thailand travel budget 2022

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.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

How to Get a Sak Yant in Chiang Mai (Hygienically and Safely in 2024)

Cape Kudu Hotel Review – Best Place to Stay on Koh Yao Noi

17 EPIC Things to Do in Pai, Thailand [2024 Guide]

Related Posts

The 20 best things to do in koh tao, thailand (2024 guide), where to stay in phuket – the best hotels for every budget, conservation diving and the ecological monitoring program in koh tao, 10 epic day trips from bangkok (do not miss these in 2024), 2 thoughts on “thailand trip cost – budget tips and prices in 2024”.

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.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Thailand Trip Costs 2023 – How Much

Will it cost per day.

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

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

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

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

Budgets based on three weeks it is then!

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

Alcohol & Cigarettes- Partying & Ladies

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

Alcohol Costs

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

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

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

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

GoGo and Lady Bars

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

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

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

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

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

Food, Rehydration & Eating Out Budget

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

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

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

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

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

Hotels, Guesthouse & Resort Costs

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

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

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

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

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

Transportation Costs

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

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

Examples of Transport Costs

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

Bangkok to Chiang Mai

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

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

Boat Trips & Island Hopping

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

Activities & Sightseeing

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

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

Gifts & Shopping

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

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

Three Week Trip – 21 Day Guides

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

Accommodation 10’000 THB – 300 USD

Food – Eating Out 8400 THB – 250 USD

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

Activities/Sightseeing 5000 THB – 150 USD  

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

Budget to Mid Range

Accommodation 25’200 THB – 760 USD

Food – Eating Out 18’000 THB – 540 USD

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

Activities/Sightseeing 10’000 THB – 300 USD  

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

Mid Range and Above

Accommodation 42’000 THB – 1270 USD +

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

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

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

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

Pace Yourself

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

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

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

• Thailand Currency Exchange Guide & Tips
• Thailand ATM’s Guide & Tips
• Visiting Super Rich M oney Exchange Silom Branch Bangkok

Bangkok Travel

Hua Hin Travel

Nong Khai Travel

Where To Go In Thailand? - Top Places To Visit

Kanchanaburi Travel

Pattaya Travel

Food of Thailand

Transport in Thailand

• Travel Planning Guide

Thailand Travel Budget - Visit Thailand on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Thailand Costs

• Is Thailand Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Thailand cost?
• Thailand On-Your-Own Itineraries
• Northern Thailand
• Southern Thailand
• Thailand Hotel Prices
• Thailand Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Thailand
• Best Luxury Hotels in Thailand
• Best Party Hotels in Thailand
• Best Beach Hotels in Thailand
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in Thailand
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Thailand
• Best Cheap Hotels in Thailand
• Best Adults Only Hotels in Thailand
• Best Hotels for One Night in Thailand
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Thailand
• Best Hotels for One Week in Thailand
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Thailand
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Thailand
• Best Business Hotels in Thailand
• Where Do Backpackers Go in Thailand? A Review of Hostels and Guesthouses.
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Thailand Activities
• Thailand Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand
• The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand
• The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand
• The Best Historical Tours in Thailand
• The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand
• The Best 3-Day Tours in Thailand
• The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand
• The Best 3-Week Tours in Thailand
• The Best Extended Trip Tours in Thailand, One Month or Longer
• The Best River Cruises in Thailand
• The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Thailand
• The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand
• The Best Adventure Tours to Thailand
• The Best Eco Tours in Thailand
• The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Thailand
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand
• The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand
• The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Thailand
• The Best Music Tours in Thailand
• The Tours for Animal Lovers in Thailand
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand
• The Best Safaris in Thailand
• The Best Budget Safaris in Thailand
• The Best Nightlife Tours in Thailand
• The Best Religious Tours in Thailand
• The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand
• The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand
• The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand
• The Best Budget Tours to Thailand
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand
• The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand
• The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand
• Koh Phi Phi
• Koh Pha Ngan
• How much does it cost to travel to Thailand? (Average Daily Cost)
• Thailand trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Thailand?

Is thailand expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Thailand?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Thailand?

You should plan to spend around $81 (฿2,979) per day on your vacation in Thailand. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $17 (฿611) on meals
• $12 (฿442) on local transportation
• $70 (฿2,560) on hotels

A one week trip to Thailand for two people costs, on average, $1,138 (฿41,704) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 81 ฿ 2,979
• One Week Per person $ 569 ฿ 20,852
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 1,138 ฿ 41,704
• One Month Per person $ 2,439 ฿ 89,366
• One Week For a couple $ 1,138 ฿ 41,704
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 2,276 ฿ 83,408
• One Month For a couple $ 4,878 ฿ 178,732

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Thailand cost?

A one week trip to Thailand usually costs around $569 (฿20,852) for one person and $1,138 (฿41,704) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Thailand on average costs around $1,138 (฿41,704) for one person and $2,276 (฿83,408) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Thailand will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Thailand on average costs around $2,439 (฿89,366) for one person and $4,878 (฿178,732) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Thailand is $169 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Backpacking Thailand (21 days) 21 Days - 9 Destinations $ 2,129
• Discovery Thailand The Golden Chersonese 15 Days - 14 Destinations $ 3,700

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Thailand is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability . If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.

Within Asia, Thailand is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to China or Malaysia.

For more details, see Is Thailand Expensive?

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

The average Thailand trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Thailand travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Thailand

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Thailand is $35 (฿1,280). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Thailand is $70 (฿2,560). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 35 ฿ 1,280
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 70 ฿ 2,560

Hotel Prices in Thailand

Looking for a hotel in Thailand? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Thailand based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $33. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Phurapee Pakchong Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 110
• Chinoiserie Collection Resort & Spa Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 119

Local Transportation Budget in Thailand

The cost of a taxi ride in Thailand is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $12 (฿442) per person, per day, on local transportation in Thailand.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 12 ฿ 442

Recommended Services

• Khao Lak Transfer - Airport to Hotels Transfers - Taxi Services Viator $ 80
• Private Van: Phuket Airport Transfers Viator $ 38

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in Thailand are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Thailand, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Trains to airport ฿ 160
• Bus to White Temple ฿ 40
• River Ferry Crossing ฿ 20
• Minibus- Airport to Chaweng ฿ 120
• Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach ฿ 420
• Airport Taxi ฿ 440
• Gas for Scooter ฿ 110
• Longboat Taxi from Town ฿ 200

Food Budget in Thailand

While meal prices in Thailand can vary, the average cost of food in Thailand is $17 (฿611) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Thailand should cost around $6.66 (฿244) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Thailand is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 17 ฿ 611

Recommended

• Benny's Home Cooking Chiang Mai Viator $ 45
• Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class Viator $ 57

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in Thailand are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Thailand, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Lunch for 2 ฿ 742
• Airport Lunch for 2 ฿ 550
• Breakfast for 2 ฿ 350
• Ice Cream ฿ 30
• Lunch for 2 ฿ 140
• Breakfast for 2 ฿ 140
• Casual Lunch (for Two) ฿ 215
• Pancake ฿ 70

Entertainment Budget in Thailand

Entertainment and activities in Thailand typically cost an average of $18 (฿673) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 18 ฿ 673

Recommended Activities

• Foods experience at Railway & Floating Market Viator $ 73
• LIFECYCLING - Half Day City Bike Tour Viator $ 36

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Thailand are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Thailand, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Siriraj Museum (2) ฿ 400
• Wat Pho entrance ticket ฿ 100
• Fish Pedicure ฿ 150
• Kayak and Snorkel (2) ฿ 100
• Wat Entrance ฿ 50
• Temple Entrances (2) ฿ 200
• Club Cover Charge ฿ 375
• Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two) ฿ 2,400

Tips and Handouts Budget in Thailand

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Thailand is $3.67 (฿135) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Thailand is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 3.67 ฿ 135

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Thailand

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Thailand is $37 (฿1,338), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 37 ฿ 1,338

Alcohol Budget in Thailand

The average person spends about $8.49 (฿311) on alcoholic beverages in Thailand per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 8.49 ฿ 311
• Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket Viator $ 98
• Private Experience of Wine Tasting Hua Hin in Monsoon Valley Viator $ 81

What did other people spend on Alcohol?

Typical prices for Alcohol in Thailand are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in Thailand, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two) ฿ 260
• Cocktails (for Two) ฿ 300
• Beer ฿ 90
• Beer ฿ 65
• Bottle of Wine ฿ 370
• Beer (2) ฿ 140
• Banana Daiquiri ฿ 200
• Mojito Bucket ฿ 500

Water Budget in Thailand

On average, people spend $1.34 (฿49) on bottled water in Thailand per day. The public water in Thailand is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 1.34 ฿ 49

Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Thailand.

How can you save money during your time in Thailand?

We wanted a different experience than your typical beach vacation in Thailand, so we went to the less touristy areas which were far cheaper.

Thailand isn't a cheap as it used to be when we visited years ago, but it's still possible to save money by avoiding the big resorts, taking the local buses, and choosing your destinations wisely.

We were a bit overwhelmed by how touristy Thailand was after some of the other places we've visited. This makes it harder to save money because prices are higher for tourists. Head north from Bangkok and explore those parts of the country, which are much cheaper than the south.

Are you an experienced traveler? Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. + Add Comment

Related Articles

Thailand on a budget.

At A Glance

• Because Thailand is one of the more touristy countries in Southeast Asia, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the crowds and the hassle. If you find yourself getting a little frustrated, head to the northern parts of the country where the atmosphere is more relaxed and mellow. The highlands are beautiful and you can have a wonderful cultural experience at a far more affordable price.
• The food in Thailand is absolutely delicious. It is generally served quite spicy and can overwhelm many people's palates. If you're hoping for a milder variety of a specific dish, ask for it with "no spice." While many locals don't understand the word mild, they do understand "no spice." They usually abide by these instructions, but not always.
• If you're really enjoying the food in Thailand then consider taking a cooking class in Chiang Mai. These classes often last a full day and they are loads of fun. The teachers keep the classes light and humorous and the food provides a full days worth of meals. You can often arrange classes through your hotel or a local travel agency.
• Many people use VIP buses to travel around Thailand. These buses are decent in quality but the connections are often poorly thought out and inconvenient. Once a booking agent has your money you are really at their mercy. Consider finding the local bus station and traveling with public buses which are far cheaper and often times more convenient.
• There are many popular beaches in Thailand with some of the most famous being on Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Samui. If you're looking for a more remote and peaceful experience look into any of the national parks around the country. Some have cabins available where you can camp and others have tents available for rent.

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods, more related articles.

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 .

Subscribe to our Newsletter

By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies , plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers!

Search for Travel Costs

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.

Travel Cost Data

You are welcome to reference or display our travel costs on your website as long as you provide a link back to this page .

A Simple Link

For a basic link, you can copy and paste the HTML link code or this page's address.

Travel Cost Widget

To display all of the data, copy and paste the code below to display our travel cost widget . Make sure that you keep the link back to our website intact.

• Privacy / Terms of Use
• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

How Much a Holiday in Thailand Costs

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

There’s something for every budget here in Thailand.

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

How much does it cost to travel around Thailand?

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

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Thailand?

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

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

Total spent: 47,888 THB

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

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

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

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

And my friends definitely wanted all of the above.  

How Much Do You Need to Travel Thailand?

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

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

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

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

How to Save Money and Lower Your Thailand Costs

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

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

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

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

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

Book Your Trip to Thailand: Logistical Tips and Tricks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

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

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

Related Posts

GET YOUR  FREE TRAVEL STARTER KIT

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Destinations

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.

Do you want to read more about Thailand?

Want to read more about thailand.

About the authors

Budget Travel With Gabby

Travel tips, budget travel guides, volunteering stories, more!

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!

Share this:

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!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from budget travel with gabby.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

How Much Money To Budget For A Month In Thailand (2022 Update)

Want to know how much money to budget for travelling in Thailand? Here’s a full breakdown so you can figure out your Thailand trip cost!

Are you busy  planning a trip to Thailand ? Chances are you’re busy trying to figure out how much to budget for Thailand and work out  your Thailand trip cost!

Well you’ll be stoked to learn that Thailand is one of the most budget friendly countries I’ve travelled (in fact Asia is one of the best places to travel on a budget in general!) so you can enjoy paradise without smashing your wallet too much!

From the bustling cities to tranquil islands, learning to scuba dive to exploring ancient temples – Thailand is the perfect place to discover Asia for the first time, begin your backpacking adventure or head to for a budget friendly holiday.

So here’s a breakdown of how much to budget for a month in Thailand – with a breakdown of all the main costs so you can tailor it to figure out how much your own Thailand trip will cost…

(Last updated Feb 2022)

How Much Money To Budget For A Month In Thailand – Thailand Trip Cost Breakdown

Accommodation in thailand.

Thailand is kitted out nicely for all levels of budgets, from backpacker hostels to 5* hotels and you’ll  soon find a level of bed that’s units both your money and style. But given that you’re backpackers like myself it’s safe to say what I’m spending is a good mid ground!

This is also going to be the most consistent Thailand trip cost (you’ll always need somewhere to sleep!) so the level of accommodation you choose is going to have a big impact on your overall spend.

From my personal experience here’s what you can expect.

• Cheapest Bed – Little Bird Guest House, Chang Mai £3
• Most Expensive Bed – Cha Da Resort, Koh Lanta £180
• Average nights accommodation (shared dorm) £5-8
• Average nights accommodation (double/twin in hostel) £10-20
• Average nights accommodation in hotel – £25+

Estimated monthly accommodation cost = 

Food and Drink

With a good tourism culture Thailand caters for those wanting to get stuck into local dishes and western food too and you’re never too far from a street food stall or restaurant.

I won’t lie to you guys, you’ll probably crave a pizza at some point as you max out on pad Thai…but that’s all part and parcel of travelling!

One of the great things about Thailand is street food is super cheap and REALLY tasty – so if you’re looking to keep your Thailand trip cost to a minimum you don’t have to worry about eating rubbish food! 

• Favourite dish – Massaman curry
• Cheapest meal – Pad Thai on Koh San road, around £1
• Average Thai meal – around £2
• Average western meal – around £3.50
• Average cost of beer (large Chang, 711) – £1
• Average cost of beer (large Chang, restaurant) – £2.25
• Favourite place to eat – Paddys on Phi Phi Island (amazing mix of Thai and western, epic cocktails and portion sizes!)

Estimated food cost per month =

£150 (40 thai dishes and 20 western dishes), cost of transport in thailand.

Getting around Thailand is pretty cheap and easy too – in fact it’s probably one of the most backpacker friendly places I’ve travelled around and depending on your time and budget there’s a range of options for moving around, from tuk tuks and taxis to night buses and internal flights.

And this is greta news as transport wont be making as big an impact on your Thailand trip cost as you might expect and it’s certainly much more budget friendly than many other countries – including around Asia.

Here’s a couple of the main journeys you’ll want to make and how much they’ll set you back.

• Bangkok – Chiang Mai (Sleeper Train) – £15-25 (depending on time and class)
• Bangkok – Chiang Mai (Overnight bus) – £25 
• Bangkok – Koh Tao/Phangan/Samui (sleeper bus and ferry) – £25-32
• Bangkok – Phuket (sleeper bus) – £28
• Bangkok – Phi Phi (sleeper bus and ferry) – £35
• Phuket – Phi Phi Island (ferry) – £15 (return)
• Phangan – Phi Phi (bus and ferry) – £30
• Bangkok – Phuket (internal Air Asia flight) – from £35 (exc checked luggage)
• Bangkok – Chiang Mai (internal Air Asia flight) –  from £35 (exc checked luggage)
• Chiang Mai – Phuket (internal Air Asia flight) – from £65 (exc checked luggage)

I’d say a rough monthly route ( click here for my full 4 Week Thailand Itinerary ) would cover a return journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, bus to Koh Tao, ferry to Koh Phangan, over to Phi Phi and then loop back to Bangkok via Phuket.

Estimated transport cost =

Whatever you like to do for kicks I can assure you Thailand will cater for and you can spend your time travelling here doing everything from exploring floating markets to a PADI dive course. In fact if you are looking to learn to dive I’d highly recommend doing it on Koh Tao, which is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn!

Even if diving isn’t your thing Thailand is packed full of amazing things to see and do and day trips usually range in the £10-20 mark depending on what’s included – so you can keep yourself pretty busy without smashing your Thailand trip cost!

And of course there’s always plenty of free and super cheap things to  do along the way too – from stunning lookout points and day hikes to snorkelling coral reefs.

Money wise here are some of my favourites to wet your appetite.

• PADI Open Water – 3 days, Koh Tao – £295 (if you’re looking to scuba dive in Koh Tao, Phi Phi or the Similans drop me an email as I have some exclusive reader discounts!)
• Island day trip around Phi Phi – £8
• Floating markets of Bangkok – 1 day, £20
• Reclining buddah, Bangkok – £4
• Full moon party, Koh Phangan (3nights accommodation, 3 buckets  and party entrance) £40
• Dive live aboard, Similan islands – 4days, £400
• Traditional Thai Bamboo tattoo – from £40

If I had to pull out what the average backpacker would do over a month I’d say you’d be looking at the open water, island day trip, Reclining Buddah, Full Moon Party and at least 2-3 other mini day trips around the £10 mark.

Estimated activity cost = 

How much will a thailand trip cost.

So how much will your Thailand trip cost?

Well obviously there are some variable on the above as not everyone will stick to the budget, want the same level of accommodation throughout however based on my personal experience and estimates a month in Thailand will set you back the following;

Total Thailand trip Cost for 1 month = 

Around £1132 – or roughly £38 per day.

This includes accommodation, meals, transport and a few activities –  including a full PADI open water dive course!

A Solid Basis to Start Planning

I’d like to point out though that this is merely a base point for your budgeting though and it’s always best to over compensate when it comes to money as it’s very much a personal thing – and of course you’re drinking will add some dollar on top.

Some people will easily spend less than this (if you are going to be in Asia for a while I’d certainly expect that to happen as your travel and activity costs per month are reduced) but some people will smash this estimate out of the water…something I’ve personally done without even realising it!

And of course if you really want to keep you budget on track and not worry about over spending then there are s ome epic backpacker group tours in Thailand that are worth checking out – especially if you’re worried about heading their solo for the first time.

Found this post helpful? Check out my other How Much To Budget Posts!

• How Much To Budget For A Month In New Zealand
• How Much To Budget For A Month In Australia
• How Much To Budget For A Month In Bali & Indonesia
• How Much To Budget For A Month In The Philippines
• How Much To Budget For A Month In Cambodia
• How To Travel The Maldives On A Budget

Is there anything else you’d like added or included to this one or the rest of the series?

**PLEASE NOTE; This is to be used as a guide only – currency and cost fluctuate depending on season and exchange rates. Information was correct at the time of writing**

Related posts

Backpack South Africa – How Much To Budget

REVIEW: Starling Bank – The Best Way To Manage Money Whilst Travelling?

How Much Does The Maldives Cost – From Luxury Resorts To Budget Travel Options

How To Travel The Maldives On A Budget – Exploring Paradise On The Cheap!

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

175 comments

That’s perfect !! It is exactly what I need to plan my next trip, thanks Chris :)

No worries Kinga – glad I could help!

hey man, me and my girl are going to thailand in two months. were going in june, heard its monsoon season which kinda sucks but i was wondering whats the hot spots around that time and would £1000 each be more than enough for a whole month? all we have is flights.

Hey Luie, I’ve travelled around Thailand at that time of the year and although the weather won’t be great it’s not going to stop you doing heaps of cool stuff, makes it a bit cheaper too which is always good! £1k each will see you living the good life, you’ll easily spend way less than that or you can go for a higher level of accommodation! Location wise I’m not too sure which coast will be better in that period of the season, think it might be the east but have a ganders online for the weather reports. If you’re heading over to Koh Tao for diving check out my other site – Epic Gap Year – for all the dive course you can book. http://www.EpicGapYear.com/destinations/thailand

Great breakdown, Chris. This is really useful, even though I’ve already been to Thailand once several years ago, it’s nice to see an updated and detailed budget.

Stoked to see it can help out both new and veteran travellers – looking forward to completing the rest of the series!

Great blog! full of inspiration. Is this budget about right for Camboida, Laos and Vietnam too?

Hey Henry, glad you like the site! Yeah I’d say it was pretty spot on for Laos and Cambodia too – although Cambodia is even cheaper! Thos 2 countries are next on my list so keep an eye out for this posts too for a detailed breakdown. Unfortunately I’m yet to make it to Vietnam…!

Really makes me want to go back! I traveled from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by coach over night and it was very cheap and convenient, took a sleeper train as well from Chiang Mai back to Bangkok to then get the boats and buses over to Koh Samui etc! All really affordable if you shop around! Also great way to meet people

I love travelling Thailand too – it’s so easy and you meet so many like minded backpackers! Any plans to return?

Where did you Elephant jungle trek ?, Would you recommend ? sounds fab !

I did one up in Chang Mai Alys – personally I would maybe suggest doing the Mahut day rather than the trek – much more animal friendly and unique.

This is a great blog – glad I found it!

Currently planning a trip to SEA with a friend of mine in May next year. Just a quick one, in terms of travelling in and around the countries, is it best to find transport whilst you’re out there or organise it before the trip?

Currently got a flight to/from Bangkok to Hanoi/Ho Chi Min – refraining from booking any more flights as the costs mount up! Any help appreciated.

Hey Tom – glad I can be of some help! I’ve had no worries booking things on the ground out here and from people I’ve chatted too thats also the cheapest way to do it. If you’re planning on covering large amounts of ground pre booking a couple flights might be an idea – but don’t over do it so you still have flexibility.

Awesome blog man! Planning a 3-4 month trip around SEA next summer with a friend and alone for some part so this gives me a great idea of what to expect. Can I assume the prices are relatively the same in other countries?

Cheers Josh! Yeah I’d say it’s a good starting point for all expenses around Asia – although Cambodia is a lot cheaper and Singapore is heaps more expensive! heck out my monthly summaries for June – Sept 2013 as I’ve been bouncing around Asia during that period. Enjoy your trip!

Amazing!! Best I have read on terms of advice

no worries Ashley!

Great insight and probably the most helpful review of Thailand that I’ve seen!

I have a couple of questions though as my girlfriend and I are looking to go for around 2 months at the start of next year.

Would it be best to book accommodation/travel before we go out there? Thinking more in terms of the cities (Bangkok). What are the best places to go to?

Hey Rhys – stoked you found it helpful! Accommodation wise it’s pretty easy to book on the ground – that way you’re totally flexible. However I’d maybe research some places you’d like to stay and book for key parts of the trip – such as your first couple of night, last few nights and things like full moon parties etc so you get what you want! Places to go wise check out my Thailand mini guide posts for some ideas…

https://www.backpackerbanter.com/blog/my-thailand-mini-guide

“Full moon party, Koh Phangan (3nights accommodation, 3 buckets and party entrance) £40” I’m finding it hard to get accommodation for less than £20 a night.

It can be done Liz – depends how last minute you leave it. My suggestion is to look slightly outside of Had Rin Beach itself as there are plenty of cheaper options and ones without min stay durations

Cheers dude. Looking for May this year so I’ll keep hunting. Love the site BTW keep up the good work.

no worries – one of my preferred places to stay is Phangan Beach Resort – a bit more expensive but awesome place…here’s my review and a promo code;

https://www.backpackerbanter.com/blog/hostel-review-phangan-beach-resort-inc-promo-code

This is great information :) I go to Thailand for a month in March and have a budget of £1000, so looking at your breakdown it seems I will have a perfect amount to do everything I want! I can’t wait!! Thankyou!

No worries Amy – have a great time, I love it there! If you want to do any diving just drop me an email and I’ll hook you up with some discounts!

Hi there I am so happy I found your blog! So I am a San Franciscan and am in need of finding a beautiful place before monsoon season (everyone told me to avoid Asia during that time because of the flooding and the scenery becoming gloomy but I want to go before summer!).

Mostly I just want to avoid too many other travelers and be in a place that is dirt cheap because all I want to do is walk around, soak up the rays at a beach, and eat local fruits and such as long as possible a month + . It’ll be my first international trip and I would backpack alone but I am okay with that!

Could you give me locations of like the cheapest places? Also do people sleep on the beach and is it safe?

Many thanks and I am reading as much as possible now :-)

Hey Isiah, Stoked you’re liking the blog and it’s helping you out! Sounds like a good plan you have there – to be honest the first place that sprung to mind was Cambodia. It’s super cheap there and places like Koh Rong Island have such a laid back vibe and are super cheap for dorms too (around $3 per night right on the beach!) so that could be a good shout. Thailand wise places like Koh Tao are good fun and you can avoid the backpacker scene on Sairee if you want to get away from it. When it comes to the beach I’d be wary of doing that – depends on what you have with you and where you end up though.

Love your website, so helpful! We fly to Bangkok in November and want to travel down to SG – we gave ourselves 8 weeks but think we may now be over thinking that.. How long would you suggest? We are probably going to be in Thailand for Xmas/NYE, do you recommend a certain place to be? We want the party vibe but also to chill out! Help! :)

Hey Kirsty, Glad the blog has come in useful! 8 weeks between Bangkok and Singapore is a good amount of time – plenty to relax, enjoy everywhere and not rush.I did it in 4 weeks (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Perhentian Islands, Phi Phi, Railay, Koh Tao and Bangkok) but I knew where I was heading and went back to places I’d visited before. You can check out the times, prices and route in this post;

https://www.backpackerbanter.com/blog/how-to-overland-singapore-bangkok-inc-costs

For Xmas and NYE – personally I’d suggest somewhere like Koh Tao or Koh Phi Phi as they’d be heaps of fun. I’d decide sooner rather than later though as places get booked out!

Cheers for the info, me and a mate have literally just made the decision to go after our last exam in May for a month! I’ve got a budget of about £1500 (including flight for £450) so you’ve given me piece of mind!

what a great way to celebrate james! Man with that budget you’ll be laughing and you’ll have way more than enough to get by! Enjoy it!

Amazing tips! This is exactly the type of post when we were saving for our long term travels! Anyways, I’m planning to have a trip in Thailand on June. Can you give me some tips to keep in mind when traveling there?

No worries Miranda!

Check this post out for my top places to visit and stay in Thailand;

And this one is about how to travel around (include modes of transport):

https://www.backpackerbanter.com/blog/my-mini-guide-to-thai-transport

…should get you started!

Hi Chris, Love the whole blog – awesome job! This page was especially useful as I am currently spending 6 weeks in Thailand! (Followed by 6 weeks on the East coast of Oz – another great page of yours!) I was just wondering about your dive discounts in Koh Tao as really keen but it’s quite expensive! Thanks so much, Rose

Hey Rose – glad that both pages came in handy and you’re enjoying the blog! Koh Tao wise I’ve just pinged you an email…

Great blog, too many people on various forums i’ve read scaremonger and have first time backpackers believe they’ll struggle to get by on any less than £2000 a month! As you point out, there is of course plenty of potential to spend less as there is to spend a hell of a lot more, but as a realistic starting point for a budget it’s spot on in my experience.

hahaha yeah it always seems that way – I wonder what the hell these people are spending £3k a month on in Asia!hahaha! Good to know you’ve had a similar budget experience there – anything you’d add to the to do list?

Sick job your doing Chris!.. enjoy reading your adventures and advice.

Im heading solo to SEAsia for a few weeks in early/mid January, the only firm plans ive booked are my flights (planning on playing most my trip by ear bookings wise), however my main goal/reason for the trip is to get my dive certs and am torn on whether or not I should make those arrangements in advance. Is it insane to think I can just show up book a course, get certified and not blow my budget? What advice would you offer and of all the dive sites and company’s ive researched im having trouble deciding which is best. any help is greatly appreciated. De

Hey Deanna – stoked you’re enjoying reading about my adventures! The diving in Thailand is really good actually, it’s where I did most of my certifications actually and I’ve got a few reader discounts I can offer, I’ll ping you an email now about them!

Great blog, really useful!

Going to Thailand end of August for a month, I know it’s monsoon season, just wondered if you have been out there around this time and what we should expect really!

Also if you could advise on the best places to learn to dive that would be great, never done it before but will only have a few days to spare to have a shot at it!

Thanks Georgie

Hey Georgina, glad it could help out. I’ve been in Thailand during monsoon and to be honest it can be pretty hit or miss and dependant on whether you’re heading for either the east or west coast. Dive wise I’ve actually just launched a travel booking site – http://www.EpicGapYear.com – and I work with dive schools in Koh Tao, Phi Phi and the Similans so you can actually book direct through me if you want! I also put up a blog on where in Thailand is best to scuba dive based on price v dive sites which will help you with your decision;

http://www.epicgapyear.com/where-to-dive-in-thailand/

If you have any questions let me know and I’d be happy to answer them!

This is one of the most practical and responsible Thailand expense posts that I’ve read. There’s too many people suggesting that it’s easy to get by on $500 a month, which is really hard to do while having any kind of enjoyment.

Cheers Ryan! It IS possible in theory to get by on that little – however you’d be renting an apartment up in Chang Mai and not really doing much in the way of travelling or adventure!

Best information I’ve found. Very good insight on all major parts. Thanks mate.

No worries Austin – glad it could help you out!

Thanks for this man. Ive been planning a trip to Thailand and SEAsia for the past year(s) and it’s finally coming together. Tickets, money, and time off…. But then military coup! Do you think that will pose a problem for travelers?

Hey Adil, By all accounts and from chatting to buddies in Thailand at the moment all is good on the tourist trail – just try to spend a short period of time in Bangkok and stick to the more tourist/backpacker areas. Spots like Chang Mai and down on the island seems pretty unaffected though. Keep an eye on the news and the latest government advice though.

Thanks Chris for all this information; its brilliant. So helpful. I’m planning on travelling from Bangkok to Singapore and this is so useful and with the rough guides on cost. Big thanks :)

No worries Amy! Have you also checked out my guide to over landing from Bangkok to Singapore? You can find it on the following link;

hiii Chris thank you so much for this information I’m also planning for Bangkok phuket and pattaya trip I’ll be there in September for around 20 days. I have never been there before so can you give me some suggestion where I must go during this trip . I’m planning for normal city tour of bangkok wants to explore its city temple culture night life malls and street food too. my friends say I must visit Chang mai also but I wonder if it would be possible within. 20 days of time . I have a budget of US $ 1000 only

I actually put up a blog post a while back which will help you plan where to go buddy – you can find it on the following link;

Brilliant, this is just what I have been looking for. A friend and I are off to Thailand at the end of August for 3 weeks and we are dead excited for about food, weather and everything else.

By the way, what budget hostel/hotel/guesthouse would you recommend in Bangkok? We are in Bangkok for the first couple of nights and will be ending our trip back in the capital. We’ve booked our hotel for the first leg of the trip, but have left our last few nights in Bangkok open.

You’ll have an awesome time! Accommodation wise in Bangkok I recommend a couple depending on the location and budget you have;

– Rikka Inn – Nap Park – Lub D Silom (there’s a 10% discount on my review of them)

Safe travels!

This post has given me so much food for thought, thank you! I’ve been to Thailand and Malaysia, and it’s funny to think how different they were in terms of accommodation that you can get for your budget…I woke up with a roach hissing at me from the pillow next to me in Malaysia, and it was officially THE worst wake-up I’ve ever had!

Definitely adding this to my Chrome bookmarks for future reference, thank you!

Sara | This Girl Loves

Indeed it can vary hugely depending on how much you spend hey? Man I wouldn’t want that wake up!haha!

My partner and I are going over Christmas and New Years for a month, I’m already an open water qualified diver but he wants to learn and I’d love to become advanced. Any advice on where we can both do it?

Hi Charlotte – there’s plenty of dive spots you he can get qualified whilst you do your advanced – check out my new booking site EpicGapYear.com as it offers the full range of dive courses (and liveaboards) in Koh Tao, Phi Phi and The Similan Islands;

http://www.epicgapyear.com/destinations/thailand

This is a perfect blog with precise breakdown prices, thank-you Chris! I need some advice regarding a trip from UK to Thailand to Australia. I’m thinking two weeks in Bangkok and then a week in Sydney with the return flight from Bangkok.

Any advice on a rough cost, whether it’s better to book a flight from Bangkok to Australia whilst I’m there and the best/cheapest time complete this?

No worries Nelly! It’s a big leap for a week in Sydney from there – any reason for putting Oz into the equation? If you’re looking at doing that though you can get it all into a single ticket – simply open up the Bangkok stopover on the way out. If you can’t find a decent price on that then Air Asia fly Bangkok to Sydney and are pretty cheap – I’d get it sorted before you leave the UK though. Give STA Travel a shout.

Great blog, really helpful!

I’ve made an idea of a bucket list of what I want to do in my month of venturing out to Thailand.

Would you suggest I use planes rather than buses to ensure I don’t waste time travelling and can fit more into my trip?

Things to do on Thailand: *Zip lining in Bangkok (Flight of the Gibbon) *Phi Phi island speedboat, Phuket *Sea Cave Canoe in Phang Nga Hong *James Bond island Phang Nga *Get a Sak-Yant or bamboo tattoo in Phi Phi *Elephant trek Chiang Mai *Snorkelling in Koh Tao (Turtle Island) (Koh Samui) *Kayak Pai river to Mae Hong Son *Stay in the floating hotels, Khao Sok *Tiger temple, Kanchanaburi

Also are the activities in the best order location wise to travel from one to the other?

Would appreciate any help,

Hi Lawrence, Indeed internal flights can cut down travel time alot, it depends if your budget allows it though. I’d say that was in a good order although I’d do Bangkok – Chang Mai before getting a flight from Chang Mai to Phuket and then onto Phi Phi. The only other thing I’d point out would be to research your elephant trek and tiger temple. Personally I’m not an advocate of either due to the treatment of animals – so check out some online articles before contributing to it. Have a great time though!

Hi me & my boyfriend are going to Thailand in january & plan to go from bangkok-north thailand-laos-cambodia & southern thailand within 5/6 weeks do you think this is doable within this time frame and will £4000 be enough of a budget? from there we are then going to Oz with a 12 month working visa, do you think this is the right way to go about it?

Hey Stacey,

That budget should be more than enough for the 2 of you for less than 2 months! Location wise I’d maybe concentrate on 2 countries (Thailand and Cambodia would be my pick) as there’s plenty to keep you busy and the last thing you want to do is rush through everything. On your budget you could well be able to add in some extra time to be able to cover all 3 though.

Have a great time!

Me and my other half want to travel to Thailand for a month then spend a few months is Australlia before returning to the UK but want to know how much roughly to save, including flights, visa, spending money etc, anyone help me out???

I’d say Australia is going to be the biggest budget buster there – depends what you want to get up too really. A month doing all the key things on the East Coast will be around £1,800 where as the month in Thailand is heaps cheaper. Return flights to Oz – roughly around £1k each (depends on what time of year you go) …all in as a rough guess I’d say you’re looking at £4.5k each for a couple month in Oz, month in Thailand and flights etc – although it will boil down to what you want to do and the standard of accommodation you want.

yo! approx. how long is the trip from Bangkok to Koh Tao via Night bus and Ferry combo? Previously you recommended booking this through the lil agency by the McD’s on Khao San Road (which ill do), just curious about the travel time? Thanx, as always your info is super helpful

Hey Deanna, it’s about 12 hours in total I think, doing it on Sat so I’ll let you know! Glad the sites helping you out.

Hey I’m travelling to Thailand in January. this is my fist time solo backpacking and also my first time to Asia. what kind of things do you recommend doing? any input would be appreciated. thanks

Hey Chason, stoked to hear you’re heading that way – it’s a great place to travel! If you’re just sticking to Thailand check out my mini guide for all the places I’ve hit up and what I recommend;

Let me know how you get on!

Hi Chris, I’m travelling to Thailand for a month and was wondering what the best way to carry my money is? I’ve tried looking online but everyone seems to say something different. Is it best to take out all the money that i plan to spend out there before hand or should i just accept the bank charges and keep it in my bank account? Any advice would be very welcomed! Many thanks, Jenna

Hey Jenna, I wouldn’t suggest carrying that much cash on you, massive risk! I personally use the STA Cashcard and preload my money on, yes you have withdrawal charges but I think it’s worth it to manage your money safely and easily. I’d also suggest keeping another bank card in a separate place as a backup too and land with a bit of local cash to cover taxi from the airport, accommodation and a meal – the last thing you want to be doing when you land is finding an ATM!

I’ve never backpacked before although I’ve travelled extensively. Where is the best place to start & how much money should I have to begin?

Thanks indeed!

hey Justine, it really depends on what you want to get up to and how long you want to go for really! Australia is a nice start as it’s easy to get around, but is expensive. Asia on the other hand is a bit more exotic and cheaper. Might be worth getting a map and figuring out a list of countries that take your fancy!

Great advise mate! I’m landing in Singapore in March time 2015 and then we plan to make our way through Kuala Lumpur to Phuket and venture through Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, we have 6 weeks for this would you recommend more time or would you say this is a good time scale? As I don’t want to leave with any regrets of missing anything!

Hey Jacob, Sounds like a great route! Personally though if you can take more time that would be great, I easily spend a month in Thailand or Cambodia on their own! My advice would be to either focus on 2 countries (maybe Thailand or Cambodia which over 6 weeks is a great itinerary) or to take a bit longer. You could do most of it in 6 weeks but it would involve dropping the beginning bit in Sing/KL or cutting out either Cambodia or Laos (I’d suggest Laos if this is the case!)

now then chris… great name btw :P I am wanting to travel around thailand on my own, and maybe see Cambodia and Vietnam,

Where do you think is a good starting point, I want to go to the full moon party and learn to dive around koi samui, but dont know if i should start at bangkok and travel down then back up or fly to phuket and travel up, no idea which way would be better to meet other travellers

Hey guy with the awesome name ;) To be honest you cant really go wrong with either direction so I guess it’ll be dictated by the Full Moon date you want to hit. If you can organise it I’d maybe start in Bangkok, head into Cambodia and up through Vietnam the fly back into Bangkok and have the diving and Full Moon as your last blow out of the trip? Diving wise head to Koh Tao as it’s great fun, you can actually book your open water on my booking site – EpicGapYear.com – let me know if you have any questions about it!

Hey Chris! This, and your whole site has been such a help to me and my travel buddy! In March we`re heading out to Iceland, then Germany, then ending in Thailand until we go broke – LOL. An odd mix, but just being graduated sounded like a good time to leave Canada for a bit. Thanks for all the awesome info! Please keep it coming. All the best!

Hey Tianna, Stoked the site has helped you out! What a great choice of countries, you’ll have a blast! For Iceland don’t forget to check out my review of Loft Hostel as there’s a 10% discount code you can use too! Safe travels!

Hey dude. I’m curious what you did to carry your money? Did you take majority cash, were you using a bank card? Or did you opt for one of those travel cards?

Apologise if you’ve been asked this already.

No worries James! I always take a bit of cash (enough to cover an airport taxi, checking into accommodation and a meal) as you never want to land somewhere strange and immediately start looking for a cash point! The rest of the time I use an STA Travel Cashcard to manage my money with a UK Debit card as a backup. Hope that helps!

Awesome budget post bro! Thinking I am heading back that way! Where you going to be in FEB?

Always heading back that way hey Stephen?! Looks like I’ll be back in Oz or NZ by Feb

Hey, this blog is so useful! Would you say travelling as a couple would make the price of accommodation cheaper? Me and my boyfriend are looking into booking flights for August for 4 weeks but could probably only take around £1000 for spends between us and the back up credit card :-/

Hey Chloe, glad you’re liking the blog! Hmmmm travelling as a couple doesn’t really save you money, but it does allow you to get private rooms for almost the same price as 2 dorm beds.IF you’ve got £1k between you after flights I’d think about maybe cutting it down to 3 week or even 2 depending on what you want to do trip wise out there. I always advise that its better to do somewhere on a shorter time frame and do everything you want than to simply travel for longer just to be away for longer – there’s nothing worse than finding yourself in rubbish accommodation and not being able to do anything as you’ve overstretched your budget! Hope that helps – let me know how you get on!

Great advise and really useful. I’m going to be doing my PADDI open water in Thailand. Where would you say is the best place to do it?

Hey Daniel, glad the blog helped you out! You can actually book your PADI course direct through my other site – Epic Gap Year – just check out the following link;

http://www.epicgpayear.com/destinations/thailand

Let me know if you have any questions!

Hi. Very helpful stuff on here .. I’m going thiland in june for 8-12 weeks. I’m travelling alone. I was wondering if I could get away with literally landing in Bangkok and getting help planning my route when I get there? I have a decent budget but was wondering is there things I’m best to book before I leave like full moon party etc?

Hey Dan, glad the post was helpful! Indeed you can land and wing it from Bangkok – it’s very easy to book accommodation and transport on the ground out there. Key events and trips (like full moon or dive courses) are best booked before you head out though, more for peace of mind knowing they’re sorted than anything else!

If you dont mind me asking how much did you save to go? Im looking to travel as much as i can and work abroad hope your good? Cris Roberts

Hey Cris, I had about £5k saved up before I started my trip – which was meant to be 4 months in South America, 2 months in Asia and a working visa in NZ – however it snowballed along the way!haha! Check out my post entitled “How The Hell Do I afford All This Travel” which explains all the jobs I’ve done to fund my adventures :)

OK thankyou! When you say book before I leave would that be accommodation aswell as event tickets to the full moon? I also plan to do a dive corse just for the experience. Do you have any links where to book for these events? cheers

Hey Dan, Full Moon tickets can be bought on the ground once you arrive but yes accommodation is a must! Check out the likes of HostelWorld.com for that. Dive course wise Koh Tao is the cheapest spot to get it done – you can actually book it through my other site – Epic Gap Year – check out this link for more info!

http://www.epicgapyear.com/portfolio_page/scuba-dive-courses-koh-tao-thailand/

If you have any questions about it let me know!

Was going through the comments & your awesome blog, it was very helpful. But i was just wondering to visit Thailand this coming July for a week with my girl friend & our budget is of 1000 $ (650 GBP). Do you think is it fair enough for partying, drinking, traveling around, shopping etc. As we are not planning to buy expensive stuff nor posh hotels or resorts. What about full moon party, is it taking place at a certain time of a year/month or everynight?

Your reply will be appreciated..thnx alot :)

Hey Bill, Stoked the site is helping you out! If you’re only there for a week I think that should cover you pretty well, especially if you’re not going with posh accom and meals! Always better to over budget though! Full moon is once a month but there is also a black moon jungle party half way through each month too.

Awesome Chris, much appreciated for your reply.. Surely will keep some extra money on top for backup… Excited & cant wait to get their. Thanxxxx once again :)

No worries – always best to be pessimistic when it comes to budgeting!haha!

Love how cheap Thailand is, amazing food for pennies!

Yeah it’s heaps cheap!

This blog is Amezing!!!!! I’m planing to travel to Thailand in June. And this blog helped me a lot..

Thakns Guys….

No worries Tanva – have a great trip!

Hey! So glad I found your site as I had no idea price wise what to expect to need in Thailand and Aus.

Me and my friend are looking to land in Bangkok next year and spend a month travelling (Bangkok, Phucket, Phi Phi, Chaing Mai) however I’m completely unsure how to get from place to place. Would you recommend booking my first few night accomodation in Bangkok before hand?

Then we plan on travelling back to Bangkok and flying to Sydney for a month! :D Again, thankyou so much for your blog posts. So helpful!!

Hey Gemma, glad the posts helped you out! Personally I wasn’t a fan of Phuket – I’d maybe slot in Railay Beach or Koh Tao instead, depends what you like doing though! Yup I’d definitely sort a few nights in BKK for when you land (check out Lub D, there’s a 10% discount code in my review of them!), it’s super easy to bounce from place to place and sort tickets out on the ground, most hostels can do it or have a travel company they use who can. Enjoy!

I’m planning on going to Thailand from June 9th to July 14th with a friend for a short travelling holiday. I expect to have about £1500 for myself for my stay. (not including flights which I have already booked) I want to possibly try Laos and Cambodia, and possibly Vietnam which we have discussed booking external fights for. We want to do some activities and of course the obligatory full moon party, do you think that this will cover this?

Also, your blog is really great and has already helped me lots in my preparation… Thanks!

Hey Jack, Yeah I’d say your budget should be fine for that, although it will depend how much you end up spending on accommodation more than anything else. One thing I would say is try not to cram too many places/countries into your trip – I always find it better to spend a bit more time to explore and enjoy your trip than bounce around heaps simply to tick things off the list! With the 5 weeks you have maybe 3 weeks in Thailand and 2 in Cambodia?

hey chris, your blogs are amazing dude! im off to thailand in 2 weeks, was planning on thailand, cambodia and vietnam for 3 months solo with a budget of around £4000, but that has had to be cut to £3000 cos of unexpected expenses.

do you think thats doable? i’m not bothered about how nice the hostels are as long as there a bit sociable to meet fellow travellers and no blood stains( or other stains) on the mattress or rats lol

Hey Adrian, Glad you like the blog! Yeah I’d say you’d be fine on £3k although it depends if you have any big spends planned? Even still you’d have to be living the high life to smash £1k a month out there as Cambodia is even cheaper than Thailand so you can use that post overview as a rough guide for budgetting them all. Let me know how you get on!

Yeah, got no big spending plans like scuba diving etc. plus the fact I’m a lightweight on the booze will prob help! I’m mainly just goin there to chill out, landing in Bangkok then slowly heading north then back down to Cambodia, then I will either go Vietnam or a bit of island hopping in Thailand!

Sounds like a solid plan bro – let me know how you get on!

Love all your blogs, so helpful.

I’m going to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia for 3 months with my partner and had a budget of £5000 each but we’ve decided we want to go do our working visa over in Oz straight after instead of coming back to England.

I was wondering, as now obviously our budget is going to be halved due to moving to Oz, will £5000 between us be enough for the two of us for our 90 day stint in SE Asia?

Any help would be muchly appreciated!

Hey Laura, Stoked to hear you’re bouncing to Oz – good times! Hmmm is that each? If not I think you should be ok, just keep it in mind when choosing accomodation and trips though. Let me know how you get on!

Hey Chris! Your blog is so amazingly helpful and I’ve read almost all of your posts! I’ve done a lot of backpacking, but this will be my first time trying to conquer SE Asia, hitting everywhere from New Zealand to India. I’ll be heading out there next February with no time limit and no budget restrictions. How do I go about planning a trip this monstrous? Any places I absolutely can’t miss?

Hey Gabby, stoked the site is helping you out! No time limit and no budget?! Well you could always take me along for the ride!hahahahaha! Well I guess the main things you can do is make a list of countries you want to hit up and also a start and finish point. Once you’ve got this grab a map and see how you can piece things together, maybe buy the first few connecting flights (maybe base it around visa time limits so you make the most of each place but know your time restrictions too) and also start researching some top to do items, which will add some more detail to the picture. You’ve got plenty of time to plan, it’s a case of breaking it down place by place! If you need any help drop me an email or checking out my travel planning service :)

Some really good information about the prices of stuff in Thailand. We currently live in Phuket and wrote a post about the cost of Thailand VS Canada as well :) We find all of your posts are really informative, thanks for all the great reads!

Hey guys, stoked you like the post! Ooh Thailand v Canada hey?! Will have to check that out!

WOW, for a month?! Never think to spend a month in Thailand, or anywhere oversea especially for a trip. You provided detailed things in this post, Chris. Very good reference if needed in my future trip.

I’m impressed by your lowest sleep being £3 – was that a hammock? I think £25 is a really realistic budget for travelling in Thailand, and still having an awesome time :)

Hey Charlie – actually it was a dorm bed in a quaint little hostel up in Chang Mai! Yeah with budgeting it’s always best to go higher, especially if you’re cramming lots of trips and activities – although many people will easily spend less!

Hey Chris loving ur blog it’s helping me plan our adventure!! me and my partner are planing on traveling in December 3wks in Oz then bali for NYE, Malaysia, thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, great wall of China, Tokyo to finish roughly 4 ~5 months travelling we’ve got £5K each do u think this is doable? Or any other advice would be great ☺

Hey Caroline, Wow that sounds like a pretty epic trip! I personally recommend around £1k per month of travel – spots like Oz are more expensive but Asia is obviously cheaper so it tends to balance out. Given the bulk of your trip is in Asia I can’t see your budget being stretched too much, although it depends what kind of style of travel you like and if there’s any big experience you’re doing in there

I’m planning to go to Thailand in 2016 to do my PADI, is Koh Tao the best place for it or would you recommend any other place?

Cheers Stof

Koh Tao is the best option in terms of price, it’s one of the cheapest spots in the world to do your PADI. Personally I prefer the diving in Koh Phi Phi but the courses are more expensive, so it depends on your budget. Check out epicgapyear.com/dive for all the details!

Will do, thanks for your help!

Ive gotta say mate I booked 9 weeks in Thailand for April next year today and I’m a bit nervous of going on my own and internal travel stuff but at the prices you put in here it really seems a doddle!! Aswell as cheap as chips!! I will be in Thailand just as the Songkran starts then plan to head to Krabi and Phi Phi…..Still undecided as to going to Phuket as it may be a bit like Magaluf for me i prefer quiet beautiful places with like minded travellers…….If you have any tips for that please let me know buddy! :)

Hey Leyroy, stoked its helped put your mind at ease – it’s an epic country to explore! Personally I’d avoid Phuket as it is how you describe it! Spots like Phi Phi, Railay and Koh Tao are always on my to do list when I’m out there!

In regards to the elephant trek it is something i want to to where you spend a lot of time with the animals as you said a 3 day/2 night trek do you have any info on that for me as Chiang Mai is going to be my first destination after Bangkok……Thanks buddy!

Hey Leroy, unfortunately I don’t on the elephant side of things. I don’t really endorse the elephant treks anymore due to animal welfare but there are some amazing sanctuaries where you can interact with them and volunteer :)

Excellent breakdown, I simply had to link to this page from my own blog. I admire anyone who writes down their expenses… it’s so useful for other travellers, yet I keep forgetting to do this!

Cheers for the link bro…always appreciated! Yeah keeping track of money is a bore, but it seems something find heaps useful so I’ve made it part of my workload!haha!

Hi! Heading to SE Asia from mid Nov till around late Feb/March. Taking £4,500-£5000.

Will be checking out Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam but most of the time will be spent in Thailand.

What is the best way to take money? To take advantage of the best exchange rate and not losing out on transaction fees. Heard a lot of different things.

Any help would be great! Thanks.

PS – When paying for hotels is it best to have English money on a card and use that? Or have THB on a travel card, or just try and use cash everywhere?

I’ve pre-booked a few places on Booking.com and I know they’ll take some cash out for the reservation before I get there anyway.

Again it depends on the fees attached to the card – my STA card is pretty solid when I need to pay via chip and pin :)

Hey Adam, Stoked to hear about your trip, SEAsia is amazing! Hmmmm dealing with money is always annoying – personally I use the STA Travelcard and have a UK debit as a backup. Have a look around at credit and debit cards from the country you’re from that might work out best…but that’s the combo that works for me!

Hi again Chris! Hope all is well.

I went and got an STA card, gonna check out that and my Natwest debit out there and see how I get on.. The guy in the STA store said they have really good exchange rates when using the card at an ATM.. But after reading about it online people seem to be slamming it saying the rates are pretty poor. What’s been your experience of it generally? Regarding exchange rates?

Cheeeeeeeeers! Adam

Hey Adam, To be honest I’ve been using it for years and have only had a few problems – you’ll get pretty screwed with most exchange rates but it’s a solid one for multiple currencies. Check out moneysavingexpert.com for an in depth look at cards available in the UK as you might be able to get a solid credit card too

Hey I’m planning to go to thailand for 6 weeks starting from the beginning of June. I would also like to spend 1-11/2 weeks of this time in bali and a visit to komodo island.

I want to back pack from Bangkok around thailand like you suggested and then fly to bali then back to Bangkok.

I’m going stay in very cheap accommodations with my friend and only buy street food. I don’t want to do anything to expensive like diving but my a visit to a spar or temple or animal sanctuary etc.

How much do you think my budget(not including flights) should be?

Hey Maria, Sounds like an awesome trip you have planned there! Hmmmm budget wise the biggest expense is going to be Komodo and the cost of that really depends on which tour you book. I’d recommend around £700-900 for the 6 weeks, it should easily be enough given your accom and food plans but with enough spare incase something happens!

Thanks so much for the advice but due to pricing and culture we were thinking of going to cambodia instead .

If we went away for 6 weeks and spend 12 days of it in cambodia and the rest in thailand how much do you think it would cost compared to spending 2 months there splitting the time evenly between thailand and Cambodia?

I was just wondering if going in July and August how will I be affected by the monsoon season?

Will there be no sun or flooding? Should of try to pick another time to go?

what is that currency…? I’m.not aware of that… n can you tell me in rupees…?Indian…

All currencies are listed in £GBP – check out xe.com if you need to convert it :)

Wow thanks for the awesome post! I’m getting ready to travel all over Thailand after living in a small town in the northeast of Thailand for 4 months. Please check out my blog myforeignconnections.com

Hiya chris So my boyfriend and I are planing to go to Thailand for two months.jan till beginging of march. we are planing to go to Chaing Mai then head to Bangkok spend time there; then Bangkok to Cambodia for only 4 days as our 30 day visa will run out so hoping out of thailand. Then hoping to go back to Bangkok to travel down to Kao Tao then from there do ko samui then ko samui to Phuket town. As we will fly back from there. Could you give me any advise of how much I would need roughly? We are not wanting to do all the attractions. Just elephant trekking and tiger Kingdom. And we are not fussed about expensive places to stay. Thank you

Hey Becky, Stoked to hear about your plans – you should think about spending some more time in Cambodia too though, it’s an amazing place. Personally I don’t agree with the elephant trekking or Tiger Kingdom as they’re pretty dire in terms of animal welfare – there are much more rewarding and ethical ways to see the nature in South East Asia :)

Hey Chris can i ask you something? How much money need to stay in Kah Tao for three weeks we are two I and a friend With good hotel, breakfast etc., and doing something for example scuba-diving.

Sorry my english hahah

Hey Yll – hmmmm it really depends on the level of accommodation you guys are wanting as they have everything from hotels or hostels and over 3 weeks that will be your main cost aside from scuba diving. Hostels are from about £5 a bed per night upwards

I like to stay in good Hotel with good accommodation And not everyday scuba-diving… 1300€ For a person is it enough

Sorry bro another one question how can you go to Koh Tao from Bangkok

Hey Yll – you can easily book a bus/ferry combo pass whilst in Bangkok, many hostel and hotels offer the service and there are also heaps of travel agencies around the Khao San Road area.

Brohh answer to that question above if you can?

I like to stay in a hotel with good accommodition and to do twice or three scuba-diving. Is it enough 1300€ for a month or three weeks in one of the best beaches in Koh Tao…

I appreciate your answer?

Thanks for this lovely share, quite an informative & specially for the new travelers, great.

Hello! We are a couple with two children, one of 10 and another of 4 years and we are going to Thailand to spend 30 days. We would like to know if with THB 100000 just for food, drink and transportation we managed to get through this period. Transport would be taxis and boats to the beaches as we will stay in Krabi, Railay, Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Anyway, this value is only for fun since travel and lodging are paid for. Thank you :)

Hey Rodrigo – it really comes down to where you’re going to be eating (street food v restaurants) and what kind of day trips you’ll be doing. If travel and accom are paid for though I’d say it was a pretty healthy budget to be working with! Have an awesome trip!

This is an info worth knowing. Such an informational post!

Its 2017 and these prices are still accurate.

$1000 USD easily lasts a month in Thailand, just so long as aren’t in the more higher end resort spots.

Chiang Mai or Bangkok, can easily be achieved on this budget.

Yeah I’ve just come back from my latest visit there and I’m happy to see prices are still pretty cheap!

This article is great – thank you for compiling all the information. Do you have any more information on prices for the PADI open water course? We’re looking at doing it in Koh Tao.

Thanks, Harpreet

hey Harpreet – glad it helped you out :) Check out this link for the dive course on Koh Tao I recommend:

http://www.rtwbackpackers.com/tours/open-water-dive-course-on-koh-tao/

Great Sharing, Chris. I am on my way to Vietnam now, But definitely I would add up Thailand as a must-go-place on this trip now. Thank you very much.

Thanks for this Chris! Really detailed and informative! Great links too! Just what I needed to help me plan my 1st ever solo trip! :) Claire

I love Thailand, I hope I can come back soon

You have given a complete traveler guide with exact budget. I will be traveling Thailand end of this year. £25 per day is good budget and affordable for me.

I will be traveling from India to Thailand, so i think air fare are much lower for us. I also want to experience scuba diving which is in my do-list from past 4 years ;)

Elephant jungle trek will be also a adventurous.

Awesome article! I just got back from Bangkok. I would highly recommend for night owls and clubbers! Keep up the good work.

Great tips! I’m heading to Thailand next month and it will be the first time I’m traveling there without my daughter. I feel like I can really experience the culture on this trip, but I’ll be staying for three weeks so I needed a few tips to travel cheap.

Yeeewwww have an epic time Lesley! Enjoy!

Travelling to Thailand is not that expensive BUT sometimes you need to be careful of people who will take advantage of you in the area. I have almost been a victim of one but thankfully a friend of mine came to my rescue. Still, I have been coming back to this amazing country!

Hi there! This was so useful! I was just wondering – my friends and I are going for 3 weeks, the last 3 nights of which we’re staying at a villa that we’ve already pre-paid. How much money do you think will suffice? My friends and I are thinking of £1k but I think maybe £800 would see us good too? However, I’m not sure about ferry’s across islands, the full moon party, stuff like that!

Hey Ayesha, I really comes down to what level of accommodation and food you’re going for to be honest and any big ticket items (like dive courses) you might be looking at. Personally I’d always recommend over budgeting so go with the £1k in mind and try to aim for £800!

Hey, Your blog is awesome though but what if someone doesn’t have enough time of one month!!! Even I m planing to travel but I don’t have more than one week, please share a blog regarding a short trip to Thailand!!!!

Excellent article, This is very useful for me when I plan for a trip to Thailand. Thanks for sharing.

No worries Ajeesh!

Awesome article. complete guidance. thanks for sharing it. I am planing to visit Thailand in December. how do you think will be the prices then? what will be the weather like?

Oh Yeah! this is something we should have for every spot, thanks for sharing :)

Thankyou for sharing! I want go to Thailand after pandemic. And if you want to travel in Indonesia, especially Java u can go check my website in link bellow

https://www.yukbanyuwangi.co.id/en/tour/ijen-crater-tour

Thailand Budget: How Much Does it Cost to Visit Thailand?

• Pinterest 2

Thailand has been a popular country for so many years known so well as a place where you get a good bang for your buck due to its affordable prices. In this post, we’re going to break down the most reasonable Thailand budget from one week to one month of travel and holiday from budget, mid-range, to luxury travelers.

Our Thailand budget daily suggestions will be, as it implies, just a suggestion on what you’re possibly looking to spend per day doing ordinary traveler activities but anything beyond that, you’ll have to factor it in if you’re planning to, for example, join a tour and so on.

However, depending on your chosen travel style, by the end of the day, you’re the only one who is in control of how much you spent in Thailand .

Table of Contents

Flights would perhaps be the most expensive expense you’ll spend on if you are planning a holiday to Thailand. Depending on where you’re coming from, it can go from 50USD to 100USD for a return flight.

If you’re coming from neighboring SEA countries, a flight from Da Nang, Vietnam , is very cheap, for example. If you’re coming from the west, the prices might highly depend on the season you’re coming.

The low season will be cheaper, and anywhere between November to March will be fairly expensive.

Accommodation in Thailand

If you really want to do it cheaply, you might consider staying at hostels as they are the cheapest option there is for accommodation . A single bunk bed can go anywhere from 3USD to 10USD per night (depending on the location and if it is a boutique hostel).

If you don’t find hostels enticing, there are a lot of cheap hotels and guest houses that can go from 20USD to 45USD per night.

And if you want to splurge a little, you can easily find luxury hotels with amazing service and amenities for as little as 60USD per night or as expensive as 400USD per night for five-star hotels.

In a nutshell, these are the price breakdown:

• For budget travelers – from 5USD to 10USD per night (150-300 baht)
• For midrange travelers – from 20USD to 45USD per night (600-1350 baht)
• For luxury travelers – from 60USD to 400USD per night (1800-1200 baht)

Transportation

It is fairly cheap to travel around Thailand and in cities itself. Between cities, you can take domestic flying, buses, trains, and ferries around the islands for as cheap as 8USD.

To have an idea of how much you’ll be spending on transportation between cities , it is best to have a rough itinerary you can use to check prices. For example, a one-way flight between Bangkok to Chiang Mai cost as little as 28USD, and a one-way bus ride from Chiang Mai to Pai cost 8USD. Doing this, you have a rough idea of what would be the easiest, cheapest, and most reasonable route for you.

If you’re visiting one city in Thailand, for instance, the likes of Chiang Mai or Bangkok , the best alternative to get around is by Grab taxi, which is an app. It is by far one of the cheapest, safest, and convenient way to get around.

Scooters are also one of the handy ways to get around cities, which you can also use to go on short day trips to nearby towns and villages. A typical rent in scooter friendly city like Chiang Mai would cost you about 7USD per day. Just make sure that you have the correct license when you rent one.

Just like with accommodation, you can either go really cheap on food in Thailand or go really fancy and expensive. If you want to do it cheaper, we suggest you explore the streets of Thailand and stumble upon local makeshift restaurants that serve local dishes as low as less than 1USD per meal.

This is the cheapest option you can go to, but if you can spend a little more than that, an average meal at a proper local restaurant is usually from about 3USD.

That said, there is also a lot of other cuisine specific restaurants in most big cities in Thailand that offer western dishes, and these are usually a bit more expensive. You can expect to pay about 5-8USD per meal.

If you want to try some of the fine dining restaurants in the country, don’t fret! Even though fine dining usually means paying over a hundred bucks for a set menu, in Thailand, it is a lot cheaper to eat well.

For a set menu plus wine pairing in a Michelin star restaurant in Chiang Mai would cost you anywhere between 60-100USD and this is top-notch and high-quality restaurants equivalent to the ones in the US and Europe.

In hindsight, here’re the price breakdown:

• For budget restaurants – 1-3USD per meal (30-90 baht)
• For midrange/western restaurants – 5-10USD per meal (150-250 baht)
• For luxury restaurants – 60-100USD for seat menus (1800-3000 baht)

Other possible expenses

• Tours – depending on what you are going to end up doing, it will most likely cost you between 10-80USD per tour. For example, an elephant sanctuary will cost about 80USD, and a cooking class will be between 15-25USD. It is possible to enjoy Thailand without a tour, so do not stress too much about it.
• Groceries – if you forget some toiletries back home, don’t worry as a lot of necessary items you might need is available in Thailand.
• Massage and spas – you’ve probably heard about the famous Thai massage and would like to try it at one point. You can find cheap massage places as low as 5USD (150 baht), or you can try some of the spa packages that go from 15USD to 60USD. This does not necessarily have to affect your budget as you’re probably only going to get massages a few times during your trip. Make sure you do not miss it!
• Hospital – in case of an emergency or accident, you might need to visit the hospital. It is quite cheap in Thailand starting from 30USD (900 baht) for a general doctor visit. Sometimes, to avoid the paperwork and hassle, these hospital bill prices aren’t that much to pay out of pocket. However, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance before coming!

Thailand budget tips

• Avoid touristy places – tourist places are well known to inflate their prices in the first place. Unless the whole attraction is for free and you do not plan on buying anything from the nearby stalls, you should be fine and would not spend that much money sightseeing.
• Make sure you do some price research beforehand – we’re a firm believer that you should always keep your travels organized as much as possible. If you research your route or write a rough itinerary beforehand, make sure to also write down prices you might see online and use it as a rough guideline when you visit.
• If you’re planning to rent a scooter, make sure you have the correct license – if you got stopped at a police stop point, some of them ask anywhere between 7 to 15USD if they catch you driving without an international motorcycle license. To avoid this unnecessary extra cost, get your documentation straightened up before coming to Thailand.
• DIY your trip – sometimes tours are cheaper than DIY in Thailand, but there are also some tours that are unnecessarily expensive and something you can easily do yourself cheaply. For example, to visit Doi Inthanon, you can easily arrange this yourself
• Stay at hostels – for decades now, the popularity of hostels just kept on growing. It is, without a doubt, the cheapest alternative for accommodation when you travel. In Thailand, hostels are so affordable, and prices start at 1USD, which is a bargain.
• Eat local – western food in Asia generally tend to be more pricey compared to other restaurants that serve local dishes. The reason behind this is the fact that there are some ingredients that not easily available in Thailand; thus, importing it from other countries would be necessary. We suggest you try and explore local Thai cuisine because not only is it delicious, it is also very cheap.
• Stay safe – avoid accidents and other emergencies by always thinking ahead of yourself. There’s nothing wrong about keeping it safe.
• Use the Grab App to go around cities – local taxis are generally more expensive as it is measured by the meter and tuk-tuk’s in Thailand are nothing more than just a mere tourist attraction and are rarely used by locals themselves. Using the Grab app is a handy way to get around big cities and are also efficient if you don’t have a lot of time to spare and would like to get to your destination in good time.
• Use public transport – local buses and trains are running around Bangkok that are widely used by the locals and in other big cities in Thailand, the public transport is really efficient, so if you want to explore like a local, you can always try that. This is going to be far cheaper than Grab or any other type of local transportation. • Do not go out drinking a lot – drinking, albeit cheap, in Thailand can honestly tear a hole in your pocket if you do it constantly, so phase it out as much as you can or buy alcohol and spirits from grocery stores instead of bars as this will be much cheaper.

Thailand budget per day

On average, we suggest having a minimum budget of 50USD per day, and this will easily cover your accommodation, food, daily excursion, transportation, and few small little extra things that you may want to buy or experience. However, below is our breakdown for three different types of travelers:

• Accommodation – 5USD for a hostel bunk bed (120 baht)
• Food (3x a day) – 6USD for cheap local meals (average of 60 baht per meal or 2USD)
• Transportation, excursion, etc. – 9USD for wiggle room (270 baht)
• Accommodation – 20USD for midrange hotels or a guest house (600 baht)
• Food (3x a day) – 10USD for cheap and maybe one proper restaurant meals (300 baht)
• Transportation, excursion, etc. – 20USD for wiggle room (600 baht)
• For luxury travelers – 100USD and above. We’re not going to break this down to you because it honestly depends on how much you would like or wouldn’t mind spending. If you can afford to pay for a 100USD or more for a suite in a 5-star hotel resort in one of the islands in Phuket, most likely, you’ll also be wanting to try some of the fancy restaurants or more likely go on a tour to experience things. All in all, you’re probably looking at a budget anywhere between 400-1000USD per day, including hotels and fancy restaurants and all.

Are you on Pinterest? Pin this for later read!

Evan Kristine a.k.a Pretty Wild World is a professional blogger with over 10 years of experience in content creation. Originally from the Philippines, she's been living in Finland for 15+ years working as a chef and entrepreneur in Tampere, Finland.

She's an expert in Finland travel and explores the country often sharing her insights and tips in this blog and social medias. She also splits her free time either going for weekend getaways in Europe on her holidays or exploring different home decor ideas for her future house in the lush Finnish forest.

This blog curates the best of travel, interior design, minimalist fashion, DIY wedding hacks, and a bit of beauty. Its a safe space for everyone who have various interests!

Evan Kristine is also the food blogger behind at The Kitchen Abroad and on her free time, she enjoys decorating her 75m2 apartment and shares her experience over at Solía Avenue .

A true master of her own life and despite her busy schedule juggling life as a chef, blogger, and entrepreneur, she still finds time to read 50+ books a year and indulge in several hobbies like hiking, working out, yoga, and painting.

Sharing is Caring

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!

Budget slow travelers in early retirement

Bangkok slow travel budget breakdown 2022

Last Updated on May 28, 2023 by Ellen

The numbers are in! Our Bangkok travel budget was $2,000 for a month-long stay in 2022.

Thailand was our first budget slow travel stop of the COVID ‘endemic’ era. We had some anxiety about all aspects of ‘new normal’ travel. 

Our monthly spending goal is the same as when we started this adventure in 2015.

But prices are higher today, and there are additional COVID-related travel costs.

To help readers see exactly what a four-week stay in Bangkok cost us, we tallied up expenditures from April 11 to May 11.

Here’s the budget breakdown.

Bangkok travel budget 2022

• $682 – Housing
• $382 – Groceries & Beer
• $289 – Restaurant / Bar
• $144 – Local travel (subway, taxi, bus)
• $88 – Donations / Gifts 
• $84 – Entertainment
• $84 – Supplies
• $56 – Thai visas (prorated)
• $34 – Clothing

$1,842 for two people

Woohoo! We came in under budget — a t first glance .

Hold on a minute…

A few items are conspicuously absent. Indeed, my previous budget update is incomplete.

The above numbers accurately show our cost-of-living expenses in Bangkok.

The below numbers show our expenses to get into Thailand (paid prior to April 11).

• $445 airfare & baggage from Philippines
• $218 Thai COVID entry testing and mandatory quarantine (1 night)
• — $778 in transit costs
• —$1,842 in cost of living

$2,620 for two people

More like boohoo!

You might not have COVID-related additional travel costs. Thailand – and other countries – canceled most entry requirements. ( The IATA has a good page for your initial research.)

Further, our upcoming summer stays in Thailand and Malaysia won’t involve air travel. We expect our ‘land-based’ costs will be within budget.

BUT: we do have some medical checks and tests scheduled during that time, too.

Bottom line: it’s a reminder to us and others interested in budget slow travel that ‘one time’ expenses — whatever the reason — are common and must be expected and accounted for.

We have a 20-25% monthly budget cushion and an emergency fund that can be tapped as needed. This wiggle room is critical in the current time of health, financial, and geo-political uncertainties.

We spent all of our ‘COVID crisis’ time in the Philippines, where we overspent and helped friends and neighbors.

Now, as the world continues to normalize, we will get back to using – and sharing – our budget slow travel techniques, tips, and expense breakdowns.

As always, be thankful and generous, happy trails & more beer.

Life is NOW!

Thanks for reading, “Bangkok travel budget 2022.”

Read additional budget slow travel breakdowns linked on this page .

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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. 

Stay Creative!

Thank you for your support and love for Creative Travel Guide. If you are looking for more video tips, make sure to head over to your YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram for daily tips and chats.

Share any questions or comments below and happy creative travels!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Travel Thailand Cheap: 7 Insider Tips for 2024

Sunday 31st of December 2023

[…] planning to travel Thailand cheap, it’s all about the smart savings. From transportation to entertainment, knowing a few hacks […]

Cost To Travel Thailand: How I Spent $23 Per Day

Thursday 25th of May 2023

[…] are plentiful in the country and generally of pretty good quality. This is a great way to travel Thailand on a budget and save money. Though if you are not up to sharing a dorm room you can find affordable private […]

Tourism in Thailand- Complete Thailand Travel Guide - Tourism Teacher

Sunday 12th of February 2023

[…] in Thailand as there are also a lot of hostels – Bangkok has over 530 hostels alone! Visiting Thailand on a budget is also very do-able, which makes it a very popular destination for people who want to make the […]

Ko Yao Yai Island - Thailand's Overlooked Island - ForSomethingMore

Wednesday 1st of February 2023

[…] do the same. There are plenty of other things to do on Ko Yao Yai Island even if you’re visiting Thailand on a budget. From kayaking, to SCUBA diving to ATV tours, to island hopping tours and more, if you’re […]

15 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Thailand - Find Love & Travel

Friday 15th of July 2022

[…] is a popular Thailand budget tip and it is very normal and almost expected to do. It’s easy not to want to bargain when everything […]

7 Days in Thailand (Guide + Budget + Itinerary)

Thailand  is known as the Land of Smiles . Popular with tourists and backpackers, it is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast-Asia.

I recently took a week-long trip here with my family. Thailand is really big and they have a lot more to offer. Here I am going to share my Thailand itinerary , guide, and budget from Manila to Bangkok to Pattaya to Chiang Mai.  I planned this itinerary to get the taste of City, Province, and Beach in this 7-day vacation.

Table of Contents

When To Visit Thailand

You can visit Thailand all year round but according to many, the best time to visit is around November to April during their cool and dry season.

How To Get To Thailand

From the Philippines, a one-way ticket to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Muang Airport can cost around 3000 Php   – 6000 Php depending on the season. So it can cost around 6,000 Php to 12,000 Php for a roundtrip ticket MNL – BKK. It’s best to book a flight 3 months earlier to get the best price.

Search For Cheap Flights Here from MNL – BKK

Estimated Price:

1 Person = 6000 Php to 12,000 Php

Currency in Thailand

Currently, the exchange rate of THB (Thai Baht) to PHP (Philippine Peso) is 1 THB = 1.68 PHP .  While 1 USD = 30.23 THB .

I find it better to exchange my currency to USD before I exchange it to THB. It’s also better if you exchange your currency at the airport before or after you arrived. The exchange rate wouldn’t be as good when you get outside.

Where To Stay In Thailand

Ideally, it’s best to stay near Thailand MRTs or SkyTrain Stations. That way, it will be easier to tour around the country on your own. There will be less hassle finding cars and commuting.

A friend of mine said Sukhumvit area is generally a good place to stay. There are plenty of hotels, hostels, restaurants, and shops to keep you entertained.

I stayed in a hostel called The Little Pig Sukhumvit which is 5 minutes away from Ekkamai Train Station and Gateway Mall. I stayed with my family in a Quadruple room with two double beds.

A single bedroom can cost as low as 700 Php per night and 1100 Php for a budget single bedroom with a private bathroom. A quadruple room can cost about 1600 Php . Not bad eh? The rooms have basic necessities such as free water, free soap, and Q-tips. They even have free biscuits, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Khaosan Road is known as the backpacker’s hub. It is filled with bars, restaurants, clothing stores, souvenir shops, street food, and a lively nightlife.

Budget Hostels 

600 Php – 1000 Php per night for Bunk Beds

Budget Hotels

1000 Php – 3000 Php per night for a single or double room.

Comfortable Hotels

2500 Php – 5000 Php per night for a single or double room.

Thailand Must-Haves

Make sure you are connected throughout your stay in Bangkok. That way you’ll have no problem using translators, google maps, grab app or even updating your friends! Book them through the Klook . Get everything you need from transport, wifi to activities then pick them up at the airport.

Wifi rental can cost about 252 Php per day. You can connect up to 8 devices. The connection is pretty good.

This 4G Thai sim card is 242 Php for an 8-day unlimited data. Both sim card and wifi can be picked up at the airport of your choice in Bangkok. Book them now!

How To Get Around Thailand

You have many options. You can either take the bus, tuktuk, the taxicab or the train (which is btw the best option for you). They also have Grab in Bangkok. However, Bangkok is a busy city and you’ll most likely spend a lot of time in traffic. It’s best to use their Trains.

Skip the long queue in Train stations by getting their BTS Card. The card is 493 Php and pre-loaded with 200 Baht (336 Php) . It’s good for a few days around Bangkok and if you run out of balance, you can easily top it up in any Station. The card can be used up to 5 years since the date of purchase.

Bangkok (Day 1 & 2)

Chao praya river.

One of the major attractions in Bangkok is getting a tour in Chao Praya River. From Saphan Taksin boat pier you can take a riverboat and tour on the nearby tourist attractions such as the Flower Market at Chinatown, Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Khaosan Road, etc. You can get a ticket at the Pier for 60 THB ( 100 Php) . But if you want to hit everything, you may purchase a hop-on-hop-off Day Pass ticket. It is 240 THB   (240 Php) per person.

Asiatique The Riverfront

One of the first stops in the river tour is the Asiatique Riverfront. It is a shopping, dining, sightseeing, activities, and events under one roof. Great place to visit with plenty of shopping options and eateries. You can find many good cafes with nice music.

Bangkok’s Chinatown is the biggest Chinatown in the world so it is definitely a must-see. To get there, you’ll need to stop at the Ratchawong Pier, and walk up from Ratchawong Road to Sampeng Lane and Yaowarat Road.

The Grand Palace

Located at the heart of Bangkok. This complex of colorful buildings is probably one of the most famous landmarks in Bangkok.

Entrance Fee: 500 THB (844 Php)

Entrance Fee: 50 THB (84 Php)

Entrance Fee: 100 THB (168 Php)

Khao San Road

This area is also known as the hub of backpackers. It is filled with hostels, bars, restaurants, clothing stores, souvenir shops, street food, and a lively nightlife.

One of the hidden gems in Bangkok is the TrueLove@Siberian Huskies Cafe.  Owned by a Thai family that raises Siberian Huskies. If you love dogs and coffee then you should visit this place!

They allow playtime with the huskies for an hour (usually around 12:30 pm  and 3:30 pm ) and if you’re lucky, you can even get a group photo with them.

Entrance Fee: 500 THB  per person (With Free Drink)

Siam Paragon

Another famous tourist spot in Bangkok is the Siam Paragon. It is a luxury mall with over 250 stores with brands including  Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Versace. Siam Paragon is located near the  Siam BTS Skytrain Station.

Central World

Central World is one of the largest malls in Thailand. Generally, a good place to shop, dine, relax and have a good time. It is located near  Chidlom BTS Skytrain Station .

Floating Market

Book Your Floating Market and Chatuchak Weekend Market Tour

Pattaya (Day 2 & 3)

If you are looking for an eye-popping experience of your life then this is the place you must visit. The beach, watersports, nightlife, the famous ladyboys, and beautiful girls as well are just some of the things Pattaya can offer to you.

If you want to go there by yourself, from Bangkok you can go to Ekkamai Bus Station (just right next to the Ekkamai BTS) and book a ride there. Or you can get a ride from the A1 Shuttle Bus and go to Mo Chit station and purchase your Bus Ticket to Pattaya. They leave every hour. The journey is around 2 hours.

If you want a hassle-free trip and don’t want to stress yourself from finding the stations, you may book a bus ticket from 12go.asia here.

Transportation Cost: 

Prices may vary.

A one-way bus ride from Bangkok to Pattaya is around 160 THB ( 270 Php).  

If you want to rent a car from Bangkok to Pattaya, it is usually around 1800 THB (3000 Php) – 2000 THB (33000 Php)

Book Transport From Bangkok to Pattaya Here

Chiang Mai (Day 5 – 7)

Chiang Mai is a province located in the Northern Part of Thailand. If you are looking for a different cultural experience in Thailand this place is a must-go.

There are many ways to get to Chiang Mai. You can either take the bus, car or train. But for the best way to travel to Chiang Mai is through their Sleeper Train where you can dine, eat while enjoying the view along the roads and sleep comfortably.

Flights usually take around 1 hour from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Busses or Cars are usually around 11-13 hours, same for the Train. So if you will spend almost an entire day getting there, I suggest you take the train! It will be worth it!

Book Sleeper Train Tickets to Chiang Mai Here

Book Flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai Here

Book Bus Tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai Here

A One-Way Sleeper Train Ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (or vice versa) is around 1450 THB (2300 Php) to 1600 THB (2,600 Php)

A One-way Plane ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (or vice versa) is around 1800 THB (3000 Php) to 3000 THB (5000 Php)

A One-way Bus ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai 540 THB (900 Php) to 720 THB (1200 Php)

Things to Remember in Thailand

When visiting temples.

When visiting temples, you should be aware of the proper attire. Ideally, shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women. Tattered jeans, gym/yoga pants are also not allowed. If you don’t have the proper attire, you may buy it at a store near the temple.

Elephant Attractions

Elephants are magnificent and brilliant creatures. However, many of them are being exploited and worse, abused. Before you visit an Elephant attraction, make sure that you research the place beforehand. If the attractions you are visiting involves tricks and elephant riding, do not proceed.

Elephant riding is cruel as they use hooks or chains. Those poor animals who are also forced to do tricks are often beaten to submission just to please the audience. If you are a human with compassion and love for nature, do not support this. Many so-called Elephant Sanctuaries is even lacking basic provisions of water, food, and shade.

However, there are ethical ways for elephant interactions. Elephant Nature Park is one them, it is mostly home for rescued elephants. Elephant Hills is also one of them, they are chain-free and they offer natural encounters.

Scams in Thailand

Tuktuk Scam

One of the most popular scams that tourists fall for every day is the tuktuk scam. If you are spotted as tourists having a hard time finding your way through your destination, they will smile and offer you a ride while charging you 3x or 4x more than the fare.

To avoid this, just check on your google maps and check the distances. Always ask for the price before riding and calculate if it makes sense. Use your common sense.

Taxi Cab Scam

This is basically the same as the Tuktuk scam. Never agree when a taxi cab doesn’t turn on their meter as well. If you are in need of a car, it’s actually better to book grab.

Grand Palace is close scam

There will be some locals or tuktuk drivers who will say the Palace is closed today for a special event. Then he’ll offer you to ride the tuk-tuk and take you to other temples and shops where they will surely get a commission if you buy from them.

Jewelry Shop Scam

A tuktuk driver might also take you to a jewelry shop and show you all kinds of beautiful gemstones. They will desperately try to sell you one. Do not fall for it because the jewelry might probably be just colored glass and basically not worth anything.

Travel Deal Scam

Another scam is when they take you to a tourism agency that will offer exclusive travel deals that are ending soon. But chances are, you’ll probably pay more than the other agencies.

Accommodation

Budget Hostels   – 600 Php – 1000 Php per night for Bunk Beds

Budget Hotels – 1000 Php – 3000 Php per night for a single or double room.

Comfortable Hotels – 2500 Php – 5000 Php per night for a single or double room.

Basic Must-Haves

Wifi rental   – 252 Php per day.

4G Thai sim card –  242 Php for an 8-day unlimited data.

Food is very affordable in Thailand. If you want to eat cheap, you can survive for at least 200 – 500 Php per day.

If you want to go to restaurants you can spend as much as 1000 Php to 2500 Php depending on how fancy you want to get.

Transportation

BTS Card – 493 Php and pre-loaded with 200 THB (336 Php)

Bangkok to Pattaya 

By Bus 160 THB ( 270 Php).  

By Car 1800 THB (3000 Php) – 2000 THB (33000 Php)

Bangkok to Chiang Mai 

By Bus – 540 THB (900 Php)  to  720 THB (1200 Php)

By Air – 1800 THB (3000 Php)  to  3000 THB (5000 Php).

By Sleeper Trains – 1450 THB (2300 Php)  to  1600 THB (2,600 Php)

Entrance Fees and Activities in Bangkok

Chao Praya Express Hop On and Hop Off Pass  – 240 THB   (240 Php) per person.

Single Pass – 60 THB ( 100 Php) . 

Grand Palace Entrance Fee – 500 THB (844 Php)

Wat Arun – 50 THB (84 Php)

Wat Pho – 100 THB (168 Php)

Husky Cafe – 500 THB  per person (With Free Drink)

Floating Market Tour – 700 THB (1200 Php) – 2000 THB (3350 baht)

Related Posts:

• The Bangkok Experience
• Party in Pattaya

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

DIY Singapore Budget Travel Guide

DIY Hong Kong Travel (Guide + Budget + Itinerary)

DIY Kuala Lumpur Travel (Guide + Budget + Itinerary)

Ultimate Bali, Indonesia Travel Guide (tips + budget)

The geekly gal.

© The Geekly Gal All Rights Reserved 2022

Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Sitemap

Enjoying this post so far? Show us some love by Sharing & Subscribing <3

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.

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.

Is Bangkok safe?

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?

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?

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?

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?

What is the power socket used in bangkok.

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

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?

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 ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• BANGKOK ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide
• BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary
• THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE with Multi-City ITINERARIES: 4, 6, 7, 12 Days
• For the Love of Siam Square and Platinum Mall in Bangkok
• Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok
• BANGKOK TO SIEM REAP by BUS or TRAIN: Crossing the Border
• CHIANG MAI TRAVEL GUIDE: Budget, Itinerary, Things to Do
• 10 Best Affordable BANGKOK Restaurants Aside from Jay Fai (Where to Eat Cheap)

• Recent Posts

• 2024 Philippine Airlines PROMO: Get 50% OFF on PAL Domestic Flights! - 16 May 2024
• 2024 NAIA Departure Guide for International Passengers (Manila Flights) - 10 May 2024
• 2024 Cebu Pacific Promos & PISO SALE with Number of Seats Available - 10 May 2024

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!

Featured On

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

One Week Budget Trip to Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and why not! It has many mind-blowing attractions, starting from the breathtaking beaches to the luxurious vibes to a rich heritage and finally to a luscious food culture! Such a destination with so much to see and explore, how can it not be on your travel list! And in that case, why the delay? Oh, you are worried about the Thailand trip budget! Don’t be! Because you can have a one-week-long fun trip to this tropical beach paradise without putting much pressure on your wallet. It’s all about planning and chalking out the perfect travel guide. Here is how we will do that!

For your one-week-long Thailand trip, we will try to save money whenever and wherever we can without compromising on the fun. Keeping your budget for Thailand trip in mind, you can use this Thailand travel guide and have the best trip without going over budget.

How to reach Thailand on a budget?

Thailand is easily accessible via airways, railways and roadways. Below goes further details!

Via airways

This is the easiest way to reach Thailand from foreign countries and also, the best option when your Thailand travel budget is tight. Bangkok and Phuket have international airports. You can book a direct Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai or Delhi to Bangkok flight . Although, if you want to go straight to the beaches, you should board a flight to Phuket!

Via railways

While Thailand is connected to Singapore and Malaysia via railways, you can’t reach the country via railways from India.

Via roadways

The India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway connects Thailand to India. Sure, it will be fun to pass through Myanmar, enjoy great views and finally reach Thailand. But make sure to avoid the monsoon!

Commuting in Thailand

Local transport is always better than private cabs or taxis. And they will be best for sightseeing without messing with your Thailand tour budget. And when you have to cross more distance, opt for trains! If you insist on flying, Bangkok airways can be a good option.

Which is the best time to plan a budget trip to Thailand?

From November to February, Thailand hosts winter. The weather remains pleasant, not too cold. People can go out, enjoy sightseeing and spend time at the beach. That makes winter the peak tourist season in Thailand. But that also makes winter not so ideal for traveling Thailand on a budget. Because the flight and hotel rates are on the higher side! Solution? Visit in summer or in monsoon. Yes, both seasons can be a little extreme. But you will get great deals on your flight booking . Hotel prices will be cheaper too!

Which places to visit during a budget trip to Thailand?

Which places you can include in your itinerary depends on your desire! That being said, here is how you can plan to spend your one-week-long Thailand trip on a budget!

A day or two exploring the northern parts

If you want to have a relaxing time amid nature and explore the wild, the northern parts of Thailand, especially, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai should be on your list.

A few days with beach activities in the southern parts

The best beaches in Thailand are in the southern parts. And to enjoy beach activities at their best, you must come here!

Avoid the western end

Well, you can pay a visit, but don’t plan much for the western parts because these are basically the luxurious parts and not ideal for your low budget Thailand trip.

Some time in spirituality in the eastern parts

The easter parts (specifically Ubon Ratchathani) are where people go for spiritual, cultural and historical awakening. These parts deeply reflect the influences of Buddhism and Thai culture!

A few tips here

Instead of visiting all these parts, keep one or two of these on your list, obviously, based on your preference. Because frequently travelling here and there will add to Thailand one week trip cost. And if you have to travel, then follow our suggestion and opt for trains and local transportation. They are the best options for your Thailand cheap travel.

How to best enjoy a budget trip to Thailand?

Just because you are discussing budget travel to Thailand, it does not mean that we can’t have fun! On that note, here are the things that you must indulge in and rest assured, they will not come with huge bills!

A free concert at Lumpini Park

Yes, you heard it right! Just make your way to the park on a Sunday and you will get to enjoy many amazing performances without paying for any ticket! The highlight of the event is the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra’s performance. Don’t miss that!

Dig in street food

You would have added this one even if we forgot it! After all, Thailand and particularly, Bangkok is famous for its street food which is delicious and quite cheap. So, without raising your Thailand vacation cost much, you can go on a delicious culinary tour!

Enjoy the nightlife

Koh Phangan is famous for its parties. And there is no better way to enjoy the true essence of Thailand’s nightlife than partying at Koh Phangan. No, it will not increase your Thailand tour expenses that much.

Where to stay during a budget trip to Thailand?

If you are visiting in the off-season, you will get good deals on hotel booking . Nonetheless, here are some budget-friendly places for you to stay. Lub d Bangkok Siam and D&D Inn are the best budget hotels in Bangkok, Thailand , Kodchasri B&B and Smile Robotist Hostel in Chiang Mai, Pineapple Guesthouse and Bodgea Party Hostel in Phuket as well as Bodega Party Hostel and Echo Beach Hostel in Ko Pha Ngan.

With that, your budget travel guide to Thailand is ready! And here is one final tip. Don’t add multiple things to your itinerary. It will hamper your budget. Stick to your favourites among the long list of places to see and things to do in Thailand. That way, you can have the best time on your budget!

Use your InterMiles co-brand card and start earning! 

Embark on a Thrilling Safari Adventure in Africa

Exploring Delhi to Amritsar with Vande Bharat Express

6 safe destinations for solo travel

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

2023 Bangkok Travel Guide (Budget + Itinerary)

by thepinay solobackpacker | Sep 12, 2023 | Featured , Itinerary , Thailand , Tourist Spots , Travel Guide | 44 comments

Bangkok is special to me, because this is where I first backpacked solo abroad. I remember booking a cheap airfare months before my trip. I booked a tour and a hotel from a travel agency but after paying it, they called me and said I had to pay for two because the hotel room is good for two. So I asked for a refund. And that’s how I started researching about DIY trips to Bangkok, Thailand that eventually led me to setting up this blog. I read a Bangkok Travel Guide that introduced the concept of backpacking and DIY travels to me.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE

Bangkok is a good introduction to Southeast Asia backpacking because everything here is cheap (hotels, food, tours, shopping, transportation, etc.), it is easy to explore, it is rich in culture, it has arguably the best food in Southeast Asia, it is tourist-friendly (save for a few pushy touts), it is generally safe (except for tuktuk scams) and it is easy to cross the border (from Thailand) to neighboring countries like Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia. I’ll blog about border-crossing from Thailand in the future, but for the meantime, here’s my Bangkok Travel Guide with budget and itinerary to help you plan your next trip. .

WHEN TO VISIT BANGKOK  : Bangkok is situated in Southeast Asia, near the equator, dear readers. So expect it to be hot and humid during summer and prepare for torrential downpour during the rainy season.

November to February is the best season to visit Bangkok since it is cool and dry. I have traveled to Bangkok a few times during this season. However if you want to avoid the crowd, take note that December to January is the peak season.

March to June is pretty hot, I traveled a few times to Bangkok during this season and I could not stand staying in a fan room. I recommend booking an air-conditioned room if you plan to travel around the aforementioned months. If you want to get a tan, this is a good season for Thailand beaches. And if you are in Bangkok around second week of April, don’t miss the popular Songkran Festival.

July to October is the wet season, expect drizzles to heavy downpour that might ruin your travel plans. However, there is a good side to the low season, hotels and airfares can go as low as 50% off, so it can be pretty tempting to travel.

BANGKOK CURRENCY AND MONEY EXCHANGE: Bangkok uses Thai Bhat (THB or ฿) as currency. But I suggest you bring US dollars to get a better rate. I had a hard time finding a money changer in Bangkok that accepts Philippine peso the last time I was there. Money exchange shops are widespread in Bangkok, but bank rates are usually better, so, I prefer withdrawing cash from ATM.  Take note that there is a ฿200 (₱315 – $6) fee when you withdraw using foreign accounts.  Some banks like Aeon Bank charge less, about  ฿150 (₱236 – $5)  per withdrawal. So if you plan to withdraw from an ATM, make it one time big time since the fee per transaction is quite hefty.

BANGKOK WI-FI: While most accommodations in Bangkok have free Wi-Fi, it’s important to stay connected online while you are outside and touring around. You can use your data or rent a pocket Wi-Fi.

• Thailand Pocket Wi-Fi: RENT HERE
• Thailand Simcard: BUY HERE

BANGKOK ELECTRICITY : Bangkok and the rest of Thailand uses 220 V. Power outlets commonly have two-prong round or flat sockets. Bring universal adapter plug. You can also buy at convenience stores in Bangkok like 7Eleven.

BANGKOK TIME : Take note that the Philippines is 1 hour ahead of Bangkok, Thailand. Adjust your watch while in Bangkok so you won’t miss your tour or flight.

THAILAND VISA : Philippine Passport holders are entitled to a 30 day visa-free entry (by air) to Thailand. If arriving by land like crossing borders from Cambodia, Laos or Malaysia, you will only get a 15 day visa-free stay.

HOW TO GET TO BANGKOK FROM MANILA

Several airlines fly to Bangkok from Manila like Cebu Pacific, Thai Airways and Philippine Airlines.

BANGKOK AIRPORT (SUVARNABHUMI) TO BANGKOK CITY CENTER

• AIRPORT TRANSFER

If you want an easy and efficient transfer in a modern air conditioned vehicle from Suvarnabhumi airport to your hotel, you can book an airport transfer.

Bangkok Airport Transfer: RESERVE HERE

• AIRPORT TAXI

The Bangkok Airport taxis are located outside the First floor (Ground Floor), near entrances 3,4,7, and 8. Taxis have different colors depending on the taxi company.

There are 2 kinds of  Bangkok Airport taxis:

• Ordinary taxi: good for 2-3 passengers with small luggage
• Maxi taxis: good for 3-4 passengers with large baggages

Taxi fare is charge by the meter, plus additional  THB 50 (₱78 -$1.50) airport surcharge and Express Way fees.

To get an airport taxi, after collecting your baggage, proceed to the kiosk with “Taxi Meter Only” sign. You need to tell the staff where you need to go and you’ll be given a paper printed with your destination. You will be pointed to where you need to go for the taxi pick up.

If you will be taking Grab  from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to Bangkok City, expect to pay around  ฿375 (₱590 /$11) to ฿1,000 (₱1,571 /$30)  depending on your destination.  Travel time from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to Bangkok City is roughly 30-45 minutes.  Remember that many drivers in Bangkok aren’t fluent in English, so you might have a hard time communicating.

•   BY AIRPORT RAIL LINK

This is the fastest way to get to Bangkok City from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi Airport) if you want to avoid the infamous Bangkok traffic. However, it won’t bring you directly to your hotel, unless your hotel is near one of the BTS or MRT stations.

The Airport Rail Link is located at the Basement Level and is open from 5:30 AM to 12:00 midnight only.  Fare is roughly THB 45 (₱71 -$1.35) from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok City and vice versa.

The line starts at Phyathai Station to Suvarnabhumi Airport. The Airport line stops at 7 stations along the way.

• (A1) Suvarnabhumi Airport
• (A2) Lad Krabang Station
• (A3) Ban Thap Chang
• (A4) Hua Mak
• (A5) Ramkhamhaeng
• (A6) Makkasan (City Air Terminal, interchange with MRT Blue Line (Petchaburi)
• (A7) Ratchaprarop
• (A8) Phayatai Station (interchange with BTS Sukhumvit Line).

If you’re heading to Bangkok City, you can connect to BTS Skytrain or MRT Metro Trains at (A6) Makkasan Station for THB 35 (₱55 -$1) or at (A8) Phayatai Station for THB 45 (₱71 -$1.35). Fare for the city line is THB 15 (₱24 -$0.45) to THB 45 (₱71 -$1.35) depending on the distance.

Just to give you a brief explanation, the Airport Line is the line that connects to the airport from both the BTS and MRT Line (pretty much like Manila’s LRT and MRT). BTS is a skytrain that runs across Bangkok from North to South East are. Meanwhile, the MRT is a subway that runs along the main road in Bangkok.

BANGKOK AIRPORT (SUVARNABHUMI) TO SUKHUMVIT BY AIRPORT LINE + MRT/BTS SKYTRAIN

Here’s how to get from Bangkok Airport to Bangkok City via the Bangkok BTS and MRT Line:

1.At Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok Airport), make your way to the Basement Level. 2. Buy tokens or pass for the Bangkok Airport Train.

3.Ride the Bangkok Airport Train.

4.Alight at (A6) Makkasan Station. Fare is THB 35 (₱55 -$1).

5.If your hotel is located in Silom and Chinatown. Walk to the (BL21) Phetchaburi Station (MRT Blue Line).

6.Ride the blue line at (BL21) Phetchaburi Station to (BL22) Sukhumvit Station. Fare is THB 17 (₱27 -$0.51).

7. Alight at (BL22) Sukhumvit Station. Take Exit No.3 – Sukhumvit Road. From there you can get to Asoke intersection on Sukhumvit Road, to Silom and Chinatown.

BANGKOK AIRPORT (SUVARNABHUMI) TO SUKHUMVIT BY UBER/GRAB/TAXI

Coming from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Airport Sukhumvit, Uber/Grabe/Taxi will cost you around TBH 325/PHP 496 (USD 10/EURO 8/ SGD 13/MYR 41).

BANGKOK AIRPORT (SUVARNABHUMI) TO KHAO SAN ROAD: BY UBER/Grab/Taxi

If you decide to take UBER/Grab/taxi to Khao San Road, prepare to pay around TBH 375/PHP 573 (USD 11/EURO 10/SGD 375/MYR 48).

BY AIRPORT LINE + BTS Skytrain

From Bangkok Airport to get to your hotel in Khao San Road, you can take the Airport Line + BTS Skytrain. The closest BTS Skytrain stations are National Stadium Station (closest station but needs 2 transfers), Ratchatewi Station (1 transfer) and Siam Station (1 transfer) but it is still quite far, about 5 KM. So from any of these stations, you can take Uber/Grab or taxi to Khao San Road.

STEP 1: Take the Airport Line to Phyathai (Phaya Thai) Station. STEP 2: Transfer to dark green line and alight at Ratchatewi Station or Siam Station. Take a cab/Uber/Grab to Khao San Road. Fare is around TBH 107/PHP 163 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4.36/MYR 14).

STEP 1: Take the Airport Line to Phyathai (Phaya Thai) Station. STEP 2 : Transfer to dark green line and alight at Siam Station. STEP 3: From Siam Station, transfer to light green line to National Stadium. STEP 4: Take UBER/Grab/taxi to Khao San Road. Fare is about TBH 95/PHP 145 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4/MYR 12). IMPORTANT: Good news is, the MRT Extension has been approved, so once that line opens, you can just get off at Democracy Monument Station (OR 5) and walk to Khao San Road.

BANGKOK AIRPORT (SUVARNABHUMI) TO SILOM

BY UBER/GRAB/TAXI

Uber/Grab/Taxi to Silom from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabumi) will cost roughly TBH 375/PHP 573 (USD 11/EURO 10/SGD 375/MYR 48).

BY AIRPORT LINE + MRT/BTS SKYTRAIN OPTION 1

STEP 1: Take the Airport Line and alight at Makkasan Station. STEP 2: Transfer to MRT Blue Line en route to Hua Lamphong. Get off at Silom (Si Lom) Station.

STEP 1: Take the Airport Line and get off at Phyathai (Phaya Thai) Station. STEP 2: Transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line en route to Bearing and alight at Siam Station. STEP 3 : Transfer to BTS Silom Line en route to Bang Wa) and get off at Saladaeng Station.

BORDER-CROSSING IN THAILAND

Poipet (Thailand) – Aranyaprathet (Cambodia)

ALSO READ: 

BANGKOK – CAMBODIA BORDER CROSSING

Huay Xai (Thailand)/ Chiang Khong (Laos) Koh Lipe (Thailand)/ Langkawi (Malaysia)

ALSO READ: BANGKOK TO CAMBODIA BORDER CROSSING

GETTING AROUND BANGKOK

Getting around Bangkok can be confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to explore the city. There are 6 modes of transportation that you can use:

TRAIN (BTS Skytrain/MRT)

A cheap way to get around Bangkok is via the train (BTS Skytrain/MRT). You can use single-trip tokens or pre-paid Smart Passes. Single Journey tokens will cost you THB 15/PHP 23 (USD 0.45/EURO 4/SGD 0.61/MYR 2) – THB 52/PHP 80 (USD 2/EURO 4/SGD 2/MYR 7) depending on the number of zones you crossed, while the day pass is THB 130/PHP 199 (USD 4/EURO 4/SGD 5/MYR 16). You can purchase tickets from the ticket booth or ticket machines in every station. Always print the receipt or ask for one, you might need it later.

BY CAR RENTAL

• Enjoy a comfortable private charter from Bangkok in a modern air conditioned car (up to 3 people) or a van (up to 10 people)
• Choose between full or half day packages to suit the requirements of your trip
• Plan your own itinerary and let your driver find the shortest route to get there
• Feel safe in the hands of your experienced driver and guide on request (full day charter only)

Thankfully, Uber and Grab are now available in Bangkok that will make commuting hassle-free!

I’ve used taxi in Bangkok a few times, I just hail one and they automatically turn on the meter. If they don’t, insist on using it or get out and hail another cab. Do not approach the ones parked near Khao San Road, they don’t use the meter! Flag down is THB 35/PHP 53 (USD 1/EURO 0.89/SGD 1.43/MYR 35), and usually cost me around THB 70/PHP 107 (USD 2/EURO 2/SGD 3/MYR 9) to THB 100/PHP 153 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4/MYR 13).

BANGKOK SCAM ALERT (FLAT FARE TAXI): When you ride a taxi and the driver refuses to turn on the meter saying it’s a flat fare taxi. The driver will most likely charge you about 3 times the usual meter rate. Get off and hail another cab.

The Chao Phraya express boat is usually a cheap way to get to the Grand Palace complex and Wat Pho, not to mention you will avoid traffic. Meanwhile, the Saen Saep express boat is popular among locals for daily commute.

IMPORTANT: If you are a female, do not sit next to a monk on a boat (or any public transportation) or stand in the same area of the boat. Do not touch them or their things. It is frowned upon.

BANGKOK SCAM ALERT (TBH 10 or TBH 20 Tuktuk Ride): Don’t believe when a local approaches you and tells you that ferry is not frequent and will leave at certain times of the day only. He will then hail a tuktuk to take you around for about TBH 20/PHP 30 (USD 0.90/EURO 0.76/ SGD 1.22/MYR 4) but instead of taking you directly to your destination, the driver will take you to different travel agencies and shops. TBH 30 is a small amount but if you are pressed for time, this can ruin your itinerary.

You can charter a long-tail boat to explore Khlong Bangkok Noi and other canals in Thonburi. Negotiate the price first before leaving.

I’ve used the bus a few times before, it can be confusing. It’s a cheap way to get around Bangkok, however I won’t really recommend this because you might get lost if you don’t know where to get off.

There are motorbikes that can take you to your destination (short-distances). I’ve used this a few times to get to my hotel and evade traffic. They are mostly wearing helmet and uniforms and parked at the BTS/MRT Stations or bus stop. The fares are clearly posted, so make sure you read them or ask the driver before hopping on the motorbike. Helmet is provided.

Honestly, I’ve never used a tuktuk before for my Bangkok tour because of the gem scam issue. But a good friend advised me, it is not as bad as he thought. The drivers will add the gem market to the destination (it’s like when you take the tours in Vietnam or Indonesia and they take you to souvenir shops where the driver and the tourist guide get commissions). So it’s still up to you if you will purchase from those gem stores. If you do, they will get a commission. But if you are really hesitant since this will waste your time and ruin your itinerary but you want to experience riding in a tuktuk, you can use it for short distance ride but be wary of another scam the TBH 10 or 20 tuktuk ride. See details below this post (list of Bangkok Scams).

BANGKOK SCAM ALERT (CLOSED FOR TODAY): Don’t believe when a friendly local approaches you and introduces himself as a teacher and then will tell you that the Grand Palace or a certain temple or a certain attraction is closed for a Buddhist holiday or cleaning. He will then hail an accomplice tuktuk to tour you or take you to another temple or attraction. The driver will drive you around to gem stores or shops and get a commission for taking you there. I was told they usually get gas coupons.

BANGKOK TOP ATTRACTIONS

Ko rattanakosin area.

This is where Bangkok’s most important temples are concentrated, including the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Dubbed as the historic center of Bangkok, Rattanakosin established sometime in 1782 when the capital of Thai Kingdom was moved here – Rattanakosin Kingdom, which was the 4th Kingdom of Thailand.

THE GRAND PALACE and WAT PHRA KAEW

When in Bangkok, don’t miss the Grand Palace the official residence of the Kings of Thailand since 1782. This sprawling complex is sprinkled with jaw-dropping buildings, gardens and pavilions.

Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Thailand Open Hours: 08:30 AM– 03:30 PM Entrance Fee: THB 500/PHP 764 (USD 15/EURO 13/SGD 20/MYR 63), ticket includes a visit to Wat Phraew and Dusit Palace (you can use within 7 days).

BANGKOK SCAM ALERT: If a local approaches you and tells you the Grand Palace is close for the day and offers to take you to other temples instead. Do not believe him/her. It’s a scam. Go directly to the main entrance.

DRESS CODE: Do not wear shorts or tank tops, it is considered disrespectful. Make sure your legs and shoulders are covered. You can rent sarong near the palace gate in case you failed to comply like me.

HOW TO GET TO THE GRAND PALACE:

STEP 1: Take the Silom Line (BTS Skytrain) and alight at (S6) Saphan Taksin Station.

STEP 2: Hop on the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Ta Chang Pier (No.9). From here, the Grand Palace is about a 5-10 minute walk.

If coming from Khao San Road, the Grand Palace is about 20-30 minute walk. Consult Google Maps for directions. Or just take a taxi or UBER/Grab for about THB 47/PHP 72 (USD 1.42/EURO 1.19/SGD 2/MYR 6).

I’ve tried this route twice but I usually visit other temples along the way. Will write a more detailed Bangkok Walking Tour blog soon.

If coming from the National Stadium, Silom or Lumphini BTS/MRT Station, you can take Bus #47. Fare is about THB 7/PHP 11 (USD 0.21/EURO 0.18/SGD 0.29/MYR 0.89) on weekdays and FREE during weekends.

From Phaya Thai, Hua Lamphong BTS/MRT Station or National Stadium, you may take a cab or UBER/GRAB for about THB 100/PHP 153 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4/MYR 13).

Bangkok Grand Palace and River Cruise Sightseeing Half Day Tour

• See the best of Bangkok on an immersive tour of the city with a professional guide
• Take a relaxing cruise down Chao Phraya River and view iconic Bangkok landmarks
• Have lunch at Wang Lang Market, a truly local place and a street food haven
• Transportation between sights and English speaking guide services are included

Inclusive Of:

Join in tour Air conditioned vehicle with free WiFi on board Professional licensed English/Chinese/Japanese/Korean speaking guide All admission fees as mentioned in the program (THB500) Boat ride at the floating market Insurance provided by the operator

Nearby the Grand Palace is another famous temple – Wat Pho, known for its gigantic reclining Buddha. But more than that, Wat Pho is actually the earliest public education center in Thailand. Interestingly, the Epigraphic Archives of Wat Pho (Temple of the Bodhi Tree) in Bangkok has been recognised by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Programme.

Address : 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Sub district, Pranakorn District, Bangkok Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Entrance Fee: THB 100/PHP 153 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4/MYR 13)

HOW TO GET TO WAT PHO:

See directions above for getting to The Grand Palace. Wat Pho is near Tha Tien Pier adjacent to the Grand Palace but it is located on the other side of the entrance gate.

WAT ARUN Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: 8:00 AM -6:30 PM Entrance Fee: THB 100/PHP 153 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4/MYR 13)

HOW TO GET TO WAT ARUN:

See directions above to get to the Grand Place. Then ride the boat to Wat Arun at Than Tien Pier near the Grand Palace. Fare is THB 4/PHP 6 (USD 0.12/EURO 0.10/SGD 0.16/MYR 0.51). Boat leaves every 10-15 minutes from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

CHAO PHRAYA PRINCESS CRUISE

• View historic Bangkok landmarks, such as the Emerald Buddha Temple and Grand Palace, by night on a grand cruise ride
• Hark back to the 80s and 90s with a live band, performing hits by ABBA, Donna Dummer and the Supremes
• Enjoy the Bangkok nightscape and take in the cool breeze from the perch of the boat deck, overlooking the famous Chao Phraya River
• Indulge in a gourmet buffet of Thai delicacies as well as international favorites

Dusit is the the administrative center of Thailand, this is where the royal palace is located, as well as the magnificent Dusit Palace, Vimanmek Teakwood Mansion and Marble Palace.

DUSIT PALACE (Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall)

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is my favorite building in Bangkok because of the intricate paintings on its ceiling and the surreal Arts of the Kingdom exhibit.

Address: U-Thong Nai Road, Bangkok, Thailand

• As of October 1, 2017, the Dusit Palace is  indefinitely closed and the Arts of the Kingdom exhibit will be moved to Ayutthaya.

Entrance Fee: THB 150/PHP 229 (USD 5/EURO 4/SGD 6/MYR 19). But if you have the Grand Palace Ticket, it is included in the ticket so long as you pay a visit within 7 days.

DRESS CODE: Do not wear shorts or tank tops and make sure your legs and shoulders are covered. You can rent sarong near the palace gate in case you failed to comply like me.

IMPORTANT: Photography is not allowed inside, you need to deposit your bags including your camera and phone.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: Vinmamek Mansion, Marble Temple

HOW TO GET TO DUSIT PALACE

The most convenient is to get there by Uber/Grab or Taxi. If coming from the Grand Palace to Dusit Palace (type Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Uber) fare is around TBH 145/PHP 221 (USD 4.35/EURO 3.68/SGD 6/MYR 18).. If coming from Khao San Road to Dusit Palace (type Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Uber), fare is about TBH 112/PHP 171 (USD 3.36/EURO 3/SGD 5/MYR 14).

But if you want to save a few bucks, you can ride the BTS Skytrain to Victory Moment Station and ride air-conditioned bus 12 or 515 to Dusit Palace at Ratchawithi Road. Alternatively, you can take the BTS Skytrain to Rajchathevi Station and ride bus 16.

If you are coming the Old City, take air-conditioned bus 70 to the Dusit Palace. You can hail bus 70 at Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace. If you are at Khao San Road area, you can hail bus 70 at Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. Then, alight outside the Royal Elephant National Museum at Uthong Nai Road. To be sure, ask the locals where to get off.

You can also take bus #3/9/32/43/64/65/524 and alight at Thewet Market or The National Library. Then, you can reach Dusit Palace on foot.

VINMAMEK TEAK MANSION (Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall)

What makes Vimanmek Mansion special, which is a former royal villa in Bangkok, is entire museum was built out of golden teak. Today, the mansion has been turned into a museum that is open to the public.

Address: 16 Rajvithi Rd, Khwaeng Dusit, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Update: Building is closed for renovation.

MARBLE TEMPLE

Address: 69 Nakornpathom Rd Dusit, Bangkok Open Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Entrance Fee: THB 20/PHP 31 (USD 0.60/EURO 0.10/SGD 0.20/MYR 3)

KHAO SAN ROAD AREA

Khao san road.

WAT SAKET (GOLDEN MOUNT TEMPLE)

Open Hours: 8:00 AM -5:00 PM Entrance Fee: THB 20/PHP 31 (USD 0.60/EURO 0.10/SGD 0.20/MYR 3)

HOW TO GET TO THE GOLDEN MOUNT (WAT SAKET)

This is near The Grand Palace and Khao San Road. STEP 1: Ride the BTS Sky Train to Ratchathewi Station (N1) (Sukhumvit Line). Take Exit 1 and upon exiting turn around and walk straight ahead to Khlong Saen Seab. STEP 2: Ride the long tail boat from the pier to Phan Fha Pier at Wat Saket.

WAT SUTHAT AND THE GIANT SWING

Open Hours: 9:00 AM -4:00 PM Entrance Fee: THB 20/PHP 31 (USD 0.60/EURO 0.10/SGD 0.20/MYR 3)

OTHER BANGKOK ATTRACTIONS

ASIATIQUE SKY FERRIS WHEEL

• Marvel at the spectacular bird’s eye views of Bangkok city from clean and comfy, air-conditioned cabins
• Enjoy 3 full rotations on the Ferris Wheel
• Located at Asiatique the Riverfront, an open air mall with a range of entertainment, shopping and dining options

How to get to Asiatique:

Take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin [S6]. From Saphan Taksin Station, take exit 2 to the pier, about 80 steps. Take the ferry to Aisiatique. Ferry runs from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The free ferry runs until 8:00 PM only, so from 8:01 PM to 11:00 PM, you need to pay for the ferry.

MUAY THAI LIVE

• Witness fight scenes straight out of the big screen – in this live show on stage!
• See jaw-dropping martial arts moves in this tale about Thai boxing
• Experience the action up close with a Premium ticket
• Enjoy refreshments outside the venue before the show begins

BANGKOK DAY TOURS AND SIDE TRIPS

Damnoen saduak floating market.

• Discover Thailand’s most popular floating market without any forced shopping stops along the way
• Steer your boat down the narrow winding canals and explore one of Thailand’s oldest traditions
• Get a few souvenirs for friends back home and take beautiful pictures of the bustling floating market
• Learn all about the floating market’s long history from your professional guide

Join in tour Air-conditioned vehicle with free WiFi on board Professional licensed guide All admission fees as mentioned in the program Boat ride in floating market Insurance provided by operator

• 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!
• Learn about the rich, enchanting history of Buddhism with visits to three of the most important temples in Ayutthaya – Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Lokayasutharam
• Discover the former glory and grandeur of Ayutthaya with a visit to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
• Take a ride around the mystical city of Ayutthaya on a motor boat and marvel at the ancient ruins and structures
• Savor a delicious local lunch at Ayutthaya Floating Market while watching a Thai cultural show

Join in tour Air conditioned vehicle with free WiFi onboard Professional English/Chinese/Korean/Japanese-speaking guide All admission fees Boat ride Insurance provided by the operator

THINGS TO DO IN HUA HIN

• Visit Thailand’s famous markets on an immersive day trip from Bangkok
• Watch a train pass through the middle of a bustling market – Maeklong Railway Market
• Relax at the authentic weekend market of Amphawa, frequented by the locals
• See the iconic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, the most popular market in Thailand (Three Markets Tour only)
• Learn about the history and culture of these iconic markets from your informative guide

Join in tour Air conditioned vehicle with free Wi-Fi on board Professional licensed English/Chinese/Korean/Japanese speaking guide All admission fees as mentioned in the program Boat ride at the floating market Insurance provided by operator

KANCHANABURI

Kanchanaburi Custom Tour from Bangkok

• Hike in one of Thailand’s best nature preserves and jump into the emerald pools of the 7 tier Erawan Falls in Erawan National Park
• Cross the Bridge over River Kwai, setting for the namesake World War 2 movie
• Visit WW2 memorials of Kanchanaburi, where the infamous Burma Death Railway was built with POW labor
• Hike through Hellfire Pass and walk in the footsteps of the thousands of Aussie POWs who cut through the mountain rock by hand
• Choose from a 1-2 day customizable trip in Kanchanaburi to see everything the province has to offer or just your favorites

Private customizable tour 12 hour charter service (per day) Experienced driver Air conditioned vehicle Fuel costs Toll charges Car seat available upon request Guide (optional) Insurance provided by operator

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

SIEM REAP TRAVEL GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary) 2019

Where to shop in bangkok.

This famed 8 storied mall is packed with over 2,000 shops selling clothes, bags, accessories, electronic gadgets, mobile phones and cameras. Prices are negotiable here.

Address: Phayathai Rd, Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00PM

HOW TO GET TO MBK MALL:

Ride the BTS Skytrain and get off at National Stadium Station. MBK can be reached on foot from there.

CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET

If you like bargain hunting then Chatuchak Market is for you. You can find almost everything you need here at bargain prices. You can even purchase in wholesale price.

Address: 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: Saturday and Sunday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

HOW TO GET TO CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET

Take the BTS Skytrain and alight at Mo Chit station. Take Exit 1 and follow the crowd until you see stalls selling apparels. Turn right and continue to follow the crowd. You should see a small entrance to the Chatuchak Mark.

TERMINAL 21

Terminal 21 houses over 600 shops in its 9 floors selling everything you can possibly need. What’s unique about this mall is each floor features different cities like Tokyo, London, Paris, Hollywood, Caribbean, Istanbul and San Francisco.

Address: 88 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

HOW TO GET TO TERMINAL 21: Take the BTS Skytrain and alight at Asok.

PLATINUM FASHION MALL

If you’re in Bangkok on weekdays but you missed the Chatuchak Market, you can find dirt cheap clothes and other apparels at Platinum Fashion Mall instead.

Address: 10400, 644/3 Phetchaburi Rd, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

HOW TO GET TO PLATINUM MALL:

Take the BTS skytrain and alight at Chidlom Station. Take exit 9 and walk through Ratchaprasong Skywalk. Turn right to enter Gaysorn Plaza Building.

PANTIP PLAZA

Pantip Plaza is the place to be if you like to shop for mobile phones, cameras, software, computer accessories, software and hardware and other electronic gadgets that won’t empty your wallet.

Address: New Phetchaburi Road in Ratchathewi district, Bangkok Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM HOW TO GET TO PANTIP PLAZA:

Take the BTS Skytrain and alight at BTS Chidlom Station. Hire a tuk-tuk or cab/ UBER/Grab to take you to Pantip Plaza. Alternatively, you may also walk 10 minutes down Ratchadamri Road past Central World on your left, over the Saen Saeb canal and then turn left on Phetburi Road. Walk for about two blocks to Pantip Plaza, which you should see on your left. Use Google Maps.

CENTRAL WORLD

Central World is the largest shopping mall in Thailand, and one of the largest in the world. You can find almost everything you need here. The mall has easy access to Erawan Shrine and Trimurti Shrine.

Address: 4, 4/1-4/2, 4/4 Ratchadamri Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

HOW TO GET TO CENTRAL WORLD Take the BTS SkyTrain and get off at E1 Chit Lom Station (Sukhumvit Line). Take Exit 9 for Skybridge to Gaysorn Plaza and cross road to Central World via flyover.

SIAM PARAGON, SIAM DISCOVERY AND SIAM CENTRE Address: 991 1 Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

This is the first mall I visited in Bangkok since it’s pretty accessible, just in front of Siam BTS Skytrain. Siam Paragon has over 250 shops that caters to high-end shoppers. Madame Tussauds is located on the 6th Floor of Siam Paragon.

MADAME TUSSAUDS BANGKOK (WAX MUSEUM)

HOW TO GET TO SIAM PARAGON:

Take the BTS Skytrain and alight at Siam BTS Skytrain station. You won’t miss the mall because it is just in front of the station.

BUDGET HOTELS IN BANGKOK

Silom is the financial district of Bangkok. It is also a good base due to the wealth of budget hotels here plus access to MRT link to Hualamphong Station. Also check out the old backpacker neighborhood near Lumphini Park packed with affordable rooms.

Lub d Bangkok Silom Hostel

4 Decho Road Suriyawong Bangrak, Silom, Bangkok, Thailand

HQ Hostel Silom

5/3-4, Silom Soi 3, Silom Road, Bangrak, Silom, Bangkok

Hostel Na Nara

72,74 Narathiwasratchanakarin Road, Silom, Silom, Bangkok, Thailand

(KHAO SAN ROAD AREA)

Khao San Road is Bangkok’s backpacker’s mecca. It is dappled with hostels, guesthouses and budget hotels Everything you could possibly need is available here.

TARA PLACE 

The warehouse bangkok .

120 Bunsiri Road, San Chao Por Sua, Phra Nakhon, Khaosan, Bangkok, Thailand

BAAN DINSO 2

78/3 Ratchadamnoen Klang Road Pranakorn Borvornnivate, Khaosan

SUKHUMVIT AREA

Sumkhumvit has a a wealth of budget and mid-range accomodations too. Also, it is pretty accessible as it is on the MRT links to the BTS and MRT Lines. It is also near the Eastern (Ekamai) bus station and the MRT links to Hualamphong Station.

Chan Cha La 99 Hostel

Rezt Bangkok

75 Soi 22, Sukhumvit Rd., Klongton, Klongtoey, Sukhumvit, Bangkok

Oneday Hostel Sukhumvit 26

BANGKOK ITINERARY

*Take note that the Philippines is 1 hour ahead of Bangkok, Thailand.

BANGKOK ITINERARY 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS (BANGKOK + AYUTTHAYA)

Here’s a sample 4 days 3 nights Bangkok itinerary with side trip to Ayutthaya.  Feel free to tweak this depending on your budget and schedule.

BANGKOK ITINERARY 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS

(bangkok + pattaya).

Here’s a sample 4 days 3 nights Bangkok itinerary with side trip to Pattaya.  Feel free to tweak this depending on your budget and schedule.

  ALSO READ: BANGKOK ITINERARY

Bangkok budget/cost, bangkok budget for 4 days 3 nights, (bangkok + ayutthaya).

Here’s a sample trip budget if you follow the Bangkok Itinerary 4 day 3 nights (Bangkok + Ayutthaya) above.

If you opt for Pattaya day trip instead of Ayutthaya day tour, you can replace the Ayutthaya budget with Pattaya City & Coral Island Day Tour from Bangkok with Klook for about THB/PHP 2,083 (USD 41/EURO 35/SGD 55/MYR 173). Total expenses for a 4 days 3 nights Bangkok trip if you follow the 2nd itinerary above is roughly TBH 6,026.03 / PHP 9,219/ USD 1180.26/EURO 153.46/SGD 246/MYR 764.

If you plan to do a 5 Day 4 night Bangkok trip, then you can do both Pattaya and Ayutthaya as side trips.

BANGKOK/THAILAND LAWS

It is very important to abide by the Thailand laws listed below to avoid getting into serious trouble. Better be safe than sorry.

• Never disrespect Thailand’s King, Queen, Heir or Regent by insulting them or defacing images of the monarchy (such as stepping on a bank note). It’s a serious offense that can result in 3 to 15 years in prison. This offense is known as Lèse majesté in Thailand, based on Thai Criminal Code section 112.
• Never step on the bank note. It is a serious offense.
• Illegal drugs (using, carrying, transporting or producing) is punishable by death sentence.
• The drinking age in Thailand is 20. Drinking alcohol is illegal in the following locations in Thailand: temples or places of worship, public offices, public parks, pharmacies, petrol stations and education institutions.
• Do not throw chewing gum on the ground (be careful when you spit it, make sure it goes to the trash can!). If caught, there’s a hefty fine and you can be jailed.
• Do not litter in Thailand, you can be fined THB 2,000 if you’re caught.

BANGKOK TRAVEL TIPS

• Take off your shoes when you enter a temple.
• Tuck your feet under you so that they are not pointing at anyone or anything when you are sitting on the floor.
• Never take photos of people while they are praying and do not have your picture taken with a Buddha image.
• Visitors are not allowed to enter a temple wearing revealing clothes like tank tops and shorts or skirts above the knees. Good thing, most temples will have sarong or pants for visitors to borrow.
• Female should never touch a monk or hand him anything directly. When offering alms, place it on a table for the monk to pick up. Also, do not sit next to a monk on a boat (or any public transportation) or stand in the same area of the boat. Do not touch them or their things.

BANGKOK SCAMS

• (CLOSED FOR TODAY/GEM SCAM): Don’t believe when a friendly local approaches you and introduces himself as a teacher and then will tell you that the Grand Palace or a certain temple or a certain attraction is closed for a Buddhist holiday or cleaning. He will then hail an accomplice tuktuk to tour you or take you to another temple or attraction. The driver will drive you around to gem stores or shops and get a commission for taking you there. I was told they usually get gas coupons.
• (TBH 10 or TBH 20 Tuktuk Ride): Don’t believe when a local approaches you and tells you that ferry is not frequent and will leave at certain times of the day only. He will then hail a tuktuk to take you around for about TBH 20/PHP 30 (USD 0.90/EURO 0.76/ SGD 1.22/MYR 4) but instead of taking you directly to your destination, the driver will take you to different travel agencies and shops. TBH 30 is a small amount but if you are pressed for time, this can ruin your itinerary.
• (FLAT FARE TAXI): When you ride a taxi and the driver refuses to turn on the meter saying it’s a flat fare taxi. The driver will most likely charge you about 3 times the usual meter rate. Get off and hail another cab.

SUKHOTHAI TRAVEL GUIDE

Bangkok itineraries, kanchanaburi tourist attractions, hua hin things to do, samut songkhram things to do  , kanchanaburi travel guide, related posts.

PUERTO GALERA ITINERARY (TRAVEL GUIDE + BUDGET) 2024

ORIENTAL MINDORO: Things to Do in Puerto Galera + Itinerary 2024

BAGUIO TRAVEL GUIDE (ITINERARY + BUDGET) (2024)

2024 LILIW TOURIST SPOTS + ITINERARY

44 comments.

You are a blessing!! Thank you!! I’m about to go to Bangkok on the 2nd and my friend just frigging ditched me.. Thank you!!!!

welcome. enjoy Bangkok! 🙂

Hi! i just want to say thank you for posting this. It will make our trip so much easier and less hassle.

Keep it up!

welcome. enjoy your trip, Patricia! 🙂

Hello Ms. Gael, thank you very very much for this detailed and informative travel blog for Bangkok. I am planning to go there this end of October till 1st week of November, 2018 to meet my Indian friend and to celebrate also my birthday there. It will be our first time to travel in Bangkok, I hope it will be very memorable for us. I super appreciate this blog. Thank you! (^_^)

Awww! Really appreciate you dropping by! Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoy your Bangkok trip! Safe travels always! 🙂

Hi Gael, heaidng to Bangkok in two days from Canada. Last minute trip for 11 days. Very excited and I’m glad that I found your blog, some great ideas!

Thanks again!

Welcome! Enjoy Bangkok! 🙂

I’ll be going to Bangkok this May and I am a bit nervous since this will be my first time to travel alone. But thank God, I found this detailed blog post. Thank you so much! <3

Planning my First Trip outside the Philippines. Thanks a Lot. 🙂🙂🙂

Welcome! Excited for you! Have fun! 🙂

Hi thanks for the Tip. Super great help.

Can I ask a question. For any car or van hire in thailand in Klook, is it per vehicle or per person for the price? Just confused.

rate for car or van hire via klook is usually per vehicle. 🙂

for the car rental usually it’s per vehicle. click the link on the blog for more details. 🙂

I use this as my reference for our trip in Bangkok next week! You’re great! 🙂

Thank you! Enjoy! 🙂

Hi! I was wondering if there was an error with the post? Your sample itinerary for Bangkok+Ayutthaya is missing, instead the budget breakdown for Bangkok+Ayutthaya was doubled. I hope to see the itinerary for Ayutthaya. Your post is very helpful, more power! ^^

Thank you for that pointing that out. Apologies. I fixed it already. 🙂

Hello! may i ask if what is advisable? using a 4g sim or renting a pocket wifi? thanks.

if you are alone, you can just use a sim card since it’s cheaper. Pocket wifi id advisable for those traveling in groups

Wow! This is amazing! I’ll use this itinerary on my Bangkok trip. This is very helpful. Thank you for taking time to share your wonderful experience. More power!

welcome! hope you enjoyed Bangkok! 🙂

This would really help for our future thailand trip, but which most you suggest place to stay??? Near the victory mall and airport.

Can you also post any travel tips if we’ll DIY our trip to Ayutthaya? 🙂

I’ll work on that 🙂

This is very, very helpful! I am currently working on the itinerary for our Bangkok trip this September 🙂

Hi, Is there a “show money/proof of fund” at Thai Immigration? Thank you!

Supposedly, but usually they ask those who’ve been crossing back and forth sa Thailand for visa run.

I got a lot of useful information here! We will be traveling to Bangkok next week. Hihi. Will share my itinerary as well. Thanks a lot 🙂

Welcome. Enjoy Bangkok! 🙂

Love how detailed this guide is. I actually send this to my mom since she’s going to BKK with her friends. She couldn’t thank me enough cause she’s able to fill up their itinerary.

Awww. Glad was able to help! Hope she enjoys her trip! Thanks for dropping by! 🙂

Saan po may bilihan ng murang mga damit? 🙂

Sa Chatuchak Market 🙂

Bangkok is a great place to hangout. Really you have shared a great piece of information for Bangkok travelers. Your post is too long, but it is worth reading it. Good luck and keep writing!

Thank you for reading! Safe travels! 🙂

I went to Bangkok last year, but was only in for about a day and a half total as I was going south towards Chumphon. I love this guide and am looking forward to implementing it on my next trip in Bangkok! You sound very knowledgeable about the city and getting around.

these kind of blog are so much informative and surely so much helpful for the bloggers that are really needed to be the at best part.

What’s your advice for first time female travellers planning to visit Bangkok? I’m really scared and I dont know if I should still push through my plans. 🙁

Bangkok is safe naman for solo female travelers. Traveled there many times alone. You can read this guide to help you plan your trip 🙂

This is really helpful.Thank you.

welcome. enjoy Bangkok!

How’s the traffic condition?

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• BEACH RESORTS
• BORDER CROSSING BY BUS
• Cruise Guide
• FERRY SCHEDULE AND RATES
• General Santos
• Historical Sites
• Hotels and Resorts
• Shiragawago
• SHIRAKAWA-GO
• Cameron Highlands
• Kota Kinabalu
• Kuala Lumpur
• New Zealand
• Cagayan North
• Camarines Norte
• Caramoan Island
• Catanduanes
• Davao del Sur
• Ilocos Norte
• Lanao del Norte
• Kalanggaman
• Mindoro Occidental
• Puerto Galera
• Negros Oriental
• Nueva Ecija
• SAN TEODORO
• Puerto Princesa
• San Vicente
• Quezon Province
• Northern Samar
• Surigao del Norte
• Surigao del Sur
• Capones island
• Zamboanga City
• Zamboanga del Norte
• Solo Female Travel 101
• South Cotabato
• Star Cruises
• Kanchanaburi
• Tourist Spots
• Travel Apps
• Travel Gadget
• TRAVEL GADGETS
• Travel Guide
• TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
• Uncategorized
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• HO CHI MINH CITY

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Terms of use:.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

• TRAVEL GUIDES
• DESTINATIONS
• ADVENTURE TRIPS
• HOTELS & RESORTS
• FIND HOTELS WITH DISCOUNTED RATES!

ads_banners

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.

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

• Travel, Tourism & Hospitality ›

Leisure Travel

Industry-specific and extensively researched technical data (partially from exclusive partnerships). A paid subscription is required for full access.

Allocated individual travel budget for next trip Thailand 2022

Estimated individual budget allocation for next vacation in thailand as of june 2022 (in thai baht).

To access all Premium Statistics, you need a paid Statista Account

• Immediate access to all statistics
• Incl. source references
• Download as PDF, XLS, PNG and PPT

Additional Information

Show sources information Show publisher information Use Ask Statista Research Service

Milieu Insight

827 respondents

16 years and older

Online survey

Original question: "Considering the number of days that you'll be going for vacation, how much would you allocate for your vacation expenses, including domestic transportation, food, and activities? Note: Consider your expenses for yourself only. Don't consider the portion you spend for others, if any." One Thai baht is equal to 0.028 U.S. dollars and 0.027 euros as of June 2022.

Other statistics on the topic

Parks & Outdoors

National parks ranked by domestic visits in Great Britain 2016-2019

Share of Britons taking a vacation 2016-2022, by destination

Average number of vacations taken per person in the UK 2011-2022

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Domestic overnight tourism spending in Great Britain 2010-2022

To download this statistic in XLS format you need a Statista Account

To download this statistic in PNG format you need a Statista Account

To download this statistic in PDF format you need a Statista Account

To download this statistic in PPT format you need a Statista Account

As a Premium user you get access to the detailed source references and background information about this statistic.

As a Premium user you get access to background information and details about the release of this statistic.

As soon as this statistic is updated, you will immediately be notified via e-mail.

… to incorporate the statistic into your presentation at any time.

You need at least a Starter Account to use this feature.

• Immediate access to statistics, forecasts & reports
• Usage and publication rights
• Download in various formats

You only have access to basic statistics. This statistic is not included in your account.

• Instant access  to 1m statistics
• Download  in XLS, PDF & PNG format
• Detailed  references

Business Solutions including all features.

Other statistics that may interest you

• Domestic trips taken for personal purposes in Greece 2013-2019
• Average holiday budget of Norwegians 2021
• Share of demand for travel after coronavirus outbreak in China 2020, by destination
• Sources used for advice on foreign travel during coronavirus outbreak in the UK 2020
• Factors influencing UK consumers to book vacations during coronavirus outbreak 2020
• Time frame before UK consumers re-book or plan vacation due to coronavirus 2020
• Reasons for traveling alone in Denmark 2017
• Negative impacts on leisure travel in the U.S. in 2013 and 2014
• Leading tourism companies in Poland 2020-2023, by sales revenue
• Number of scheduled domestic airlines Thailand 2021, by airport
• Share of flight schedule operations in HKT Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Share of passenger operations in CEI Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Share of flight schedule operations in CEI Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Share of passenger operations in BKK Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Share of flight schedule operations in BKK Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Share of passenger operations in DMK Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Share of flight schedule operations in DMK Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Share of passenger operations in CNX Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Share of flight schedule operations in CNX Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Travelers trusting family & friends as travel resources worldwide in 2013, by region
• Travel arrangements: Online purchasing in Great Britain 2019, by demographic
• Familiarity with the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the U.S. 2010
• Number of visitors to the U.S. from Russia 2011-2022
• Middle Eastern countries with the largest international tourism receipts 2018
• Revenue of Walt Disney's parks and resorts segment worldwide 2008-2018
• Extended stay lodging units: total number in the U.S. 2008-2016
• Camping expenditures for food, beverages and entertainment in North America 2014
• Importance of BRICS countries to UK tourism businesses 2011
• Reasons the UK is an appealing holiday destination to Britons 2017
• Expenditure of domestic winter travelers in Norway 2016, by segment
• American women's main reasons to travel in 2017
• Flight booking channels used in Denmark 2017
• Flight booking channels used in Sweden 2017
• Leading activities of domestic overnight leisure travelers in Japan FY 2021
• People in CEE who could not afford a weekly holiday in 2019, by country
• Domestic trips taken for personal purpose in Switzerland 2008-2019
• Number of domestic trips taken for personal purposes in Ireland 2008-2019
• Available capacity of hotels in Monaco 2007-2019
• Share of passenger operations in HDY Airport Thailand 2023, by type
• Share of passenger operations in HKT Airport Thailand 2023, by type
• Share of flight schedule operations in HDY Airport Thailand 2023, by type
• Growth rate of commercial aircraft movements Thailand 2012-2023
• Number of commercial aircraft movements Thailand 2012-2023
• Growth rate of airport passenger volume Thailand 2013-2023
• Airport passenger volume Thailand 2013-2023
• Monthly domestic air passenger volume Thailand 2023
• Number of scheduled international airlines Thailand 2023, by airport
• Local tourists revenue Thailand 2023

Other statistics that may interest you Statistics on

About the industry

• Premium Statistic Domestic trips taken for personal purposes in Greece 2013-2019
• Premium Statistic Average holiday budget of Norwegians 2021
• Premium Statistic Share of demand for travel after coronavirus outbreak in China 2020, by destination
• Basic Statistic Sources used for advice on foreign travel during coronavirus outbreak in the UK 2020
• Basic Statistic Factors influencing UK consumers to book vacations during coronavirus outbreak 2020
• Basic Statistic Time frame before UK consumers re-book or plan vacation due to coronavirus 2020
• Premium Statistic Reasons for traveling alone in Denmark 2017
• Premium Statistic Negative impacts on leisure travel in the U.S. in 2013 and 2014
• Premium Statistic Leading tourism companies in Poland 2020-2023, by sales revenue

About the region

• Premium Statistic Number of scheduled domestic airlines Thailand 2021, by airport
• Premium Statistic Share of flight schedule operations in HKT Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Share of passenger operations in CEI Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Share of flight schedule operations in CEI Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Share of passenger operations in BKK Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Share of flight schedule operations in BKK Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Share of passenger operations in DMK Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Share of flight schedule operations in DMK Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Share of passenger operations in CNX Airport Thailand 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Share of flight schedule operations in CNX Airport Thailand 2022, by type

Selected statistics

• Premium Statistic Travelers trusting family & friends as travel resources worldwide in 2013, by region
• Basic Statistic Travel arrangements: Online purchasing in Great Britain 2019, by demographic
• Basic Statistic Familiarity with the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the U.S. 2010
• Premium Statistic Number of visitors to the U.S. from Russia 2011-2022
• Premium Statistic Middle Eastern countries with the largest international tourism receipts 2018
• Premium Statistic Revenue of Walt Disney's parks and resorts segment worldwide 2008-2018
• Premium Statistic Extended stay lodging units: total number in the U.S. 2008-2016
• Premium Statistic Camping expenditures for food, beverages and entertainment in North America 2014
• Basic Statistic Importance of BRICS countries to UK tourism businesses 2011

Other regions

• Premium Statistic Reasons the UK is an appealing holiday destination to Britons 2017
• Premium Statistic Expenditure of domestic winter travelers in Norway 2016, by segment
• Premium Statistic American women's main reasons to travel in 2017
• Premium Statistic Flight booking channels used in Denmark 2017
• Premium Statistic Flight booking channels used in Sweden 2017
• Premium Statistic Leading activities of domestic overnight leisure travelers in Japan FY 2021
• Basic Statistic People in CEE who could not afford a weekly holiday in 2019, by country
• Premium Statistic Domestic trips taken for personal purpose in Switzerland 2008-2019
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic trips taken for personal purposes in Ireland 2008-2019
• Premium Statistic Available capacity of hotels in Monaco 2007-2019

Related statistics

• Premium Statistic Share of passenger operations in HDY Airport Thailand 2023, by type
• Premium Statistic Share of passenger operations in HKT Airport Thailand 2023, by type
• Premium Statistic Share of flight schedule operations in HDY Airport Thailand 2023, by type
• Premium Statistic Growth rate of commercial aircraft movements Thailand 2012-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of commercial aircraft movements Thailand 2012-2023
• Premium Statistic Growth rate of airport passenger volume Thailand 2013-2023
• Premium Statistic Airport passenger volume Thailand 2013-2023
• Premium Statistic Monthly domestic air passenger volume Thailand 2023
• Premium Statistic Number of scheduled international airlines Thailand 2023, by airport
• Premium Statistic Local tourists revenue Thailand 2023

Further related statistics

• Premium Statistic Number of cruises and voyages in Asia 2013-2019
• Premium Statistic Number of cruise ships active in Asia 2013-2019, by size category
• Premium Statistic Factors affecting accommodation booking worldwide as of July 2016
• Premium Statistic Travelers completing feedback surveys worldwide in 2013, by region
• Premium Statistic Annual revenue of China Tourism Group Duty Free 2013-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of Royal Caribbean Cruises passenger cruise days worldwide 2007-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of Royal Caribbean Cruises available passenger cruise days worldwide 2007-2023
• Premium Statistic Operating income of Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 2007-2023
• Premium Statistic Countries with the highest outbound tourism expenditure worldwide 2019-2022
• Basic Statistic Revenue share from tourism in India 2013-2022, by segment

Further Content: You might find this interesting as well

• Number of cruises and voyages in Asia 2013-2019
• Number of cruise ships active in Asia 2013-2019, by size category
• Factors affecting accommodation booking worldwide as of July 2016
• Travelers completing feedback surveys worldwide in 2013, by region
• Annual revenue of China Tourism Group Duty Free 2013-2023
• Number of Royal Caribbean Cruises passenger cruise days worldwide 2007-2023
• Number of Royal Caribbean Cruises available passenger cruise days worldwide 2007-2023
• Operating income of Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 2007-2023
• Countries with the highest outbound tourism expenditure worldwide 2019-2022
• Revenue share from tourism in India 2013-2022, by segment

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy .

Thailand to drop unpopular tourism fee proposal, PM Srettha confirms

Revelers take part in mass water fights on the eve of Songkran, or Thai New Year, on Khao San Road in Bangkok on April 12, 2024. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse

BANGKOK – Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on June 8 that his government would scrap the proposal by the previous administration to charge a 300 baht (S$11) tourism fee from foreign tourists entering Thailand by air.

Mr Srettha said his government was not considering implementing the policy proposed in February 2023, which had encountered opposition from the private sector.

The Prime Minister said on June 8 that while collecting a fee of 300 baht per person could generate short-term revenue, a broader perspective suggests that if more tourists are allowed to enter without this fee, they would likely spend on shopping and other activities.

READ: Foreign tourists in Thailand likely to be charged $9 arrival fee from April

This could stimulate the economy and potentially generate more revenue for the government than the fee itself, he added.

Mr Srettha said that any decisions must take into account the voices of all stakeholders. He added that if the government could generate additional revenue from other tax sources, it would be possible to allocate funds to support tourism as needed.

When asked about Thailand’s ranking falling to 47th out of 119 countries in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) tourism and travel development index – a six-place drop from 2019 – Mr Srettha said that he wanted to be constructive instead of playing the blame game.

READ: Tourism tax: How does Thailand compare with other countries?

He said: “This government aims to continuously develop every aspect. And we should respect the previous government because all governments agree that tourism is a significant flagship that can generate substantial revenue for the country.

“Various polls have recognized many cities and islands in Thailand as world-class tourist destinations. We should focus on encouraging reasonable voices that can lead to further development, rather than listening to certain discouraging opinions.”

Mr Srettha also spoke about progress in discussions with technology giant Apple for collaboration on the Startup Centre at the Science and Technology Park of Chiang Mai University.

He said that they were prepared to finalise the initial deal, with the location already secured. Discussions with the president of Chiang Mai University have acknowledged the potential of this collaboration.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

Mr Srettha added that he was eager to extend this cooperation to include an Apple Developer Academy in Thailand, and mentioned that the team was arranging a visit by Apple’s executives to finalise the deal by the end of 2025.

Subscribe to our global news

Disclaimer: Comments do not represent the views of INQUIRER.net. We reserve the right to exclude comments which are inconsistent with our editorial standards. FULL DISCLAIMER

© copyright 1997-2024 inquirer.net | all rights reserved.

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To find out more, please click this link.

GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences. These brands compensate us to advertise their products in ads across our site. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site. We are not a comparison-tool and these offers do not represent all available deposit, investment, loan or credit products.

I’ve Traveled to 9 Countries: Here’s Where I’d Retire on a Budget

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology .

20 Years Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed by Experts

Trusted by Millions of Readers

Tia Finn collected passport stamps from Canada, Ireland, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Scotland, Thailand, and Austria while working for a London-based global education tech firm. But when it came time to retire , she chose the small Italian town of Bellano on Lake Como, where she comfortably lives on €1,400 a month, which converts to about $1,500. 

“The final move was to live somewhere that felt like I was always meant to live,” Finn explained. “It felt like the call of my ancestors.” It was also a financially smart move. According to International Living, the cost of living in Italy is generally 30% to 70% lower than in the United States, depending on your preferred location and lifestyle. 

GOBankingRates talked to Finn about why she chose to retire in Italy on a budget after her extensive travels. 

Cost of Living 

Finn estimated her annual income at around €20,000 ($21,633.00). This is enough to cover basic living costs like rent, utilities, food, global health insurance, and transportation by train, bus, and boat. 

She recommended those looking to retire to Italy budget a little extra for their gas bill because prices have fluctuated since the winter of 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine. For example, her gas bill jumped from €300 ($324) to €850 ($919) during the cold months. 

“That was a shock,” Finn said. “Since then, it has settled to around €250 during the cold months and to €50 in the warmer months since our boiler runs on gas.”

Renting on a retiree budget is possible in smaller, rural, and southern towns like Finn’s because the cost of living is lower. 

Turin, Palermo, and Naples are among the cheapest Italian cities to rent an apartment. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Turin costs €950 ($1,027) monthly, compared to €1,800 ($1,946) in Milan.

Even if you love living in a city, you can still save money by moving further away from the city center. Instead of living in a one-bedroom apartment in the center of Rome for €959 ($1,037) a month, you could pay €650 ($703) a month and walk or take the bus into town. 

Finn hikes up and down a large hill from her Bellano home to go grocery shopping for fresh produce. 

Basic pantry staples like milk, chicken, rice, bread, and cheese will cost between $1 to $7 per pound, depending on the item. A mid-range bottle of wine is about $4.50 to $5.50, according to data from the International Citizens Group, a resource for living, retiring, and working overseas.

Expect to pay higher prices than you would in the United States for the products you miss from home. 

Italy is known for its delicious regional gastronomy. Dining out in large Italian cities is typically comparable to that in the United States. In smaller towns, you can have a fantastic, but frugal, meal for under $20. Dinner for two in smaller towns, including a bottle of wine, will cost about $60.

Health Insurance 

Italy introduced an annual fee ranging from €2,000 ($2,163) to €2,700 ($2,920) per person for foreign residents from outside the European Union to access its public health care. 

“Prior to this, (healthcare) costs varied wildly region to region, but in general it was about €2,200 for both my wife and I per year based on a formula applied to gross income,” said retired blogger Greg Hopkins in a Mediumarticle explaining the personal impact of Italy’s healthcare price changes.

Finn has Italian heritage and has applied for Italian citizenship. When granted, she will avoid the increased healthcare insurance costs other American retirees now face.  

Transportation

Getting around Italy is fairly simple due to its comprehensive public transportation system. It may be smarter to get a monthly pass, which costs about €35 ($40), instead of paying €1.5 ($1.60) for daily trips. 

If you’re planning to drive in Italy, expect to pay around €1.87 per liter, which is around $2 a gallon.

Test Drive Your Location 

Finn recommended that people interested in retiring in Italy visit the country a few times as if they were living there to understand the actual daily living costs, customs, and culture. 

“I learned the language, which changes how you are welcomed,” Finn said. “It wasn’t easy or perfect, but most people are patient and kind.”

More From GOBankingRates

• In Less Than a Decade, You Won't Be Able To Afford Homes in These 20 Arizona ZIP Codes
• These 10 Used Cars Will Last Longer Than an Average New Vehicle
• Trying to Build Your Savings? Make Sure Your Account Does These 6 Things
• 5 Myths About Debt That Nobody Should Believe in 2024

Share This Article:

• How To Save Money Fast
• How To Save $10,000 in 3 Months
• How To Save $10,000 in a Year

Best Ways To Save Your Money

• Best Ways To Save Money
• Best Clever Ways To Save Money
• Best Ideas To Save Money Each Month
• Best Frugal Living Tips To Help You Save Money
• Best Tips and Tricks for Saving Money
• Best Money-Saving Challenges
• Best Budgeting Apps

Related Content

9 Times To Always Have $1 and $5 Bills on Hand While Traveling

June 06, 2024

5 Best Costco Vacation Packages for Summer Travel

8 Ways To Save Money on Group Travel Packages

4 Costly Mistakes Frugal Travelers Never Make

June 05, 2024

Which Cruise Lines Have the Best Deals and Benefits To Save Big This Summer?

6 Summer Travel Destinations You Can Visit for $500 or Less

Travel Experts: These 4 Airline Loyalty Programs Offer the Best Money-Saving Perks

June 04, 2024

4 International Flights That Are Cheaper Than Domestic Fares

I'm a Travel Expert: 4 Luxury Vacations the Upper Middle Class Can't Afford Anymore

June 03, 2024

5 Ways Gen Zers and Millennials Can Save for Their Summer Travel Goals

June 07, 2024

Disney World vs. Dollywood: Which Gives You the Best Bang for Your Vacation Buck?

5 Canadian Cities Where You Can Still Enjoy a Luxury Vacation for Cheap

May 31, 2024

Top 6 Travel Destinations That Aren't Worth Your Money

June 02, 2024

4 Inexpensive Vacation Destinations To Visit by Car for Frugal Travelers

5 Things Frugal People Never Buy on Vacation

I'm a Self-Made Millionaire: 5 Things I Always Splurge On During Vacations

Make your money work for you.

Get the latest news on investing, money, and more with our free newsletter.

By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Unsubscribe at any time.

You're Subscribed!

Check your inbox for more details.

BEFORE YOU GO

See today's best banking offers.

Sending you timely financial stories that you can bank on.

Sign up for our daily newsletter for the latest financial news and trending topics.

For our full Privacy Policy, click here .

• The Star ePaper
• Subscriptions
• Manage Profile
• Change Password
• Manage Logins
• Manage Subscription
• Transaction History
• Manage Billing Info
• Manage For You
• Manage Bookmarks
• Package & Pricing

Budget-conscious Malaysians flock to Hat Yai for holiday as prices rise at home

Sunday, 09 Jun 2024

Related News

Myanmar workers in Thailand arrested after allowing online gamblers and money launderers use their bank accounts

Thailand's progressive move forward party braces for court case that might dissolve it, thailand to drop unpopular tourism fee proposal, pm srettha confirms.

While Hat Yai has always been a favoured weekend escapade for Malaysians residing in the north, it is now pulling more visitors from the south. - ST Photos

HAT YAI (Thailand): When Norfareha Abu Bakar vacationed in Hat Yai in February 2024 for the first time, she had so much fun that she returned to the southern Thai city in May.

“I like the food, the nature and their culture. There are lots of things to explore in Hat Yai and around Songkhla,” she told The Straits Times. Hat Yai is in Songkhla province.

Norfareha also went to neighbouring Phatthalung province to visit the Thale Noi wetlands and Phraiwan waterfall.“It is a bit cheaper than Malaysia, for now,” added the 34-year-old chemist who spent three days there from May 31 to June 2 with friends.

Hat Yai, Songkhla province’s biggest city, is fast becoming one of the top travel hot spots for budget-conscious Malaysians as the weak ringgit makes the city attractive to those seeking a non-domestic getaway.

The ringgit was among the worst-performing regional currencies in 2023, but has slowly edged higher in recent months.

Hat Yai is also easy to get to without taking a flight, Norfareha pointed out. “For other countries, such as Indonesia or Vietnam, you have to book a flight ticket. I don’t want to keep checking for cheap flights. For Hat Yai, I can go any time.”

The jaunts – just across the border from Malaysia’s northern Perlis state – are made easier with the April 2024 reintroduction of a Kuala Lumpur-Hat Yai train service.

An added boost to the city’s popularity among Malaysia’s ethnic Malays is the wide availability of halal food, as 95 per cent of Songkhla’s population are Malay-Muslims who speak a dialect of Malay.

While Hat Yai has always been a favoured weekend escapade for Malaysians living in the north, it is now pulling more visitors from the south.

The city is around 50km from the Perlis border town of Padang Besar, and about an hour’s drive by car from the immigration checkpoint.

Hat Yai is around 500km from Malaysia’s capital of Kuala Lumpur by road.

One influencer, celebrity chef Khairul Aming who has five million followers on TikTok, in July 2023 shared about his trip to Hat Yai, highlighting nine places for meals.

This led to many users posting about their own experiences in the city.

Most Malaysians interviewed in Hat Yai on a recent visit said food and accommodation are affordable when compared with holiday destinations in Malaysia.

“For less than RM100 (S$28.50) a night, you would think twice about staying at a hotel in Malaysia because of the cleanliness and stuff like that but, in Thailand, it’s okay. We pay about 500 baht (S$18.40) and we can get a nice, clean room,” said engineer K.K. Yum, 55, from Kuala Lumpur.

A stay in a three-star hotel in Kangar, the capital of Perlis, ranges from RM100 to RM225 a night. In Hat Yai, an equivalent hotel charges 850 baht (S$31.50) to 1,762 baht.

Using Hat Yai as a jumping-off point, Yum also ventured to other areas such as Patthalung and the nearby Krabi province.

“Five years ago, I didn’t see many Malays coming here but because there is so much halal food now, you see there is a balance of Malays, Chinese and Indians,” he said.

“Hat Yai has also gone viral because of social media,” he added.

Hat Yai Songkhla Hotel Association president Sitthipong Sitthiphataraprabha said the city’s diverse food choices, easy accessibility and affordable hotels make it an ideal budget-friendly vacation option.

He added that the city typically draws around 5,000 Malaysians daily, with the number doubling to nearly 10,000 on weekends.

“On peak season weekends (Christmas and New Year), Hat Yai welcomed an average of 20,000 Malaysians daily, while weekdays see around 10,000 visitors,” he told the Bernama news agency in January.

Hotels, especially those in the downtown, have enjoyed full occupancy during peak holiday weeks, he said.

Malaysia’s national railway, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM), in February 2024 announced the return of the MySawasdee (MyHello) special service from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai.

It operates only on specific dates in the year, beginning from April 11, 2024.

“In response to the sustained interest in travel to Thailand, we have introduced the MySawasdee train, which operates from KL Sentral (terminal) directly to Hat Yai, specifically during long weekends,” KTM chief corporate officer Suhaimi Yaacob told ST.

The service first rolled off on Sept 15, 2022, logging 10 trips that year that drew 3,787 passengers. In 2023, it made 20 trips, serving 7,864 passengers.

“The surge in demand underscores the need for such a service, prompting us to plan additional services for 2024,” said Suhaimi.

The MySawasdee train can carry 400 passengers each way, with 240 seats and 160 sleeper berths. A one-way seat starts from RM95, rising to RM119 for a lower berth in the sleeper coach.

Tickets for the first trip this year on April 11, and the second on May 31, sold out within minutes. The journey takes 11 hours and 20 minutes.

The air-conditioned ride comes with a cafe serving drinks, snacks and hot meals.

Once in Hat Yai, one of the top activities is food-hunting.

A plate of kerabu Maggi, or instant noodle salad cooked with seafood and vegetables, costs 80 baht – about RM2 cheaper than KL’s RM12.

A shabu-shabu buffet meal for one person, including prawns, salmon and beef slices, costs 299 baht, at least 17 per cent cheaper than in KL.

Visitors also sniff out clothing and craft bargains in the markets. For those who prefer international brands, there is the CentralFestival mall. Nature lovers flock to nearby waterfalls and wetlands in Phatthalung, as well as Samila beach and Tang Kuan Hill in Songkhla.

Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel, deputy president of the Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association, told ST: “Malaysians feel very welcome there. Thailand creates a tourism atmosphere.

“Hat Yai is just like a normal town during the day. But when you go out at night, you see all the shops and massage centres. A foot massage is RM25. That is cheap.”

Malaysians are estimated to have spent RM4.6 billion in Thailand in 2023.

Malaysia’s consul-general in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, was quoted as saying by Malay-language newspaper Utusan Malaysia in May that the figure is based on the assumption that the 4.56 million Malaysians who visited Thailand last year spent RM1,000 each.

“For this year, the figure is expected to increase based on the trend of visitor arrivals to Thailand,” he added.While Hat Yai is basking in the sun, at least one Malaysian holiday destination could be feeling the heat from the competition.

An employee of a state-owned company in Malaysia’s No.1 resort island of Langkawi told ST he sees fewer tourists, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is very quiet in Langkawi now. The tourists are going to Phuket, Hat Yai. There are more activities in Thailand. They have the Songkran festival and food festivals. Langkawi needs to have more activities,” he said.

Songkran is a Thai New Year festival known for its water-splashing traditions.

He added that the frequency of ferry crossings between the mainland and Langkawi has also been reduced due to the pandemic, to only a couple of times daily. - The Straits Times/ANN

Tags / Keywords: Thailand , Malaysians , holiday , Hat Yai , budget , travel , cheap

Found a mistake in this article?

Report it to us.

Thank you for your report!

Where the good life flourishes

Next in aseanplus news.

Trending in AseanPlus

Air pollutant index, highest api readings, select state and location to view the latest api reading.

• Select Location

Source: Department of Environment, Malaysia

Others Also Read

Best viewed on Chrome browsers.

We would love to keep you posted on the latest promotion. Kindly fill the form below

Thank you for downloading.

We hope you enjoy this feature!

Asia Pacific Gen-Zs and Millenials Seek to Unlock Value and Maximize Travel Experience With One Loyalty Program

Regional survey by marriott bonvoy uncovers key traits of travel-oriented, value-driven gen-zs and millennials.

A survey by Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel program of Marriott International, has found that a majority of Gen Zs and Millennials in Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) prefer the simplicity of belonging to one comprehensive loyalty travel program.

While 60% of APEC Gen Zs and Millennials are actively subscribed to loyalty programs, the challenge of juggling several loyalty programs has led most (57%) to seek out one program that meets all their travel needs. Marriott Bonvoy carried out the survey of 1,000 respondents across ten markets in APEC to better understand the shifting attitudes of Millennials and Gen Zs and their travel behaviors. The survey identified an emerging generation of travel-focused, value-driven " Savvy Explorers " in APEC who seek to maximize their travel dollars and unique travel experiences.

Travel in 2024 is a priority for Gen Zs and Millennials: 73% report their intentions to take at least two trips in the next 12 months and 91% plan to spend the same, if not more, on their trips compared to the year before. Travel is viewed as an essential lifestyle component, and most are willing to reduce everyday spending on dining out (60%), shopping sprees (57%) and their daily coffee (54%) so as to spend more on a holiday.

“Survey results suggest that Gen Zs and Millennials in APEC are purposefully strategizing how they can channel value from their everyday spend toward rewarding travel experiences. They also prefer to be part of only one all-encompassing loyalty travel program which fulfills their needs. To this end, Marriott Bonvoy – which gives members access to over 30 brands in 10,000 destinations -- is well positioned to deliver greater value and unlock more experiences for Gen Zs and Millennials,” says John Toomey, Marriott International’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Asia Pacific excluding China .

“As testament to the program’s appeal, we have seen Marriott Bonvoy’s membership base in APEC grow by more than 50% since 2019. What’s more encouraging is that our members are highly active. They earned 40% more points in 2023 compared to 2022, and are putting their points to good use, with points redemptions increasing by more than 55% in the same period,” he reveals.

The trend of greater member growth and activity extends to the Marriott Bonvoy app. APEC member enrolment via digital channels grew by more than 25%, with mobile app downloads and active users more than doubling in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The regional survey also uncovered notable trends amongst Gen Zs and Millennials across the 10 APEC countries. Market-specific trends can be found in Annex A.

Travel value unlocked through everyday spend Savvy Explorers take considered steps to unlock travel value through everyday spend. Leveraging on their familiarity with loyalty programs, APEC’s Gen Z and Millennials employ varied tactics to maximize their travel rewards: four in five say they have gone out of their way to use a travel-linked credit card for everyday purchases, and 67% actively use a travel loyalty program to book and redeem local experiences and staycations.

This trend is supported by usage behaviors of Marriott Bonvoy members in APEC. They accumulated points from stays across more than 8,800 Marriott International properties globally, and through everyday spend. Redemption for hotel stays in 2023 registered a 130% increase compared to pre-pandemic times, accounting for the majority of redemptions, followed by points-to-miles conversions on partner airlines.

Hotels become a key destination to explore Hotel experience is key to winning the hearts and dollars of the Gen Z and Millennial segment, with 99% of respondents believing their hotel choice can make or break their holiday. Hotels are also increasingly viewed as a key destination for exploration, going beyond the role of ‘accommodation’. Nearly four in five respondents expect their hotel to provide curated local programming and experiences, whilst 84% prefer to stay at a hotel with designs and activities reflective of its destination.

The recent debut of Moxy Hotels – noted for its hallmark playful nature, innovative design and contemporary amenities – in key APEC markets exemplifies Marriott International’s commitment to continuously bring new hospitality experiences to the region.

Despite a desire to maximize their travel budgets where they can, their hotel is one area that APEC’s Gen Z and Millennials are willing to invest extra travel dollars towards. Top motivations for new-generation travelers to splurge include the hotel’s room offerings (48%) and location (42%). Whilst amenities remain key considerations, these guests value a seamless travel experience, with mobile-first customer service (61%), reliable WiFi (68%) and flexible check-out (64%) outpacing traditional benefits like lounge access (42%).

Destination ‘dupes’ fuel intra-regional travel demand International travel has returned but APEC’s Gen Z and Millennials remain committed to destinations closer to home. While iconic holiday locations like the Swiss Alps and Bora Bora maintain their appeal, 55% are opting for destinations within the region that provide a similar experience. These so-called “destination dupes” are fast gaining traction amongst this segment because they allow Gen Zs and Millennials to stretch their travel expenses (69%), discover something new (63%) and are easily accessible (62%).

As a reflection of robust intra-regional travel demand in 2023, Marriott International saw over 60% of bookings in APEC coming from within the region.

Corporate backpackers on the rise Gen Zs and Millennials are also taking bleisure travel up a notch by capitalizing on the opportunity of a business trip to embark on multi-destination tours. In addition to extending their travel plans (68%), 84% plan to explore nearby cities and countries as part of their post-work itinerary.

With more than 560 properties across 24 brands in 22 countries and territories in APEC to choose from, Marriott International offers customers a myriad of options to mix work with pleasure.

Off-peak travel maximizes destination experience Gen Zs and Millennials are also carefully planning when to travel to maximize their trip experience. The majority (71%) of Gen Z and Millennials say they would opt to travel during off-peak seasons so as to beat the crowds and get more out of their trip. 67% feel they can do more during low-peak seasons, and 77% leave their holidays feeling more relaxed and rejuvenated.

Where Marriott Bonvoy Can Take You Marriott Bonvoy allows members to earn when they stay or spend at Marriott International’s growing portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands across 139 countries and territories, and in over 8,800 properties. In APEC, members can benefit from the program’s key strategic partnerships with Singapore Airlines and co-branded credits cards in Japan, Korea and India. With Marriott Bonvoy Moments, members can get access to once-in-lifetime experiences such the opportunity to get closer to the action with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Note to Editor Findings are from a commissioned survey by Marriott International conducted in April 2024 on 1000 Gen Z (18 – 24 years old) and Millennials (25 – 41 years old) based in Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines, who would budget for their own travels.

The term ‘Savvy Explorers’ refers to Gen Z and millennial travelers who continue to prioritize travel as a key part of their lifestyle and are always on the lookout for ways in which they can maximize and value add to their planned trips through curated accommodations, key experiences and new destinations.

Refer to Annex A for additional data on the preferences of new generation travelers across the APEC region.

Annex A: 10 Fun Facts About New-generation Travelers Across the APEC Region

• Most likely to sacrifice dining out for a holiday are Australian (76%), Japanese (74%) and Indonesian (68%) travelers. Despite their renown for culinary diversity, majority would prefer to reduce eating out over giving up other everyday luxuries like monthly subscriptions.
• Most frequent travelers in APEC are Southeast Asia’s Gen Z and Millennials, with over a third planning to take more than three trips in the next 12 months. Indonesian (51%), Thai (39%) and Filipino (34%) travelers set to outpace others within the region.
• Top intra-regional travelers are Japanese (71%), Thai (69%) and South Korean (66%) Gen Z and Millennials who prefer holidaying closer to home. However, bucking the trend are Indian and Filipino travelers, with over 60% opting for faraway destinations.
• Top off-peak travelers are Japanese (87%), Australian (81%) and Singaporean (79%) Millennials and Gen Zs. Interestingly, set to drive the high seasons are Indian travelers, with 58% preferring to travel during peak periods.
• Most discerning when choosing their hotel are Indonesian, Thai and Vietnamese Gen Z and Millennials, with an overwhelming 90% preferring hotel programming and design that are reflective of the local destination and/or are environmentally friendly.
• Top motivators to splurge on travel for Australian, Indonesian and Singaporean Gen Z and Millennials are quality factors such as hotel reputation and location. In contrast, Japanese and Vietnamese travelers place greater weightage on experiences such as in-hotel dining (Japan: 59%, Vietnam: 47%), whilst Thais prioritize hotel aesthetics (41%).
• Top countries for business travel include Vietnam (85%), India (81%) and Indonesia (78%). Over 80% are also likely to extend their business trips for leisure (Vietnam: 82%, India: 83%, Indonesia: 80%).
• Most valuable travel benefits to APEC’s Gen Z and Millennials are elevated hotel experiences like complimentary dining, spa and room upgrades. Nearly two in three Indian travelers (67%) were also likely to redeem unique travel experiences, whilst over half of Thai travelers (51%) would prefer to receive exclusive merchandise.

About Marriott Bonvoy ® Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 31 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com .

Media Contact Mabel Lee Director of Communications Marriott International, Asia Pacific excluding China [email protected]

Kiran Hans Sr. Manager, Communications Marriott International, Asia Pacific excluding China [email protected]

How to see more of Ireland on a budget

Mar 31, 2024 • 6 min read

Read on for expert tips to make your money go further in Ireland © davidf / Getty Images

By most European standards, Ireland can be quite expensive. Accommodation and food are generally priced at the upper end of the scale, which means a sizeable daily budget is needed.

However, there are plenty of ways to make your money go further during your visit to Ireland, and if you are travelling on a tight-ish budget, I have a host of cost-saving tips that will help you enjoy the best of what the country has to offer without missing out on the very best experiences.

Here’s a few tips that will help stretch your budget while visiting Ireland. 

Daily Costs

• Hostel room: €40-€70 (€50-€120 in Dublin)
• Basic room for two: €80-€100 (€100-€150 in Dublin)
• Self-catering apartments (including Airbnb): €150-€250
• Public transport ticket: €3.60
• Coffee: €3-€5
• Sandwich: €4-€8
• Dinner for two: €150
• Beer/pint at the bar:  €6-€9
• Average daily cost: €150- € 250

Know the cheapest time to go to Ireland

Peak season – May and August – is the most expensive time to visit, so you can make considerable savings travelling to Ireland outside of those months. Winter (except for Christmas) is when flight costs and accommodation rates are at their lowest, but you’ll likely encounter the worst weather and a lot of seasonal closures, especially along the west coast.

The ideal time to visit is during the shoulder season, especially in autumn (spring has St Patrick’s Day and Easter, which are typically busy and popular), when the crowds have dwindled, prices drop (especially for accommodation) and the weather can be surprisingly good.

Check the cheapest way to get there

Ireland is an island, so the vast majority of arrivals come by air. Dublin is the most popular arrival point, but if you’re coming from North America, flights into Shannon Airport are usually cheaper. For arrivals from Europe, Irish-based Ryanair is Europe’s largest airline, with dozens of cheap flights into Dublin and Cork from most major European cities. Cheaper still is the ferry. There are ferry ports in Dublin, Rosslare and Belfast , serving arrivals from the UK , France and Spain . A typical Sail & Rail ticket between London and Dublin can cost as little as €20.

Public transport is a good option to get around

Ireland has a pretty extensive network of public and private buses that are the most affordable way to travel. Transport for Ireland is a handy route planner for all public transport services across the country, including buses; in rural areas, Local Link services are a convenient way of exploring the local surroundings.

How to save money on attractions

Many attractions offer discounted rates if you buy tickets online in advance. You can also buy visitor passes that include entry to a number of attractions, such as the Dublin Pass. The Heritage Card includes free entry to all Office of Public Works–managed sites; it can be a good deal depending on how many spots you plan to visit.

There’s free entry to the four museums that make up the National Museum of Ireland (three branches in Dublin and one, the Museum of Country Life , in County Mayo), the National Gallery in Dublin, the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork and the Ulster Museum in Belfast.

Where to find good, cheap eats 

In bigger towns and cities with a large working population, many restaurants offer lunch deals that usually include a starter and a main course; a lot of Asian restaurants serve bento boxes as part of their lunch deals. Many restaurants also provide early bird menus that usually run between 5pm and 7pm; the menu is more limited but can offer considerable savings compared to the standard evening a la carte menu.

Early Table is an excellent online service that allows you to book an early sitting in restaurants across the country. You need to buy credit with them but the savings are considerable, usually up to 50% of the regular price of the meal.

How to get good value accommodation in Ireland

Accommodation will likely be the heftiest part of your travel budget. However, as many hotels use booking engines that operate dynamic pricing (which means rates go up and down depending on demand), early booking can often result in some very good deals. Calling a hotel directly – especially at the last minute – can also result in getting a better price than the one quoted on a website.

The traditional B&B was long the backbone of the Irish accommodation industry, and while many have been superseded by a glut of midrange hotels, they still offer surprisingly good value for money – with a home-cooked breakfast thrown in for good measure. Another option for savings on accommodation is to travel in the off-season, when rates are typically lower.

Find out where to join a free walking tour in Ireland

There are a handful of free walking tours that only expect a tip. Yellow Umbrella Tours operates free, thematic tours in Belfast, Cork, Dublin and Galway. Sandemans offers free tours across many European cities including Dublin, where it has a standard walking tour as well as an evening haunted tour, which explores the darker stories of the capital.

The best entertainment in Ireland for the price of a drink is...

Irish traditional music is Western Europe’s most vibrant and dynamic folk music. It is played all over the country, mostly in traditional pub "sessions", where many of the world’s very best players in the genre will showcase their remarkable skills…at no cost to the public. All you need to do is show up, buy a drink and settle in to enjoy.

How to visit heritage sites for free

Unless you invest in a Heritage Card, visiting OPW (Office of Public Works; the government agency that manages Ireland’s heritage sites) attractions can add up. However, try to time your visit for the first Wednesday of the month, when a large number of sites waive their entry charges as part of Free Wednesday . 

How to ride the train for cheap in Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the Sunday Fun Day Tracker ticket gives passengers unlimited train travel on a Sunday for £9 (£4.50 for children). Tickets are available from all ticket offices, the mlink ticketing app and from the train conductor.

Take advantage of the transport fare cap

If you’re planning to explore the region surrounding Dublin, you will save money by using public transport, which has instituted a fare cap on travel to some of the region’s commuter towns across counties Kildare, Meath and Louth. Standard single fares to/ from Dublin to a host of towns is fixed at €6.

Invest in a Leap card for public transport in Dublin

If you're going to use public transport in Dublin, be sure to get a Leap card  – a tap on, tap off card (similar to London’s Oyster Card) – which reduces fares by around 10% compared to cash and eliminates the hassle of having to provide exact change when buying a ticket. Leap cards can be bought in most convenience stores. Topping up is a cinch: you can do it at train stations, Luas stops and at all convenience stores that sell them. You can also download the Leap top-up app for NFC-enabled iPhone 7 (or above) and Android phones. You then hold the card to the back of the phone and it’ll display your balance and options to add value.

Keep planning the trip of a lifetime in Ireland:

• Start that Ireland bucketlist with our list of the  top things to do . 
• Have wheels, will travel: here are the best  road trips  to tackle in Ireland. 
• Get outside and into the great outdoors in Ireland with these top walks .
• Read on for when's the  best time to go to Ireland.
• Get off the beaten track with this guide to where locals holiday in Ireland. 

Explore related stories

Budget Travel

Apr 2, 2024 • 9 min read

Sure, Dublin can be pricey – but that doesn't mean you have to spend every last cent to see its best bits. Explore Dublin on a budget with our tips.

Jan 6, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 1, 2024 • 10 min read

Aug 25, 2023 • 7 min read

Jul 26, 2023 • 6 min read

Jun 26, 2023 • 5 min read

Jun 19, 2023 • 8 min read

May 24, 2023 • 5 min read

Dec 1, 2022 • 7 min read

Aug 4, 2022 • 8 min read