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


How much does it cost to travel to Thailand?

You should plan to spend around $84 (฿2,979) per day on your vacation in Thailand. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $17 (฿611) on meals
  • $12 (฿442) on local transportation
  • $72 (฿2,560) on hotels

A one week trip to Thailand for two people costs, on average, $1,169 (฿41,704). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

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

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $84
    ฿2,979
  • One Week Per person
    $585
    ฿20,852
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,169
    ฿41,704
  • One Month Per person
    $2,505
    ฿89,366
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,169
    ฿41,704
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $2,338
    ฿83,408
  • One Month For a couple
    $5,011
    ฿178,732
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


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

A one week trip to Thailand usually costs around $585 (฿20,852) for one person and $1,169 (฿41,704) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Thailand on average costs around $1,169 (฿41,704) for one person and $2,338 (฿83,408) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

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

A one month trip to Thailand on average costs around $2,505 (฿89,366) for one person and $5,011 (฿178,732) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




How much do package tours cost in Thailand?

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

The average price for an organized tour package in Thailand is $176 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.



Independent Travel

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

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

Is Thailand expensive to visit?

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

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

For more details, see Is Thailand Expensive?

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

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


Category Cost
Accommodation 1 (Double Occupancy) ฿2,560 ($72)
Local Transportation 1 ฿442 ($12)
Food 2 ฿611 ($17)
Entertainment 1 ฿673 ($19)
Tips and Handouts 1 ฿67 - 202 ($2 - 6)
Alcohol 2 ฿155 - 466 ($4 - 13)
Accommodation Budget in Thailand
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Thailand is $36 (฿1,280). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Thailand is $72 (฿2,560). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.


  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $36
    ฿1,280
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $72
    ฿2,560

Hotel Prices in Thailand

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

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

 

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

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


Recommended Properties


Local Transportation Budget in Thailand
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

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


  • Local Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $12
    ฿442

Recommended Services

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

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


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


Food Budget in Thailand
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While meal prices in Thailand can vary, the average cost of food in Thailand is $17 (฿611) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Thailand should cost around $6.85 (฿244) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Thailand is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.


  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $17
    ฿611

Recommended

What did other people spend on Food?

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


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


Entertainment Budget in Thailand
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Entertainment and activities in Thailand typically cost an average of $19 (฿673) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.


  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $19
    ฿673

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

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


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


Tips and Handouts Budget in Thailand
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Thailand is $3.77 (฿135) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Thailand is 5% - 15%.


  • Tips and Handouts1 For guides or service providers
    $3.77
    ฿135


Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Thailand
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Thailand is $38 (฿1,338), as reported by travelers.


  • Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
    $38
    ฿1,338


Alcohol Budget in Thailand
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $8.72 (฿311) on alcoholic beverages in Thailand per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.


  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $8.72
    ฿311

Recommended

What did other people spend on Alcohol?

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


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


Water Budget in Thailand
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, people spend $1.37 (฿49) on bottled water in Thailand per day. The public water in Thailand is considered safe to drink.


  • Water2 Bottled water for one day
    $1.37
    ฿49


Last Updated: Nov 14, 2023
Thailand On a Budget
Thailand Longtails on the Beach, Thailand
Thailand is a world renowned destination for its beaches, mountains, culture, and food. It's at the top of most traveler's wish list, and it's easy to see why it's grown in popularity. Thailand is also a country whose economy and infrastructure is focused on tourism. Because of this, many visitors feel frustrated with the atmosphere and often complain that they feel like walking ATMs. The best way to enjoy your time here is to relax, let things roll off your back, be prepared for frustrations, and make a point of getting outside of the most touristy areas. If you stay around the tourist crowds you'll have only a limited opportunity to see the authentic side of Thailand.

This is easily the most popular country for travelers in Southeast Asia. It has stunning beaches in the south, jungle and culture in the north, and a city filled with night life and activities in Bangkok. If you decide to spend a few days in Bangkok, head to Koh San Road if you're looking to party hard. If you're hoping for some isolated beaches, head south to the national park beaches such as Koh Tarutao, where you'll find few amenities, but equally few people. This is where you'll find one of the few isolated beaches in the country. Whatever you do don't miss trekking in the northern regions in Chiang Mai. This area is rich in culture and beauty. Chiang Mai is also one of the best places to sample Thai food. Food in the area is filled with flavors. Its spicy, but if you order it mild the restaurant often abides.

Due to its popularity, Thailand is one of the more expensive countries to visit in Southeast Asia. Even so, the prices are dramatically less than those in western countries and many people find they can linger on the beaches or in the north for weeks on end without breaking their budget. The northern parts of the country are both more cultural and also more affordable. Accommodation and food on the beaches can be much more expensive, and in some places reservations are required as the rooms can fill up quickly. The quality can also be frustratingly poor in some places so do make sure you see the room or read reviews before committing to a place.
At A Glance
  • Because Thailand is one of the more touristy countries in Southeast Asia, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the crowds and the hassle. If you find yourself getting a little frustrated, head to the northern parts of the country where the atmosphere is more relaxed and mellow. The highlands are beautiful and you can have a wonderful cultural experience at a far more affordable price.

  • The food in Thailand is absolutely delicious. It is generally served quite spicy and can overwhelm many people's palates. If you're hoping for a milder variety of a specific dish, ask for it with "no spice." While many locals don't understand the word mild, they do understand "no spice." They usually abide by these instructions, but not always.

  • If you're really enjoying the food in Thailand then consider taking a cooking class in Chiang Mai. These classes often last a full day and they are loads of fun. The teachers keep the classes light and humorous and the food provides a full days worth of meals. You can often arrange classes through your hotel or a local travel agency.

  • Many people use VIP buses to travel around Thailand. These buses are decent in quality but the connections are often poorly thought out and inconvenient. Once a booking agent has your money you are really at their mercy. Consider finding the local bus station and traveling with public buses which are far cheaper and often times more convenient.

  • There are many popular beaches in Thailand with some of the most famous being on Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Samui. If you're looking for a more remote and peaceful experience look into any of the national parks around the country. Some have cabins available where you can camp and others have tents available for rent.



Related:

Partying in Chiang Mai or other parts of Thailand?
Going to the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan?
Hitting the beach in Koh Samui?
Top Tourist Attractions
The Grand Palace: This truly is an absolutely grand palace. It is located in Bangkok and is impressive in its size and intricate details. It's bright colors and impressive architecture make it well worth a visit.

Khao Yai National Park: In the northeastern part of the country, this national park is the best spot to see elephants, tigers and a variety of birds. If you're looking to get away from crowded beaches and see some wildlife, this is the best place to go.

Ko Tarutao: This uniquely quiet beach is a great place to enjoy a remote, beautiful, and isolated beach in Thailand. You can camp or stay in one of the cabins available on the island.

Popular Foods
Thai food has grown into one of the most popular Asian cuisines. It's staples include noodles and rice and it is often made from a spicy curry, coconut, and seafood. Tofu is also a popular ingredient in many Thai dishes, and vegetarians want be hard pressed to find meals they can eat.

Pad Thai: Probably the most popular dish in the country, pad thai is a staple dish made with rice noodles, eggs, fish sauce, and peanuts. It's available for very cheap from street vendors, but you'll find the best varieties in restaurants in larger cities. Some varieties can be quite spicy, while others are milder. It's often topped with chicken, prawns, or tofu.

Penang Curry: This is a delicious Thai curry that is generally milder than the green or red curries. It has a rich peanut based sauce and is often served with chicken or beef. It's often served with a side of rice and is available in most restaurants.

Thai Iced Tea: This unique take on iced tea is a very strong tea served with ice and a very sweet condensed milk. It's a great way to break of the spiciness of a dish.

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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.