thailand trip expenditure

Thailand Trip Costs 2023 – How Much

Will it cost per day.

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

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

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

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

Budgets based on three weeks it is then!

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

Alcohol & Cigarettes- Partying & Ladies

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

Alcohol Costs

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

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

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

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

GoGo and Lady Bars

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

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

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

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

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

Food, Rehydration & Eating Out Budget

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

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

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

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

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

Hotels, Guesthouse & Resort Costs

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

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

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

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

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

Transportation Costs

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

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

Examples of Transport Costs

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

Bangkok to Chiang Mai

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

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

Boat Trips & Island Hopping

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

Activities & Sightseeing

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

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

Gifts & Shopping

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

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

Three Week Trip – 21 Day Guides

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

Accommodation 10’000 THB – 300 USD

Food – Eating Out 8400 THB – 250 USD

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

Activities/Sightseeing 5000 THB – 150 USD

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

Budget to Mid Range

Accommodation 25’200 THB – 760 USD

Food – Eating Out 18’000 THB – 540 USD

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

Activities/Sightseeing 10’000 THB – 300 USD

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

Mid Range and Above

Accommodation 42’000 THB – 1270 USD +

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

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

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

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

Pace Yourself

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

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

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

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Thailand Trip Cost – Budget Tips and Prices in 2024

Last Updated: January 17, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An average day may look like this:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breakdown of Thailand Costs

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

These will include costs of:

Transportation (to and around)
Accommodation

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

Cost of Transportation in Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flights

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

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

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

Bus or Train

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost of Food in Thailand

Thailand is truly a foodie’s paradise.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The cost of alcohol in Thailand varies.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accommodation Costs in Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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

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

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

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

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

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Fast Answer: Is Thailand Cheap Or Not?

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

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

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

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

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How Much Does a Trip to Thailand Cost on Average?

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

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

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

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

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

2 Weeks in Thailand Travel Costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $6 – $120/day

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

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

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

Hostels in Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

Airbnbs in Thailand

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

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

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

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

Hotels in Thailand

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

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

Some top picks from my side include the following:

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

Beach Bungalows in Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

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ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $1 – $60/day

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

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

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

Train Travel in Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

Bus Travel in Thailand

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

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

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

Getting Around Cities in Thailand

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

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

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

Modes of intercity travel include:

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

Renting a Car in Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $4 – $25/day

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Eat Cheaply in Thailand

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

A woman cooking Pad Thai on the street in Bangkok, Thailand

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

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $1.5 – $50/day

Now, the real question behind how expensive is Thailand? and the question we all want to know the answer to, how much is beer in Thailand? Where booze is concerned, the tables turn. A night on the town ends up being a helluva lot more expensive than a quieter evening spent at a restaurant or cruising the night markets.

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

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

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

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

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

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: US $1.50 – $65/day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tipping in Thailand

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

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

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

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

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After taking a long, hard look at how expensive is Thailand for tourists, I’ve come to the conclusion that…, Thailand is not expensive and is actually a great and affordable holiday destination. If you go for the more savvy choices in terms of transport and accommodation, you will have an absolute blast without destroying your piggy bank.

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

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

view down long beach, koh lanta, thailand

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

So, how much money to bring to Thailand?

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

Clair Cathryn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost of Travel in Thailand

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

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

Table of Contents

Introduction to Thailand Travel Costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost of Accommodation

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

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

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

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

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

How Much Can You Save Using HotelsCombined?

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

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

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

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

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

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

We priced this out based on three different travel styles:

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

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

On The Cheap

3 Nights Bangkok ($15 to $18)

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

1 Night Ayutthaya ($7)

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

3 Nights Chiang Mai ($9)

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

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

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

1 Night in Bangkok ($4 to $12)

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

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

Upscale Budget

3 Nights Bangkok ($34 to $46)

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

1 Night Ayutthaya ($8)

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

3 Nights Chiang Mai ($18 to $21)

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

6 Nights Koh Pha-ngan ($72)

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

1 Night in Bangkok ($10 to $16)

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

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

See also: The Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

Affordable Flashpacker

3 Nights Bangkok ($30 to $132)

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

1 Night Ayutthaya ($23 to $26)

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

3 Nights Chiang Mai ($81 to $123)

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

6 Nights Koh Pha-ngan ($156)

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

1 Night in Bangkok ($10 to $22)

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

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

Related: Bangkok City Guide

Cost of Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangkok Food Tour

5/5 Based on 69 Reviews

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

Thai Cooking Class & Market Visit

5/5 Based on 42 Reviews

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

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

Leo Beer - the cost of travel in Thailand quickly raises with one's beer tab

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

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

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

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

Related: Nightlife in Thailand

Cost of Transportation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last Updated on April 20, 2021 by Dave Lee

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

Saturday 27th of October 2018

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

Thursday 25th of May 2017

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

Sunday 30th of April 2017

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

Thursday 5th of January 2017

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

Thursday 3rd of November 2016

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

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Thailand Trip Cost: A Full Expense Breakdown

How much does it cost to visit thailand.

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

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

How much does it cost to visit Thailand? Find out with our expense breakdown of airfare, lodging, transportation within the country, food, and excursions.

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

It was finally time to make it happen.

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

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

Thailand Itinerary

We spent 56 nights in Thailand

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

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

Thailand Trip Cost

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

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

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

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

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

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How much does it cost to go to Thailand? Here is a breakdown of all the expenses: airfare, lodging, excursions and food. #Thailand #Travel

60 Day Thailand Visa

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Insurance

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

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

World Nomads is a trusted company used by many travelers.

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

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

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

For One Week: $140 – $220

For Two Weeks: $156 – $282

For One Month: $232 – $410

For Two Months: $400 – $600

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

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

Transportation Costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much does it cost to go to Thailand? Here is a breakdown of transportation costs on a two month trip.

Lodging Costs

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

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

Hotels in Thailand

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

How much does it cost to go to Thailand? Here is a breakdown of lodging costs on a two month trip.

Food, Alcohol, Massages, Excursions and Temples

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

Food and Alcohol

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Excursions, Museums and Temples

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

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

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

Totals – Is it Cheap to Vacation in Thailand?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much it cost to take a two month trip to Thailand. See the expense breakdown here.

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

Thailand Trip Cost for 7 Days

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

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

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

2 Weeks in Thailand Cost

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

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

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

One Month in Thailand

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

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

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Planning a trip to Southeast Asia but have no idea on how much it will cost? Like every destination, it depends on a few things. Here is a detailed breakdown of a visit to Thailand: lodging, accommodations, food, excursions, and ground transportation. #thailand #asia

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

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Chris Travels

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

Thailand Travel Cost – How Much to Budget

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

Is the cost of living high in Thailand?

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

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

Getting an idea of prices in Thailand

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

Transport in Thailand – short distance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Transport in Thailand – long distance

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

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

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

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

Food prices in Thailand

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

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

Cost of a visa to Thailand

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

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

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

Accommodation prices

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

How much to budget

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

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

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

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

Tips From the Banker: The Real Cost of Travel in Thailand

02/18/2018 by Kristin Addis 74 Comments

2018 update: I originally wrote this post in 2013, traveling in Thailand on a shoestring. I returned this year with a bigger budget, spending more on accommodation and transport, though some categories, like food, have remained the same. You’ll see both options in this post.

I’ve now spent five months traveling in Thailand, making it my longest-traveled country on my Southeast Asian itinerary. During my three weeks in Laos and month in Cambodia , I found it possible to travel on an average of just USD$30 per day. Once I got to Thailand, however, keeping costs low became difficult. For some reason, I started spending Baht like it was monopoly money, especially in the islands.

I had heard previously, and can now confirm, that the north of Thailand is easy on a tight budget. As one moves south, costs for accommodation start to double, triple, and even quadruple. Pricey accommodation accounted for my biggest expenditure, and drinks came in at a close second.

However, when I considered my overall expenditure, I realized that the costs were still very reasonable, especially considering that I was in Thailand during high season, including Christmas and New Years.

My average daily budget for Thailand ended up at $45/day. Here is the breakdown:

Table of Contents

Accommodation:

Budget accommodation: When it comes to cheap places to stay, Thailand can sometimes cost more simply due to where in the country you are. Back in Laos, I distinctly remember stressing about spending $6.25 per day on a private bungalow in 4000 Islands. For the same accommodation in Bottle Beach on Koh Phangan, I was paying double. The most I paid for a room in Thailand when I was traveling on a shoestring was $20, completely blowing my budget, considering I often found $2 accommodation in Cambodia.

That said, I was able to find decent and cheap dorms in Chiang Mai and Pai in northern Thailand for a mere $3-$4 nightly.

Midrange: Once I returned this year, I only wanted to opt for single rooms. I still found that I could get cheap ones in the north, like the $12 I spent for a private room in Chiang Mai . It was very basic, with nothing more than a twin bed and a shower, but it at least afforded me privacy.

The most expensive place I stayed in was Paradise Koh Yao at over $300 per night on Koh Yao Noi, while most of the time, I spent more like $30-$40 per night.

Transportation:

Regardless of budget, buses and trains are completely reasonable in price, ranging from $3 to $9 for a bus journey. I highly recommend skipping the tourist buses and opting for public ones. They often cost less, are more comfortable, and are less likely to make stops at expensive roadside restaurants.

My main transport issue used to be tuk tuks and cabs, but now with Uber and Grab Taxi, it’s easier to get around without getting scammed on prices. As a solo traveler, I do often have to foot the entire bill, though. I found that in Laos and Cambodia, tuk-tuks would haggle. In Thailand, they preferred to wait until another tourist came along who would pay the asking price. Given that they’re trying to run a business themselves, I can’t fault them for this. However, it made it hard as a solo traveler to save my money.

When possible, take songthaews, like from the airport in Chiang Mai or around old town. They’re only 20 baht per trip. Also, if you can’t take an Uber or songthaew, which are generally available only in larger towns, take motorbike taxis as they are the cheapest option. Always at least try to haggle, and don’t take a taxi that isn’t in a queue. If someone walks up to you, s/he is probably going to quote an outlandish rate.

The food in Thailand is fantastic and very cheap. Regardless of my budget, I usually eat street food because it’s delicious, fresh, authentic, and is honestly the same thing you’ll get in a restaurant. One can easily eat at a night market, sampling several different eats, for just a few dollars. Generally, prices are not negotiable and the asking price should be paid. Prices run from around USD$1 for a dish like vegetarian pad thai, to $3 for a soup with beverage and rice, or $6 for fresh fish.

Where Thailand gets expensive is alcoholic beverages. In Laos and Cambodia, beer runs about USD$1. In Thailand, however, $3 and higher per drink is quite typical. Cutting alcohol from your budget in Thailand could literally save hundreds.

Cheap vs. Expensive Places in Thailand:

Chiang Mai, Pai , Chiang Rai , and other northern cities will tend to be very cheap, with costs increasing as one heads south, especially to the islands. Be sure to check out Koh Chang , lovingly referred to as Thailand’s last cheap island, if you still want an island experience for a fraction of the price.

Also consider time of year. High season (December through March) means double the prices for accommodation in most places in Southeast Asia. Thailand is no different.

Other Incidentals:

SIM cards are very cheap in Thailand. I paid only $20 (with DTAC – a Thai carrier) for 3 gigs of 3G over the span of one month. What’s more, service was great.

Massages are also cheap, generally costing around $6 for a full hour.

In general, Thailand can be very cheap to visit, especially during low season and in the north of the country. Even in the south, considering the beautiful beaches and truly delicious eats, Thailand is still a great budget destination.

An honest breakdown on the cost of traveling Thailand, from accommodation, transportation, food to other expenses. This article will help you plan the best trip to Thailand! #Thailand #ThailandTravelTips

Thailand Travel Cost: 3 Weeks in Thailand for a Family of 5

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

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

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

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

3 Week Thailand Family Itinerary + Thailand Travel Cost

Day 1-3: Phuket

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

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

Cost of our Trip to Phuket

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4-7: Phi Phi Islands

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

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

Cost of our Trip to the Phi Phi Islands

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

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

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

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

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

Day 8-11: Krabi

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

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

Cost of Our Trip in Krabi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 12-16: Chiang Mai

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

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

Cost of Our Time in Chiang Mai

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

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

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

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

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

Thai Massages: $7/ massage (adults only)

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

Laundry: Free (laundry at townhome)

Day 17-21: Bangkok

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

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

Cost for Our Time in Bangkok

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Thailand Travel Cost for the 3 Weeks in Thailand

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

Thailand Travel Cost (family of five):

Flights: $1,070

Transportation: $307

Accommodations: $1,735

Restaurants + Cafes : $985

Groceries: $137

Sightseeing/ Activities: $470

Total for 3 Weeks: $4,704

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How much does a trip to Bangkok Cost?

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

How much does a weekend trip to bangkok cost.

How much does a five-day trip to Bangkok cost?
How much does a one-week trip to Bangkok cost?
Hostel Prices
Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Bangkok

Visitors to Bangkok usually spend between $28 and $213 per day on average for one person and $57 to $425 for two people. While this is a wide range, the average daily cost averages $76 (฿2,783) per person. This average includes sightseeing, hotel, food, and local transportation expenses from other travelers. Your individual travel expenses may vary based on travel style and the locations visited, but if you plan wisely while visiting the most popular destinations, then you'll likely spend somewhere around this average cost during your trip. Further down we have a breakdown of expenses by category, as well as accommodation and activity prices.

If you're considering an independent trip to Bangkok, it's helpful to have an idea of the amount of money you'll need. For budget travelers, planning to spend around $28 (฿1,046) per day should cover your essential expenses, including affordable accommodations like hostels and budget hotels, cost-effective meal options, local transportation, and affordable activities. For those with a mid-range budget, allocating around $76 (฿2,783) per day would allow for more comfortable hotels, dining at typical restaurants, and exploring a range of popular attractions. Luxury travelers, on the other hand, should anticipate a daily budget of $213 (฿7,824), which would encompass higher-end accommodations, dining at nicer restaurants, and indulging in private tour options. It's worth noting that these price ranges are based on extensive travel cost data for Bangkok from fellow travelers, as well as insights from travel companies regarding hotel and tour prices. For further details on travel costs, you can refer to our comprehensive travel cost data for Bangkok .

Travelers spend, on average, $227 per person on a three-day trip to Bangkok. This includes sightseeing, hotels, food, and local transportation. You can stick close to this average price by staying at mid-range hotels and eating at mid-level restaurants, while also paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. If you wish to travel cheaper, it's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities. It's also common for many visitors to have a much higher travel budget, as many high-end hotels and restaurants can be found around town.

How much does a five day trip to Bangkok cost?

With five days in Bangkok, you can expect to spend about $378 total, not including transportation to and from the city. It's possible to stay close to this daily average by booking mid-range hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. It's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities if you want to spent less money.

How much does a one week trip to Bangkok cost?

Most visitors spend between $199 and $1,488 for a one week trip to Bangkok, with the average being $529 . This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to have a more in-depth experience in Bangkok. Also, one week allows you to be more flexible with your time and money, so you can potentially save money on some aspects of your trip while spending more on others.

Hostel Prices in Bangkok

With more than 190 hostels in Bangkok, the average price is $12 per night for a dorm bed. The cheapest hostel costs $0 and the most expensive is $31. Usually popular with younger travelers, hostels are a great way to save money while also being social. But not all hostels are the same, and we've analyzed the prices of both dorms and private rooms to find the average prices and best places to stay. You can see more details about the hostel prices in Bangkok here .

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

$10 for a dorm bed at NapPark Hostel at Khao San in Bangkok more details
$14 for a dorm bed at Mad Monkey Bangkok in Bangkok more details
$12 for a dorm bed at BED STATION Hostel Ratchthewi in Bangkok more details

Hotel Prices in Bangkok

The average price for a hotel room in Bangkok is $25 per night. This average is based on our detailed analysis of available hotels in the area. If you want to save money, or if you're planning a more luxurious trip, it's important to look at hotel prices based on the overall star-rating as well as guest reviews. Also, prices can vary by location and amenities. You can see more details from our analysis of hotel prices in Bangkok here , and below is a breakdown of hotel prices by star-rating.

Summit Pavilion Hotel

Ariyasom villa.

Should you do a tour in Bangkok?

You'll find a wide range of guided tours in Bangkok and many visitors enjoy the convenience of having an expert guide leading them through the chosen activity. Tours range in price from $5 for the Skip the Line Admission Ticket: Ayutthaya Floating Market to $586 for the Bangkok: Private Luxury Speedboat Chaophraya River Cruise .

Bangkok Day Tour: Food, Temple & Tuk-Tuk Viator $ 81
Bangkok Day Tour: Food, Temple & Tuk-Tuk: $81
Bangkok Floating Markets and Boat Tour: $65
Unseen Bangkok Tour with Detective Game - The Lady of Kudichin: $64
Historic City of Ayutthaya Full Day Private Tour from Bangkok: $168
Erawan Waterfall and Elephant Care Private Tour: $172
Private Tour: Half-day Grand Palace and Wat Arun by Boat: $125
PRIVATE Bangkok Shore Excursions - Laem Chabang Port (Thai Tour Guide): $250
Bangkok Oasis Breezy Bike Tour : $36

More for Bangkok

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

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

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1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis. 2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis. For example, the Food 2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment 1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.

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Reimagining travel: Thailand tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic

Thailand’s economy is reliant on international tourism, a once-flourishing sector that has been impacted by pandemic restrictions. But there have been continual government efforts to boost domestic travel, and measures to support returning international demand after Thailand began reopening to vaccinated international travelers from 63 countries on November 1, 2021. 1 Pasika Khernamnuoy and Katie Silver, “Thailand reopens to vaccinated tourists from over 60 nations,” BBC, November 1 2021, bbc.com. Even as the world addresses emerging variants of the virus, Thailand’s lessons can act as a guide for other tourism-dependent countries facing similar dilemmas as they prepare for the resurgence of international travel.

A heavy blow, adjustments needed to support recovery

In 2019, Thailand ranked eighth globally in international tourist arrivals, with China being a key source market. 2 United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Thailand recorded a high of 40 million visitors in 2019, with the top three spending categories for inbound visitors that year being in accommodation (28 percent), shopping (24 percent of spending), and food and beverages (21 percent). 3 “Summary of tourism income and expenses from foreign tourists entering Thailand in 2019,” Ministry of Tourism & Sports, October 28, 2020, mots.go.th. Furthermore, the Thai tourism sector created 36 million jobs between 2014 and 2019. 4 “Dashboard SME big data,” Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion, accessed October 2021, sme.go.th.

Unfortunately, the pandemic and related restrictions have hit travel particularly hard, as international travel plunged. Passengers on international flights to Thailand dropped by 95 percent in September 2021, compared to the previous year. Hotels, in turn, only filled 9 percent of their rooms (Exhibit 1).

This decline in visitors had an outsize impact on tourism spending, as international travelers spent significantly more than their local counterparts (Exhibit 2). For instance, in 2019, international travelers made up 33 percent of overall travelers in Thailand yet accounted for almost 60 percent of all tourism spending—international tourists spent $1,543 per traveler on average, compared to $152 by domestic travelers. 5 “Tourism statistics 2019,” Ministry of Tourism & Sports, accessed October 2021, mots.go.th. This drop in expenditure undoubtedly caused a ripple effect on Thailand’s food and beverage retail industries, which include 1.2 million small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). 6 “How to start business,” Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion, accessed October 2021, sme.go.th.

Recovery appears to be on the horizon for Thailand. Assuming virus recurrence, slow long-term growth, muted world recovery, and minimal changes to global tourism strategies, Thailand’s tourism sector could only recover to pre-crisis levels by 2024.

Given that Thailand’s GDP relies significantly on foreign tourism income, the domestic tourism market alone is not sufficient to bring the nation’s tourism revenue back to 2019 figures; the sector’s recovery would depend on a resurgence in international travel (Exhibit 3). Globally, this recovery scenario would likely reshape the landscape of the world’s travel industry and create a strong imperative for both the public and private sectors to act to ensure the industry’s survival.

Efforts to stimulate tourism

Thailand has deployed various efforts to compensate for the loss of inbound tourism. Given that for most of the first quarter of 2020, Thailand saw less than 1,000 daily COVID-19 cases nationwide, with cases not rising above 4,000 until November 2020, domestic tourism was still a viable option for travelers. The Thai government’s attempt to boost domestic travel took the form of providing subsidies for hotel stays and flights for travelers. The government also rolled out measures to stimulate international travel to Thailand’s beach destinations and attract high-end travelers from international markets.

Travel together—stimulating domestic tourism

In August 2020, the Thai government launched the Rao Tiew Duay Gun (We Travel Together) program, where it set aside a budget of $640 million to help boost domestic tourism. 7 “Thailand approves domestic tourism package worth 22.4 billion baht,” Tourism Authority of Thailand Newsroom, June 17, 2020, tatnews.org.

The government subsidized a total of six million nights of hotel accommodation at 40 percent of normal room rates. The subsidy was capped at 3,000 baht ($100) per night for up to five nights. Subsidies for other services, including food, were capped at 600 baht ($20) per room per night. This subsidy was initially limited to facilities outside tourists’ home provinces, but that restriction was lifted in the second phase of the rollout in December 2020. In addition, domestic tourists traveling by air would qualify for a government refund of 40 percent of the ticket price. This was capped at 1,000 baht ($32) per seat, with a quota of 2 million seats.

The program reached its total quota of six million hotel-room nights in February 2021, seven months after its launch. 8 “FPO reveals the money we travel together, 20,000 million,” Bangkok Business News , January 4, 2021, bangkokbiznews.com; “‘We travel together’ the parade has already reserved 6 million rights. But there are still 1.35 million rights left!” Bangkok Business News , February 8, 2021, bangkokbiznews.com. During that time, at least $1 billion had been added to the Thai economy. 9 “NESDB-TAT has not yet knocked on ‘we travel together, phase 3,’” Thai PBS News , March 16, 2021, news.thaipbs.or.th.

Many operators grasped this opportunity, shifted their focus to the domestic market, and attracted local travelers by promoting flights and hotels in collaboration with the We Travel Together campaign. Destinations that once served mainly international visitors welcomed more local travelers, which has helped their economies wade through this difficult period. Many luxury hotels offered deep discounts and attractive promotions to capture the medium- to high-spend domestic-tourist segment.

These efforts to stimulate domestic travel were temporarily paused as COVID-19 cases reached a new high in July 2021. Domestic air travel in and out of red zones, including Bangkok, was banned during July to September 2021 in response to the nation’s effort to control the spread of the Delta variant. 10 “Domestic flight bans in force,” Bangkok Post , July 21, 2021, bangkokpost.com. Phase three of the We Travel Together campaign was paused during the same period, but resumed in October 2021.

Bringing back international travelers with the ‘sandbox’ approach

Despite promotional efforts for domestic travel, Thailand’s total revenue from domestic travel still saw a significant dip. The country’s revenue from domestic travel dropped from $34.5 billion to $15.4 billion in 2020. An increase in domestic spending alone would not compensate for the impact of the pandemic on the Thai economy. The country has largely been dependent on international markets, which represented about $62 billion or 60 percent of total tourism spend in 2019. 11 “Tourism statistics 2019,” Ministry of Tourism & Sports, accessed October 2021, mots.go.th.

In response, Thailand launched the “Phuket Sandbox” in July 2021, an effort to recapture demand from international travelers. The initiative offered fully vaccinated travelers (between 14 days and one year before their travel date) exemption from quarantine, provided they remain in Phuket for at least 14 days before traveling to other parts of Thailand. 12 “General information—Phuket Sandbox,” Tourism Authority of Thailand Newsroom, October 1, 2021, tatnews.org. Additionally, travelers’ stay in Phuket was restricted to accommodation establishments that have been certified by the Safety & Health Administration of the Thai government. Visitors staying in Phuket for less than 14 days were permitted to leave Phuket only if their destination was outside of Thailand.

The model hoped to draw visitors during the year-end season in Asia, Europe, and America—all key origin markets for Thailand. Several other reopening plans followed, including the “Samui Plus” and “Andaman Sandbox” plans. 13 “Samui Plus plan to generate B180m,” Bangkok Post , July 18, 2021, bangkokpost.com; “‘Adaman Sandbox’ next on govt agenda,” Bangkok Post , July 21, 2021, bangkokpost.com. Together, the schemes created a network of reopened destinations, which hoped to position Thailand as an attractive destination for international and domestic travelers alike.

The economic uplift from the Phuket Sandbox were moderate. In the period from July 1 to August 31, Phuket welcomed about 26,400 visitors, who were estimated to have spent at least $48.8 million while staying on the resort island (Exhibit 4). 14 “Phuket Sandbox generates B1,634m in two months,” Bangkok Post , September 5, 2021, bangkokpost.com.

A nationwide rise in COVID-19 infection rates in the same period meant that the government had to reconsider social distancing and other measures to minimize risk to visitors.

In any case, Thailand has gathered its learnings from the “sandbox” approach and proceeded to reopen the country to receive international travelers. As of November 1, 2021, the Thai government commenced a phased reopening of the country, allowing fully vaccinated tourists from 63 low-risk countries to visit with one day of quarantine, provided they pass a COVID-19 test upon arrival. The government has also replaced the slow-paced Certificate of Entry (COE) system with the Thailand Pass System, in an effort to make the documentation process of travelers entering Thailand more efficient than the COE application. 15 “Thailand pass,” ThaiEmbassy.com, accessed on November 1, 2021, thaiembassy.com.

The program also expanded the number of provinces open to international visitors to 17, including major tourism destinations such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Subject to readiness, additional major provinces are expected to reopen from December 2021 onwards. To ensure visitor safety, some COVID-19 measures remain in place, although most businesses have been allowed to reopen and nighttime curfews have been lifted in almost every province. The reopening has welcomed tourists globally, with top visitors coming from Thailand’s key source markets—the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom (Exhibit 5).

Attracting ‘quality’ travelers, with an eye on new markets

Pre-COVID-19, China was one of the main contributors to Thailand’s tourism income, accounting for more than 27 percent of 2019 tourism receipts. 16 “Tourism statistics 2019,” Ministry of Tourism & Sports, accessed October 2021, mots.go.th. Given the current prudent approach of the Chinese government toward international travel, the road of return for Chinese visitors to Thailand will be a long one. China’s international-flight seat capacity and passenger numbers remain down by 95 percent compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, and stringent public-health measures for international travel remain in place. Thailand, therefore, needs to reimagine its strategy and try to capture new sources of international travelers in markets where there are more rapid recoveries of international travel demand.

The situation may change rapidly, particularly in these volatile times; closely monitoring the revival of these top source markets, particularly around the country’s stance towards viral control measures, will help industry players plan their recovery efforts and capture untapped value.

Recognizing these shifting traveler trends, and the resilient nature of premium traveler groups, the Thai government is striving to attract “quality” travelers from these source countries. Measures include revisiting and relaxing certain regulations—such as yachting regulations and taxes on personal belongings and luxury goods—to improve and stimulate the premium travel experience.

Taking this a step further, the Thai government is preparing to launch a long-term residence program to attract foreigners to the country through new Long-Term Resident (LTR) visas (up to ten years), tax and investment incentives, foreigners’ residential property ownership relaxations, and more. The program will target four key personas: the wealthy global citizen, the wealthy retiree, the work-from-Thailand professional, and the high-skilled professional. The country’s ambition is to welcome over one million of these target personas and generate over 1 trillion baht in domestic spending in the next five years, beginning in 2022.

Emerging from the storm: Actions for travel and tourism

Thailand has put innovative measures in place to help its vitally important travel and tourism sector wade through the COVID-19 crisis. As new variants of the coronavirus emerge, health and safety should remain the foremost priority as countries contemplate their travel programs. Once it is safe to do so, there are actions that stakeholders can take to steer into and thrive within the next normal.

Adjust offerings and pricing strategy to meet market needs. Hotels, tour operators, restaurants, and transport providers could look to explore opportunities to offer services and products that meet new travel demands.

Bundle products, such as hotel and flights, offer upselling and cross-selling opportunities as well as a diversified revenue stream.

Travel companies could also devise and deploy targeted pricing strategies to drive long-term loyalty and stickiness for when international travel fully returns. Given the phased reopening of popular provinces in Thailand, and the inclusion of more visitors from select countries on a quarantine-exemption list, travel companies can leverage data on traveler behaviors to set the right prices and conduct targeted campaigns by country of origin and destination.

Explore opportunities within the mass-affluent traveler segment. Focusing on premium travel experiences may be a viable strategy in some markets, but it may have limited impact in Thailand. Given that the top three inbound visitor-spending categories in 2019 were shopping, accommodations, and food, targeting the high-end market would only benefit a small segment of travel companies and would not contribute to the country’s economic recovery across all relevant sectors.

By promoting more differentiated travel experiences and attractions such as ecotourism and cultural tourism, which are naturally location based and sought after by younger mass-affluent travelers, operators could contribute to greater aviation and transportation use in Thailand.

Form partnerships across the travel ecosystem. As a result of the government’s We Travel Together program, which subsidizes travel through a digital redemption mechanism (the Pao Tang app), the country has seen an estimated 30 to 40 million users join and use the platform. 17 Krung Thai Bank equity research, April 2021. This has created an opportunity for domestic consumer data to be collected and analyzed to provide more personalized tourism offerings that consumers are more likely to consider spending on.

Taking this a step further, tour operators, restaurants, and shopping malls might link up, creating a connected ecosystem where a traveler could be strategically engaged through multiple personalized services, products, and loyalty programs along their journeys.

Expand the network of destinations. There is an opportunity to offer travelers a wider variety of destinations in first- and second-tier cities, such as Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Nayok, Ratchaburi, and Loei. These locations have been able to sustain visitor numbers at a relatively low rate of decline, largely due to domestic travelers looking for new places to visit during international travel restrictions.

With a boost in promotion and appropriate infrastructure investment, tourism will not only contribute to the survival of the industry in these cities, but it could also lead to enduring tourist appeal that extends beyond domestic traveler groups, especially with the gradual return of international visitors. For example, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is collaborating with airlines to offer direct flights to alternative second-tier tourism destinations.

Leverage digital to connect, attract, and retain travelers. Travel companies can digitalize the customer journey from check-in through payment, including the provision of maps and information. Traveler preferences can be tracked in real time to design better and more relevant offerings, while digital booking channels can target different customer segments. Digital marketing can also entice visitors to return and to share their experiences on social media.

For instance, the Tourism Council of Thailand is working with Singapore-based IsWhere to deploy a digital-marketing platform for tourism business operators to better connect and engage with a potentially sizeable number of domestic and international travelers; the platform’s prior partnership with a major tech company has enabled it to reach 600 million digital customers worldwide.

Reimagine support needed by industry players. In the short term, industry players would need stimulus, support, and guidance on health and safety policies from the government. In the medium term, small and medium-size players would benefit from the government’s support in adjusting to online travel services and digital marketing, such as a one-stop digital platform to connect industry players with international travelers.

As such, the Tourism Authority of Thailand announced its plan to establish a private digital firm to work on creating a digital infrastructure for tourism, utilize big data in the industry, and potentially introduce blockchain-based e-vouchers and nonfungible tokens to provide tourism operators with more options for reaching travelers online and offline.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism recovery in Thailand will be gradual and complex and requires varied strategies from both industry and government. As the world eagerly prepares for the eventual revival of international travel, Thailand and other countries can draw important lessons from its experience during this difficult interim period.

Steve Saxon is a partner in McKinsey’s Shenzhen office; Jan Sodprasert is a partner in the Bangkok office, where Voramon Sucharitakul is an associate partner.

The authors wish to thank Margaux Constantin , Kamila Dolinska, Steffen Köpke, Alan Laichareonsup, Jason Li, Georgie Songsantiphap, and Jackey Yu for their contributions to this article.

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Thailand Tourism Statistics for 2021

The Ministry of Tourism of Thailand has published the latest Tourism Statistics for the past year 2021 . As you know, Thailand started the Phuket Sandbox program on 1st July 2021 and later on, on 1st November , started the Test and Go program. Those 2 options allowed tourism to travel back to Thailand.

Feel free to use the search box to find some specific nationality:

Some interesting data from the Thailand Tourism Statistics 2021

▪️ The total of tourists that arrived to Thailand on 2021 was 427,869 people. Far from the 39.9 million of 2019.

▪️ 54% of them arrived in December.

▪️ 75% of them arrived after the Test and Go was approved.

▪️ 58% of them were from Europe.

▪️ Only 13,043 tourist were from China. In 2019 they were 10.9 million.

▪️ 24,899 tourists were from Germany, making it the country’s largest source of visitors, followed by United Kingdom (21,311 pax) and Russia (21,205 pax).

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The Cost of Living in Thailand in 2024 – How Much Do You Need?

Let’s face it, one of the main reasons people move to Thailand is because it’s pretty cheap. It's an awesome country, too, of course.

But aside from anecdotal stories, what is the actual cost of living in Thailand?

Well, while housing is very affordable, food items can be pretty expensive, depending on your dietary requirements and whether or not you’re partial to imported foods such as wine, olives and Marmite.

Additionally, branded clothes and beauty products can be pretty expensive too: think Nike (real) trainers and personal care products like skin creams.

Overall, though, Thailand still ranks as one of the cheapest places to live in SE Asia. If you're from Western Europe or the US, Canada, or Australia, you can expect your living expenses to be halved overnight, and in some cases more.

Cost of Living
Condo Rental Prices

Utility Bills

Internet, tv, cell phone, food prices.

Transportation
Personal Care
Entertainment

School Fees

Maids & nannies, domestic vacations, money transfer & banking.

How Much Per Month?

My Personal Situation

Final thoughts & advice, cost of living in thailand.

While Thailand is generally inexpensive, it's worth bearing in mind that the cost of living does vary in different parts of the country.

I live in Bangkok, where housing costs are higher than cities like Chiang Mai in the North, Phuket down South, or Khon Kaen in the Northeast.

Food prices vary too, but not as much as housing.

Generally speaking, things get cheaper the further you stray from tourist and city areas. The more off the beaten track you are the cheaper street food and local produce is. It makes sense, since overheads get more expensive as you get closer to the city.

That said, there is always the exception to the rule. For example, you can find cheaper restaurants in Bangkok than Koh Samui or Phuket, at times. You can find vegetables just as cheap in Pattaya as you can up North, if you know the right markets and sellers.

With that in mind let's explore living costs, so you can get an idea of what it costs to live in Thailand.

I’ll be adding categories and items to this list periodically, but if you want to know the price of a particular item or service in the meantime, please let me know and I’ll do my best to research it for you.

Where I have stated prices for rent and individual items, you can use the currency convertor below to convert from my figures in Baht to your native currency.

Apartment/Condo Rental Prices

Let's start with the cost of housing. Most people who relocate to Thailand start out renting an apartment/condo.

The following condo rental prices are averages based on a pool of property listings for Bangkok, and on condos within walking distance to an MRT/BTS station.

If you plan on living in Chiang Mai or somewhere up North, you can knock about 30 percent off these starting prices. For example, if a condo is 10,000 to rent in Bangkok, you will likely get something similar for 7,000 Baht in Chiang Mai.

Islands like Koh Samui and Phuket tend to be 15-20 percent cheaper. It's not an exact science, though, as certain areas are more affluent than others, and gated communities more expensive than public access developments.

If you're living in rural Isaan, knock off 50% or more off the starting prices seen below.

Modern 2 Bed 2 Bath Condo, 65 Sq. m (central Bangkok) – ฿40-45,000
Modern 2 Bed 1 Bath 65 Sq. m (4 stops to central – ฿17-20,000
Modern 1 bed, 50 Sq. m (central Bangkok) – ฿30-35,000
Modern 1 bed, 40 Sq. m (4 stops to central – ฿12-20,000
Modern studio, 30 Sq. m (4 stops to central – ฿8,000-9,000
Modern studio, 30 Sq. m (central Bangkok – ฿13-16,000

If you're thinking of buying a condo in Thailand? You'll want to read this first.

The cost of rent in Bangkok is 65% lower than London

Electricity

Electricity costs less than half that of the US and UK, and likely many European countries. However, while cheap, remember that you will need air conditioning in Thailand, and this can cause your bill to sky-rocket.

It's hard to avoid using air-con at night in the hottest months of the year, but limit it during the day if you can.

For a 1-bedroom condo, with heavy air-con use, you're likely to spend approximately 1,500 Baht per month on electricity. If you live in a house and run 2 or 3 units, you could be looking at 4-6,000 Baht.

Use it conservatively and you will pay half that amount or less.

Water is super-cheap in Thailand. Compare my £40 a month bill in the UK to my 100 Baht a month bill in Thailand :). The equivalent of around £2.

This is great news, because you're likely to have a few showers a day at times.

Your Internet connection bill will depend on whether you live in an apartment, condo or house. In an apartment you may pay to be on an existing shared network. This usually costs around 550 Baht a month.

This comprises the usual 55 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload speed. In a rented condo or house you will have more choice over your provider, or take on the existing connection. You can upgrade or downgrade this as you see fit. Faster speeds will run you closer to 990 -1,300 Baht per month.

Thailand's Internet is surprisingly very good, and ranks an impressive fourth on the Speedtest Global Index.

You might quickly bore of traditional Thai drama series, in which case you can get an English TV package from 199 Baht per month. Try this one from AIS .

Want sports, including football, baseball, basketball and cricket? Try TrueVision’s Now Gold plan for 999 p/m.

You might want to bundle in your Internet and cell phone with one of these companies, too. That way you'll save a pretty penny on paying for the services separately.

Netflix in Thailand costs 349 Baht per month, but you've likely already got a subscription from back home. Either way, get yourself a reliable VPN so that you can stream shows from your home country, too.

+ Check out my VPN recommendations here

A comprehensive cell phone package can also serve as your Internet access, saving you money on a home connection. You can get an inclusive monthly package, or top up as and when you need.

There are some excellent deals around. Just check out this Dtac all-inclusive deal . Just 900 Baht for 10 Mbps for 90 days.

Drop down to a respectable 4 or 5 Mbps and you're looking at around 500-600 Baht per month. Or, depending on your home Internet and TV requirements, True and AIS both have a variety of bundles, too.

Your food shopping bills will be much cheaper in Thailand. Mine are half what they are in the UK. However, it depends on your eating habits and preferences.

As noted previously, imported goods are expensive. If you want a specific brand of peanut butter, or a certain type of wine from back home, expect to pay a huge lump of import tax on top.

Buying fruit and vegetables from markets can be cheaper than supermarkets.

Do a big shop once a week, if you have a fridge. People tend to nip round to 7-11 for everything, and not only does this result in eating unhealthy snacks all the time, it costs a lot more to live this way.

Loaf of brown bread – ฿57
Penne Pasta (500g) – ฿55
Rice (1kg) – ฿30
Olive Oil (500ml) – ฿199
Litre of Pepsi Cola – ฿20
Oreos (standard pack) – ฿30
Heineken (490ml can) – ฿59
Bunch of 8 bananas (local stall) – ฿30
4 fresh mangoes (local stall) – ฿60
Water (0.33l) – ฿10
Bottle of wine – ฿600-700
Local beer 0.33l ฿35

*Prices sourced from Big C & Topps supermarkets. Please note that as with any country, supermarkets are competitive and pricing varies for different items, albeit by a few Baht.

The cost of food in Bangkok is 44% lower than New York

Cost of Clothing

Here's a few clothing items, so that you can get an idea of international brands vs local brands.

The great thing about Thailand is that you generally wear light clothes, like shorts and t-shirts. The need for trousers, jumpers and jackets is eliminated by the weather, which means you just don't spend much on clothes, unless of course you are fashionista.

As you can see, if you shop for clothes in places like Tesco and local markets, you'll save a pretty penny compared with Western brands. Buying locally from independent shops and markets also supports local people, which is cool.

1 pair Levi 501 jeans– ฿3,790
1 summer Maxi dress in Topshop – ฿3,550
1 pair of Nike Air Max ฿2,000- 5,700
1 tailor-made business suit – ฿3,000-8,000
1 FBT running vest from Tesco – ฿189
1 pair of kaki shorts from a local market – ฿250
1 t-shirt from a local market – ฿80-200

The cost of clothes in Bangkok is 53% cheaper than Sydney

Price of Transportation

Getting around Bangkok is very affordable. The BTS and MRT lines cost on average 50 Baht per journey (one way), sometimes less and sometimes more, depending on your journey.

And then there are motorbike taxis, which range from 20-40 Baht, depending on how far you are going.

Buses are the cheapest mode of transport, starting at 10 Baht per journey. However, the journey is usually slow and hot.

Outside of the Big Mango you're going to want your own car. Rental starts from approximately 12,000 Baht per month. Gas wise, you're looking at 1,500 to 2,000 Baht per month; not exactly cheap but half what you'll pay in the West.

A cheaper option is to rent a motorbike. This will set you back somewhere between 1,500 and 3,000 Baht per month, depending on the location. Gas is obviously much cheaper and will set you back 500-700 Baht per month.

1 litre of premium gasoline – ฿35-40
Public taxi trip (8 Km) ฿180 (Base rate ฿35)
Monthly train ticket: BTS – ฿1,100 (Rabbit card) – MRT – ฿1,499

The cost of transportation in Bangkok is 37% cheaper than Berlin

Cost of Personal Care

The good news is that you might never have to do your own laundry again. It's super affordable to give your laundry to a local shop once a week.

The cost is usually calculated per kilogram. Some services also offer a monthly fee for any amount of items under a certain amount of items, if you get what I mean.

If you find a laundry service in Thailand not too far from your apartment they will deliver too. Or, you can use a locker/delivery service like Washdrop.

Most apartment blocks have coin operated machines too, where you use your own liquid and fabric conditioner. These are shared between residents. These machines may not be maintained that well, though, and you may not always be charmed by the results.

I once got my haircut in Kalasin for 40 Baht. Okay, so I'm bald and only needed a shave down, but he also trimmed my neck hairs and did a little shoulder massage.

In Bangkok, I used to visit a salon in Huay Kwang that charged me 100 Baht. It was worth every penny just for the banter with the ladies in there.

If you do have hair and want some style to it, you're looking at around 200 Baht plus. Prices naturally increase in brand-name salons like Tony & Guy.

For women, expect to pay 200-1,500 Baht, depending on what you need done, be that a wash and blow dry, a trim and straightening/curling, or coloring,.

Gym Membership

Good gyms aren't as cheap as some people presume. Expect to pay around 1,250 Baht for a monthly membership that includes access to the gym, showers, and sauna.

Up your membership to 3,000 a month and you will get access to classes. A personal trainer will cost 1,000-2,500 per session, depending on how “posh” the gym is.

Luckily, many apartment/condo blocks have a small gym on site. This will consist of free weights up to around 26kg, a few workout machines, a few running machines, a couple of bikes, a couple of exercise balls, and space to do stretching on mats. It won't be much but it is usually enough for the average person.

Some hotels allow gym public gym membership, too, which is usually cheaper than the branded high street gyms, so check out the nice hotels in your area and see what's on offer.

If you don't mind dripping in sweat, some local parks offer outdoor exercise classes free of charge. There used to be one behind my apartment in Victory Monument. Every day at 5pm without fail, the music would pump and residents would work out to the motivation of a spritely young chap in spandex.

Personal Care Items (toiletries)

Here's some examples of pricing on common toiletries.

Deodorant, Nivea roll-on, (50ml) – ฿92
1 box of 16 tampons (Laurie Slim) – ฿75
Gillette Mach 3 Sensitive (4 blades) – ฿459
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) – ฿89
Tube of toothpaste (large Colgate standard) – ฿55
Nappies: 64 Pc (Mamy Poko – medium) – ฿669
Toilet rolls (Scott 6 roll pack) – ฿79
Toothpaste (Colgate – large tube) – ฿100

The cost of personal care in Bangkok is 73% cheaper than Bern

Personal care items can be pretty expensive. I can't use any other razors other than the Gillette Mac 3, or the Fuzion series. But this costs me £10 for four blades in Thailand!

Similarly, if you are used to expensive face creams, expect them to be even more expensive here.

Of course there are alternatives, but if there is a particular brand that you can't live without, then you will do well to stock up on it before you arrive. Then, going forward, ask anyone who's visiting you to bring a re-stock.

Cost of Entertainment

The great thing about living in Thailand is that you can actually have a social life without being broke. For example, a movie theatre ticket is around 200 Baht, a coffee can cost as little as 30 Baht from a street vendor, or 60-80 Baht in an independent cafe.

Beer costs as little as 60 Baht per bottle!

Lunch for 2 (Black Canyon café): 2 coffees, 2 main meals – ฿400 Baht
2 adult tickets to the movies – ฿400
1 cocktail drink in downtown club – ฿250
Grande Cappuccino in Starbucks – ฿120
1 beer in neighborhood bar (500ml or 1pt.) ฿100 Baht
Bottle of Thai produced wine – ฿300-400
Italian or Chilean imported wine – ฿600–750
1 month prepaid mobile tariff with 3GB (DTAC) – ฿399 + vat
1 month gym membership at True Fitness (Asoke) ฿2,099 (dependent on sales rep and promotions)
1 package of Marlboro cigarettes – ฿90

The cost of entertainment in Bangkok is 39% cheaper than Paris

The trick to saving money on entertainment is to know where you are going and what prices to expect.

Tourists tend to get stung because they are eating out in tourist areas in restaurants known to be expensive.

Also consider that some restaurants are considered more prestigious because they are in an upmarket area or entertain a certain clientele. So avoid the tourist traps and overpriced “hi-so” joints and eat locally.

You'll soon get a handle on scoping out local places that sell the same food and drink as they do in tourist-targeted restaurants and bars at half the price.

You'll also find that Starbucks really isn't much cheaper than it is back home. It is easy to run up $150 worth of lattes in a month. Instead, choose independent coffee shops. These are in abundance in Thailand, and many are really cool places to chill, meet friends, and even work.

You will probably need health insurance.

Of course, you could not take out a plan and instead squirrel away some cash each month in a pot, which will hopefully cover any illness or surgery you need in the future. You'll need to save a fair bit, though.

A hospital visit to see a doctor, with a blood test and a prescription, will set you back 1,500-2,000 Baht. Pretty cheap. However, basic surgery could set you back 50-100,000 Baht. Even a few nights in hospital, at 8,000 a night plus treatments, could end up at 50k.

This considered, a health insurance policy is a good idea.

Depending on your budget, you can go for either international coverage or just local coverage. The former will cover you on trips abroad and when back home, the latter only in Thailand.

+ Get a quote here for international insurance

+ Get a quote here for domestic insurance

There is a cheaper option to private hospitals, and that is a Thai government hospital. You will still have to pay, though. The downside us, the queues are long and staff rarely speak any English. Some of the hospitals are lacking in resource, too. You could be waiting a very long time surgery considered non-urgent, which you may consider to be quite urgent.

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Thailand, Per Month?

From my own expenses living in Bangkok, I’d say that presuming you enjoy an average standard of living in Europe or the US, Canada or Australia, you will need the following amount(s) to maintain that standard in Thailand:

Single male/female in Bangkok – ฿50,000
Couple in Bangkok – ฿75,000
Couple with baby under 2 years old in Bangkok – ฿80,000
Couple with child over 2 years old in Bangkok – ฿85,000 (not including school fees)

This includes rent, food, Internet access, gym membership, and going out socializing once/twice a week.

If you plan on living up country somewhere, you may be able to shave as much as 30-50% off these amounts.

If you plan on living in Koh Samui or Phuket, then you can expect to spend about 10-15% less, depending on your drinking habits.

In my experience, you pay less rent on the islands, but eating can be a tad more expensive and you tend to spend more on socializing.

I haven’t lived in Chiang Mai for some time, but when I did I found rent to be about 30% cheaper than Bangkok.

I map out my expenses by working out what’s required for my family to be happy, healthy, and enjoy a convenient life.

For example: We live within walking distance of the MRT (train) station, and have the luxury of a cheap restaurant on site at our condo block.

Being able to walk to the station will save you money on taxis. Having cheap food options, with just a phone-call downstairs, is very handy.

Our apartment is a few stops outside of central Bangkok. The money we save on not being so central allows us to take regular holidays in decent hotels.

I don’t drink or smoke anymore, so I save money on buying beer and smokes. I am able to invest this money in having good food at home, which is where a lot of my money goes.

I used to spend 1,500 Baht a month on gym membership. I now use the gym in my building and run in the park when it is cool enough.

I have a wife and a daughter, so I pay medical insurance and life insurance, but you might say this is paid in part by money I saved from giving up my gym membership.

It's about finding a balance that works for you.

Work out what’s important to you: What are your “must haves” and “can do withouts”.

If you’re retired with a tidy pension and savings account, then keeping a tight ship might not be on your agenda.

On the other hand, if you have kids or other dependents that will need a nest egg when you walk through the pearly gates, it makes sense to be smart with your money.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that other expenses do pop up here and there, so you’ll need to make provision for these.

Consider things like:

Visa run/renewal expenses
Travel insurance
Trips back home
Replacing a broken phone or computer

So make sure you have some back up savings for emergencies.

Find out what visa you will need to travel/live in Thailand

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Man, I thought Thailand was a lot cheaper”, don’t let these numbers put you off.

If you don’t mind living in a 27 Sq.m studio apartment, traveling that little bit further into town and aren’t fussed about eating street food and generally living frugally, you can get by on 30-35, 000 Baht per month.

There are many teachers living in Thailand on such a salary.

If you’re smart, you can make cut backs by doing things like buying an Internet phone package and tethering to your computer to save money on home WIFI.

You can buy fruit in bulk from the market instead of buying daily from stalls, or choose to take public transport instead of taxis.

There’s always ways to save money and, at the end of the day, many Thai people live reasonably well on a salary of 20-30,000 Baht.

——-

Think I'm way off the mark?

How much does living in Thailand cost you?

How do these prices stack up to what you pay in your home country?

Leave your comments below.

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3D metal printer latest UTAR innovation

Sunday, 02 Jun 2024

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Novel solution: Tey’s 3D metal printer uses a proprietary formulation to print articles from stainless steel, alumina, copper and silicone without the need for high-energy enclosures.

Researchers at the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Faculty of Engineering and Science will soon release a three-dimensional (3D) metal printer that is cheaper, smaller, and easier to use compared to what’s available in the market today.

The novel innovation, due to its compact size, will take up less floor space and cost only a third of the price of 3D metal printers in the market, said UTAR mechanical and materials engineering assistant professor Dr Tey Jing Yuen.

Dubbed Me+ (material extrusion plus), the UTAR project is a collaboration with Solid Labs Sdn Bhd, which Tey co-founded in 2016 with Dr Bryan Cheong, a local chemical solutions entrepreneur.

Unlike high-energy cost printers that require the mixing of a dry powder with lasers in an enclosed environment, Me+ mixes a slurry of viscous liquid using a proprietary binder solution that can be done at room temperature – a method that results in much lower energy use.

More sustainable

Generally, an object or an article can be manufactured in two ways: subtractive manufacturing and additive manufacturing (AM).

In subtractive manufacturing, layers are “subtracted” from a solid block of material through processes such as lathe, milling and wire cut.

Introduced in the late 1980s, AM, popularly known as 3D printing, is the opposite. Feedstock of build material is deposited through a nozzle and “added” layer by layer using different printing methods.

Historically, 3D metal printing utilises three principal techniques: binder jetting, powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition. Powder bed fusion, the most prevalent, employs sophisticated lasers to melt and mould metal, making it ideal for crafting intricate parts with precise details, Tey explained.

This method, however, is costly and there are significant safety concerns due to the use of intense lasers. The method requires an isolated environment equipped with a cooling mechanism to manage the hazardous metal powder. The metal powder used in this process must be handled with strict care, and extensive cleaning and finishing are required in the post-printing stage.

“Not all of the powder can be recycled, leading to increased costs and unit manufacturing expenses. These unfavourable factors have limited its commercialisation, confining its application to specialised sectors like aerospace, automotive and medical industries,” Tey said, adding that the patent for Me+, which promises a more sustainable and efficient approach to metal printing, has been filed in Malaysia, the United States, Europe, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand and India.

Cheaper alternative

As similar machines could cost upwards of US$300,000 (RM1.4mil), Tey said his team hopes to make 3D metal printing accessible to more Malaysian companies.

The project, he added, is aligned with the National Policy on Industry 4.0 (Industry4WRD), which is aimed at improving product performances through smart manufacturing, and transforming the manufacturing sector and related services in Malaysia through Industry 4.0 applications and technologies.

AM has been designated as one of the 11 pillars of Industry 4.0 outlined under this national strategy.

As a researcher, Tey said he found that prototyping new parts for various industrial purposes is a cost-prohibitive venture for many smaller companies in Malaysia.

For instance, heat treatment for prototyping at the parts fabrication stage in Malaysia is more expensive than outsourcing the work to Japan and shipping it back.

“In fact, Japan can assure much better quality whereas the parts fabrication here needs a few trials to get it right.

“It gave me an impetus to find a solution so that companies don’t have to fork out so much money to do machining,” he said.

Greater efficiency

While conventional fabrication to prototype a part can take two to three weeks, Tey hopes Me+ will be able to shorten the period to three days.

“It only takes one person to order the material and program the software to do it,” he said, adding that Me+ is compatible with various materials such as silicone, ceramic or metal.

“To date, we have successfully developed printed articles from stainless steel, alumina, copper and silicone print materials on a single platform.

“What sets this method apart is its potential to significantly reduce capital expenditure and provide a cost-effective solution for the end user.

“It operates with a slurry paste composed of binder and metal powder, and functions at ambient temperatures.

“Once printed, the components undergo a conventional thermal treatment, including thermal debinding and sintering, to prepare them for use.

“With zero powder material wastage, there is also no tedious cleanup,” he said in an interview at the UTAR Sungai Long campus.

According to Tey, 3D printing has taken off in Malaysia but metal printing has not caught on due to costs, infrastructure, energy requirements and the steep learning curve involved.

“Our lab is planning to incorporate artificial intelligence to monitor the printing process.

“This will definitely optimise the performance of the 3D printing object and help to generate a quality control report,” he added.

Tags / Keywords: education , UTAR , 3D printer , engineering , Solid Labs

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Expenditure of outbound tourists on passenger transport Thailand 2010-2021

Annual value of expenditure of outbound tourists on passenger transport in thailand from 2010 to 2021 (in billion u.s. dollars).

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October 2022

2010 to 2021

Values have been rounded.

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COMMENTS

Thailand Trip Costs 2024
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.
Thailand Travel Cost
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 ...
Thailand Trip Cost
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.
Is Thailand Expensive? (Tips for Visiting in 2024)
All prices in this guide are given in USD. Thailand's currency is the Thai Baht (THB). As of April 2022, 1 USD = 35.03 Thai Baht. I've created a handy table for you below that outlines the cost of a trip to Thailand day-to-day, and over a two-week period. You'll see that 2 weeks in Thailand cost very little!
Cost of Travel in Thailand: Budgeting Your Trip
We estimate a 2-week trip through Thailand will cost you between $42 and $688, depending on your travel style (from super cheap to more of a flashpacker style). If we assume using HotelsCombined will save you an average of 7.5% on your accommodation budget, that's savings of between $3 (a free night in Thailand) and $52 (a nice meal out or an ...
Thailand Trip Cost: A Full Expense Breakdown
A few things are taken into account: country of residence, how long the trip is, where you are going, type of coverage and your age. Average Travel Insurance Cost for Two; from the USA; to Thailand; 40 and 43 years old. For One Week: $140 - $220. For Two Weeks: $156 - $282. For One Month: $232 - $410.
Thailand Travel Cost
To give you a better understanding of the prices and expenses for travelling in Thailand, here is a rough break down of the daily budget of under THB 1000 a day. Accommodation - THB 200 to THB 400 per night for a dorm room or per person sharing. Food - a simple meal in a restaurant with a drink - THB 140. Street food and a drink - THB 60.
Simplified Cost of Travel in Thailand
I recommend 3-star or mid-range hotels to individuals who desire a private room and bathroom. The nightly rates range from 1400 - 2500 baht. However, most hotel costs in Bangkok already include two adults per room. So, for a couple traveling together, the typical cost per person at a 3-star hotel is 700-1250 baht.
The Real Cost of Travel in Thailand
Prices run from around USD$1 for a dish like vegetarian pad thai, to $3 for a soup with beverage and rice, or $6 for fresh fish. Where Thailand gets expensive is alcoholic beverages. In Laos and Cambodia, beer runs about USD$1. In Thailand, however, $3 and higher per drink is quite typical.
Thailand Travel Cost: 3 Weeks in Thailand for a Family of 5
Day 1-3: Phuket. Day 1: Arrive in Phuket, check-in to your chosen accommodation. We highly recommend the Arinara Beach Resort in Bang Tao Beach. Bang Tao is a very laid back town with good restaurants. Day 2: Explore Patong Beach and visit Old Phuket Town. Only 30 min. from Patong Beach to Old Phuket Town.
Phuket Travel Cost
Food Budget in Phuket Average Daily Costs. Calculated from travelers like you. While meal prices in Phuket can vary, the average cost of food in Phuket is $22 (฿796) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Phuket should cost around $8.69 (฿318) per person.
Thailand: value of tourist spending
Total value of tourist's expenditures in Thailand from 2017 to 2021 (in billion Thai baht) [Graph], Ministry of Tourism and Sports (Thailand), September 25, 2023. [Online].
Expenditure on travels of outbound tourists Thailand 2010-2021
Annual value of expenditure on travels of outbound tourists in Thailand from 2010 to 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars) [Graph], World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), October 14, 2022. [Online].
How much does a trip to Bangkok Cost?
Asia / Thailand / Bangkok /. Visitors to Bangkok usually spend between $28 and $213 per day on average for one person and $57 to $425 for two people. While this is a wide range, the average daily cost averages $76 (฿2,783) per person. This average includes sightseeing, hotel, food, and local transportation expenses from other travelers.
Reimagining travel: Thailand tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic
The country's revenue from domestic travel dropped from $34.5 billion to $15.4 billion in 2020. An increase in domestic spending alone would not compensate for the impact of the pandemic on the Thai economy. The country has largely been dependent on international markets, which represented about $62 billion or 60 percent of total tourism ...
Thailand Tourism Statistics for 2021 [by country]
The Ministry of Tourism of Thailand has published the latest Tourism Statistics for the past year 2021.As you know, Thailand started the Phuket Sandbox program on 1st July 2021 and later on, on 1st November, started the Test and Go program.Those 2 options allowed tourism to travel back to Thailand. Thailand Tourism Statistics for 2021
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Share of travel and tourism expenditure in the Netherlands 2019-2022, by tourist type; ... Top five travel destinations Thailand 2018, by revenue generated from tourism sector;
Travel budget and cost of living in Phuket (Thailand)
Leisure activity budget in Phuket. On average, budget for leisure activities in Phuket is 46% cheaper than in the United States (USA). Cinema. $ 8.2/ticket. ($ 6.6 to $ 9.6) 41% less than in the United States (USA) Average price in the United States (USA): $ 15.
Thailand: spending inbound tourists on personal trips 2021
World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), Annual value of expenditure of inbound tourists on personal trips in Thailand from 2010 to 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars) Statista, https://www.statista ...
The Cost of Living in Thailand in 2024
If you're living in rural Isaan, knock off 50% or more off the starting prices seen below. Modern 2 Bed 2 Bath Condo, 65 Sq. m (central Bangkok) - ฿40-45,000. Modern 2 Bed 1 Bath 65 Sq. m (4 stops to central - ฿17-20,000. Modern 1 bed, 50 Sq. m (central Bangkok) - ฿30-35,000. Modern 1 bed, 40 Sq. m (4 stops to central - ฿12-20,000.
3D metal printer latest UTAR innovation
Sunday, 02 Jun 2024. Novel solution: Tey's 3D metal printer uses a proprietary formulation to print articles from stainless steel, alumina, copper and silicone without the need for high-energy ...
Value of tourist expenses Thailand 2019, by region of origin
Top five travel destinations Thailand 2018, by revenue generated from tourism sector ... Total value of tourist's expenditure in Thailand in 2019, by region of origin (in billion Thai baht) [Graph ...
Thailand: average daily expenditure of outbound tourists
Average daily expenditure of outbound tourists in Thailand from 2010 to 2019 (in U.S. dollars) [Graph], World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), October 14, 2022. [Online].
Thailand: spending outbound tourists on passenger transport 2021
Annual value of expenditure of outbound tourists on passenger transport in Thailand from 2010 to 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars) [Graph], World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), October 14, 2022 ...

Thailand Trip Costs 2023 – How Much

Alcohol & Cigarettes- Partying & Ladies

Alcohol Costs

GoGo and Lady Bars

Food, Rehydration & Eating Out Budget

Hotels, Guesthouse & Resort Costs

Transportation Costs

Examples of Transport Costs

Activities & Sightseeing

Gifts & Shopping

Three Week Trip – 21 Day Guides

Budget to Mid Range

Mid Range and Above

Pace Yourself

Bangkok Travel

Hua Hin Travel

Nong Khai Travel

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Kanchanaburi Travel

Pattaya Travel

Food of Thailand

Transport in Thailand

Thailand Trip Cost – Budget Tips and Prices in 2024

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

Breakdown of Thailand Costs

Cost of Transportation in Thailand

Cost of Food in Thailand

Accommodation Costs in Thailand

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