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.
What You'll Find in This Thailand Costs Guide:
- Introduction
- Cost of Accommodation in Thailand
- Cost of Food in Thailand
- Cost of Drinking / Going Out in Thailand
- Cost of Transportation in Thailand
- Sample Costs of Attractions in Thailand
- Overall Costs of Traveling in Thailand
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.
Introduction to Thailand Travel Costs
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 decent prices that tie them all together, make Thailand a world premiere destination. Though some areas of the country are marked by crowds of foreigners, there are still many places that are completely off the normal travel routes, and therefore rarely visited by travelers.
Need itinerary ideas? Check out this complete Thailand guidebook
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 THB
Cost of Accommodation
With the range of tourists that visit Thailand there is also a giant selection of accommodation and price ranges.
Eager to bundle your accommodation and tours? Book this G Adventures itinerary!
- Dorm beds: 100 – 200 THB ($3.31 – $6.62)
- Double rooms with fans: throughout most of Thailand go for 200 – 300 THB ($6.62 – $9.93)
- Double rooms with air-con: usually in the range of 300 – 500 THB ($9.93 – $16.55)
- The next step up will include hotel-like conditions with freezing cold air conditions, fridges, and sometimes even safe boxes: 600 – 1000 THB ($19.87 – $33.11) per night for a double
- Nicer Hotels: If you are looking to splurge and go crazy, you can get very nice hotel rooms for 2000 THB ($66.23) 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.
How To Find the Best Accommodation Deals in Thailand
Most of the 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 and 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.
Take a look at the sample comparison search, which we did for The Overstay Hostel in Bangkok. The first image shows the search results on Hotels Combined — $3 per night for a dorm. The second search shows the search results on HostelWorld — $3.74 per night for a dorm. It may not sound like much, but the initial Hostelworld price is almost 25% more expensive.
What about when you actually click through to book? Here, things get a bit tricky, because some of the aggregators add on “fees and taxes” which takes the price back up to $3.74: the same as HostelWorld.
However, one of the deals still ended up being cheaper, and we could book the room for $3.48 instead of $3.74. That’s roughly 7.5% cheaper than the HostelWorld deal.
How Much Can You Actually Save Using HotelsCombined?
We get into the specific prices below in our Sample Thailand Accommodation Budget, but 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 $42.10 and $687.59, 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 $3.26 (a free night in Thailand) and $51.57 (a really nice meal out, or a nice tour!).
We think that’s worth it for less than 5 minutes of effort!
Sample Accommodation Budget in Thailand
To give you an idea of how your travel style, budget, and the 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 3 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 (US $11.04 to $15.03)
- The Overstay – $3.68 per bunk per night. Compare prices on Hostelworld and Hotels Combined.
- VX The Fifty – $5.01 per bunk per night. Compare prices on Hostelworld and Hotels Combined.
1 Night Ayutthaya (US $6.48)
- il Treno Hostel – $6.48 per night, compare Hostelworld and Hotels Combined.
3 Nights Chiang Mai (US $8.61 to $9)
- Kikie's House – $3.00 per night. Book on Hostelworld or compare on Hotels Combined.
- Mapping Hostel – $2.87 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 (US $17.82 to $20.16)
- Echo Beach Backpackers has dorms for $2.97 per bunk, per night, book on Hostelworld, compare on Hotels Combined.
- Phanganist Hostel – $3.36 per bunk, per night rated 8.5/10 on Hostelworld, compare on Hotels Combined.
1 Night in Bangkok (US $3.68 to $11.98)
- If you have an early flight, Wanderlust Bangkok Hostel in Ladkrabang town, Bangkok, near Suvarnabhumi International Airport, starts at $11.78 per bunk per night, check them out on Hostelworld, and compare on Hotels Combined.
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Total ‘On the Cheap’ Accommodation Costs for 2 Weeks in Thailand: US $47.63 to $62.65
Upscale Budget
3 Nights Bangkok (US $33.72 to $45.87)
- Starting at $11.24, 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 $12.29 per bed, compare on Hotels Combined.
1 Night Ayutthaya (US $7.95)
- Stockhome Hostel has a fresh, hip look throughout and starts at $7.10 per bed per night, compare on Hostelworld and Hotels Combined.
3 Nights Chiang Mai (US $18 to $21)
- For $6 to $7 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 (US $72)
- If you want to stay a bit away from party-focused Haad Rin, $12 per night ($23 for 2 people) will get you a bungalow at the well-rated Tanouy Garden.
1 Night in Bangkok (US $10.31 to $16.20)
- 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.
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Total ‘Upscale’ Accommodation Costs for 2 Weeks in Thailand: US $142.91 to $163.02
Affordable Flashpacker
3 Nights Bangkok (US $30 to $132)
- 3HOWWBangkok has an airy and minimalist ‘design hotel’ vibe. Capsule rooms can be had for $10, 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 (US (US $23 to $26)
- Yimwhan Hostel & Cafe offers privates from around $23 (shared bathroom) to $26 (ensuite), and has a nice, urban design look to it (think exposed brick, polished concrete, pops of colour, and an on-site coffee bar). Rated 9.1/10 on Hostelworld, compare on Hotels Combined.
3 Nights Chiang Mai (US (US $81 to $123)
- Oxotel Hostel offers up a cool urban common space. You can get a double for $29 (shared) to $41 (ensuite). 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 (US $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. It’s worth noting that across the water on Koh Samui, some excellent deals can be found in this price point as well, if you want some affordable luxury and aren’t there to party.
1 Night in Bangkok (US $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, Hostelworld / Hotels Combined.
Total ‘Affordable Flashpacker’ Accommodation Costs for 2 Weeks in Thailand: US $300 to $459
Cost of Food
Those who are lovers of food 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.
Eager to bundle your food, accommodation & tours? Book this G adventures trip!
Street Food
- 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 30 – 50 THB ($1 – $1.66)
- Big entire meals of street food with a selection of dishes and maybe an entire fish: 60 – 200 THB ($2 – $6.62) per person
Sit Down Restaurants
- Indoor Thai food restaurants with air conditioning can cost 100 – 200 THB ($3.31 – $6.62) per person
- Full Japanese sushi buffets and other gourmet restaurants: 300 – 400 THB ($9.94 – $16.56)
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: 13 THB ($0.43)
Sample Daily Food Budget for Thailand
Let’s say you ate a free breakfast at your hostel, a street food lunch, and a restaurant meal: you can expect to pay 205 to 390 THB per day ($6.80 to $13). If you stick to street food exclusively, and eat 3 meals per day, you can each for much less: 90 to 150 THB ($3 to $5) 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 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 per day, per person on food.
Getting To Know Thai 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 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
Over 3.5 hours, this small group walking food tour will introduce you to around 15 different Thai dishes and drinks at 8 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
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 advice you arrive hungry!
Cost of Drinking / Going Out
The cheapest way to drink in Thailand is to purchase alcohol from a 7/11 or other convenience store.
- Big bottle of local beer costs: 40 – 60 THB ($1.32 – $1.98)
- 1 L bottle of whiskey: 150 – 400 THB ($4.96 – $13.22)
Local or small style bars: 100 THB for a beer ($3.31), around 100 – 200 THB ($3.31 – $6.61) for 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).
Cost of Transportation
- Taxis are in abundance all over Bangkok and the fare starts at 30 THB ($1) and goes up from there. Going most places within the central Bangkok should not cost more than 150 THB ($4.97)
- 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. Fare costs anywhere from 20 – 40 THB ($0.66 – $1.32) per ride depending on length.
- Buses are quite easy to use and cover Bangkok with the most extensiveness. Fares are anywhere from 6.50 – 20 THB ($0.22 – $0.66) depending on 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 taxi's are usually cheaper, unless you really know how to negotiate – upwards of 30 THB ($1) for a ride.
- Motorcycle Taxis: Used for short distances or down neighborhood roads for 10 – 20 THB ($0.33 – $0.66) per ride
Out of Bangkok
There are loads of options for traveling around the country of Thailand. Buses are easy and efficient and there is a big range of transportation classes. Motorbikes are available for rent all over Thailand for around 200 THB ($6.62) per day, but be careful as there are quite a few scooter accidents.
Bus
- VIP from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (10 hours): 700 THB ($23.14)
- Normal class from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (10 hours): 350 THB ($11.57)
- VIP class from Bangkok to Krabi (12 hours): 800 THB ($26.46)
- Normal class from Bangkok to Krabi (12 hours): 350 THB ($11.57)
- Local 4 hour bus ride from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet (4 hours to Cambodian border): 200 THB ($6.62)
Train
- 1st Class Sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (12 hours): 1200 THB ($39.66) with own bed and air condition
- 3rd Class train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (12 hours): around 250 THB ($8.26)
- If your are really on a budget, I took the 3rd class train from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani (12 hours) for 250 THB ($8.27)
Plane
Air Asia offers the most competitive prices on budget flights. 2 months or so in advance and it's possible to get a flight from Bangkok to Phuket for 1000 – 1500 THB ($33.11 – $49.66) 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 <arel=”nofollow” href=”http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2587876-12532523?sid=Skyscanner+Home+Page+-+Thailand+Costs” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>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 2 to 3 months before traveling.
- Bangkok (Any) to – Phuket (HKT): $23
- Bangkok (Any) to – Chiang Mai (CNX): $25
- Bangkok (Any) to – Chiang Rai (CEI): $29
- Chiang Mai (CNX) to – Phuket (HKT): $47
- Chiang Mai (CNX) to – Koh Samui / Samui Island (USM): $144
Sample Cost of Attractions in Thailand
- Grand Palace Entrance in Bangkok: 250 THB ($8.27)
- Bangkok snake farm and show: 200 THB ($6.61)
- Thai cooking course: 1200 THB ($39.67) for a day
- Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam nature park in Krabi: 50 THB ($1.65)
- Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi (pet tigers): 400 THB ($13.23)
- Thai massage: 200 THB ($6.62) per hour
Overall Cost of Travel in Thailand
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.
I would say that 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!).
