
• Siam Square . Made more popular to foreigners as the shooting location for the hit movie The Love of Siam, Siam Square does not disguise itself with pretenses of being culturally significant. It is a shopping and entertainment district. Yet, if you think about it, it somehow represents a generation — a younger, more industrialized, more fashionable Bangkok. Catering mostly to college students and young adults, Siam Square comprises several blocks harboring a wide array of stores — over a hundred of ’em — apparel stalls, boutiques, bookshops, record stores, restaurants, cafes, even cinemas. How to get here : Take the BTS Skytrain System and get off at Siam Station.
• Ratchada (Train Night Market) . The colorful rows of tent stalls of Ratchada (New Rot Fai Market) will absolutely fill your stomachs with its wide selection of affordable Thai cuisine and international dishes— snacks, street food, sweets, exotic delicacies, and milk teas! The market also offers affordable clothing, accessories, shoes, and many more! Nearest Train Station: Bangkok MRT Thailand Cultural Centre Station. Take Exit 3, then walk towards Esplanade Mall. Ratchada is located just beside the mall. ⛔️ Opening Hours: As of this writing, Ratchada Night Market remains temporarily CLOSED!

WHERE TO EAT IN BANGKOK

We’ll be creating a more detailed version of this article soon. But in the meantime, here’s a quick rundown of our favorite places to eat in Bangkok.

• Thipsamai , where we had the best pad thai of our lives. It’s said to be the first store to serve the now ubiquitous noodle dish. It uses thinner rice noodles coated in shrimp oil. Michelin bib gourmand awardee Address: 313 315 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Bestsellers: Pad Thai, ฿105; Pad Thai with prawns: ฿150 Open: 10AM – 12MN for takeaway only; 5PM – 12MN, dine in & takeout
• Jeh O Chula (Jay Oh) , for the best affordable tom yum noodle soup! It’s crazy popular that queuing can take up to 2 hours, unless you arrive early. We arrived past 4pm, just in time for the opening. But barely 5 minutes after we arrived, the line grew quickly. If you could, reserve a table via Klook. Those who book with Klook have a separate line, which is much shorter. Reserve here! ✅ Michelin bib gourmand awardee Address: 113 ซอย จรัสเมือง Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Bestsellers: Tom yum mama (spicy tom yum noodle soup), plain ฿150, with meatballs, squid, shrimps and crispy pork belly, ฿300; salmon salad, ฿300. Open: Daily 4:30PM-12MN
• Polo Fried Chicken , another Michelin-recognized establishment just across Lumphini Park in Silom area. It started out as a humble street stall but grew to become a proper eatery serving only a few Thai favorites. Address: 137/1-3,9 10 Sanam Khli Alley, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Bestsellers: Fried chicken half, ฿130; som tam (papaya salad) with salted egg and dried shrimp, ฿80; pork larb/laap (spicy sour minced meat salad), ฿80. Operating Hours: Daily 7am-8:30pm
• Moo Yang Mae Sumontha , a hidden stall inside Chatuchak Market serving moo yang (grilled pork). But its version is roasted honey glazed, which is incredibly tender, succulent, and properly cooked. Address: 587 โครงการ 22 ซอย 4 /2ตลาดนัด จตุจักร 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok Bestseller: Roasted honey glazed pork, ฿60 per 100g. Open: Weekends 8AM-6PM
• Kuang Heng Chicken Rice , established 1932. If you get hungry while shopping around Pratunam, this is the place to refill that empty tummy! It’s located just next to Platinum Mall and across the street from Palladium. Address: 930 Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand Bestsellers: Hainanese chicken and deep-fried chicken, ฿50 (single); chicken/pork satay, ฿80 per 10 sticks. Open: Daily 7am-10pm
• Jay Fai , with one Michelin star and featured on the Netflix series Street Food . It’s so incredibly popular that we still haven’t been able to try it. It doesn’t accept reservations beforehand, so you need to show up and fall in line early to be considered for the waitlist. We attempted three times but the waitlist was always full by the time we arrived. Nevertheless, I’m adding it to this list so you could try it for yourself. Address: 327 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Bestsellers: Hainanese chicken and deep-fried chicken, ฿50 (single); chicken/pork satay, ฿80 per 10 sticks. Open: Wednesday-Saturday, 9am-9pm Closed: Sunday-Tuesday

USUAL PRICES IN BANGKOK

Below is the list of the prices of common items that you will need for a comfortable budget stay in Bangkok! Bear in mind that the figures are in Thai Baht.

FAST FOOD & CONVENIENCE STORE

• Bottled water (500ml): ฿6-12
• Bottle of softdrink (550ml): ฿20
• 7-Eleven rice meal: ฿40-55
• Big Mac (McDonald’s): ฿128

STREET FOOD

• Grilled meat: ฿10-30 per stick
• Pad thai: ฿50-60
• Noodle soup: ฿50-70
• Rice meals: ฿50-100

ENTRANCE FEES

• Grand Palace: ฿500
• Wat Pho: ฿200
• Wat Arun: ฿100
• Siriraj Medical Museum: ฿200
• Mahanakhon Skywalk: ฿836
• Dream World Bangkok: ฿575
• Siam Amazing Park: ฿650

TRANSPORTATION

• BTS/MRT fare: ฿16-52
• Taxi flagdown rate: ฿35
• Grabcar within the city: ฿100-280, depending on distance/traffic conditions

TOURS (with Transfers)

• Maeklong Railway Market + Damnoen/Amphawa Floating Market: ฿1356
• Ayutthaya: ฿1690
• Pattaya + Koh Larn: ฿2239

SAMPLE BANGKOK ITINERARY

Here’s a sample itinerary that you may use. We stayed much longer, but if you have only an extended weekend to spend in Bangkok, here’s something to consider.

Note that this itinerary assumes that you’re a party of 2 , splitting some of the costs, and that you’re staying at a hotel in Siam, close to BTS National Stadium Station. Feel free to adjust here and there to match your hotel location, flight schedule, and your travel preferences.

DAY 1: MAHANAKHON SKYWALK & JEH-O-CHULA 01:00 PM – Arrival in Bangkok – Pickup Data SIM Card & Rabbit Card 02:30 PM – Train to Phaya Thai Station ฿45 – Transfer to BTS to Siam, ฿25 03:00 PM – Walk to your hotel, check in, freshen up 04:00 PM – Train to BTS Chong Nonsi Station, ฿28 04:15 PM – Mahanakhon Skywalk, ฿836, Book here! – Chill and wait until sunset 07:00 PM – Train to BTS National Stadium, ฿28 07:15 PM – Walk to Jeh-O Chula 07:30 PM – Eat tom yum set at Jeh-O Chula, ฿350/pax, Reserve here! ! 09:00 PM – Walk or train to Siam, ฿22 09:30 PM – Back to hotel, lights out

DAY 2: DIY TEMPLES TOUR & KHAO SAN ROAD 07:00am – Wake up call 08:00am – Train to BTS Saphan Taksin Station, ฿37 08:30am – Walk to Sathorn Pier 08:45am – Board orange-flag boat, ฿15 09:15am – Get off at N9 Tha Chang Pier 09:30am – Grand Palace Complex, ฿500 10:00am – FREE Tour at Temple of Emerald Buddha 11:00am – Lunch, ฿100 12:00pm – FREE shuttle to Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre 01:00pm – Khon Performance (included in Palace ticket) 01:45pm – Walk to Wat Pho 02:00pm – Wat Pho, ฿200 03:30pm – Boat to the other side of the river, ฿5 03:45pm – Explore Wat Arun, ฿100 05:00pm – Boat to the other side (Tha Thien*), ฿5 05:15pm – Boat to N13 Phra Arthit, ฿15 05:40pm – Walk to Khao San Road 06:00pm – Dinner & drinks at Khao San, ฿400 09:00pm – Taxi/grab to Silom, ฿100/pax *Note: Tha Thien/Tha Tian Pier is temporarily closed for renovation, as of Dec 2022. For now, you may walk all the way back to Tha Chang and catch the boat to Phra Arthit Pier.

Day 4: SHOPPING, DEPARTURE A: If this falls on a weekend 08:00am – Wake up call, check out, leave bags 08:40am – BTS to Chatuchak Park Station, ฿42 09:00am – Shop at Chatuchak Market 11:00am – Lunch at Moo Yang Mae Sumontha, ฿120 11:30am – Continue shopping 02:00 PM – BTS back to hotel, ฿42 02:20pm – Back to hotel, pick up bags 02:50pm – BTS to Phaya Thai Station ฿25 – Transfer to ARL to Suvarnabhumi Airport, ฿45 03:30 PM – Flight check in 06:45 PM – Flight out B: If this falls on a weekday 08:00am – Wake up call, check out, leave bags 08:40am – BTS+ARL to Ratchaprapop Station 09:00am – Platinum + Palladium Malls 11:30 AM – Lunch at Kuang Heng Chicken Rice, ฿120 12:30pm – Continue shopping in Pratunam 02:00 PM – ARL+BTS back to hotel 02:20pm – Back to hotel, pick up bags 02:50pm – BTS to Phaya Thai Station ฿25 – Transfer to ARL to Suvarnabhumi Airport, ฿45 03:30 PM – Flight check in 06:45 PM – Flight out

If you follow this Bangkok itinerary, prepare to shell out ฿5000 (USD 144, EUR 136, SGD 195, PHP 7950) , excluding airfare and hotel but including a bit of allowance for wiggle room and to make up for any possible price adjustments and incidental expenses.

If you spend TH฿600 per night per person on accommodations, the same itinerary will cost you TH฿6800 (USD 197, EUR 185, SGD 264, PHP 10,800) , excluding airfare but with some allowance to cover adjustments and incidental expenses.

(If you’re coming from the Philippines, it doesn’t include the PHP1650 travel tax yet.)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BANGKOK

What are the covid-19-related travel requirements in thailand.

The Thai government has lifted COVID-19 restrictions for tourists. Travelers are only required to present the usual border requirements like passport (and visa if applicable). No proof of vaccination required.

But if your next destination is a country that requires an RT-PCR COVID test (like India and China), travel insurance is mandatory . It must cover the full length of intended stay in Thailand + 7 extra days.

* This section is as of January 2023

Is Bangkok safe?

Yes, Bangkok is generally safe and tourist-friendly. Of course, you should still use common sense at all times, and don’t flash your gadgets in the open or leave your valuables unattended.

My only frustration with Bangkok is that it has more than its share of scams targeting tourists, so always be careful.

What are the common Bangkok scams?

Bangkok’s scams are more organized than they appear. One widespread modus operandi involves people loitering by the gate of temples (or other tourist spots) and approaching tourists. I almost fell for this on my first trip. They are very friendly, and they usually introduce themselves as teachers. They claim that the site you’re about to visit is closed because it is a holiday and that they know a more beautiful place that is not on tourist maps. They then hail a random tuktuk (which isn’t random at all for the driver is part of the scam) and tour you around. You will be taken to a jewelry store selling overpriced gems and accessories. The tuktuk may also overcharge you for the ride.

Khao San Road is also rife with scams. You’ll find tourist agents selling all sorts of transportation tickets that turn out to be less than what they promise. For example, you’ll find plenty of “direct buses” to Siem Reap, but most of them are not really direct as they involve switching vehicles at one point during the trip. Worse, some of these buses stop at “travel agencies” that will sell you fake visa.

Patpong is also notorious for scams. You’ll be invited by barkers to a sexy club to see a “pingpong show” or other mind-blowing presentations, to say the least. They’ll say the show is free but you must order a drink. The catch is, the drink is ridiculously overpriced.

As in any other city, be careful and vigilant. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

November to February , when the temperature and precipitation levels are kind and low. But because of the pleasant weather, it is also the peak season. High season begins in November and ends in April, around Songkran Festival (Thai New Year, April 13-15). If you’re visiting within this period, prepare to share the city with millions of other tourists.

Bangkok could’ve been a year-round destination if it weren’t for the bouts of rain and flooding problems, which is why it is best to avoid the wettest months.

Rainy season is from May to October, but the wettest months are September-October. We have tried traveling to Bangkok in January, July, August, September, October, and November, and we can tell you that the precipitation level can definitely affect your overall travel experience. We’ve been stranded in some sites because of torrential rains and flooding and ended up wasting much of our time.

What is tipping policy in Bangkok?

Tipping is NOT mandatory in Bangkok, but it is surely appreciated.

When eating at sit-down restaurants, a tip of 10% of the bill should be fine. You can also just round off your bill. For example, if your bill is ฿135, you can leave ฿150. Same with cabs. If the meter is ฿105, round it off to ฿110 or ฿120. At hotels, you can give ฿20-50 to the porter who carries your luggage to your room, depending on the number of pieces. For a massage, tip ฿50. For full-day tour guides, at least ฿200 is alright.

Where to exchange money in Bangkok?

Bangkok has countless money changers, but most of them have poor rates, especially those at the airport. Trust me. I made that mistake and lost a lot in the conversion. If you really need to do so at the airport, exchange only a little or enough to get you to the city center.

At the city center, find a SuperRich Thailand branch. SuperRich has the best rates, make sure it’s a legit SuperRich branch.

What is the power socket used in Bangkok?

Most common sockets are sort of a combination of Types A and C. They have two holes that can accept both flat and round pins, the shape of two door knobs or rubber stamps facing each other. This type of socket can take plugs that are Types A, C, and F. If your plug has three pins, you will be needing an adaptor.

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

Foreigners holding passports issued by the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, United States, United Kingdom, Germany and 40+ other countries can enter Thailand visa-free , provided that they stay shorter than 30 days.

To see the complete list of countries, visit this: List of Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Countries

However, visitors must have the following upon entry:

• a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
• return or onward ticket
• at least 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family or equivalent in other currencies, cash.

It will also help to have a hotel reservation .

Note that if you’re not arriving by air, you’re only allowed to enter Thailand twice per year.

Do I really need 10,000-baht show money at the immigration?

In theory, yes. It is the law. But it’s not implemented all the time. Lately, they have been a bit stricter.

Our team has been in and out of Thailand recently but none of us were asked how much we carry. But it would help to just comply, just in case.

The amount should be 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family.

It doesn’t need to be in baht. It can be any currency as long as it has the equivalent value.

Updates Log

2024•1•5 – Removed travel insurance for test-requiring next destination as it no longer applies 2022•12•21 – First up

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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I stumbled upon your travel blog website and I’m absolutely loving it! Your posts are so informative and inspiring, and they’ve given me some great ideas for my own travels. I especially enjoyed your recent post on Travel blog, and I can’t wait to see where you’ll take us next!

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the world, and keep up the amazing work! I’ll definitely be following along on your adventures.

Thank you so much for preparing this blog, Yosh!!! I cannot imagine the length of time it took you to lay out this information, so thank you! I appreciate it a lot now that I am in charge of our Thailand itinerary – it’s crazy!

Glad it was helpful. And yes, it takes us days (sometimes, weeks) to produce just one travel guide. But it’s always worth it!

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Thailand on a Budget: What you Need to Know

Tip: Don’t be afraid to try the street food!

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you.

Visiting Thailand on a budget? Let’s dive in to what you need to know!

Thailand will forever hold a special place in my heart as one of my favorite destinations in the world. From the hilly green hills of the North in cities like Chiang Mai and Pai to the turquoise waters of the islands (like Koh Tao), Thailand has something to offer for any type of traveler.

And the best part about it? Visiting Thailand on a budget is super easy! In fact, in my opinion, Thailand is one of the most budget-friendly travel destinations. Yes, I’m sure you’ll read that it has gotten more expensive over the years, which is true. But I promise you that you can still absolutely visit Thailand on a budget and have a great time.

The first thing that I want to call out about visiting Thailand on a budget is that your specific itinerary will have a huge impact on your budget, and how cheap you’ll be able to travel. In my 10 Day in Thailand Itinerary , I break down two different travel itineraries. If you haven’t already read that guide, I suggest you go do that now.

The first itinerary covers Bangkok and Northern Thailand, while the second itinerary swaps in the Thai Islands in place of the Northern Thailand cities. If you are heading south to the islands on your Thailand travels, you should expect to have a larger budget. Traveling in the north, on the other hand, will make sticking to a low budget much easier. However, by Western standards, travel to anywhere in Thailand can definitely be accomplished on a budget!

The Thailand Basics

Language: Thai

Currency: Thai Baht (THB), 30 THB = $1 USD, as of March 2021

Country: Thailand

Airports: Major airports include Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, and Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) in Chiang Mai. BKK is Bangkok’s international airport, while DMK is serviced by all of Asia’s budget airlines. There are also airports on a few of the islands, like Koh Samui.

Water: Thailand, especially Bangkok, is hot. You might get some relief from the heat as you head north, but Bangkok is quite literally hot all of the time. You’ll just need to embrace the constant sheer of sweat that will inevitably coat your body while traveling in Thailand’s capital. Because of this it is super important to stay hydrated, to avoid any heat exhaustion. I always carry around a reusable Vapur water bottle. While you will need to drink bottled water, this at least allows you to buy one large bottle, and avoid the excess waste of using many plastic water bottles. Another way that I love to keep hydrated while traveling in Thailand is with fresh coconut. You’ll find them on the side of the road, typically for around 60-80 THB.

Money: Although credit cards are slowly becoming more popular in Southeast Asia, cash is still the norm. For this reason, I recommend always carrying cash, ideally with an assortment of bills and coins. I find that having smaller bills makes it easier to haggle for bargains at the local markets. You’ll find plenty of ATMs throughout the city, but ATM fees can be quite high, so you’ll want to avoid too many withdrawals. Another option is to travel with a debit card that doesn’t charge ATM fees.

How Much Does a Trip to Thailand Cost? 

I always struggle with blanket questions like these because the cost of a trip is going to vary so much person to person. The biggest factor in your budget being accommodation costs. Are you the type of traveler who is going to splurge on 4 and 5-star hotels, or are you more likely to spend $5 USD for a dorm bed in a shared room at a hostel? Are you interested in eating local food, or are you planning to stick to Western dishes? Are you okay with taking slow transportation options such as buses or trains to cut costs, or would you rather travel throughout the country by plane to maximize your time?

The good thing is that no matter your travel style is, you can definitely experience the country of Thailand on a budget. It can really be as cheap, or as expensive, as you make it! I have traveled to Thailand for as little as 800-900 THB ($25 USD/day), and had an amazing time! This budget allowed me to eat well, stay at clean, comfortable places, and do lots of fun activities. For the sake of this article, I will be referring to costs in US dollars. Of course, these costs are estimated as the US Dollar to Thai Baht exchange is in constant fluctuation. 

Backpacker Budget for Thailand

$25-30 USD/day

As I mentioned above, Thailand can be extremely cheap and visited on a budget. For $25-30 USD/day you can have an awesome trip, but expect to stay at hostels in shared dorms, enjoy primarily street food (honestly a plus in my book), and take public transportation.

Mid-Range Budget for Thailand

$50-60 USD/day

With a slightly higher budget, you can expect to stay at a mix of cheaper guesthouses with 1 or 2 luxury villas sprinkled in. This budget will also give you the option to take faster transportation (plane versus bus), have a few nice meals, and book more excursions or activities.

You may also like…

Chiang Mai: Best Things to do

Luxury Budget for Thailand

$100 USD/day

With a budget of $100/day you can expect to have a rather luxurious trip to Thailand, especially if you’re traveling with a small group. This budget is better if you’re looking for more Western experiences (hotels, Western restaurants, etc). This is also a good budget if you’re planning on partaking in more expensive activities such as diving. 

When Is the Best Time to Visit Thailand on a Budget?

Typically it is said that the best time to visit Thailand is between November and April. This is considered Thailand’s cool season, as well as the dry season. Weather will differ throughout the country, so it is important to look up the weather conditions for the area that you’re heading to.

If you’re visiting Thailand on a budget, I would consider the shoulder months of May and December. You should still get decent weather and you’ll find much cheaper prices for accommodation and even flights.

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Thailand?

Luckily Thailand is a super popular travel destination with tons of flight options from all over the world. The frequency of flights and options will be key for finding affordable options. I’ve flown round trip from NYC to Bangkok (BKK) for as little as $600, and I bought my tickets super last minute. I recommend being flexible with your dates, and being open to longer layovers for great flight deals.

As I mentioned above, try checking out flights during the shoulder season for great travel deals!

How Much Does it Cost to Get Around Thailand?

Getting around Thailand can be extremely budget-friendly if you are open to public transportation options. For traveling within cities, I always recommend looking for accommodation options that allow you to walk to many of the attractions on your itinerary. Of course, for big cities like Bangkok that won’t always be possible. If you need to get around, I recommend using Bangkok’s BTS train line or ordering a Grab taxi. Unlike a traditional taxi, where rates can be quite high in Bangkok’s traffic, a Grab taxi is similar to an Uber. Having a set rate ahead of time will ensure that you know exactly how much your trip will cost. 

Fares on the Bangkok BTS range 15-55 THB ($0.50-2.00) depending on distance. When in the station, you can look at the chart based on origin and destination to determine the cost of your ride.

For traveling between the different cities in Thailand on a budget, I recommend taking advantage of buses and trains. In particular, overnight buses and trains are great options that allow you to save on a night of accommodation costs. The slower you travel, the cheaper it is. This is because you’ll have time to take slower transportation methods, and you’ll be moving from place to place a lot slower. This will obviously greatly depend on how much time you have for your trip. In general though, taking local buses is a great way to budget travel and save money. Here are some prices for reference: 

Costs for Transportation in Thailand 

• Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Bus: $20 USD
• Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train: $38 USD
• Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Plane: Flights start as low at $30 USD round trip
• Bangkok to Koh Samui by Plane: $150-200 USD round trip

One thing to note for the flight cost is that while this is extremely cheap, sometimes even cheaper than the train option these prices do not include a checked bag. You will also need to factor in the cost for getting to and from the airport, and you won’t have the advantage of saving on a night of accommodation costs. Plus, I personally find that the overnight train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is a fun, unique experience to have while in Thailand, whether you’re on a budget or not! 

If you’re planning on spending most of your trip on the islands, and don’t care to visit Bangkok or the North, you might want to consider flying into Phuket or Krabi. You can find some cheap international flights that fly direct to Phuket.

Don’t forget travel insurance

Sign up for Heymondo travel insurance to make your travel experience worry-free. Heymondo covers medical expenses, 24-hour medical chat, COVID coverage, delays, cancellation, and more. Check Heymondo here .

How to Eat and Drink in Thailand on a Budget? 

Eat street food! Eat local food! Okay fine, I’ll elaborate a bit here, but really if you follow those two guidelines you’ll be set. Thailand has some of the cheapest, and most delicious food that I had while in Southeast Asia. Although portions do tend to be on the smaller side in Thailand, especially when compared to Western portions, they are super cheap. You can easily eat a full meal for $1-2.

My general rule of thumb is that the more local people you see eating at a restaurant, the better it is going to be. If the restaurant is advertising lots of Western dishes and A/C, it’s probably not as great.

If you’re planning on enjoying lots of local beers, 7/11 will be your best friend. It is super common to grab beers at 7/11 for beach days or hostel hangs, as they tend to have the cheapest prices in town. It is also a great place to get a large bottle of water, as tap water in Thailand is not drinkable. To avoid single-use plastic as much as possible, I recommend purchasing the largest bottle possible. From here you can refill a reusable water bottle each day to stay hydrated.

Here are some average costs for food in Thailand

• Street Pad Thai: $1
• Main Dish at Local Restaurant: $2-4
• Western Dish $5-6
• 1.5 Liter Water Bottle $0.75
• Fresh Coconut $2-3
• Local Beer (Convenience Store) $1-2

Where to Stay in Thailand on a Budget?

Where to stay in bangkok .

Once Again Hostel  –  Once Again Hostel  is one of my absolute favorite hostels that I’ve ever stayed at! I have stayed here on two occasions and have never been disappointed. Great location, super cute common area, and silent rooms. I think that this is the only 12 bed hostel dorm that I’ve ever stayed in that is actually quiet!

Glur Hostel  – Glur Hostel is another adorable hostel option. The hostel is conveniently located next to the Saphan Taksin BTS stop and the water ferry line. Staying here makes it super easy to get around the city. There is also a basic breakfast available 24/7.

If hostels aren’t your thing, don’t worry! There are tons of hotel options with private rooms in the $15-25 range. You can easily find something to suit any budget.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

There are so many amazing and affordable places to stay in Chiang Mai – hotels, hostels and apartments!

Pha Thai Hotel

• 99 The Gallery Hotel
• Serviced Apartment in Nimman

A beautiful centrally-located hotel in the Old Town of Chiang Mai. Make sure to book the deluxe room with the balcony. Delicious breakfast included in the room rate.

Where to Stay in Pai

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand on a budget, Pai is a great option! This sleepy backpacker town in Northern Thailand is cheap, laidback, and moves at a very slow pace. You can expect to find cheap accommodation, great street food, and plenty of free, outdoor activities that can be reached by motorbike.

Overall I think where you stay in Pai really depends on whether or not you’ll be renting a scooter to get around. If you’re renting a scooter, then everything is closeby and easy to get to. However, if you are not comfortable renting a scooter and plan to rely on taxis, then I’d recommend staying close to the center of town.

Paddy Haven Fields

Individual bungalows outside of town overlooking a lush paddy field. Shared bathrooms. Amazing sunset views.

Baan Pai Riverside

Individual riverfront bungalows with private bathrooms right in the heart of Pai town. Breakfast available.

Spicy Pai Backpackers  – although I never personally stayed at Spicy Pai, it has been recommended to me so many times over the years. It is located a but outside of town, so renting a scooter is recommended.

Where to Stay on Koh Tao

Koh Tao is easily one of my favorite islands in Thailand. Known for it’s great diving, there are endless water activities to enjoy on this island. It’s what I would consider a mid-range island. It is not as cheap or rowdy as Koh Phangan, known for the famous Full Moon Party. However, it is also not to quiet, expensive nearby Koh Samui.

Where to Stay in Koh Phangan 

Echo Beach Hostel  – dorm rooms start at $3 USD a night, do I need to say anything else? This hostel definitely caters to a younger party crowd, but it’s a great option if you’re looking for that scene. Many people looking to experience the Full Moon Party will stay here.

Top Tips for Visiting Thailand on A Budget 

I’ve covered many of these top tips in the various topic questions above, but I’ll outline the top tips below. 

• Eat Street Food – Seriously, eat all of the street food. Honestly you should be eating as much street food as possible even if you aren’t traveling to Thailand on a budget. Thailand has so much incredible street food to try, and it is all so delicious and cheap. Don’t be afraid to try it all.
• Reduce Alcohol Consumption (Or Buy it at a Convenience Store) – Alcohol is one of those things that can really add up when you’re traveling on a budget. I wouldn’t say that alcohol is expensive in Thailand, especially compared to Western prices, but if you’re hoping to travel on a budget of $25-30 a day, you’ll need to factor that in. At bars in Thailand a beer costs around $3, so 7-11 will be your friend for cheap beer and bottled water!
• Travel to Thailand during the Low Season – This is my budget recommendation for any city really. If you are able visit on the shoulder seasons, the time before the high and low seasons, you’ll be able to find great flight and accommodation deals.
• Take Advantage of Public Transportation – Overnight trains and buses are a great way to move throughout Thailand cheaply. Plus, you can save on a night of accommodation! 
• Haggle – Hagginling, or trying to get a bargain on quoted prices, is a common practice in Southeast Asia. Foreigners are often quoted as high as 5x the local price. I always work to get that number down a bit, while also remaining respectful of the conversion rates working in our favor. Don’t get ripped off and overcharged, but also don’t haggle over a few cents, please.
• Avoid Extra Trips to the ATM – As with most foreign destinations, ATMs can have extremely high service fees. I found that many of the ATMs in Thailand had a fee as high as $10 USD each withdrawal. 
• Rent a Motorbike  – Renting a motorbike is a great, and affordable way to get around without taking making taxis or tuktuks. However, please make sure you wear a helmet and never drink and drive.

TRAVEL TIPS

🏘️ Book your accommodation

Booking.com will help you to book accommodation in advance and check availability

✈️ Book your flight in advance

To find the cheapest flight options, you can use WayAway and find the most suitable option for you

🧾 Get your tickets and tours

with Viator and GetYourGuide to get the most out of your journey

Visiting Thailand? Here are some other articles to check out:

• Chiang Mai Things to Do
• 10 Days in Thailand
• 48 Hours in Bangkok
• Best cafes and restaurants in Pai

Like what you read about visiting Thailand on a budget? Make sure to pin it for later!

12 Best things to do in Chiang Rai, Thailand

11 Cafes and Restaurants to try in Pai, Thailand

8 Restaurants in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Chiang Mai Things to Do: What you Need to Know

Bangkok Food & Restaurant Guide

8 Best Things to do in Pai, Thailand

Let's get to know each other, keep me updated.

Budget Guide: This Is How Much Money You'll Need Per Day In Thailand

You don’t have to spend a lot to travel to Thailand. Here is our comprehensive guide to traveling on a budget.

Quick Links

Thailand accommodation cost per day, thailand food costs per day, thailand transportation cost per day, additional information: travel on a budget in thailand.

Thailand is a travel destination that doesn’t disappoint. It’s a place where one can expect to experience a total cultural immersion through its sumptuous local dishes, majestic Buddhist monasteries, and pompous festivals like the Songkran. There are also stunning white beaches, turquoise waters, and never-ending parties. Whether one is looking for luxurious or budget travel, Thailand has it all. Mostly, it’s a destination known to be popular among backpackers looking to explore the countries of Southeast Asia.

It is definitely a pocket-friendly country, where one can expect to find cheap or free activities. Also, the transportation system is pretty convenient, and there are always many options to look at when moving around. Those looking to travel on a budget might want to consider the low or shoulder season to get the most out of their trip. With good planning, any traveler can expect to have a wonderful time in Thailand.

When it comes to Thailand, one can expect to find an eclectic range of accommodations, from upscale hotels to decent and affordable accommodations. With the big surge of backpackers in Thailand over the years, accommodation prices are climbing steadily.

There are now many boutique hotels that have on-site cafés, bars, and pools, which are very convenient for tourists and backpackers coming from developed countries.

But since there are quite a few competitions, backpackers can also take advantage of occasions when the price goes down. For example, the Matchbox Bangkok Hostel costs around $12.26.

The Rose Guest House in Chiang Mai is one of the cheapest places to stay, with a room costing about $2.Unfortunately, female-only dorms cost a little more since they are more spacious and consist of modern amenities.

And those looking for a private room with basic amenities can get it for $10. Of course, the price can go up for better quality and more amenities, such as air conditioning, a TV, and a private balcony.

Another cheapest way to consider is camping at the national parks, which can cost around $0.90 per person. Consider staying in a guesthouse or homestay in rural areas, which are less expensive than city accommodations.

• Basic Hostel: $2-$12
• Hostel with modern amenities: from $25
• Camping per person: $0.90
• Tip: Check out these affordable resorts .
• Recommendation: Learn more about the best time to travel to Thailand .

Related: These Are The 10 Most Beautiful Thailand Islands To Fly To From Florida

Visitors coming to Thailand will be spoiled with the diverse range of food available, from pat thai noodles to som tam. The best way to eat cheaply in Thailand is by checking out eating spots where the locals usually go. Especially in the late afternoon, one can find numerous hawker carts and noodle stalls at the bustling night markets.

The best places to eat are food courts that are attached to bus stations, where food is normally cheap. Another place to consider eating is at the Bangrak Market, where one can find many options for typical Thai street food.

One of the most recommended dishes to try is the well-known papaya salad, also known as som tam, which is made by pounding all the ingredients with a mortar and pestle.

Some of the ingredients consist of fish sauce, garlic, peanuts, dried shrimp, tomatoes, sugar, lime juice, green beans, grated sour green papaya, and of course, chilies. There is also a vegetarian option.

• A continental breakfast including eggs, chicken sausages, and a cup of coffee can cost around $4.57.
• Lunch composed of Thai food with a spicy papaya salad can cost between $0.91 and $2.13.
• Green curry with a soft drink can cost around $3 for dinner, while pizza with coke will likely cost around $6.

By far, Thailand is among the cheapest Asian destinations to reach by air, especially if one is taking Qatar Airways or any Gulf carrier during the low season. If the flight tickets are costly, check flights to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and take a cheap connection to Bangkok on Air Asia or another budget carrier.

Another way is to take a train to Bangkok instead of a connecting flight. Those looking for more adventure can consider taking a regular train from Johor Bahru, Singapore, to Butterworth, Malaysia, and then to Bangkok. A one-way ticket can cost around $80.

Those who need an airport transfer can consider taking public transit instead of taxis, which charge more. Looking for the cheapest and fastest way out of the airport? Then take the Airport Rail Link , situated on the basement floor. The train leads to different stations, including Makkasan, which takes about 35 minutes.

• From the airport to Makkasan Stations: $1.06
• From the airport to Phayathai: $1.37

Take a metered taxi or a local pick-up truck (srngtăaou) with benches to get around Thailand. Otherwise, rent a scooter or a motorcycle to explore cheap attractions like the Khao Yai National Park .

• Rental per day: $4.50
• Petrol cost per liter: $1.20

Related: Romantic Getaway: 10 Best Thailand Resorts For Couples

• Thailand trip cost for 7 days: $819 for solo travelers, and around $1,397 for couples.
• Skip popular attractions and Buddhist monasteries, which can be overcrowded.
• Recommended activities: Pha Daeng National Park with pool access (costs $3).

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From Spendthrift to Saver: How to Slash Your Trip to Thailand Cost 2024

June 25, 2023

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

While Thailand is generally considered a moderately economical travel destination, there are plenty of ways to stretch your baht even further. Thailand is a moderately economical travel destination. Flights range from $500 to $1,500 for a round-trip ticket. Accommodation options include budget-friendly hostels starting at $10 per night and luxurious resorts exceeding $200 per night. Thailand offers an extensive and efficient public transportation system. Public transportation costs approximately $0.30 to $1 for a one-way subway or train ticket. Dining options vary, with street food stalls offering meals for as low as $1 and mid-range restaurants ranging from $10 to $20 per person.

Now, let's talk numbers. If you're a budget traveler, you can expect to spend approximately $30 to $50 per day in Thailand, covering accommodation, transportation, food, and basic activities. On the other hand, if you prefer a mid-range experience with more comfort and a wider range of dining options, you can anticipate spending around $50 to $100 per day. Remember, these figures are just estimates, and your actual expenses may vary depending on your travel style and personal preferences. Before you set off on your Thailand adventure, it's essential to plan ahead and do some research.

How much does it cost for 2 nights and 3 days when traveling to Thailand?

Planning a 2-night, 3-day trip to Thailand? The cost of your trip can vary depending on your travel style, choice of accommodation, transportation, and activities. Here's a rough estimate of the cost for a budget traveler:

• Flights: The cost of round-trip tickets to Thailand from the United States can range from $500 to $1,200, depending on your departure location and the time of year. It's recommended to search for deals and book in advance to secure the best fares.
• Accommodation: Budget hotels or hostels in Thailand typically cost around $20 to $50 per night. For a 2-night stay, the total cost for accommodation would range from $40 to $100.
• Transportation: One-way subway or train tickets within Thailand's major cities usually cost between $0.50 and $2. For 3 days of transportation, including local buses or taxis, you can expect to spend approximately $10 to $30.
• Food and Drinks: Dining at budget restaurants in Thailand can cost around $5 to $10 per meal. However, street food and meals from convenience stores can be even more affordable, ranging from $1 to $5 per meal. For 3 days of meals, you can estimate a cost of $60 to $90. Drinks such as bottled water, local beers, or soft drinks can range from $0.50 to $3, depending on the type of drink and the location.
• Sightseeing and Activities: Thailand offers a mix of free and low-cost attractions. Some popular free attractions include exploring local markets, visiting temples, and enjoying the beautiful beaches. For attractions with entrance fees, such as national parks or historical sites, you can expect to pay approximately $5 to $15 per person. Additionally, if you're interested in activities like boat tours or elephant sanctuaries, the cost can range from $30 to $100 per person.

Based on these estimates, a rough cost range for a budget traveler's 2-night, 3-day trip to Thailand would be around $700 to $1,500. It's important to note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on your travel preferences, additional expenses, and exchange rates.

Remember to plan and allocate your budget wisely, allowing flexibility for unexpected expenses and personal preferences. By keeping an eye out for travel deals, choosing budget-friendly options, and immersing yourself in the local culture, you can make the most of your trip to Thailand without breaking the bank.

How much does it cost for flights when traveling to Thailand?

Planning a trip to Thailand and curious about the cost of flights? Well, the price of flights can vary depending on several factors such as your departure location, the time of year, the airline you choose, and availability. Let's take a closer look at the general range of round-trip economy class tickets from major cities in the United States to Thailand.

When it comes to flights from the United States to Thailand, the cost can range from approximately $500 to $1,500. However, it's important to keep in mind that these prices are subject to change as they depend on the factors mentioned earlier. To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, it's recommended to check with reputable travel booking websites or airlines.

Don't miss out on the best deals for your Thailand adventure. Stay informed about the fluctuating airline prices and grab the opportunity to book your flights at the most favorable rates.

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How much does it cost for hotels when traveling to Thailand?

When it comes to finding accommodation in Thailand, the cost can vary depending on several factors. The location, season, and the type of accommodation you're looking for all play a role in determining the price. Generally, hotels in major cities like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai tend to be more expensive compared to smaller cities or rural areas.

• In the bustling capital city of Bangkok, for example, the average cost range for a mid-range hotel room is around $40 to $80 per night. If you're looking for a touch of luxury, you can expect to pay around $100 to $300 or more per night for a high-end hotel room.
• As you venture to other cities and smaller towns in Thailand, you'll find a range of hotel prices to suit different budgets. In popular beach destinations like Phuket, Pattaya, and Krabi, mid-range hotel rooms can range from $30 to $100 per night, while luxury accommodations can go up to $400 or more per night.

It's important to note that hotel prices in Thailand, like in any destination, can fluctuate based on the time of year and availability. To ensure the best rates and availability, it's recommended to book your hotel in advance and consider flexible travel dates if possible.

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When it comes to experiencing the culinary delights of Thailand, the cost of food and dining can vary widely depending on several factors. The type of food, the restaurant's location, and the level of formality or luxury all play a role in determining the prices.

• Street food or fast food : 40-100 Thai Baht ($1.20-$3) per meal
• Casual dining or local restaurants : 100-300 Thai Baht ($3-$10) per meal
• Mid-range restaurants : 300-800 Thai Baht ($10-$25) per meal
• High-end or luxury restaurants : 800+ Thai Baht ($25+) per meal

Additionally, Thailand offers other affordable options for food. Convenience stores and supermarkets are readily available, offering a variety of tasty and healthy food at reasonable prices. This is a great option for budget-conscious travelers who prefer to grab a quick bite or even prepare their own meals.

It's important to note that tipping is not customary in Thailand, as service charges are often included in the bill. Therefore, the prices listed above are typically the final price you will pay. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small tip is always appreciated.

Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the location and the time of year, so it's always a good idea to check the menu and inquire about prices before ordering. This way, you can enjoy the delectable flavors of Thailand while staying within your budget.

How much does it cost for souvenirs when traveling to Thailand?

When it comes to souvenirs in Thailand, the cost can vary depending on what you're looking for, where you're shopping, and the quality of the item. Here are a few examples of popular souvenirs and their approximate prices:

• Handmade Thai silk scarf: 300-800 Thai Baht ($10-$25) per piece
• Wooden elephant figurine: 200-500 Thai Baht ($6-$15) per piece
• Thai spices and herbs set: 150-300 Thai Baht ($5-$10) per set
• Bamboo wind chimes: 100-300 Thai Baht ($3-$10) per piece

It's important to note that while many souvenir shops in tourist areas have fixed prices, there may be room for negotiation in other types of stores, such as flea markets or antique shops. Prices can also vary depending on the time of year, with higher demand during peak tourist seasons.

When shopping for souvenirs, it's always a good idea to explore different shops and compare prices before making a purchase. This way, you can ensure you're getting the best value for your money while bringing home unique and memorable keepsakes from your trip to Thailand.

How much does it cost for transportation when traveling to Thailand?

When it comes to transportation in Thailand, the cost can vary depending on the mode of transportation and the distance you're traveling. Here are some approximate costs of different types of transportation:

• Train: 20-100 Thai Baht ($0.60-$3) for short distances, and up to 500 Thai Baht ($15) for longer trips
• Subway: 15-60 Thai Baht ($0.50-$2) per trip, depending on the distance
• Bus: 7-20 Thai Baht ($0.20-$0.60) for local buses, and up to 200 Thai Baht ($6) for intercity buses
• Taxi: Starting fare of around 35 Thai Baht ($1), with additional charges based on distance and time
• Rental car: Approximately 1,000-1,500 Thai Baht ($30-$45) per day for a basic car

It's worth noting that Thailand offers transportation passes and discount tickets that can provide good value for travelers who plan to do a lot of traveling in a short period. For example, the Bangkok Skytrain and Metro have a rechargeable Rabbit Card that offers discounted fares and convenient access to public transportation in the city.

When using public transportation, it's important to be aware of the local customs and regulations. For example, when taking a taxi, ensure the meter is used or negotiate the fare upfront. Also, consider using ride-hailing services like Grab for convenience and transparent pricing.

By understanding the various transportation options and their costs in Thailand, you can make informed decisions and navigate the country efficiently while staying within your budget.

How much does it cost for sightseeing when traveling to Thailand?

Sanctuary of Truth Museum

When it comes to sightseeing in Thailand, the cost can vary widely depending on the location, attraction, and activity you choose. Here are some approximate costs for popular tourist attractions and activities:

• Temples and shrines : Many temples in Thailand are open to the public and do not have an entrance fee. However, it is customary to make a small donation as a sign of respect.
• Museums and galleries : Admission fees for museums and galleries in Thailand can range from 100-500 Thai Baht ($3-$15) per person, depending on the institution and any special exhibitions.
• Theme parks : Popular theme parks in Thailand, such as Dream World and Siam Park City, typically charge entrance fees ranging from 500-1,000 Thai Baht ($15-$30) per person.
• Tours and activities : The cost of tours and activities in Thailand can vary greatly depending on the type and duration. For example, a half-day city tour may cost around 1,000-2,000 Thai Baht ($30-$60) per person, while a full-day excursion to a national park could range from 2,000-4,000 Thai Baht ($60-$120) per person.

It's important to note that while some attractions and activities come with a price tag, there are also many free or low-cost sightseeing options available in Thailand. You can explore the vibrant street markets, take a leisurely stroll through public parks and gardens, or immerse yourself in the local culture by joining a free walking tour. These options provide a great experience without putting a strain on your wallet.

As you plan your sightseeing adventures in Thailand, remember to check the operating hours of attractions, consider any additional fees for guided tours or audio guides, and factor in transportation costs to and from the sites. With a little research and budgeting, you can make the most of your sightseeing experiences while exploring the beautiful country of Thailand.

How much does it cost for Wi-Fi & communication when traveling to Thailand?

When it comes to staying connected and accessing Wi-Fi while traveling in Thailand, there are several options available to suit your needs. Here's a breakdown of the options and cost range for accessing Wi-Fi in the country:

• Rental Wi-Fi router: Many companies offer rental Wi-Fi routers that allow you to connect multiple devices at once. The cost depends on the rental company and the plan you choose, but it typically ranges from 100-300 Thai Baht ($3-$10) per day.
• SIM card: Purchasing a local SIM card is another popular option for accessing data on your smartphone. The cost of a SIM card in Thailand varies depending on the data plan and the provider you choose. You can expect to pay around 100-500 Thai Baht ($3-$15) for a SIM card with data.
• Free Wi-Fi: Many hotels and accommodations in Thailand offer free Wi-Fi for their guests. Be sure to check with your accommodation before booking to see if this amenity is included. Additionally, there are smartphone apps like "WiFi Map" and "Wiffinity" that provide access to free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the country.

It's important to note that the cost of Wi-Fi in Thailand can vary depending on the method of access and the data plan you choose. If you're primarily using Wi-Fi for light browsing and communication, relying on free Wi-Fi at accommodations and public areas can be a cost-effective option. However, if you require a more reliable and high-speed connection, renting a Wi-Fi router or purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan might be a better choice.

How much does it cost for a passport when traveling to Thailand?

Chao Phraya

If you want to travel to Thailand, one of the essential things you'll need is a valid passport. The cost of obtaining a passport for your travels to Thailand can vary depending on your country of citizenship and the type of passport application you require.

Let's take a look at some general guidelines for passport fees in a few common countries:

• In the United States, a new passport book for an adult (16 years or older) costs $145, while a child's passport (under 16 years) is priced at $115. If you need your passport in a hurry, expedited service is available for an additional fee.
• For travelers from the United Kingdom, a standard adult passport costs £75.50, while a child's passport is priced at £49. Expedited service is also available for an additional fee.
• In Australia, the cost of a new adult passport is AUD $298, and a child's passport is AUD $148. Similar to the other countries, expedited service can be requested for an additional fee.

It's important to note that passport fees can vary depending on your country of citizenship and the specific type of passport application. Additionally, some countries may require additional fees for visa applications or other travel documents.

To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding passport requirements and fees, we strongly recommend checking with your local embassy or consulate. They will provide you with the necessary details tailored to your specific circumstances.

Remember, obtaining a passport is a crucial step in your travel preparations, allowing you to explore the wonders of Thailand and create lifelong memories. Make sure to allocate enough time for the passport application process and any additional requirements, such as visa applications if applicable.

How much does it cost for insurance when traveling to Thailand?

Planning a trip to Thailand? It's important to consider travel insurance to protect yourself from unexpected events that may occur during your journey. The cost of travel insurance for Thailand can vary based on several factors, including your age, the duration of your trip, the level of coverage you require, and the insurance provider you choose.

Here are some general guidelines for travel insurance costs:

• Single Trip Insurance: The cost of a single trip insurance policy for Thailand typically ranges from $30 to $100, depending on the coverage options and the length of your stay. This type of insurance provides coverage for a specific trip and is suitable for travelers who plan to visit Thailand once within a defined period.
• Annual Travel Insurance: If you're a frequent traveler to Thailand or other destinations, an annual travel insurance policy may be a cost-effective option. The cost of an annual policy can range from $150 to $500, depending on your age and the coverage limits. With an annual policy, you'll be covered for multiple trips within a year, providing peace of mind and convenience.
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance: For those seeking extensive coverage and additional benefits, a comprehensive travel insurance policy is worth considering. The cost of comprehensive coverage for Thailand typically starts at around $100 and can go up to $300 or more, depending on the coverage options, deductibles, and policy limits.

When it comes to travel insurance, it's essential to shop around and compare policies from different insurance providers. Take the time to read the policy details carefully, ensuring that it aligns with your specific needs and preferences. Look for coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss or delay, and other essential aspects of travel protection.

It's also worth noting that some credit cards and travel booking sites offer travel insurance as a benefit or add-on. Be sure to check if your credit card provides any travel insurance coverage or if the booking platform offers insurance options that may suit your needs.

Remember, having travel insurance not only provides financial protection but also offers peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your trip to Thailand with confidence. Make an informed decision by comparing policies, understanding the coverage, and selecting the best insurance plan that suits your travel requirements and budget.

How much does it cost for family, couples, or singles when traveling to Thailand?

Siam Niramit

Planning a trip to Thailand with your family, partner, or as a solo traveler? The cost of your trip can vary depending on factors such as the length of your stay, the type of accommodation you choose, the level of luxury you prefer, the activities you plan, and the number of travelers. Here are some estimated costs for a trip to Thailand:

• Airfare: The cost of round-trip tickets from the United States to Thailand can range from $500 to $1,200 per person, depending on your departure city and the time of year. It's recommended to search for deals and book in advance to secure the best fares.
• Accommodation: In Thailand, the cost of accommodation varies depending on the type of lodging and its location. Budget hotels or hostels can range from $20 to $50 per night. For a more mid-range hotel, you can expect to pay around $50 to $100 per night. If you're looking for luxury hotels or resorts, prices can range from $100 to $500 or more per night.
• Food and Drink: The cost of dining in Thailand can vary depending on the type of cuisine and the level of luxury. For a budget meal at a local restaurant, you can expect to spend around $5 to $10 per person. If you prefer a more mid-range meal at a restaurant, the cost can range from $10 to $30 per person. A cup of coffee typically costs around $1 to $3, and a local beer can range from $2 to $5, depending on the location.
• Transportation: The cost of transportation within Thailand can vary depending on the mode of travel and the distance. A single metro or train ticket in the city can cost between $0.50 and $2. If you're planning to take a long-distance bullet train, prices can range from $30 to $100 or more, depending on the distance. Taxis and car rentals are also available but can add to the transportation costs.

Overall, the cost of traveling to Thailand can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per person. The estimated cost for a trip to Thailand can range from $2,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on various factors such as travel style, accommodation choices, activities planned, and duration of the trip.

Methods to save money when traveling to Thailand

Looking to explore Thailand on a budget? Check out these money-saving methods that will help you make the most of your trip while keeping costs down:

• Visit During the Shoulder Season : Plan your trip to Thailand between May and October to take advantage of lower prices on flights and accommodations compared to the high season (November to February).
• Use Public Transportation : Save money on transportation by utilizing Thailand's extensive public transportation network, including buses, trains, and boats.
• Eat Like a Local : Explore local eateries and street food vendors for affordable and delicious meals. Don't forget to try popular dishes like Pad Thai and Green Curry.
• Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodations : Consider staying in budget hostels or guesthouses that offer affordable rates and sometimes private rooms alongside dormitory-style accommodations.
• Enjoy Free Attractions : Make the most of Thailand's free attractions, such as iconic landmarks, ancient cities, and beaches. Some museums and art galleries may also offer free admission on specific days.

By following these tips, you can have an amazing and wallet-friendly experience while traveling in Thailand.

Tips for Traveling to Thailand

Traveling to Thailand can be exciting. To make the most of your journey, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

• Learn the Lingo: Master a few basic local phrases like greetings and expressions of gratitude. It's a great way to connect with locals and show your appreciation for their culture.
• Embrace the Customs: Thailand has unique customs and etiquette. Take the time to learn about them and respect the local way of life. For instance, remember to remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a temple.
• Cash Is King: While credit cards are widely accepted, it's wise to carry some cash, especially in rural areas and smaller towns where cash transactions are common.
• Get on Board with Public Transportation: Opt for public transportation whenever possible, especially in bustling cities like Bangkok. It's not only convenient but also cost-effective.
• Go Prepaid: If available, consider purchasing a prepaid transportation card like the Rabbit Card. It works seamlessly across various public transportation systems, eliminating the need to buy tickets for each ride.
• Tap into Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected without breaking the bank by taking advantage of free Wi-Fi hotspots at train stations, convenience stores, and popular tourist spots. Alternatively, you can rent a pocket Wi-Fi device or purchase a local SIM card.
• Weather Awareness: Pack smart by checking the weather forecast before your trip. Thailand experiences hot and humid summers, so lightweight and breathable clothing is essential. Winters are milder but a light jacket might come in handy during cooler evenings.

By following these tips, you'll have an amazing journey through Thailand, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and creating unforgettable memories.

Are there affordable shopping options in Thailand?

What is the best way to exchange currency in thailand, are there any additional charges for using atms in thailand, what is the average cost of a massage or spa treatment in thailand, are there any hidden costs when traveling to thailand.

Trip to Thailand cost

• 1. How much does it cost for 2 nights and 3 days when traveling to Thailand?
• 2. How much does it cost for flights when traveling to Thailand?
• 3. How much does it cost for hotels when traveling to Thailand?
• 4. How much does it cost for food when traveling to Thailand?
• 5. How much does it cost for souvenirs when traveling to Thailand?
• 6. How much does it cost for transportation when traveling to Thailand?
• 7. How much does it cost for sightseeing when traveling to Thailand?
• 8. How much does it cost for Wi-Fi & communication when traveling to Thailand?
• 9. How much does it cost for a passport when traveling to Thailand?
• 10. How much does it cost for insurance when traveling to Thailand?
• 11. How much does it cost for family, couples, or singles when traveling to Thailand?
• 12. Methods to save money when traveling to Thailand
• 13. Tips for Traveling to Thailand

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2024 bangkok travel guide blog with diy itinerary, things to do, tourist spots, tips and more for first-timers in thailand.

Planning a trip to Bangkok, Thailand this 2024? Let me help you plan an Amazing Thailand Adventure! If you're visiting Bangkok for the first time, then this detailed Bangkok Travel Guide Blog with sample DIY itinerary (PDF), things to do, tourist spots, budget, breakdown of expenses, and more, will help you plan your trip to the "Land of Smiles!"

Updated: 2024 budget travel guide blog to bangkok for first-timers, thailand visa requirements, when is the best time to visit bangkok, how many days to stay in bangkok.

PRE-TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Book your flights to bangkok.

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL ESSENTIALS AND ACTIVITIES

• BTS Skytrain Rabbit Card - this is a reloadable card that you can use when riding Bangkok's Skytrain. BTS is the swiftest way to go around the city and avoid heavy traffic in Bangkok.
• 4G SIM Card for Thailand - internet connection is very important when traveling abroad and to stay connected with your family and friends without overspending on roaming services. Be sure to get a local 4G SIM card when traveling to Thailand.
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Half Day Tour - this is a day tour from Bangkok. This tour will let you experience Thailand's biggest and most popular floating market.
• Ayutthaya Day Tour with Sunset Boat Ride - this day tour from Bangkok will let you discover Thailand's ancient capital with a visit to three of the most important temples in Ayutthaya - Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Lokayasutharam. It also includes a visit to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, Ayutthaya Floating Market, and a Sunset Cruise around the rivers of Ayutthaya.

INDOCHINA ADVENTURE?

• Vientiane to Bangkok
• Siem Reap to Bangkok
• Yangon to Bangkok

HOW TO GET TO BANGKOK FROM THE AIRPORT?

From suvarnabhumi international airport, from don mueang international airport.

WHERE TO EXCHANGE CURRENCY IN BANGKOK?

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED IN THAILAND?

4g sim card, 4g pocket wifi.

HOW TO GET AROUND BANGKOK?

Bts sky train, grab car/taxi, metered taxi, motorcycles, private car charter.

WHERE TO STAY IN BANGKOK?

For you residence.

• Standard Double Or Twin Room Only - starts at 1,169 Pesos per night
• Standard Double Or Twin Room With Breakfast - starts at 1,481 Pesos per night
• Deluxe Double Room Only - starts at 1,591 Pesos per night
• Deluxe Double Room With Breakfast- starts at 1,856 Pesos per night

Lub D Bangkok

• Lub D Ladies’ Dormitory - starts at 453.00 Pesos per night/bed
• Lub D Dormitory Room Only - starts at 482.00 Pesos per night/bed
• Railway Twin Room Only - starts at 1,113.00 Pesos per night for 2 persons
• Lub D Double Room Only - starts at 1,782.00 Pesos per night for 2 persons

The Spades Hostel

• 1 Bed In 8-Bed Mixed Shared In Dormitory - starts at 509.00 Pesos per night/bed
• 1 Bed In 4 Bed Mixed Shared In Dormitory - starts at 637.00 Pesos per night/bed
• Deluxe Single Bed With Shared Bathroom - starts at 729.00 Pesos per night/bed
• Deluxe Queen Room - starts at 1,977.00 Pesos per night

Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 4

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Oct 2, 2018 at 7:37pm PDT

• Deluxe Room - starts at 5,200.00 Pesos per night
• Deluxe Room with Bathtub - starts at 6,700.00 Pesos per night

Other Hotels and Hostels in Bangkok

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Jul 11, 2018 at 5:27pm PDT

THINGS TO DO IN BANGKOK + TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Jul 11, 2018 at 2:38am PDT

The Grand Palace

• Guided tour in Grand palace & Emerald Buddha
• Bangkok Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew with Thai Massage Half Day Tour
• Bangkok Cultural City Private Customize One Day Tour
• Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Walking Half Day Tour
• Bangkok Night Tour: Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Grand Palace

Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha)

Mahanakhon Tower SkyWalk

• Experience Thailand’s tallest observatory deck when you visit the Mahanakhon SkyWalk.
• Hop on a multimedia-themed elevator and head to the King Power Mahanakhon’s 74th floor for a sweeping view of the city.
• Stop by the building’s rooftop on the 78th floor and enjoy an exhilarating walk across the world’s largest glass floors.
• Visit in the afternoon for a memorable sunset experience or late at night for a glittering view of Bangkok. -Klook

KING POWER MAHANAKHON TOWER

The Giant Swing

• Pom Mahakan

• Loha Prasat

Erawan Shrine

Asiatique The Riverfront

Khao San Road

Patpong Night Market, Bazaar, and Clubs

Chao Mae Tuptim Shrine

Jim Thompson House

Terminal 21

Siam Paragon

Madame Tussauds Bangkok

Thai Spa Experience

KidZania Bangkok

Muay Thai Live

Chao Phraya Princess Cruise

Dream World

Ancient City and Erawan Museum

• Erawan Museum: 99/9 Moo 1 Bangmuangmai, Samut Prakan, Bangkok 10270, Thailand
• Ancient City: 296/1 Sukhumvit Road, Bangpoo, Samut Prakan 10280, Thailand

Must-try Food in Bangkok, Thailand

MUST-EXPERIENCE DAY TOURS FROM BANGKOK

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Other floating market tours in thailand.

• Thailand Floating Markets Day Tour
• Bangkok Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Grand Palace Half Day Trip
• Amphawa Floating Market Half Day Trip
• Vana Nava Waterpark & Floating Market Custom Tour from Bangkok
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Chatuchak Weekend Market Private Day Tour
• Maeklong Train Market and Amphawa Floating Night Market with Firefly Viewing Tour
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Chatuchak Weekend Market Half Day Trip

Ayutthaya Day Tour with Sunset Boat Ride

Other tours in ayutthaya:.

• Colors of Ayutthaya Biking Tour
• Ayutthaya Grand Pearl River Cruise Tour
• Ayutthaya City Culture Biking Tour
• Ancient Ayutthaya Tour
• Ayutthaya Food Tour
• 2D1N Ayutthaya Private Trip from Bangkok
• Ancient Ayutthaya Private Day Tour

Ratchaburi Day Tour from Bangkok

Other day tours from bangkok, thailand.

Kanchanaburi Full Day Tour

• Travel back in time and recapture Kanchanaburi's triumphs and tragedies on the River Kwai Bridge
• Discover WW2 landmarks including the Death Railway, essential to Thailand's history and culture
• Enjoy an educational stroll on the historical streets by the riverside and experience local food
• Be escorted by your professional yet friendly guide fluent in Chinese and English on this full day tour

Splendid Pattaya Day Tour

• Ride an Amphibious Boat to Pattaya Floating Market, the largest and most popular marketplace in Pattaya
• Upgrade your Instagram feed with Art In Paradise Pattaya's creative 3D murals
• Chill by Pattaya beach with a fresh coconut in hand as you watch a golden sunset
• Get VIP seats at the Colosseum Show Pattaya, a must-see cabaret show when in Thailand

Amphawa Day Tour

• Experience Thailand like a true local - take the railway train and shop at leisure at Amphawa Floating Market
• Ampha is famous for its delicious shellfish (solen strictus) and various seafood cuisine
• Have an authentic seafood lunch at a well-known restaurant in Amphawa
• Visit one of Thailand’s most interesting temples, Wat Bang Kung, surrounded by the roots of a Banyan tree

Hua Hin Day Tour

• Discover the beauty of Hua Hin, a resort town formerly frequented by the Thai royal family
• This immersive tour takes you on an unforgettable adventure to some of the city’s most amazing sights
• Take in the incredible natural views, unique atmosphere and learn about its rich past
• If your itinerary takes you to Hua Hin next, your guide can arrange a downtown Hua Hin drop off for you!

Pattaya City & Coral Island Day Tour

• Visit the neighboring seaside city of Pattaya and explore its scenic beaches on a day trip from Bangkok!
• Take a boat trip to Coral Island and explore its sparkling white beaches and crystal clear waters
• Enjoy fun-filled water activities such as jet ski, parasailing, sea walking, snorkeling and more!
• Experience Pattaya's vibrant and bustling night life as you stroll along Pattaya Beach Road
• An English, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean speaking guide is available to guide you!

Best Places to Shop in Bangkok?

Chatuchak market.

• Wednesday and Thursday – 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (Plants and Flowers Sections only)
• Friday – 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (Wholesale Day)
• Saturday and Sunday – 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (the whole market is open)

Patpong Night Market

4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS DIY BANGKOK ITINERARY

Day 1: arrival + city tour.

• 06:15 AM - Depart from Manila via Cebu Pacific Air
• 08:15 AM - Arrive in Bangkok
• 09:00 AM - Take the train to Bangkok City Center
• 10:00 AM - Leave bags (or early check-in if allowed) in hotel/hostel in Silom
• 11:00 AM - Lunch
• 12:00 NN - Visit Wat Pho
• 02:00 PM - Visit Wat Arun
• 05:00 PM - Khao San Road / Dinner
• 09:00 PM - Back at the hotel/hostel

DAY 2: AYUTTHAYA DAY TOUR

• 08:30 AM - Meet up at Century Mall (BTS Victory Monument station)
• 09:30 AM - Arrival in Ayutthaya
• 10:00 AM - Visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
• 12:00 NN - Travel to Ayutthaya Floating Market for lunch (own expense)
• 01:00 PM - Explore Ayutthaya Floating Market
• 02:00 PM - Visit Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Lokayasutharam
• 05:00 PM - Enjoy a scenic sunset boat ride
• 06:00 PM - Stop by a night market for food and snacks (own expense)
• 06:30 PM - Depart from Ayutthaya
• 08:00 PM - Arrival in Bangkok (BTS Victory Monument station)
• 09:00 PM - Patpong Night Market / Dinner
• 12:00 MN - Back at the hotel/hostel

DAY 3: FLOATING MARKET DAY TOUR

• 08:00 AM - Meet up at Century Mall (next to BTS Victory Monument station)
• 10:00 AM - Arrive at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and enjoy a 60-minute electric boat ride
• 10:30 AM - Feed fish while on a boat
• 11:00 AM - 12:00 NN - Freely explore the floating market
• 12:00 NN - 01:00 PM - Visit a local seafood market
• 02:00/03:00 PM - Return/arrive at Century Mall Bangkok
• 05:00 PM - Asiatique The Riverfront / Dinner

DAY 4: CITY TOUR + DEPARTURE

• 07:00 AM - Check-out and leave bags at the hotel
• 08:30 AM - The Royal Palace + Temple of the Emerald Buddha ( BOOK A TOUR HERE! )
• 10:30 AM - Lunch
• 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM - City Tour
• City Pillar Shrine
• Giant Swing
• Wat Saket (Golden Mount Temple)
• 03:00 PM - Back at the hotel, get bags and travel to the airport
• 04:00 PM - Arrive at the airport, check-in for the flight
• 07:00 PM - Depart for Manila

Sample Bangkok Trip Budget for 4 days and 3 nights for 10,000 pesos budget

• You will be staying for 3 nights in a private room that is good for 2 persons for PHP 1,100 per night.
• You are a group of two.
• Your maximum expense for food is 50 THB for breakfast and 100 THB for lunch and dinner per person.
• You'll be using a Rabbit Card pre-loaded with 200 THB.

PRE-TRAVEL EXPENSES

• Budget hotel for 3 nights - PHP 3,300 / 2 = 1,650 per person
• BTS Skytrain Rabbit Card - PHP 467.00 per person
• 4G SIM Card for Thailand - PHP 240.00 per person
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Half Day Tour - PHP 1,126.00 per person
• Ayutthaya Day Tour with Sunset Boat Ride - PHP 2,091.00 per person

TOTAL - 5,574 per person

Day 1 expenses.

• Train: Airport to City Center - 45 THB
• BTS Skytrain to Silom - use Rabbit card (39 THB)
• Hotel (1st night) - pre-booked
• Lunch - 100 THB
• Grab Taxi: Silom to Wat Pho - 80 THB / 2 = 40 THB per person
• Wat Pho Entrance Fee - 100 THB
• Boat Ride to Wat Arun - 10 THB
• Wat Arun Entrance Fee - 50 THB
• Grab Taxi to Khao San - 50 THB / 2 = 25 THB per person
• Dinner - 100 THB
• TOTAL - 470 THB per person

DAY 2 EXPENSES

• Hotel (2nd night) - pre-booked
• Breakfast - 50 THB
• Train: Silom (Surasak) to Victory Monument station - use Rabbit card (39 THB)
• Ayutthaya Day Tour - pre-booked
• Train: Victory Monument station to Silom (Surasak)- use Rabbit card (39 THB)
• TOTAL - 250 THB per person

DAY 3 EXPENSES

• Hotel (3rd night) - pre-booked
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Day Tour - pre-booked
• Grab Taxi: Silom to Asiatique - 50 THB / 2 = 25 THB per person
• Grab Taxi: Asiatique to Silom - 50 THB / 2 = 25 THB per person
• TOTAL - 300 THB per person

DAY 4 EXPENSES

• Grab Taxi: Silom to Royal Palace - 80 THB / 2 = 40 THB per person
• The Royal Palace Entrance Fee - 500 THB
• Loha Prasat Entrance Fee - 20 THB
• Wat Suthat Entrance Fee - 20 THB
• Wat Saket Entrance Fee - 100 THB
• Grab Taxi: Wat Saket to Silom - 50 THB / 2 = 25 THB per person
• Train: Silom (Surasak) to PhayaThai - use Rabbit card (44 THB)
• Airport Rail Link - 45 THB
• TOTAL - 1,000 THB per person

SUMMARY OF EXPENSES

• DAY 1 - 470 THB
• DAY 2 - 250 THB
• DAY 3 - 300 THB
• DAY 4 - 1,000 THB

TOTAL - 2,920 THB or 4,701 PHP per person

Pre-travel bookings - 5,574 php per person, grand total - 10,275 php per person.

• Round trip airfare Manila-Bangkok-Manila
• NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
• Food expense for snacks
• Budget for pasalubong, souvenirs and shopping expenses

BANGKOK TRAVEL TIPS AND REMINDERS

• Dress appropriately. When visiting a temple in Thailand, the basic rule is to cover your shoulders and knees for both men and women. To be sure, always wear pants. But there are some temples (such as Wat Pho) that allow entry for men wearing shorts with length below the knee.
• Check the weather. Depending on the season, the weather in Bangkok, Thailand is hot and humid during summer months. It is suggested that you wear light and breathable clothes. If you're visiting during the rainy season, don't forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat for occasional rain showers and thunderstorms. I suggest, you use weather apps to check for the weather forecast before your trip.
• Wear comfy pair of shoes. You will be walk a lot in exploring the temples and palaces in Thailand. It is best to wear comfortable footwear.
• Be respectful. Always abide by the rules in the temples and places of worship you're visiting. Women should not talk or touch the monks. Also, do not point using your feet.
• To save on travel expenses , join a group or join-in tours in Bangkok just like what we did.
• For cheap flights to Bangkok , book it several months in advance. Airfare tends to be pricey when your desired travel dates come nearer. It is best if you book it 3 to 5 months in advance. You could get more discounts by using Traveloka's weekly promo codes. Always check the "On-Going Promos" tab on their website or in the app to avail more discounts.
• To save on travel expenses, stay in hostels or budget hotels in Bangkok . There are many nice and decent budget hotels and hostels in Bangkok to choose from that will fit your budget.

BANGKOK TRAVEL BLOGS

• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Day Tour from Bangkok - visiting a floating market is a must-do activity when in Thailand. I narrated here our experience joining a group tour to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
• Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok - this includes the top things to do, tourist spots and attractions, as well as where to eat in Ayutthaya.
• Ratchaburi Day Tour from Bangkok - another must-visit province near Bangkok is Ratchaburi. I shared here our experience on what are the top tourist spots and things to do in Ratchaburi. And of course, the must-try food!
• Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 4 - here is my complete hotel review of Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 4. This is one of the best hotels we've stayed at in Bangkok.

Are you ready to travel to Bangkok for the first time? I hope this Bangkok Budget Travel Guide 2024 for first-timers will help you in planning an unforgettable and amazing Thailand Adventure! Enjoy and have fun!

Follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 22 comments :.

Hi, where did you go when you booked for a one full day charter?

Hi! Ask ko lang po if the immigration would ask for show money?

I'm not the one who made this blog, but I think they wouldn't ask for a show money. Just show your ticket and hotel accommodation (for first timers). It's the easiest way to pass the immigs. I hope this will help.

Usually nmn sa mga immigration pag group kayo they wont ask na... pero mas naghahanap sila ng accomodation just to make sure na hnd kayo mag tnt sa country nila. Mas kilalang hotel the better.

They said 10,000baht diba? Mga Php16,250.43 they said just in case they check at least u have already toavoid headaches.. 😁😁

Upon checking it's in PESO not BAHT :) Please read carefully

Sobrang helpful. Thank you!

Hi I'm a first timer traveller. It's actually my first time out of the country and me and my friend is just worrying about the requirements that the immigration might ask us. Though I have passport, ticket and hotel itirenary. I want to ask if for secondary documents, is the immigration will ask for a bank account? I don't have a personal bank account, what I have is an employer bank account (BDO) can I use this to show my bank statements? And what else you can recommend me to have as a supporting documents. I just really want to make things smoothly in my travel.. and btw thanks to the owner of this blog, this will help me and my friend a lot..😊

Immigration officials will always profile first time travellers especially those bound for Bangkok because the city is a trancient point and a stop over for those travelling to the Middle East. So expect that they would suspect you as someone who will be using BKK as a backdoor for employment in the Middle East. So in order to avoid hassles from Immigration guys, make sure to establish that you have a job to return to in Manila, a clear itinerary of your travel, hotel reservation and of course a return ticket. Just be confident in answering their questions and you should be fine.

Hi the last time I check Bank Statement is not necessary in the immigration part for the exit, especially if the country is visa free non the less bank statement usually need in applying for a visa. Just present your document(passport, hotel reservation and travel itinerary) and answer their few question.

can i get a pdf version of the itinerary?

Hello. Ask ko lang po. Visit ako Bangkok.Pwede ba akong magtravel to Siem reap from Bangkok then go back to bangkok again ?

Hi po ask ko lang po pag family kami mag travel 5 persons po how much po need namin na pocket money? Or dapat po per person pa din po ang pocket money? Thank you so much po🤗

If ever i am first time to travel in thailand can i avail the 1 month visa free?

Paano kung ofw at kakauwi lang.. Siyempre wala naman work dito sa pinas. Wala mapapakita na proof na may babalikan na work sa pinas.

Same balak ko din magbakasyon Sana . Pero di pa ko exit sa Saudi . Balik baksyon lang talaga

Hi, can you recommend an affordable hotel in BKK?

Our arrival is at DMK airport. Would you happen to know where we can buy BTS/rabbit card? (klook doesn’t offer a pick up point at DMK, only at BKK airport) Thank you in advance.

Kindly book the one that can be picked-up at the Klook counter at CentralWorld,

Hi!ask lang po, what if po 3 po kayong magkakaibigan na mag tatravel bangkok thailand, tapos puro first timer po kayong tatlo, hindi na po kayo dumaan sa agency para mas maka less ng gastusin, hindi ba kayo mah ooffload sa immagration?thanks po.

Pa follow up po-same situation- OCt 20 to 24 travel. DIY tour lang din po ano po tips para di ma off load

Hi ask ko lang . Balak Kasi namin magbakasyon sa Thailand. Pede ba magbakasyon sa iBang bansa kapag my contract kapa sa Saudi.

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What is the cost of a thailand trip in 2024 budget tips.

Table of Contents

What is the cost of a Thailand trip in 2024? In this article we are going to give you a full budget breakdown for the cost of a Thailand trip. It is amazing that a 2 week holiday in Thailand could actually be cheaper than a 2 week holiday in the UK. 

The cost of a Thailand trip from the UK is £600 – £6,000 per person – for 2 weeks. Thailand is a cheap and beautiful country. You will be surprised how far your money will go in Thailand. 

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE to the cheapest countries in southeast Asia

Cost of a Thailand trip – overview

The following prices are based on two people traveling together and sharing accommodation. 

• It is possible to do a budget 2 week trip to Thailand for £600 per person. This relies on getting some great deals on flights and being savvy with accommodation and food.
• On a mid budget the cost of a trip to Thailand is likely to be around £2,000 for two weeks. 
• If you are planning a luxurious holiday in Thailand you can have an amazing 2 week holiday for around £6,000

If you are traveling as a couple you can make these prices cheaper per person by sharing accommodation. 

Adding kids will be cheaper due to reduced fares, cheaper activities, free transport, lower food costs and sharing accommodation. We don’t recommend traveling to Thailand for less than 2 weeks (if possible). The long flights and flight cost make it hard to justify a shorter trip.  

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on Thailand for under £600 for two weeks

1 Book your flights to Thailand

Depending on your dates and flexibility you should be able to find flights from the UK to Bangkok for around £400 – £800 return per adult (economy class). 

Here are some top tips for getting cheap flights to Thailand

• Book early if possible
• Avoid booking on weekends and evenings (if possible)
• Be flexible with travel dates (where possible)
• Be prepared for a long layover
• Be flexible about where you fly from
• Remember to budget for cost of getting to and from the airport
• Fly into Bangkok (overland travel in Thailand is cheap and convenient)
• Use Skyscanner and shop around
• Use Skyscanner price alerts 
• Click no for all the sneaky charges and extras!

Find a great deal on Skyscanner

2 buy travel insurance .

Don’t forget to purchase a travel insurance policy for your trip. Don’t skip this one out even if you are on a tight budget. Cheap policies for a 2 week trip to Thailand start at around £30. Look for a policy that offers at least £1,000,000 cover for emergency medical expenses. Make sure that your policy includes medical repatriation. This means your insurance company will help you get home if you have an accident. 

Also make sure that your policy includes all of the activities and destinations that you plan for your trip. Insurance policies may cover additional things such as delays, cancellation, lost baggage and so on. We recommend looking at the overall benefits and the excess on your policy to decide which travel insurance policy is best. Most travel insurance policies will not cover you if you travel to destinations which are against the recommendations of your country. 

3 Find some awesome accommodation

Find an amazing place to stay in Thailand. TOP TIP: Book early with a FREE cancellation policy. If you find somewhere better later or change your plans, cancel your booking (take note of the cancellation deadline for your hotel to avoid being charged).

Khaosan road is a great landing pad in Bangkok for budget accommodation. Don’t miss our guide to the best budget hotels in Khaosan road

4 Work out your daily budget 

Average prices in thailand.

To help you estimate the cost of a Thailand trip here is an example of some prices in Thailand. These prices are a rough estimate to give you a feel for typical prices. 

Daily expenses – Low budget

Here are some ways to lower the cost of a Thailand trip: Eat cheap local street food. Most dishes start at around 50 baht (around £1). For around 100 baht you can get good local food in most places (e.g. Tom Yam, Green curry, Yellow curry and more). Shop around for accommodation. Thailand has a good range of basic budget accommodation starting at around 250 baht per night (around £5). This should get you a fairly basic fan room – possibly shared bathroom. In terms of activities, local for amazing free experiences. If you do book tours or trips go as local as possible, shop around and be willing to barter. Consider bike rental or using public transport to get around. For longer journeys consider a night bus or sleeper train. 

If you are on a low budget here is an idea of the daily cost of a Thailand trip.

TOP TIP: If you are traveling as a couple of family this cost will be lower. You can share the accommodation cost, some transport costs, and also share some activity costs. Kids under 12 are often allowed to do stuff for FREE in Thailand. 

Daily expenses – Mid budget 

In Thailand a mid budget will go a long way. Being on a mid-budget in Thailand looks like relaxing and having a good time! On a mid budget you shouldn’t really need to hunt around too much for cheap food and accommodation. Most things will fit comfortably in your budget range. Use taxi apps (Grab or Bolt) to book cheap taxis. Enjoy local food and international food. Get a nice hotel in a lovely location and don’t spend ages sweating it. 

Daily expenses – High budget

If you’re doing Thailand in style you will be surprised how far your money can go. A high budget in Thailand opens the door to luxurious resorts and private villas. Enjoy premium spas and massages. Relax to lovely drinks with ocean views. Fine dine in luxurious restaurants and enjoy international cuisine. If you plan to take tours and trips don’t waste time booking or bartering – just ask your resort to organize it. Use a rental car to get around or hire a private driver. For longer journeys consider domestic flights – or if you have more time check out the sleeper trains. They are a lot of fun and a greener option. Enjoy your trip – Thailand is a great place to have a bigger budget. 

Looking for a car rental deal in Thailand? Check Skyscanner

Summary – what is the cost of a thailand trip.

The cost of a Thailand trip depends massively on your ability to get hold of some good price flights. If you’re travelling on a budget this is likely to be your biggest expense – so get flights as cheaply as possible. 

A Thailand trip is likely to cost a solo traveler around £600 if you’re on a low budget, around £2,000 if you’re on a mid range budget and £6,000 for a luxurious holiday.

If you are traveling as a couple or family, the cost per person is reduced because you can share things like accomodation, taxis, car rentals and some tours. So yeah, it is more expensive traveling as a family overall – but the cost per person is lower. 

However you travel Thailand – it is VERY likely you will have an amazing time. Thialand really is a special country. 

Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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Southeast Asia Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 27, 2023

Backpackers have been traveling through Southeast Asia since the late 1960s and early 1970s, leaving a well-worn trail around the region.

Starting in beautiful Thailand, the trail makes its way to up-and-coming Laos, through Vietnam, and to the temples of Angkor Wat. It then winds back into Thailand, where people head south to party in the Thai islands before moving down to Malaysia and Singapore.

There are a few variations to the trail, but this is what it mostly covers.

I’ve been visiting this region since 2004 and spent years living in Thailand . I love backpacking Southeast Asia and have written extensively about it as I know it like the back of my hand.

It’s an especially great region for new travelers because it’s easy to travel around, it’s safe, and there are lots of other travelers you can meet. But it’s also perfect for veteran travelers too as there are tons of off-the-beaten-path destinations that the standard backpacker trail doesn’t cover.

In short, Southeast Asia has something for every traveler — and every budget.

This Southeast Asia travel guide will help you travel the region like a pro, ensuring you save money and make the most of your time in this fun, gorgeous, and lively corner of the world.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Southeast Asia

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in southeast asia.

1. Admire Angkor Wat

One of the greatest human creations in history, the Angkor Wat temple complex is best explored over the course of a few days. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site created by the Khmer Empire and absolutely enormous. Temples to visit include Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple which has 216 gigantic stone face carvings, and Ta Prohm. I spent three days here and that simply wasn’t enough. A one-day pass is $37 USD, while a 1-week pass is $72 USD. If you’re here for multiple days, be sure to hire a driver and see some of the more out of the way ruins away from the main temple complex (and the crowds).

2. Explore Bangkok

Bangkok is the hub of travel activity in Southeast Asia. You can get anywhere you want from here. Though I hated it at first, the more I’ve spent time here the more I love it. Bangkok is like an onion whose many layers need to be peeled back. Some things not to miss include the spectacular Bangkok Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chatuchak Market and Asiatique, and a canal trip on the Chao Phraya River. This is a city for foodies and wild nightlife.

3. Relax on some tropical islands

No visit to Southeast Asia would be complete without a visit to at least one of the thousands of tropical islands in the region. My top five include the Perhentian Islands (Malaysia), Rabbit Island (Cambodia), Ko Lanta (Thailand), and Boracay (Philippines). Lombok Island (Indonesia) has a chill vibe with unspoiled, perfect “desert island” beaches. There’s so many islands to visit. Be sure to add at least one to your trip. The country guides will have more information for you.

4. See Ha Long Bay

Sailing trips to this island-filled bay with stunning emerald waters, limestone formations, and marine life give you an appreciation for the natural beauty in Vietnam. Tours from Hanoi start at around $110 USD for two-day trips and increase from there. I love the colorful grottoes, hanging stalactites, and stalagmites of Surprise Cave (Sung Sot), Fairy Cave (Tien Ong), and Heaven Palace (Thien Cung). Make sure you go with a reputable company though as some of the cheaper boats are less than ideal. If you’d rather just visit for one day, day trips from Hanoi cost $55 USD.

5. Wander Kuala Lumpur

Other things to see and do in southeast asia, 1. go jungle trekking.

This region of the world is covered in amazing jungles with diverse wildlife, plentiful camping opportunities, and cool waterfalls. The best jungle treks are found in northern Thailand, Western Laos, and Malaysian Borneo (the latter are also the hardest and most intense). Some of my favorites include Danum Valley (Borneo) for its incredible wildlife; Ratanakiri (Cambodia) for its pristine wilderness and thousand-year-old trees; and Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Vietnam). Costs vary but jungle trekking generally costs $30-50 USD per day.

2. Attend the Full Moon Party

The biggest one-night party in the world welcomes up to 30,000 people with a party that stretches until dawn. Cover yourself in glow paint, grab a bucket of booze, and dance the night away with new friends on the island of Ko Phangan in Thailand. As the name would suggest, the party is on the night of the full moon. If you miss it, there’s always the half-moon party, quarter-moon party, and black-moon party. Really, every night is a party on Ko Phangan . Just avoid the flaming jump rope that occurs — I’ve seen people get burned badly!

3. Learn to dive

There are many great dive sites around the region for those interested in underwater exploration. You can learn to dive here at a fraction of what it would cost back home too. Some of the best places are Ko Tao (Thailand), Sipadan (Malaysia), as well as Gili Islands (Indonesia) and Coron, Palawan (The Philippines). A typical diving course is completed in three days. A PADI course typically runs $275 USD in Thailand, including three nights’ accommodation, though at smaller schools you can often negotiate down to $250 USD. Day trips for certified divers start at $165 USD. For information on Ko Tao, check out this blog post .

4. Eat street food in Singapore

Singapore is a foodie’s heaven. Try the hawker stalls of Singapore as well as Little India and Chinatown for some of the best and cheapest food in Asia. If you’re looking for a nice place to sit down and eat, eat at Singapore’s famed restaurants during lunch when restaurants offer discounts, making them a great deal. You’ll also find the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants here (Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and Hawker Chan), offering world-class meals for just a couple of bucks!

5. Overload on temples

You can’t turn a corner without seeing a Buddhist temple in this part of the world. You’ll get temple overload at some point but visit as many as you can as each is unique to the country and region of the temple. There are so many places with high concentrations of ornate and beautiful temples. Check out Chiang Mai’s Wat Doi Suthep Temple and hike up the 300 steps to the golden Chedi that’s 600 years old!; Bagan’s Shwesandaw Pagoda from the 11th century with its stunning golden dome; Angkor Wat’s Ta Prohm is covered in iconic vines and enveloped in ancient jungle roots; Hue’s colorful Thien Mu Pagoda is perched atop a lush green embankment; Hoi An’s Quan Cong Temple with incredible Chinese architecture with hand-carved beauty and skill, and Luang Prabang’s Vat Xieng Thong with its golden, canopied roof. Most are free to enter, however, dress codes are enforced (you need to have your shoulders and legs covered).

6. Dive Sipadan

Located off Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan is one of the best dive sites in the world. If you have your dive certificate, make sure you venture out here. I absolutely love this area because it’s teeming with live turtles, diverse cave systems, sharks, dolphins, colorful coral, bright fish, and everything in between. Not a lot of people make it to this part of Malaysia, but it’s worth it to go the extra mile and make your way off the tourist trail a bit. Don’t miss Barracuda Point and The Drop-Off. Keep in mind that only 176 permits to dive at the island are issued each day, costing 140 MYR per person. The resorts on the neighboring islands each get a specific number of permits per day and require divers to stay with them for a few days. So you’ll need to stay at those resorts and dive into the surrounding areas before they can get you a Sipadan permit.

7. Fall in love with Bali

Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia, and its famous Kuta beach is known for its wild parties and surfing ( though I think it’s overrated ). However, there is much more to Bali than just wild nights and sun-soaked days. If you’re a thrill seeker, hike up to the top of Mount Batur, an active volcano, for a breathtaking sunrise. Paragliding and white water rafting are also super popular here, as is surfing (it’s an affordable place to learn if you’ve never done it). There are also lots of hot springs to enjoy, the Ubud Monkey Forest (a popular temple and nature reserve home to hundreds of monkeys), and numerous places to scuba dive, including the Liberty wreck and Manta Point.

8. Take in Ho Chi Minh City

Frantic, chaotic, and crazy, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is the embodiment of the controlled chaos that rules Southeast Asia. You can’t quite figure out how this teeming mass of people and cars work together, but it does. Highlights here include touring the tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the 1960s, taking in the view from the Saigon Skydeck, eating your way through the street food scene, and seeing the city’s numerous temples.

9. Admire the sunrise over an Indonesian Volcano

One of the most popular tourist attractions on Java is Mount Bromo and its National Park. Don’t miss out on getting a photo of the smoldering Bromo volcano as it lies surrounded by the almost lunar landscape of the Sea of Sand. Get up early to catch one of the most memorable sunrises of your life. If you’re there in mid-August, you’ll be just in time to see Upacara Kasada, the traditional Hindu ritual of the Tenggerese, a Javanese tribe of the region.

10. Hike in Khao Sok National Park

Located in southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is constantly rated as one of the best parks in Thailand, with incredible trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a glistening lake. Visit for semi-challenging hikes, tons of wildlife, walking paths, and breathtaking sunsets. Park entrance costs around $6 USD while full-day guided tours are $95 USD. I highly recommend spending at least one night here to get the full experience.

11. Visit Kampot

Most people come to Kampot to enjoy the scenic riverside views, as well as the rolling hills that surround the city. Since you can explore easily enough on foot or by bicycle, Kampot is a great place to slow down and relax. There’s not much to do here but have lazy days by the river, chill, and eat (don’t miss the famous Rusty Keyhole for BBQ!). Don’t miss the pepper farms, as this region of Cambodia is filled with pepper farms where you can learn about the history of the spice, see how it is grown, and pick up what is considered some of the finest pepper in the world. Tours are usually free.

12. Take a cooking class

Food from this region is as varied as the countries themselves and learning how to cook a few dishes is a great souvenir of your time here. Even if you don’t plan to cook back home, you can still spend a day making and eating scrumptious food. Most big cities have cooking schools offering classes of 2-6 hours, often including a trip to the local market beforehand to select ingredients. I absolutely love cooking classes and urge you to take one at least once. They are a fun experience!

13. Take a food tour

If you’d rather eat instead of cook, taking a food tour is a fun way to gain insight into the region’s amazing noodle dishes, fresh seafood, sweets, and street food while learning about the history and culture behind the cuisine. Most major cities in Southeast Asia offer food tours. These include tours around local markets, street stalls, and tours to locally-owned restaurants and cafes where you can sample the local cuisine and connect with a local chef. If you’re nervous about street food, this is a great way to try some in a controlled setting. Tours usually last 2-4 hours and include multiple stops and several different dishes, with prices costing $40-75 USD per person.

14. Visit an elephant sanctuary

While riding an elephant is on many a Southeast Asia bucket list, once you know how much the animals suffer from abuse in order to provide these rides, you might think twice about taking one. An even better way to interact with elephants is to volunteer at or visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai in Thailand. It’s a phenomenal place, allowing you to give back to the community and these magnificent animals all at once. After coming here, you will understand why you should NEVER ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs $70 USD.

15. See The Killing Fields

A visit to Choeung Ek, also known as the Killing Fields, may not be the most cheerful way to spend an afternoon, but it makes for an educational and memorable experience. Over 3 million people were killed by Pol Pot’s regime, including countless women and children. I recommend getting a guide so you can really understand what you’re seeing as you explore the area. Also, this horrific tragedy took place less than 50 years ago and is still very present so please be respectful as a visitor.  The site is located 10 miles from Phnom Penh. Half-day guided tours start at $66 USD.

16. Swim with Whale Sharks in Donsol

If you’re in the Philippines, check out the Donsol Whale Shark Interactive Ecosystem Project because there are not many experiences quite as adrenaline-inducing as swimming with a whale shark for the first time in crystal waters. These incredible creatures are around 45 feet (14 meters) long and yet incredibly gentle and curious. I loved floating at the surface being able to look below and see them slowly swim below me. Get some people together and rent a boat for a half day, explore the area, and go ‘shark-seeing’ for a good cause.  

  For a ton more information, visit my country specific travel guides for more detailed information on each place:

• Cambodia Travel Guide
• Indonesia Travel Guide
• Laos Travel Guide
• Malaysia Travel Guide
• Singapore Travel Guide
• Thailand Travel Guide
• Vietnam Travel Guide

Southeast Asia Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Southeast Asia is really cheap, making it the perfect place to travel if you are on a budget. Hostels are plentiful, as are budget guesthouses and hotels. It’s also very cheap to splash out here if you’re in need of some luxury.

Generally, you can find hostel dorm rooms for as little as $6-8 USD in Cambodia and $3-6 USD in Laos. In Thailand, 4-6-bed dorm rooms are $8-12 USD, while in Vietnam you can expect to pay $5-7 USD. In Indonesia, prices range between $5-10 USD for a 4-6-bed dorm room. Expect to pay at least $15-20 per night for a private room with air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is standard in most hostels, free breakfast is common, and many hostels even have pools. In more remote areas, hot water isn’t common so make sure to check in advance if that’s an issue for you.

Simple guesthouses or bungalows throughout Southeast Asia generally cost $12-20 USD per night for a basic room with a fan (sometimes air conditioning) and hot water. If you want something nicer that includes a more comfortable bed and a TV, expect to pay $25-35 USD per night.

For backpackers, budgeting around $10 USD per night for accommodation is pretty safe no matter where you go in Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for a higher-end hotel room with more amenities, expect to pay $20-50 USD per night for a room. Anything over that is luxury territory.

Camping is available in certain areas, usually for just a few dollars per night for a basic tent plot without electricity. However, this is about the same price as hostels so it’s not really any cheaper.

Food – While each country’s cuisine varies, overall, Southeast Asian food is aromatic, spicy, and flavorful. Typical spices and herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce. No matter what region you’re in, you can expect to find a variety of curries, salads, soups, noodle dishes, and stir-fries.

Rice and noodles are central to Southeast Asian food, while the meat is usually pork, chicken, fish, or seafood, which is everywhere on the islands and coastal areas.

While traveling Southeast Asia, street food is the most popular food and cheapest option. On average, these meals cost $1-5 USD. You find these stalls throughout this region lining most streets and every market. They are ubiquitous in the region. In Singapore, street food (from “hawker stands” as they’re known there) costs around $4-5 USD for a meal. Even if you go into small local restaurants, the price doesn’t increase that much.

Food that costs $2 USD at a street stall generally only costs $4-6 USD at a local restaurant. If you went into a restaurant in Thailand, you’d pay around $3-4 USD for a pad Thai that would have cost $1-2 USD on the street.

In Cambodia, street food is around $1-2 USD, while restaurants charge around $3-5 USD for a dish like amok (a coconut milk dish) or luc lac (pepper gravy beef).

Western meals, including burgers, pizza, and sandwiches usually cost around $7-10 USD. But these generally aren’t that great. If you want something that actually tastes as it does back home, expect to spend at least $10-12 USD for your meal.

While cheap, alcohol can take a bite out of your budget if you’re not careful. Those $1-2 USD beers add up! Wine and cocktails are more expensive, generally around $3-5 USD. A cappuccino is typically around $2 USD. Bottled water is plentiful and costs less than $1 USD.

There’s a growing cutting-edge foodie scene in the region and, if you want to splurge, you can do so on some really good meals. Big cities like Bangkok, KL, and Singapore, all have world-class Michelin star restaurants as well some incredible fusion restaurants.

Since dining out is so cheap in the region, there’s no point in grocery shopping unless you’re looking to get some pre-made salads or fruits. Additionally, a general lack of kitchens in most hostels and hotels makes it difficult to cook even if you wanted to. If you do purchase your own groceries, expect to spend around $25 USD per week for basic groceries like local produce, rice, and some meat (while avoiding expensive imported items like cheese and wine).

Backpacking Southeast Asia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of $45 USD per day, you can stay in hostel dorms, eat out at local markets and street stalls, limit your drinking, do mostly free activities, minimize paid activities, and use public transportation to get around. You’re not going to be able to splash out but you’ll be able to live the typical backpacker experience without really stressing over expenses.

On a mid-range budget of $85 USD per day, you can stay in budget hotels or private hostel rooms, eat more restaurant meals, do more paid activities like cooking classes, take some taxis, and enjoy a few more drinks. You won’t live large, but you won’t be missing out either.

On an upscale budget of $150 USD or more per day, you can stay in nicer hotels with more amenities, eat out as much as you want, do more paid tours including private tours, hire a driver, fly between destinations, and basically do whatever you want. The sky is the limit with this kind of budget!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Backpacking Southeast Asia is cheap. There’s little opportunity to spend a lot of money since everything is already so inexpensive unless you intentionally are trying to splash out on fancy meals and high end hotels. The two reasons why most travelers end up overspending is that they eat a lot of Western food and drink way too much. If you want to save money while traveling in this part of the world, cut down on your drinking and skip the Western food. While country guides have more specific ways to save money, here are some general ways to save money in Southeast Asia:

• Stay with a local – Accommodation is cheap in Southeast Asia but nothing’s cheaper than free! Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds and couches for free. You’ll also meet great people who can show you around and share their insider tips and advice.
• Book tours and day trips as a group – You have more negotiation power when you’re with a group of people buying multiple spots or tickets. Traveling alone? Meet a friend at a hostel and see if they want to join the same tour as you. I’ve met some great friends over the years doing this and highly recommend it.
• Don’t book in advance – Don’t book any tours or activities before you get to your destination. They’ll be much cheaper when you arrive as you’ll be able to negotiate a lower price as you’ll find companies are often offering the same tour and competing. Anything you see online is more expensive than you need to pay!
• Eat on the street – The street food is the best food. The food is the best and cheapest you’ll find. It’s a great way to try new foods and get to chat with locals as well. This is where locals eat so if you want insight into local culture, good food, and savings, eat the street food. Look for where locals are eating to ensure that it’s safe to eat.
• Bargain hard – Nothing is ever at face value here. Bargain with sellers as most of the time, the price they’ve quoted is way higher. There’s a haggling culture in the region so play the game and save some money. It’s important not to convert it in your head to your own currency because it will usually sound cheap even though you might still be getting ripped off. You’ll never get the local price, but you might come close!
• Minimize your drinking – Drinks really add up. Even with cheap drinks, if you’re not aware, you’ll end up spending more money on beer than on food and accommodation. If you want to drink, head to the supermarkets, drink at the hostel, or check out the local happy hours.
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Southeast Asia since you can’t usually drink the tap water. Save money and thousands of plastic bottles and get a bottle that can purify the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter that ensures your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Southeast Asia

I’ve been traveling Southeast Asia since 2005 and have stayed in hundreds of places. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Southeast Asia:

• The Siem Reap Pub Hostel (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Mad Monkey Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Sihanoukville (Sihanoukville)
• Monkey Republic (Sihanoukville)
• Onederz Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh)
• Sla Boutique Hostel (Phnom Penh)
• The Magic Sponge (Kampot)
• Indigo House Hotel (Luang Prabang)
• Sa Sa Lao (Luang Prabang)
• Sanga Hostel (Pakse)
• Nana Backpackers Hostel (Vang Vieng)
• Dream Home Hostel (Vientiane)
• Traveller Bunker Hostel (Cameron Highlands)
• De’Native Guest House (Cameron Highlands)
• Kitez Hotel & Bunks (Kuala Lumpur)
• Sunshine Bedz Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur)
• Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel (Penang)
• Mad Monkey Hostel (Bangkok)
• D&D Inn (Bangkok)
• Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai)
• The Royal Guest House (Chiang Mai)
• Green Leaf (Khao Yai)
• Lonely Beach Resort (Ko Chang)
• The Sanctuary (Koh Phangan)
• Na-Tub Hostel (Koh Phangan)
• Pineapple Guesthouse (Phuket)
• Dream Lodge
• The Pod Capsule Hostel
• The Scarlet
• Under the Coconut Tree Guesthouse (Hoi An)
• Fuse Beachside (Hoi An)
• Pretty Backpackers House (Da Lat)
• Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel (Hanoi)
• Luxury Backpackers Hostel (Hanoi)
• The Hideout (HCMC)
• City Backpackers Hostel (HCMC)

How to Get Around Southeast Asia

Public transportation – Public transportation costs from a few pennies to a few dollars, with Singapore and Malaysia offering the most comprehensive public transportation systems. In Thailand, local buses cost around $0.25 USD per trip, while the Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost $0.50-1.50 USD per trip. In Cambodia, a bus ticket in Phnom Penh costs just $0.40 USD per ride.

Major cities generally have subway systems but mostly you’ll be using the bus or shared taxis to get around.

Tuk-tuks (small, shared taxis with no meter) are available around much of the region and require a bit of haggling. They usually have 3-6 seats and generally cost more than public transportation but are faster. To find a reputable driver, ask your accommodation as they usually know someone. Tuk-tuk drivers can often be hired for the day for a discounted rate (this is what a lot of people do to visit the Killing Fields and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, for example).

Taxi – Taxis in the region are generally safe, though it’s not uncommon to have to haggle. Scams to rip you off aren’t uncommon either, so always ask your accommodation to call you a taxi whenever possible so you know you’ll get a reputable company.

In Singapore and Indonesia, taxi drivers do put on the meter. In Bangkok, you can get taxi drivers to use the meter, but if you’re hailing one in a tourist area, he might try to avoid using it. In Vietnam, the meter is sometimes rigged, but if you can get a reputable company like Mai Linh, you won’t have any problems.

Ridesharing – Grab, DiDi, and Gojek are Asia’s answer to Uber. They work the same way: you hire a driver to take you somewhere via the app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi, though drivers are a bit unreliable as the practice is not as widespread here as in other parts of the world.

Just keep in mind that some drivers are driving motorcycles so be sure to double check what kind of vehicle is picking you up if you don’t want to ride on the back of one.

Bus – The easiest and cheapest way to travel around Southeast Asia is by bus. The backpacker trail is so worn that there is a very well-established tourist bus system to take you anywhere. Buses costs vary between $5-25 USD for a 5-6 hour journey. Overnight buses cost $20-35 USD depending on distance (they often have reclining seats so you can get a decent sleep).

You can check ticket prices and book tickets for all the different bus companies across Southeast Asia at 12go.asia.

Train – Train service is limited in the region and not something to really consider when you travel Southeast Asia. You can take a train up and down the coast of Vietnam and there’s some limited scenic rails in Malaysia. Thailand is the only country that has an extensive train system that lets you travel all its regions (and onward to Singapore) from Bangkok.

The train prices in Southeast Asia are determined by distance and class. Night trains with sleeper cars are more expensive than day trains. The night train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok takes twelve hours and costs $27 USD for a sleeper seat. However, that same train during the day is $8-9 USD. In Vietnam, trains run up and down the coast and cost $60 USD from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Flying – The cost of flying around Southeast Asia has come down in recent years due to the rise of low-cost airlines. Scoot, Jetstar, and AirAsia are the biggest. Nok Air has a lot of flights within Thailand , and VietJet Air is popular in Vietnam . Lion Air serves Indonesia , but its safety record is really spotty and I personally would not fly them. If you book early, you can save on fares, as most of the airlines offer deeply discounted fare sales all the time, especially Air Asia.

Just make sure that the airport these budget airlines fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Also, keep in mind that you usually must pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

All in all, I only recommend flying if you are pressed for time or find a super cheap deal. Otherwise, stick to the bus.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Southeast Asia is safe, though popularity of the practice varies by country (it’s more common in Malaysia, but not so much in Cambodia). Dress respectably, smile while making eye contact with drivers, and use a cardboard sign to tell people where you’re headed. Be prepared for long bouts of no pick-ups, especially if you’re traveling through more rural areas. Pack plenty of water and food. Also, make sure the people picking you up understand you’re hitchhiking and not flagging down a taxi.

Hitchwiki is a great resource for hitchhiking tips.

Car rental I don’t recommend renting a car in Southeast Asia. Rental cars are expensive ($40 USD per day or more) and the roads here are in poor shape. I would never drive around the region.

When to Go to Southeast Asia

The best time of year to visit Southeast Asia is from November to April when temperatures are milder (though temperatures vary drastically by region). It may be mild in Thailand in January and hot in Malaysia but in Northern Vietnam, it’s cold! Also, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not taking into account the rainy season. In some cases it won’t make a big difference but definitely does if it’s a beach trip.

In Indonesia, the best time to visit is April to October. Temperatures average 24-30ºC (75-86ºF), and the weather is mostly dry. July to September is the peak holiday season and when you can expect to pay the highest rates. December to February is the rainy season.

In Malaysia, January-March and June-September are the best time to visit, as these months have the lowest average rainfall. It is still hot and humid during this time though. The rainy season is from October to December. Singapore’s climate/weather is much like Malaysia’s.

In Vietnam, the weather varies by region. In Central Vietnam (including Hoi An and Nha Trang), January-May is the best time to visit because it is dry and the temperatures average 21-30°C (70-86°F). June to August is also a decent time to visit. If you want to stick around Hanoi, March to April is great, or October to December (for mildest temperatures). The rainy season is May-September.

Thailand has three seasons: hot, hotter, and hottest. It’s always warm, though the weather is nicest between November and February (which is also peak tourist season). Bangkok is “coolest” and driest during this time (but still averaging a hot 29°C/85°F each day). April and May are the hottest months, and the rainy season is June-October. The gulf islands get pretty rainy from August to December.

The dry season in Cambodia is from November-May and the cool season is from November-February (and when most people visit). Temperatures during this time are still high, but humidity is lower. Laos has the same cool season as Cambodia, with the dry season running from November-April.

In the Philippines, it’s mostly warm all year long with an average daily high of 26°C (80°F). There are rainy and dry seasons and temperatures are hot and dry from March-May and cooler December-February. The best time to visit is between January-April when it’s less humid. Monsoon Season is July-October.

For more information on when to go to places, visit the specific country guides.

How to Stay Safe in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crime is super, duper rare. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime in Southeast Asia, especially around popular tourist landmarks. Always keep your valuables out of reach on public transportation and in crowds just to be safe. Never leave your valuables unattended while at the beach and always keep a hold of your purse/bag when out and about as bag snatching is common.

That said, outside touristy areas, theft is really rare. Heck, it’s pretty rare in touristy areas too! But a little vigilance goes a long way and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

There are some common scams around that you’ll want to be aware of, such as the motorbike scam. This involves a bike rental company trying to charge you for damage to the bike that you didn’t cause. To avoid this, always take photos of your rental before you leave so you can protect yourself from baseless claims.

Another common scam involves a tuk-tuk driver taking you somewhere you didn’t want to go in hopes you’ll buy something from the shop/restaurant he dropped you off at (he gets a commission if you do). Simply refuse to buy anything and demand to go back to where you were — or find another driver.

For other common travel scams, read this post about major travel scams to avoid in the region .

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though it’s generally a good idea to avoid walking around alone at night just to be safe. It’s always a good idea to carry some extra cash to get home in a taxi if you need to. Additionally, always keep an eye on your drink at the bar and never accept drinks from strangers. Be sensible when it comes to dating while traveling and meeting people in public places. As I’m not a woman, please check out some solo female travel blogs to get the best insight.

Overall, the people who get in trouble here tend to be involved with drugs or sex tourism. Avoid those two things and you should be fine. Keep in mind that it’s not always obvious how old someone is or if they’re a sex worker so be mindful when getting involved in romantic interactions. Also, penalties for drug use in this region are stiff so even if you’re here to party, skip the drugs.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Southeast Asia, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good 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. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

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.

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Southeast Asia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 4 Best Hostels in Singapore

The 6 Best Hostels in Bali

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

5 LGBTQ Travel Tips for Asia

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

Backpacking Cambodia: 3 Suggested Itineraries for Your Trip

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• Where To Stay
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• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

What $500 gets you in 10 destinations around the world, from a resort stay in Thailand to a tiny-home cottage in Iceland

Posted: May 21, 2023 | Last updated: July 22, 2023

• Although flights have become more expensive, there are ways to vacation within a reasonable budget. 
• With careful planning, $500 can cover the cost of accommodation, dinners, and memorable experiences.
• These are Insider's tips for maximizing your budget and experience in 10 vacation hot spots.

As travel demand continues to grow , plane ticket and hotel prices show no signs of dropping , according to NerdWallet's 2023 Travel Price Index.

Excluding transportation costs, travelers spend the most on accommodation, followed by dining and entertainment, according to Bankrate .

But even if airfare is unavoidable, a smaller budget for hotels, food, and activities can still go far on your vacation — if you're smart about how you spend it.

Whether you're looking for nature hikes in Mexico or a spa town in Japan, here are Insider's tips for how to make the most of a trip in various hot-spot destinations for under $500.

Editor's note: This budget accounts for one or two people, and doesn't include airfare. Any costs referenced in this article are accurate as of May 2023. Readers are encouraged to check these prices as they may have changed since.

In Valladolid, Mexico, $500 could cover the cost of a hotel stay, an authentic dinner, and a guided tour of a must-visit cenote.

Located in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, Valladolid has Mayan ruins, delicious food, and cenotes, which are natural spring swimming holes. 

For around $300 as of May 2023, you can book three nights at Hotel Mesón del Marqués , with breakfast included, according to Booking.com , and access to the pool, jacuzzi, and sunbathing terrace. The hotel is in the heart of the city, within walking distance of sites like Convent de San Bernardino de Siena , a Franciscan colonial building, and Xkopek Parque Apicola , a beekeeping farm and park with daily tours.

Dining doesn't have to be expensive either. Valladolid has many restaurants where meals cost as little as $10 per person, like  Ahal , which serves Mexican food in a cozy space with a courtyard. For a splurge,  Ixcatic serves authentic farm-to-table dinners based on Mayan cuisine. Expect to spend about $80 for two diners for dishes like sopa de lima , a lime and chicken soup, and cochinita píibil , pork seasoned with achiote, wrapped in a banana leaf, and smoked.

Among the many cenotes in Valladolid, a must-visit is Cenote Zazil Tunich, a stunning underwater sinkhole with crystal-clear water formed centuries ago, which you can swim in and tour for 350 Mexican pesos, or about $20.

After that, spend a full-day tour with a local guide that includes visiting Chichén Itzá, an archaeological site that was once a Mayan city, swimming in Cenote Chichikan, and a tequila tasting. The tour is about $48 per person, and entry to Chichén Itzá costs another $34.

Visit ancient pagodas, stroll by the canals, and take a food tour for less than $500 in Suzhou, China.

Suzhou has been called the Venice of China for its many ancient waterways, bridges, and canals, and the city's classical gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For around $150 total, you can stay three nights at Tongli 1917 Best South Inn, a traditional guesthouse that also serves a $4 breakfast, according to Booking.com. 

Keep costs down with a free stroll along the waterway beside Pingjiang Road, a historic road dating back to the 12th century with traditional architecture, quaint shops, and tea houses. A few minutes' walk away, the Suzhou Museum has free entry to view Chinese paintings, calligraphy, and ancient artifacts.

As for dining, you can sample Suzhou's food scene on an alleyway food tour with a local guide. The three-and-a-half-hour experience costs $55 per person, and participants try dishes like Suzhou noodles in broth, wontons, and fried sesame balls.

If there's still room in your budget, for $200, take a private tour of Suzhou's most significant sites, which includes the Humble Administrator's Garden , a lush property with pavilions and lotus ponds. The tour also goes to Panmen Gate, a famous ancient landmark, as well as Tiger Hill , a large park that's home to the Yunyan Pagoda, a temple that is said to have first been built in 959 AD  and has been repaired and reconstructed many times since.

The beaches are free in Sitges, Spain, so your budget can be spent on a resort-style hotel, kayaking, and seafood.

This coastal city in Spain is known for its fresh seafood, queer-friendly beaches, and art history . It's smaller than Barcelona, which is approximately a 40-minute drive away, so it might make for a more relaxed trip than if you visited a big city.

For about $369, according to Booking.com , you can get two nights at Meliá Sitges , a boutique, resort-style hotel with an outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast buffet. The property is within walking distance of Port de Sitges Aiguadolç , the city's waterfront restaurant and bar area.

The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from several of the city's 17 beaches , which are all free to access, and include a handful of nude beaches, and a number of LGBTQ-friendly beaches, like Platja de la Rodona . Before sunbathing, kayak with a rental for about $20 per hour or paddleboard for around $28.

A must-visit for art fans is the Museus de Sitges, a group of five art and sculpture museums in connected buildings by the beach. For about $18, you can gain entry to all. After, walk to nearby restaurant Pic Nic  for the seafood fideuà , a local specialty similar to paella that is made with pasta instead of rice.

With a $500 budget, you can eat cheese, visit a prosciutto factory, tour an opera house, and more, in Parma, Italy.

Named a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO , Parma is a haven for foodies. It's in northern Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region, the country's food valley, and the home of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, prosciutto , and balsamic vinegar . 

You can stay at Hotel Torino, a cozy boutique property with less than 50 rooms, for about $110 per night, according to Booking.com . The hotel is centrally located in Parma's historic center.

Don't skip a visit to Teatro Regio di Parma , an opera house built in the 1820s , to catch an opera, ballet, or music performance. There's also a bookshop, and for about $7 you can take a guided tour of the theater.

If you want to sample Parma's famous exports, sign up for a food tour with ParmaLook . The full-day tour costs about $150 and includes a local guide and van transportation. On the tour, attendees visit several towns within about an hour's drive of Parma. Stops include a dairy farm to see how Parmigiano Reggiano is made, a Parma ham factory in nearby Langhirano to sample aged prosciutto, and a balsamic vinegar factory in the town of Modena.

Unwind in hot springs and stay at a traditional ryokan for less than $500 in Kinosaki Onsen, Japan.

If you want to relax, visit Kinosaki, also known as Kinosaki Onsen, a small town in western Japan that is popular for its hot springs , or onsens. The quaint town is about a two-and-a-half-hour train ride from Kyoto.

The town has seven onsens , which are all located along the same road within walking distance of each other. Each onsen is unique in its design, but they all have either outdoor or indoor baths, or both, and some have saunas and garden areas.

Kono-yu is the oldest onsen in town and has an outdoor bath in a peaceful garden setting. Satono-yu is a more modern onsen that has both Japanese- and Turkish-style baths, including a bath on a third-floor observation deck with views of the town. You can purchase individual day passes to the onsens for about $5 to $6 each .

Pair a dip in an onsen with a visit to  Onsenji Temple , an ancient Buddhist temple on a mountainside in the nearby city of Toyooka, about a 20-minute walk from Kinosaki . Onsenji is considered the guardian temple of the onsens, and visiting was a traditional way to prepare to enter the hot springs and ask for a blessing to receive the water's purported healing properties , according to Visit Kinosaki .

You can hike  up a forested path to get to the temple, or take a round-trip ride on the Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway , a tram that goes to the temple, for about $6 per person .

In terms of where to stay, you can spend a night at Kinosaki Yamamotoya , a more than 350-year-old ryokan. The cost of a stay at the traditional Japanese inn comes with a one-day pass to all the local hot springs, where you'll probably spend most of your time.

At around $180 per night, according to Booking.com , there's an included breakfast and kaiseki dinner , a multi-course meal with intricate small dishes that is a specialty of many traditional ryokans . The dinner also includes the famous Wagyu beef of the region, Tajima,  a sought-after kind of the meat that's specific to the Hyōgo Prefecture. 

And if you're visiting between November and March, find a restaurant serving Matsuba-gani , or snow crab, a regional delicacy. 

In Chiang Mai, Thailand, $500 could pay for a sustainable hotel, tie-dye workshop, and a visit to an elephant sanctuary.

With some planning, you can stretch your budget far in Chiang Mai, nothern Thailand's mountainous city with lush greenery and ancient temples. 

For about $200, you can spend two nights at the Veranda Resort , a boutique hotel near local villages and scenic rice terraces .

The hotel follows sustainable practices like using energy-efficient lighting and water-saving appliances, according to Booking.com , and has a rooftop infinity pool with scenic views.

For a Thai full-body massage or a facial, head to Lila Thai Massage. According to its website, the business employs former inmates to give them a new start, and treatments range from about $10 to $40, depending on the length and type of massage.

And if you want to have an elephant encounter in Thailand, it's important to do so responsibly and ethically. Tourism-driven practices like riding the animals is considered a form of animal cruelty that can lead to physical disfigurement, according to CNN. Bathing the elephants is also unethical, according to the Phuket Nature Elephant Reserve , as the close interaction can cause the animals stress, and it's also unnecessary, since elephants naturally bathe themselves.

Avoid businesses that offer riding or bathing elephants, and instead visit an elephant rescue sanctuary like Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, which is a few hours' drive from the city of Chiang Mai. As of May 2023, the property is home to six elephants, and the animals are free to roam 4,000 acres of community land , according to the sanctuary .

For about $300, you can book a two-day, one-night stay at the sanctuary , which includes accommodations, food, and transportation to and from Chiang Mai. During the visit, you'll take guided hikes through the forest to find and observe the elephants in their natural habitat.

Stay in a tiny-home cottage, take a glacier boat tour, and see a black-sand beach for less than $500 in Höfn, Iceland.

Iceland can be an expensive destination to visit, across all of its regions. It can be cheaper if you avoid visiting during the summer, which is the most popular season for tourists and when prices for hotels and activities can spike.

As a small fishing town of about 1,800 people, Höfn is an outdoorsy option for visiting Iceland on a $500 budget. It's located on the southeastern coast, and has beaches and nature trails to explore.

In terms of where to stay, you can get a rugged Icelandic experience by staying at Höfn Cottages , a group of tiny-home cottages. A two-night stay costs about $200, according to Booking.com . Guests share communal bathrooms, and the cottages are within walking distance of a heated public pool.

And if there's room in your schedule, and budget, rent a car to explore the outskirts of Höfn. Drive about one hour to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon for a boat tour , which costs around $47 per ticket. The 35-minute tour includes boating between massive glaciers and the chance to see seals. There's also free parking and entry at nearby Diamond Beach , which is worth a stop to see its unique black sand dotted with chunks of ice in person.

As for dining in Höfn, you can fill up at Pakkhús Restaurant on comforting Icelandic specialties like smoked arctic char, lamb, and lobster. A meal for one can range from about $16 to $41, according to Tripadvisor .

See a natural rock formation, take a river cruise, and tour a gold mint while staying within budget in Perth, Australia.

Flanked by the Australian Outback and Indian Ocean, the cosmopolitan city of Perth has plenty to offer.

You can stay at the East Perth Suites Hotel for about $130 a night, according to Booking.com. The hotel is located in the eastern part of Perth along the Swan River , which runs through the city and into the Indian Ocean. Rooms have kitchenettes with a mini fridge, and guests can use the property's heated outdoor pool and gym.

For about $40 a person, you can take a scenic cruise around the Swan River. The ride includes a guide who shares information on landmarks you'll see along the route like Kings Park , which is home to the massive Western Australian Botanic Garden, and The Bell Tower , a tower containing bells that date back to the 14th century, according to the landmark's website. The bells are rung manually, twice a week . 

To explore Perth without feeling rushed, you can book a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour for about $30. The bus visits 12 sightseeing spots, including the Western Australian Cricket Association Stadium and Crown Perth, a resort and casino. The ticket gives you access to the bus for 48 hours, so you can visit the attractions at your own pace.

You can also take a guided tour of the Perth Mint, a manufacturer of precious metals and coins that's been operating since 1899. The 60-minute tour costs about $15, and you'll see displays of the mint's large coin and natural nugget collections, and watch demonstrations of how molten gold is made into gold bars.

For a day trip outside of the city, you can book a guided tour for about $150 to see Wave Rock , an impressive natural granite formation in the town of Hyden. It's a full-day excursion, and the cost includes transportation to and from Perth.

Use your $500 budget in Bodrum, Turkey, to tour an ancient tomb and castle and try a traditional cooking class.

Located on the Turkish Riviera, Bodrum has white-sand beaches and a Mediterranean flair. Weather is mostly mild year-round , with spring being the most temperate.

For about $49 a night, according to Booking.com , you can stay at the Bodrum Oscar Hotel, which includes breakfast and free parking. The property has a pool and is a short walk from Torba Beach .

In terms of Bodrum's must-sees, you can visit the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus , an ancient tomb and archaeological site, which costs less than a dollar for entry, according to Frommer's. There's also Bodrum Castle , a 15th-century fortress with a museum of ancient artifacts recovered from ocean excavations. Tickets cost about $15 to visit the castle and museum.

As for a nature excursion, there's a guided full-day tour you can take to Pamukkale , a natural wonder and site of mineral springs that over centuries have built up eye-catching white travertines. The tour costs about $45 per person and includes hotel transfers and a buffet lunch. The tour also includes the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, located in the same area.

And if you want to try your hand at Aegean Turkish cuisine, you can take a cooking class  for about $120 a person, which includes a trip to the local farmers' market to pick up your supplies. The meal, which you'll help cook, includes traditional dishes of four cold starters, an entrée, main course, and dessert.

For $500 in Nairobi, Kenya, you can go on a safari to see Africa's big five animals, meet giraffes at a wildlife center, and book a hotel.

As Kenya's capital that borders a national park , Nairobi is where many go to see Africa's big five animals : the African savanna elephant and buffalo, leopard, lion, and rhinoceros.

Safaris can be an expensive excursion, with luxury options that can cost thousands of dollars per night , but with careful planning, there are ways to do it on a budget.

You can stay at Boma Inn Nairobi, a modest but comfortable 58-room property, for around $75 per night, or $100 to include continental breakfast, according to Booking.com. As a guest, you can access amenities like a pool, spa, and gym at the hotel's larger sister property, The Boma Nairobi, which has 148 rooms with rates starting at around $140 a night .

And you can visit Giraffe Manor's   Giraffe Center for up-close encounters with the animals. For about $11,  you can feed rescued giraffes and learn about local conservation efforts.

There's also a public visiting hour at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust , a wildlife conservation with elephants, rhinoceroses, and giraffes. With a minimum donation of $15 for entry, visitors can access the Nairobi Nursery , where you can see orphaned baby elephants. 

If there's room in your budget to spend about $195 per person, you can go on a half-day safari with a local tour in Nairobi National Park . The five-hour experience is spent riding with a tour guide in search of lions, leopards, endangered black rhinos, elephants, African buffalo, and various bird species.

End the trip with a traditional Kenyan cooking demonstration. For about $80, you can get a private class with a local chef, and learn how to make dishes like mukimo, made of mashed potato and greens; ugali, a corn flour-based side dish; and pilau, a fragrant spiced rice.

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