Thailand captivates visitors with its golden temples, pristine beaches, vibrant street food culture, and warm hospitality. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil islands of the south, this Southeast Asian gem offers an unforgettable blend of ancient traditions and modern energy.
Local currency: Thai Baht (THB). Approximately 35 THB = 1 USD.
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Thailand.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $8-15 (dorm bed)
- Budget
- $20-40 (private guesthouse)
- Midrange
- $60-120 (3-star hotel)
- Luxury
- $200-500+ (5-star resort)
Food
- Street
- $1-3 (street food stall)
- Local
- $5-10 (local restaurant)
- Midrange
- $15-35 (Western-style or nicer Thai)
- Fine
- $60-150+ (Michelin or fine dining)
Transport
- Bus
- $0.30-1 (local bus or BTS short trip)
- Taxi
- $3-8 (Grab city ride)
- Airport
- $5-15 (Airport Rail Link or Grab)
- Daytrip
- $30-60 (organized day tour)
Activities
- Museum
- $1.50-8 (national museum)
- Sites
- $5-16 (Grand Palace complex)
- Tour
- $30-60 (organized half-day tour)
- Excursion
- $60-120 (full day island trip)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Thailand costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$180-280/week (hostels, street food, local transport)
Midrange traveller
$420-700/week (private rooms, mix of restaurants, tours)
Luxury traveller
$1400-3500+/week (5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours)
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Eat at street food stalls and local restaurants - food quality often exceeds Western-style establishments
Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway in Bangkok instead of taxis - much cheaper and often faster
Book domestic flights well in advance on Thai AirAsia or Nok Air for Bangkok-Chiang Mai from $25
Overnight sleeper trains to Chiang Mai save one night accommodation cost and are comfortable
Buy a 7-Eleven SIM card on arrival for data plans from $3-10 per week
Avoid tourist menus at restaurants near Grand Palace and major attractions - walk 2 streets away
Negotiate room rates directly with guesthouses especially during low season (May-October)
Island accommodation and boat trips are dramatically cheaper in low season (May-October)
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Wat Pho Temple Grounds
Walk the outer grounds and gardens of Bangkok's oldest temple complex for free. The famous Reclining Buddha requires entry but much of the beautiful garden areas are free.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Spend hours exploring Asia's largest weekend market at no cost - free to enter and browse thousands of stalls selling everything imaginable. Eat cheap from food stalls.
Lumpini Park Bangkok
Bangkok's largest central park hosts free morning tai chi, evening exercise classes, evening concerts on weekends, and a beautiful lakeside environment with monitor lizards.
Doi Suthep Temples Hiking Path
Hike the Monk's Trail from Wat Palad up through forest to Doi Suthep temple for free. The trail itself is open access and passes peaceful forest shrines.
Grand Palace Exterior Walk
Walk the outer walls of the Grand Palace complex along Na Phra Lan and Na Phra That roads to photograph the stunning architecture without paying the admission fee.
Khao San Road Evening
The famous backpacker street is entirely free to wander with live music, street performers, food stalls, and a lively atmosphere throughout the evening.